In recent years, The American Cancer Society announced that colon and rectal cancer screening for adults should begin at age 45 instead of 50, as previously advised. In the United States, colorectal cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths among cancers that affect both women and men, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
As there has been a consistent and steady drift toward colorectal cancer occurring at a younger age, it’s an important time for these new guidelines to be released.
Colonoscopies not only detect cancer — they can also help prevent cancer from developing at all. Here’s what you should know about these vital screenings with expert advice from our gastroenterology specialists, Cesar Taborda, MD and Tomas Rodriguez-Molinet, MD. Keep reading to learn more from Drs. Taborda and Rodriguez-Molinet.
Types of Colorectal Screenings
Traditional colonoscopy remains the gold standard in colorectal screening simply because it’s the methodology used to view the colon, remove polyps if they’re there, and to biopsy any suspicious lesions that might be cancer.
Dr. Rodriguez-Molinet shares, “Stool testing can look for microscopic amounts of blood or genetic material that might point to cancer, but this testing is more commonly used only if there is a need to reduce the demand for colonoscopy in a community. Those stool test results, however, may indicate the need for colonoscopy anyway.”
If a patient refuses a colonoscopy or had one that was unsuccessful (their physician was unable to adequately see inside the colon due to its anatomy or other factors), a barium enema may be necessary. This is an X-ray test in which a white liquid (barium) is placed into the rectum and colon through the anus to enhance the imaging of the bowel.
How Often Do I Need to Get a Colonoscopy Screening?
“If your initial colonoscopy is normal, and you have no factors that make you high risk, you can likely wait ten years between screenings,” says Dr. Taborda.
However, this depends on a normal examination, no new symptoms, and no additional high-risk factors like strong family history, or underlying conditions such as colitis. Most people are considered average risk.
Overcoming Colonoscopy Anxiety
Dr. Taborda explains, “A colonoscopy’s best feature is its ability to not just detect, but also prevent, cancer from developing. While anxiety may arise, it is important to prioritize your screenings and address any concerns you may have with your doctor. By taking these steps, you can actively reduce your risk of developing this disease.”
Almost 90% of colorectal cancers start as a very small benign polyp. If a polyp is removed during a routine colonoscopy, it won’t turn into a cancer. That’s not the same as a mammogram, for example, where you’re detecting what’s there, but not preventing cancer before it happens.
A colonoscopy does two things effectively: It picks up cancers earlier; therefore, the outcome of treatment tends to be better. And most importantly, it can prevent cancer from developing.
“Preparation for a colonoscopy includes fasting as well as drinking a liquid that flushes out your system. The prep methods used today are much better and more comfortable than they were 20 years ago,” says Dr. Rodriguez-Molinet.
Colonoscopies are generally outpatient procedures, meaning you’re in and out of the facility in just a few hours. It’s advised someone comes with you to drive you home since anesthesia will be used for the procedure.
Schedule Your Colonoscopy
Learn more about how our specialists at AdventHealth can help guide your lifelong digestive health, or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Rodriguez-Molinet or Dr. Taborda.
