Removing the Fear Factor from Colonoscopies
Too often, colon cancer is not detected early and will grow and spread unnoticed. In many cases, by the time people experience any symptoms, the cancer is advanced and difficult to treat.
Why aren’t patients getting tested? Usually, they feel embarrassed or don’t know what to expect and never make their appointment for an exam that could save their life.
The most reliable screening test colorectal cancer is a colonoscopy, a visual examination of the large intestine (colon) using a lighted flexible endoscope. The procedure is always done in a private room and the patient’s privacy is a top concern.
Patients are lightly sedated to help them relax and often go to sleep during the procedure. The endoscopy is inserted through the anus and moved gently around the bends of the colon. A video screen displays the images from inside the colon. If a polyp is detected, a thin wire snare is used to painlessly remove it. The procedure takes 15 to 30 minutes and the patient seldom remembers the procedure.
Removing polyps helps prevent colorectal cancer from ever starting. Don’t let misinformation and a misplaced sense of modesty stop you from getting an exam that could save your life!
