Data from the Hong Kong Cancer Statistics Center show that there were 5,036 new cases of colorectal cancer in 2015, accounting for nearly 17% of all new cancer cases. It is the most common cancer in Hong Kong and the second leading cause of cancer death. Distinguished by gender, 42 males per 100,000 people are affected and only 26 females are affected. As a result, more and more people are paying attention to intestinal health issues, but who needs to undergoColonoscopy? What should I pay attention to when doing it? The following will answer some common questions for you:
What is the purpose of a colonoscopy?
- Look for the causes of intestinal problems such as abdominal pain, blood in the stool, chronic constipation, chronic diarrhea;
- It is a test for colorectal cancer. If you are 50 years or older, your doctor will recommend that you get regular tests;
- If you have had colon polyps in the past, a colonoscopy will be done to find and remove recurring polyps.
How long does a colonoscopy take?
Colonoscopy usually takes 30 to 45 minutes and does not require hospitalization; if anesthesia is used, it will take about an hour to wake up after the examination.
What do I need to prepare before the inspection?
The intestinal tract must be "empty" for examination. If it is full of things, even if a colonoscopy is performed, nothing will be seen, so the intestines must be cleaned before the examination.
Three days before the examination, the person undergoing the examination must eat low-residue food and cannot eat solid food the day before the examination. As for beverages, only water, broth, carbonated drinks, and tea and coffee without milk or cream are allowed. If you have a test in the morning, drink 3 to 4 liters of laxative mixed with laxatives the night before, in two portions. If you are taking diabetes control drugs, anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs, you should start adjusting the dosage one or two weeks in advance. Please discuss the details with your doctor.
Gastroenterology and Hepatology Specialist Recommendations
Dr. Luo Zhaotang suggested: "If you have had more than two polyps in the intestine, the polyps are more than one centimeter in size, or the polyps have cancer or are at high risk of becoming cancer, you should have a colonoscopy as soon as possible."
In addition, to maintain a healthy colon, you need to increase your fiber intake, eat as little red and processed meat as possible, do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise every week, control your weight (body mass index between 18.5 and 22.9), quit smoking and avoid drinking alcohol.
