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Call 703.717.4792 for more information about your colorectal cancer screening at VHC Health.

Colorectal Cancer Screenings

Protect your health with screenings for colorectal cancer at VHC Health. These tests can reveal cancer before you experience symptoms. With early detection, colorectal cancer survival rates are more than 80%.

Screening Types

There are two screening options for colorectal cancer at VHC Health. A traditional colonoscopy or a computed tomography (CT) colonography (also called a virtual colonoscopy). Both screenings examine the colon for growths called polyps and cancer. Your doctor may recommend a CT colonography if you have risk factors and cannot tolerate a conventional colonoscopy.

Colonoscopy

Before scheduling a colonoscopy—the gold standard for detecting colon cancer—you'll meet with a gastroenterologist, who will:

Perform a physical exam
Review your medical history
Explain how to prepare for your exam
Schedule your procedure

Colonoscopy Guidelines

Age for initial colonoscopy screening:

Age 45
Individuals with no family history of colorectal cancer or polyps.
Age 40 or Younger
Individuals with a first-degree relative (parent, sibling, child) who was diagnosed with colorectal cancer before age 60 or individuals with two first-degree relatives diagnosed at any age should be screened at age 40 or 10 years before the youngest relative's diagnosis —whichever comes first. Women diagnosed with breast, uterine or ovarian cancer should talk with their doctor about having a screening colonoscopy at the time of their diagnosis.
Follow-up Colonoscopy Interval until the next colonoscopy depends on findings of initial colonoscopy and preexisting risk factors of patient.

What to Expect

You'll receive sedation to relax you and anesthesia to prevent pain before your colonoscopy. Then, a gastroenterologist will slide a thin tube with a camera and light into your large intestine to look for polyps, or lumps. Your doctor will remove the polyps to check them for cancer.

Preparation

The day before your colonoscopy, you'll need to clean out your large intestine so the doctor can clearly see your colon. Per your doctor’s instructions, take laxative prep medication and consume only liquids.

Arrange for a ride home after your colonoscopy.

The Procedure

Your visit will last about two hours, but the exam takes less than 30 minutes. Follow these instructions.

Arrive one hour before your appointment.
Go to the Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Center/GI Unit to check in.
Follow your nurse to a pre-op room for the admission process.
Follow your nurse to the procedure room for your colonoscopy.

After Your Colonoscopy

After your colonoscopy, your care team will monitor your vital signs until you awake from the sedation and anesthesia. Then:

The gastroenterologist explains what was found during your procedure.
A nurse reviews your discharge instructions.
You can go home when your vitals are stable, you’re awake and alert, and your ride has arrived.
You may rest at home.

Insurance Coverage

Your insurance plan likely covers colonoscopies. Check whether it requires you to get a referral from a primary care provider before making an appointment with a gastroenterologist.

CT Colonography

Computed tomography (CT) colonography, or virtual colonoscopy, is a less invasive way to screen for colorectal cancer or diagnose the condition. Your doctor may recommend this procedure if you’re at risk of complications from a traditional colonoscopy.

What to Expect

During colonography, you’ll lie on a CT scanner. Then, a medical professional will slide a tiny tube into your rectum and inject air to make the colon swell. The machine will take pictures of your widened intestine using low doses of radiation.

This quick test requires no anesthesia. You may feel cramping afterward, but it should pass quickly.

Preparation

You’ll receive instructions on drinking a solution to cleanse your colon before the test. When your large intestine is clear, the CT scanner will get the best pictures, and you’ll get more accurate results.