Have you had your colonoscopy?

In the event that you're 45 or over or have a family history of colon cancer, you ought to be screened. It used too be age 50 and for African-Americans screening starting at age 45. Now everyone should be screened at starting at age 45.  Keep in mind that if you have a family history of colon cancer, screening for colon cancer may start earlier than age 45.  Colon cancer is one of the foremost preventable and reparable sorts of cancer when identified early. An early detection of a growth know as a polyp can make the difference between a nonsurgical, colonoscopic procedure or a big surgery.  Since the hazard of colon cancer increments with age, getting screened is basic. Also, keep in mind that the number one symptom of colon cancer is no symptoms at all.  Just as the colon is a vehicle of storage of stool, it can hold a large tumor growth and you may never know it!  If you have had a change in your bowel habits, unexplained abdominal pain or rectal bleeding, to name a few symptoms, please contact your doctor.

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.  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.   There are also stool testing methods for detecting colon cancer such as Cologuard, but none are as sensitive and specific as colonoscopy.  Tell your friends and family members who are eligible for colon cancer screening or have symptoms to not be afraid and have a discussion with a gastroenterologist.