Urgent care vs. the ER: How to know where to go
June 11, 2026
Visit the ER for serious illness or injuries when you need emergency care. Visit urgent care for minor injuries or illnesses that need same-day care.
Colon screenings
Specialists at Ascension Illinois offer colonoscopy screenings to help detect polyps and colon cancer early. Schedule yours today.
Colon screenings in Illinois
Specialists at Ascension Illinois offer colonoscopy to help detect polyps and colon cancer early
About cancer screenings at Ascension Illinois
Getting colon screenings may help find polyps and cancer early, when they are most treatable. When polyps and cancer are found early, there may be more options for treatment too. Experienced specialists at Ascension Illinois provide colonoscopies to help detect polyps. During your colonoscopy, you'll receive anesthesia before the colonoscope — a long, flexible tube containing a small camera — is inserted into your colon. This camera helps find polyps. While not every polyp is cancerous, they can become cancerous in the future. That’s why it's important to identify, and sometimes remove, polyps. After your colonoscopy, we share the results with your doctor.
We recommend that men and women get their first colonoscopy at age 45. You may need to get a colonoscopy earlier if you have a personal or family history of polyps or colon cancer, or if you have symptoms such as:
- Abdominal pain or discomfort
- Change in bowel habits
- Rectal bleeding
- Unexplained weight loss
We make getting a screening easier. You can schedule a colonoscopy without a referral or initial consultation. You should ask your insurance provider for questions about coverage for screenings without a doctor’s referral. Please email dacprogram@ascension.org with any questions.
Connected to a network of care at Ascension Illinois
At Ascension Illinois, our care teams are ready to answer any questions you may have about colon screenings. If you need more care, including more advanced treatment options, you are connected to compassionate care teams and specialists right for you.
Our care teams listen to your concerns and work with you to determine the appropriate care plan. If cancer is detected, our cancer care team has proactive treatments that help your long-term needs. Our radiation oncologists, medical oncologists and specialty care surgeons deliver advanced care for all stages of colorectal cancer.
Preventive care and health screenings at Ascension Illinois
Start a conversation with a doctor at Ascension Illinois about the screenings that are right for you, based on your age and family history:
Colonoscopy
Regular colon screening may help find polyps and cancer early. Doctors at Ascension Illinois recommend men and women get their first colonoscopy at age 45. You may need to get a colonoscopy earlier if you have a personal or family history of polyps or colon cancer, or if you have symptoms.
Are you 45 or older? Take control of your health and schedule a colonoscopy*.
*In most cases you can avoid the initial doctor's appointment and skip a referral
Get a second opinion on your cancer diagnosis or care plan
When you are facing a new cancer diagnosis or are deciding on a surgical or therapeutic treatment plan, there’s a lot to think about. Our cancer specialists can provide a second opinion, based on our experience and as part of a national team.
Before your appointment, check with your insurance company to find out if a second opinion is covered. We can request your medical records on your behalf, so they can be shared with your care team before your arrival.
Frequently asked questions about our cancer care services
Your doctor and care team get to know you well, and you’ll receive care for the whole person – from physical health and well-being to mental and emotional health to support for your family and caregivers. At Ascension Illinois, we provide innovative medication treatments, the latest surgical technologies and techniques, high-tech radiation facilities and support services. Our oncologists are part of a national team of cancer specialists sharing the latest in cancer care knowledge and research.
When you choose Ascension Illinois for your cancer care, you get an entire team dedicated to your care. You may have a lot of concerns and questions. Your doctor and care team are ready to listen and answer your questions. Working together, we offer services that help support your treatment plan, including managing pain and other symptoms, medications, appetite changes, sleeplessness, fatigue and mood changes. Your entire care team stays connected throughout your care to discuss your treatment and progress.
We can connect you with resources and programs that may be able to help you and your family with options for financial assistance. Our financial counseling team is here to listen to your concerns and work with you to help find options that meet your needs. Your cancer care team can connect you to a financial counselor.
At Ascension Illinois cancer center and clinics, we offer convenient parking. Talk to your care team if you have transportation needs.
Surgical oncologists and anesthesiologists provide enhanced recovery pathways as part of your surgical care plan. They are an important part of our cancer treatment programs. Each pathway is personalized for different types of cancer treatment, to help speed up your recovery after surgery. Your care team uses these protocols to help you prepare for what to expect before, during and after surgery.
This service requires a referral
To learn how to get a referral, call:
- Ascension Saint Joseph Chicago — UChicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center: 773-665-9920
- Ascension Alexian Brothers and Ascension Saint Alexius— Cancer Center: 844-952-HOPE (4673)
If your doctor is referring you, they can use these same phone numbers to get everything set up.
Ascension Saint Alexius Cancer Care - Hoffman Estates
1555 North Barrington Rd Building 3, Ste. 1400
Hoffman Estates, IL 60169
Ascension Alexian Brothers - Cancer Care Elk Grove
800 Biesterfield Road Bldg 5, #120
Elk Grove Village, IL 60007
800 Biesterfield Road Bldg 5, #120
Elk Grove Village, IL 60007
Ascension Saint Joseph Chicago - UChicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center
2845 North Sheridan Rd #1300
Chicago, IL 60657
If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, go directly to the ER or call 911.
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