A colonoscopy is a simple and safe procedure in which your doctor uses a long tube with a light and camera to look at the inner lining of your large intestine (rectum and colon), helping to find polyps, ulcers, tumors, and areas of inflammation or bleeding. Polyps can even be removed during the procedure if found. Finding these conditions early may prevent cancer from ever forming. A person should have a colonoscopy procedure every 5-10 years depending on whether polyps are found.

Family Medicine physicians, Dr. Matthew Oetken and Dr. Michael Werner, have undergone specialized training and are able to provide this service to patients of Primary Care Associates of Appleton.

If you are between the ages of 45-75, you may benefit from being screened. If you have a parent or sibling with colon cancer diagnosed before age 60, you may benefit from being screened earlier. Call Primary Care Associates of Appleton at (920) 996-1000 to request a colonoscopy appointment.


Resources
Colonoscopy Questions to Ask Your Doctor (source: Colorectal Cancer Alliance)
Printable Symptoms Diary (source: Colorectal Cancer Alliance)
Printable Family Health Tree (source: Colorectal Cancer Alliance)