Colonoscopy Myth Number 6 - “If I was meant to get colorectal cancer it’ll happen anyway, so why get checked!”

One should never let anxiety or superstition cloud their ability to stay healthy. Colorectal cancer screening colonoscopies save lives by removing precancerous polyps before they turn into cancer.

The procedure is covered by the vast majority of insurances and can be done with open access scheduling. In addition, the procedure is safe and comfortable, and can be used to diagnosis other problems in the colon before they cause problems in the future.  

The best way to prevent colorectal cancer is to get a colonoscopy! In addition, individuals should also:

• Watch their weight
• Eat lots of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains          
• Get regular exercise 
• Stop smoking                     
• Limit alcohol intake

If the thought of a colorectal cancer screening colonoscopy gives you anxiety or you are unsure if you need one, have a consultation with a Gastroenterologist as soon as possible.

Colonoscopy Myth Number 4 - Colonoscopies are too painful because they never give enough sedation!

Colorectal cancer is one of only a few cancers that can be prevented because colorectal cancer screening (colonoscopy) allows doctors to find and remove hidden growths before they become cancer. Removing polyps can prevent cancer altogether. In fact, researchers believe that half of colorectal cancer deaths could potentially be prevented if everyone age 50 and older received recommended screenings. 

More than 99% of patients do not recall pain during the colonoscopy.  At most facilities that offer colorectal cancer screening colonoscopies, Anesthesia professionals administer intravenous medications with continuous monitoring, allowing the patient to sleep throughout their colonoscopy.  

Most patients don’t even remember the exam!  Once in a while patients even choose not to be sedated fully or at all during their colonoscopy, and the vast majority tolerate it very well.

Colonoscopy Myth Number 3 - “Colonoscopies are not accurate!”

Hyperplastic polyps, the most common nonneoplastic polyp, are small polyps that measure 1 to 5 mm in size. Short, Matthew W., et al. “Colorectal Cancer Screening and Surveillance.” American Family Physician, 15 Jan. 2015, www.aafp.org/afp/2015/0115/p93.html#sec-2.

Of all the colorectal screening modalities, a colonoscopy is the best method to accurately find cancer and polyps than all other screening tests. Colonoscopies have been shown to detect 95% of all large polyps (>/= 10mm) and up to 85% of polyps less than 5mm. A Colonoscopy is the best method to rule out colorectal cancer.

A colonoscopy is the only screening test that allows the removal of precancerous polyps and therefore results in a high degree of prevention of colorectal cancer. Certain early colorectal cancers are cured with the removal of polyps during a colonoscopy.

Accuracy is further enhanced by having highly experienced Gastroenterologists perform the exam and abide by the quality parameters dictated by the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, such as PMAGastroenterology.