RACELAND - Surprisingly, colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S., although, with the help of a colonoscopy every ten years, this disease can be highly treatable.
"Most patients avoid routine colonoscopies due to the nature of the test; however, as physicians, we know that most patients have no symptoms until the cancer has progressed. Therefore, screening is essential in the prevention and treatment of this disease," says Dr. Mohammad Nawaz, Ochsner St. Anne General Hospital Internal Medicine. Dr. Nawaz adds, "At age 50, men and women should have a screening colonoscopy; if nothing is found, another procedure isn't likely for another 10 years."
Since colonoscopies are performed under light sedation or "twilight sleep," there is no pain or remembrance. On the other hand, the at-home preparations are a bit more challenging. "Patients constantly express that the procedure was easy, it's the preparations that took their toll - luckily, it's all in the privacy of your own home," grins Nawaz. "Drinking a gallon of laxative is the worst part of the ordeal," he adds.
The goal of colonoscopy prep is to clean the colon, completely, so that the physician will have a clear view. The most common medications include: Golytely, phospho-soda, and sodium phosphate tablets (Osmo-Prep). Basically, all of these involve drinking a lot of liquid mixed with medication to cause the bowels to evacuate. This translates into spending some time on the toilet. Some tips to prepare for the prep are:
• Use adult wet wipes or a water spray to clean off instead of toilet paper.
• Keep plenty of clear liquids on hand to drink
• Follow doctor's instructions. If you have any questions, call the doctor's office for help. You wouldn't want to have to do the prep all over again because you did it wrong!
While there's no known cause of colorectal cancer, the following factors that may increase a person's risk include:
• Age: The disease is more common over the age of 50 after which your risk increases with each decade.
• Gender: Women have a higher risk for colon cancer; men for developing rectal cancer.
• Polyps are non-cancerous growths in the colon or rectum. Adenoma polyps are non-cancerous precursors, but some polyps can develop into cancers.
• Personal history: Women with a history of ovarian, uterine or breast cancer; previous history of colorectal cancer; chronic inflammatory conditions of the colon (ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease)
• Family history of colorectal cancer, polyposis, adenomous polyps, or hereditary polyp syndrome.
• Diet high in fat and calories and low in fiber.
• Lifestyle factors including excessive alcohol, smoking, sedentary lifestyle and obesity.
"You may feel great, but everyone needs to take preventative measures to ensure that they continue to feel great," recommends Nawaz. "Get regular screenings, try to eat more fiber, exercise regularly, eliminate tobacco and monitor your alcohol intake and you'll continue to avoid becoming a statistic."
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