Colon cancer is preventable, treatable, beatable.
Colon cancer screenings can prevent cancer from forming and save lives. In fact, colon cancer has a 90% survival rate when it’s detected early. There are different screening options, depending on your risks:
Click Here to Understand Your Risks
Average risk: Colonoscopy or FIT test
If you are 45 or older, and you have no family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, talk to your primary care physician and ask them to either place an order for a colonoscopy screening, or order an at-home screening, called a FIT test. (If your FIT test is abnormal, you will need to schedule a colonoscopy.)
High risk: Colonoscopy recommended
Regardless of your age, if you have a family history of colorectal cancer or precancerous polyps or if you have a personal history of colon polyps, ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s, or a personal history of colorectal cancer, you should continue to have colonoscopy exams for screening or surveillance. Please connect with your primary care team or colonoscopy physician to help with a colonoscopy.
Active Gastrointestinal Symptoms or Not Sure
Talk to your care team If you have questions, or concerns about symptoms such as rectal bleeding, low blood counts (anemia), change is bowel movements, persistent abdominal pain, or unintentional weight loss, please talk to your primary care or gastrointestinal care team about your next steps in care.
Colonoscopy
Colonoscopy is the most effective method of screening for colon cancer, precancerous growths, and polyps. If an abnormal mass or polyp is identified, your provider will identify the best course of treatment which often includes removing it during the procedure. Finding and removing precancerous growths during colonoscopy can help prevent cancer from developing.
A colonoscopy also helps your doctor see other problems that may be causing abdominal pain, weight loss, rectal bleeding or changes in bowel habits. If you have any of these symptoms, contact your Primary Care Provider or Gastroenterologist directly.
Click here for a list of Gastroenterologists
For an overview of the colonoscopy procedure see our fact sheet
Scheduling a Screening Colonoscopy has been made easier at these Intermountain locations
- Alta View Hospital Endoscopy
- Intermountain Medical Center Endoscopy
- LDS Hospital Endoscopy
- Riverton Hospital Endoscopy
- Park City Hospital
- St. George Regional Hospital
To schedule a screening colonoscopy at these locations
- Fill out the form found at Schedule a Screening Colonoscopy
- We'll call you to complete registration
- Follow the colonoscopy prep instructions in the email sent to you or use this link Colon Prep Instructions
For other Screening Colonoscopy Options
Talk to your primary care provider about scheduling a screening colonoscopy or see our list of Gastroenterology Providers
Links