Colon cancer is on the rise and very prevalent in both men and women!
Every person over the age of 50 should have a routine colonoscopy, which is the best way of checking the overall health of your colon or large bowel. In this procedure the inside of the last meter of your gastro-intestinal tract is carefully examined to see if there are any areas of concern, areas of inflammation or maybe any small growths, known as polyps . Should there be a polyp, this will then be removed during this procedure and sent for histology.
Proper preparation and cleaning of the colon is extremely important for this examination. The colon must be clean and empty in order to examine the health of the colon properly. Your doctor will prescribe all the necessary medication for this cleansing that starts the night before the procedure. During the colonoscopy you may elect to stay awake or be sedated – if you choose to stay awake, you may watch the fascinating journey on a large television screen in the theatre.
You will be placed on your left side and during the procedure your heart rate will be monitored by a finger clip, and you will be given oxygen through a small tube placed in your nose. The doctor will then place a small flexible telescopic tube through your anus into the large bowel, while pumping in air so that there is a clear view as he slowly moves up the colon. Photographs can be taken at any stage if needed to help with any diagnosis.
Following the colonoscopy, you will be taken back to the ward and given something to drink. If you were sedated for the procedure, you will be allowed to leave after two hours, or otherwise you can go home immediately.
No intervention is without possible complications, but the trained gastro-enterologist and his staff will make this examination as safe as possible, and will explain any risks to you dependent on your state of health.
Lifestyle factors that have the greatest effect on colon health are smoking; regular exercise and whether you are overweight or not. What food we choose on a daily basis to put into our “petrol tanks” will also have a profound long term effect on colon health. Daily intake of plant material (vegetables) is vital, coupled to the intake of healthy fats and the regular drinking of water.
A colonoscopy is a very safe and most effective way of checking the health of a vital part of your body. When given a clean bill of health, it feels like winning the lotto!