How A Colonoscopy Can Save Your Life

February is Cancer Prevention Awareness Month. Here at the Abramson Cancer Center, we are committed to providing outstanding comprehensive cancer care and cancer information including ways to prevent cancer. Further, cancer researchers at Penn are at the forefront of learning new ways to prevent and detect cancer.

In this article, we discuss colonoscopy, and how a colonoscopy can actually prevent cancer. 

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the few cancers that can be prevented with screening. In the United States, it is recommended that everyone over the age of 50 be screened for CRC. If you have a family history of colon polyps, cancer at an early age or certain chronic medical conditions you may be encouraged to be screened starting at an earlier age.

Although the incidence of CRC and cancer-related deaths is decreasing, colon cancer screening remains underutilized. Consequently, CRC remains the third most common cancer worldwide and the second leading cause of cancer deaths.

One of the main barriers to CRC screening is the lack of awareness of the disease. CRC tends to not be discussed as openly as other conditions such as breast or lung cancer. Furthermore, the thought of undergoing a colonoscopy is not appealing to anyone. This is compounded by the fact that there is a general misperception about the study.

Colonoscopy can detect early tumors, and more importantly pre-cancerous growths of tissue called polyps. Polyps can be removed at the time of the procedure, thereby preventing you from ever developing cancer.

Know What to Expect at a Colonoscopy

Preparation for a colonoscopy involves using a prescription laxative the day before the procedure to clear the colon. Prior to the study, anesthetic medications providing “twilight” sedation are given through an IV. You are able to follow commands under twilight sedation, but remain comfortable if not asleep during the entire exam.

Once sedated, a long thin flexible tube with a light and a high-definition (HD) camera at the tip is inserted through the rectum and advanced to the end of your colon. The total length of the exam is typically 20 to 30 minutes.

For most patients, the hardest part of the exam is the preparation the day before the procedure. Many patients wake up from the sedation unaware that the test has already been performed. At Penn the preparation has been improved so the standard laxative solution is no longer a gallon of fluid, but is a more palatable combination of Miralax® dissolved in Gatorade®.

Roughly 80 percent of CRCs can be prevented with adequate screening and colonoscopy screening saves lives. I encourage everyone to begin the dialogue about CRC screening with their physicians. While no screening test is 100 percent perfect, colonoscopy remains the best method of screening for most individuals.

Are you 50 years old or older? Make an appointment at Penn Medicine for your routine colonoscopy by calling 1-800-789-PENN (7366).

Learn More About Colorectal Cancer Prevention

Register for a free conference about colon and rectal cancer prevention.

The CANPrevent Colorectal Cancer conference is FREE and open to the public. Come and learn the latest information on colorectal screening and managing the genetic risk for you and your family. Gain knowledge and take action by getting important information from our experts. Breakfast will be provided.

Date: Friday, March 22
Time: 7:30 am to 10:30 am
Location: Hilton Hotel, 4200 City Avenue, Bala Cynwyd, PA

Register for this free event here.