Did you know that colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer deaths, according to the American Cancer Society? Fortunately, there is an effective screening tool to diagnose colorectal cancer in its early stages. The tool is a colonoscopy. Gastroenterologist Dr. Sindhu Abraham in Plano, TX, provides comprehensive gastroenterology services, including colonoscopy screenings for early detection of colorectal cancer.

What You Need To Know About a Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy is one of the most important ways to protect your health. Everyone should have a colonoscopy by the age of 45. You may need a colonoscopy earlier if you are experiencing:

• Chronic pain in your abdomen
• Abnormal growths and intestinal polyps
• Chronic constipation or recurrent diarrhea
• Bleeding from your rectum or blood in your stool

Before your colonoscopy, you will be asked to avoid eating solid food and given specially prepared laxatives to clean out your colon.

During a colonoscopy, you will be sedated, and a thin tube will be inserted into your rectum and guided up into your colon. The tube contains a tiny camera that allows your gastroenterologist to view your colon.

During the procedure, your gastroenterologist may also remove polyps or take a tissue sample for a biopsy to check for abnormal tissue.

A colonoscopy procedure takes about 45 minutes, but due to sedation, your recovery period can take between 2 and 3 hours. It’s important to bring someone with you who can drive you home after your procedure.

* Colorectal cancer doesn’t always produce symptoms, which means the disease can develop unnoticed for years. A colonoscopy is critical to early detection so treatment can begin.