AI AND YOUR COLON

Why Smarter Screenings Could Save Your Life

By Austin Chiang, MD

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of death in the U.S. and on the rise in younger people, according to the American Cancer Society. The encouraging part? It’s also one of the most preventable types of cancer. The key is catching it early, before it becomes life-threatening.1

If you’re 45 or older it’s time to get screened. Regular colorectal cancer screenings can detect growths (called polyps), before they turn into cancer2. Plus, with AI technology, doctors can now spot polyps more accurately during a colonoscopy.3

WHY ARE WE STILL AVOIDING THIS CONVERSATION?
Let’s be real: there seems to be a general stigma and discomfort around discussing all things guts and butts. But ignoring your gut health isn’t the answer. Low-fiber diets, red meat consumption, smoking, and being inactive are risk factors. You could also be more vulnerable if colon cancer runs in your family. 

Early-stage cancers often have no symptoms, so get screened even if you feel healthy. If you notice blood in your stool, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, and changes in bowel habits, see your doctor immediately, including if you’re under 45.  

COLONOSCOPY: THE GOLD STANDARD
Colonoscopy is hands down the best way to catch colorectal cancer early—and even stop it before it starts. During a colonoscopy, your doctor uses a long, flexible tube equipped with a camera to examine the interior lining of your large intestine. Sounds intense? Maybe. The good news is you’ll be asleep the whole time!

So why is colonoscopy the preferred method over a stool or blood test? Simple: it’s the only screening that lets doctors find potential cancer and remove it on the spot. Non-invasive tests are usually best at detecting cancer or advanced polyps, and if they come back positive, you’ll still need a colonoscopy.  

THE PREP ISN’T FUN…BUT IT’S WORTH IT
 Let’s be honest: no one loves colonoscopy prep. But if you want a clear view of your colon (and trust me, you do), you’ve got to clean it out. Your doctor will give you specific instructions, but here’s the gist: A few days before your procedure you’ll need to adjust your diet and the day before you’ll switch to a clear liquid diet. Then comes the infamous bowel prep kit—a strong laxative that gets things moving. Fast. Yes, you’ll be spending quality time near a bathroom, but think of it as a short-term inconvenience for a long-term benefit.

A.I.: THE EXTRA SET OF EYES THAT HELPS SAVE LIVES.
A recent Medtronic/Morning Consult survey of 2,200 U.S. adults revealed that 80% believe healthcare technology can help people live longer and healthier. This is very true in colonoscopy where AI has emerged as a gamechanger.  

GI Genius™ intelligent endoscopy system, an AI tool from Medtronic, aids doctors in detecting polyps during colonoscopies. It utilizes machine learning algorithms to analyze video footage captured during a colonoscopy in real time, identifying suspicious lesions or polyps that might otherwise be missed by the human eye. It’s like a second set of eyes that never get tired or distracted.

And it’s not just hype. Studies show that AI-assisted colonoscopies can significantly boost polyp detection rates, reducing the chance of missing potentially cancerous growths. As a doctor, I see AI as an incredible ally—helping us catch more precancerous polyps, protecting more lives, and making colonoscopies even more effective. For our patients, this can be lifesaving. 

YOUR HEALTH, YOUR QUALITY OF LIFE.  Screening isn’t just about catching cancer—it’s about preventing it and living better, longer. Early-stage cancers are easier to treat, and removing polyps early can stop cancer altogether. This reduces the need for chemotherapy or radiation, which can significantly impact quality of life.

There’s also something to be said for peace of mind. Regular screenings help you take control of your health, work proactively with your doctor, and reduce the “what ifs” that can weigh on you. And honestly, who can’t use a boost to their mental health?

The bottom line—colorectal cancer is preventable, and screening saves lives. If you are 45 or older, or have symptoms, don’t delay. Schedule your AI-enabled colonoscopy today! Your future you will thank you.

To find an AI-enabled colonoscopy near you,
visit medtronic.com/genius

Dr. Austin Chiang is a Chief Medical Officer for Medtronic, the global leader in health technology, a practicing interventional gastroenterologist and assistant professor of medicine at a university hospital in Philadelphia, and author of Gut: An Owner’s Guide.

1“Detecting early may prevent polyps from developing into something more serious”, Corley DA, Jenson CD, Marks AR JR, et al. “Adenoma detection rate and risk of colorectal cancer and death”, N Engl J Med.
2 “Adenoma detection rate and risk of colorectal cancer and death”, Corley DA, Jenson CD, Marks AR JR, et al., N Engl J Med.
3“Efficacy of Real-Time Computer-Aided Detection of Colorectal Neoplasia in a Randomized Trial”, Repici, A., et al., Gastroenterology.