Summary: Although it may seem embarrassing to undergo, a colonoscopy can mean the difference between life and death, identifying cancer and other conditions.
We do an array of things day to day to sustain our wellness, like cleaning our teeth, eating our vegetables, and exercising. However, there’s one thing that frequently gets neglected that could actually save our lives — a colonoscopy. This important exam can discover and help prevent cancer, inflammatory gut diseases, and other health concerns. At GI Associates & Endoscopy Center, we recommend obtaining a colorectal cancer screening every ten years unless suggested otherwise. Our board-certified gastrointestinal (GI) specialists commonly carry out colonoscopies for Jackson, MS patients.
Why get a colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is an examination of the colon and rectum that is conducted to find polyps (growths) or tissue abnormalities that could be or turn cancerous. During this 30 to 60-minute procedure, a gastrointestinal doctor will insert a scope into the colon to search for any evidence of colorectal cancer or other issues. Colonoscopies are frequently recommended as a technique to:
- Discern the reason for abdominal distress, chronic obstruction or diarrhea, bloody stools, or different symptoms
- Screen for colon and rectal cancer
- Search for polyps (tissue growths that can turn cancerous if not treated)
At GI Associates & Endoscopy Center, we typically advise that you visit a colonoscopy physician around the age of 45 and return every ten years for routine screening procedures. However, contingent on your findings or if you possess a family history of colorectal cancer, we may suggest you get screened at an earlier age and more often.
What about home-based colorectal cancer exams?
Many people are curious as to the reason a colonoscopy is necessary when there are home testing kits available. The simple response is our GI specialists can obtain a more complete picture of any irregular or potentially cancerous issues than with a home stool sample exam. While some people prefer to employ these home tests, they do not replace a colonoscopy screening.
A home kit, for instance, cannot locate any growths that have developed in the bowel. They may indicate certain markers of cancer, but the truth is a colonoscopy can discover indicators of cancer much quicker and more accurately than a home screening. At-home exams are also not able to detect inflammatory intestinal issues.
What makes colonoscopies significant?
It's an accurate assumption that colonoscopies can seem invasive. However, the lifesaving impact of this exam can greatly exceed the minor embarrassment it may cause. It’s crucial to stress how necessary these procedures can be, specifically for people who have a family history of colorectal cancer. A great deal of men and women with colon and rectal cancer have no symptoms during the early phases and may not even understand they have the illness.
Several simple reasons to consider scheduling a colonoscopy include:
- Despite prevalent opinion, the preparation for a colonoscopy is not awful.
- They are fast and generally comfortable.
- Though you might feel self-conscious, your GI specialist is not.
- This is the most effective method of colorectal cancer screening.
- A colonoscopy can save your life.
In addition, a colonoscopy can discover much more than cancer. It can also verify inflammatory intestinal issues, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's, as well as diverticulosis. Similar to colorectal cancer, when identified quickly, these diseases can be treated and further damage often can be prevented.
Schedule a colonoscopy in Jackson, MS today
Even if you could feel like there’s no need for a colonoscopy, this test can help save your life. A colonoscopy can detect initial indications of colon and rectal cancer, and it can identify Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, diverticulosis, and other illnesses. This simple screening may be the critical component between life and death, as our Jackson, MS gastrointestinal specialists are experienced at detecting early signs of colorectal cancer and other concerns that could prevent cancer in the coming years. For more information on colonoscopies at GI Associates & Endoscopy Center, reach out to our GI team today.
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