Trust Your Colonoscopy to Experts.

A Life-Saving Screening for Colorectal Cancer

Regardless of age, it’s important to know how to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. Williamson Medical Group’s GI specialists, Elizabeth Lindsey, M.D. and Eric Sumner, M.D., are passionate about the importance of getting screened and providing peace of mind to their patients. WMG is dedicated to providing the highest-quality GI care that always adheres to the highest safety standards.

To schedule an appointment with our team in Franklin, fill out the consultation form on this page, or call (615) 435-7979.

WMG’S GI Specialists:

Who Should be Screened and When:

• All men and women should be screened for colon cancer beginning at age 50, if not earlier.*The American Cancer Society recommends starting at age 45, but not all insurers cover the cost of colorectal cancer screening before age 50. Contact your insurer to confirm coverage.
• People with personal or family history of colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, or experiencing symptoms are considered “high risk”.

Colorectal Cancer Symptoms:

Colorectal polyps and colorectal cancer don’t always cause symptoms, especially at first. Someone could have polyps or colorectal cancer and not know it. That is why getting screened regularly for colorectal cancer is so important. However, the symptoms that may suggest colon cancer include the following:

• A change in bowel habits.
• Blood in or on your stool (bowel movement).
• Diarrhea, constipation or feeling that the bowel does not empty all the way.
• Losing weight and you don’t know why.

If you have any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor! They may be caused by several diagnoses including a colon cancer and warrant investigation with a colonoscopy.

Know the Facts:

• According to the ACS, colorectal cancer is third most commonly diagnosed cancer in men and women in the United States. It is the third leading cause of cancer death in both men and women, and the second overall when men and women are combined.
• Overall, the lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer is: approximately 1 in 23 (4.4%) for men and 1 in 25 (4.1%) for women.
• About one in three adults aged 50 to 75 years have not been tested for colorectal cancer as recommended by the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF).
• Purpose of screening colonoscopy is to find early colon cancer and more importantly to find and remove precancerous polyps.
• Colonoscopy with removal of precancerous polyps has been found to result in: 1) lower incidence of colorectal cancer as well as 2) reduce mortality (by 53%) from colorectal cancer.

How We’re Keeping Our Patients Safe:

• All patients and visitors are screened for COVID-19 symptoms.
• All caregivers are required to wear face masks.
• We practice safe distancing at all times.
• All areas are constantly cleaned and disinfected.
• You can learn more by clicking here.