Colonoscopy Procedures in Medford
Beginning at age 50, both men and women at average risk for developing colorectal cancer should be screened.
Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable cancers there is. More importantly, if caught early, it is also one of the most treatable. Yet in Oregon less than 11 percent of the population follows the recommended screening guidelines. The result is that more than half of colon cancer cases in Oregon are detected in later stages of the disease.
Because so many people are still not having a recommended colonoscopy, colorectal cancer is now the third most common cancer in men and women.
People should talk to their doctor about starting colorectal cancer screening earlier and/or being screened more often if they have any of the following colorectal cancer risk factors:
- A personal history of colorectal cancer or adenomatous polyps
- A personal history of chronic inflammatory bowel disease (Crohns disease or ulcerative colitis)
- A strong family history of colorectal cancer or polyps
(cancer or polyps in a first-degree relative [parent, sibling, or child] younger than 60 or in 2 or more first-degree relatives of any age)
- A known family history of hereditary colorectal cancer syndromes such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer (HNPCC)
Family Practice Group provides colonoscopy screening services. Please call our office to schedule an appointment.
For more information on colon cancer please visit the American Cancer Society web site on this topic.
Insurance coverage: Most insurance companies cover a colonoscopy screening for those 50 and over. Check with your insurance regarding your coverage for this screening.