COLON CANCER SCREENING

Why Do I Need Screening? Adults aged 45 and older Personal or family history of colon polyps or colorectal cancer Symptoms like occult blood in stool, unexplained anemia How Should I Prepare? Bowel Prep: Clear-liquid diet 1–2 days before; prescribed laxative regimen. Medications: Continue most medicines; inform us if you take blood thinners. Consent: We’ll review risks, benefits, and the procedure. What Happens During Colonoscopy? You receive IV sedation. A colonoscope is advanced through the rectum to the cecum. The lining is inspected; polyps are removed, and biopsies are taken if needed. Duration: 20–45 minutes. What Can I Expect Afterwards? Recovery for 30–60 minutes until sedation wears off. Resume clear liquids then light diet. Avoid driving or heavy activity for 24 hours. Follow-Up Negative exam: repeat every 10 years (unless risk factors change). Polyps found: surveillance interval 3–5 years based on pathology.