Having a colonoscopy could save your life

What they don’t realise is that this screening test could save their lives. In South Africa, colorectal cancer is the fourth most common form after skin, prostate, and lung cancer. It’s also the fourth most common in women after skin, breast and lung cancer, according to the Cancer Association of South Africa (Cansa).

“Colorectal cancer occurs when abnormal cells develop in the lining of your colon. When these cells grow and divide, they can lead to a growth in the colon called a polyp. If the polyp grows into a tumour, it may invade other parts of the colon. At this point the tumour is considered cancerous,” says Nicola Rains, a general practitioner at NHC Health Centres.

There are a number of signs and symptoms of this type of cancer, which are often ignored because they are also non-specific. These include a change in your bowel movements, bleeding from the rectum, passing stools with blood, persistent abdominal pain or discomfort, cramps, bloating, sudden and unexplained weight -loss and the feeling of constant fatigue or weakness.

“It is important to note that other health problems can cause the same symptoms, so it is important to seek medical advice,” says Rains. “If you have a close relative that has a history of colorectal cancer your risk of developing the disease is even greater.”

According to Rains, a colonoscopy helps the doctor get a closer look for any signs of cancer or polyps. A small, thin, flexible tube with a video camera at the end is inserted inside your colon. The camera then sends images to a TV screen. It’s fairly painless, and patients usually receive medicine to relax during the procedure.

“Sometimes the symptoms do not become prevalent until it’s too late. A colonoscopy is a 30 minute procedure that may save you a lifetime of illness,” says Rains.