Nobody likes the idea of a colonoscopy. But did you know a colonoscopy is the best way to screen for colon cancer? According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. A screening done with a colonoscopy is one of the most powerful weapons against colorectal cancer because it can find the cancer early, before other symptoms appear. Colonoscopies are also done to evaluate rectal and intestinal bleeding, changes in bowel habits, and abdominal pain.
There are a couple of advantages of having a colonoscopy rather than relying on stool tests to check for cancer. Stool tests must usually be done every year, and may miss some kinds of cancer, especially early ones. A colonoscopy is generally done once every 10 years and is considered the gold standard for colon investigation.
Polyps, which are small clumps of cells, may form in the lining of your colon. Most polyps are benign, but some can develop into colon cancer, which is often fatal when found in its later stages. No one is really sure what causes polyps, but age and family history may increase your chance of developing them. During a colonoscopy, polyps can be removed to be tested for cancer.
“Screening colonoscopies are the most important part of colon cancer prevention,” says Dan Davis, M.D., FACS, surgeon with Med Center Health General Surgery. “It is very fulfilling to do a colonoscopy, remove a precancerous polyp, and know you just prevented a colon cancer.”
There are some things you can do to avoid polyps. Eating more fruits and vegetables, and other foods high in fiber, may prevent polyps from developing. If you’re overweight, losing weight will also help. Changing to a healthy diet can help you prevent polyps, lose weight and improve your health in general.
So, what happens during a colonoscopy? The unpleasant part for most people occurs before you even arrive for the outpatient procedure. Having a very clean colon is important so that the doctor can spot any abnormalities. The method of doing this is to take a strong laxative several hours before the test. For most people, this is a small price to pay, especially if colon cancer is found in its early stages.
During a colonoscopy, the doctor uses a long, flexible tubular instrument called a colonoscope. This instrument transmits an image of the lining of the colon so the doctor can look for any abnormalities. The colonoscope is inserted through the rectum and is moved around the curves of your colon until it reaches the other end of the large intestine. The colonoscope also blows air into the colon to expand it, helping the doctor see more clearly.
If you are 45 or older, talk to your doctor about a screening colonoscopy. If you suffer from inflammatory bowel disease, have type 2 diabetes or a family history of colorectal cancer, you may need to begin screening at a younger age. Your healthcare provider can help guide you on when to start.
To learn more or to schedule an appointment, call Med Center Health General Surgery at 270-780-2690 or visit MCHSurgery.com.
-submitted by Med Center Health
