Colonoscopy is Best for Early Detection of Colorectal Cancer
Author: Home Helpers Home Care
Last week, one of my senior family members was diagnosed with 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐧 𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫. It came as a surprise because she had a colonoscopy last August and there were no polyps or abnormalities detected. However, a second colonoscopy confirmed the presence of cancer that had developed higher in the intestines than the August colonoscope had explored.
There is a family history of colon cancer which is why my 83-year-old aunt and the rest of us continue routine colonoscopy screenings.
Ironically, March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and my family is keenly aware that colonoscopy is best for the early detection of colorectal cancer. After all, colonoscopies saved the lives of my maternal grandparents. Unfortunately, my maternal great-grandmother died of colon cancer when she was in her mid-50s, years before I was born, and colonoscopy procedures were developed.
Understand Your Risk Factors for Colorectal Cancer
There are three main categories of risks:
- Genetic Risks – Although, 5-10% of all cancers are related to genetics, nearly 50% of colon cancers under the age of 50 are a direct result of heredity. In the case of seniors ages 65+, genetic factors may not be as clear, but the National Institutes for Health (NIH) National Library of Medicine reports, “The greatest burden from colorectal cancer falls on the elderly, with nearly 70% of cases diagnosed in those older than age 65 and 40% diagnosed in those over 75 years of age. As a result, approximately 75% of colorectal cancer deaths occur in people older than 65 years of age.”
- Physical Risks – Physical conditions like Crohn’s disease or Colitis may increase the risk of developing colon cancer. It is recommended that seniors – or anyone – with these or similar gastrointestinal issues be screened more frequently.
- Lifestyle Risks – Smoking, alcohol use, consumption of red meats and processed foods, and obesity are considered lifestyle risks that may increase the likelihood of colon cancer.
Understanding your risk factors and making good choices can truly make a positive difference in colon cancer prevention.
Know the Symptoms
- Changes in Stool – Pay attention to your bowel movements (BM) and changes in your stool:
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Narrowing of feces
- Dark stool
- Blood in stool
- Rectal bleeding
- Feeling a need to have BM, but no relief after doing so
- Cramping or Abdominal Pain
- Unintended Weight Loss
- Weakness & Fatigue
If you notice any of the above symptoms do not hesitate to contact your primary care provider immediately! A colonoscopy or other examinations may be warranted.
What is a Colonoscopy?
Gastro Florida explains, “A colonoscopy is a medical procedure used to examine the interior of the large intestine (colon) and rectum. It is a vital diagnostic tool for detecting abnormalities such as polyps, tumors, inflammation, and bleeding. It is also used for screening for colorectal cancer. The procedure involves the use of a long, flexible tube called a colonoscope, which has a small camera and light at its tip to provide a clear view of the colon.”
The Colonoscopy Process
Preparation
Proper preparation is crucial for a successful colonoscopy. The goal is to empty the colon to provide a clear view for the doctor. Preparation typically involves the following steps:
- Dietary Restrictions: A few days before the procedure, patients are usually advised to follow a low-fiber diet. The day before the colonoscopy, a clear liquid diet is recommended. This includes broth, clear juices, gelatin, and water. Patients should avoid red or purple liquids, which can be mistaken for blood during the procedure.
- Bowel Preparation: Patients must take a laxative solution prescribed by their doctor to clean out the colon. This solution induces bowel movements to empty the colon completely. The exact instructions for bowel preparation vary, but it usually involves drinking the solution the evening before and the morning of the procedure.
During the Procedure
The colonoscopy itself typically takes about 30 to 60 minutes and involves the following steps:
- Sedation: To ensure comfort, patients are given sedatives or anesthesia. This can be administered intravenously to make the patient relaxed and drowsy, or it can put them to sleep during the procedure.
- Positioning: The patient lies on their side on an examination table, usually with knees drawn toward the chest.
- Insertion of the Colonoscope: The doctor gently inserts the colonoscope into the rectum and gradually advances it through the colon. The camera on the colonoscope transmits images to a monitor, allowing the doctor to examine the colon’s lining.
- Inflation of the Colon: To get a better view, the colon is inflated with air or carbon dioxide, which can cause some bloating or cramping.
- Examination and Removal: The doctor carefully inspects the entire colon. If any polyps or abnormal tissues are found, they can be removed using tools passed through the colonoscope. Tissue samples (biopsies) may also be taken for further analysis.
After the Procedure
After the colonoscopy, patients are monitored in a recovery area until the effects of the sedative or anesthesia wear off. Full recovery typically takes about an hour. Important post-procedure steps include:
- Discharge Instructions: Patients receive instructions on what to expect and how to care for themselves after the procedure. This includes information on diet, activity, and what to watch for in terms of potential complications.
- Transportation: Because of the sedation, patients are advised not to drive or operate machinery for at least 24 hours. Arrangements for someone to drive them home are necessary.
- Diet and Activity: Patients are usually allowed to eat and drink as usual after the procedure, but they should start with light meals. It is advisable to avoid strenuous activities for the rest of the day.
Benefits of a Colonoscopy
Colonoscopy is considered the gold standard for colon cancer screening and has several benefits:
- Early Detection and Prevention: Polyps detected during a colonoscopy can be removed before they become cancerous, effectively preventing colorectal cancer.
- Accurate Diagnosis: Colonoscopy provides a clear view of the entire colon, allowing for the accurate diagnosis of conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), diverticulosis, and colorectal cancer.
- Tissue Sampling: Biopsies can be taken during the procedure to investigate any abnormal findings further.
Risks and Complications
While colonoscopy is generally safe, there are potential risks and complications, including:
- Bleeding: There may be bleeding at the site where a polyp was removed, or a biopsy was taken. This is usually minor and stops on its own.
- Perforation: In rare cases, the colonoscope can create a tear in the wall of the colon or rectum, which may require surgical repair.
- Adverse Reaction to Sedation: Some patients may experience side effects or allergic reactions to the sedatives or anesthesia used during the procedure.
- Infection: Although rare, there is a slight risk of infection.
Gastro Florida concludes, “A colonoscopy is a crucial procedure for detecting and preventing colorectal cancer and diagnosing other gastrointestinal conditions. Proper preparation, understanding the process, and being aware of the benefits and risks can help ensure a successful procedure. Regular screening, especially for individuals over 50 or those with risk factors, is essential for maintaining colon health. If you have concerns or symptoms related to your digestive health, consult with a healthcare provider to determine if a colonoscopy is appropriate for you.”
By being proactive and staying on track with colon cancer screenings every 5 years, or as recommended by my doctor, I hope to remain cancer-free! If questionable polyps are ever detected, and a colon cancer diagnosis is revealed, early detection will likely result in more desirable treatment options and outcomes.
If a compassionate Home Helpers® caregiver can help you or a special senior you love with transportation assistance to doctor appointments and health screenings, personal care, light housekeeping, nutritious meal planning and preparation, or recuperative care following surgery and medical procedures, I am available to schedule a FREE Consultation at your convenience. This will allow me to assess specific needs and match the perfect caregiver to help.
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