​Colon Cancer Screening

This year, 150,000 Americans will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Of those, one-third will die from this disease.

However, the disease is 90 percent preventable with one life-saving test, a colonoscopy.

What is a Colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy screening works by detecting polyps, or small growths, on the lining of the colon or rectum. A doctor can then remove those polyps before they become cancerous.

Who Should be Screened?

Regular screenings are recommended for anyone:

• Over the age of 50
• With a family history of colon cancer or polyps
• With any of these risk factors:
• Obesity
• Type II diabetes
• Smoking
• Heavy alcohol use

How Do I Schedule a Colonoscopy Screening?

For more information or to schedule a screening, call the UPMC Hamot Center for Digestive Health at 814-877-7200.

Learn more about health screenings at UPMC Hamot.​