Colonoscopy: A Lifesaving Screening You Need
Imagine a future free from the worry of colon cancer. For many, that future starts with a simple screening. In fact, the states that if 10 percent more Americans underwent timely colonoscopies, an additional 11,000 people would survive colorectal cancer every year.听
鈥淐olorectal cancer is actually fairly common,鈥 says Dr. Felice Schnoll-Sussman, gastroenterologist and Director of the Jay Monahan Center for Gastrointestinal Health at Weill Cornell Medical Center and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. 鈥淎nd the truth is many people with early colorectal cancers and polyps are asymptomatic. So that鈥檚 why screening is so important.鈥听
How Colonoscopy Helps听
Polyps are abnormal growths in the colon or rectum that can become cancerous over time, spreading to nearby tissue and organs if left undetected. When this happens, colorectal cancer becomes more difficult to treat.听听
Early detection opens the door to more treatment options and a higher chance of successful recovery, which is why colon cancer screening is so important.听
Colonoscopy allows your provider to find and treat cancer early. It may even help identify colorectal cancer before you experience bloody stool, unexplainable weight loss or other symptoms.听
鈥So the exam itself is what we call both diagnostic and therapeutic, meaning you could see and find the area of abnormality,鈥 says Dr. Schnoll-Sussman. 鈥淢any times at the time of the colonoscopy, we鈥檙e actually able to completely take it out, thereby preventing colon cancer from actually developing.鈥听
During a colonoscopy, your provider inserts a thin, flexible tube (colonoscope) into your anus. A tiny video camera on the end of the scope gives a real-time view of your rectum and colon. Anesthesia keeps you relaxed and comfortable during the procedure.听
If there are any polyps in your colon or rectum, your provider removes them. Your provider then sends suspicious growths for laboratory testing to determine whether cancer is present. Additional testing can help determine the stage of cancer and guide treatment planning.听
Preparing for Colonoscopy鈥檚 Protection听
Preparing for a colonoscopy ensures a positive experience and clear results. Typical steps that take place before your screening include:听
- Changing your diet. Your provider may ask you to eat a special diet in the days before your procedure. You may need to follow a low-fiber diet and only drink clear liquids.听听
- Flushing your bowels. Usually the night before a colonoscopy, you may take an oral laxative formula and use an enema to cleanse your colon.听
- Arranging transportation. It can take a few hours to recover from the anesthesia used during your colonoscopy. While recovering, it鈥檚 not safe to drive. Therefore, you should ask a loved one to drive you to and from your procedure.听听
鈥淎 colonoscopy is a safe, extraordinarily effective test that is done in a respectful way,鈥 says Dr. Schnoll-Sussman. 鈥淢any people remember nothing about the procedure. They wake up and cannot believe that the test is done.鈥听
New guidelines recommend otherwise healthy adults get their first colonoscopy at age 45. Have you had yours yet? at 芭乐视频 and schedule your lifesaving colonoscopy today.听