A colonoscopy is an important preventive care screening test that helps detect pre-cancer or colon cancer. The earlier signs of colon cancer are detected, the easier it is to prevent or treat the disease.
Blue Cross addresses common questions about colonoscopies. If you meet the recommendations for a preventive colonoscopy screening, schedule your appointment today.
What is a colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is a procedure that allows a doctor to look inside your colon/large intestine, using a thin flexible tube with a light and camera called an endoscope. If the doctor sees a polyp or unusual growth during the procedure, he or she can take a biopsy to be viewed by a pathologist.
The procedure helps a doctor diagnose early signs of colon cancer, as well as remove polyps or growths to prevent them from becoming cancerous.
How common is colon cancer?
According to the American Cancer Society, colon and rectal cancer is the third most common cancer and the third leading cause of cancer deaths for men and women in the United States.
Both the diagnosis of colorectal cancer and the death rate have been dropping in both men and women for several decades, though, in part due to increased screenings. That’s good news.
When should I have a colonoscopy?
All men and women over age 45 should be screened, at least every 10 years.
If you have risk factors, such as a family history of colon cancer or a condition affecting your colon (for example, a history of polyps or an inflammatory bowel disease, like ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease), your doctor may order a colonoscopy earlier than age 45 or more often than every 10 years.
Where can I go to be screened?
A doctor typically performs a colonoscopy in an outpatient hospital or ambulatory surgery center (day hospital). Learn about how you can save money at an ambulatory surgery center.
What should I do when preparing for a colonoscopy?
You must do several things when preparing for a colonoscopy. In the 24 hours before the procedure, you’ll need to follow a liquid diet, drink a solution to clean out the bowels and stay close to your home and bathroom.
This preparation is important so the doctor will be able to view the lining of your colon.
What happens at a colonoscopy?
At the procedure, you’ll receive a mild sedative to help you relax. During the procedure, the doctor will look at your colon with an endoscope, as well as remove any polyps. You will be awake but may not be aware of it or remember it.
After the procedure, you’ll recover from the sedative in a recovery room, and the doctor will review your colonoscopy results with you. If the doctor removed any polyps, the pathology results will be shared with you in a few days.
Are there alternatives to colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is considered the gold standard for evaluating colon cancer. You may have heard about other tests, but they are not considered as direct or as complete as a colonoscopy:
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy – looks only at the lower colon
- Stool test – looks only at blood in the stool
- Fecal DNA – looks only at cancer cells that may have been shed into the fecal matter
- CT Colonography (also known as virtual colonoscopy) – uses low-dose radiation to only view a picture of the colon without the ability to biopsy polyps if seen
What can I do for colon cancer prevention?
There are risk factors for colon cancer, and you can minimize your risk by making healthy choices, such as:
- Don’t smoke
- Limit how much alcohol you drink
- Eat a high fiber diet with plenty of leafy greens
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Talk to a doctor if you have serious gastrointestinal concerns, such as bleeding
Does my health plan cover a colonoscopy?
Blue Cross and Blue Plus health plans cover preventive colonoscopies for men and women ages 45 and older or for people whose doctors identify them as at-risk.
There is no cost if you use an in-network provider. You may have costs if any additional medical care is needed, such as a biopsy on a polyp.
More about preventive care
Preventive care
Preventive care service recommendations (PDF)
Preventive care for women
Preventive care for men
Annual exams
Preventive care as you age
Osteoporosis causes and prevention