Colon cancer is one of the most successfully preventable of all cancers and knowing the truth about colonoscopies and colon cancer can save your life. However, misunderstandings are often the main reason for not getting a colonoscopy. For that reason our Colonoscopy Doctor Los Angeles has put together a list of 7 Colon Cancer Myths:
Myth 1: I am not part of the “at risk” population for colon cancer. In actuality, everyone is at risk for colon cancer. In fact, 1 in 18 Americans will get colon cancer at some point in their lives. Colonoscopies are important for people over the age of 50 because that is when polyps typically occur. Getting polyps removed can prevent colorectal cancer.
Myth 2: If I am asymptomatic, I don’t need to get a colonoscopy. Colon cancer typically starts as precancerous growth in the colon, which is typically asymptomatic. Having a colonoscopy done allows a doctor to spot polyps before they become cancerous. For that reason, even if you are asymptomatic, you have a colonoscopy procedure performed.
Myth 3: Bowel preparation liquid is to gross to drink. Many people stay away from colonoscopies because they don’t want to drink the solution. Fortunately, bowel prep fluid is easier to drink than ever. Before, you had to drink an entire gallon and now there are ½ gallon options that can be taken at two different intervals, the night before the procedure and the morning of.
Myth 4: Colonoscopies are not accurate. There were well-publicized studies in 2008 that reported findings that indicated that colonoscopies are not efficacious. However, in retrospect, it turns out there was incomplete data in those reports that did not account for the experience of the doctor. Data indicates that having a colonoscopy by a well-trained physician can be accurate in their prediction.
Myth 5: Colonoscopies are too painful. As it turns out 99% of patients who receive colonoscopies are adequately sedated through the procedure. Most have no recollection of any kind of discomfort during the procedure.
Myth 6: A colonoscopy can be risky and can cause injury. Again, when performed by a professional, a colonoscopy is extremely safe. The risk of bleeding is less than 1% and the risk of perforation is .1%.
Myth 7: If I have colon cancer, it was meant to be. Not true. Colon cancer is one of the most preventable cancers. By getting proper screening and by taking proper precaution, colon cancer is very preventable.
About Dr. Peyton P. Berookim
Dr. Berookim is a top-rated Colonoscopy Doctor Los Angeles. To learn more about his services and receive more great tips on how to keep your colon healthy., you can follow him on Twitter or Facebook.