Colon Cancer Screening Provides Peace of Mind

Mar 21, 2025

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Submitted by Sarah Johnson, MBA, Director of Marketing, Strategy & Communications, William Newton Hospital

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, a time dedicated to highlighting the importance of prevention and early detection of this prevalent disease. In Cowley County, your local hospitals are each committed to providing accessible and effective screening options, including the gold standard: the colonoscopy.

Colorectal cancer is a serious health concern, but thankfully, it's largely preventable. Screening is crucial to detecting this cancer early when treatment is most effective.

What is a colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy is a medical procedure that allows your doctor to examine the inside of your colon and rectum while you’re under sedation. A thin, flexible tube with a tiny camera and light is inserted into the rectum and gently guided through the colon. This allows for a thorough visual inspection, enabling the doctor to identify anything suspicious, such as polyps, cancer, or inflammation.

Why do you need a colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy is most commonly used for cancer screening. According to general surgeon Patrick Bloedel, MD, colon cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in the U.S. It accounts for 10 percent of all cancer cases worldwide.

“Polyps, which are growths, could turn into cancer if we leave them there long enough,” Bloedel explains. “So, colon cancer is one that’s preventable with routine screenings.”

Who should consider a colonoscopy?

The risk of colorectal cancer increases significantly with age. General surgeon Christopher Morrissey, DO, FACOS, says the recommended age for a colon cancer screening has been lowered to 45. In addition, Morrissey recommends anybody with a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps should be screened 10 years younger than the youngest family member who was diagnosed.

“So, if your dad was diagnosed at 60, and your brother was diagnosed at 50, you’d want to get screened at 40,” explains Morrissey.

Lastly, individuals who are experiencing changes in bowel habits or have been diagnosed with a bowel disease, such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, should get screened.

What are common concerns patients have with getting a colonoscopy?

Both Bloedel and Morrissey say many patients are apprehensive about preparing for the colonoscopy.

“Unfortunately, we have to have the colon cleaned out in order to have a good exam,” states Bloedel.

Colonoscopy prep includes dietary changes and a bowel cleanse. Patients are provided with a laxative solution and encouraged to stay hydrated. Morrissey says the preparation has improved over the years with the liquid now “less than a can of pop.”

Another worry is experiencing discomfort during the colonoscopy.

Bloedel says modern sedation techniques minimize discomfort during the procedure, “The way we do it now with anesthesia is pretty seamless. Everyone just sleeps and doesn’t remember anything.”

Most patients experience a quick recovery and can return to their normal activities within a day or two.

Providing Peace of Mind

Morrissey says knowing your colorectal health status can provide significant peace of mind and reduce anxiety.

“Everybody worries in the back of their mind if they have something going on. The fact that there is a fairly painless way to look at the colon is the best way for you to know your health is going to be good for the next five to 10 years.”

“We don’t want patients to wait,” Bloedel reiterates. “We want people getting colonoscopies when they aren’t having symptoms. With colon cancer, when it starts causing symptoms it’s usually much more advanced.”

Locally, doctors Morrissey and Bloedel offer colonoscopies in Winfield at William Newton Hospital, and Bloedel also offers the procedure at SCK Health in Arkansas City. The procedure is typically covered by Medicare and commercial insurance plans. As always, please consult with a qualified medical professional for any health concerns or before making decisions regarding your health.

Colorectal cancer is a preventable disease. Whether you take advantage of colonoscopies or prefer other screening tools such as home test kits, don’t delay your health. Screenings provide early detection and prevention, plus a sense of safety and security.