Colonoscopy

Colon Cancer Prevention

According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancers are the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States. Early detection is crucial. Regular colonoscopies starting at age 45 are recommended for both men and women to help prevent this disease.

Regular cancer screenings are crucial for early detection and prevention. By identifying and removing precancerous growths, screening can significantly reduce cancer risk. Colonoscopies are an effective screening tool for colorectal cancer. This procedure allows doctors to find and remove polyps before they turn into cancer, greatly improving treatment outcomes.

Talk with your doctor about your colorectal cancer risks and discuss when a colonoscopy could be right for you. 

TAKE A COLON HEALTH ASSESSMENT

What Are the Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer?

In early stages, colorectal cancers are often symptomless, which is why screening is so important. While 90% of new cases occur in people 50 or older, colorectal cancers do not discriminate and can happen to men and women at any age.

See your doctor if you have any of these warning signs:

• A change in your bowel habits, including diarrhea or constipation, or a change in the consistency of your stool
• An urge to have a bowel movement when the bowel is empty
• Bleeding from the rectum
• Blood in the stool or in the toilet after a bowel movement
• Constipation or diarrhea that lasts for more than a few days
• Decreased appetite, nausea or vomiting
• Persistent cramping or discomfort in the lower abdomen
• Unintentional weight loss

While these symptoms also can be associated with other health conditions, your doctor can help you determine the cause.

Preventing Colorectal Cancer

Screening is the number one way you can reduce your risk of colorectal cancer.

Most cases of colorectal cancers begin as small, noncancerous clumps of cells called adenomatous polyps. Over time some of these polyps become cancerous. Screening helps physicians detect and remove polyps to prevent cancer from occurring.

Proactively preventing colorectal cancer also involves a healthy lifestyle. Daily exercise, maintaining a healthy diet and weight, limiting alcohol intake, and not smoking all can reduce your risk of colorectal and many other forms of cancer.

Knowing your family history is also helpful. Those with an immediate relative (parent, sibling or offspring) diagnosed with colorectal cancer are 2-3X more likely to develop the disease.

What to Expect?

Preparation

Your doctor and team will discuss colonoscopy preparation with you. Preparation involves a clear liquid diet the day before the procedure. You will need to drink a prescribed liquid to clean out the colon. A cleansed colon ensures that your endoscopist has a clear view.

Procedure

Most people are completely comfortable and not aware they are having a procedure. You will receive a sedative to help you relax and pain medication to prevent discomfort. You lie on your left side on the exam table with your knees drawn towards your chest. The endoscopist inserts a colonoscope (a thin, flexible tube with a camera attached) into the rectum and advances it carefully to view the inside of your entire large intestine. If needed, your doctor may use special tools to remove polyps or to biopsy abnormalities.

After

Most people wake up and do not remember the procedure. Because you are sedated during the procedure, someone must drive you home from the appointment and stay with you during recovery. You should rest for the remainder of the day. Do not drive or do anything strenuous, such as exercise. You may experience some bloating, mild cramping, and gas. These symptoms are normal and will diminish over time. Unless your doctor says otherwise, you can resume a normal diet after the procedure.