Video: Colonoscopies Are Key In Preventing Colon Cancer

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TUPELO, MISS. (WCBI) – This year in the United States, 150 thousand people will be diagnosed with colon cancer and of those, 50 thousand will die.
In part two of his look at colon cancer awareness, WCBI’s Allie Martin takes us with him as he has a colonoscopy and he also shares valuable tips to help prevent the disease.

Before getting a colonoscopy, I had to take what is called a prep mix, and have only a liquid diet the day before the test.

“The key things are , one , presenting for a colonoscopy with a clean colon,” Dr. Roger Huey said.

Doctor Roger Huey is with Digestive Health Specialists. He would perform the colonoscopy.

After taking the prep as directed, I arrived early for the procedure. It’s important to have someone with you to drive you home, because , thankfully, you are given a sedative to sleep through the colonoscopy.

The procedure is performed with a flexible tube called a colonoscope. It has a camera at the end, along with a light source. It is also equipped with an instrument to remove any growths or polyps, which are usually noncancerous, but can develop, over time, into colon cancer.

My colonoscopy took about 20 minutes, and shortly after waking up from the sedative, Dr. Huey gave me the details.

“Just polyps, very small polyps,” Dr. Huey said.

Two polyps were found, removed and sent to a pathologist.

“Once a polyp is removed, a patient is routinely brought back and the colon is examined for recurrence of polyps, and the whole principle is if we can keep you free of polyps then you don’t develop a chance to develop colon cancer,” Dr. Huey said.

And Dr. Huey emphasizes there are other steps people can take to help prevent colon cancer, such as a diet low in saturated fats, high in fiber, eat those fruits and vegetables and get plenty of exercise. And remember, if you are over 50, schedule a colonoscopy.

“We don’t need to stop getting the word out, simply because March is over, it’s something we need to do year round,” Dr. Huey said.

For more information on colon cancer, go to www.dhsgi.net