Why Colonoscopies Matter

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, a good reminder to stay on top of recommended screenings. A colonoscopy does more than check for cancer. It can help prevent it.

During a colonoscopy, a specialist looks at the lining of your colon and rectum using a thin, flexible tube with a small camera. If precancerous growths called polyps are found, they can often be removed during the same procedure.

Here’s why this screening is so important:

• It can find problems before you have symptoms
• It can remove polyps before they turn into cancer
• Colorectal cancer is highly treatable when caught early
• Most adults should start screening at age 45
• Earlier screening may be needed if you have risk factors or a family history

Colonoscopies are routine outpatient procedures performed in a doctor’s office, surgery center or hospital setting.