Debunk Popular Myths about Colon Cancer Screening Today
One of the most well recognized procedures in the USA is colonoscopy for the detection, diagnosis and treatment of the third most diagnosed cancer in the United States, colon cancer.
The American Cancer Society (ACS) suggests that colonoscopies begin screening at 45 years of age for people who are at colorectal cancer risk on an average. Unfortunately, the fear of procedure delays the process and reduces their therapeutic efficacy for many people and leads to a screening of polyps or tissue that is cancerous. Over the years, we have encountered a variety of misunderstandings about the colonoscopy process. Let's talk about the myths that are prevailing and what the procedure really is to expect. Check out the myths related to colon cancer screening.
Popular Colonoscopy Myths
A Dreadful Colonoscopy
Even if we remove polyps or get hold of colon biopsy, colonoscopy is not a painful test. Upon colonoscopy, the most popular signs are bloating. The colon is filled with air, which may contribute to bloating. Fortunately, patients are now much less bloated than years ago with improvements made over the past five years and changes in the use of carbon dioxide.
The Treatment Entails Serious Risks
Colonoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure and therefore carries some risk, primarily because of anesthesia. However, for most patients, the risks are very small and we conduct colonoscopy in a closely controlled setting that is used to look after you before, during and after the procedure by our gastroenterology and anesthesia teams. Once you undergo colonoscopy, the gastroenterologist and anesthesiologist should also study the medical history closely to insure that any complications are reduced.
As with any procedure, make sure your colonoscopy’s advantages overweight the risks before you have one.
If You Do Not Have Symptoms, Colonoscopy Is Not Necessary
Typically, colorectal cancer or rectal polyps occur in colon and it take place in about 20 to 30% of people. Such polyps usually have no symptoms until they are advanced in colorectal cancer. We know that you can greatly reduce the risk of developing colorectal cancer by eliminating polyps and performing regular colonoscopy surveillance.
Why Do You Deal With Colonoscopy?
The day prior to the test, when we ask you to purge the stool and residue in the colon, preparation for a colonoscopy begins so that we can see clearly inside the colon. For the entire day before colonoscopy, we prescribe a simple liquid diet. This diet consists of foods, for example:
Cranberry or Apple juice
Beef, bread, or chicken broth
Clear gelatine
Creamless coffee
Your gastroenterologists will also prescribe a laxative medicine that helps clear the colon by increasing bowel motion at any given point during the day before colonoscopy. Before the colonoscopy the gastroenterologist gives you the exact specifics of this drug, because it could be under a strict bowel regimen.
Go for colon cancer screening without any fear. Book your schedule with Screen the City in OKC.
**Disclaimer: This blog content does not intend to offer a doctor’s advice and mentions no relationship between any patient and the care provider.
