The screening that can actually prevent cancer.
Colonoscopy doesn't just detect colorectal cancer, it prevents it, by finding and removing precancerous polyps before they ever become malignant.
A colonoscopy examines the entire lining of your colon with a thin, flexible camera while you're comfortably sedated. For most adults at average risk, screening begins at age 45. Polyps found during the exam can usually be removed on the spot, preventing them from becoming cancer.
Why this exam matters
Colon cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, through healthy lifestyle choices and routine screening. My active research focuses on early-onset colorectal cancer, which is rising sharply in adults under 50; it's part of why I take screening so personally.
The procedure itself typically takes 20 to 30 minutes, and my goal is always a careful, thorough examination, not simply a fast one.
What the visit looks like
- A high-quality bowel prep the day before (my office guides you through it step by step)
- Comfortable sedation, most patients remember nothing
- A complete examination of the colon, with polyps removed during the same procedure
- Findings discussed with you before you leave whenever possible
- Biopsy and polyp results reviewed with you within one to two weeks
- A personalized surveillance schedule based on what we find
Who should be screened
Average-risk adults should begin at age 45. If you have a family history of colon cancer or polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, or certain hereditary conditions, screening may need to start earlier, I'll review your history and recommend the right schedule for you.
Colonoscopy FAQs
At what age should I get a colonoscopy? +
How long does a colonoscopy take? +
What happens during a colonoscopy? +
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Ready to schedule your colonoscopy?
Request an appointment and the office will take it from there.