Colorectal Cancer Screening
Colorectal cancer screening tests at Trinity Health Michigan can save your life. A colonoscopy not only detects suspicious growths but also removes them in the same procedure. Having this colon cancer test can help you avoid a colorectal cancer diagnosis.
Many people are afraid or embarrassed to get a colorectal cancer screening. Our caring, friendly team listens to your concerns and puts you at ease. This approach helps many people maintain a regular screening schedule and enjoy ongoing good health.
About Colorectal Cancer Screening
Colorectal cancer starts as an abnormal growth (a polyp) on the lining of your large intestine (colon). Polyps are not cancerous and often do not cause symptoms. But over time, they can turn into cancer and extend into deeper layers of your colon.
A colonoscopy allows us to detect polyps early. We examine your colon and nearby rectum using a lighted tube with a camera at the tip. If we detect polyps, we remove them on the spot.
Take the Next Step
A referral from a primary care provider is required to schedule a colonoscopy.
Find a Doctor TodayColorectal Cancer Screening at Trinity Health Michigan: Why Choose Us?
At Trinity Health Michigan, you receive care from doctors with special training in colorectal surgery. We perform a high volume of colonoscopies every year. This means you can count on us for a safe procedure and accurate results. We are sensitive to your individual needs. In some cases, we may recommend other screening tests.
Highlights of our program include:
- Diagnostic specialists: If we remove a polyp during your colonoscopy, we examine it under a microscope to check for signs of cancer. Our team includes doctors (pathologists) who specialize in gastrointestinal issues, such as colorectal cancer. This level of expertise ensures a more precise evaluation and results you can trust.
- Genetic testing and counseling: If you have a family history of colorectal cancer, genetic testing helps us determine whether you carry the gene. Our genetic counselors explain what the results mean for you and your family. If you are at risk, we may recommend more frequent screenings to prevent a cancer diagnosis.
- Anal cancer screening: If you are at risk for anal cancer, we perform an in-office screening procedure (anoscopy). This test is more effective than colonoscopy in detecting anal cancer.
Other Types of Colon Cancer Tests
The gold standard in colorectal cancer screening is a colonoscopy. Unlike other colon cancer tests, a colonoscopy can also be a treatment. It allows us to remove polyps during the test to prevent a later cancer diagnosis. But not everyone can have a colonoscopy, which is why we offer additional options.
Other types of colorectal cancer screening include:
- Computed tomography (CT) colonography: If conditions such as Crohn’s disease or other cancers have damaged your intestines, a colonoscopy might not be possible. In this case, we use this sophisticated imaging test to examine your colon and rectum for suspicious growths.
- Stool tests: This lab test examines a sample of your stool for signs of advanced polyps or colorectal cancer. If the results are positive, you will need a colonoscopy to remove them.
Colorectal Cancer Care at Trinity Health Michigan
If the results of your colonoscopy or screening test show signs of cancer, we contact you right away. Our team is here for you right from the start.
Our nurse navigator explains the diagnosis and gathers important information to help your treatments run smoothly. We also schedule an appointment as quickly as possible so you can learn about the next steps of your care. Learn more about colorectal cancer care at Trinity Health Michigan.