Man and woman look for colon screening options at Ascension Wisconsin sites of care. Start by talking to your doctor.

Colonoscopy and colorectal cancer screening

Talk to your primary care doctor at Ascension Wisconsin sites of care about risk factors for colon cancer and colorectal screening.
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Getting regular colon screening may help find polyps and cancer early, when they are most treatable. When polyps and cancer are found early, there may be more options for treatment too. At Ascension Wisconsin sites of care, we provide colonoscopies and at-home colorectal tests that are right for you based on your age, family history, smoking history and other risk factors. Talk with your doctor about what screening options are right for you.

Colon cancer screening recommendation

At Ascension Wisconsin, our doctors recommend men and women get their first colonoscopy at age 45. You may need to get a colonoscopy earlier if you have a personal or family history of polyps or colon cancer, diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease, or if you have symptoms such as:

  • Abdominal pain or discomfort
  • Change in bowel habits
  • Rectal bleeding
  • Unexplained weight loss

Talk to your primary care doctor about scheduling a colonoscopy or other colon screening. We’ll connect you with the right specialist for a colonoscopy and follow-up care.

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What to expect during a colonoscopy

During your colonoscopy, you'll receive anesthesia before the colonoscope — a long, flexible tube containing a small camera — is inserted into your colon. This camera helps your doctor find polyps. Colon screenings aren’t just for finding cancer, but for stopping it before it starts. While not all polyps are cancerous, they can become cancerous in the future. That’s why it's important to identify and sometimes remove polyps.

Comprehensive care for colon and rectal cancer

Colorectal cancer is the third-most common cancer in men and women. Early and accurate screening and diagnoses are important. And getting the right treatment at the right time decreases the challenges of later-stage colon cancer diagnosis. From colonoscopy and the removal of precancerous polyps to colon surgery, targeted radiation treatment and chemotherapy, our cancer care team has the expertise to deliver treatment options for both early and later-stage cancer diagnoses.

Your doctor and care team work together with you on a care plan. Your colorectal surgeon will answer your questions, paying attention to your physical and emotional needs and those of your caregivers, including what you can eat. In addition to your surgeon, your care team may include a medical oncologist, radiation oncologist, radiation therapist, oncology-certified nurses, dietitian, social worker, chaplain and supportive palliative care specialist. And your entire care team stays connected to discuss your treatment and progress. As your care needs change, we’re ready to support you.

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Find out more about Ascension Wisconsin cancer care

Frequently asked questions: Colorectal cancer screening

  • What is colon and rectal cancer screening?

    At Ascension Wisconsin, we recommend a colonoscopy as the first choice for colon and rectal cancer screening. Two other at-home tests are available. Below is a brief description of each option. Timeframes are for adults who are at a lower risk for developing colon cancer and rectal cancer.

    Colonoscopy (typically every 10 years)
    A colonoscopy involves inserting a small, flexible tube camera into the colon. It catches most cancers early and can identify and allow removal of polyps, which are bumps that are not cancers, but might turn into cancers.

    Cologuard® (typically every 3 years)
    Cologuard® is an at-home stool test that looks for abnormal cell DNA and evidence of hidden blood (which can be a sign of cancer). This at-home test may be recommended by your doctor if you are  at average risk for colorectal cancer,  have no history of suspicious polyps, or no personal or family history of colorectal cancer. The test is delivered to and picked up from your home.

    FIT test (Fecal Immunochemical Test) (typically every year)
    This at-home stool test looks for hidden blood. Pick up the kit at your provider’s office or lab, and mail or bring it back when complete.

  • What happens when a colorectal screening test is positive?

    Any screening test can be false positive. For this reason, when there is a positive screening test, a follow-up colonoscopy may be recommended in the case of a positive Cologuard or FIT test. During a screening colonoscopy or diagnostic colonoscopy your doctor may extract tissue from inside the colon or rectum that looks suspicious (this procedure is called a biopsy). The tissue sample is analyzed using a microscope and a pathology report is sent to your doctor. At Ascension Wisconsin, your doctor and nurses are here to help explain your test results and answer your questions. We work with you to create a care plan that’s right for you.

  • Is it true that cancer will be what it is going to be, and nothing can be done about it?

    No, this is not true. Not all polyps (abnormal growths) in the colon develop into cancer, but if you have been diagnosed with certain types of colorectal polyps, they can be removed during a colonoscopy procedure.

    Talk to your doctor about your concerns. Learn how screening can help prevent cancer or find it early, when treatment works best. Ask your doctor how you can lower your risk for developing colon or rectal cancer. Healthy habits like eating lots of fruits, vegetables and whole grains, eating minimal red meat, and maintaining a healthy weight help prevent polyps and colon cancer in the first place.

  • What does colorectal  screening cost?

    Colorectal screening tests (colonoscopy, FIT test or Cologuard) are generally covered by insurance with no additional cost to you¹, even if a colonoscopy is required. Use our price transparency tool to get an estimated cost at Ascension locations.

    ¹ Check with your insurance company prior to scheduling your screening to determine coverage. All product and company names are trademarks™ or registered® trademarks of their respective holders. All rights reserved.

  • Are the home tests Cologuard® or FIT tests hard to use?

    These tests are easy to use. Instructional videos are available to watch from your home. Ask your doctor’s office who to contact if you have questions.

  • Can I get transportation if I need it for a clinic appointment?

    At many of our Ascension sites of care transportation is available through Lyft, at no cost to you. Simply call the clinic you need a ride to in order to schedule it. If Lyft is not available in your area, check with your insurance company because they may also provide transportation.

  • What if I can’t take time off from work, or get child care to get a colonoscopy?

    Home tests like the FIT or Cologuard® tests may be good options. Talk to your doctor to see if they are right for you.