WHAT IS A COLONOSCOPY?

A colonoscopy is an examination of the lining of the rectum and colon that enables a physician to detect and remove polyps and to discover the early stages of colorectal cancer, the second leading cause of cancer deaths.

WHO SHOULD HAVE A COLONOSCOPY AND WHEN?

Everyone should undergo a colonoscopy beginning at age 50 and every 10 years thereafter. Before age 50, individuals with a family history of colorectal cancer should be tested, as well as those who display symptoms such as:

• Blood in stool
• Frequent abdominal pain
• Changes in bowel habits
• Unexplained weight loss

WHERE CAN I GET A COLONOSCOPY?

Greene Memorial Hospital and the GMH Surgery Center at the Beavercreek HealthPark have a staff of experienced physicians who will perform your colonoscopy with comprehensive and compassionate care.

• Referrals are not required

WHY DO I NEED A COLONOSCOPY?

• More than a million Americans will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer this year
• More than 50,000 will die of this disease

To learn more about colonoscopies, contact Greene Memorial Hospital or visit Colon Cancer Resources