translated from Spanish: Colonoscopies save lives

Colonoscoscope is a procedure that involves examining the colon by means of a long, flexible, thin, and illuminated instrument called a colonoscope, through which the doctor can see the colon and rectum by detecting polyps and can, during it, remove them or also detect cancer and take biopsies for pathological diagnosis.
The colonoscope has a camera at one end, which can capture and project images onto a screen. This test is the one that most gastroenterologists recommend for colorectal cancer research.
It is the only method that combines early detection and prevention through the elimination of pre-cancerous polyps.
 
If a polyp is found, it can be removed by a wire handle that is passed through the colonoscope and attached around the base of the polyp. The doctor sends an electric current through the handle and cuts the polyp from the wall of the colon and removes the polyp. The polyp is sent to a lab to determine if it is pre-cancerous (adenoma) or cancerous (carcinoma). This procedure requires the patient to be sedated and may take approximately 30 minutes. A colonoscopy can be done safely at an outpatient surgical center or in a hospital setting. Patients don’t have to be hospitalized.
That is why it is important to reduce the accumulation time to a minimum, adopting a balanced diet that facilitates intestinal transit to the maximum.

It is important to reduce the accumulation time to a minimum.

Predisposing factors:

Age: Occurs most commonly in patients over 50 years of age.
Breed: more common in patients of African American and Eastern European origin.
Diet: food rich in red or processed meats.
Medical history: People who have or have had colon or rectum polyps (benign growth) are more likely to develop this disease; Ulcerative colitis (inflammation or ulceration of the colon); Breast, uterus or ovarian cancer.
Family history.
Certain genetic syndromes also increase your risk of colon cancer. Familial adenomatous polyposis and hereditary colorectal cancer without polyposis (CCHSP), also known as Lynch syndrome.
Lifestyle: There are certain lifestyle-dependent factors that predispose to the onset of colon cancer, such as obesity, sedentary living, and smoking.

Symptoms:

Changes in bowel rhythms.
Diarrhea or feeling full-back.
Constipation.
Fecal matter with blood.
Changes in stool consistency.
Abdominal pain or discomfort.
Unexplained weight loss.
Loss of appetite.
Constant tiredness.
Vomiting.

Prevention:

Do not abuse alcohol or tobacco.
Control obesity. Overweight and excess calories should be avoided in the diet.
Maintain age-appropriate physical activity on a regular basis.
In terms of diet, following a balanced diet is an important preventive factor. It is advisable not to abuse high-fat foods.
Preferably consume monounsaturated fats (olive oil) and polyunsaturated (fish oil).
Decrease the consumption of red meats, increase the consumption of fish and chicken.
Incorporate high-fiber foods into the diet. Take a quantity of fiber of at least 25 gr. daily, in the form of cereals and wholemeal bread.
Increase fruit and vegetable intake.

Treatment is done at a young age

Forecast and treatment:
The prognosis depends on many factors, especially the stage or stage of the disease. In general, when treatment is done at an early age, many patients survive at least 5 years after diagnosis (this is called a 5-year survival rate).
If colon cancer does not recur (recur) after 5 years, it is considered cured. Stage I, II and III cancers are considered potentially curable. In most cases, stage IV cancer is not considered curable, although there are exceptions.
Colon cancer has good prognosis if caught early. As a treatment may be done: surgery or removal of the affected area, radiation therapy, chemotherapy or administration of drugs that destroy cancer cells. Depending on each particular case.
Always consult your family doctor for correct diagnosis and treatment.

Original source in Spanish