Cancer Risk

Colon Health

Many of our clients undergo endoscopy procedures – colonoscopy and gastroscopy – on site at Medcan so they can minimize the discomfort and inconvenience that typically comes with such procedures.

We strive to make both procedures as comfortable as possible, with a relaxed environment, access to the latest monitoring and detection equipment, and first-class service.

Endoscopy allows your Medcan team to screen for medical problems such as intestinal inflammation, ulceration, bleeding or colon cancer, which can be mitigated through early detection and treatment.

What is a colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy is a screening procedure for colon cancer. If there is anything abnormal, such as a polyp (abnormal growth on the inside lining of the intestine) or inflamed tissue, your physician can painlessly remove all or part of it using the tiny instruments passed through the scope. Tremendous progress in the field of video scopes allows our gastroenterologists to screen your entire large intestine or colon during a colonoscopy. A conscious sedation is offered for this procedure to keep you comfortable.

The tissue (biopsy) is then sent to a lab for testing. Not every polyp becomes malignant, but by removing all colon polyps, the potential for bowel cancer is significantly reduced.

How long does it take?

The procedure takes approximately 30 to 60 minutes. However, an additional one to two hours may be required after the procedure for rest and observation.

What to expect

Why is a colonoscopy important?

Colon cancer is the second most frequent cause of cancer death in the country, and will affect 5 percent of Canadians in their lifetime. Large studies have shown that active screening can reduce your risk by 90 percent. Other risks factors for colon cancer include:

• Age, as 90% of all new cases occur in people over age 45
• Family or personal history of rectal polyps, colorectal cancer, ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer, or breast cancer
• Unhealthy lifestyle: poor eating habits and smoking
• Inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s)

Early detection via a colonoscopy is the best defense against colon cancer.

Prostate Health

When it comes to your prostate health, proactivity cannot be underestimated. It is estimated that one in eight men in Canada will develop prostate cancer in their lifetimes.

The goal of the Prostate Health Assessment is the early identification and potentially life-saving intervention of diseases such as prostate cancer, Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) and urinary problems.

Recommended for men with prostate cancer risk factors such as a family history of prostate disease, this comprehensive evaluation is much more in-depth than the PSA screening offered in the Annual Health Assessment.

The Prostate Health Assessment includes:

A pelvic and trans rectal ultrasound

• Provides an image of the bladder and prostate to identify any signs of prostate cancer through a visualization of the entire prostate
• Identifies urinary problems, including blood in the urine, and size of the bladder before and after urination

Uroflowmetry

• Evaluates the function of the urinary tract by measuring the volume and speed of urinary flow
• Reviews questionnaires and risk stratification models
• Assesses your sexual health
• Identifies your risk level for prostate cancer
• Determines if you have an enlarged prostate

Coordinator Assessment

• A Medcan Men’s Health team member will meet with you to answer any of your questions, review your questionnaires and give you two nomograms to complete

Results reviewed by  the Medcan Director of Urology

• Within 12 days of your assessment, we’ll provide you with a report outlining any risks and recommendations