This is an automatically translated article.
The article was written by Dr. Endoscopy Department - Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital
The recent rejuvenation of colon cancer makes the need for screening tests to detect this disease more and more necessary. In order for customers to get optimal results when going for screening for this disease, Dr Endoscopy Department of Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital gave specific instructions and advice.
1. Colon cancer should be screened from at what age? Most cases of colorectal cancer originate from colorectal polyps. The average time for colon polyps to progress to cancer is 5 to 10 years. If polyps are found, the colonoscope will remove them to prevent cancer. Ideally, both men and women, ages 40 and up, should be screened for colorectal cancer. Every year, you can check your stool for red blood cells (fecal test) as the simplest method. If the test is positive, which means there is microscopic blood in the stool, a colonoscopy should be done immediately. Because most likely it is a symptom of colorectal cancer. 3 to 5 years need a colonoscopy. The best approach is a colonoscopy every 10 years if no other risk factors are noted. Currently, Vinmec Times City International General Hospital (Hanoi) and Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital (HCMC), Vinmec Ha Long International General Hospital (Quang Ninh); Vinmec Danang International General Hospital is implementing the Colon Cancer Screening and Early Detection Package
2. What do patients need to do to prepare for colonoscopy? Colonoscopy as well as gastrointestinal endoscopy in general, in order to see clearly, the digestive tract must be clean. Therefore, the day before the colonoscopy, the doctor often advises you to eat a light and easy-to-digest diet and specifically instructs how to clean the colon before the colonoscopy. It is possible to instruct the colonic cleaning of each colonoscopy center to be slightly different. But either method is based on a few basic measures: Using oral medications to clean the entire digestive tract or enemas through the anus and combined with enemas. You should inform your doctor that you have a problem. What drugs are allergic to, what drugs are currently taking (anti-inflammatory pain relievers, anticoagulants, iron preparations); do you have any other chronic diseases, do you take high blood pressure medication, diabetes medication, ....
3. How long does the endoscopy take, is it uncomfortable or not? If you choose the endoscopic method without anesthesia, during the colonoscopy you will feel some discomfort such as: Pain - fullness of the abdomen due to inflating; Pain due to spasm and movement of the colon when the colonoscope is inserted. To limit and reduce these discomforts, before the endoscopy, your doctor will give you some pain relievers and reduce gastrointestinal motility. The advantage of this method is that you can actively interact with the doctor during the scan.
If you choose sedation endoscopy, you will be asleep during the procedure and will not feel any of the above discomforts. But the downside of this method is that you absolutely cannot discuss with the doctor during the scan.
4. What procedures are commonly performed by a doctor during an endoscopy? To diagnose the disease more accurately, in many cases, the doctor will use a special instrument to cut a bit of the lining of the colon (biopsy) and make a pathology. During the endoscopy, if a disease is detected, depending on the specific pathology, the doctor can carry out endoscopic hemostasis treatment procedures (hemostasis injection, pair of clips, electrocautery...), colorectal polyp removal...
With modern equipment and the qualifications of today's endoscopic doctors, colonoscopy usually takes only 7-10 minutes (excluding preparation and recovery time). postoperative). However, in some cases, even a good and experienced doctor can take up to 30-40 minutes to complete or in rare cases, the entire colon cannot be scanned. In case the doctor has performed endoscopic treatment procedures, the time of endoscopic examination will be longer.
5. Can the patient be affected after the endoscopy? If the endoscopy is not sedated, after the endoscopy you are fully awake, you can carry out other activities normally.
If the endoscopy is under anesthesia, after the endoscopy, you will be taken out to lie in the recovery position for about 30 minutes - 1 hour. To ensure safety, you should not drive and do complex or demanding work and should be accompanied by a loved one.
Some common symptoms after total colonoscopy: Abdominal bloating (due to the need to inflate during colonoscopy - although when the bronchoscope was removed, air was aspirated, but never completely aspirated), stimulation of the colon. During bowel movements and defecation, there may be a slight burning pain in the anal canal, this feeling will subside a few hours after the endoscopy and completely.
6. In addition to regular health checkups, what should be done to prevent colorectal cancer? That is eating hygienically, not smoking, limiting alcohol, exercising at least 30 minutes / time and 3 times / week... In addition, you should not eat a lot of pickles - salted eggplant is also good. Live life, limit greasy fast food, grilled meat... should eat more vegetables, fruits, fish, vegetable protein,... Especially if you often have digestive disorders, loose stools, torn stools. If you have long, abnormally colored stools (black, bloody stools), you need to see a gastroenterologist right away. Especially if there is a close relative with colorectal cancer or another cancer in the family.
Colorectal cancer screening should be conducted at reputable facilities, ensuring both expertise and equipment, to ensure that the screening takes place safely and accurately.
Vinmec International General Hospital is implementing a Package of Screening and Early Detection of Colorectal Cancer, implemented by a team of experienced doctors and nurses in the field of colorectal cancer diagnosis and treatment. colon, with the support of a system of modern technological equipment and facilities, full of specialized means to diagnose the disease and stage it before treatment such as: Endoscopy, CT scan, PET-CT scan, MRI, mammogram, histopathological diagnosis, gene-cell testing, ... help detect colon cancer early even when there are no symptoms.
Vinmec International General Hospital is one of the hospitals that not only ensures professional quality with a team of leading medical professionals, modern equipment and technology, but also stands out for its examination and consultation services. comprehensive and professional medical consultation and treatment; civilized, polite, safe and sterile medical examination and treatment space.
If you have a need for consultation and examination at Vinmec Hospitals under the national health system, please book an appointment on the website for service.
In April & May 2021, when there is a need for colorectal cancer examination and treatment at Vinmec Times City International Hospital & Vinmec Central Park International Hospital, customers will enjoy preferential treatment. Double offer:
- Free specialist examination and 50% discount on Colorectal Cancer Screening Package
- 50% discount on costs for customers with indications for post-examination treatment. The program is limited to the corresponding technique of each hospital and to customers who perform this treatment technique for the first time at Vinmec.
Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.
