Just wondering if this is just a nice money making procedure or are they actually finding things in perfectly normal healthy people.
2006-07-24 04:47:14 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Other - General Health Care
people with colon cancer usually don't have symptoms in the beginning and that is the time when you want to get to the problem before it turns into cancer. Polyps can exist with no symptoms and that is what the test is for, to see if they do exist before they bloom into cancer.
I also think it is a good idea to get tested if there is a history of colon cancer in the family
2006-07-24 04:51:50 · answer #1 · answered by Utopia 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am a perfectly "normal" person and my general practitioner recommended that I have one. I was having a couple of things going on but I knew their cause: rectal bleeding from hemorrhoids and anemia as a result of heavy periods (perimenopause). I am 47 years old but I knew that the medical profession recommends colonoscopy screening around age 50. I have been told that if you wait until you "have problems" - it may already be too late. Better to go ahead and have the exam and find out "what's in there". Based on what they find or don't find, will determine when you have to go back again. Could be 1 year, 3 years, 5 years or even 10 years. I had my first colonoscopy in February 2006, they did find one precancerous polyp in there, removed it and I don't have to go back again for 3 years. I was hoping for 5 years, but since it was precancerous - it will be 3 years. Whew! I had no history of colon cancer in my family. I am so glad I went. I know I am fine and will remain so under the watchful eye of my gastroenterologist. Take care.
I have a website you can go to to watch a free video (10 - 12 minutes) of a colonoscopy patient meeting with her doctor and "going through the process". I wish I had found this before I had my exam - would have made it a less anxious time for me. It takes away the fear of the unknown and gives you a baseline to be ready to ask your doctor any questions you may have. Contact me if you're interested in watching it.
2006-07-25 09:34:31 · answer #2 · answered by debbiedo 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is an alternative to colonoscopy called the Guiac test. A small stool specimen is put on a special paper slide and sent in. The test detects blood in the stool. Three days in a row with no blood, and no colonoscopy is called for. However a family history of polyps or colon cancer may make a colonoscopy the test of choice.
Andy, R.N.
2006-07-24 11:53:30 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I know that after a certain age in life it might not be necessary but highly recommended. My mom had no symptoms but had anemia and they made her do one of course they found nothing but they really talked her into it. I would thing you would have some symptoms of illness if ther were something wrong but it can be that you could feel fine and they find something on a routine colonoscopy. I think after like 55-60 it is recommended every year or 2.
2006-07-24 11:52:42 · answer #4 · answered by life as we know it 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No it is not a just a nice money making procedure!!! geesch! It is an actual diagnostic test to find out if you have certain medical condtions. After 40 or 50 you should have them regularly.
2006-07-24 11:54:23 · answer #5 · answered by kimberleibenton 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, they actually do find lumps of cancer causing cells in people's colons. My grandfather has no family history of colon cancer and avoided going for a colonoscopy for about 20 years. When he finally broke down and went in for one they found, lo and behold, a giant lump of cancer. They cut out that section of his colon and now, 5 years later, he is still alive and cancer free. Those tests can save lives!
2006-07-24 11:54:57 · answer #6 · answered by robbet03 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are over 50 and have any history of problems in your family, then it is worth the time & effort...
it is preventative medicine... better to find a problem early so it can be treated early.
2006-07-24 11:51:22 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
yeah, males around the age of 45-50 should have one done. prostate cancer kills a lot of men, and this simple procedure, although uncomfortable, could save your life
2006-07-24 11:53:10 · answer #8 · answered by Jeremy W 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if you are over 50 and have not yet had one i suggest you have it. If you have insurance then you wont have to pay so why not get it done? Im 24 and i had to get one when i was 20. Its not fun but everyone shoudl get it done.
2006-07-24 11:51:09 · answer #9 · answered by KLL 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it depends on the age on the patient and the type of diet he/or she has. But mostly they are done as a precautionary method.
2006-07-24 11:51:30 · answer #10 · answered by El Luigy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋