How a Colonoscopy Can Save Your Life

A colonoscopy is an essential tool for screening for colorectal cancer, and with cases of colorectal cancer in younger people on the rise, getting your regular testing is more important than ever. 

Research shows that 33% of adults over the age of 50 aren’t up-to-date on their colonoscopy screenings, and studies prove that colorectal cancer-related death rates significantly drop if you get colonoscopies regularly.

Ven Kottapalli, MD, CNSP, and our team at GI Physicians, Inc. in Lima, Ohio, want you to know why getting a colonoscopy sooner rather than later is not only important but also life-saving.

Explaining colonoscopies

A colonoscopy is an exam that takes a look at all of your large intestine. During the procedure, a flexible tube with a light and camera attached — called a colonoscope — is inserted through your rectum to look for any health issues like polyps, ulcers, inflamed tissues, and colorectal cancer.

Why colonoscopies are so important

While many factors play into the importance of getting routine colonoscopies, two of the most important are that they can get to the bottom of any gastrointestinal symptoms you’ve been having while also screening for colorectal cancer.

Identifying health issues

If you’ve been struggling with your gastrointestinal health and symptoms that have no explanation like chronic constipation or diarrhea, abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, or significant changes in your bowel movements, it’s important to get a colonoscopy to properly diagnose and treat whatever is causing your symptoms. 

Screening for colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer often doesn’t have symptoms until it’s too late to be treated effectively, and colonoscopies are one of the few ways to test for this type of cancer. This essential screening looks for polyps that have the potential to become cancerous and removes them, and it’s estimated that 90% of any existing polyps or tumors can be found during the procedure.

A colonoscopy is an essential tool when it comes to caring for your gastrointestinal health and screening for colorectal cancer. 

Should you be getting a colonoscopy?

Because of the steady increase of colorectal cancer cases in those under the age of 50, the United States Preventative Task Force has lowered the recommended age to start routine colonoscopies from 50 to 45. So if you’re over the age of 45 and haven’t had a colonoscopy yet, it’s time to schedule your first one.

You should also schedule a colonoscopy if you haven’t had one for 10 years, had tissues or polyps removed during your last screening, have a family history of colorectal cancer, or you have inflammatory bowel disease. 

If you’re ready to take steps to protect your health and well-being, call our office at 419-228-2600 or use our online booking tool to schedule your colonoscopy today.