Avoid Colon Cancer - Eradicate the Polyp:
Colon
Cancer is not only the second leading cancer killer in the United States it is
also the third most common form of cancer. Most cases of colon cancer start
quietly, and polyps in the colon can take 10-15 years to turn cancerous and as
such most people turn a "blind" eye to their bouts of constipation,
usually the only symptom. Constipation is one of the reasons for the emergence
of polyps in the colon. Studies have shown that if polyps are addressed early
and with the cancerous polyps removed, 80% of those cancer deaths could have
been avoided.
It
is then imperative that one goes for a screening test for colon cancer before
even the symptoms appear and especially if you have any of these high risk
factors:
·
History of family having colon cancer
·
Your own personal history of colon disorders
·
If you are more than 50 years old
The
American Cancer Society recommends that man or woman above the age of 50 to
undergo a screening test for colon cancer for early detection of this 2nd
leading cancer killer in the States.
The
complete screening would be the Colonoscopy, where the entire colon and rectum
is examined with a camera that is inserted with the use of a flexible tube via
the anus. This procedure allows for the removal of small polyps if found and
the removed polyps can be checked under microscope for cancer.
Sigmoidoscopy
is another screening test that is quite similar to colonoscopy except for this test;
the examination is done at the final 2 feet of the colon instead of the entire
colon as done in colonoscopy. This is deemed sufficient as cancer survival of
the colon is limited to only the final 2 feet of the colon.
The
colon and rectum are emptied and cleaned before the procedure. The doctor would
prescribe laxatives and instruct you to drink clear liquids for at least a day
before the test. This preparation may be the worst part of the test for some,
as it means running to the toilet often the night before.
The
test itself would take about half an hour if no polyps found and longer in the
presence of polyps as this means added procedure of removing it. Small polyps
are usually removed as they may eventually turned cancerous and this is done by
looping a wire over it and cut if off from the wall by using electric current.
However, if a larger polyp, tumor or any abnormality is seen, a small specimen
is removed for biopsy. The test is uncomfortable, but it is usually done under
sedative and most patients will feel normal once the sedative effects go off.