Colon cancer is the third most prevalent cancer diagnosed in our country. Additionally, it is the second most lethal cancer worldwide that can affect both men and women. However, the good news is that a significant percentage of colon cancer deaths can be prevented if everyone aged 50 and over undergoes routine screenings. A colonoscopy is one straightforward screening procedure that can avoid many occurrences of colon cancer. In addition, it also has other uses.

How is a colonoscopy performed?
In this screening procedure, the doctor inserts a tube called the colonoscope into the patient’s rectum. It is mostly painless as supervised anesthesia is used. Anesthesia is administered intravenously to keep individuals relaxed, almost pain-free, and unconcerned during the process. It helps doctors concentrate on the task at hand. While the screening is underway, a nurse may also closely monitor the patient’s heart, breathing, and blood pressure. The only discomfort one would experience after the screening process would be soreness at the IV site, which subsides gradually.

How to prepare for a colonoscopy?
Preparing for the test is not a challenge. It is much easier than other major procedures. Before a colonoscopy, the most important thing to do is to prepare the bowel by eating healthy foods. One may cut back on fiber and opt for only clear beverages. It is also essential to use any treatment recommended before the process begins.

What happens after the procedure?
The process is completed within 30 to 60 minutes. Because it is an outpatient procedure, the recovery period is shorter. Doctors examine the patient’s blood pressure, respiration, and pulse once they regain consciousness. If everything is fine and the person feels awake and attentive, they can return home. One might experience minor discomfort, but getting up and moving around can help. Individuals should increase their fluid intake to replace the water lost during the colonoscopy.

What are the benefits of a colonoscopy?
This screening test has the following advantages:

Early detection of colorectal cancers
A polyp in the colon can turn cancerous. Such polyps can be hard to detect. Only a routine colonoscopy can help diagnose these abnormalities. And the likelihood of curing colon cancer is significantly higher if discovered early. People who undergo a colonoscopy after they experience symptoms are more likely to have more advanced cancer. That is because cancer in its early stages frequently has no outward signs. Early-stage colon cancer has a five-year survival rate of around 90%. If cancer is discovered later and has already spread to other body parts, that percentage drops significantly.

Prevention of cancer
When a doctor discovers polyps during a colonoscopy, they are removed. Since cancer eventually develops from polyps, the disease cannot spread if the polyps are removed as soon as they are discovered. Polyps are more common in adults over 45. Additionally, those with underlying risk factors for colon cancer, such as a family history of the disease, and those who follow an unhealthy lifestyle, are more likely to develop polyps. In adults at average risk, colonoscopies are done every ten years to detect and eliminate growths before they turn harmful. But one will likely require more frequent colonoscopies if the doctor identifies and removes polyps from their colon.

Detection of diverticulitis
With time, undigested food and bacteria can accumulate in the tiny pouches of the intestines (diverticula), causing uncomfortable inflammation and infections. Diverticulitis is a painful condition that may require potent treatments and, if left untreated, may necessitate the removal of a part of the intestines. The symptoms include fever, abdominal pain, vomiting, constipation, bleeding, and bloating. Colonoscopies can identify diverticulitis-related edema and infected tissue. When discovered, treatments are administered to lower the possibility of future difficulties.

Detection of other illnesses
A colonoscopy can help identify several other colon problems besides malignant polyps and diverticulitis. One example is colitis, a long-term condition characterized by inflammation in the colon’s inner lining. If diagnosed, doctors treat colitis with surgery or therapy. Colonoscopies can also detect lesions that are bleeding. There are numerous locations in the colon where bleeding lesions can exist. The doctor will be able to see the lesions during the examination since a colonoscopy examines the colon from the rectum all the way to the cecum. Inflammation, ulcerations, and strictures along the colon are other issues that can be detected with a colonoscopy. Further, the screening test can be used to determine the cause of persistent diarrhea.

Colonoscopies are crucial examinations for better health and well-being and are typically quite comfortable. So, one can opt for them after consulting with a doctor.