Preventing colon cancer is absolutely your best bet. Our gastroenterologists are here to make it as easy as possible.

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Colonoscopy A Digestive Health eGuide

Q&A

I just turned 50 and my doctor wants me to have a screening colonoscopy. I talked to some friends and family members who have had this procedure and now I’m kind of freaked about it. I mean, the procedure sounds kind of scary.

Half Century and Counting

Dear Half,

What could be worse than a colonoscopy? Colon cancer. And the good news is that getting a colonoscopy helps prevent cancer by removing polyps before they become cancerous, or catching cancer in its earliest stage when it’s easiest to cure. The tube is thin and flexible and is actually called an endoscope. And I’ve got more good news for you – you won’t feel a thing. You’ll be sedated and monitored throughout the procedure. One minute you’re talking to the medical team before they start and the next thing you know, you’re waking up in the recovery area, ready to head home.

Just go for it, AMITA Health Digestive Health Specialist

I’m scheduled for a colonoscopy and started hearing horror stories about the prep. Is it really as bad as people are telling me?

Asking Around

Dear Asking,

Preparing for a colonoscopy is ultra important. Your doctor needs to get a really clear look at the walls of your large intestine so it obviously needs to be clean to get the best results. But things have changed a lot over the years so some of the stories you are hearing are past their expiration date. No sense getting yourself worked up

about it. The basics involve not eating solid foods the day before and cleaning yourself out by drinking a prescription solution that will help you get the job done. Yes, you’ll need to stay close to a bathroom when you’re prepping, but it’s really not that bad for most people.

Wishing you a problem-free prep, AMITA Health Digestive Health Specialist

I’ve been putting off the colonoscopy my doctor wants me to have for almost 10 years now. After all, I’m pretty fit and healthy. Now that I’m 60, I’m starting to think I should go ahead and get one. Is it really worth the trouble?

Fit for Life

Dear Fit,

I’m on your team – let’s stay fit for life. And that’s why people should get their first colonoscopy when they turn 50. Around 90 percent of colon cancer cases are found in people 50 and older. And here’s a better stat: there’s a 90 percent survival rate for people whose colon cancer is discovered during a screening colonoscopy. Finding colon cancer at its earliest stage – up to 10-15 years before you experience any symptoms – requires a colonoscopy. So schedule your appointment now and get back on top of your fit-for-life philosophy. Plus an added benefit is the peace of mind you’ll experience once you know that you’re good to go.

Better late than never, AMITA Health Digestive Health Specialist

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Colonoscopy edition

Why do I need a screening colonoscopy?• Colorectal cancer is the 2nd leading cause of cancer

deaths in the United States

• Patients whose colon cancer is discovered via colonoscopy have a 90 percent survival rate

• Screening colonoscopies are recommended for everyone who is 50 or older. Around 90 percent of all colorectal cancer affects people over 50

• Colonoscopies help prevent colon cancer from developing or catch it in its earliest stages, when it is most treatable. Screening colonoscopies are usually covered by health care plans, and only need to be repeated every ten years, unless you have other symptoms

• During a colonoscopy, your specialist looks for polyps (growths) as well as other problem areas such as inflamed tissue, growths and ulcers. The polyps are usually removed during the procedure. They are then sent to the lab to be tested. Polyps are common and the most are benign (noncancerous)

• If you have a close family member who has had colorectal cancer or problems with polyps, your doctor may recommend earlier and more frequent screening

• Your doctor may want you to have a colonoscopy if you have symptoms such as rectal bleeding, chronic diarrhea, unexplained weight loss or pain in your abdomen, no matter how old you are

What can I expect when getting a screening colonoscopy?

• You will see a specialist called a gastroenterologist. You may not even need to come in for a pre-procedure visit, depending on your age and the last time you had a colonoscopy

• You’ll receive complete information about what to expect before, during and after your colonoscopy

• The day before your colonoscopy, you will need to prepare by cleaning out your intestines by not eating any solid foods and drinking only clear liquids. You’ll also need to drink a special preparation that will cause you to go to the bathroom frequently and possibly even urgently

• On the day of the procedure, you will go to an outpatient center, either free-standing or in a hospital

• A healthcare professional will administer drugs through an IV so that you will not feel anything during the procedure. You will be asleep and unaware of what is going on around you

• During the procedure, your specialist will insert a thin, flexible tube through your anus so that your rectum and large intestine can be examined for polyps, cancer, ulcers or inflammation. This tube has a tiny camera, so that your doctor can see the inside of your colon, as well as the ability to remove polyps or biopsy any trouble spots

• A colonoscopy takes only a short time, often just 20-30 minutes, followed by a brief recovery period. You will most likely be discharged just hours after you arrive. You will need a friend or family member to drive you home because the sedative is still in your system

• There are usually not any after-effects from a colonoscopy, though you may experience some mild cramping or bloating for a short time

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Lifestyle wisdom: the quality of your life is affected by the choices you make Lifestyle choices can really help you to avoid problems that may develop into colon cancer. Though lifestyle changes are not always easy to make, preventing problems is still your best option if you want to live a long and healthy life.

For a healthy colon, you’ll need to eat foods with plenty of fiber and drink enough water to keep your digestive system clean. Here are some ways you can get started:

5 tips to offset the risk of colon cancer: 1. Fiber, fiber, fiber! Make sure you’re getting enough

fiber in your diet to help things move smoothly through your digestive system. That old saying “an apple a day” are words to live by

2. Drink enough fluids every day to avoid constipation. Remember that coffee and alcohol contribute to dehydration so focus on drinking water and other healthy beverages

3. Reduce the amount of animal fat you are eating, particularly red meat

4. Get moving! Getting enough exercise keeps everything moving as it should

5. Quit smoking and don’t drink too much

5 ways to make sure you’re getting enough fiber: 1. Learn to love veggies. Make sure you eat

vegetables every day. Find ways to prepare vegetables so that you are happy eating healthy. Best choices include salads, broccoli, green peas, greens, Brussels sprouts and potatoes (with skin)

2. Fruit is also a good source of fiber, particularly apples (with skin), pears, berries, bananas and prunes

3. Whole-grain foods boost your fiber intake, so be sure to choose whole grain breads and pasta, as well as quinoa, bran flakes, oatmeal, popcorn and brown rice

4. Beans, legumes and nuts are excellent sources of fiber, particularly black beans, lentils, baked beans, almonds and pistachios

5. Read the labels on processed foods that you’re eating to see how much fiber is in them. While fiber from whole foods is preferable, all dietary fiber is beneficial. If you’re eating right, there’s usually no need to take a dietary fiber supplement

Talk to a Gastroenterologist

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The information provided on this site is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare provider. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition.

Want to learn more about colonoscopy? Start here:AMITA Health Digestive Health Institute, Colonoscopy Screenings https://amitahealth.org/colonoscopy

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diagnostic-tests/colonoscopy

Medline Plus – U.S. National Library of Medicine https://medlineplus.gov/colonoscopy.html-

To make an appointment call 855.790.7552

At the AMITA Health Digestive Health Institute, we make getting your colonoscopy as easy and convenient as possible. You can schedule your colonoscopy directly and an initial office visit might not even be required. We’ll help you with any paperwork and make sure you’re prepared for your appointment.

Our experienced, board-certified gastroenterologists use the latest technology to accurately assess the health of your colon and remove any pre-cancerous polyps (small growths) during the screening.

If you’re 50 or older, your health insurance most likely covers colonoscopy screening. And the majority of people only need to have one every 10 years.

Take the first step and schedule an appointment to get your colonoscopy with one of the caring gastroenterologists at the AMITA Health Digestive Health Institute. You’ll be glad you did.