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Are Colonoscopy Indications As Uncomfortable As You Think?
Colonoscopy indications are just like a nightmare for many of you. But these indications are not as weird as you think. Colonoscopy is an accurate test that can diagnose any colon cancer earlier.
As many studies have revealed that in the United States colon cancer is the most death-causing cancer. But quite curable if you are lucky to catch it in the early stages. The reason behind this, it is the slowest growing cancer. A polyp needs almost 10 years to turn into a cancerous tumor.
What Is A Colonoscopy?
This is a procedure through which your colon or large intestine is screened using a tiny camera on a snaking tool. A device is sent through your rectum and the physician screens the colon. This is the most accurate screening for the diagnosis of any colon cancer.
If any polyps are found these are removed through the colonoscopy. Since there is a rapid increase in colon cancer, experts emphasize colon screening so that the mortality rates can be decreased.
They believe that males are more vulnerable at a young age as compared to females. Although, many of you do not find it great there are multiple myths that are linked to this screening test.
Why Do You Need A Colonoscopy?
It is important for you to know the reason why there are needs for a colonoscopy. Because once you are aware of the facts, you will realize the importance and need for a colonoscopy.
Mortality Rises Due To Colorectal Cancer
Unfortunately, the second leading cancer death is due to colorectal cancer. The Center For Disease Control and Prevention reveals that this cancer killed more than 52,000 people in the United States in 2015.
American College of Gastroenterology emphasizes that colonoscopy screening tests for African Americans should start at the age of 45 years. They believe that in Europe, America, and Asia, this screening must begin at the age of 50 regardless of gender.
Furthermore, they recommend that this screening test must be repeated every 10 years so any abnormality can be diagnosed early.
When Is Colonoscopy Indicated?
Certain physical symptoms may indicate you need colonoscopy. It is always your physician who decides whether you need to go for a colonoscopy or not. These indications are as below:
- Chronic Diarrhea
- Lower GI Bleeding
- Screening Of Colorectal Polyps Or Cancer
- Acute Constipation
- Bowel Inflammatory Disease
- Some Abdominal Pain
According to USPSTF recommendations, patients who are between 50-75 years should go for their screening test. This age group is more vulnerable to colorectal cancer.
Are Constipation or Diarrhea Indications For Colonoscopy?
Undoubtedly, constipation is the most common intestinal health issue. According to a study, American physicians receive 2.3 million visits with this complaint every year.
But there is no link between constipation and colonoscopy. The physicians suggest colonoscopy for the patients who come with chronic constipation and they are of at least 50 years of age. The patients who have not done this screening test before and suffer from chronic constipation should get this screening.
So, ASGE does not inscribe colonoscopy if someone comes in only with a constipation indication.
Why Do People Fear A Colonoscopy?
It is true that people fear colonoscopies. They are anxious about the procedure or maybe about the findings. But there is not enough data available for these reasons.
Some can be anxious for the second colonoscopy. Because there can be the chances of new findings which may be missed in the first colonoscopy.
Whatever the reason behind this anxiety, the care providers try to relax the patients before their screening.
Is The Procedure Painful?
Many people around you who are planning for a colonoscopy can show concerns for the pain during and after the procedure.
Furthermore, colonoscopy screenings are not painful procedures. Your physician gives you anesthesia before he starts your screening. Therefore you are not conscious to feel the procedure or the equipment used. Even if you are semi-awake, you will not remember the procedure you have gone through.
Undoubtedly, it is right to say that you do not feel any kind of pain as you go through the process. You must take it as a blessing in disguise. Any diagnosis that you might get from a colonoscopy helps your physician to go further for your treatments.
Why Should A Colonoscopy Be Your New Year’s Resolution?
Being healthy is a dream for everyone. Everyone makes his or her own specific and customized resolutions. You pay attention to your health. Some of you may plan to eat green and stay healthy.
But be aware of a silent killer. Yes, this can be in the guts of any of you. Although prevention is the first step in your health plans, you should try to emphasize some essential tests that ensure your quality of life.
This is the time when you can save yourself and your loved ones from colon cancer. The only solution is timely screening. So, do not neglect getting a colonoscopy if your doctor recommends it for you or you are 50 years old or older regardless of gender.
Doctors believe that colon cancer can be prevented and the mortality rate can be decreased to 65% by getting a colonoscopy. Â
Is There Any Difference Between Men And Women During a Colonoscopy?
Yes, for certain medical reasons a colonoscopy is a more difficult process for women as compared to men. Women possess a longer colon. And the difference in the anatomy of the area makes it different from males.
The colonoscopists have revealed from their data of 40,000 colonoscopy screenings that this data has shown that men have higher rates of advanced forms of colon cancer compared to women.
Even at a younger age, men are more prone to colorectal cancer. So, it is good for the men to go for the screening at the age of 45-50. While for the females it falls between 50-65.
Females find prep for the procedure as one of the main barriers. While men do not show any concern. Women consider it a masculine disease. So they do not typically go for screenings.
Are There Any Risks?
Although this screening procedure is quite safe, there are some risk factors people occasionally report. There can be bleeding. You can have inflammation in your bowel. There may be an infection in the pouches.
As you have to take a laxative diet before the procedure, you have to ask someone to take you to the hospital and take you back home because during the process you are under anesthesia.
After the procedure is done, you have to take care of your diet.
Does Health Insurance Provide A coverage For A Colonoscopy?
Every year Colorectal cancer awareness month is celebrated in March. Due to these awareness campaigns, many states of the United States have passed a comprehensive law through which it is made possible for everyone who is 50 years old or older to go through this screening test for CRC.
Most places have made it mandatory for health insurance providers to cover this screening.
Here is a comparative look for the adults between 50-75 age group. This will clear the picture that this is not the insurance that stopped them from being tested.
How Did I Feel During A Colonoscopy?
 Now I am excited to share my personal experience of colonoscopy. Although there is enough awareness about colorectal cancer, people are aware of the risks. But still, due to some myths, they delay their screening.
My Concerns For Colonoscopy
When my physician advised and recommended that now it’s the time when I needed to go for screening, at first I couldn’t convince myself of the procedure. Like many of you, I had some fears related to the colonoscopy screening.
Although the anxiety was not about the findings of the test, I was anxious for the anesthesia and needles that made my thoughts scary.
Thanks to YouTube videos that helped me a lot, I was able to get ready for my screening. My physician also helped me to calm down and he discussed all the pros and cons which I used to be associated with the colonoscopy.
The best part of my screening was when my physician told me that there were no polyps in my colon. I was super happy about this.
My Suggestions
I strongly recommend you go for your screening. As colorectal cancer is rapidly spreading in the United States, the only preventive measure is to have a regular screening when your doctor advises.
Bottom Line
Health is wealth. It’s true that you cannot buy health. Every one of us strives for complete mental and physical well-being. Unfortunately, colorectal cancer is one of the rapidly growing cancers. In the United States, experts are creating awareness. Lives can be saved if you go for screening. Many health insurance companies now cover colonoscopy screenings.
Experts believe that you can beat colorectal cancer only through timely diagnosis. It is not only a diagnostic procedure but also a therapeutic procedure. Because if your physician finds any abnormality or polyp, he removes that during your screening which can prevent cancer. The procedure is no longer than 30 minutes, although it takes a longer time in women because they have a longer colon. So get your screening today.
