The American Cancer Society makes the following recommendations on testing
- For those who have a family history of colon cancer or polyps have a colonoscopy screening at age 50 and, if normal, once every ten years thereafter. Earlier screening is recommended if family history of colon cancer or if polyps are present.
- A patient’s doctor may also recommend a colonoscopy at any time for preventive reasons or to treat an existing condition.
The Procedure
During a colonoscopy, a physician examines the lining of the colon (large bowel) for abnormalities using a small and flexible fiber-optic tube. Through this tube, at the end of which is a tiny camera, the doctor can view the lining of the colon.
During the procedure, the physician may take a sample of the colon lining for a biopsy or remove polyps – growths in the colon lining that are usually non-cancerous. Because cancer begins in polyps, it is important to remove them to help prevent colorectal cancer.
If a colonoscopy is being performed to identify sites of bleeding in the colon, your physician can control the bleeding by injecting medications or by sealing off the bleeding vessels using heat treatment.
The colonoscopy itself takes only 15-60 minutes. Medication administered intravenously (through an IV) relaxes the patient and eases discomfort. Typically, the patient experiences little or no pain, although a feeling of pressure, bloating or cramping during the colonoscopy may occur.
Recovery
Afterward, the patient usually feels drowsy and may sleep for a little while. After recovery, your physician will go over the results with the patient, and a Findlay Surgery Center nurse or technician provides post-procedural instructions.
