HonorHealth gastroenterologist Deepa Shah, MD, explains why colonoscopy is the gold standard for the prevention of colon cancer.

If you've already turned 45 or if you’re experiencing symptoms of a significant gastrointestinal problem, it is time to get a colonoscopy.

Simply put, a colonoscopy could save your life. As the gold standard among colorectal cancer screenings, colonoscopy can detect and help treat colon cancer sooner, when chances are better for a favorable outcome.

A colonoscopy is safe, outpatient procedure that lets your HonorHealth doctor look inside your entire large intestine using a colonoscope, a flexible instrument with a camera and light. Your doctor is able to see inflamed tissue, abnormal growths and ulcers.

You'll be comfortably sedated for the duration of the procedure but will quickly wake with mild, if any, side effects. You'll be allowed to go home the same day. Minimal recovery time is required. Most patients won't need another colonoscopy for the next 10 years.

HonorHealth Physician Referral Service Disclaimer: Physicians in the Physician Referral Service sponsored by HonorHealth must be a member of the medical staff at an HonorHealth hospital to participate. If a physician ceases to be a member of the medical staff of at least one of HonorHealth's hospitals, the physician will be removed from the Physician Referral Service database. There is no cost or fee charged to qualified physicians to participate in the Physician Referral Service. Participation by each physician is voluntary. We will refer you to a physician based on the specialty and location you request. HonorHealth is not responsible for the medical services you receive from any physician to whom you are referred.

HonorHealth does not share personal information collected with third parties for marketing purposes.

HonorHealth Physician Referral Service Disclaimer: Physicians in the Physician Referral Service sponsored by HonorHealth must be a member of the medical staff at an HonorHealth hospital to participate. If a physician ceases to be a member of the medical staff of at least one of HonorHealth's hospitals, the physician will be removed from the Physician Referral Service database. There is no cost or fee charged to qualified physicians to participate in the Physician Referral Service. Participation by each physician is voluntary. We will refer you to a physician based on the specialty and location you request. HonorHealth is not responsible for the medical services you receive from any physician to whom you are referred.

HonorHealth does not share personal information collected with third parties for marketing purposes.