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What to expect before, during, and after a colonoscopy

Colon cancer is the 2nd leading cause of death in the U.S. from cancer and is completely preventable through colon cancer screening.
Credit: robertprzybysz
Doctor gastroenterologist with probe to perform gastroscopy and colonoscopy.

Seattle — Gastroenterologist Dr. Joanna Law from Virginia Mason and her patient Brenda Paull join New Day Northwest to discuss the importance of colon cancer screening.

Although it's not a glamorous subject to talk about, it is definitely an important one.

Colon cancer risk increases with age. Current guidelines suggest that people who are 50 and older hold the highest risk and should start getting tested. One of the myths about colon cancer risk is gender. Men and women are at equal risk. Although most people assume men hold a higher risk.

Current guidelines suggest people 50 years of age should start screening, it should be noted there are many different types of screening, but a colonoscopy is the best way to detect any abnormalities. New guidelines are also suggesting African Americans should start getting tested earlier, at the age of 45. Although studies are not entirely sure why the risk starts earlier in African Americans, there does seem to be different biology, earlier onset of disease, and more aggressive diseases found.

"I like to refer to a colonoscopy as "going to Costco" it is a test that does it all," says Dr. Joanna Law.

If a colonoscopy is performed and no abnormalities are found, additional screening is not required for 10 years.

Many colorectal cancers can be prevented through regular screening. Screening can find precancerous polyps— abnormal growths in the colon or rectum—so that they can be removed before they turn into cancer. Screening is crucial because when found early, colorectal cancer is highly treatable. Early stages of colorectal cancer usually present no symptoms, which tend to appear as the cancer progresses.

For many people the prepping process leading up to the procedure is scary, but three-time colonoscopy patient Brenda Paull explains the process with ease. "A few days before the procedure you are asked to go on a low fiber diet," Paull explained.

Then 24 hours before the procedure patients embark on an all liquid diet to help remove waste from the body. "I made myself lemon jello and chicken bouillon, my stomach started growling after about 12 or 14 hours later that day, but considering the alternative it's really not that bad" said Paull.

It is very important to stay hydrated and consume as many liquids as you can, this helps ease the discomfort of the prepping process.

Below are a few simple rules that can help the day before your procedure.

  • Don’t eat any solid foods.
  • Don’t drink anything red, purple, or orange.
  • Make sure to drink plenty of liquids in addition to water, coffee, and tea. This helps to make sure that you get enough calories and is an important part of your colonoscopy preparation. Try to drink at least 1 (8-ounce) glass every hour while you’re awake.
  • If you have diabetes, you should drink only sugar-free clear liquids and check your blood sugar level often. If you have any questions, talk with your healthcare provider.

For more information or to schedule an appointment visit, virginiamason.org/digestive. Sponsored by Virginia Mason.

Watch New Day Northwest 11:00 weekdays on KING-TV Ch.5 or streaming live on KING5.com. Connect with New Day via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.

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