March 2025

Don’t put off your colonoscopy. Here’s why.

Colorectal cancer (also called colon cancer) is largely preventable, treatable and beatable. Here are the facts:

• Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States behind lung cancer.
• The earlier the cancer or precancerous polyps are detected, the more successful, and easier, the treatment.
• Your risk increases with age.

Doctors consider your risk of developing colorectal cancer higher if:

• You have had it before.
• You have a history of polyps.
• Have a family member who has had colorectal cancer or a history of polyps.
• Have a personal history of inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn’s Disease and ulcerative colitis.

A colonoscopy screening is the only procedure that both detects and removes precancerous polyps. It can find precancerous polyps — abnormal growths in the colon or rectum — so that they can be removed before turning into cancer. The screening also helps find colorectal cancer at an early stage, when treatment can often lead to a cure.

Most people should begin screening for colorectal cancer at age 45, then continue getting screened at regular intervals per your doctor’s advice. If your risk is high, your doctor may recommend screening before age 45.

Request an appointment.

Breaking News: 45 is the New 50

Have you heard? 45 is the new 50. More specifically, people of average risk of colorectal cancer should get a colonoscopy screening beginning at age 45 instead of the previous recommendation of age 50. If your risk is high, your doctor may recommend screening earlier than age 45. All this, per the American Cancer Society. Ask your doctor what age is right for your first screening.

Learn more about a colonoscopy.

Colonoscopy Screenings Just Got Smarter

In 2024, Cincinnati GI began offering AI-assisted colonoscopies and was the first in our region to do so. The GI Genius colonoscopy uses artificial intelligence to help detect colorectal polyps that may otherwise be missed during a colonoscopy.

The GI Genius colonoscopy will not affect how you prep for your procedure, but it does give your doctor an ever-vigilant second observer to view your colon better.

If you are interested in an AI-assisted colonoscopy, be sure to ask when scheduling.

Learn more about AI-assisted colonoscopy technology.

Is it food dye? Iron? Or blood?
Find out what’s causing a change in your stool.

Blood in your stool can be a sign of gastrointestinal bleeding, and it’s no joke. If your normally brown stool is suddenly bright red or black, it’s time for some investigative work to determine why.

Step one: Remain calm.

Step two: Call your gastroenterologist.

There are many possible reasons for blood in your stool. A series of tests will effectively determine the source of your bleeding. In some instances, the bleeding can be treated during this diagnosis stage.

Learn the possible causes of blood in stool, and why you shouldn’t delay giving us a call.