Colonoscopies: What You Need to Know
Highly skilled gastroenterologists at Houston Methodist Lynda K. and David M. Underwood Center for Digestive Health perform tens of thousands of colorectal screenings every year. Learn lifesaving reasons to consider a colonoscopy screening.
Colonoscopy is the number one tool available to help detect early signs of cancer. It is also the only screening that can prevent cancer. Colonoscopy screenings allow your doctor to locate and remove polyps — small growths inside the colon — that can become cancerous if left untreated.
Specialists at the Underwood Center also conduct colonoscopies to rule out, monitor or confirm other gastrointestinal issues, such as Crohn’s disease, inflammatory bowel disease or colitis.
Nationally Recognized Proactive Colon Care
Houston Methodist Hospital is ranked No. 7 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report for Gastroenterology & GI Surgery. U.S. News & World Report has also named Houston Methodist Hospital the No. 1 hospital in Texas and one of the nation’s best as a nationally ranked Honor Roll hospital.
Our gastroenterologists, as well as our primary care doctors, take a proactive approach to colon care. We will refer you for a preventive colonoscopy if you are 45 years of age or older and have never had a screening colonoscopy, or if it has been 10 years or more since your last screening.
If you have had an immediate family member diagnosed with colorectal cancer, we recommend an earlier screening at age 40, or 10 years before the age your family member was diagnosed — whichever is earlier. Or, if you experience intestinal problems such as abdominal pain, blood in the stool or prolonged diarrhea, you may be referred for an immediate colonoscopy.
You may also be able to schedule a colonoscopy for yourself. Call us at 713.790.3333 to find out if you qualify. Please consult your insurance provider to confirm coverage if you are under the age of 45.