Understanding the association between colonoscopies and cancer prevention: Key insights.
Preparing for a colonoscopy? No one looks forward to it, but it's crucial for maintaining your health and reducing the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC), the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the USA. Many folks procrastinate, waiting years despite their doctor's recommendations. Let's break down why getting screened on schedule is essential.
Recently, Kaiser Permanente conducted a comprehensive study published in JAMA Internal Medicine, aimed at confirming the effectiveness of the 10-year recommended screening interval after a colonoscopy with normal findings. According to Jeffery Lee, MD, the study leader and Kaiser Permanente gastroenterologist, follow-up colonoscopies after a clean bill of health can drastically lower the risk of colon cancer for at least a decade.
The researchers studied over 1.25 million members of Kaiser Permanente in Northern California over an impressive 17-year period. Notably, ten years after a normal colonoscopy, those members had a 46% lower risk of being diagnosed with colon cancer. Additionally, they found an 88% lower chance of CRC-related deaths when compared to those who never underwent colorectal screening. That's a substantial decrease in risk for a simple procedure!
So, what should you expect when you’re due for a colonoscopy? The screening age has been pushed back from 50 to 45. A negative test typically means repeating the screening in ten years, although that interval may shorten if polyps are detected. Be prepared for a bowel prep before the procedure, and follow all instructions to ensure a full cleanse – research shows that some colonoscopies are deemed worthless due to inadequate preparation [4]. Don't worry - sedation is provided for the procedure, so be ready to have someone drive you home.
In addition to regular colonoscopies, it’s important to increase your vitamin D intake (linked to a 22% reduced risk of cancer [5]) and avoid spending excess time sitting down, which can increase the risk of colorectal adenoma recurrence by up to 45% [6].
With over 1,000 people dying from CRC weekly in the USA, it's essential to prioritize regular colonoscopies and follow our tips to minimize the risk and maintain a cancer-free life.
Remember, regular colonoscopies offer an essential opportunity to detect and remove polyps, which are precursors to colorectal cancer, reducing the risk of developing the disease. With solid evidence supporting colonoscopy's ability to decrease the risk of CRC and death, the 10-year screening interval has been proven to be effective [1]. Putting off a colonoscopy can have serious consequences - so don't delay! Talk to your doctor about the best screening program for you and prioritize your health.
[Sources]:1. Got the Colonoscopy Jitters? - Riverside Health System2. Why Your Doctor Wants You to Get a Colonoscopy - WebMD3. 10 years after negative colonoscopy, study shows lower risk of colorectal cancer and death - American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)4. One Of Three Colonoscopies Are Worthless - Easy Health Options®5. Evade the colon cancer epidemic with one supplement - Easy Health Options®6. Are You Sitting On A Life-Threatening Tumor? - Easy Health Options®
- Maintaining a regular schedule for colonoscopies, as recommended by medical professionals, can drastically lower the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) for at least a decade, according to a study by Kaiser Permanente.
- The study found that those who undergo colorectal screening have an 88% lower chance of CRC-related deaths compared to those who never underwent colorectal screening.
- In addition to regular colonoscopies, increasing your vitamin D intake and avoiding excess sitting can help minimize the risk of colorectal adenoma recurrence and cancer.
- Regular colonoscopies are essential for detecting and removing precursors to colorectal cancer, reducing the risk of developing the disease, and overall promoting health and wellness.
