Gastroenterology Care - Colonoscopy

Do I Need a Colonoscopy?

Younger people are being diagnosed with colorectal cancer.

When should you get a colonoscopy? Medical experts — including the cancer specialists at Tanner — think you should have colorectal cancer screening starting at 45 or younger if you have certain risk factors:

You’re Black, American Native or Alaska Native
You have a history of smoking or using tobacco
You have a history of inflammatory bowel disease
You have a personal or family history of colorectal cancer

The best screening for colorectal cancer

A colonoscopy is considered the best, most thorough screening for colorectal cancer.

Through colonoscopy, specialists can pinpoint colorectal cancer earlier, when they are most treatable.

They can also find and remove polyps in your colon before they turn into cancer.

It’s easy to schedule your colonoscopy.

We make your colonoscopy easy. With one call, we answer all your questions (even the embarrassing ones) and tell you if you can schedule your colonoscopy directly without a pre-appointment.

Call our helpline at 770-812-9097.
Answer a few questions about your health.
If you qualify, schedule your colonoscopy.

You may skip a pre-procedure appointment if you:

Are at least 45
Are in good health
Have no family history of colorectal cancer
Have no chronic conditions that increase your risk (such as inflammatory intestinal conditions like IBS or Crohn’s disease)

Improving detection with AI

We’re now using the Medtronic GI Genius™ colonoscopy, powered by AI, to help increase detection of potentially precancerous polyps.

With the power of artificial intelligence, sGI Genius™ colonoscopy detects colorectal polyps in real time, and faster than the endoscopist in 82% of cases.

This technology uses enhanced visualization to help our physicians provide you with a better colonoscopy.

Click below for a short video of what to expect from a Medtronic GI Genius™ colonoscopy.

Colonoscopy prep — here’s what you should know

During colonoscopy prep, the goal is to have a clean colon, so doctors can see as much as possible when they’re looking for abnormal areas during your colonoscopy.

Preparing for a colonoscopy is much easier than you might expect — and better tasting too. It usually starts 24 hours before your scheduled colonoscopy and may include:

Drinking a clear liquid diet
Not eating solid foods
Taking a gentle colon cleansing solution or oral laxative

Your doctor will give you a specific preparation plan and instructions so you know what you can and can’t eat and when to take your laxative.

Colonoscopy locations near me

Colonoscopies can be scheduled at our hospital facilities in Carrollton, Villa Rica, Bremen or Wedowee.

However, direct-access colonoscopies are only available at the West Georgia Endoscopy Center — an outpatient center on Clinic Avenue in Carrollton.

To schedule a colonoscopy, call 770-812-9097.

Colon Cancer Facts - Dr. Peter Ojuro, DO

According to Peter Ojuro, MD, a gastroenterologist with West Georgia Gastroenterology Associates, colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, affecting men and women equally. Sixty percent of colorectal cancer deaths can be prevented with a screening test called a colonoscopy. To schedule a colonoscopy, call 770-812-9097.