Colonoscopy

Q: At what age should I start colorectal cancer screening?

For individuals at average risk, colorectal cancer screenings are recommended starting at age 45 . If you have a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, you should consult your physician about starting screenings earlier to manage your specific risk factors.

Q: Is a colonoscopy painful?

No, most patients experience little to no discomfort . At Brookings Health System, patients typically receive sedation to ensure they are relaxed and comfortable throughout the procedure.

Q: How much will I pay for a screening colonoscopy?

A screening colonoscopy for people over 45 is considered a preventive service under the Affordable Care Act . As such, most insurance plans will cover the cost of a screening colonoscopy. To verify coverage, we recommend contacting your health insurance provider or reviewing our Financial Assistance and Billing Options .

Q: What can I eat the day before a colonoscopy?

The day before your colonoscopy, you must follow a clear liquid diet . This includes water, broth, black coffee, and light-colored sports drinks. You must avoid solid foods and any liquids with red, orange, or purple dye, as these can interfere with the physician's ability to see the colon lining clearly.

A colonoscopy is an endoscopic procedure used to screen for colorectal cancer, the common term for colon and rectal cancer. While other colorectal cancer screening methods exist, colonoscopy is considered the "gold standard" because it allows a physician to identify polyps and remove them in the same procedure.

A colonoscopy allows a physician to closely look inside the entire large intestine (colon) and rectum for polyps which could be early signs of cancer. During the exam, the doctor inserts a long, flexible tube with a tiny video camera at its tip into the rectum, allowing the doctor to view the entire colon. The doctor can also remove polyps or other abnormal tissue through the tube if necessary.

Signs You May Need a Colonoscopy Include:

Blood in your stool
Frequent and unattributed pain, aches or cramps in your stomach
A change in bowel habits, like having stools that are narrower than usual
Constipation or diarrhea unrelated to recent meals
Unattributed weight loss

Preparing for a Colorectal Cancer Screening:

Your physician will give you specific directions on how to prepare for your colonoscopy. In general, all solid foods must be emptied from your stomach and bowels by following a clear liquid diet for one to three days before the procedure. Your physician may give you a laxative the night before the colonoscopy to loosen stool and get bowels moving.

Download colonoscopy preparation instructions below based on directions from your physician.

Colonoscopy Low Fiber Diet

Avera Miralax Colonoscopy Prep Instructions

Avera Magnesium Citrate Colonoscopy Prep Instructions

Sanford Colonoscopy Prep Instructions

Frequently Asked Questions About Colorectal Cancer Screenings at Brookings Health System

For individuals at average risk, colorectal cancer screenings are recommended starting at age 45. If you have a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, you should consult your physician about starting screenings earlier to manage your specific risk factors.

No, most patients experience little to no discomfort. At Brookings Health System, patients typically receive sedation to ensure they are relaxed and comfortable throughout the procedure.

A screening colonoscopy for people over 45 is considered a preventive service under the Affordable Care Act. As such, most insurance plans will cover the cost of a screening colonoscopy. To verify coverage, we recommend contacting your health insurance provider or reviewing our Financial Assistance and Billing Options.

The day before your colonoscopy, you must follow a clear liquid diet. This includes water, broth, black coffee, and light-colored sports drinks. You must avoid solid foods and any liquids with red, orange, or purple dye, as these can interfere with the physician's ability to see the colon lining clearly.

Yes. One of the primary advantages of a colonoscopy is that it is both diagnostic and therapeutic. If your physician identifies a polyp (a small growth that could become cancerous), they can often remove it during the same procedure, effectively preventing colon cancer before it starts.

Watch & Learn

Patients from our rural community share their experience with a colonoscopy to let others know how simple the procedure really is. Brookings couple, Kim and John Vig, share about their joint colonoscopy experiences at Brookings Health System and why it’s important to get your regular colonoscopy. Tim Goodwin shares his “flawless” experience with a colonoscopy from his initial visit to post-procedure.