Guarding Your Gut: Why Colonoscopy Matters

Guarding Your Gut: Why Colonoscopy Matters

Colonoscopy is a highly recommended screening tool that plays a vital role in the early detection and prevention of colorectal cancer. By examining the colon and rectum, this procedure identifies precancerous growths, such as polyps, which can be removed to prevent them from developing into cancer.

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Why is Colonoscopy Important?

Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, yet it remains a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Colonoscopy serves two essential purposes:

• Detection: Identifies colorectal cancers at an early, more treatable stage.
• Prevention: Removes precancerous polyps, stopping them from progressing to cancer.

A landmark study demonstrated that removing polyps during colonoscopy reduces the risk of death from colorectal cancer by up to 53% (3). This highlights the lifesaving potential of this procedure.

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What to Expect During a Colonoscopy

If you are considering a colonoscopy, it helps to know what the process involves. The procedure typically takes about 30–60 minutes and follows these steps:

1. Preparation: The day before the procedure, you will follow a bowel-cleansing regimen to ensure the colon is clear.
2. Procedure: A thin, flexible tube with a camera is gently inserted to examine the colon and rectum. Sedation is provided for comfort.
3. Polyp Removal: If polyps are detected, they get removed during the procedure and sent for further evaluation.

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How Effective is Colonoscopy?

Colonoscopy has proven to be highly effective in reducing the incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer. A study by Nishihara et al. found that colonoscopy was associated with a 44% reduction in overall colorectal cancer risk, particularly in the distal colon (2).

For mortality, the same study reported a 68% reduction in deaths from distal colorectal cancer and a 47% reduction in deaths from proximal colorectal cancer (2). These statistics underscore its value as a preventive and diagnostic tool.

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Who Should Get a Colonoscopy?

Routine colonoscopy screenings are recommended for adults starting at age 50. If you have a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, you may need to begin screening earlier. Screening should continue until age 75 or longer, depending on your health and life expectancy (1).

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Addressing Concerns About Colonoscopy

While colonoscopy is highly effective, some people worry about potential risks. It is reassuring to know that serious complications are rare, occurring at the following rates (1):

• Perforation: 0.5 per 1,000 procedures (0.05%)
• Significant bleeding: 2.6 per 1,000 procedures (0.26%)
• Death: 2.9 per 100,000 procedures (0.0029%)

Advances in technology and training have further reduced risks, making colonoscopy a safe and reliable procedure.

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Take Charge of Your Health

Colonoscopy provides a unique opportunity to both detect and prevent colorectal cancer, offering peace of mind and potentially lifesaving benefits. If you are due for a screening or have questions about your risk, contact our clinic today. Early action can make all the difference.

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References

1. Rex DK, Boland CR, Dominitz JA, et al. Colorectal cancer screening: Recommendations for physicians and patients from the U.S. Multi-Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer. Gastroenterology. 2017;153(1):307-323.
2. Nishihara R, Wu K, Lochhead P, et al. Long-term colorectal-cancer incidence and mortality after lower endoscopy. N Engl J Med. 2013;369(12):1095-1105.
3. Zauber AG, Winawer SJ, O'Brien MJ, et al. Colonoscopic polypectomy and long-term prevention of colorectal-cancer deaths. N Engl J Med. 2012;366(8):687-696.