Colonoscopy: How Regular Screenings Can Save Your Life
Getting a colonoscopy may not be anyone’s idea of a fun experience, but its role in preventative care makes it a crucial one. While a colonoscopy is primarily known for helping detect colorectal cancer, its benefits go beyond cancer screenings. This procedure serves as a crucial tool for diagnosing various gastrointestinal diseases, unveiling hidden risks and enabling timely interventions.
Colon Cancer Screenings
Colorectal cancer is one of the most prevalent and deadly cancers worldwide. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), colorectal cancer is the fourth most common cancer in men and women and the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. However, when detected at an early stage, the survival rate for colorectal cancer exceeds 90 percent.
One of the primary benefits of a colonoscopy is its ability to detect colorectal cancer at its earliest stages. Colorectal cancer often develops from precancerous polyps, which are small growths in the colon lining. During a colonoscopy, these polyps can be identified and removed before they have the chance to progress into cancerous tumors. This early intervention significantly reduces the risk of developing colorectal cancer.
“Colon cancer is preventable,” Joseph P. Phillips, MD, a physician with Hattiesburg Clinic Gastroenterology, said. “A colonoscopy our best chance to identify the early stages of colon cancer and stop it before it starts.”
The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends that individuals with an average risk of colorectal cancer begin regular screenings at the age of 45. However, those with certain risk factors may need to start screening earlier. Factors such as a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, a personal history of inflammatory bowel disease or certain genetic syndromes can increase the likelihood of developing colorectal cancer at a younger age. According to the ACS, colon cancer rates in younger age groups have been increasing by one to two percent a year since the mid-1990s.
“We are seeing younger people get diagnosed with colon cancer, and many do not experience symptoms,” Hattiesburg Clinic gastroenterologist Michael A. Goebel, MD, said. “That is why getting screened for colon cancer is so crucial to saving lives. Through screenings, we can detect and remove any colon polyps that could become cancerous.”
After your initial colonoscopy, it is important to maintain regular screenings. The findings from these screenings play a significant role in determining the frequency of future screenings. If previous colonoscopies revealed polyps or other abnormalities, follow-up colonoscopies may be recommended at shorter intervals to monitor for any changes or signs of malignancy. Individuals with normal colonoscopy results may be advised to undergo subsequent screenings at longer intervals, typically ranging from five to 10 years, depending on individual risk factors and guidelines.
“Your physician can guide you if you are at an increased risk,” Goebel added. “If you have a family history of colon cancer, if you have inflammatory bowel diseases, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease, or if you’ve had polyps before, those are going to increase your risk and your need for more regular screenings.”
Other Diseases Detected Through a Colonoscopy
While a colonoscopy is most commonly associated with colon cancer screening and diagnosis, it is also a valuable tool for the prevention and detection of various other gastrointestinal diseases. A colonoscopy helps physicians visualize the colon’s interior, making it easier for them to identify abnormalities and provide effective treatment plans for conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), diverticulitis and gastrointestinal bleeding.
Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, collectively referred to as IBD, cause chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. According to the CDC, an estimated 3.1 million adults in the United States have been diagnosed with IBD. Colonoscopies help in diagnosing and assessing the severity of IBD by visualizing inflammation, ulcers and other identifying factors. This aids in guiding treatment decisions and monitoring disease progression over time.
Diverticulosis is a common condition characterized by the presence of small pouches (diverticula) in the colon wall. While often asymptomatic, diverticulosis can progress to diverticulitis, where these pouches become inflamed or infected, leading to abdominal pain, fever and other complications. A colonoscopy can detect diverticula and assess their condition.
Gastrointestinal bleeding can occur due to various factors, including ulcers, inflammation, vascular malformations or tumors. Colonoscopies enable direct visualization of the colon and rectum, facilitating the identification and localization of bleeding sources. This is crucial for determining the underlying cause of bleeding and guiding appropriate treatment interventions.
Colonoscopies for Children
For adults, the most common reason for a colonoscopy is to detect colon cancer. This is not the primary purpose of a colonoscopy for children. Your child’s doctor may recommend a colonoscopy to look for the cause of conditions such as blood in their stool, IBD, chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain and other issues.
Hattiesburg Clinic’s pediatric gastroenterologist, Jeremy C. Screws, MD, specializes in colonoscopies tailored specifically to children.
“This is a safe, routine procedure for children,” Dr. Screws said. “We ensure your child is as comfortable as possible and not in any pain while we work to identify and understand his or her gastrointestinal problems.”
Why Choose Hattiesburg Clinic?
Hattiesburg Clinic offers gastroenterology services at multiple locations across Mississippi, including our pediatric gastroenterology clinic. Our board-certified gastroenterologists and pediatric gastroenterologist perform thousands of colonoscopy procedures each year in a relaxed and professional setting. We provide quick, yet efficient procedures to help our patients stay healthy and cancer-free. If cancer is detected, we will work with our oncologists to develop a suggested treatment plan. Our physicians are known for their quality care and investment in patient success.
For more information on the services provided by our gastroenterology team, call (601) 268-5680, or visit us online at www.hattiesburgclinic.com/gastroenterology.
For more information on the services provided by our pediatric gastroenterology team, call (601) 261-3500, or visit us online at www.hattiesburgclinic.com/pediatric-gastroenterology.