NEW ORLEANS - Surprisingly, colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S., although, with the help of a slightly uncomfortable and humbling medical test every ten years, this disease can be highly treatable. Ochsner encourages residents to consider the alternative and schedule a colonoscopy with the assurance that the preparation for a colonoscopy is worse than the actual test.
"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. Joshua Parks, Ochsner Medical Center - West Bank Colon and Rectal Surgeon. Dr. Parks adds, "At age 50, men and women should have a screening colonoscopy; if nothing is found, another procedure isn't likely for another 5 to 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 Parks.
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 a lot of 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. Water gets boring and you need to stay hydrated.
• 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!
• Bring a book! You'll probably spend most of the day before the procedure on or going to the toilet.
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.
• 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 Parks. "Get regular screenings, try to eat more fiber, exercise regularly, eliminate tobacco and monitor your alcohol intake and you'll continue to avoid becoming as statistic."
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