A colonoscopy is considered the gold standard when it comes to screening for colon polyps and colorectal cancer. Yet a colonoscopy – and the steps required to get one – can cause a spike of anxiety. A colonoscopy (koe-lun-OS-kuh-pee) is a procedure used to examine the inside of the colon, rectum and when indicated the end of the small intestine.

Understanding the Context

It can investigate symptoms such as bleeding from the anus, changes in bowel movements or belly pain. It can help detect conditions that affect the colon, including colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and diverticular disease. How long does colonoscopy prep take? Many people assume that colonoscopy prep begins the day before the procedure.

Key Insights

But it’s important to start well in advance, reading and discussing the instructions with your healthcare professional. Colonoscopy is one option for colon cancer screening. Find out what to expect during this procedure to examine the inside of your colon.