Our Services / Colon Cancer Screening

Colon cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, but colon cancer screening can save your life. The leading gastroenterology specialists at Carolina Digestive Health Associates, PA, perform colon cancer screening and have the Open Access Colonoscopy program to make it even more convenient for you to get screened. To find out more about colon cancer screening, call one of their 13 locations throughout Charlotte, Belmont, Concord, Davidson, Matthews, Monroe, University, Huntersville, or Pineville, North Carolina, or schedule an appointment online today.

What is colon cancer?

Colon cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is a type of cancer that originates in the large intestine, affecting the colon or rectum. In most cases, colon cancer begins as a colon polyp that grows on the intestinal wall. 

Colon polyps are noncancerous growths that may turn cancerous over time. A colon cancer screening finds and removes colon polyps — colon polypectomy — before they turn cancerous, potentially preventing you from developing colon cancer. 

Why do I need colon cancer screening?

Colon cancer is common and one of the leading causes of cancer death in the United States. Finding and treating colon cancer early may prevent it from leading to death. When found early, colon cancer is more than 90% curable.

The US Preventive Task Force recommends that adults start colon cancer screening at age 45 and continue until age 75. 

Your gastroenterologist at Carolina Digestive Health Associates, PA, may recommend earlier screening if you have a family history of colon cancer, a personal history of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or other colon cancer risk factors. 

What happens during a colon cancer screening?

Carolina Digestive Health Associates, PA, performs colonoscopies to screen for colon cancer. 

During this minimally invasive diagnostic test, your gastroenterologist inserts a colonoscope — a thin tube with a light and camera — into your anus and slowly advances it through the entire length of your large intestine. 

During the screening, your gastroenterologist closely examines the lining of your intestinal tract, looking for polyps and other abnormalities, and removing and taking samples of tissue as needed.

After your colon cancer screening, your gastroenterologist reviews the preliminary findings with you before sending you home. 

Because they give you a mild sedative during the colonoscopy, you need to arrange a ride home from the screening and plan to take it easy the rest of the day.

What is the Open Access Colonoscopy program?

The Open Access Colonoscopy program makes colon cancer screening more accessible to patients. 

Thanks to Open Access Colonoscopy, patients 50 and older, who don’t have any colon cancer risk factors or other serious illnesses (diabetes, heart disease, kidney problems), can schedule a colonoscopy at Carolina Digestive Health Associates, PA, without a pre-procedure visit. 

To schedule your colon cancer screening, call Carolina Digestive Health Associates, PA, or book online today.