Colorectal cancer is among the most common cancers, and according to the American Cancer Society the lifetime risk of developing it is about 1 in 24 for men and 1 in 26 for women. However, a screening colonoscopy can help catch it early — or prevent it altogether.
Colonoscopies dramatically reduce your risk of colorectal cancer, as precancerous polyps can be removed during the screening procedure.
For anyone who is nervous about the prep and potentially delaying a lifesaving colonoscopy, Endeavor Health gastroenterologist S. Dharan Kumar, MD, offers these four tips for an easier experience:
Ask about your prep. When your colonoscopy is scheduled, talk to your provider ahead of time so you understand the preparation. If you don’t think you can drink the 4 liters of standard prep laxative (Golytely or similar), ask about a low-volume or tablet-based prep. Don’t wait until the day before your test to ask the questions.
Not everyone will qualify for a low volume prep as it may not be safe for those with a history of seizures, kidney problems, heart condition or gout, but low volume can be an easier option for many who are worried about drinking the large amount of liquid. Patients with constipation issues will also do better with a standard four-liter prep.
- Chill the liquid prep. This one is overlooked a lot, said Dr. Kumar. Chilling the liquid in the refrigerator will definitely dull the taste. Using a straw is also helpful as the liquid will bypass several tastebuds on the way down.
- Try ginger or peppermint tea. For people who struggle with nausea as they drink the prep, ginger or peppermint tea can help and they are both clear liquids, which are allowed during the fasting period before a colonoscopy.
- Maintain a soft diet for five days before your colonoscopy. “We tell patients no nuts, seeds, fruits or vegetables for five days before the colonoscopy,” said Dr. Kumar. Yes, those foods rich in fiber are good for you, but they can leave pieces in the colon for days, making it difficult to identify polyps during the colonoscopy. Think mashed potatoes, chicken and rice, pasta or eggs in the days leading up to your colonoscopy for soft, easily digestible meals.
“Patients ask us ‘do I really need to do a colonoscopy’ and the answer is yes, this is the best way we have to prevent colon cancer,” stressed Dr. Kumar.
Incidence of colon cancer has declined by 40-50% since the early 1990s and this is due largely to an increase in screening, as well as changes in lifestyle like reduced rates of smoking, added Dr. Kumar.
Some patients may worry about pain or discomfort during the procedure and Dr. Kumar is quick to allay those fears. “We have moved to using propofol anesthesia for most of our colonoscopies in the last 10 years which provides comfortable sedation, and most people don’t even remember having the procedure,” he said.
