Skip to main content
Go Back to System Level

For most people, colon cancer is entirely preventable. However, accomplishing this goal requires a team approach. 

Our skilled experts at the University of Maryland Digestive Health Center will run tests to determine your risk of developing colon cancer. These tests may include a colonoscopy, abdominal imaging or stool tests.

Then we will work with you to determine your most effective prevention strategy. In some cases, we may tell you that other members of your family could have an increased risk of colon cancer and should be evaluated.

You may also want to speak to a primary care physician to discuss your family health. 

We will serve as navigators to help you prepare for these procedures, guide you through them and then meet with you to go over the results and plan the next steps.

Colonoscopy

This outpatient procedure requires you to prep before you come to the office. Our specialists will cover the steps needed before your colonoscopy and answer any questions you may have.

The day of your colonoscopy, you will receive anesthesia before the procedure. Then a gastro specialist will examine the lining of your large intestine—the colon—with a flexible medical instrument to collect small tissue samples for analysis.

For some patients who cannot receive a traditional colonoscopy due to other medical conditions, our Digestive Health Center provides a virtual colonoscopy CT scan. Check with your provider to see if this test is available to you.

Colon Cancer Screening

Screening colonoscopies for detecting colon cancer are recommended once every 10 years beginning at age 50. If you have a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, screening can start at age 45. Your primary provider can let you know when you should have this done. 

To schedule a screening appointment, please call 443-552-2359

Colonoscopy Locations

Colonoscopies can be performed at the following locations:  

Appointments

In This Section: