Your Guide to Colonoscopy Screening

In case a person does not have symptoms, a colon cancer screening test is used to look for a disease. (Diagnostic tests are used to identify the cause of the symptoms when a person has symptoms.)Al most always pre-cancer (abnormal growth) polyps in the colon and rectum turn to colorectal cancer. Pre-cancer polyps can be found in screening tests to remove them prior to becoming cancer. Colorectal cancer may also be detected early in screening tests if the best way to treat it is.

Guidelines for screening

The prevention of colorectal cancer requires regular screening, starting at the age of 50 years. Sexternal icon is recommended for colorectal cancer by the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF). The task force advises adults between 76 and 85 years of age to ask their doctor about screening for them.

A variety of colorectal cancer control strategies are recommended by the tasking group including stool tests, and flexible sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy screening, and CT (virtual colonoscopy).

When to Start Screening?

Shortly after turning 50, you should start colon cancer screening and then go on screening regularly. However, you might need to conduct a test before or more often than 50, if —

• You or a someone close in family had colorectal or colorectal polyps.

• Inflammatory bowel disease like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis is present.

• You are suffering from genetic syndrome like family adenomatous (FAP) external icon or hereditary colorectal non-polyposis (Lynch syndrome).

Talk with your doctor if you believe that you are at increased risk for colorectal cancer. Ask about -

• The right time to start screening

• The right test for you

• Frequency of testing

What Happens During a Test?

A doctor who has experience on the procedure performs the colonoscopy in 30-60 minutes. Medicines are given to make you feel relaxed and sleepy. You are asked to sit on the examining table on your left hand side. The doctor uses a colonoscope that is a long and flexible and tubular instrument with a diameter of approximately 1/2 inch to transfer an image of the colon lining, so the doctor can check for abnormalities.

What to do Before Screening?

Inform your doctor before a colonoscopy screening about any medical conditions you have, including:

• Pregnancy

• Conditions of your lung

• Conditions of heart

• Medicinal allergies

• You are diabetic

Before colonoscopy, you may have to take antibiotics if:

• Artificial cardiovascular valve

• It has ever been said to you should take antibiotics before a dental or operation

During the procedure, you may experience mild cramping. During the procedure, you can reduce clamps by taking several slow, deep breaths. The colonoscope is removed gradually after the doctor has completed the examination of your intestinal lining.

During colonoscopy screening, small amounts of tissue (called a biopsy) can be removed, and abnormal growths or polyps can be recognized and eliminated if the doctor sees something that may be abnormal. Colonoscopy often allows for accurate diagnosis and therapy, without major surgery. Visit us at Digestive Disease Specialist for colonoscopy screening.

**Disclaimer: This blog content does not offer a doctor's advice and creates no relationship between any patient and care provider.