Colonoscopy and Other Screening Tests: When and Why You Need Them in Hawaii
Colon cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in Hawaii. However, it is also one of the most preventable cancers, thanks to screening tests such as colonoscopy. In this blog post, we'll explore the different types of screening tests for colon cancer, when you should consider getting screened, and why early detection is so important.
What is colon cancer?
Colon cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the colon or rectum, which are part of the digestive system. Over time, abnormal cells can grow and form a mass or tumor. If left untreated, the cancer can spread to other parts of the body, which can make it more difficult to treat.
The good news is that colon cancer is highly treatable when caught early. In fact, the five-year survival rate for people diagnosed with colon cancer that hasn't spread is over 90%.
Types of screening tests
There are several types of screening tests for colon cancer. The most common are:
Colonoscopy: This is the most effective screening test for colon cancer. During a colonoscopy, a gastroenterologist uses a long, flexible tube with a camera to look inside the colon and rectum. If any abnormal growths or polyps are found, they can be removed during the procedure.
Fecal occult blood test (FOBT): This is a test that checks for blood in the stool. Small samples of stool are collected and sent to a lab for analysis. If blood is detected, further testing may be needed to determine the cause.
Stool DNA test: This is a newer test that looks for DNA changes in the stool that may be a sign of colon cancer. It is less invasive than a colonoscopy, but it is also less accurate.
Flexible sigmoidoscopy: This test is similar to a colonoscopy, but it only looks at the lower part of the colon. If any polyps or abnormal growths are found, a colonoscopy may be recommended to check the rest of the colon.
When to get screened
The American Cancer Society recommends that people at average risk for colon cancer begin getting screened at age 45. However, if you have a family history of colon cancer or other risk factors, your doctor may recommend starting screening earlier.
People at higher risk for colon cancer include:
Those with a personal history of colon cancer or certain types of polyps
Those with a family history of colon cancer
Those with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease
Those with a genetic syndrome that increases the risk of colon cancer, such as Lynch syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)
Why early detection is important
Early detection is important for all types of cancer, but it is particularly important for colon cancer. When caught early, colon cancer is highly treatable. In fact, if colon cancer is caught in the early stages, the five-year survival rate is over 90%. However, if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, the five-year survival rate drops to around 14%.
In addition to improving survival rates, screening tests can also help prevent colon cancer. During a colonoscopy, any polyps or abnormal growths can be removed before they turn into cancer. This is why colonoscopy is considered the gold standard for colon cancer screening.
Preparing for a colonoscopy
If you're scheduled for a colonoscopy, there are a few things you'll need to do to prepare. Your doctor will give you specific instructions, but here are some general guidelines:
Follow a clear liquid diet for at least 24 hours before the procedure. This means avoiding solid foods and sticking to things like clear broth, Jell-O, and sports drinks.
Drink a special solution to clean out your colon. Your doctor will give you instructions on what type of solution to use and when to start drinking it.
Arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure. You will be given sedatives to help you relax during the procedure, so you won't be able to drive afterward.
The procedure itself usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour, and you'll be given medication to help you relax. Most people don't remember anything about the procedure afterward.
Conclusion
Colon cancer is a serious disease, but it is also one of the most preventable and treatable cancers when caught early. Screening tests such as colonoscopy are highly effective at detecting colon cancer and preventing it from developing in the first place.
If you're over 45 or have other risk factors for colon cancer, talk to your doctor about getting screened. Remember, early detection is key to preventing and treating colon cancer. So, don't delay - schedule your screening today!
