Why Having a Simple Colonoscopy Screening Could Save Your Life

We do an array of things each day to help preserve our health and wellness, such as eating well, caring for our teeth, and working out. But there’s one task that often gets ignored that could actually protect our lives — a colonoscopy. This life-saving exam can identify and help prevent cancer, inflammatory gut conditions, and other ailments. At GastroArkansas, we advise having this colon and rectal cancer screening every decade unless otherwise recommended. Our skilled gastrointestinal (GI) physicians routinely carry out colonoscopies for Little Rock, AR patients.

Why should I have a colonoscopy screening?

A colonoscopy is an examination of the colon and rectum that is conducted to identify tissue changes and/or polyps (growths) that could be or turn malignant. To perform this 30 to 60-minute procedure, a gastrointestinal doctor will insert a miniature camera into the colon to check for any signs of colorectal cancer or other concerns. Colonoscopies are usually recommended as a way to:

• Discover the reason for blood in the stool, gut discomfort, chronic constipation or diarrhea, or different ailments
• Screen for evidence of colon and rectal cancer
• Look for polyps (tissue growths that can turn cancerous if ignored)

At GastroArkansas, we normally suggest that you visit a colonoscopy physician around the age of 45 and return every decade for routine screenings. However, contingent on your findings or if you have a family history of colon and rectal cancer, we may suggest you get examined sooner and more regularly.

What about home-based colorectal cancer test kits?

Many men and women today are curious as to the reason a colonoscopy is needed when there have been innovations in at-home test kits. The simple response is our GI specialists can gain a more comprehensive look at any irregular or precancerous areas than can be provided with a home stool specimen screening. While some men and women prefer to use these home screenings, they cannot replace a colonoscopy procedure.

An at-home kit, for instance, would not locate any tumors that have developed in the colon. They may show particular signs of cancer, but the reality is a colonoscopy can detect indicators of cancer much quicker and more accurately than an at-home kit. Home-based screenings are also not capable of detecting inflammatory bowel diseases.

What makes colonoscopies crucial?

Though colonoscopies can seem invasive, the lifesaving consequences of this procedure can greatly outweigh the moments of awkwardness it may generate. It’s significant to emphasize how important these tests can be, especially for those who have a family record of colon and rectal cancer. The majority of patients with colorectal cancer have no indications during the initial stages and might not even know they have the illness.

A few basic reasons you may wish to consider scheduling a colonoscopy are:

• While you may feel embarrassed, your gastroenterologist is not.
• Despite popular belief, the preparation process for a colonoscopy is not all that bad.
• This is the most accurate colon and rectal cancer test.
• These screenings are quick and virtually painless.
• Overall, a colonoscopy could save your life.

Further, a colonoscopy can discover much more than cancer. It can also verify inflammatory intestinal diseases, such as Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis, in addition to diverticulosis. Similar to colon and rectal cancer, when detected ahead of time, these issues can be treated and further damage may be prevented.

Schedule a colonoscopy in Little Rock, AR today

Even if you could believe there’s no need for a colonoscopy, this screening can save your life. A colonoscopy can identify early signs of colon and rectal cancer, and it can also discover Crohn's disease and other illnesses. This routine screening could be the critical element between life and death, as our Little Rock, AR gastroenterologists are well-trained to identify early indicators of cancer and other issues that could stop cancer development in the future. To learn more about colonoscopies at GastroArkansas, please get in touch with our GI team today.