Why is colonoscopy important

Some complications can lead to blood transfusions, surgery, hospitalization, or rarely, death. The test also has inconveniences. You have to restrict your diet and take laxatives beforehand. And because the exam requires sedation, someone has to drive you home and you may miss a day of work.

Colon cancer screening should begin at age 50 for most people. If one or two small, low-risk adenomas are removed, the exam should be repeated in five to ten years. Ask your health care provider when and how often to have a colonoscopy if you have inflammatory bowel disease; a history of multiple, large, or high-risk adenomas; or a parent, sibling, or child who had colorectal cancer or adenomas.

Make lifestyle changes. If you are 50 or older , talk to your doctor about getting a colonoscopy. If you are African American, you should get screened beginning at age Other risk factors, like family history , could also lower your screening age, so make an appointment so you can get screened appropriately. Directions Make a Payment Request an Appointment.

Why is a Colonoscopy Important? Colonoscopy is the Most Comprehensive Colon Cancer Screening Colon cancer begins as an adenoma abnormal growth in the colon or rectum called a polyp.

Colonoscopies Detect Cancer Earlier than any Other Test Colonoscopies are essential because colon cancer is highly treatable when it is found early. After discussing the risks of colonoscopy with you, your doctor will ask you to sign a consent form authorizing the procedure. Before a colonoscopy, you'll need to clean out empty your colon.

Any residue in your colon may obscure the view of your colon and rectum during the exam. Adjust your medications.

Remind your doctor of your medications at least a week before the exam — especially if you have diabetes, high blood pressure or heart problems or if you take medications or supplements that contain iron. Also tell your doctor if you take aspirin or other medications that thin the blood, such as warfarin Coumadin, Jantoven ; newer anticoagulants, such as dabigatran Pradaxa or rivaroxaban Xarelto , used to reduce risk of blot clots or stroke; or heart medications that affect platelets, such as clopidogrel Plavix.

During a colonoscopy, you'll wear a gown, but likely nothing else. Sedation is usually recommended. Sometimes a mild sedative is given in pill form. In other cases, the sedative is combined with an intravenous pain medication to minimize any discomfort. You'll begin the exam lying on your side on the exam table, usually with your knees drawn toward your chest.

The doctor will insert a colonoscope into your rectum. The scope — which is long enough to reach the entire length of your colon — contains a light and a tube channel that allows the doctor to pump air or carbon dioxide into your colon.

The air or carbon dioxide inflates the colon, which provides a better view of the lining of the colon. When the scope is moved or air is introduced, you may feel abdominal cramping or the urge to have a bowel movement.

The colonoscope also contains a tiny video camera at its tip. The camera sends images to an external monitor so that the doctor can study the inside of your colon. The doctor can also insert instruments through the channel to take tissue samples biopsies or remove polyps or other areas of abnormal tissue. After the exam, it takes about an hour to begin to recover from the sedative. You'll need someone to take you home because it can take up to a day for the full effects of the sedative to wear off.

Don't drive or make important decisions or go back to work for the rest of the day. If your doctor removed a polyp during your colonoscopy, you may be advised to eat a special diet temporarily.

You may feel bloated or pass gas for a few hours after the exam, as you clear the air from your colon.