About colon cancer screenings at Ascension St. John

Getting colon screenings can help find polyps and cancer early, when they’re most treatable and there may be more options for treatment. During your colonoscopy, you'll receive anesthesia before a 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’ll share the results with your doctor.

Men and women are recommended to 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 at Ascension St. John. You can schedule a colonoscopy without a referral or initial consultation. Be sure to ask your insurance provider about coverage for colon cancer screening without a doctor’s referral.

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Connected to a network of care

At Ascension St. John, our care teams are ready to answer any questions you have about colon screenings. If you need more care, including more advanced treatment options, you’re connected to compassionate care teams and specialists.

Our care teams listen to your concerns and work with you to determine the appropriate care plan. If cancer is detected, our care team offers proactive treatments that support your long-term needs. Our radiation oncologists, medical oncologists and specialty care surgeons offer advanced care for all stages of colorectal cancer.