Guidelines recommend screening for average risk individuals at age 45. You should get screened earlier if you have a family history of colon or rectal cancer or if you have symptoms (bleeding, change in bowel habits or pain). You are recommended to get screened for colon cancer even if you do not have a family history of cancer and have not had any symptoms. Colonoscopy is recommended at least once every 10 years, and more frequently if you have had colon polyps or a family history of colon cancer. Colon cancer is very common and is currently the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Studies have shown that when screening is performed, 80-90% of colon cancers can be prevented. More information can be found here.
Doctors at the Washington University Colon Screening Program are highly skilled at performing colonoscopy and our Gastroenterology division has been ranked #1 in Missouri by U.S. News and World Report.
Please submit the form below if you would like us to help arrange a colonoscopy screening test for you. We are currently performing procedures at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital and South County. We can help you through the process by contacting your primary care physician for a referral and scheduling a colonoscopy appointment for you. If you have questions, call 314-362-5952.