A Life Saver " Colonoscopy "

Health Tip - Week March 28 - 31, 2011

Colonoscopy

  A Colonoscopy is a procedure that enables an examiner (a gastroenterologist) to evaluate the appearance of the inside of the colon (large bowel).

 

 

 

This is accomplished by inserting a thin long flexible tube(a colonoscope) that is 48 to 72 inches long and about the thickness of a finger into the anus and then advancing the colonoscope slowly into the rectum and through the colon.

The tip of the colonoscope has a light and video camera that your physician can video and take pictures  of the lining of your intestines.

   

           It is recommended that both men and women  starting at age 50 should have the following tests done:

• Yearly fecal occult, blood test plus flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years
• Colonocopy every 10 years
• Double contract barium enema

All of these test should be accompanied with a digital rectal examination

The Colonoscopy looks for Colon Cancer

Colon Cancer is the number two cancer killer in the United States, 140,000 people are diagnosed yearly and over 50,000 people die every year. African Americans have the highest rate of Colorectal Cancer incidence and mortality of all racial groups in the United States.

                          
                                                               
 Colon Cancer is a slow growing malignant (cancerous) tumor arising from the inner wall of the large intestine. Although the exact cause of colon cancer is not known research suggest that:

• Heredity
• Environmental factors
• Poor diet 
• Obesity
• Physical inactivity
• Smoking
• Heavy alcohol use
• Type 2 diabetes

      The colonoscopy test allows your physician to see the inside of your colon and rectum visualized in images transmitted from the camera to a television monitor ( optical colonoscopy). Allowing them to see any ulcers, colon polyps, tumors, inflammation or bleeding.


                                                              

While the procedure is being done, your physician can also perform a biopsy (take tissue samples) or remove any polyps.

Preparation for the Colonoscopy is done the day before the examination emptying the colon using laxatives, prior to the Colonoscopy, an intravenous infusion (IV) is started and you are placed on a monitor for continuously monitoring the rhythm of your heart, blood pressure, and the amount of oxygen in the blood. Medication is given to make you feel sleepy and relaxed. You may have a feeling of pressure, cramping, and bloating. 

While this test may feel like an intrusion it is the most important test you can take to prevent Colorectal Cancer.  It is a preventable disease (98% cure rate) through early detection and a healthy lifestyle. 

For more information go to http://www.cancer.org/, http://www.healthcentral.com/, http://www.insurancedesk.com/, http://www.webmd.com/, http://www.colonscopyinfoguide.com/, and http://www.ask.com/


Special Note:

Cor-Les Community this subject is very close to my heart because my grandmother Lessie A.Crenshaw died of Colorectal Cancer 22 years ago. It could have been prevented. My grandmother sat on a flatable pillow and use unlimited amounts of preparation - H. When the pain became unbearable she went to the hospital and the cancer had  already spread to the other organs in her body. I believe she would be alive today if she would have taken the test earlier.

                                  

So Family PLEASE! PLEASE! get tested it will save your life.    

Live well
Doc V