Colorectal cancer: A colonoscopy can save your life.

Colorectal cancer. It can be an uncomfortable topic to talk about. Of cancers that affect both men and women, colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. Despite this statistic, it doesn’t have to be — colorectal cancer is very treatable if caught early.

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Colorectal cancer starts from little growths called polyps that develop on the lining of the colon or rectum. A colonoscopy, if done early, is the only screening that can prevent this type of cancer.

“Some people are apprehensive about getting a colonoscopy. Many have misconceptions based on misunderstandings about the preparation or the procedure — and about colon cancer,” says Bradley Champagne, MD, a colorectal surgeon and Chief Medical Officer at Cleveland Clinic Fairview Hospital. Dr. Champagne also sees patients at Cleveland Clinic Avon Hospital at Richard E. Jacobs Campus and Amherst Family Health Center.

Are you at risk?
Everyone is at risk because everyone has a colon. New as of 2021: It is recommended that adults have their first colonoscopy at age 45, because the majority of colorectal polyps occur after this age. “Those affected with symptoms such as pain, bleeding or a change in bowels should begin having colonoscopies earlier. The same goes for those who have a family history of colon cancer,” advises Dr. Champagne. “Your physician will let you know when you should have your first screening.”


Up to 12% of colorectal cancers are now occurring in individuals under the age of 50, with that number rising throughout the past 20 years. No matter your age, talk with your doctor if you have symptoms of colorectal cancer.

Visit ClevelandClinic.org/Colonoscopy or call 216.444.7000 to schedule your colonoscopy today.

What is a colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy — the gold standard of colorectal screening methods — is an outpatient procedure that is done to examine the inside of the large intestine (colon and rectum). The examination uses an instrument called a colonoscope (sometimes called a scope). This flexible instrument is very long and includes a camera and the ability to remove tissue.

A colonoscopy is commonly used to evaluate gastrointestinal symptoms, such as bleeding, abdominal pain or changes in bowel habits.

If polyps are found during the procedure, they can often be removed then. The removal of polyps before they turn cancerous can prevent cancer from forming. You do not feel the tissue being removed.



One of the keys to a successful colonoscopy is getting your colon as clean as possible. Improvements — in the liquid you drink, the amount of liquid you drink and the timing — make the whole process easier to swallow.

Preparing for your colonoscopy

People are often wary of the laxative they have to drink to prepare their bowel for the exam. But bowel prep is much improved these days. Cleansing formulas are more efficient than they used to be, so you don’t have to drink nearly as much as you did in the past. And the taste has improved, as well.

Dr. Champagne explains that the prep is important because it clears the colon lining of solids and liquids. If the colon isn’t clear, residue polyps, which are a precursor for cancer, can possibly be missed.

Dr. Champagne recommends these three steps for a good prep:
  1. Cut out fiber. Two days before the exam, start a low-fiber diet.
  2. Switch to clear liquids. The day before the procedure, consume only clear liquids. Clear liquids help with hydration and flush the prep through the intestinal tract.
  3. Split the prep. Many physicians today prescribe a split-dose regimen, where half the prep is taken the night before and the other half in the morning. If you have an afternoon exam, you can drink the prep the morning of the procedure. For a morning exam (before noon), you can drink half the prep the night before and the other half about four hours before the colonoscopy.
“Years ago, the prep was more daunting. It gave colonoscopies a bad reputation,” explains Dr. Champagne. “But now the liquid tastes better and there’s less to ingest. Those two factors, combined with the split-dose approach, makes for a better experience.”

Follow-up colonoscopies will depend on the results of the first one. If you have no polyps and low risk, you might be able to wait 10 years before having another one. If you do have polyps and are considered high-risk, you might have to have a yearly procedure.
 
Up to 12% of colorectal cancers occur in individuals under the age of 50. Cleveland Clinic’s Center for Young-Onset Colorectal Cancer works to provide young colorectal cancer patients with personalized, comprehensive, and coordinated world-class care.

Convenient, innovative care in your neighborhood
Cleveland Clinic’s team of colorectal specialists provides patients with personalized treatment plans and some of the best long-term outcomes in the world.

Our colorectal surgeons are performing advanced and innovative surgeries at our facilities that are close to your home on Cleveland’s West Side.

“There aren’t many cancers that are so easily preventable,” says Dr. Champagne. “Don’t wait to talk to your doctor about scheduling your colonoscopy. It can only help you.”

Cleveland Clinic is here to care for you
Although COVID-19 is still around and still contagious, Cleveland Clinic has taken steps to allow you to return safely for your healthcare needs — including pain relief and emergency care.

To protect you, Cleveland Clinic continues to:
  • Practice physical distancing and limit the number of people in one area.
  • Screen everyone for COVID-19 symptoms.
  • Require a face mask for everyone at all Cleveland Clinic locations.
  • Disinfect surfaces frequently.
  • Encourage virtual visits, when appropriate, to minimize in-person visits.
Find Colonoscopy Locations and Information
Learn More About Young-onset Colorectal Cancer
Download a Free Treatment Guide

Need colorectal care? Connect with Cleveland Clinic now.
For more information and a complete list of locations, visit ClevelandClinic.org/Colonoscopy. To schedule an appointment at one of our screening locations near you, call 216.444.7000.