Mr. Zhang, 39 years old, has been delaying the medical examination because he is afraid of having a colonoscopy. In recent months, he has been experiencing frequent abdominal pain, but he thinks it is only a minor gastrointestinal problem and does not pay enough attention to it.
Until one day, the abdominal pain became more intense, and I had to go to the hospital. After a series of examinations, the results showed that he had advanced bowel cancer, and the chance of surgery had been lost, and the hope of treatment became very slim.
01
The whole process of colonoscopy
Colonoscopy is an important medical test used to check for abnormalities in the inside of the large intestine. Before the colonoscopy, patients need to make appropriate preparations, such as controlling their diet and taking detergents.
Next, the patient will lie on an examination table, and the doctor will gently insert a colonoscopy device into the patient's anus and gradually advance it into the large intestine.
Throughout the procedure, the doctor carefully observes the condition of the intestinal wall and transmits the images to a display screen through the camera on the colonoscopy device for better observation and analysis.
If abnormalities are found, doctors may also take tissue samples or perform other therapeutic procedures. There may be some discomfort throughout the procedure, but the doctor will provide the necessary reassurance and guidance to ensure the patient's comfort and safety.
After the colonoscopy is completed, the patient needs to take a short break and wait for the doctor's diagnosis. Based on the results of the examination, the doctor will formulate a treatment plan and provide necessary explanations and guidance to the patient.
Colonoscopy is of great significance for the early detection of colorectal cancer and other lesions, so patients should actively cooperate with the doctor's examination and treatment. In addition to the doctor's expertise and experience, the patient's cooperation and trust during the examination process are also important factors to ensure the success of the examination.
02
Why do most people reluctant to have colonoscopy?
In life, many people often choose to avoid colonoscopy when facing intestinal health problems, even if there is an obvious abnormality in their health status, they can often delay and try to avoid colonoscopy. There are a variety of reasons for this, and it's worth digging into.
First of all, colonoscopy, as an invasive medical method, often brings uncomfortable intuitive feelings to the examinee. There is a natural fear and resistance to pain and discomfort, which makes many people avoid colonoscopy because they are afraid, even if they know that it is important for the diagnosis of intestinal diseases.
Secondly, colonoscopy requires a certain amount of time and preparation process, which is undoubtedly a burden for busy modern people. In the fast-paced life, it is often difficult for people to spare enough time for colonoscopy due to work, study and other reasons.
In addition, preparations such as diet control before colonoscopy also bring a lot of pressure to people, making some people choose to give up the examination.
In addition, some people have misconceptions about colonoscopy, believing that it is a high risk and may even lead to serious consequences such as intestinal damage. This concern, while justified to a certain extent,
But in fact, with the continuous advancement of medical technology, the safety of colonoscopy has been greatly improved. However, these misconceptions still influence people's decision-making to some extent.
03
Most people find bowel cancer during the first colonoscopy
In September 2020, at the 4th National Famous Doctors Conference, an investigation report on advanced colorectal cancer attracted widespread attention.
The data revealed in the report showed that among the 2,299 patients diagnosed with advanced bowel cancer, the only colonoscopy of 2,221 was at the moment when they were diagnosed with cancer.
There are tens of thousands of new rectal cancer patients in mainland China every year, and unfortunately, most of them have already progressed to the middle and advanced stages by the time they learn about their disease.
The emergence of this situation is often inextricably linked to people's contempt for colonoscopy and lack of knowledge about bowel cancer prevention and treatment.
The World Health Organization has clearly stated that colorectal cancer is a cancer that is relatively easy to prevent and has a high cure rate. If detected early and treated in time, the cure rate of bowel cancer can be as high as 90%.
In the very early stage of intramucosal cancer, the cure rate can even reach an astonishing 10%. However, once the disease progresses to the advanced stage of rectal cancer, the 5-year survival rate drops dramatically to less than 20%.
The process of colorectal cancer is not complicated, about 90% of colorectal cancers are gradually developed from adenomatous polyps, and this process can last for 5 to 15 years.
Fortunately, no matter where this cancerous process goes, we have a miracle tool – the colonoscopy – that can detect and uncover their traces in time. This "mirror" that can see through intestinal health is an important weapon in our fight against colorectal cancer.
04
How long is the "expiration date" of a colonoscopy?
Unlike some medical procedures that require frequent check-ups, colonoscopy screening is actually a long-term preventive measure. If you do it once, you can live with peace of mind for years.
As Academician Li Zhaoshen said, "The role of colonoscopy in the prevention of bowel cancer cannot be ignored. Once you have passed the age of 45, you must actively get checked, and do not miss this important opportunity because you are afraid of trouble. A colonoscopy screening can ensure that the invasion of bowel cancer will be free for the next 5-10 years. ”
Considering that bowel cancer is mainly prevalent in middle-aged and elderly people, we especially recommend that healthy people between the ages of 40 and 74 should have at least one colonoscopy screening even if there are no obvious discomfort or abnormal symptoms. For those who belong to the high-risk group, we recommend that you get screened in advance.
First of all, if someone in your immediate family (such as a parent, child, or sibling) has had colorectal cancer, you should be especially careful.
Secondly, if you or your family has a history of any kind of cancer, you should also be vigilant. In addition, if you have a history of intestinal polyps before, you are also one of the high-risk groups.
Finally, if two or more of the following conditions are met: mucus and bloody stools, chronic constipation (diarrhea accumulated for more than 3 months in 2 years), chronic diarrhea (constipation accumulated for more than 2 months in 2 years), history of chronic biliary disease or gallbladder removal, chronic appendicitis or appendectomy, then colonoscopy screening should also be performed as soon as possible.
Remember, early prevention, early detection, and early treatment are the keys to defeating bowel cancer. Don't wait for symptoms to appear before you regret it, get a colonoscopy screening in advance to give yourself and your family a peace of mind and health protection