Screening Colonoscopy

Meet Paul

Recently, Paul experienced symptoms that made him nervous. A serious guy when it comes to his health, Paul followed his doctor’s advice right away when he recommended Paul see a University of Michigan gastroenterologist for a colonoscopy. Paul went to the new East Ann Arbor facility. Treated with kindness and compassion, Paul considers himself lucky to have had access to the expert care of a U-M physician and a highly skilled staff. Paul recommends that others talk to their physician about having a screening colonoscopy. He knows first hand that this simple procedure can give you peace of mind.

Colon Cancer

Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, and the leading cause of cancer deaths among non-smokers. Symptoms of colon cancer can include severe abdominal pain, blood in the stool or rectal bleeding, unexplained loss of weight, or major changes in bowel habits (recurrent constipation or diarrhea). But, these symptoms often do not occur until the cancer is in its more advanced stages. An absence of symptoms does not mean an absence of cancer. In fact, because of this lack of symptoms, colon cancer is often referred to as a “silent killer.”

Why Do I Need a Screening Colonoscopy?

The good news is that colon cancer is also one of the most preventable types of cancer - and one of the most curable if detected early. That’s why the American Cancer Society recommends that every person over 50 years of age be screened for colon cancer. If you have a family history of colon cancer or polyps, then colon screening might need to start even earlier.

Of all the colon cancer screening methods, a colonoscopy is the only method that can actually help prevent you from developing colon cancer in the future. How does it do that? Well, colon cancer generally develops from abnormal tissue growths in the colon called polyps. During a screening colonoscopy, if the doctor finds polyps, he or she can remove them from your colon as part of the procedure, preventing the polyps from ever having the chance to develop into cancer. And if the polyps found in your colon happen to already be cancerous, they can often be removed during your colonoscopy and treatment can begin right away.

Where Can I Get a Screening Colonoscopy?

State-of-the-art facilities for screening colonoscopies are found at five different locations within the University of Michigan Health System. In Ann Arbor, we offer screening colonoscopies at the East Ann Arbor Medical Procedures Center, at the Medical Procedures Unit in University Hospital, and at the VA Medical Center. We also offer screening colonoscopies at Chelsea Hospital and at the Livonia Center for Specialty Care.

To Schedule a Screening Colonoscopy
Have your doctor call (888) 229-7408