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Log In to MyCovenantHealthColon Cancer Screening at Covenant Health
A colonoscopy is a valuable procedure for detecting and preventing colorectal cancer and other intestinal issues. Schedule yours today.
What is a Colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is a medical procedure used to examine and detect abnormalities in your intestines or bowels. It is often performed as a screening test for colorectal cancer, but can also help diagnose other gastrointestinal issues. During the procedure, your healthcare provider inserts a long, flexible tube with a light and camera into the rectum and colon. The camera transmits images to a monitor, allowing the doctor to examine the lining of your colon and take tiny samples of tissue to send to a lab.
Who is Eligible for a Colonoscopy?
People with an average risk for colon cancer should begin regular screenings at age 45 with a frequency of every 10 years. People with increased risk or high risk of colorectal cancer should start screenings before 45 and may need to be screened more often.
You may be at increased risk if:
- You or a close relative have had colorectal polyps or colorectal cancer.
- You have an inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
- You have a genetic or hereditary syndrome associated with colorectal cancer.
- You have had radiation to the abdomen or pelvic area to treat a prior cancer.
Schedule a Screening Today
Ask your provider about scheduling a screening during your annual physical exam, or speak with a call center representative who can help you schedule a colon cancer screening.
Request a Colon Cancer Screening
Our Colon Cancer Screening Locations
Colon cancer screenings require a physician order. Ask a primary care provider about scheduling a screening at one of our locations below, or contact our call center at (865) 541-4500 for assistance finding a provider.
Claiborne Medical Center
Directions: 1850 Old Knoxville Rd, Tazewell, TN 37879
Hours: Open 24 hours
Scheduling Assistance: (865) 541-4500
Cumberland Medical Center
Directions: 421 S Main Street, Crossville, TN 38555
Hours: Open 24 hours
Scheduling Assistance: (931) 484-9511
Fort Loudoun Medical Center
Directions: 550 Ft Loudoun Med Ctr. Dr, Lenoir City, TN 37772
Hours: Open 24 hours
Scheduling Assistance: (865) 374-4000
Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center
Directions: 1901 Clinch Ave, Knoxville, TN 37916
Hours: Open 24 hours
Scheduling Assistance: (865) 331-1111
Knoxville Digestive Disease Consultants
Directions: 9330 Park West Boulevard Suite 302, Knoxville, TN 37923
Hours: Monday – Friday 8 AM – 4:30 PM
Scheduling Assistance: (865) 373-7975
LeConte Medical Center
Directions: 742 Middle Creek Rd, Sevierville, TN 37862
Hours: Open 24 hours
Scheduling Assistance: (865) 446-7000
Morristown-Hamblen Healthcare System
Directions: 908 West Fourth North St, Morristown, TN 37816
Hours: Open 24 hours
Scheduling Assistance: (865) 374-4000
Methodist Medical Center
Directions: 990 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Oak Ridge, TN 37831
Hours: Open 24 hours
Scheduling Assistance: (865) 835-1000
Parkwest Medical Center
Directions: 9352 Park West Blvd, Knoxville, TN 37923
Hours: Open 24 hours
Scheduling Assistance: (865) 373-1000
Roane Medical Center
Directions: 8045 Roane Med Center Dr, Harriman, TN 37748
Hours: Open 24 hours
Scheduling Assistance: (865) 316-1000
Frequently Asked Questions
We are committed to patient education and transparency in our care. If you can’t find an answer to your question, please contact us for a consultation.
What happens during a colonoscopy?
During a regular screening colonoscopy, your healthcare provider inserts a long, flexible tube with a light and camera into the rectum and colon. The camera transmits images to a monitor, allowing the doctor to examine the lining of your colon and take tiny samples of tissue to send to a lab. The procedure usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes, although this can vary depending on the findings and any interventions required.
How to prepare for a colonoscopy?
To ensure clear visibility of the colon, you will need to cleanse your bowels with a laxative formula and special diet prescribed by your doctor. Adequate preparation is key to the success of the procedure and usually begins several days in advance.
What is the recovery process?
Recovery time for a colonoscopy is usually quick, but because the procedure involves sedation, patients are not allowed to drive for several hours (a driver must accompany you in order for you to be discharged after your procedure) and should allow themselves 24 hours to rest and recover before resuming normal activity.
Are there other ways to screen for colon cancer?
Other screening methods include flexible sigmoidoscopy and non-invasive tests like stool-based tests and CT colonography. Talk with your provider about which procedure is best for you.