Colonoscopy, the most common health check, is often seen as a necessary evil-it is the very procedure which most often gets postponed and has persuasive reasons for being done in the first place as it could save your life.
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Colon cancer continues to be one of leading causes of death from a cancer all over the world, while early detection and a resultant method for its prevention through colonoscopy is concerned-probably most doctors will tell you this much.
They might fail to mention certain things to you about the procedure behind colonoscopy, though.
They might fail to mention certain things to you about the procedure behind colonoscopy, though.
What Doctors Never Told You About Colonoscopy!
In this article, we expose those unvoiced truths about colonoscopy, things you have not probably heard from your healthcare provider.From surprising risks and viable alternatives, these facts could become the cliff of how you approach this screening. Let it then unravel those things you should actually know about!
1. The Importance of Colonoscopy
It is the second common cancer which kills more than 50,000 people annually in the USA according to American Cancer Society. Screening procedures like colonoscopy, when done at proper times in life, dramatically prevent getting into this deadly disease.Early treatment and intervention are made possible by the detection of precancerous polyps and other early signs of cancers through colonoscopy.
According to one published research article in The Lancet (2020), colonoscopy screening can significantly reduce mortality rates associated with colorectal cancer by almost 68%.
According to one published research article in The Lancet (2020), colonoscopy screening can significantly reduce mortality rates associated with colorectal cancer by almost 68%.
Though this is good news, it is important to recognize the limits and risks involved in this procedure itself.
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2. The Risks Associated with Colonoscopy
Colonoscopy is touted to be one of the life-saving procedures, but not without potentially dangerous effects. Although rare, studies show that complications can happen after an operation.A study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that 1 out of 1000 patients may suffer from complications that are serious, such as perforation of the colon or bleeding of a significant magnitude.
The bowel prepares the patient by flushing through large liquids and laxative before the procedure, which is often very uncomfortable.
The bowel prepares the patient by flushing through large liquids and laxative before the procedure, which is often very uncomfortable.
Results: Dehydration or an electrolyte imbalance occurs in some cases, especially in the elderly.
3. “Not So Pleasant” Preparation
Actually the pre-colonoscopy processing remains a highly challenging aspect for many waiting for the colonoscopy. The process of preparation is starving, taking extensive laxatives, and, many times, staying home for hours next to a bathroom.Most people say this to be the main reason that they postpone or do not undergo screening at all.
Interestingly, a study published in Gastroenterology 2019 showed that with a low-volume bowel prep used in conjunction with the split-dose regimen, it might significantly enhance patient compliance as well as comfort.
Interestingly, a study published in Gastroenterology 2019 showed that with a low-volume bowel prep used in conjunction with the split-dose regimen, it might significantly enhance patient compliance as well as comfort.
These new methods are less likely to lead to discomfort-associated with colonic cleansing for examination.
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4. Alternative Colon Cancer Screening Options
What if you could bypass what it is to be invaded by a colonoscopy? While colonoscopies remain considered the gold standard for screening in colorectal cancer, there are alternatives to invasive procedures.Non-invasive screening has gained wider acceptance, and some of these options might be applicable to you depending on your risk factors.
Cologuard is another FDA-approved home test that screens for colorectal cancer by detecting DNA and markers of blood in stool samples.
Cologuard is another FDA-approved home test that screens for colorectal cancer by detecting DNA and markers of blood in stool samples.
A 2020 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found Cologuard could detect 92% of colon cancers as well as a further 69% of advanced precancerous lesions. Another non-invasive alternative is the Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT), which can identify hidden blood in stool.
The FIT test should be undertaken yearly by average-risk individuals, as it is more comfortable than having a colonoscopy.
However, studies such as that published in The Lancet mention that while FIT is good, some cancers it can miss that a colonoscopy would find.
If you find the colonoscopy terrifying, perhaps these alternatives are for you.
According to a study conducted in Gut (2018), the experience of patients in having colonoscopy with sedation was much less fearful even reported lower pain comparably to those with no sedation.
If you find the colonoscopy terrifying, perhaps these alternatives are for you.
5. How to Make the Colonoscopy Less Painful
Pain or discomfort is amongst the several worries a patient might have going for colonoscopy. This, however, can be addressed as the procedure need not be done without sedation.According to a study conducted in Gut (2018), the experience of patients in having colonoscopy with sedation was much less fearful even reported lower pain comparably to those with no sedation.
There are also varied sedation options, from mild sedatives to a general anesthesia type, which may also depend on one's health and preference.
If you're concerned about the discomfort element, speak to your doctor about the sedation options; it will considerably alter your experience.
If you're concerned about the discomfort element, speak to your doctor about the sedation options; it will considerably alter your experience.
6. Colonoscopy is not the Only Way
Colonoscopy is an important procedure in the detection of colorectal cancer, but it is just one of the many components of prevention.Regular screening is equally vital, though lifestyle changes serve a great role in minimizing the incidence of colorectal cancer.
Diet and exercise are essential keys to cancer prevention. According to a study published in JAMA Oncology, risk for colorectal cancer can be lowered with a high-fiber diet taken up with regular physical activity as well as maintenance of a healthy weight.
Diet and exercise are essential keys to cancer prevention. According to a study published in JAMA Oncology, risk for colorectal cancer can be lowered with a high-fiber diet taken up with regular physical activity as well as maintenance of a healthy weight.
Avoid tobacco use and minimize alcohol intake to reduce risks further.
7. How Often Should You Have a Colonoscopy?
The American Cancer Society states that one should begin screening for colorectal cancer at the age of 45 for average-risk individuals.
Your doctor may, however, refer you to screenings at an earlier age on the basis of family history of colorectal cancer or specific genetic conditions.
Colonoscopy is possible every ten years for many people who primarily belong to the average risk category, but people with polyp-derived
Colonoscopy is possible every ten years for many people who primarily belong to the average risk category, but people with polyp-derived
Conclusion
Colonoscopy is one of the best early detection tools for colorectal cancers. Nevertheless, the procedure carries risks and complications that doctors often do not explain.It is best to know the risks, look into what's available for alternative screening, and find the most suitable preparation plan for you.
It's really about being proactive regarding one's health. You can go for a colonoscopy, have an alternative like Cologuard or FIT, or do a combination of both, but most importantly, make sure that you are truly having the necessary screenings to rule out any problems early on.
Your next colonoscopy recommendation will help you be informed against being driven by the emotions surrounding such recommendations.
It's really about being proactive regarding one's health. You can go for a colonoscopy, have an alternative like Cologuard or FIT, or do a combination of both, but most importantly, make sure that you are truly having the necessary screenings to rule out any problems early on.
Your next colonoscopy recommendation will help you be informed against being driven by the emotions surrounding such recommendations.
Speak to your doctor, weigh the pros and cons, and take charge of your health journey!
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Cancer-related