Colonoscopy Screening and Diagnosis
Colon Cancer Assessment
The risk of colorectal cancer increases dramatically with age. Take our colorectal cancer risk assessment to estimate your personal risk of developing colon and rectal cancer.
Colorectal cancer has the second-highest mortality rate among all cancers diagnosed in the United States, but if diagnosed and treated at an early stage, a person has a much better chance of survival. That’s why the American College of Gastroenterology recommends screening for colorectal cancer at age 45 for individuals not at an increased risk of the disease.
Your gastroenterologist may recommend earlier screening if you have:
- A family history of colon cancer
- A personal history of inflammatory bowel disease
- Other risk factors for colon cancer
A screening can be as simple as an at-home test or as thorough as a colonoscopy.
Know Your Risk
Baptist Health Floyd offers a colon cancer risk assessment that can help identify your risk factors and determine if you should consider a colon cancer screening.
With You Every Step of the Way
Based on your results, we will ensure timely follow-ups with appropriate specialists who will help you develop a treatment plan or help you identify your risk factors for colorectal cancer as well as preventive habits and strategies.
If you have hereditary red flags for inherited gastrointestinal cancers – including colorectal cancer – the Cancer Care Center at Baptist Health Floyd offers a High-Risk Colon Cancer Clinic for genetic screening. Talk to your physician about scheduling an appointment if you have genetic risk factors.
Schedule a Colonoscopy Without a Physician Referral
Baptist Health Floyd offers an Open Access Colonoscopy program, available to patients age 45 and older without significant illness. If you are over 45, you can schedule a colonoscopy screening, usually without the need for a pre-procedure physician visit.
To sign up for the Open Access Colonoscopy program, complete our Open Access Questionnaire. If there are no contraindications to screening, you will be assigned to one of our physicians to schedule your colonoscopy. You may need a preliminary appointment if we identify medical concerns that need attention before scheduling your colonoscopy. We will contact your insurance company to verify coverage, and you should hear from our medical screening coordinator within two business days.