Screening Colonoscopy

---

Wooster Community Hospital is proud to offer colonoscopies to men and women in Wooster and the neighboring communities of Ohio. A colonoscopy is a noninvasive screening and diagnostic procedure that examines the colon and rectum in the lower GI tract.

Screening Colonoscopy vs. Diagnostic Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy can either be used as a screening or a diagnostic technique. While the two sound similar, they are used for different purposes. So, what’s the difference between a screening colonoscopy and a diagnostic colonoscopy?

A screening colonoscopy is performed proactively to detect changes or abnormalities in the large intestine (colon) and rectum, such as colorectal polyps or precancerous growths.

A diagnostic colonoscopy is performed to evaluate gastrointestinal symptoms, such as rectal and intestinal bleeding, abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, and unexplained weight loss. The procedure may detect conditions such as polyps, colorectal cancer, or ulcers. If a polyp is found during a colonoscopy, it will be removed right away during the same procedure. This will help to ensure it doesn't develop into cancer.

Colonoscopy procedures are performed by general surgeons on staff at Wooster Community Hospital Health System.

When Should I Get a Colonoscopy?

According to the American Cancer Society, women and men with an average risk of developing colon or rectal cancer should follow these guidelines:

• You should start regular screening at age 45 and have a colonoscopy every 10 years.
• If you are in good health and have a life expectancy of more than 10 years, you should continue regular colorectal cancer screening through the age of 75.
• If you are 76 to 85 years old, the decision to be screened should be based on your preferences, life expectancy, overall health, and prior screening history.
• Those over 85 no longer need to be screened.

If you are at increased risk for colorectal cancer, you may need to begin screening earlier and be screened more often. Risk factors include:

• Family history of colorectal cancer.
• Personal history of colorectal cancer or certain types of polyps.
• Personal history of inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease).
• Prior history of radiation to the abdomen or pelvic area to treat a prior cancer.

If you have any of these risk factors, it’s critically important to schedule a screening colonoscopy. No referral is necessary to receive a screening – all you need to do is call us to schedule one with one of our team members by calling (330) 202-5686.

Preparing for Your Colonoscopy

Prior to your screening or diagnostic colonoscopy appointment, one of our dedicated team members will likely reach out to you to provide you with more information about the location of our colonoscopy as well as detailed instructions to prepare for your colonoscopy appointment. If one of our team members does not reach out to you within one week of your appointment, we encourage you to reach out to us to get any of your questions answered. It’s important you talk to your provider about any medications you may be taking in the event you need to stop taking one of these medications prior to your colonoscopy appointment.

Colonoscopy in Wooster, OH

Make sure your health is staying on track with the help of a diagnostic or screening colonoscopy. For more information regarding your colonoscopy appointment or to schedule a screening colonoscopy, we encourage you to call Wooster Community Hospital today at (330) 202-5686. One of our dedicated team members will be happy to answer any questions you may have over the phone before you come in and see one of our specialists in person.