Colonoscopy
It’s a topic many people don’t like to discuss, but colorectal cancer is very much a health issue.
The best way to protect yourself against colorectal cancer.
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cancer killer in the U.S. for men and women. If everyone age 45 or older had a regular screening colonoscopy at least 60 percent of deaths from colon cancer would be avoided. Both women and men can schedule a colonoscopy at Woman’s and enjoy the safety, comfort and privacy - that you’ll only find at Woman’s with a private room before and after your procedure.
Why You Need a Colonoscopy
- When found early, colorectal cancer is easily treated and often cured.
- Colonoscopies can find and remove polyps before they turn into cancer.
- If you have a family history of colon cancer you may need to be screened before the age of 50.
Schedule at Woman’s
Below is a list of local physicians who choose to come to Woman’s to perform colonoscopies. When scheduling, ask to have the procedure at Woman’s Hospital.
Colorectal surgeons with Baton Rouge Colon Rectal Associates:
General surgeons with Woman’s Surgical Specialty Group:
The American Cancer Society recommends women have a screening colonoscopy starting at age 45, then at least every 10 years.
Screen Sooner, More Often with Family History
If your parent or sibling was diagnosed with colon or rectal cancer before age 60—or if you have two first-degree relatives diagnosed at any age—you should be screened sooner and more often. Women with a strong family history should schedule a colonoscopy at age 40, or 10 years before the age your youngest relative was diagnosed, whichever is younger.
Screen Frequently if You Have a Bowel Disease
Women who have inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease may need to be screened every one to two years beginning about eight years after diagnosis.
Although many women don’t like to talk about colonoscopies, you should know they are usually painless. And at Woman’s, you’ll have the comfort of your own private room before and after your screening
A screening colonoscopy is a preventive test to examine the colon to make sure it’s healthy. You may need a screening, or preventive, colonoscopy if you do not have:
- Any symptoms of colorectal cancer
- Personal history of colon cancer or colon polyps
- A first-degree relative with a history of colon cancer or colon polyps
If you have possible symptoms or a strong family history of colon cancer, you may need a diagnostic colonoscopy. You may need a diagnostic colonoscopy if you have:
- Iron-deficiency anemia
- Persistent abdominal pain
- Blood in stool or bleeding from rectum
- A change in bowel habits that lasts more than a few days
- Personal or family history of colon cancer or colon polyps
If your doctor finds and removes a polyp (abnormal growth), or finds a mass that needs to be biopsied, it's then considered a diagnostic colonoscopy.
Medicare covers screening colonoscopies in full—you don’t have to pay a deductible or co-insurance. Most private insurance companies cover it, but you’ll have to call your insurance company to find out the details. Ask about any copays, deductibles, limits or exclusions that may apply.
Medicare covers diagnostic colonoscopies without a deductible. But you will pay 20-percent co-insurance. If you have private insurance, call to ask about your out-of-pocket costs.