Colorectal cancer (CRC), known as the large bowel or large intestine cancer, develops in the colon or rectum. Most of the colorectal cancer starts as an abnormal growth on the colon or rectum lining. These growths can be removed surgically to reduce the risk of cancer. Colonoscopy plays a major role in the prevention of colorectal cancer, as the polyps can be detected and removed during the same test. From 50, men and women should have a colonoscopy in OKC every 10 years at average risk for developing CRC.

CRC Screening

With proper screening, early detection and removal of growth, the majority of CRC can be prevented. While colonoscopy is the screening procedure most people know about, there are also other screening methods, such as stool-based (fecal) tests to look for signs of blood that are a warning sign of cancer. (If the test results are irregular, colonoscopy is still required.) Screening can help prevent CRCs by detecting precancerous growths so they can be removed before they become cancer. The early detection has five-year survival rate for people with CRC is above 90%. But in this early stage only 39% of CRCs are found. When cancer has spread to nearby bodies or lymph nodes, 5-year survival rates decrease.

If men and women do experience any risk factors from CRCs, men and women should begin screening earlier and more frequently if they have a family history of CRCs, polyps, a known family history of CRCs, personal history of CRCs, or personal history of chronic inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn disease).

Reasons for Colonoscopy

Screening

Adults aged 50 and older are recommended for routine colonoscopy for colon cancer prevention. Patients can know the condition of their colon by screening even before symptoms manifest. This allows doctors to treat any abnormalities or to take preventive health measures before symptoms start to occur.

Diagnosis

Diagnostic colonoscopies are done to detect possible conditions in the colon. Some symptoms, such as rectal bleeding, constipation, or intense abdominal pain, would already be present in the patient. The purpose of colonoscopy is to arrive at a conclusive symptom diagnosis, since two types of disorders may have the same signs.

Surgery

When polyps or growths are found on the colon lining, a biopsy is done using a colonoscopy. A polyp can therefore be removed from the body for further analysis.

Signs That You Need a Colonoscopy

Inflammations, infections and irregular development in the digestive tract are symptoms. If these symptoms happen, doctors advise a colonoscopy to obtain a definitive diagnosis. Here are some things to look after:

Irregular Bowel Movements

Daily and simple bowel movements must noticed. Changes in bowel movement, whether diarrhea or movement discomfort, are all telling signs of the wrong thing. These anomalies could be seen even in the shape and color of the stool. The known sign of polyp growth is narrow stool.

Abdominal Discomfort

Intestinal cramps and constipation typically go alone and are no cause for concern. Long and recurrent episodes of abdominal discomfort, however, can contribute to a blockage that prevents the air from circulating through the digestive tract.

Rectal Bleeding

The most visible cause of rectal bleeding is hemorrhoids characterized by the presence of bright red blood in the stool. In contrast, severe gastrointestinal problems can also lead to stool blood. Colonoscopy is crucial once persistent bleeding has been observed.

Weight Loss

Unprecedented weight loss is never a good sign and could indicate gastrointestinal problems. In combination with other symptoms, weight loss could be a clear sign of colon blockages or growth.

Constipation

The residual sensation of needing bowel movement is known as constipation but is not alleviated. This symptom is a common sign of polyp growth or colon cancer itself in late stages.

Unless a polyp or colon cancer is detected, colonoscopies must be viewed like any other test - as preventive measures. This test, if done correctly, can identify colon cancer or even grow before it develops into cancer.

Contact Digestive Disease Specialists Inc. for colonoscopy in OKC.

**Disclaimer: This blog content does not offer a doctor's advice and creates no relationship between any patient and care provider.