Colonoscopies have a bad reputation. To most it sounds like the prep, procedure, and recovery is daunting. However, it is a strong instrument in the prevention of colon cancer and saving people lives, particularly here in Houston through this simple screening test. In Gastrodoxs, we are of the view that informed decision-making enables patients to ensure that they make empowered decisions. This post will explain why colonoscopies are necessary to prevent cancer, the role of regular colon cancer screening, why a colonoscopy could save your life and the significance of early detection of colon cancer. We are going to even give you tips provided by Dr. Bharat Pothuri and local Houston ideas to make you feel prepared to attend your next screening.
A colonoscopy is a procedure in which the doctor allows him or her to examine the inner side of your large intestine (colon) and the rectum. A light and camera (colonoscope) is passed though your colon in a thin, flexible tube during the procedure. The images are transmitted to a screen by the camera, allowing your gastroenterologist to identify any irregularity polyps or inflamed tissue.
The gold standard of screening of colon cancer is colonoscopy, according to Houston-based Dr. Bharat Pothuri. They are able to identify polyps before they develop into cancer and assist us in getting them off immediately.
Your best defense against colon cancer is early detection. Doctors prevent the early onset of malignancy in polyps when they identify and remove them. This is why colonoscopies are essential in the prevention of cancer:
Dr. Pothuri continues to say that in Houston where lifestyle and diet is diverse, routine colonoscopies are essential. We detect problems at an early stage and maintain patients in good health.
The expression of how a colonoscopy can save your life is not a myth. Colon cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer death in the U.S. and it is also very preventable. This is what occurs in reality:
Ms. Lee at the age of 53 did not attend regular screening. A physical examination in a clinic in Houston has revealed that there are three tiny polyps. The removal of all took place during the same visit. Today, she's cancer-free. In the absence of that colonoscopy, her polyps could have developed into cancer in the next 10 years.
Regular colon cancer screening does not only detect cancer early enough it also comes with numerous other bonus features:
When colon cancer is diagnosed in its early stages, it is a matter of life and death, as it could be a simple in-office operation or months of intensive care. The significance of the early detection of colon cancer can be put in perspective:
When you detect the cancer at the Stage I, you may just require simple surgery. However, at Stage IV the treatment can include chemotherapy, radiation and more complicated surgical procedures.
When we are able to detect even the slightest polyp at its infancy, we are likely to increase the survival by a large margin, says Dr. Pothuri. That's the power of screening.
The following table provides a brief comparison between colonoscopy and other popular screening procedures:
| Characteristic | Colonoscopy | Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) | Flexible Sigmoidoscopy |
| Exam Frequency | Every 10 years (normal risk) | Annual Frequency | Every 5 years |
| Visual Inspection | Full colon view | No | Partial colon view |
| Removal of Polyp | Yes | No | Sometimes |
| Prep Difficulty | Medium (clear liquids + laxative) | Low (sample at home) | Moderate |
| Detection Accuracy | 95% + polyps/cancer | 70 to 80% cancer | 70 to 75% polyps/cancer |
| Sedation Desired | Yes | No | Optional |
| Best For | Most extensive screening | Primary screening, less risky | Left colon problems |
This table will allow you to understand the reason why colonoscopy is still the gold standard when it comes to persons age 45 and above, or younger if there is a family history.
According to Dr. Pothuri, half the battle is prepped. A clean colon will mean that we get all those polyps and you are safe.
External Resources
To prepare in more detail, refer to the prep guide of the Mayo Clinic. Read on screening recommendations at the colorectal cancer page of CDC.
Colonoscopies are highly safe, however, as any medical procedure, they involve the smallest numbers of risks:
We feel that we provide the best care near home at Gastrodoxs. This is why people in Houston are confident in Gastrodoxs:
Regular colonoscopies will give you the best chance to prevent colon cancer, decreased mortality and quality of life. Knowing why you need to get a colonoscopy to prevent cancer, why routine screenings of colon cancer can save your life, why an early diagnosis of cancer is important, and why knowing why you need a colonoscopy, you have all the information needed to act. Gastrodoxs and Dr. Bharat Pothuri are present in Houston and other places to take you through it. Book your screening and ensure that you are in charge of your colon.
Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.
Experts suggest the initiation age of 45 years when there is a middle risk in adults. In case there is a history of colorectal cancer or polyps in your family, your doctor might recommend the screening at an earlier age.
A normal colonoscopy is normally repeated after 10 years. In case of polyps or other deformities, your doctor might be giving you a follow-up examination every 3-5 years.
Prep may be painful, but with these things it is easy due to modern laxatives and clear liquid diets. Being well hydrated and obeying the instructions will go a long way to make the process easier.
You will get sedated, therefore, most patients experience little or nothing. There might be slight cramping or gassing later on but the pain is slight and temporary.
Done appropriately with bowel preparation, colonoscopy identifies more than 95 percent of polyps and cancers. Accuracy is achieved through good preparation and skilled endoscopist.
The procedure involves the removal of most polyps on a case by case basis with the use of tiny snares or forceps. A tissue is forwarded to a lab to test against the presence of any cancerous changes.
Yes. Effects of sedation may take some hours and you will not be permitted to drive. Make arrangements in advance get someone, a friend or a member of the family, to pick you up.
Majority of the patients are able to resume normal activities such as work within 24 hours. In case you had a lot of polyp removal or you are feeling groggy then your doctor might recommend a longer rest.
Yes. The other options are the annual FIT (stool test), flexible sigmoidoscopy after every 5 years and CT colonography. Nonetheless, colonoscopy is the most elaborate screening technique.
Find board certification in gastroenterology, years of experience, positive patient reviews, effective communication, and a convenient location. Dr. Bharat Pothuri and his team at Gastrodoxs satisfy all these requirements.
