|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
||||||
|
|
||||||
Catching colorectal cancer early can save your life. Recommended screening options include:
Screening for most people should begin at age 50, but those who are at moderate or high risk for colorectal cancer may need to begin screening earlier. More frequent exams should be performed if polyps are found. Risk factors for colorectal cancer include family or personal history of the disease, obesity and lack of physical activity, smoking, and alcohol use. Talk to your doctor about which screening method is best for you. |
Colorectal cancer is the third most common type of cancer in the United States and also one of the deadliest. Fortunately, a simple test can catch colorectal cancer before it spreads and can even help prevent it. The test is called a screening colonoscopy, and it could save your life.
“Even a modest increase in the number of colorectal cancer screenings performed would save the lives of many thousands of people annually,” explained Robert Bresalier, M.D., professor in the Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition.
What is a colonoscopy?
Most colorectal cancers begin as an abnormal lump of tissue called a polyp. Polyps form on the lining of the colon or the rectum. Polyps are common—up to 20% of middle-aged and older people have one or more.
Most polyps are harmless, but some turn into cancer over time. Most people with small polyps don’t have symptoms; this is why screening for colorectal cancer is so important. A colonoscopy is the most sensitive test available for finding polyps and cancer in the colon and rectum.
To perform your colonoscopy, your doctor will examine your rectum and the entire length of your colon with a long, thin, flexible tube inserted into your rectum. This instrument has a light and a lens for viewing.
During your colonoscopy, your doctor will remove any polyps he or she finds—before the polyps turn into cancer. This is one of the most effective ways to prevent colorectal cancer from forming. Also during your colonoscopy, your doctor can perform a biopsy if he or she finds anything abnormal in your colon.
Before your colonoscopy
Your doctor will give you a list of things to do to prepare for your colonoscopy. The day before your appointment, you will need to clean out your bowel by eating and drinking only clear liquids. This doesn’t mean you’ll be uncomfortably hungry, though, because you are allowed to have foods such as clear broth, juices, and gelatin.
Your doctor will also give you a prescription for a liquid that you will need to drink. Many patients used to find this step difficult because of the large quantity of liquid they had to drink, but the amount has decreased over the years. One more thing you will need to do to prepare for your test is to take laxatives, which will empty your colon.
During your colonoscopy
You will be made as comfortable as possible before your colonoscopy begins. You will then be given a medication to make you relax. Many patients fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the colonoscopy. You will be carefully watched during the procedure for any signs of discomfort.
Dr. Bresalier reminds his patients that if they begin to feel discomfort, their medication can be quickly adjusted. One interesting effect of the medication commonly used is that after the procedure is over, you probably won’t remember anything about it.
Occasionally, a patient feels mild discomfort after a colonoscopy. Your chances of feeling discomfort, though, are not increased if you have a polyp removed or if you have a biopsy. Complications during colonoscopies are very rare.
Communicating is key
As with any medical procedure, it’s important to communicate with your doctor before and after having a colonoscopy to make sure all your questions are answered. Dr. Bresalier suggests also talking with friends or relatives who have had a colonoscopy to help clear up fears and misconceptions.
-- Tammy Locke
For more information on this topic or for questions about M. D. Anderson’s treatments, programs, or services, call askMDAnderson at (877) MDA-6789.
Other articles in OncoLog, September 2007 issue:
Home/Current Issue | Previous Issues | Articles by Topic | Patient Education
About Oncolog | Contact OncoLog | Sign Up for E-mail Alerts
©2008 The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center
1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX 77030
1-877-MDA-6789 (USA) / 1-713-792-3245
Patient Referral Legal Statements Privacy Policy
TOP