Colon Cancer, Why Are Colonoscopies Important?

Colon cancer is one of the leading causes of colon-related deaths in America. It is hard to treat colon cancer with conventional treatments if it is not caught early, so they are essential. A colonoscopy can help find colon polyps and colon cancers at their earliest stages so they can be treated before they become life-threatening.

What Is a colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy involves inserting a thin tube into the rectum with a light on the end into the large intestine to see what could be wrong inside. The tube contains a small camera that sends pictures back to an outside screen during the procedure. The physician uses this tool to look for abnormalities in the colon lining, including colon polyps and colon cancers.

When should you get a colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy is recommended for anyone over 50, as colon cancer risk increases after age 50, and they can help detect colon cancer before it becomes life-threatening. You should ask your doctor about having an annual procedure to screen for colon cancer if:

-You are over the age of 50

-You have a family history of colorectal cancer

-Your parents had colon polyps or colorectal cancer at a young age (under 60)

If you meet any of these criteria, speak with your physician about scheduling an appointment for yourself. It is also important to note that colon cancer can occur at any age, so this is not just screening for older adults.

You should consider having a colonoscopy if you are over 50. It is also crucial to have colon screenings after colon surgery to look for colon cancer recurrence or residual colon polyps

When is it time to get a colonoscopy?

If you are over the age of 50, your physician will likely recommend an annual colonoscopy screening to detect colon polyps and colon cancers early enough for treatment. A colonoscopy may also be recommended after colon surgery.

While some physicians recommend that It be done annually, recent research suggests that colonoscopies should only be done every five years, particularly in younger patients.

Colon Cancer, Why Are Colonoscopies Important?

Colon cancer is one of the leading causes of colon-related deaths in America. It is hard to treat colon cancer with conventional treatments if it is not caught early, so they are so important. A colonoscopy can help find colon polyps and colon cancers at their earliest stages so they can be treated before they become life-threatening.

What Should I Expect From My First Colonoscopy? A colonoscopy is a flexible tube about the width of your pinky finger that is inserted into your rectum, allowing doctors to see inside you. Someone who has never had one can expect it to be uncomfortable for about 5 minutes but not painful, and the exam takes about 15 minutes.