Colon cancer screening

Talk to your primary care doctor at Ascension Wisconsin sites of care about risk factors for colon cancer and colorectal screening.

Colonoscopy and colorectal cancer screening

Talk to your primary care doctor at Ascension Wisconsin sites of care about risk factors for colon cancer and colorectal screening.

Colon cancer screenings in Wisconsin

Getting regular colon screening 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. At Ascension Wisconsin sites of care, we provide colonoscopies and at-home colorectal tests that are right for you based on your age, family history, smoking history and other risk factors. Talk with your doctor about what screening options are right for you.

Understanding colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer is the third-most common cancer in men and women. Early and accurate screening and diagnoses are important. And getting the right treatment at the right time decreases the challenges of later-stage colon cancer diagnosis. From colonoscopy and the removal of precancerous polyps to colon surgery, targeted radiation treatment and chemotherapy, our cancer care team has the expertise to deliver treatment options for both early and later-stage cancer diagnoses.

When you should get a colon screening

At Ascension Wisconsin, our doctors 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, diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease, or if you have symptoms such as:

  • Abdominal pain or discomfort
  • Change in bowel habits
  • Rectal bleeding
  • Unexplained weight loss

At Ascension Wisconsin, we recommend a colonoscopy as the first choice for colon and rectal cancer screening. There are two other at-home tests available for screening. These tests are easy to use, and instructional videos are available to watch from your home. Ask your doctor’s office who to contact if you have questions. Below is a brief description of each option. Timeframes are for adults who are at a lower risk for developing colon cancer and rectal cancer.

Cologuard® is an at-home stool test that looks for abnormal cell DNA and evidence of hidden blood (which can be a sign of cancer). This at-home test may be recommended by your doctor if you are  at average risk for colorectal cancer,  have no history of suspicious polyps, or no personal or family history of colorectal cancer. The test is delivered to and picked up from your home.

A colonoscopy involves inserting a small, flexible tube camera into the colon. It catches most cancers early and can identify and allow removal of polyps, which are bumps that are not cancers, but might turn into cancers.

This at-home stool test looks for hidden blood. Pick up the kit at your provider’s office or lab, and mail or bring it back when complete.

What to expect during a colonoscopy

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 your doctor find polyps. Colon screenings aren’t just for finding cancer, but for stopping it before it starts. While not all polyps are cancerous, they can become cancerous in the future. That’s why it's important to identify and sometimes remove polyps.

Any screening test can be false positive. For this reason, when there is a positive screening test, a follow-up colonoscopy may be recommended in the case of a positive Cologuard or FIT test. During a screening colonoscopy or diagnostic colonoscopy your doctor may extract tissue from inside the colon or rectum that looks suspicious (this procedure is called a biopsy). The tissue sample is analyzed using a microscope and a pathology report is sent to your doctor. At Ascension Wisconsin, your doctor and nurses are here to help explain your test results and answer your questions. We work with you to create a care plan that’s right for you.

How we treat colon and rectal cancer or polyps

If your test or biopsy comes out positive, your doctor and care team work together with you on a care plan. Your colorectal surgeon will answer your questions, paying attention to your physical and emotional needs and those of your caregivers, including what you can eat. In addition to your surgeon, your care team may include a medical oncologist, radiation oncologist, radiation therapist, oncology-certified nurses, dietitian, social worker, chaplain and supportive palliative care specialist. And your entire care team stays connected to discuss your treatment and progress. Learn more about Ascension Wisconsin colorectal cancer.

Not all polyps (abnormal growths) in the colon develop into cancer, but if you have been diagnosed with certain types of colorectal polyps, they can be removed during a colonoscopy procedure.

Talk to your doctor about your concerns. Learn how screening can help prevent cancer or find it early, when treatment works best. Ask your doctor how you can lower your risk for developing colon or rectal cancer. Healthy habits like eating lots of fruits, vegetables and whole grains, eating minimal red meat, and maintaining a healthy weight help prevent polyps and colon cancer in the first place.

How to get care

stethoscope
Talk to your primary care doctor about scheduling a colonoscopy or other colon screening. We’ll connect you with the right specialist for a colonoscopy and follow-up care.

Locations for colorectal cancer screening

At many of our Ascension sites of care transportation is available through Lyft, at no cost to you. Simply call the clinic you need a ride to in order to schedule it. If Lyft is not available in your area, check with your insurance company because they may also provide transportation.

Ascension All Saints Hospital Cancer Center (Racine, Wisconsin)

Polly and Bill Van Dyke Cancer Center — Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital — Milwaukee Campus (Milwaukee, Wisconsin)

Polly and Bill Van Dyke Cancer Center - Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital — Ozaukee Campus (Mequon, Wisconsin)

Ascension NE Wisconsin — St. Elizabeth Campus Cancer Center (Appleton, Wisconsin)

Get a second opinion

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.

Financial assistance for cancer care

Colorectal screening tests (colonoscopy, FIT test or Cologuard) are generally covered by insurance with no additional cost to you1, even if a colonoscopy is required. Use our price transparency tool to get an estimated cost at Ascension locations.

1 Check with your insurance company prior to scheduling your screening to determine coverage. All product and company names are trademarks™ or registered® trademarks of their respective holders. All rights reserved.

If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, go directly to the ER or call 911.

All registered marks are property of their respective owners. All rights reserved.

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