COLONOSCOPY AT 50, SHOULD I HAVE ONE?

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You’ve just sailed through your six-month check-up and your doctor has given you a clean bill of health when suddenly your spirits plummet with the words, “It’s time to schedule a colonoscopy.” Here are a few facts to help put the procedure into perspective.The American Cancer Society estimated that in 2014 136,830 people would be diagnosed with colorectal cancer or CRC, and 50,310 people would die of the disease. In men and women, colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the third leading cause of death by cancer. These deaths could be prevented by early detection and treatment.

Colonoscopy At 50

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Screening is recommended every ten years beginning at the age of 50 for both men and women. Incidence and consequential death rates are significantly higher in African Americans as compared to Caucasians. Thus, earlier screening, around the age of 45, is advised for people of the African American demographic. Early screening is recommended for men and women who have the following CRC risk factors:

•A family history of CRC or polyps.•A known family history of inherited CRC syndromes.•A personal history of CRC.•A personal history of chronic inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s Disease).

Are There Risk Factors That Make A Colonoscopy Necessary?

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A colonoscopy allows your doctor to look at the inner lining of your large intestine, rectum, and colon. It helps find any ulcers, colon polyps, tumors, and areas of inflammation or bleeding. During the screening, abnormal growths can be removed and tissue samples can be collected and tested for cancer and precancerous growths in the colon or rectum.

What Is The Purpose Of A Colonoscopy?

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Before the colonoscopy, you will need to perform a colon prep. Your doctor will most likely prescribe a laxative tablet or solution that you consume before your colonoscopy. The laxatives cause loose and frequent stools, ensuring a clean colon before the test. Thus, it is recommended that you stay home during this preparation phase of the procedure.

How Is the Procedure Done?

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You will be administered sedation to make the procedure more comfortable. The procedure itself is done using a colonoscope, a thin, flexible tube with a small video camera attached, thus allowing the doctor to take pictures or video of the large intestine.The length of your colon will be viewed as the scope gently moves through. The doctor may also use tiny tools, such as forceps, loops, or swabs, through the scope to collect a tissue biopsy or remove the growths. Generally, people feel little to no discomfort when a biopsy is done or polyps are removed.

During the Test

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Signs of colorectal cancer may vary, but here are a few of the more common symptoms:

• Abdominal cramps• Change in bowel habits• Narrow stools• Rectal Bleeding and Bloody Stools• Unexplained weight loss• Weakness or fatigue

Worsening and persistent abdominal and gastrointestinal pain are oftenoverlooked as possible symptoms of CRC. Severe bloating, persistentabdominal discomfort, gas, the feeling that your bowel cannot emptycompletely, acid reflux, and heartburn are changes you should pay closeattention to and report to your doctor. Colorectal cancer can be present forseveral years before symptoms develop.

What Are The Warning Signs of Colorectal Cancer?

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Colorectal cancer can be present for several years before symptomsdevelop. Thus, colonoscopies function as some of the most importantdetection tools.

According to a 2013 long-term study by the Harvard School of PublicHealth, 40 percent of colorectal cancer could be prevented if peopleunderwent regular colonoscopy screenings.

Understand your CRC risk factors, talk to your doctor about theprocedure, and then decide if a day or two of discomfort are worsethan living with the uncertainty of a colorectal cancer diagnosis.

Should You Have A Colonoscopy?

If you would like more information or would like to schedule a personal screening, the following gastrointestinal

practices can offer assistance:

Visit this Link to Find a Gastroenterologist in your Area

http://gastrosymptoms.com/find-a-gastroenterologist-in-your-area/