Colorectal Cancer Screening Appointments

Why have a colorectal cancer screening?

To find and remove polyps in the large intestine

Featured video

Image

Watch this video to learn how our researchers are providing evidence and developing technology on the best screening methods for colorectal cancer.

The large intestine (or large bowel) consists of the colon and rectum. This is the final part of your digestive system. Colorectal cancer is cancer of the lining of the large intestine. To learn more, refer to the Colorectal Cancer page in our patient education library.

A colonoscopy is one type of colorectal cancer screening test. During a colonoscopy, a doctor can find and remove polyps in the large intestine. Removing polyps is entirely painless. Finding and removing these polyps dramatically reduces the chances of cancer developing. At least 40% of people who are screened for colorectal cancer are found to have polyps.

Most polyps and many colorectal cancers have no symptoms. So, it's very important to have a colorectal cancer screening. The screening finds the polyps and prevents them from having a chance to develop into colorectal cancer.

Who should have colorectal cancer screenings?

You should have a colorectal cancer screening if you:

• Have a personal history of colorectal polyps. You should have a repeat colonoscopy as recommended by your endoscopist or primary care provider (PCP).
• Have a personal history of colorectal cancer. You should have a repeat colonoscopy as recommended by your oncologist, endoscopist, or PCP.
• Have a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, as appropriate for your age and specific family history.

When should I start colorectal cancer screenings?

You should start colorectal cancer screenings:

• At 45 years old, if you don't have a personal or family history of polyps or colorectal cancer (are at average risk)
• At age 40, if there is a history of colorectal cancer in a close relative. If your relative was younger than 50 at the diagnosis of colorectal cancer, then start at 10 years younger than the age of the relative at diagnosis.

How often should I have a colorectal cancer screening?

Talk to your primary care provider to see which test will be best for you. Doctors recommend that anyone at average risk (no personal or family history) who is at least 45 years old have one of the following:

A colonoscopy should be done if any test other than a colonoscopy is positive. The follow-up intervals noted above are only recommended if the tests are negative.

If you're at increased risk (have a personal or family history of colorectal cancer or polyps), we recommend:

• Have a colonoscopy beginning at age 40
• Or 10 years before the age of the youngest relative at the time of diagnosis (whichever comes first)
• Then every 5 years or as per test results, such as polyps

What healthy habits can help lower the chances of colorectal cancer?

In addition to having regular screenings, there are other ways to keep you healthy and lower the risk of colorectal cancer:

• Avoid smoking
• Eat a high-fiber, low-fat diet, with plenty of fruits and vegetables
• Keep to a regular exercise program (this can be as simple as taking a short walk three times a week)
• Lose weight if you are overweight
• Talk with your provider about vitamins or medications that may help keep you healthy and prevent colorectal cancer

Additional information is available from New Hampshire Colorectal Cancer Screening Program (NHCRCSP).

How do I make a colorectal cancer screening appointment?

• If you're a new patient, check with your insurance company before your screening test to make certain the procedure is covered. However, because it's such a common procedure, almost all insurance companies cover the cost of a colonoscopy as part of preventative care.
• If you're a returning patient, use myDH to request an appointment or communicate with your healthcare team.

Contact one of our colorectal cancer screening locations below to make an appointment.

Colorectal cancer screenings in Concord, Lebanon, Manchester, and Nashua, New Hampshire