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SCRMC | Colonoscopy  

Posted on February 26, 2018

A colonoscopy screening is the most effective way to find colorectal cancer. Dr. Stephen Johnson at South Central gastroenterology explains the goals of a colonoscopy. They try to find early colon cancers and precursors for the development of colorectal cancer called polyps.  The goal during a colonoscopy is to get rid of any polyps. Colorectal cancer rates have reduced since colonoscopies became popular.  Everyone over the age of fifty is encouraged to get a colonoscopy. If the colonoscopy is negative, then they will be good for the next ten years. If there are polyps, then the person will be monitored every three to five years. If you have a family history of colon cancer, you should have a colonoscopy even earlier.  If you have a strong family history of several first-degree family members that have had colon cancer, the recommendations are that you have a surveillance colonoscopy ten years prior to the youngest person who had it. If you wait until you have symptoms of colon cancer to be screened, chances are the cancer will be more advanced.

 

To schedule a colonoscopy, visit South Central Gastroenterology; no referral is necessary. Call at (601) 649-2863 or visit scrmc.com.

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