What is a Colonoscopy Screening?

A colonoscopy (koh-luh-NAH-skuh-pee) screening is an endoscopic test that allows the doctor to look inside the entire large intestine. The doctor is able to see things such as inflamed tissue, abnormal growths, ulcers and polyps.  For answers to frequently asked questions about screenings, visit the American Cancer Society.

The gastroenterologist (the specialist who performs colonoscopies) will give you instructions in
advance that will explain what you will need to do to prepare for your colonoscopy.  MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health, offers extensive information about preparing for a colonoscopy and excellent tutorials about what to expect.  


About the Colon

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Drawing courtesy of ImmunoDefense.com
As defined by The National Cancer Institute, "The colon and rectum are parts of the digestive system. Partly digested food enters the colon from the small intestine. The colon removes water and nutrients from the food and turns the rest into waste (stool). The waste passes from the colon into the rectum and then out of the body through the anus."

According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearing House (NDDIC), "Most polyps are not dangerous. Most are benign, which means they are not cancer. But over time, some types of polyps can turn into cancer."

Experts agree that by finding and removing polyps, a colonoscopy screening likely prevents most cancers from ever forming. That's why Hope Through Grace believes so strongly in the screening process.


Dedicated to Colorectal Cancer Prevention,
Early Detection, and Cancer Survivorship