Can a gastroenterologist diagnose colon cancer? Learn how they help, what tests they use like colonoscopy or endoscopy, and when to see one.
I get it. Just the thought of colon cancer can be scary. If you’ve been having tummy issues, blood in your poop, or just don’t feel quite right, it’s normal to worry.
And if you’re like most people, you’ve probably wondered—can a gastroenterologist diagnose colon cancer?
Yes. But there’s a bit more to it, and I want to walk you through it.
What Does a Gastroenterologist Do?
A gastroenterologist is a doctor who works on problems in your stomach, intestines, and colon.
They know the gut inside and out. If something’s wrong in there, they’re the ones you want to see.
They treat stuff like:
- Stomach pain
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Bloating
- Ulcers
- And yes, they also help with colon cancer testing
So when you’re asking “can a gastroenterologist diagnose colon cancer?” the answer is yes, because it’s part of what they do every day.
Signs That Could Mean Something Serious
Now I don’t want to scare you, but I do want to be real. A lot of people brush off signs that their body is giving them.
If you’ve had any of these, it’s worth paying attention to:
- Blood in your poop
- Long-lasting stomach pain
- Losing weight without trying
- A change in how often you go to the bathroom
- Feeling tired all the time
If you’ve had any of those for more than a few weeks, don’t wait. Talk to your doctor.
Or better yet, book with a gastroenterologist near me so they can check things out the right way.
How Do They Test for Colon Cancer?
This is where most people get nervous. I get it. Nobody wants anything done “back there,” right?
But let’s break it down. It’s not as scary as it sounds.
Here are the two most common ways a gastroenterologist checks for colon cancer:
1. Colonoscopy
This is the big one. A colonoscopy lets the doctor see inside your colon with a tiny camera.
Here’s what happens:
- You drink a special liquid to clean out your colon
- You go in for the test (they’ll give you medicine so you don’t feel anything)
- The doctor checks for anything odd, like polyps or signs of cancer
- If they find something, they can often remove it right away
People in Riverdale can even get this done locally with a colonoscopy Riverdale appointment. So you don’t have to travel far to take care of your health.
2. Endoscopy
This is kind of like a colonoscopy, but it is for the upper part of your gut, like your stomach and esophagus. It’s called an endoscopy.
Your doctor may suggest both tests if they want to check your full digestive system.
Both tests are safe and way better than waiting too long and having regrets.
Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Get Checked
I’ll be honest with you—I know a guy who waited too long. He thought the pain would go away.
Thought the blood was from “just something he ate.” But by the time he got tested, it was colon cancer—and it had already spread.
He told me later, “I wish I just got the colonoscopy when the doctor first mentioned it.”
Don’t be like that guy.
Detecting colon cancer on time saves your life. It’s treatable. But if you wait too long, it becomes a whole different story.
When Should You Get a Colonoscopy?
Doctors usually say you should get your first colonoscopy at age 45, even if you feel fine.
But if someone in your family had colon cancer? Or if you’re showing symptoms already? You may need to go earlier.
Here’s a quick checklist:
You should think about getting checked if:
- You’re 45 or older
- Someone in your family had colon cancer
- You’ve had blood in your poop
- You have stomach pain that won’t go away
- You’ve had big changes in how you poop
If any of that sounds like you, don’t wait. Make that call.
How Do You Find a Gastroenterologist?
You don’t have to go far. Type in “gastroenterologist near me” and look for someone with good reviews.
Also, it’s okay to ask your regular doctor for a referral. They’ll help you find someone who knows what they’re doing.
And if you’re still not sure who to trust, check that the doctor is board-certified.
That means they’ve gone through all the training and passed the tests to prove they’re legit.
You can even check credentials on the American Board of Internal Medicine.
What Happens if They Find Something?
Let’s say you go in for a colonoscopy, and the doctor finds a polyp. That doesn’t mean you have cancer right away.
Here’s what might happen next:
- They take the polyp out
- They send it to a lab
- You get the results in a few days
Sometimes, it’s nothing serious. But if it is something to worry about, you’ll know early.
And catching it early means better treatment, fewer problems, and more peace of mind.
According to Cancer.org, when colon cancer is found early (stage 1), the survival rate is over 90%.
That number drops the longer you wait.
Let’s Talk About Fear
I won’t lie. Getting tested feels scary. It’s awkward. It’s not fun. You might even feel embarrassed.
But guess what? Doctors see this stuff every single day.
You’re not the first person to be nervous about getting a colonoscopy or endoscopy.
It’s normal to feel that way. But your health matters more than your pride.
And if you’ve been putting it off, it’s okay. I’m not judging. Just don’t put it off anymore.
Cost and Insurance Questions
A lot of folks also worry about how much it costs.
Here’s what I’ve learned:
- Many insurance plans cover colonoscopies starting at age 45
- Some clinics have payment plans
- You can always call your insurance to check what’s covered before your visit
And if you don’t have insurance? Ask the clinic if they offer lower-cost screenings. It never hurts to ask.
Also, the CDC even supports free or low-cost screenings for some people. Check out the CDC’s Colorectal Cancer Control Program for more info.
Conclusion
So, back to the big question: Can a gastroenterologist diagnose colon cancer?
Yes, they can. They’re trained for it. They have the tools for it. And they know what signs to look for.
But here’s the thing—you’ve got to make the first move. If something feels off, don’t guess. Don’t Google your way through it.
Call your doctor. Schedule the test. Get checked.
Your health is worth it. Even if it feels uncomfortable for a little bit, knowing for sure beats living with worry.
If you’ve been thinking about this for a while, let this be your sign.
Do it for yourself. Do it for the people who care about you.
You’ll feel better when it’s done.