A colonoscopy can save you from colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer, a malignancy that occurs in the colon or rectum, is a leading cause of cancer deaths, but can be detected and prevented through a colonoscopy. — TNS

Men are slightly more likely than women to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer.

However, everyone is at risk for developing the disease, especially after the age of 50.

Healthcare providers say that makes screening a vital part of every person’s health plan.

Mayo Clinic gastroenterologist Dr Michael Wallace explains why a colonoscopy is such an effective tool in the battle against colorectal cancers.

Most people probably dread the preparation for a colonoscopy, which he agrees with. “The hardest part for most people is clearing out their intestines.”

However, he adds that the focus should be on the protection this procedure offers.

“About one in 20 individuals in the United States will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in their life, ” says Dr Wallace.

“We have the technology right now to prevent colorectal cancer. And we just need to make sure that everybody is coming in to get screened for it.”

He says that everyone should be screened starting at age 50, or earlier if there is a family history of the disease.

“A colonoscopy is literally an examination of the colon, ” he says.

While you’re sedated, a doctor uses a colonoscope to check for polyps.

“And when we find a polyp, which is a precursor to cancer, we can go in and remove that polyp before it ever becomes malignant, ” Dr Wallace explains.

And that makes a colonoscopy more than an early detection tool.

“It’s actually prevention, ” he says. – Mayo Clinic News Network/Tribune News Service