Colon cancer screening is preventive testing that looks for colon cancer before it has a chance to cause trouble. The goal is simple: find anything concerning early, when it is most treatable, and ideally stop cancer from ever starting.
Screening matters because colon cancer is often silent in its early stages. About 80 percent of people with colon cancer have no symptoms at first, so waiting until something feels wrong can mean waiting too long. Regular screening gives us a chance to step in before you would ever notice a problem.
At The Gastroenterology Group, our board-certified gastroenterologists in Akron and Massillon, Ohio, make screening straightforward and low stress. You do not need a referral to schedule a screening colonoscopy with us, and we welcome new patients.
Why screening matters
Colon cancer usually begins as a small growth called a polyp. Polyps grow slowly and quietly, often over many years, and most cause no symptoms along the way. That slow, silent growth is exactly why screening works so well. It gives us time to find and remove polyps long before they could ever become cancer.
Catching a problem early also means more treatment options and better outcomes. When colon cancer is found at an early stage, it is far easier to treat than when it is found later.
How we screen
There are several ways to screen for colon cancer, and a colonoscopy is the most effective. It is the only method that both detects and prevents cancer in a single step, because your gastroenterologist can remove polyps during the same exam. Finding a polyp and taking it out right then is what makes colonoscopy so valuable.
During the exam, your doctor uses a flexible scope with a small camera to look at the entire lining of the large intestine. If polyps or other concerning areas are found, they can usually be removed and sent to the lab during the same visit, so you are not left waiting or scheduling a second procedure.
Who should be screened
Screening is recommended for healthy adults even when they feel completely fine. In fact, feeling fine is the whole point, since most early colon cancer has no symptoms. Your personal and family history can affect when and how often you should be screened, so it helps to share that history with us.
You may benefit from screening sooner or more often if you have a family history of colon cancer or polyps, a personal history of polyps, or an ongoing intestinal condition. If you are unsure where you stand, we are happy to talk it through and help you decide.
Scheduling without an office visit
Many people can skip the preliminary appointment altogether. Through our Open Access program, eligible healthy adults can schedule a screening colonoscopy directly, without a separate office visit first. It is a convenient way to get screened on time when you have no significant symptoms.
If you do have symptoms such as abdominal pain, a change in bowel habits, or rectal bleeding, we may recommend an office visit first so we can tailor your care. We also offer upper endoscopy and other services when a fuller look at your digestive health is needed.
When to see us
The best time to start screening is before anything feels wrong. If you are due for colon cancer screening, have a family history that concerns you, or simply have questions about getting started, reach out and we will point you in the right direction.
To schedule your screening colonoscopy, request an appointment online or call us at (330) 869-0954. No referral is needed, and our team will walk you through every step.