Colon Cancer Screening

Our expert doctors at EvergreenHealth specialize in a broad range of advanced treatments and screenings, including cancer screenings that utilize the latest technology to detect cancer early for the best possible outcome and if needed, help you determine the most effective treatment.

Make an appointment today: (425) 544-2040

Colon cancer is among the most commonly diagnosed cancers in the U.S., with more than 150,000 Americans expected to be diagnosed annually. However, colon cancer is a preventable, treatable disease that can be detected in its early stages, leading to higher rates of survival.

Your Colonoscopy

One of the most essential screenings adults should get starting from age 45 and continuing through age 75 is a colonoscopy.

A colonoscopy is not only the most accurate screening exam for colorectal cancer but is also one of the only screenings that prevents cancer. During a colonoscopy, your doctor uses a scope to get a clear picture of your colon, also called your large intestine. Aside from detecting colon cancer, a colonoscopy offers numerous health benefits including:

• Helping identify and remove polyps (small growths)
• Supporting a colitis diagnosis, which is a severe inflammation of the colon
• Detection of bleeding lesions
• Identifying and diagnosing various causes of abdominal pain

Early detection of colon cancer gives you and your doctors more options and most often leads to the most effective treatment.

Depending on your risk factors, you and your doctor can determine how often you should receive a colonoscopy. Additionally, if you would like to seek other screening exams for colorectal cancer, talk to your primary care doctor to talk about the varying levels of effectiveness and determine which exam is best for you.

Additional exams include:

• Flexible sigmoidoscopy
• Double-contrast barium enema
• CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy)
• Fecal occult blood test (gFOBT)
• Fecal immunochemical test (FIT)
• Stool DNA test (sDNA)

Preparing for Your Colonoscopy

Preparation for your colonoscopy begins a week before the screening exam and continues until the day of your exam.

Your provider will provide you with clear preparation instructions according to your unique lifestyle and health history.

For additional information, we've developed these FAQs to help you better understand your colonoscopy preparation instructions.

Also, our team has developed a guide for a Low-Fiber Diet for Colonoscopy Preparation that can help you with your nutrition planning ahead of your procedure.

Call your provider if you have any additional questions before or after your colonoscopy.