SPRINGFIELD -- Fear is one of the reasons why people choose not to undergo colonoscopy. They choose to look the other way for fear that the test might come out positive and they don't know how to deal with it.
The American Cancer Society released guidelines to identify individuals who are qualified to undergo colonoscopy. The report suggests that individuals who are at least 45 years of age should undergo the screening to identify the potential risks they could have to suffer from colon cancer.
People know what they could expect after the test. It was fear of the unknown that kept most of them from getting the right tests for the identification of risks. What if they found cancer cells in the colon? How does it change their life? What are the symptoms that come with it? Others will ask about why they didn't know because they have lived their lives as normal as possible.
Their diet is the first thing that they look into. All the consumption of red meat that they are making along with all the carbohydrates and the extra potatoes during dinner. For those already suffering from diabetes, they needed to take extra care in their diet. They choose to cut down on food intake until they see their desired results. But is regulating one's diet good enough to prevent colon cancer?
What would lead people to finally undergo the colonoscopy? One of the first things that make people go to get checked is when they complain about another medical problem. A hemorrhoid problem could make a patient go to the hospital and undergo laboratory tests. It is only then that the doctors will make recommendations as to what can be done to address possible problems on the colon. The complexity of the health situation will be dealt with accordingly.
Colonoscopy aims to provide patients with a glimpse of the health risks that they may experience in the future. When they get tested, they will know what they are up against. It would be easier to know what can be done to prevent the worse from happening. Knowledge of the possible diseases that you could suffer from puts you in a better position to plan for your life today.
It is in the "what ifs" that people always find themselves lost in. Most colon cancer develops from small polyps that could grow in time. Risks factors include family history, age and patient history that includes inflammatory bowel disease.
But all the nervousness about the test could easily be put at ease. When the patient goes through the screening process, they will learn more about themselves and their overall health.
"People often fear the unknown. They are afraid of invasive medical procedures and possible treatment plans for colon cancer," said Dr. Tyler. He further added that whenever he suggests a colonoscopy to patients, they always say that they'd need time to talk.
