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Article Category: Highlights

Let’s Get to the Bottom of Your Colonoscopy Questions

Published on March 26, 2024

Last updated 09:29 AM March 25, 2025

Got questions? A panel of GI health experts and a survivor answer questions about colorectal cancer screening and treatment.

In people under 50, colorectal cancer is now the number one cancer-related killer of men and the number two killer of women. Black communities are 20% more likely to get colorectal cancer and 40% more likely to die from it. But this doesn’t have to be the case—colorectal cancer is preventable. When people have a screening colonoscopy, doctors can remove pre-cancerous polyps, stopping them from ever becoming cancer.

Colonoscopies are now recommended starting at age 45 for the general population, and younger for people at higher risk or with a family history. But you have questions:

I’m above average healthy—do I really need a colonoscopy?

How do I know my risk level?

Will the procedure be painful?

How much time should I take off of work?


A panel of gastrointestinal health experts and a patient answer your questions and more here.

Image of colorectal cancer experts and patients including Samantha McInturff, colon cancer survivor; Nancy Page, Wellstar oncology nurse navigator; Dr. Sahir Shroff, Wellstar surgical oncologist; and Dr. Shani Clay, Wellstar gastroenterologist.

Who needs a colonoscopy

I eat well, exercise and am in good general health. Do I really need to go through the hassle of a screening colonoscopy?

Dr. Shani Clay, gastroenterologist: Unfortunately, we discover colon cancer in quite healthy individuals. While it is true that smoking and consumption of red meat increases your risk, we also see colorectal cancer in patients who follow very healthy diets and exercise regularly, hence the need for all people to get screened for colon cancer.

Samantha McInturff, colon cancer survivor: The screening age used to be 50 before they changed it to 45, so I had never had a screening. I was 48 when I had symptoms that led to a colonoscopy and I was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. I am a rule follower. I always get my mammograms. I never smoked. I have no family history. I thought, ‘How can I have cancer?’ What I’ve been through really highlights the importance of screening early. Don’t be scared. Getting screened for colon cancer is a small inconvenience that’s completely worth it. 

When should I start having colon cancer screenings and how often will I need to have one?

Dr. Clay: For people at average risk, meaning people with no alarm symptoms and no family history of colon cancer, screening begins at age 45. 

How frequently you should have a colonoscopy depends on a few things, including family history, the number and type of polyps that are found during your colonoscopy and how clean the colon is at the time of the procedure. Repeat procedures can be anywhere from six months up to 10 years, depending on the results.

Colon cancer is in my family. When should I start screening? 

Dr. Sahir Shroff, surgical oncologist: We’re seeing more and more young patients with colon cancer. If a patient has a strong family history, the screening should start sooner than 45 years of age. For example, if your parent died of colon cancer, you should begin colonoscopies at the age of 30. It depends on the risk factor. Talk to your primary care doctor about your personal risk level.

Dr. Clay: If you have high-risk factors, you should be screened earlier. For example, if a person has a first-degree relative with colon cancer who was diagnosed at less than 60 years of age, that individual should get a screening colonoscopy at either 40 years of age or 10 years younger than the age at the relative’s diagnosis. Additionally, there are certain genetic syndromes that also warrant earlier colon cancer screening with a colonoscopy at less than 45 years of age. Wellstar has a Genetic Risk Assessment Program for people with hereditary risk factors or a family history of cancer.

 

Should I see a doctor if my stool looks different than before? 

Nancy Page, oncology nurse navigator: If you’re having changes in your bowel habits like blood in or on your stool or black stool, you need to let your doctor know soon. Consistent changes like constipation, diarrhea and, it may sound gross, but skinny stools that look like a pencil for a few weeks or more are signs to talk to your doctor. Other changes to be aware of are unexplained weight loss, unexplained fatigue, abdominal pain and even anemia. Don’t put it off. Don’t think, ‘I work a lot. I have kids. I’m busy.’ Let your doctor know now. If it’s colon cancer and it’s diagnosed early, there’s a 90% cure rate.

The majority of patients who get colonoscopies tell me at the end of the procedure that they do not remember a thing and that the procedure was not bad at all.

- Dr. Shani Clay

Wellstar gastroenterologist

What to know about having a colonoscopy

I’ve never had a colonoscopy before. What should I expect?

Dr. Clay: Patients often tell me that the worst part of the entire process is prepping for the procedure. Patients are typically advised not to eat solid foods the day before the procedure, and the evening before they must start taking the prep. The purpose is to clean the colon so that no solid stool is left that could possibly prevent the detection of polyps or cancer. This means many bathroom trips during the hours leading up to the procedure. The clearer the stool, the better my view will be. During the procedure, the patient typically receives sedation and gets great sleep—and, most importantly, does not feel a thing.

Nancy: Colonoscopies aren’t as bad as they used to be. The prep is not as bad at all. You drink clear liquids the day before your procedure. There are different preps but the easiest is a combination of Miralax, Gatorade and Dulcolax. For the colonoscopy, you’ll be sedated with propofol. You don’t even know it’s being done. You close your eyes, and the next thing you know, a kind voice is awakening you, saying, ‘It’s over.’ It’s an outpatient procedure. From beginning to end, it is only two to three hours, with the actual colonoscopy usually being 15 minutes or less.

Spending a day and a half doing colon prep and having the colonoscopy sure beats a year of going to doctor appointments and having chemotherapy and radiation treatments followed by surgery.

How long will the procedure last and do I need to take time off of work for recovery? 

Dr. Clay: The only day required to take off work is the day of the actual procedure.

Will the colonoscopy hurt? How long will recovery take?

Dr. Clay: After the procedure is over, in rare cases the patient may have very mild abdominal cramping that lasts for a few minutes—this is due to the insertion of air into their colon. Sometimes patients feel a little groggy for 15 to 20 minutes or so after the procedure is over from the effects of the anesthesia. About 30 minutes after the procedure is over, most patients feel completely normal. No driving or drinking alcohol is permitted on the day of the procedure. However, the next day, the patient is able to resume normal activities.

The majority of patients who get colonoscopies tell me at the end of the procedure that they do not remember a thing and that the procedure was not bad at all.  

What if you find cancer? Do you remove it during the colonoscopy? What’s next?

Dr. Clay: Sometimes we remove polyps that are pre-cancerous. This does NOT mean that you have cancer. However, there’s a chance the polyp could have turned into cancer in the future. This is the exact reason that we do colonoscopies—to detect these polyps and remove them during the colonoscopy so that they do not lead to cancer. Colon cancer is preventable. This is why colon cancer screening is so important. Everyone should get screened.

If your gastroenterologist sees something abnormal, such as a mass, they will take a sample of it and send it off to the pathology lab. The lab will typically send the results back within a few days, at which time we will inform the patient as to whether they have cancer or not. 

If diagnosed, patients are typically referred to cancer doctors, such as a medical oncologist, a cancer surgeon and sometimes a radiation oncologist. At Wellstar, these specialists discuss each person’s specific case and share perspectives on the best course of action to treat the cancer. They then communicate this to the patient, so the patient understands the next steps.

I am passionate about helping patients get screened for colon cancer because it is a preventable disease. I cannot stress that enough. My hope is that with increased knowledge and awareness, the number of people getting colon cancer will drastically decrease.

Schedule a colonoscopy

Schedule a colonoscopy or find a gastroenterologist near you.

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Highlights

Hey Man, Make Health Your Habit

If you’re a sports fan, you probably know your stats.

Like how NBA Hall of Famer Dominique Wilkins remains undefeated in Atlanta Hawks history for points (23,292) and ranks second in team history in steals (1,245). But there are a few, even more important numbers you should know off the top of your head: your health stats.

Do you know your blood pressure? What about your low-density lipoproteins? Maybe you can clock an eight-minute mile or bench press 250 pounds, but do you know your hemoglobin A1C?

Men are less likely than women to see their healthcare team once a year. Wellstar Primary Care Physician Dr. Tameka Byrd said it’s crucial men stay up to date on preventative care and essential screenings.

“Yearly physicals can catch illnesses before they start and prevent health issues from getting worse,” Dr. Byrd said. “Your primary care provider will tailor a screening plan depending on your age, health history and other factors so you can proactive with your wellness.”

Getting and staying healthy doesn’t just help us feel better—it ensures we can be there for those we care about too.

“It’s also for loved ones—spouses, partners, children and parents. We’re not only here for us. We’re here for our friends and family,” said Wellstar Urologist Dr. Scott Miller. “The best thing you can do for those you care for is to take care of yourself.”

Stats all men should know to stay in the game include:

Body mass index (BMI)

BMI determines whether you have a healthy body weight and categorizes obesity levels. A recommended BMI range is between 18.5 to 25.

Low-density (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol

This blood test measures cholesterol levels and should be part of your wellness routine starting in your 20s. For men 20 or older, healthy LDL levels should be under 100 milligrams per deciliter and aim to keep your HDL above 40.

Blood pressure

Your clinician will take your blood pressure during your regular visit, but you can also find blood pressure checking stations at many pharmacies or buy your own device to use at home. Blood pressure under 120/80 is considered ideal.

Hemoglobin A1C 

This metric measures whether or not you have healthy blood sugar. If you are diabetic, you should check your A1C every three months.

Prostate-specific antigen test (PSA)

Men who are 50 or older should discuss prostate cancer testing with their clinician, according to the American Cancer Society. Men at a higher risk, including Black men and those who had a brother or father diagnosed with cancer before age 65, should ask their care team about testing at age 45. Patients who had more than one close relative with prostate cancer at an early age should have this conversation with their clinician when they’re 40. The Wellstar Prostate Health Program evaluates and treats people with a higher risk for prostate conditions. 

An abnormal PSA result could be an indication of prostate cancer. For men in their 40s and 50s, a PSA score higher than 2.5 nanograms per milliliter is considered abnormal, and men in their 60s should have a PSA score of 4.0 nanograms per milliliter or less.

Along with staying up to date on those health stats, men should also be getting regular colorectal cancer screenings. The American Cancer Society recommends that people at average risk for colorectal cancer screening get checked regularly beginning at age 45. Screenings should continue through age 75, and after that patients can discuss their personal risk and history with their clinician.

Your Wellstar primary care team will partner with you in creating a personalized health plan. Find a provider near you and book online or locate an Augusta area provider.

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Dr. Nasarachi Onyeuku, a radiation oncologist at Wellstar, standing with one of the two TrueBeam linear accelerators in use for cancer care at Wellstar Cobb Cancer Center

Newsroom

Wellstar Cobb Cancer Center Expands Treatment Services

New radiation technology and refreshed waiting and treatment areas are expanding world-class cancer treatment at Wellstar Cobb Cancer Center.

Cancer care in forward motion

Wellstar Cobb Cancer Center recently installed its second TrueBeam linear accelerator, which treats various cancers, including brain, head and neck, prostate, breast, lung, skin and gastrointestinal tumors. With the linear accelerator, clinicians can adjust the size and shape of beams to a tumor’s shape and spare healthy tissue.

With the second linear accelerator, Wellstar Cobb can offer patients more flexible and convenient scheduling. “An additional linear accelerator can lead to timely treatment starts and shorter wait times,” said Dr. Nasarachi Onyeuku, a radiation oncologist at Wellstar. “It expands our ability to treat more patients with cutting-edge care, continuing our commitment to bringing world-class cancer treatment closer to home.”

In addition to state-of-the-art external beam radiotherapy, TrueBeam delivers precise, high-dose stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) targeting tumors in the body. It also provides stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for brain or spine cancer treatment. Patients will typically receive one to five treatments.

Patient-centered care at Wellstar Cobb

Wellstar Cobb Cancer Center recently renovated its treatment areas, front desk and waiting room, making it more welcoming and comforting for patients and their families. Within the treatment areas, the suite where patients receive high-dose radiation brachytherapy, a targeted treatment that involves placing radioactive material directly into tumors or near them, also underwent renovations.

“The beautifully designed space enhances patient comfort, offering a calm, supportive environment,” Dr. Onyeuku said. “We’re currently treating breast, cervical, uterine and skin cancers, with plans to expand to other cancer types. It’s advanced, efficient care—delivered close to home and with compassion.”

Early detection and support services

Cancer care begins with prevention and early detection. Wellstar Cobb is home to a lung cancer STAT Clinic, where specialists collaborate to diagnose and begin treatment within as little as 14 days. According to research by the Cleveland Clinic, patients can spend up to eight weeks on average visiting different specialists before starting a treatment plan. Earlier treatment can lead to the best possible outcomes.

Patients at Wellstar Cobb receive support at every stage of their treatment. These services include:

  • Emotional support from a social worker
  • Lymphedema therapy for patients with excess fluid and swelling
  • Meal planning with a dietitian
  • Monthly support group
  • Pain management
  • Physical therapy
  • Transportation assistance

“We have a superb team and state-of-the-art treatment here at Wellstar Cobb Cancer Center. And we’re backed by the resources of a nationally recognized health system,” Dr. Onyeuku said. “We are thrilled that our technology enhancements allow us to serve more people with exceptional cancer treatment.”

Learn more about cancer care in Cobb.

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A healthcare provider checks the lungs of her patient using a stethoscope. Reads "PhyllisCare".

PeopleCare

PhyllisCare

For Phyllis Burgess, staying on top of her health made all the difference. When lung cancer showed up on a routine screening, she was ready—and so was her Wellstar care team.

Friendly photo of Phyllis Burgess


Proactive primary care

When Phyllis retired after nearly 50 years as a bookkeeper, she looked forward to a slower pace and more time for herself. A breast cancer survivor and former smoker, she also wanted to be proactive about her health.

Encouraged by her Wellstar primary care physician, Dr. David Gose, Phyllis committed to regular lung cancer screening at Wellstar Paulding Medical Center —staying one step ahead of a disease that usually goes unnoticed until it's too late. Wellstar’s lung cancer screening program is a national leader in early detection, offering low-dose CT scans that help detect early-stage lung cancer before clinical signs or symptoms become evident.

Her first three CT scans came back clear. But on her fourth screening, doctors spotted something suspicious.

Quick answers with the STAT Clinic

Phyllis was quickly referred to the Wellstar Specialty Teams and Treatments (STAT) Clinic for Lung Cancer at Wellstar Paulding. The program quickly moves patients through screening to diagnosis and treatment with a multidisciplinary team of experts. Patients with lung and other chest cancers meet with multiple specialists in one place, often on the same day, to reduce delays and improve outcomes.

"Most of the time you don’t get two or three or four or five people on your case from the get-go,” said Phyllis. "But knowing that I had this group of qualified professionals looking at my tests, discussing what we need to do, how best to do it, when to do it—it’s very comforting."

At the Wellstar STAT Clinic, Phyllis’ care team included a thoracic surgeon, medical and radiation oncologists, pulmonologist and nurse navigators, who bring a highly personalized level of guidance and support to each patient and their family members.

"The support staff was just fabulous,” Phyllis said. "They’re like best friends. They’re there for you."

Behind the scenes, her care team was already working in sync to coordinate fast care.

“We plan patients’ appointments ahead of time, ordering multiple tests that will be necessary for the treatment decision-making. These can include PET scans, CT scans, MRIs and/or a pulmonary function test,” said Dr. Daniel Fortes, Wellstar chief of thoracic surgery. "We’re always gaining time in the patient’s overall treatment because we are anticipating and creating a plan as a team."

Dr. Fortes emphasized that timing matters when treating lung cancer. "We have data to show that if we delay treatment, even in early-stage cancers, we do decrease the chance of a cure,” he said. “The goal of the STAT Clinic is to get them the quickest we can into their final treatment plan."

Expert diagnosis and advanced surgery

To diagnose her cancer, Phyllis underwent a robotic bronchoscopy at Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center. The advanced procedure allowed the pulmonary team to examine her lungs and collect tissue samples.

The biopsy confirmed lung cancer. Having already caught one cancer early, Phyllis was grateful she had remained vigilant—keeping up with annual screenings and following through on care every step of the way.

"I am sort of a walking advertisement for early detection," she said. "My mammogram showed up with stage zero breast cancer. And I think they described the lung cancer as 1.1—very early, no metastasis. I’ve been very fortunate. These processes that are there for people to take advantage of saved my life.”

Phyllis returned to the STAT Clinic, where the same team who had evaluated her case before came together again to review her results and finalize her treatment plan.

"Every single patient who comes through our clinic is discussed collaboratively by a group of lung cancer specialists so we can make a fast, informed decision as a team," Dr. Fortes explained. "Because Phyllis had good overall health and an early-stage diagnosis, she was an excellent candidate for surgery.”

Soon after, Phyllis had a lobectomy at Wellstar Kennestone. Dr. Fortes performed the robotic-assisted surgery using the  da Vinci Surgical System to remove the affected part of her lung.

"They told me what they would do, what kind of incisions they’d be making and what I could expect in the way of healing," Phyllis said. “So, I went in feeling like this is not some strange, scary process.”

Dr. Fortes noted that complex cancer surgeries are best performed at major centers like Wellstar Kennestone. "Complex cancer care demands a comprehensive structure of care around the patient that includes more than just physicians and technology," he explained. "At the same time, we are continuing to expand our STAT Clinics to bring them closer to people's homes and with the aim of improving access for patients.”

Ongoing care, close to home

Phyllis’ lung cancer surgery took place the day before a snowstorm was forecasted to hit the metro Atlanta area. However, thanks to Dr. Fortes’ minimally invasive techniques—which resulted in less pain, less scarring and less blood loss—she was able to be discharged from the hospital that evening and avoid being stuck at the hospital for several days due to poor road conditions.

Phyllis described her recovery as “easy” and now feels great. She continues her follow-up care for both lung and breast cancer at the Wellstar Women’s Imaging Services at Wellstar Paulding, close to home.

“Wellstar Paulding feels like home, even when I’m dealing with someone who I haven’t met before,” she shared. “Whether it’s the receptionist or the admissions nurse—they’re always very, very friendly and helpful. There’s a family feel to it."

Hope, health and staying vigilant

As she settles into retirement, Phyllis is sharing her story to encourage others to set aside any fear or guilt and talk to their healthcare provider about lung cancer screening.

"Cancers are so insidious. You’re not going to just go, 'Gee, I don’t feel good; it must be cancer,'" she said. "There’s no big warning signs until it’s serious. Early detection is absolutely our best weapon. It’s our best defense.”

Dr. Fortes echoed the importance of early detection. "We can only cure lung cancers if we pick them up in an early stage. That’s why lung cancer is the No. 1 cancer killer in the world,” he said. “The only way we can change that is by diagnosing early. And then they are truly curable.”

Phyllis is thankful for Wellstar’s STAT Clinics that are designed to move quickly when it matters most.

Her advice to others considering treatment at a STAT Clinic? "Please do it. It’s the difference between life and death,” she urged. “At the same time, it’s in an environment where you don’t feel like you’re a sample in a petri dish. These are people, and they’re warm, and they care."

Learn more about who is eligible for lung cancer screening, find a location near you or schedule your lung cancer screening at Wellstar.

Learn more about STAT Clinics at Wellstar.

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