Cancer
Prevention
Colon Cancer Screening
Prevent cancer before it starts. Don’t put off preventative care, be proactive with your health. Take advantage of the wide array of prevention programs we offer at the Nassif Community Cancer Center. Browse our screening options and schedule your assessment in Cedar Rapids today.
Early Detection is the Best Prevention
If you’re 45 years old or older, you should get regular screenings for colon cancer. A colonoscopy allows your doctor to examine your entire colon and remove or biopsy abnormal growths if they’re found during the procedure. Colon and rectal cancers are some of the most preventable cancers if caught early.
Learn more about Colorectal Cancer Screenings from UnityPoint Health – St. Luke’s. In order to schedule a colonoscopy with St. Luke’s Digestive Health Center, you’ll need to ask your doctor for a referral to a gastroenterologist, who will make an assessment before scheduling the procedure.
Hear From Our Experts
Dr. Douglas Purdy, gastroenterologist at St. Luke’s Gastroenterology, joins Dr. Arnold to discuss colon cancer signs and symptoms, the importance of screening, how to reduce your risk and more.
Our Patient Stories
Running for a Cause: Phil's Colon Cancer Story
Phil Decker, who is battling stage IV colon cancer with the help of his team at the Nassif Community Cancer Center in Cedar Rapids, IA, discusses his cancer journey and experience running the Boston Marathon.
More Stories
Colon Cancer-Free after Robotic Surgery, Thanks to Wife’s Push for Screening
“I thought it was 50,” Mark Kluesner said to his wife, Amy, when they were discussing the age to get a colonoscopy. Amy responded by telling Mark the recommendation for colonoscopy changed
Ep. 250 – LiveWell Talk On…Being a Caregiver for a Loved One with Cancer (Adrienne Douglas & Nancy Yeisley, MSW, LISW, OSW-C)
A cancer diagnosis not only affects the patient, but the patient’s loved ones as well. Often a loved one becomes a caregiver and walks alongside the patient through the cancer
Ep. 249 – LiveWell Talk On…Phil’s Colon Cancer Story Pt. 4 (Phil Decker) – Copy
Colon cancer survivor and awareness advocate Phil Decker returns to the podcast to give an update on his treatment, reflect on his cancer journey so far and share his future
Biking for a Cause: 2500 Miles for Colon Cancer Awareness
In July 2019, 38-year-old Zach Douglas of Cedar Rapids, IA underwent a CT scan. In the months prior, he had been experiencing various symptoms. Abdominal pain, blood in his stools
Appointments
If you are 45 or older, talk to your primary care provider about a referral to see a St. Luke’s Gastroenterologist.