What is the difference between a screening and diagnostic colonoscopy?
A screening colonoscopy is recommended when a patient is 50 years or older and has no symptoms indicating cancer or polyps. Identifying and removing polyps before they become cancerous prevents the development of colorectal cancer. A diagnostic colonoscopy is recommended when a patient complains of rectal bleeding, a change in bowel habits, or other unexplained abdominal symptoms. This procedure enables physicians to check for bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, as well as monitoring patients who have a history of polyps or colon cancer.
