What is colonoscopy?
|
 Colonoscopy is a procedure that is done using a scope that is close to 6 feet long. The patient is sedated and then the colonoscope is advanced into the colon through the rectum and the doctor is able to visualize the colon directly. If the doctor doing the procedure sees a polyp or growth, he or she is often able to remove it at that time. For the best results from colonoscopy, I advise patients to complete the preparation that is prescribed by the colonoscopist prior to the study. The cleaner the colon, the better the view. I also advise patients to have their colonoscopy done by a gastroenterologist or colorectal surgeon. These doctors have specialty training that will give patients the most complete exam.
Removing polyps and growths before they become cancerous is the goal.
|
Who should be screened?
|
 The odds of developing colon cancer increase in those who are 50 and over. Therefore, screening colonoscopy is recommended for all adults when they reach 50 years old. If someone has a family history of colon cancer in a first degree relative, then colonoscopy should be done 10 years prior to the age that that first degree relative was diagnosed with colon cancer.
Therefore, if your father had a colon cancer diagnosed at age 45 then you would need your colonoscopy done at age 35.
|