What is Colorectal Cancer Screening?
The primary goal of colorectal cancer screening is to identify abnormal growths, known as polyps, well before the polyps become cancerous.
Before the screening, you will be given a mild sedative to make you comfortable. The procedure only takes approximately 30 minutes and you will be discharged shortly after. We understand patients are apprehensive about their first colonoscopy. We ensure you will have a good experience by offering tangible comforts as our experienced staff shows both kindness and professionalism. Please read more about our Patient Comfort.
During the colonoscopy, the physician will look for polyps, inflammation, cancer or other abnormalities. Tissue samples or polyps, if found, may be removed during the screening and sent to the lab for evaluation by a pathologist.
Patients must have a responsible adult to drive them home after the procedure. Your doctor or nurse will contact you within 10-14 days with the results.
Cost of Colonoscopy
The cost of a colonoscopy performed in our community-based ambulatory surgery center is approximately $700 to $1,300 (Medicare $650). Colonoscopies are covered by commercial insurance and Medicare as a one-time screening benefit with little to no out-of-pocket cost to the patient. Call 509-838-5950 to request an appointment.
Questions?
Call 509-838-5950 to request an appointment, complete the form below, or learn more about Spokane Digestive. More contact info.
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BENEFITS
There are many benefits of colorectal cancer screening. If you’re over the age of 50, don’t delay, call (509) 838-5950 and schedule an appointment.
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Quick procedure to perform—usually 30 minutes.
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Patient discomfort is minimal with this procedure.
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Entire colon and rectum will be examined.
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If found, remove polyps and perform a biopsy.
Why Get a Colon Cancer Screening?
Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains the second most common cancer caused death in the U.S. for both men and women. One in 17 Americans, (over 50,000 for 2018) will develop CRC in their lifetime. The good news is there has been a 46% decrease in CRC death since its peak in 1985. Due to CRC screening methods, new colon cancer cases have come down from 66 per 100,000 population in 1985 to 37 cases in 2015.
Despite evidence that early screening prevents CRC, approximately 30% of appropriate individuals are not screened. Current guidelines recommend the initiation of CRC screening for average-risk individuals at age 45. Risks increase sharply after age 50.
Tests recommended by U.S. Multi-Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer: Preferred tests–colonoscopy; fecal immunochemical test; Other options–FIT-fecal DNA (Cologuard) and flexible sigmoidoscopy.
Why Choose Spokane Digestive?
Since 1978, Spokane Digestive is dedicated to providing the highest level of care to patients with digestive health problems or concerns.
READ ABOUT USCologuard or Colonoscopy
Colonoscopy is the gold standard in detecting colorectal cancer as well as precancerous lesions through the use of a camera-enabled scope. Cologuard has no visual component and instead tests DNA from stool samples for the presence of abnormal cancerous or precancerous cells.
MORE ABOUT COLOGUARDDon't Delay, Schedule Today
A colonoscopy prevents colon cancer because the gastroenterologist removes precancerous polyps found during the screening examination. Precancerous polyps are found in 20% of women and 30% of men age 50 and older.
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