The Procedure That Prevents Colorectal Cancer – by Dr. Jose Raul Monzon, Division Chief of General Surgery

This month, let’s remove any misconceptions about something that might make us uncomfortable. March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and there’s no reason to be squeamish about the importance of preventing colorectal cancer.

Colonoscopy is the gold standard for spotting and removing colon polyps (or growths), which prevents the development of colorectal cancer. While other screening options are available, they do not compete when it comes to how effective a colonoscopy is, since they cannot remove polyps.

I recommend patients at normal risk receive their first colonoscopy at age 45 and continue to receive colonoscopies depending on the findings. Patients with a family history of colorectal cancer and/or other cancers should to start colonoscopies earlier and receive them more frequently.

What is colorectal cancer?

Colorectal cancer is the number one cause of cancer death in adults under the age of 50 in the United States.

It is also among the most commonly diagnosed cancers in our country. According to the American Cancer Society, over 108,000 new colon cancer cases and almost 50,000 new rectal cancer cases will be diagnosed this year.

Almost all colorectal cancers develop from polyps, which rarely give any symptoms at all, no matter how many there are and their size. If the polyps are removed with a colonoscopy, the cancer can be prevented. An estimated 30-40% of the adult population in the United States has colorectal polyps.

Unlike breast cancer, where a lump might be felt, or skin cancer, where an abnormal mark might be spotted, in its early stages colorectal cancer usually either has no noticeable symptoms at all or has symptoms that could be easily mistaken for something else. This is why getting colonoscopies as recommended can be so important.

Symptoms of advanced colorectal cancer can include bloody stools, change in bowel habits, like unexplained diarrhea or constipation that doesn’t go away, change in size of bowl movements, long-lasting abdominal discomfort like frequent gas pains or ongoing bloating, and unexplained weight loss.

What Happens During a Colonoscopy

During a colonoscopy, your medical team will use a flexible instrument called a colonoscope to methodically examine your rectum, colon, and large intestine for anything out of the ordinary. If polyps are identified, they are removed. If cancer is identified, it is biopsied and diagnosed so treatment can be provided as soon as possible.

Here at Bassett, patients receiving a colonoscopy are sedated for the entire procedure, ensuring they remain comfortable and safe. From start to finish, a colonoscopy is usually completed in less than an hour. The patient returns home the same day and is usually able to resume all of their normal activities by the next day.

How can I make preparation less of a nuisance?

It’s no secret that the process of preparing for a colonoscopy is not a pleasant one. All of a patient’s hard work happens before the procedure itself.

In order for a colonoscopy to be performed, your colon needs to be clear of stool. To accomplish this, you will be given instructions to follow a low fiber diet in the days leading up to the screening and take prep solution the day before and/or morning of the colonoscopy. This prep solution will make you spend a good deal of time in the bathroom. Remember to stay hydrated.

To make the prep easier to drink, it can be chilled in the refrigerator or put over ice. Many patients also find using a straw can help lessen the taste. Hard candy can be sucked on between cups to put a more pleasant flavor in your mouth.

Throughout all of this, remind yourself of why you are doing this: you are prioritizing your health which is important, since you are preventing cancer.

Younger People Need to Take Notice

In recent years, the United States has noticed a sad, troubling trend. More and more young adults are being diagnosed with colorectal cancer. In fact, colorectal cancer has become the leading cause of cancer death in people between the ages of 20 and 49 in the United States.

If you are under 45 and experiencing any symptoms that cause concern like the ones mentioned earlier in this article, do not assume, “I’m too young to have cancer.” Speak to your primary care provider to determine if a colonoscopy could help.

Get Started Today

Life is busy and that can cause many of us to put off making our colonoscopy appointment. Consider this your reminder to make your health a priority and schedule your screening. It could save your life.

Colonoscopies are covered by insurance plans for patients 45 years and older. If you are uninsured or underinsured, the Cancer Services Program (CSP) of Central New York may be able to help cover costs.

The colorectal team at Bassett Healthcare Network is made up of experienced medical professionals who have performed countless colonoscopies. You will be in good hands! Call 607-547-3388 for more information or to make an appointment.

About the Author
Jose Raul Monzon, MD, is the Division Chief of General Surgery for Bassett Healthcare Network. He specializes in colorectal surgery and endoscopy. He has been an attending surgeon at Bassett Healthcare Network since 2009.