Colorectal Cancer FAQ
HGA provides answers to your questions
What is the colon?
The colon, also known as the large intestine, is the lower part of your intestinal tract that runs between the small intestine and the rectum.
Is colorectal cancer common?
About 5% of the population is at risk for colorectal cancer, with the majority (90%) being over the age of 50. Because of routine screenings and the ability to detect and prevent colorectal cancer, the rate of new cases is declining in America.
How do you detect colon cancer?
We perform a colonoscopy, which is the most effective test to diagnose the health of your colon. After giving you mild sedation, your gastroenterologist will use a very narrow, flexible tube called a colonoscope to view the entire length of your colon. Video technology allows the physician to see the lining of the colon on a monitor. Our advanced equipment gives us the sharpest images to detect and treat lower gastrointestinal disorders and remove even the smallest polyps or abnormal tissue.
How long does it take to develop colorectal cancer?
Colorectal cancer is slow growing. It can take years for a non-cancerous polyp or abnormal tissue in the lining of the colon to become cancerous, which is why regular colonoscopies are effective in minimizing your risk of colorectal cancer.
When should I have my first colonoscopy?
If you have no other risks of colon cancer, you should have your first colonoscopy at 50. If you do have other risk factors, call us to schedule an appointment and we can recommend when you should have your next screening.
Is a flexible sigmoidoscopy effective in detecting colon cancer?
A sigmoidoscopy screens only the short curving end of the colon nearest the rectum, called the sigmoid colon. We do not recommend a sigmoidoscopy procedure for colon cancer screening because it does not give us a full picture of the colon.
What is a colonoscopy preparation?
Because the colon is filled with stool, it needs to be cleaned out so we can visualize the tissue that lines it during the colonoscopy. You will be prescribed a liquid medication to take before the colonoscopy, which will result in frequent bowel movements at those times.
What are the available colonoscopy preparations?
All preparations used are FDA-approved preparations; the list includes liquid preparations such as; NuLytely, HalfLytely, MoviPrep, SuPrep, and a pill preparation OsmoPrep. When scheduling your colonoscopy, your physician will discuss with you the various preparations to ensure which one is best for you.
Can I continue to drink liquids after I have started taking the preparation?
Yes, it is fine to drink clear liquids during the preparation, but please do not drink anything for 4 hours prior to your procedure.
If I have taken all of the preparation but have not yet started going what should I do?
Call the on-call physician at 908-483-4000 to discuss the timing of your procedure and whether further preparation should be considered.
What do I do with my diabetes medications?
Doses of oral medications or insulin may need adjusting since there is a period of clear liquid diet and fasting when you have a colonoscopy. You must check with the physician who prescribes your diabetes medications to ensure the safest way to adjust your dose around the time of your colonoscopy.
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