When was the last time you had a colonoscopy? Whether you’re overdue or you just scheduled your first one, you might be surprised by how quick and easy the process is today.
A colonoscopy is the only screening test that can detect and remove precancerous polyps, helping to prevent colon cancer before it becomes serious. The procedure is generally painless, and the preparation is much easier to tolerate than it was in the past. Best of all, you can schedule a colonoscopy locally at Northwest Digestive Center in Post Falls. No referral needed.
Let’s explore who should get screened for colon cancer, the differences between screening colonoscopies vs. Cologuard and what to expect at each step so you’re fully prepared.
Who needs a colonoscopy?
Colon cancer used to mostly affect older people, but today, younger people are also getting diagnosed with colon cancer at higher rates. According to American Cancer Society (ACS) data, colorectal cancer is the No. 1 cause of cancer death in men under age 50 and the No. 2 cause of cancer in women younger than 50.
Because routine colonoscopies are proven to find colorectal cancer early and reduce cancer deaths, experts now recommend that people get their first colonoscopy earlier than in the past. According to the ACS, adults at normal risk for colon cancer should get their first colonoscopy at age 45 and repeat it once every 10 years. If you’re at high risk, your doctor may recommend starting colonoscopies at age 40 and repeating them more frequently. You may have an elevated risk for colon cancer if you:
- Have a first-degree relative (parent or sibling) who experienced colon cancer
- Have a history of inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
If you’re at an elevated risk, talk to your primary care provider or OB/GYN about developing a personalized colon cancer screening plan.
Why we recommend colonoscopy over other screening tests, including Cologuard
We recommend colonoscopy as our preferred screening test as it is associated with a reduced incidence and mortality from colorectal cancer. Among screening tests, colonoscopy has the highest sensitivity for colorectal cancer and adenomatous polyps (precancerous lesions) and allows for their removal anywhere in the colon during just one procedure. Colonoscopy allows for the potential to detect as well as prevent colon cancer by removing adenomatous polyps prior to malignant transformation. Cologaurd testing has a much lower sensitivity for detecting the premalignant lesions compared to colonoscopy, 42.4% compared to 95% with colonoscopy. If you have a positive Cologuard test you will then need a colonoscopy for further evaluation. Cologuard has a reported false positive rate of 13%, meaning a positive test could result in a negative colonoscopy. Cologuard is only recommended for average risk patients. In other words, if you have had a colon polyp or a family member with colon cancer it is recommended you get a colonoscopy.
How to prepare for your colonoscopy
A day or two before your colonoscopy, you will begin preparation. The goal of colonoscopy prep is to clean out your colon so your doctor can get the clearest possible view during your screening test. If you don’t empty all the contents of your colon prior to the exam, you may get inconclusive results, or you may have to repeat the procedure.
Our team at Northwest Digestive Center will provide you with detailed preparation instructions that will walk you through every step of the process. In general, preparation will include:
- Avoiding high-fiber foods that may influence the quality of your exam the day before starting your prep. These include nuts, seeds, whole-wheat bread, beans, corn, raw vegetables, or fruits with seeds or skin.
- Going on a clear liquid diet for a short time period to rest your digestive tract. During this time, you may drink liquids you can see through, including apple juice, water, clear sodas like Sprite, Jell-O, clear chicken or beef broth. Coffee and tea are OK, too, without sugar or creamer. Gatorade or Powerade are also safe, but avoid blue, purple or red flavors. Do not drink alcohol.
- Emptying your colon. While this process isn’t pleasant, it’s far more tolerable for most people than it was in the past. Your doctor will recommend a mix of Gatorade, MiraLAX powder, Dulcolax tablets and Gas-X soft gels, taken at specific intervals. A few ways to make this process easier and gentler:
- Stay near a bathroom.
- Use comfortable, flushable wipes.
- Refrigerate the mix of Gatorade and MiraLAX, and drink it in smaller amounts through a straw.
What to expect during a colonoscopy screening
Wear comfortable clothing on the day of your colonoscopy and leave all jewelry and valuables at home. Bring your glasses, hearing aids, health insurance cards and driver’s license to your appointment. Also, make sure someone is available to drive you home after your colonoscopy. You will not be able to drive yourself, nor will you be allowed to take a taxi or Uber.
Prior to your colonoscopy, you will be lightly sedated, which will keep you from feeling pain. During the test, you will lay on your side while a doctor examines your colon and rectum using an endoscope, a long flexible tube with a light and camera at the end. Your doctor may also use an excision tool and a small basket to remove and collect any polyps (small clumps of abnormal cells) for further examination.
The procedure itself takes between 30 – 45 minutes, but you should expect to be at the Northwest Endoscopy Center for about two hours, which includes preparation and recovery time. You may be groggy for a little while after your colonoscopy, and you may experience excess bloating or gas for the first half-hour afterward. Most people can resume their normal diet once they leave the endoscopy center.
When will I get my colonoscopy results?
If your colonoscopy is normal, you’ll find out the results that day. If you have polyps or other abnormal findings that require further examination at a lab, you will get those results in about a week.
Schedule your colonoscopy in North Idaho today.
When you book a colonoscopy with us, you’ll receive care in a patient-friendly environment at Northwest Endoscopy Center. Our 8,650-square-foot facility is built with your privacy in mind. You’ll stay in a private room where you can watch TV or relax before or after your procedure. We encourage you to bring one designated family member or guest with you who can stay by your side while you recover.
If you’re 45 or older, don’t delay. Schedule your colonoscopy with our team Northwest Digestive Center today. Call 208-262-2945.