A colonoscopy is a health screening tool that is used to determine if you have colon cancer or pre-cancerous polyps in your colon. At Gastroenterology Associates of Rochester in Rochester, NY, Dr. Manish Madan, Dr. Andrej Strapko, and Dr. Anthony Baratta are board-certified gastroenterologists who work with patients to provide specialty care for issues related to the digestive system. Suppose you are experiencing ongoing symptoms such as heartburn or diarrhea, or you have a history of colon cancer in your family. In that case, getting screening is important to catch any problems with your digestive system early.

When to Get a Colonoscopy in Rochester, NY

It is recommended that all people around age 50 should get a colonoscopy to check for polyps or colon cancer. If you have a family history of colon cancer, you may be scheduled for a colonoscopy at age 40 or younger. If you have gastrointestinal issues, such as diverticulitis or Crohn's disease, a colonoscopy can help determine what is causing your symptoms. If you are otherwise healthy and have no family history of colon cancer, a screening at the age of 50 is recommended as a preventative screening to protect your health.

What to Expect With a Colonoscopy 

With a colonoscopy, the most uncomfortable time is prepping for the procedure. You will be given medication to drink to prepare for the colonoscopy, and this results in the cleaning out of your digestive system. Some people find the preparation uncomfortable, as the medication is a powerful diuretic that is designed to remove all waste from your intestines and colon. The test itself is not painful, as medication is used to keep you relaxed throughout the procedure. 

If Polyps are Discovered During a Colonoscopy

Small polyps can be removed during your colonoscopy and are often sent off for testing to see if they are pre-cancerous. If your doctor discovers polyps, understand they are commonly found and can be removed. Even if the polyps are pre-cancerous, removal is the first step in preventing further progression of colon cancer. Your doctor will talk to you about more consistent screening in the future when polyps are found, and they can always be removed to prevent further growth.

Schedule Your Colonoscopy Today

If you are 50 or older and have never had a colonoscopy, it's time to schedule an appointment with Gastroenterology Associates of Rochester. Call our office at 585-720-1550 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Madan, Dr. Strapko, or Dr. Baratta. Learn about the benefits of routine screening in Rochester, NY, to protect your overall health.