Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers in the U.S., affecting millions each year. While colonoscopy is the gold standard for screening, alternatives such as Cologuard or fecal immunochemical test (FIT) testing are also available for those who are eligible.1 These simple screenings can detect precancerous polyps and early-stage cancers. Be sure to check your medical benefit plan coverage for what is available to you.
What to Expect Before, During, and After a Colonoscopy:2
Before: You will need to fast and take laxatives to prepare your colon. Be sure to discuss any medications you are taking with your doctor, as some may need to be discontinued temporarily for the procedure. Typically, the "prep" includes the following:
- A week before the procedure, avoid certain foods that may interfere with your doctor's visibility of your colon, such as nuts and seeds.
- The day before the exam, drink clear liquids like broth, tea, gelatin, and electrolyte drinks, and avoid red colors, which can be mistaken for blood during the procedure.
- The evening before the procedure, and sometimes again the morning of the procedure, drink a bowel prep prescribed by your physician to empty your colon.
- Arrange for someone to drive you to and from the procedure, as you will be sedated and unable to operate a vehicle afterward.
During: You will be sedated for the procedure, and a thin, flexible tube with a camera attached to the end will be inserted into your rectum to examine your colon.
After: You may experience some bloating and gas, which should resolve within a few hours. A few days after the procedure, you will follow up with your doctor to review the results and discuss any necessary next steps.
It is important to follow the recommended screening intervals-typically every 10 years for a colonoscopy with normal findings, or as often as your doctor advises based on your health history and test results.3 Your provider may recommend more frequent colonoscopies if you had more than two polyps, a polyp greater than 0.4 inches (1 centimeter), or cancerous polyps. By being proactive and completing regular screenings, you can identify health concerns early and protect your health.
1. American Cancer Society. "Colorectal Cancer Screening Tests." Revised July 31, 2024. Accessed October 26, 2024.
2. Cleveland Clinic. "Colonoscopy."' November 11, 2022. Accessed October 26, 2024.
3. Mayo Clinic. "Colonoscopy." Accessed October 26, 2024.
Read full Article: Colonoscopy 101: What to Know and How to Prepare