Screening is recommended every ten years beginning at the age of 50 for both men and women. Incidence and consequential death rates are significantly higher in African Americans as compared to Caucasians. Thus, earlier screening, around the age of 45, is advised for people of the African American demographic. http://goo.gl/U8mtiW

1. COLONOSCOPY AT 50, SHOULD I
HAVE ONE?
Gastrosymptoms.com

2. Gastrosymptoms.com
You’ve just sailed through your six-month check-up and your doctor
has given you a clean bill of health when suddenly your spirits
plummet with the words, “It’s time to schedule a colonoscopy.” Here
are a few facts to help put the procedure into perspective.
The American Cancer Society estimated that in 2014 136,830
people would be diagnosed with colorectal cancer or CRC, and
50,310 people would die of the disease. In men and women,
colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and
the third leading cause of death by cancer. These deaths could be
prevented by early detection and treatment.
Colonoscopy At 50

3. Gastrosymptoms.com
Screening is recommended every ten years beginning at the age of 50
for both men and women. Incidence and consequential death rates are
significantly higher in African Americans as compared to Caucasians.
Thus, earlier screening, around the age of 45, is advised for people of
the African American demographic. Early screening is recommended for
men and women who have the following CRC risk factors:
•A family history of CRC or polyps.
•A known family history of inherited CRC syndromes.
•A personal history of CRC.
•A personal history of chronic inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative
colitis or Crohn’s Disease).
Are There Risk Factors That Make
A Colonoscopy Necessary?

4. Gastrosymptoms.com
A colonoscopy allows your doctor to look at the inner lining of your
large intestine, rectum, and colon. It helps find any ulcers, colon
polyps, tumors, and areas of inflammation or bleeding. During the
screening, abnormal growths can be removed and tissue samples
can be collected and tested for cancer and precancerous growths in
the colon or rectum.
What Is The Purpose Of A
Colonoscopy?

5. Gastrosymptoms.com
Before the colonoscopy, you will need to perform a
colon prep. Your doctor will most likely prescribe a
laxative tablet or solution that you consume before
your colonoscopy. The laxatives cause loose and
frequent stools, ensuring a clean colon before the test.
Thus, it is recommended that you stay home during
this preparation phase of the procedure.
How Is the Procedure Done?

6. Gastrosymptoms.com
You will be administered sedation to make the procedure more
comfortable. The procedure itself is done using a colonoscope, a thin,
flexible tube with a small video camera attached, thus allowing the
doctor to take pictures or video of the large intestine.
The length of your colon will be viewed as the scope gently moves
through. The doctor may also use tiny tools, such as forceps, loops,
or swabs, through the scope to collect a tissue biopsy or remove the
growths. Generally, people feel little to no discomfort when a biopsy
is done or polyps are removed.
During the Test

7. Gastrosymptoms.com
Signs of colorectal cancer may vary, but here are a few of the more common
symptoms:
• Abdominal cramps
• Change in bowel habits
• Narrow stools
• Rectal Bleeding and Bloody Stools
• Unexplained weight loss
• Weakness or fatigue
Worsening and persistent abdominal and gastrointestinal pain are often
overlooked as possible symptoms of CRC. Severe bloating, persistent
abdominal discomfort, gas, the feeling that your bowel cannot empty
completely, acid reflux, and heartburn are changes you should pay close
attention to and report to your doctor. Colorectal cancer can be present for
several years before symptoms develop.
What Are The Warning Signs of
Colorectal Cancer?

8. Gastrosymptoms.com
Colorectal cancer can be present for several years before symptoms
develop. Thus, colonoscopies function as some of the most important
detection tools.
According to a 2013 long-term study by the Harvard School of Public
Health, 40 percent of colorectal cancer could be prevented if people
underwent regular colonoscopy screenings.
Understand your CRC risk factors, talk to your doctor about the
procedure, and then decide if a day or two of discomfort are worse
than living with the uncertainty of a colorectal cancer diagnosis.
Should You Have A Colonoscopy?

9. If you would like more information or would like to schedule
a personal screening, the following gastrointestinal
practices can offer assistance:
Visit this Link to Find a
Gastroenterologist in your Area
http://gastrosymptoms.com/find-a-
gastroenterologist-in-your-area/