What Are the Benefits of Having a Colonoscopy?

At Phoenix Unified, we recognize the importance of preventive care, particularly when it comes to colon and rectal health. We are proud to offer colonoscopy services as part of our comprehensive range of healthcare solutions.

A colonoscopy is a medical treatment that involves looking at the lining of the rectum and large intestine (colon) using a thin, flexible tube equipped with a camera. This procedure is an invaluable tool in detecting and preventing colon cancer, offering early detection of colorectal cancers and other colorectal diseases.

Our team of experienced physicians has seen firsthand the significant contribution regular colonoscopies make to improved health outcomes. They are particularly effective in the prevention and early detection of colorectal cancer, the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. The primary benefit of a colonoscopy lies in its ability to detect colon cancer at an early stage when it is most treatable. Polyp removal during the procedure has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of developing cancerous polyps later on.

At Phoenix Unified, our physicians have consistently seen that regular colonoscopies reduce the risk of developing colon cancer. Long-term follow-up data suggests that individuals who undergo the procedure every 10 years have a 50-60% lower risk.

In addition to colon cancer prevention, a colonoscopy can also detect and treat other colorectal conditions, including diverticular disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and hemorrhoids. By identifying and addressing these issues early, our team can prevent more serious complications and improve overall colonic health.

Our physicians understand that while colonoscopy is primarily associated with colon cancer prevention, the procedure has broader health benefits. Regular colonoscopies allow our physicians to assess overall gastrointestinal health, identify and treat underlying conditions, and provide personalized recommendations for diet and lifestyle modifications.

We believe that colonoscopy plays a crucial role in improving health by detecting and preventing colon cancer, reducing the risk of other colorectal conditions, and contributing to overall gastrointestinal well-being. Regular colonoscopies, starting at the recommended age, are highly advised to optimize health outcomes and improve long-term quality of life.

If you’ve been dealing with symptoms like abdominal discomfort, rectal bleeding, chronic constipation, or frequent diarrhea, a colonoscopy may be recommended. This procedure enables our skilled physicians to identify the root cause of your symptoms accurately, providing you with a clear path toward effective treatment. The certainty of knowing the source of your symptoms and having a plan of action can reduce anxiety and stress, thereby improving your emotional well-being.

For many illnesses, including colorectal cancer, early identification is essential to successful treatment. Hence, a colonoscopy can potentially save you from future discomfort, pain, and severe health complications.

After a colonoscopy, our healthcare team can provide treatments or recommend lifestyle changes to manage any conditions found, like polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, or diverticulosis. These interventions can bring about an improvement in your symptoms, enabling you to feel better physically.

While a colonoscopy may be uncomfortable, most patients do not experience any serious side effects. Many report feeling better after the procedure as it can help to remove polyps and other growths that can cause discomfort or bleeding.

A colonoscopy, while not providing immediate relief, is an essential procedure in diagnosing gastrointestinal issues, preventing serious diseases, and guiding you toward effective treatment.

Diagnostic colonoscopies are crucial in detecting colorectal cancer, especially for individuals with a family history of this condition. The procedure also serves as a tool for alleviating symptoms such as chronic abdominal pain or cramping, often caused by polyps or tumors in the colon or rectum.

We also use colonoscopies to identify the cause of rectal bleeding or blood in the stool, symptoms that can be highly distressing for patients. Through this procedure, we can determine whether the cause is as minor as hemorrhoids or as serious as cancer, and in some cases, stop the bleeding altogether.

Constant diarrhea or constipation are examples of changes in bowel habits that may indicate a variety of illnesses, from Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). At Phoenix Unified Family Medicine & Aesthetics, we use colonoscopies to effectively evaluate these alterations in bowel movements, helping us establish the cause and devise an appropriate treatment plan.

In cases of significant and unexplained weight loss, a diagnostic colonoscopy can help determine if an underlying gastrointestinal condition is the cause. Furthermore, we use this procedure to identify the source of bleeding in patients suffering from anemia, which is characterized by a low red blood cell count.

At Phoenix Unified Surgeons, we always consider each patient’s medical history, symptoms, and risk factors before recommending a colonoscopy. We believe that comprehensive and individualized care is key to improving our patients’ quality of life. Hence, rest assured that we utilize diagnostic colonoscopies and other medical procedures judiciously and effectively.

While we often recommend colonoscopies due to their effectiveness and reliability, we also understand they are not always the most suitable method for everyone. Our team is also proficient in performing other screening methods, including flexible sigmoidoscopy and virtual colonoscopy (CT colonography). We also offer non-invasive options such as Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) & Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) for patients who may not be suitable for an invasive procedure or prefer a less invasive method.

At Phoenix Unified Surgeons, we believe in personalized care. We understand that the best colorectal screening method depends on individual factors such as age, risk level, and personal preferences.

A colonoscopy is crucial for detecting and preventing colorectal cancer, identifying polyps, and diagnosing gastrointestinal conditions. Regular screenings enable early intervention, improve treatment outcomes, and provide peace of mind about your digestive health. Visit Phoenix Unified Surgeons for expert advice from Dr. Debora J. Fox-McClary, M.D., MBA, FACS, FASCRS, and her team. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 20333 N 19th Avenue, Ste 230 Phoenix, AZ 85027. We serve patients from Phoenix AZ, Sun City AZ, Peoria AZ, Surprise AZ, Glendale AZ, Scottsdale AZ, and surrounding areas.