Colonoscopy

Colonoscopy is a test that allows your doctor to look at the inner lining of your large intestine (rectum and colon). Doctor uses a thin, flexible tube to look at the colon.

A colonoscopy helps find ulcers, colon polyps, tumors, and areas of inflammation or bleeding.

A polyp is a mushroom-like growth on the inside wall of the colon or rectum. Polyps grow slowly over many years. Some polyps become cancerous, others do not.

Your gastroenterologist will use the colonoscopy to look for health issues such as:

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• Belly pain

• Rectal pain

• Blood in stool

• Change in bowel habits, such as diarrhea loose stool

• Inflamed (swollen) colon that is seen on a (CT) scan

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Also can take a small tissue sample or Remove a suspicious-looking growth or to biopsy colorectal cancer is the third-most common cause of cancer in both men and women.

Men and women are at the same risk of getting colorectal cancer.

Many people do not get polyps until after the age of 50.

People with a higher risk of getting colorectal cancer often get polyps before the age of 50.

To lower the chance of colorectal cancer, it is vital to get screened at the right time. If you are at average risk, start screening at age 50.

If you think you might be at high risk for colorectal cancer, talk to your doctor early, before age 50, to make a screening plan that’s right for you.