Red Flag Symptoms
Transcript
While people get colonoscopies as routine screening for preventing colon cancer, there’s actually a role for colonoscopies when actually symptoms exist. What types of symptoms would prompt you to consider scheduling a colonoscopy or seeing a gastroenterologist?
Well, these red flag symptoms as we like to call them can include blood in your stool, a distinct change in your bowel habit, unexplained weight loss, or anemia. It’s best not to let these symptoms occur for too long before you bring them to the attention of your doctor.
Key Takeaways
1. While people get colonoscopies as routine screening for preventing colon cancer, there is a role for colonoscopies when symptoms exist.
2. “Red flag” symptoms that should prompt you to see a gastroenterologist can include blood in your stool, a distinct change in your bowel habit, unexplained weight loss, or anemia.
3. It’s best not to let these symptoms occur for too long before you bring them to the attention of your doctor.