Colonoscopy
The American Cancer Society estimates that the lifetime risk for developing colorectal cancer is about 1 in 20, with both men and women being at equal risk.
Symptoms
- Change in bowel habits
- Rectal bleeding or blood in your stool
- Persistent abdominal discomfort
- Nausea or vomiting
- Unexplained weight loss
- Chronic fatigue
What you can do
- Get screened at age 50, or sooner if you are at higher risk
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Adopt a physically active lifestyle
- Eat a healthy diet
- Stop smoking
- Limit alcohol intake
When found early, colorectal cancer is easier to treat and highly curable. So why do thousands of cases in the United States go undiagnosed each year, often resulting in premature death?
With proper screening, colorectal cancer can be detected early. Screening can also help eliminate pre-cancerous polyps that could become cancerous if left to grow.
The American Cancer Society recommends that people age 45 or older be screened for colon cancer. One important screening test is a colonoscopy. This 15- to 30-minute test enables a doctor to look inside the entire large intestine and into the rectum through a long, flexible, narrow tube with a light and tiny lens on the end. The physician can see things such as abnormal growths and inflamed tissue. While the test is most often used to look for early signs of colorectal cancer, it is also used to look for causes of unexplained changes in bowel habits and to evaluate symptoms like abdominal pain, rectal bleeding and weight loss.
At Pacific Medical Centers, patients can call 1.844.66COLON (1.844.662.6566) and schedule an appointment with one of our gastroenterologists to discuss colonoscopy and other methods of screening for colon cancer.*
Our physicians meet with patients at four of our conveniently located clinics. Procedures are performed at the Pacific Medical Center Ambulatory Surgery Center on First Hill in Seattle, the Swedish Ambulatory Surgery Center in Redmond, and the Swedish Issaquah campus.
*Always check with your insurance provider to find out if you need pre-authorization or to determine the level of coverage your carrier provides for colonoscopy.
Source for statistics: American Cancer Society
Clinic Locations
Canyon Park
1909 214th Street SE, Suite 300
Bothell, WA 98021
First Hill
1101 Madison St, Suite 301
Seattle, WA 98104
Northgate
10416 – 5th Avenue NE
Seattle, WA 98125
Renton
1801 Lind Ave SW, Bldg D
Renton, WA 98057