A Colonoscopy!
01
What even is a colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy is performed by a gastroenterologist. The doctor uses a thin, flexible tube that has a light and camera at the end of the tube. This tube will be placed into the rectum and will be used to look at the entire colon for any colon polyps or cancer.
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It sounds intimidating and exposing, right? We get it! However, during the entire procedure, you will be placed under general anesthesia. This means that you will not remember anything during the procedure. The staff members will also ensure your privacy before, during, and after the procedure.
02
When do I need to get my first colonoscopy?
Age 45 if you are of average risk of CRC
What does that mean? You are of average risk of CRC if you have NO family history of CRC or colon polyps.
If you DO have a family history of CRC or colon polyps, at the very latest, you should come in at age 40.
03
What happens if the doctor finds a colon polyp during my colonoscopy?
The doctor will completely remove any polyps he/she sees during the procedure. All polyps will be sent to a lab to determine what kind of polyp it is (hyperplastic or adenoma). What does this mean? You don't have to worry about the polyp(s) ever turning into cancer!
04
How often will I have to get a colonoscopy?
It depends on your personal/family history and what they find during each colonoscopy...
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If you have no family history of CRC or colon polyps AND you have zero colon polyps, your next colonoscopy will be in 10 years.
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If they find zero polyps BUT you have a family history of CRC or colon polyps, your next colonoscopy will most likely be in 5 years, but that is something you discuss with your gastroenterologist.
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If they remove 1 or 2 small colon polyps, your next colonoscopy will be in 5 years.
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If they remove 3 or more colon polyps OR if any of them are 1 centimeter or larger, your next colonoscopy will be in 3 years.
Is Cologuard a good alternative to a colonoscopy?
While Cologuard is better than no screening, it is not as accurate as a colonoscopy. According to GI Alliance (one of the nation's largest group of gastroenterology experts), Cologuard...
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Only detected 42% of large polyps
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Only 2% of patients with a positive Cologuard actually HAD colon cancer
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What do these numbers mean? Cologuard misses a lot of large polyps which means it misses even more smaller polyps. It also means that many people who have a positive Cologuard test result will most likely make them think they have colorectal cancer when they actually do not.