As we age, it is important to keep up with our health and wellness. One essential aspect of staying healthy is undergoing specific medical tests and exams. Even if you feel perfectly healthy, there is still one exam you shouldn’t skip: The Colonoscopy.
Understanding the Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy is a procedure that involves examining the inside of your colon and rectum using a special camera called a colonoscope. During the exam, your doctor will look for any abnormalities such as polyps or signs of inflammation.
If any abnormalities are found, they may take a biopsy of the tissue to determine if it’s cancerous or pre-cancerous.
The American Cancer Society recommends that anyone over the age of 50 gets a colonoscopy every ten years. For those with a family history of colorectal cancer or other risk factors, a colonoscopy may be recommended more frequently.
Why is the Colonoscopy so Important?
Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, but it is also one of the most preventable forms of cancer.
A colonoscopy can detect colorectal cancer at an early stage, making it easier to treat and increasing your chances of survival. By removing any pre-cancerous polyps, your doctor may eliminate your risk of developing cancer altogether.
Even if you feel perfectly healthy, a colonoscopy is still critical because colon cancer often presents no symptoms until it has progressed to an advanced stage.
By the time symptoms such as abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, or rectal bleeding appear, the cancer may have already spread to other parts of the body, making it more difficult to treat.
Preparing for the Exam
Preparing for a colonoscopy may seem daunting, but it is a necessary part of the process.
Your doctor will provide you with specific instructions on how to prepare for the exam, but in general, it involves a clear liquid diet, laxatives, and possibly an enema. The day of the exam, you will be given anesthesia so you won’t feel any discomfort during the procedure.
What to Expect During the Exam
During the exam, you will lie on your side while your doctor inserts a colonoscope into your rectum and advances it through your colon.
The camera at the end of the colonoscope will transmit images to a screen so your doctor can examine the inside of your colon. The exam typically takes less than an hour, and you will need someone to drive you home afterward since you will be sedated.
Related Article
Don’t skip this important exam after 50
What Happens After the Exam?
If everything looks normal, you may resume your normal diet and activities immediately after the exam. If your doctor found any abnormalities or took a biopsy, you may need to wait a few days for the results.
Depending on the situation, your doctor may recommend additional testing or prescribe medication.
Other Tests and Exams to Consider
In addition to a colonoscopy, there are other medical tests and exams that adults over 50 should consider, including:.
Blood Pressure Screening
High blood pressure can put you at risk for heart disease, stroke, and other health problems. Your doctor can check your blood pressure during your annual exam or a specific appointment.
Cholesterol Screening
High cholesterol can also increase your risk of heart disease and other health issues. Your doctor can order a simple blood test to check your cholesterol levels.
Bone Density Test
As we age, our bones can become thinner and weaker, putting us at risk for fractures and osteoporosis. A bone density test can determine if you have osteoporosis or are at risk for developing it.
Diabetes Screening
Diabetes is a common health condition that can lead to other serious health problems such as kidney disease and nerve damage. Your doctor can order a blood test to check your blood sugar levels.
Mammogram
Women over the age of 50 should get a mammogram every two years to check for breast cancer.
Pap Smear
Women should continue to get regular Pap smears to check for cervical cancer until the age of 65 or if they have had a hysterectomy.
Conclusion
Just because you feel healthy doesn’t mean you can skip important medical exams and tests. A colonoscopy is a crucial exam for anyone over the age of 50, but there are other exams and tests you should consider too.
Talk to your doctor about what tests and exams are appropriate for you, and make sure to schedule regular appointments to stay on top of your health and wellness.
