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MARCH IS COLON CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
Schedule Your Colonoscopy
What is a Colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is a low-risk procedure that allows your doctor to look inside your large intestine and colon using a thin, flexible tube with a tiny camera. It helps find problems like polyps, inflammation, or early signs of colorectal cancer. If polyps are found, they can usually be removed during the same procedure. The exam is done under sedation, so you’ll be relaxed and comfortable, and most people don’t remember it afterward. It’s one of the best ways to protect your digestive health and prevent colorectal cancer.
BIG SANDY REGION
Paintsville, KY
Paintsville ARH Medical and Specialty Associates
A Department of Paintsville ARH Hospital
604 James Trimble Boulevard, Paintsville, KY 41240
Phone: 606‑788‑0303
Prestonsburg, KY
ARH Medical and Specialty Associates - Highlands
A Department of Highlands ARH Medical Center
5000 KY Route 321 Suite 4139, Prestonsburg, KY 41653
Phone: 606‑886‑7645
Salyersville, KY
ARH Medical and Specialty Associates - Salyersville
A Department of Morgan County ARH Hospital
186 Brenna Boulevard Suite 100, Salyersville, KY 41465
Phone: 606‑349‑6500
South Williamson, KY
ARH Specialty Associates - Tug Valley
A Department of Tug Valley ARH Regional Medical Center
306 Hospital Drive Suite 100, South Williamson, KY 41503
Phone: 606‑237‑1789
Colonoscopy Locations
CUMBERLAND VALLEY REGION
Barbourville, KY
ARH Cumberland Valley Medical and Surgical Associates - Barbourville
A Dept. of Barbourville ARH
80 Hospital Drive Suite 2, Barbourville, KY 40906
Phone: 606‑545‑4460
Corbin, KY
ARH Cumberland Valley Medical and Specialty Associates - Corbin
1317 Cumberland Falls Highway Suite B, Corbin, KY 40701
Phone: 606‑620‑4153
Harlan, KY
ARH Daniel Boone Clinic - Harlan
A Department of Harlan ARH Hospital
37 Ball Park Road, Harlan, KY 40831
Phone: 606‑573‑4520
Middlesboro, KY
ARH Cumberland Valley Medical and Surgical Associates
A Department of Barbourville ARH
3504 Cumberland Avenue, Middlesboro, KY 40965
Phone: 606‑248‑0737
Pennington Gap, VA
KENTUCKY RIVER REGION
Hazard, KY
ARH Medical and Specialty Associates - Hazard
A Department of Hazard ARH Regional Medical Center
200 Medical Center Drive, Hazard, KY 41701
Phone: 606‑487‑7510
Whitesburg, KY
Whitesburg ARH Surgical Clinic
A Department of Whitesburg ARH Hospital
214 Hospital Road Suite A, Whitesburg, KY 41858
Phone: 606‑633‑2256
WEST VIRGINIA REGION
Beckley, WV
ARH Gastroenterology
A Department of Beckley ARH Hospital
250 Stanaford Road Suite 105, Beckley, WV 25801
Phone: 304‑253‑0849
ARH Surgical Associates
A Department of Beckley ARH Hospital
250 Stanaford Road Suite 205, Beckley, WV 25801
Phone: 304‑254‑2660
What is the Purpose of a Colonoscopy?
Having a colonoscopy offers several important health benefits that can protect your well-being now and in the future.
- Detects early colorectal cancer, when it’s most treatable.
- Detects and removes polyps before they can turn into cancer.
- Explains symptoms like bleeding, bowel changes, abdominal pain, or unexplained weight loss.
- Allows tissue samples to be taken during the procedure, avoiding extra procedures.
- Helps diagnose digestive conditions such as Chron’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
- Provides peace of mind by giving you and your provider a clear picture of your colon health.
Who Needs a Colonoscopy?
Most people qualify for a colonoscopy for one of two reasons: routine screening or evaluation of symptoms/risk factors.
Age based screening – Most adults age 45 and older qualify for a screening colonoscopy, even if they feel healthy.
Family history – You may need a colonoscopy earlier or more often if you have:
- A first degree relative (parent, sibling, or child) with colorectal cancer or advanced polyps.
- A known genetic condition like Lynch syndrome or FAP.
Personal medical history – A colonoscopy is recommended if you have:
- A history of polyps or previous colorectal cancer.
- Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis).
Symptoms that need evaluation – You may qualify for a diagnostic colonoscopy if you have:
- Rectal bleeding
- Unexplained changes in bowel habits
- Persistent abdominal pain
- Unexplained weight loss
- Iron deficiency anemia
Abnormal results on other tests A positive stool test (FIT, FOBT, or stool DNA test) usually requires a follow up colonoscopy.
What to Expect During a Colonoscopy
Preparation
Your colonoscopy prep usually starts the day before the procedure. Your provider will give you step-by-step instructions, including how to adjust your diet for a few days and how to clean out your bowels using laxatives. These laxatives will cause frequent bathroom trips, but they’re essential because your doctor needs a clear view of your colon.
You can make the prep more comfortable by planning ahead. Stock up on moist wipes, diaper cream, clear liquids, and low-fiber foods you like. It also helps to keep your schedule light on prep days.
Be sure to tell your doctor about any health conditions, past reactions to anesthesia, and all medications, vitamins, and supplements you take. This helps your care team to choose the safest sedation plan and avoid complications. Your doctor may ask you to stop or adjust certain medications before the procedure.
During the Exam
During your colonoscopy, an IV will be placed so you can undergo sedation to help you relax—you will sleep through the exam. You’ll be connected to monitors that track your heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels, and you’ll receive a little oxygen through your nose.
Once you’re comfortable, the doctor gently inserts a thin, flexible tube with a tiny camera into your rectum to examine your colon. The camera sends images to a screen so the doctor can look closely at your large intestine. If any polyps or abnormal tissue are found, they can usually be removed during the same procedure.
The exam itself typically takes 30–60 minutes. With check-in, preparation, and recovery from sedation, expect to be at the hospital for about three to four hours in total.
Recovery
After your procedure, you’ll wake up in a recovery area for about 30–45 minutes, and your care team will go over your results. Because of the sedation, you’ll need someone to drive you home. Most people can return to light activities the same day, but it’s best to avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, and alcohol for 24 hours.
The sedation wears off quickly—usually within about 30 minutes after the IV is removed. You may feel bloated or pass gas for a few hours; walking can help ease this. If polyps or tissue samples were removed, you might notice a small amount of blood in your first bowel movement, which is normal. If you continue to pass blood or blood clots or if you have persistent abdominal pain or a fever, contact your provider.
March is National Colon Cancer Awareness Month and ARH provides colonoscopies at various locations. If you are 45 or older with a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, it’s time to schedule your colonoscopy today!