Are you also dreading the test that many people avoid: the colonoscopy? The moans of pain and protest are something I’m already used to hearing. However, what if you knew that this short nap of sedation could mean the difference between life and death? The doctor might learn the most about your health by checking your rear view.

While it might not be an ideal way to spend a day, learning what a colonoscopy can catch could motivate you to make that call and schedule the procedure. Let’s examine the various medical situations this behind-the-scenes work may uncover!

What Is a Colonoscopy? And Why Should Everyone Know It’s So Important?

Just like a photoshoot, a colonoscopy is designed to help find any issues in your colon. During this examination, a tiny camera on the colonoscope takes clear images of your colon’s inner walls.

A colonoscopy screening is like putting a security system into your body. Problems can often be found at the earliest stages, which is when treatment is least complicated. With colonoscopies, doctors can observe and manage any issues they see during the initial visit.

Could a Colonoscopy Spot Cancer in the Body Before It Develops?

Yes! This is why colonoscopies hold such value. What makes them special is their talent for noticing polyps that may be harmless at first but might eventually become cancerous.

Many times, a diagnostic colonoscopy finds potential problems, like polyps, in the colon long before they turn cancerous. Treat it to intercept an individual before they act on their crime! Cancer development is prevented because the polyps are removed during the procedure.

A study in the New England Journal of Medicine showed that having a colonoscopy and removing polyps can reduce deaths from colorectal cancer by almost 53% 

Can a Colonoscopy Find Specific Types of Cancer?

The top superstar in detection turns out to be colorectal cancer, as it is the third most common cancer for both men and women. However, this flexible screening measure offers more than just the specifics listed here.

Colonoscopy can detect a variety of illnesses.

• All kinds of colon cancer, no matter what stage
• Cancer that begins in the last sections of the colon is called rectal cancer.
• Clues to anal cancer are usually uncommon.
• There are times when cancer cells are found in the lymph nodes from other organs.

Suppose you get regular screenings at a well-known wellness screening centre. In that case, these cancers can sometimes be treated before they begin sending their unbidden invitations to other locations in your body.

What Other Serious Illnesses Can a Colonoscopy Catch?

Your colonoscopy is working hard. But it also helps detect other health concerns.

• Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, known as Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), can cause inflammation, irritation and harm to the digestive tract.
• Small outpouches that may develop in your colon and could become infected are known as diverticulosis and diverticulitis.
• Intestinal Bleeding: Looking for what causes blood to be found where it shouldn’t
• Bowel Obstructions refer to conditions where waste is obstructed from leaving the bowel.
• Strictures: Widening of the colon that may lead to significant obstructions

Think about your colonoscopy as the best clue-solver that the other tests fail to unveil!

Can a Colonoscopy Help with the Diagnosis of Infections or Parasites?

Your colonoscopy can reveal any unwanted things in your colon! It is used to spot several infections and parasites that might be present.

• C. difficile can cause inflammation by triggering bacterial infections.
• Infections like Giardia or Entamoeba are known as parasites.
• Pseudomembranous colitis is an inflammation that results from using some antibiotics.
• CMV infections are found in the colon
• Other tiny organisms can settle in your intestines.

Finding parasites can be crucial for anyone with mysterious digestive issues or for someone returning from an area where parasites are common.

Could It Help Reveal Why I Am Experiencing Digestive Troubles or Regular Bloating?

If you have been seeing several gastroenterologists but still don’t know what is wrong with your digestion, a diagnostic colonoscopy may provide answers.

It may reveal underlying issues that explain those troubling ailments.

• Things that result in chronic diarrhoea or constipation
• Possible explanations for constant stomach pain
• Things that may lead to unexplained weight loss
• Who could be responsible for painful bloating
• Reasons for changes in bowel habits

Many find it comforting to finally get answers after years of experiencing unpleasant symptoms without much success in treatment. Sometimes, spotting the problem with early screening can make it apparent how to repair it.

Do I Need a Colonoscopy?

If you never felt the need, you might think that colonoscopies are unnecessary. The answer? I think it’s true.

There are substitutes, but colonoscopy is preferred for several reasons.

• It helps you to see your colon from start to finish.
• Your doctor will take steps quickly if something is discovered.
• It provides the best and detailed results possible
• If the screen is negative, you do not have to be tested for a while.

Would you prefer an in-depth checkup of your house that addresses all problems or a quick check where corners might be missed?

How Frequently Should I Go for a Colonoscopy?

Unless there are reasons to be more careful, typical folks should start screening every decade at age 45. It’s common for your timeline to be different because of:

• In your family, there have been cases of colorectal cancer or polyps.
• Irrational beliefs about the disease
• Earlier colonoscopy findings
• Diseases related to genes that raise the risk of cancer
• Symptoms that doctors will investigate

If your doctor thinks you are at greater risk or if polyps or similar issues were found in your earlier screening, they may advise you to have more colonoscopies.

Conclusion

While colonoscopies may not be the most interesting experience, they are extremely helpful. They help prevent cancer and uncover what causes stomach aches, all for the small price of a day of discomfort.

If you’re stuck choosing whether to make an appointment, remember it may lead to a healthier future. Plus, with ViaScan making it possible to have a comfortable and modern colonoscopy within a full-body wellness scan, the experience keeps getting better.

Take care of your colon as it needs to. Besides, your car has suffered through your bad habits all these years, so take care to keep it in good condition.