Colonoscopy

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in both men and women in the U.S., and the second leading cause of cancer death.

The good news? Colorectal is also highly preventable with early detection and treatment.

If you’re 45 or older, or have a family history of colorectal cancer, the most effective way to reduce your risk is to schedule a screening colonoscopy. This test searches for potentially cancerous polyps (abnormal cell growths) on the inside lining of the colon or rectum. Catching these polyps early can stop them from ever becoming cancer, or detect the cancer when it’s most treatable

Despite what’s out there, colonoscopy isn’t nearly as difficult as the myths might suggest. At Henderson County Community Hospital, we’re committed to making your experience as stress-free and comfortable as possible:

• Easier prep: Drinking a large solution to clean your colon is one of the main reasons people may avoid colonoscopy. Our physicians often prescribe a split dose, so you can take half the night before, and the other half on the morning of your procedure.
• Fast: The procedure usually just takes about 30 minutes. 
• Simple: Uses a thin, flexible scope with a small, high-definition camera attached, allowing your surgeon to both detect and remove polyps in a single procedure. 
• Painless: Most patients experience little or minimal discomfort, and you’ll likely be given medicine to relax or sleep through it, so you don’t feel anything. You may have no memory of the experience at all.
• Safe: We perform hundreds of colonoscopies every year, with very low risk of complications.
• Life-saving: The vast majority of colorectal cancers are found in patients who did not have any pain or other symptoms.  A colonoscopy may be the only way to catch the cancer early and get you on the fast track to treatment.
  

Don’t wait another day to schedule your screening. It’s the best thing you can do for you!