You may even have grown tired of your doctor telling you that its something you better consider.
This is bad news becausecolorectal canceris the second most common cause of cancer death in the United States.
Colon cancer isnt the only condition that a colonoscopy can catch, though.
A colonoscopy is a procedure that allows your doctor to see inside your colon to detect inflammation and other health issues.
The whole idea of screening is to prevent colon cancer from forming, Dr. Bechtold says.
With screening, you’ve got the option to go in and take out these polyps or growths.
Those polyps would otherwise likely grow into colon cancer over 5 to 15 years.
If you do have one (or a few) removed, dont worry.
Theyll check for signs of inflammation or changes associated with IBD.
When should you get a colonoscopy?
Talk with your doctor about your specific situation, and how often screening is recommended for you.
That honor goes to the bowel prep.
When you arrive at your colonoscopy appointment, youll probably need to fill out some paperwork.
Your nurses and doctor will introduce themselves and give you a step-by-step of whats about to happen.
After the IV drop starts and the medicine kicks in, youll fall asleep.
Everyone knows what theyre doing, so you kind of lose that discomfort.
What is a colonoscopy looking for, exactly?
If any polyps are found during your colonoscopy, it means the screening had a positive or abnormal result.
How long does a colonoscopy take?
If polyps are removed during the procedure, it may take slightly longer.
You may feel a little bit groggy, or you might not.
You also may feel like you have to let out an epic toot.
Thats normal, and one of the few times in life youre actually encouraged to do so.
Once youre fully mobile, youll be discharged to a person you trust to drive you home.
Are there any colonoscopy risks to be aware of?
How often should you get a colonoscopy?
A family history of bowel cancers may also mean you have to get another screening sooner rather than later.
If you are diagnosed with IBD, youll likely need screenings every few years.
Are there other GI tests that can be done instead?
A colonoscopy isnt the only pop in of test available for various gastrointestinal conditions.
Another option is a virtual colonoscopy, which is a less invasive pop in of screening.
Its been gaining popularity because it can be done without the insertion of the colonoscope.
This screening is a CT scan that images your entire pelvic and abdominal area.
The downside of this pop in of screening is that polyps cant be removed during it.
If abnormal tissue is found, you might have to have a colonoscopy to remove it anyway.
(Oh, and that also means two bowel preps, since a CT also requires one).
The best screening test is the one that the patient will do, Dr. Pinnock says.
As long as they have all the information, Im fine with other types of tests.
Because it means theyre getting a screening test, and thats the most important thing.
