Colonoscopy is a procedure that uses a long, flexible, narrow tube with a light and tiny camera on one end to look inside the rectum and entire colon. Colonoscopy can show irritated and swollen tissue, ulcers, and polyps.

Who should perform a colonoscopy?
Studies* have shown that there is a higher risk of undetected colon cancer or undetected colon polyps that lead to colon cancer when colonoscopies are performed by a non-Gastroenterologist. Dr. Carl Jones is a trained gastroenterologist and has performed more than 25,000 endoscopic procedures since 1996.

Why is a colonoscopy performed?
A colonoscopy is performed to help diagnose

• Changes in bowel habits
• Abdominal pain
• Bleeding from the anus
• Weight loss
• Colon cancer

> How is a colonoscopy performed?

Get Screened for Colon Cancer
The American College of Gastroenterology recommends screening for colon cancer

• At age 50 for people who are not at increased risk of the disease
• At age 45 for African Americans because they have an increased risk of developing the disease

Dr. Jones may recommend earlier screening for people with a family history of colon cancer, a personal history of inflammatory bowel disease, or other risk factors for colon cancer.

*Douglas K. Rex, MD reviewing Rabeneck L et al. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. NEJM - J-Watch.org. 2010 Mar.
Risks for developing CRC were higher after negative colonoscopies performed by general surgeons and other non-gastroenterologists.