Colonoscopy?

If you are 45 or over or have a family history of colon cancer, you should be screened. African-Americans have been advised to be screened beginning at age 45 for some time now. Colon cancer is one of the most preventable and curable types of cancer when detected early. Since the risk of colon cancer increases with age, getting screened is essential.  Despite the greater access to colonoscopy, so many people do not undergo this very very life-saving procedure. There is sort of fear and taboo about having a colonoscopy. The exam is very well tolerated these days, and there are better preparations available that are tolerable. The procedure involves the preparation and the procedure under anesthesia but not formal general anesthesia. Not only should you consider colonoscopy if you are at the right age or have risk factors, but you should tell your friends and family members to do so as well.

Following a clear liquid diet the day before the test, an preparation is taken that "cleans" out the colon.  There are a variety of newer preparations that are better tolerated than previously.

The procedures are done with sedation (not general anesthesia) and there should be no pain experienced.  A long, thin tube with a camera at the tip is inserted into the rectum and the instrument is passed all the way through the entire colon to the point where it meets the small intestine.

If you have a family history of colon cancer or colon polyps (premalignant growths that emerge from the colon wall), then you are at a higher risk.  Additionally, if you have had an unexplained change in your bowel, habits, abdominal pain or rectal bleeding you should discuss this with your doctor, and perhaps consider seeing a gastroenterologist.There are a variety of other conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (Ulcerative Colitis and/or Crohn's Disease) that place a person at higher risk for colon cancer as well. Colon cancer screening should always be discussed with your doctor.