Colorectal Cancer Screening in Chicago, IL

Colorectal Cancer Screening Specialist That Prioritizes Patient Comfort

Colorectal cancer screening is one of the most powerful tools we have in preventing cancer, and at Go Gastro, we’re committed to making this life-saving procedure as comfortable and convenient as possible for our Chicago patients. Regular screening can detect precancerous polyps before they develop into cancer, and when caught early, colorectal cancer has a 90% cure rate. We offer multiple screening options tailored to your needs, including colonoscopy—the gold standard that allows us to both detect and remove polyps in a single procedure. Our experienced gastroenterologists use the latest technology and techniques to ensure your comfort throughout the process.

How to reduce your colorectal cancer risk?

Colorectal cancer screening is a preventive medical examination designed to detect cancer or precancerous growths (polyps) in the colon and rectum before symptoms develop. The screening process can involve several different methods, with colonoscopy being the most comprehensive—a procedure where a flexible tube with a camera examines the entire colon and can remove polyps during the same visit. Other screening options include stool-based tests like FIT (fecal immunochemical test) or Cologuard that check for blood or abnormal DNA in stool samples, and flexible sigmoidoscopy that examines the lower portion of the colon.

The goal of screening is to identify and remove polyps before they become cancerous, or to detect cancer at its earliest, most treatable stage. Since colorectal cancer typically develops slowly over 10-15 years and often shows no symptoms until advanced stages, regular screening starting at age 45 (or earlier for those with risk factors) provides a crucial window of opportunity to prevent cancer entirely or catch it when cure rates exceed 90%.

Insurances Accepted

The capsule endoscopy procedure is surprisingly simple and comfortable. On the day of your test, you’ll come in after fasting overnight, and we’ll fit you with a lightweight belt containing a small recorder.

Who needs colorectal cancer screening?

Everyone age 45 and older needs colorectal cancer screening, even if you feel perfectly healthy. That’s because colorectal cancer often has no symptoms until it’s advanced, making regular screening your best protection.

Some people need to start screening earlier than 45. You should begin sooner if you have:

A parent, sibling, or child who had colorectal cancer or advanced polyps
Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis)
A genetic condition like Lynch syndrome or FAP
A personal history of colorectal cancer or certain polyps

For those with family history, screening typically starts at age 40 or 10 years before your relative’s diagnosis age—whichever comes first.

See your doctor right away if you notice warning signs like blood in your stool, ongoing changes in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, or persistent stomach pain—regardless of your age.

Your gastroenterologist will review your personal and family history to create a screening plan that’s right for you. Don’t wait—early detection saves lives.

What are the symptoms of colorectal cancer?

The challenging truth about colorectal cancer is that it often causes no symptoms at all in its early, most treatable stages—which is why screening is so important. When symptoms do appear, they may start subtly and be easy to dismiss.

The most common warning signs include:

Blood in your stool (bright red or very dark)
Changes in bowel habits lasting more than a few days (diarrhea, constipation, or narrowing of stool)
Feeling like you need to have a bowel movement that doesn’t go away after you do
Unexplained weight loss
Persistent abdominal pain, cramps, or bloating
Extreme fatigue or weakness

These symptoms can also be caused by many other conditions that aren’t cancer, like hemorrhoids or irritable bowel syndrome. However, if you experience any of these issues—especially if they persist for more than two weeks—don’t wait or feel embarrassed. Contact your doctor promptly for evaluation.

Remember: by the time symptoms appear, cancer may be more advanced. That’s why regular screening starting at age 45 (or earlier with risk factors) remains your best defense, allowing us to find and remove problems before symptoms ever develop.

How to prepare for a colorectal cancer screening?

Preparing for colorectal cancer screening depends on which type of test you’re having. For a colonoscopy—the most thorough screening—preparation involves clearing your colon so your doctor can see clearly. This means following a special diet (usually clear liquids only) the day before and drinking a bowel prep solution that cleanses your intestines. While the prep may seem daunting, today’s solutions taste better and work more gently than older versions.

The key steps for colonoscopy prep include:

Adjusting medications if needed (your doctor will guide you)
Shopping for clear liquids like broth, sports drinks, and popsicles
Staying near a bathroom once you start the prep solution
Arranging a ride home, as you’ll receive sedation for comfort

For stool-based tests like FIT or Cologuard, preparation is much simpler—you just collect a sample at home following the kit instructions, with no diet changes or time off work needed.

Our office will provide detailed instructions specific to your test. Follow them carefully, as good preparation leads to better results. Don’t hesitate to call with questions—the staff handles these preparations daily and can offer helpful tips to make the process easier. Remember, one day of preparation can help prevent cancer or catch it early when it’s most treatable.

How to reduce your colorectal cancer risk?

While you can’t control all risk factors for colorectal cancer, you can take powerful steps to significantly lower your chances of developing this disease. The most important action is getting screened regularly starting at age 45, as this can actually prevent cancer by removing precancerous polyps.

Your daily choices also make a real difference:

Stay active with at least 30 minutes of exercise most days
Maintain a healthy weight, as obesity increases risk
Limit red meat and avoid processed meats like bacon and hot dogs
Fill your plate with fiber-rich foods—vegetables, fruits, and whole grains
Quit smoking and limit alcohol to no more than one drink daily for women, two for men
Consider adding calcium and vitamin D through diet or supplements

Additional protective factors include regular aspirin use (but only if recommended by your doctor for other health reasons) and hormone therapy for postmenopausal women, though these require medical consultation.

The great news is that these same healthy habits also reduce your risk for heart disease, diabetes, and other cancers. Combined with regular screening, these lifestyle changes give you the best chance of avoiding colorectal cancer entirely. Talk to our gastroenterologist about creating a personalized prevention plan based on your individual risk factors.