Colonoscopy
Prevention is better than cure
A nursing station is central to private, comfortable recovery rooms in the surgical department at Hayward Area Memorial Hospital.
Colonoscopies for screening and early detection of colon cancer are available here at Hayward Area Memorial Hospital. This is an outpatient procedure that takes place in our state-of-the-art surgical department, featuring peaceful and private rooms where you can recover until you’re ready to go home after your procedure. Our providers perform colonoscopies with a high focus on quality and detection. Finding and removing polyps in the colon can prevent cancer.
We understand that many people are nervous about having a colonoscopy–especially for the first time. Our team will do everything we can to make sure you are comfortable. Here are a few important reminders if you are scheduled to have a colonoscopy:
- We will provide you with complete instructions on how to prepare for your colonoscopy. Be sure to read through them carefully, and ask additional questions if you have them.
- A sedative is used for the procedure. So please remember that you will need to arrange for someone to give you a ride home.
Who should be screened and when?
The gold standard for colon and rectal cancer screening is a colonoscopy. Average risk individuals should begin screening at age 45, according to the American Cancer Society. Screening should be repeated at least every 10 years. Individuals with a family history of colon cancer or colon polyps may need screening at an earlier age, or more often. Talk to your primary care provider about a screening schedule that’s right for you.
A colonoscopy can save a life. Early colon cancer has no symptoms. If found early, the survival rate for colon cancer is 91%, according to the American Cancer Society. But if the precancerous polyps are not detected and removed, the cancer can grow and spread. The chances of survival drop to 13% if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
Make an appointment
In Hayward, patients can schedule a colonoscopy with general surgeon David Lynn, MD or family medicine physician Katrina Gardner, MD. Our team works closely together to support patients, meeting the demand for cancer screening in our community. Dr. Lynn and Dr. Gardner bring a combined 23 years of experience and each physician has completed over 1,700 cases in the last 10 years.
Healthy individuals of average risk can receive a colonoscopy without an initial office visit. This scheduling option saves you time away from home and work. Ask your primary care provider if this option is available for you.
READ MORE: General surgeon David Lynn, MD has been recognized for detecting and removing polyps at a rate far above the national average.