Arbor Health | Arbor Health and Life | Winter 2021

A colonoscopy could save your life! Your primary care physician can provide a referral. Tom Anderson, MD, sees patients at Arbor Health, Specialty Clinic, located at 521 Adams Ave., Morton. The case for colonoscopy Why you might want to choose this screening method Today we’re lucky to have many screen- ing options for detecting colorectal cancer early, when it’s often easier to treat, including some tests you can do at home. But for many people, a more in- volved screening test called a colonos- copy may still be the way to go. During a colonoscopy, a flexible, lighted tube with a video camera is used to check for polyps (growths that can become cancer) or for cancer in the colon and rectum. A colonoscopy does involve a bowel prep, which means you’ll use a laxative to cleanse your colon before the test. But the advantages of colonoscopy can be well worth any prep discomfort. Let me explain: ● As your general surgeon, I can use a colonoscopy to examine the entire colon—not just part of it. ● If needed, I can very often take a biopsy sample or remove a polyp during the test. ● You will be sedated for a colonoscopy—so you won’t feel anything. ● A colonoscopy usually only needs to be done once every 10 years. Other colorectal cancer screening tests are done more often. Some of the other colorectal cancer screening tests are noninvasive. And you won’t have to use a laxative beforehand. For example, you can get a test that looks for traces of blood in your stool that might be signs of cancer. But if something abnormal is found, you will still need to follow up with a colonoscopy. And stool tests aren’t recommended if your colorectal cancer risk is higher than average because of your personal or family health history. Every colorectal cancer screening test has pros and cons. Your primary care doctor can help you decide which test is right for your situation. If you decide that a colonoscopy is your best option, ask for a referral to Arbor Health, Specialty Clinic. Tom Anderson, MD, General surgeon and emergency physician MYARBORHEALTH.ORG 3