America’s #2 Cancer Killer is Also One of the Most Preventable and Curable Types of Cancer
• Colonoscopy is the most powerful prevention tool in clinical medicine.
• Most people 50 years of age and older should undergo colonoscopy
every 10 years.
• Persons at high risk for colorectal
cancer should begin screening with colonoscopy at age 40 or earlier.
• Patients have a 90% chance of survivial if colon cancer is caught in its initial stage, compared to 5% survival rate if the disease is detected in its final stage.
What is a Colonoscopy?
A colonoscopy enables the medical professional to obtain an unobstructed view of the entire lining of the colon and rectum. It is a routine outpatient procedure with little or no discomfort for the patient. A colonoscopy is commonly used to evaluate gastrointestinal symptoms, such as rectal and intestinal bleeding, abdominal pain, or changes in bowel habits. During the procedure, the physician looks for any suspicious growths, called colorectal polyps or cancer. If necessary, small amounts of tissue can be removed for analysis (a biopsy) and polyps can be identified and entirely removed. In many cases, a colonoscopy allows accurate diagnosis and treatment of colorectal problems without the need for a major operation.
At Gastrointestinal Specialists, our new state-of-the-art surgery center features advanced endoscopy equipment in 4 procedure rooms and a 12-bed holding area in the adjacent recovery center. The surgery center is located within our main office, at 80 Humphreys Center, in Memphis.
What happens before a colonoscopy?
To complete a successful colonoscopy, the bowel must be clean so that the physician can clearly view the colon. It is very important that you read and follow all of the instructions given to you because without proper preparation, the colonoscopy will not be successful and the test may have to be repeated.
What happens during a colonoscopy?
You are asked to wear a hospital gown and remove eyeglasses. You are given a pain reliever and a sedative intravenously (in your vein); you will feel relaxed and somewhat drowsy. You will lie on your side, with your knees drawn up towards your chest, then a small amount of air is used to expand the colon so the physician can see the colon walls. The entire procedure lasts from 30 minutes to one hour.
What happens after a colonoscopy?
You will stay in a recovery room for observation until you are ready for discharge. You may feel some cramping or a sensation of having gas, but this quickly passes. If medication has been given, a responsible adult must drive you home; avoid alcohol, driving, and operating machinery for 24 hours following the procedure.
If you are unable to keep your appointment or if you have any questions or concerns, please call our surgery center at 901-202-6017.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does colorectal screening really reduce cancer mortality and why?
YES! In addition to the role colorectal cancer screening plays in detecting early-stage cancer, studies show that the removal of premalignant polyps reduces both cancer incidence and mortality.
Why are you recommending the colonoscopy as the preferred colorectal cancer-screening exam?
The American College of Gastroenterology considers colonoscopy the “gold standard” for colorectal screening because it allows physicians to look directly at the entire colon and to identify suspicious growths. Colonoscopy is the only test that allows for immediate biopsy and removal of a polyps at the very same time they are identified.
For persons at average risk of colon cancer, a colonoscopy only needs to be performed every 10 years; persons at high risk should undergo testing every 5 years.
What if I am embarrassed or afraid to undergo colorectal cancer screening?
You are completely asleep during the procedure and there really is no pain. Board-certified, licensed anesthesiologists perform on site sedation for the procedures, which take place in our state-of the art surgery center. Our experienced and attentive staff sees to it that patients are comfortably cared for before, during and after the procedures.
Why do colon polyps/cancer form?
In some people heredity and genes are the most important factors. In others, heredity may play a role, but diet and foods may also be very important.
Who is considered high risk?
Patients with personal or family history of colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps. Also, family history of predisposing chronic digestive condition such as inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis). However, only 20% of colorectal patients report a family history of the disease. Other factors that increase risk: obesity, smoking, heavy alcohol use, high-fat diet, sedentary lifestyle.
What are the symptoms?
Most colorectal cancers produce NO SYMPTOMS until late in the disease, which is why screening is so important. These possible symptoms should prompt a visit with your physician: new onset of abdominal pain, blood in or on the stool, a change in stool caliber or shape, a change in typical bowel habits, constipation or diarrhea.
For more information about risks, symptoms and treatment for colorectal cancer, visit:
American College of Gastroenterology
National Cancer Institute
CDC - Screen for Life: National Colorectal Cancer Action Campaign
Watch Actor Terrence Howard's Personal Colon Cancer Message
