Colonoscopy

Physicians recommend screening for colon cancer after the age of 50. Even healthy individuals with no history of colon cancer, colon polyps, other bowel problems or bleeding should have a colonoscopy.

Your Objective: Keep a Healthy Colon, Prevent Colon Cancer, Avoid Surgery

Colon cancer is one of the most common, and yet preventable, cancers. Getting a colonoscopy screening is one of the first preventative steps you should take. Followed by a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and taking a probiotic supplement like SEROLIFE®.

Karen Collins, MS, RD, CDN of the American Institute for Cancer Research states that a daily probiotic may offer positive health benefits in the prevention of colon cancer. And in a recent study focusing on probiotics and colon cancer, participants were randomly assigned to receive either a probiotic or placebo.

After 12 weeks, researchers found that the balance of colon bacteria had changed in those receiving the probiotic, with more Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium and less of the bacteria (Clostridium) that is linked with increasing cancer risk.

Today SEROLIFE® probiotic is used daily by many as part of a healthy diet and lifestyle. It's even more advantages then other probiotics like Align®. When comparing SEROLIFE® to Align® for example:

SEROLIFE® contains 5 potent bacterial strands proven to help mitigate colon cancer (4 more than Align®)
SEROLIFE® is far less expensive than the $1 per tablet that Align® sells
1 bottle of SEROLIFE® contains 60 capsules vs Align® which only has 28
Compared to Align, SEROLIFE® Probiotics offers you 1 billion live bacteria per capsule
SEROLIFE® offers controlled (time-released) active ingredients, to ensure survivability of the bacteria through its journey in the GI tract

To learn more about SEROLIFE® visit www.probiotic.net.

What is colonoscopy?

Physicians recommend screening for colon cancer after the age of 50. Even healthy individuals with no history of colon cancer, colon polyps, other bowel problems or bleeding should have a colonoscopy.

Colonoscopy is a procedure used to see inside the colon and rectum. Colonoscopy can detect inflamed tissue, ulcers, and abnormal growths. The procedure is used to look for early signs of colorectal cancer and can help doctors diagnose unexplained changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, bleeding from the anus, and weight loss.

What are the colon and rectum?

The colon and rectum are the two main parts of the large intestine. Although the colon is only one part of the large intestine, because most of the large intestine consists of colon, the two terms are often used interchangeably. The large intestine is also sometimes called the large bowel.

Digestive waste enters the colon from the small intestine as a semisolid. As waste moves toward the anus, the colon removes moisture and forms stool. The rectum is about 6 inches long and connects the colon to the anus. Stool leaves the body through the anus. Muscles and nerves in the rectum and anus control bowel movements.

How to Prepare for a Colonoscopy?

The doctor usually provides written instructions about how to prepare for colonoscopy. The process is called a bowel prep. Generally, all solids must be emptied from the gastrointestinal tract by following a clear liquid diet for 1 to 3 days before the procedure. Patients should not drink beverages containing red or purple dye. Acceptable liquids include:

fat-free bouillon or broth
strained fruit juice
water
plain coffee
plain tea
sports drinks, such as Gatorade
gelatin

A laxative or an enema may be required the night before colonoscopy. A laxative is medicine that loosens stool and increases bowel movements. Laxatives are usually swallowed in pill form or as a powder dissolved in water. An enema is performed by flushing water, or sometimes a mild soap solution, into the anus using a special wash bottle.

Patients should inform the doctor of all medical conditions and any medications, vitamins, or supplements taken regularly, including:

aspirin
arthritis medications
blood thinners
diabetes medications
vitamins that contain iron

Driving is not permitted for 12 hours after colonoscopy to allow the sedative time to wear off. Before the appointment, patients should make plans for a ride home.

How is colonoscopy a performed?

During colonoscopy, patients lie on their left side on an examination table. In most cases, a light sedative, and possibly pain medication, helps keep patients relaxed. Deeper sedation may be required in some cases. The doctor and medical staff monitor vital signs and attempt to make patients as comfortable as possible.

Once the scope has reached the opening to the small intestine, it is slowly withdrawn and the lining of the large intestine is carefully examined again. Bleeding and puncture of the large intestine are possible but uncommon complications of colonoscopy.

Removal of Polyps and Biopsy

A doctor can remove growths, called polyps, during colonoscopy and later test them in a laboratory for signs of cancer. Polyps are common in adults and are usually harmless. However, most colorectal cancer begins as a polyp, so removing polyps early is an effective way to prevent cancer.

The doctor can also take samples from abnormal-looking tissues during colonoscopy. The procedure, called a biopsy, allows the doctor to later look at the tissue with a microscope for signs of disease.

The doctor removes polyps and takes biopsy tissue using tiny tools passed through the scope. If bleeding occurs, the doctor can usually stop it with an electrical probe or special medications passed through the scope. Tissue removal and the treatments to stop bleeding are usually painless.

Recovery & Sustainability

Colonoscopy usually takes 30 to 60 minutes. Cramping or bloating may occur during the first hour after the procedure. The sedative takes time to completely wear off. Patients may need to remain at the clinic for 1 to 2 hours after the procedure. Full recovery is expected by the next day. Discharge instructions should be carefully read and followed.

Patients who develop any of these rare side effects should contact their doctor immediately:

severe abdominal pain
fever
bloody bowel movements
dizziness
weakness

At what age should routine colonoscopy begin?

Routine colonoscopy to look for early signs of cancer should begin at age 50 for most people—earlier if there is a family history of colorectal cancer, a personal history of inflammatory bowel disease, or other risk factors. The doctor can advise patients about how often to get a colonoscopy.

Points to Remember

Colonoscopy is a procedure used to see inside the colon and rectum
All solids must be emptied from the gastrointestinal tract by following a clear liquid diet for 1 to 3 days before colonoscopy
During colonoscopy, a sedative, and possibly pain medication, helps keep patients relaxed
A doctor can remove polyps and biopsy abnormal-looking tissues during colonoscopy
Driving is not permitted for 12 hours after colonoscopy to allow the sedative time to wear off

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