colonoscopy Archives - Health Beat

What To Expect: Colonoscopy

Posted on February 28, 2023 by Xavia Malcolm

A colonoscopy is a procedure that physicians use to examine the inside of the large intestine (colon). During an examination, doctors can investigate changes in the large intestine and possible causes for a variety of symptoms. Most importantly, physicians can use this procedure to look for precancerous or cancerous polyps on the inside of the colon’s lining.

Before the procedure, your doctor will require that you consume a clear liquid diet for at least 24 hours ahead of the time for your exam. You will also have to take a laxative to help clear the intestines. In some instances, your provider may perform an enema before the test. Please be sure to inform your doctor of any medications you are taking so that adjustments can be made if needed before your procedure.

When you arrive for your colonoscopy, you may be given medications to sedate you or make you feel sleepy. It is highly recommended that you have someone available to drive you home for this reason.

Your physician will begin the procedure once you are sedated. A colonoscope is the tool your healthcare provider utilizes to conduct the examination. The device is a long, flexible tube with a camera and light on the end. During the procedure, your physician will insert the colonoscope into your rectum and move it into your colon to look for polyps or other signs of a potential health problem.

Once the examination is completed, your healthcare team will transport you to a recovery room for a few hours. It is common for patients to experience mild cramps or bleeding in the first stool after the procedure. Please contact your doctor if bleeding and cramping persist.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Colorectal Cancer Risk factors and Prevention

Posted on March 10, 2017 by Xavia Malcolm

Colorectal cancer is a disease that causes abnormal cells or tumors to develop in the colon or rectum. It is the third most commonly diagnosed type of cancer found in men and women in the United States.

Although colorectal cancer causes the deaths of approximately 50,000 people each year; the rate of survival is improving due to education, early detection and treatment.

Learning the risk factors of colorectal cancer is essential as there are risk factors you can control and some you cannot. The risk factors you can control include:

Smoking
Being overweight or obese
Lack of physical activity
Poor diet – a diet rich in red meats and processed meats can increase your risk
Heavy alcohol consumption

These factors can be addressed by quitting smoking, exercising, eating a healthy and balanced diet and moderating your consumption of alcoholic beverages.

The factors that you cannot control that may contribute to colorectal cancer are:

Age- people over the age of 50 have a higher risk in developing the disease
A family history of colorectal cancer or adenomatous polyps
A personal history of colorectal polyps, colorectal cancer or inflammatory bowel disease
Having an inherited gene defect that can cause family cancer syndromes such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), Gardner syndrome, Turcot syndrome or Lynch syndrome
Race or ethnicity
Having type 2 diabetes

Knowing your risk factors and taking appropriate actions can help you to reduce the probability of developing the disease.

Although it is not completely clear what causes colorectal cancer; it can be prevented by receiving regular screenings. With regular screenings, polyps or colon cancer can be found and treated early before advancing.

There are several testing methods your doctor may use to screen for colorectal cancer. Screening tests may include a colonoscopy or other testing methods such as fecal occult blood test, flexible sigmoidoscopy, CT colonography or double-contrast barium enema. The American Cancer Society recommends that men and women should receive screenings beginning at the age of 50.

For a complete guide to the American Cancer Society’s recommendations for colorectal cancer early detection, please visit https://www.cancer.org/cancer/colon-rectal-cancer/early-detection/acs-recommendations.html

March is National Colon Cancer Awareness Month

Posted on March 4, 2016 by Michael Hinck

In 2000, President Clinton officially dedicated March as National Colon Cancer Awareness Month. This designation provides patients, survivors, caregivers and advocates throughout the country an opportunity to join together to raise awareness about colon cancer and the importance of early detection.

The American Cancer Society recommends that men and women with an average risk of developing colon cancer be tested beginning at age 50. People with certain risk factors, such as a family history of colon cancer or a history of inflammatory bowel disease should be tested earlier.

Early detection can save lives, but unfortunately, less than half of the people age 50 and older get tested for colon cancer. Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S., yet there is a 90 percent cure rate when detected early.

There are a variety of different tests used to diagnose colon cancer. They include:

Standard (or optical) colonoscopy – During this test, the rectum and entire colon are examined using a colonoscope, a flexible lighted tube with a lens for viewing and tool for removing tissue. During a colonoscopy, any abnormal growths in the colon and rectum can be removed.

Sigmoidoscopy – During this test, the rectum and the sigmoid colon are examined using a sigmoidascope. The instrument is inserted through the anus and into the rectum and sigmoid colon as air is passed pumped into the colon to expand it so the doctor can see it more clearly.

High-sensitivity fecal occult blood tests (FOBT) – This exam checks for tiny amounts of blood in feces (stool) that cannot be seen by the naked eye. The stool samples are collected by the patient and the doctor has the samples tested.

Speak with your doctor about when to begin screening for colorectal cancer and what test(s) are best for you. If you do not have a doctor, Flushing Hospital’s Ambulatory Care Center has doctors that can help. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, call 718-670-5486.