Wait No More: Get Fast and Easy Access to Advanced Colonoscopy Technology

Preventive screenings are just one of those things. You know you should do it, but you put it off, put it off some more, get the referral from your primary care physician, stare at your calendar, and finally make the call, only to find out the next available appointment is months away. But making that appointment sooner can be lifesaving. Health screenings are critical to the prevention, early detection, and successful treatment of disease. That’s why WMCHealth created the Direct Access Colon Cancer Screening Program—a convenient way to access a lifesaving test using the most advanced technology available. 

Who Should Get a Colon Cancer Screening?

Colorectal cancer is the third-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men and the fourth for women, according to the American Cancer Society. It’s estimated that colon cancer will have caused over 53,000 deaths in 2024. Screenings are essential in the prevention and early detection of colon cancer.

“Everyone should get a colon screening starting at the age of 45, and those at high risk should start  even earlier,” says Edward Lebovics, MD, Chief of Gastroenterology at Westchester Medical Center. 

“The vast majority of colon cancer progresses from premalignant polyps into cancers,” says Dr. Lebovics. “The screening allows doctors to locate and remove these pre-cancerous polyps. It also helps them determine which patients are prone to developing these polyps, so they can be monitored more closely.”

Some risk factors, including but not limited to a family history of colon cancer, may make you a candidate for screening before age 45. Talk to your doctor about when screening is right for you.

What Happens During a Colonoscopy?

There are several acceptable options for colon cancer screening, but the most effective  is an outpatient procedure called a colonoscopy. The day before the procedure, patients take a laxative, to clean out the system. On the day of the procedure, patients are given a sedative or anesthesia to eliminate any discomfort. The endoscopist inserts a long and flexible tube with a camera at the end of it, called a colonoscope, through the patient’s anus, into the colon. The gastroenterologist examines the entire colon for polyps, which are removed during the procedure. A successful colonoscopy depends on the training and skill of the endoscopist.

Some colonoscopies are more complicated than others. WMCHealth is well-equipped to handle those types of cases as well. Many times, a local physician will refer a patient to WMCHealth when the situation is too complex for them to address.

WMCHealth’s Direct Access Colon Cancer Screening Program 

Dr. Lebovics explains that the rate of colon cancer diagnosis under the age of 45 is trending upward. “While research is not yet conclusive as to why the rates are increasing, it highlights the importance of  early detection,” he says. While routine screening is not recommended for patients younger than 45, any possible symptoms of colon cancer, such as rectal bleeding or change in bowel habits, should be evaluated. 

WMCHealth aims to ensure the community has convenient access to screenings that use the most advanced technology. Most colonoscopies start with a visit to your primary care doctor and a referral to a gastroenterologist. But busy schedules and paperwork can make this a time-intensive task. Through WMCHealth’s Direct Access Colon Cancer Screening Program, you can skip the referral process and submit your name and date of birth online. The program’s office will follow up to collect the necessary information and book you for the procedure at the same time. 

The speed to access is not the program’s only benefit. WMCHealth has access to the most advanced screening technology. This technology enables endoscopists at WMCHealth to remove large or flat polyps that are more difficult to treat elsewhere. Dr. Lebovics explains that in recent years, advancements in endoscopes, high-definition imaging, and endoscopic tools have improved the effectiveness of colonoscopies in detecting and removing disease.

As an academic medical center, WMCHealth is also at the forefront of innovation and research regarding new technologies, techniques, and tools for detecting and fighting colon cancer.

Is a Colonoscopy Better than a Stool Test?

Researchers are continuing to perfect new screening methods. In recent years, at-home screening tests have become available. These tests are easier and more private, so you may wonder why a colonoscopy is still recommended.

Dr. Lebovics explains, “Any screening test is better than no screening at all. But while at-home tests are convenient, they are not as sensitive for early detection, at least not yet.”

According to Dr. Lebovics, these at-home tests have about a 92% success rate of detecting advanced premalignant polyps or colon cancer. Colonoscopy offers the ability to find polyps before they become advanced or cancerous.

New promising blood tests are in development that may replace the need for colonoscopy screenings in the next decade or so. However, they need more study. So, for now, colonoscopies are preferred, especially for those with risk factors.

There’s no reason to wait. Get your colonoscopy scheduled today.