Routine screening tests like colonoscopies may not be high on your list of things you want to do.
You might not want to take time out when you feel just fine. But a colonoscopy today can help prevent problems tomorrow.
If you’re age 45 or older, we recommend you get a colonoscopy. What’s the test looking for? We take a look inside your body to check out any changes in the cells of your colon (large intestine), bleeding or colon growths (polyps). At Cleveland Clinic, our experts have experience knowing what’s normal when it comes to colon changes — and what’s inflammation or a sign of cancer.
Our board-certified doctors and surgeons have additional education and training in finding, diagnosing and treating colorectal cancer. We are experts at evaluating growths (polyps) and bleeding in the colon. Meet our team.
Our providers may do thousands of colonoscopies each year, but you’re never just another patient. Our team goes the extra mile to help you feel comfortable at every step.
We hold ourselves accountable for the quality of our colonoscopy procedures. We make sure our healthcare providers have all the time they need to thoroughly examine every person.
Our providers use the newest tools to view and examine the detail of all colon polyps. We use these detailed views to determine if we should remove polyps during colonoscopy.
We offer colonoscopy at locations throughout communities near you. Our friendly team members greet you and answer your questions before your procedure takes place in a private room.
We monitor how effective our procedures are in detecting polyps. We also continuously research the best ways for you to prepare for the procedure to ensure the highest-quality colonoscopy.
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Colon polyps are growths that form in the lining of the colon. These growths may also form in the rectum. Over time, polyps may become colorectal cancer.
Cancers of the colon and rectum (colorectal cancer) are highly treatable when caught early. That’s why experts recommend a colonoscopy every 10 years for people who are at average risk for colon cancer. If colon cancer runs in your family, your healthcare provider may recommend more frequent screenings.
We use colonoscopies to find and examine polyps. Our experts often remove any polyps they find during the same procedure. Colonoscopy also helps our specialists diagnose conditions like:
Our experts also use a colonoscopy to diagnose causes of rectal bleeding. These causes may include:
We offer colonoscopies at convenient locations throughout Northeast Ohio, Florida and London.
During a colonoscopy, specialists use a flexible tube with a light and camera (colonoscope) to view your colon. If you choose, we give you medication (anesthesia) so you’ll be asleep during the procedure. The colonoscopy procedure includes:
A few weeks before your procedure, your provider will talk with you about how to prepare for your colonoscopy, including the bowel preparation instructions you will need to follow. It’s important that your intestine (bowel) is empty so your provider can see the detail of your colon. During the day (or night) before your colonoscopy, we have you drink a solution that helps you completely empty your bowel.
We work with you to make sure you’re able to prepare for colonoscopy in an effective way that’s comfortable for you. Talk with your provider if you have any concerns about how to prepare.
Be sure to let your provider know about all medications you take, including any over-the-counter supplements. You may need to stop taking them prior to this screening.
Specialists use a colonoscope to see detailed views of your colon and rectum. Most people choose to have anesthesia and are not awake during the procedure. Talk with your healthcare provider if you have concerns about anesthesia.
If our experts need to remove polyps during colonoscopy, they insert instruments through the colonoscope to remove tissue. Most colonoscopies take less than one hour.
Once our specialists complete the colonoscopy, you’ll stay in a recovery room until you wake up from anesthesia. It’s important to bring someone with you to drive you home.
If you stopped taking medications, your healthcare provider will tell you when you can begin taking them again and resume your activities.
Our experts recommend colonoscopy for most people. But if colonoscopy isn’t right for you, we may recommend:
You can also ask your healthcare provider if an at-home stool DNA test such as Cologuard® is right for you. You collect a stool sample at home and send it to a laboratory to see if any abnormal cells are present. Screening with a stool DNA test may be an option if you are 45 or older and have an average risk of colorectal cancer. If the test comes back positive, you should schedule a colonoscopy with your healthcare provider to find the underlying cause of the positive test. While stool tests can be effective, a colonoscopy remains the gold standard for cancer screening. In one single procedure, it allows for the detection and removal of polyps to help prevent cancer.
A colonoscopy may not be something you want to do. Whether you’re feeling anxious, afraid or just don’t know how to fit it into your schedule, know that we’re here for you. Our providers understand and are there to answer any questions you might have. We want to make you as comfortable as possible and ease your worries. But know that this test is an important part of maintaining your health and preventing future conditions, like cancer. Following the guidelines on when to get your colonoscopy could mean catching something early and getting the care you need.
Getting an appointment with Cleveland Clinic’s colonoscopy team is easy. We’re here to help you get the care you need.
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If you’re a Cleveland Clinic Florida patient, you may be eligible to self-schedule your colonoscopy without an initial office visit. This option is available for healthy people, ages 45 and older with an average risk of colon cancer.
However, self-scheduling a colonoscopy isn’t an option for everyone. You may not be able to self-schedule your procedure if you have:
If you’re currently experiencing any symptoms – bleeding or changes in your bowel movements – please call our offices to schedule your appointment instead of using the form.
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