When there's a colonoscope threading through your colon, requesting that it stay there longer would be crazy, right? Not according to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Researchers found that doctors who took the most time during a colonoscopy found ten times more polyps than doctors who performed a colonoscopy the quickest.
Why does that matter?
Finding and removing polyps is one of the best ways to prevent colorectal cancer. Think you don't have any? You may be right, but an estimated 25 percent of people 50 and older do. That's why the American Cancer Society recommends that everyone 50 and older, regardless of symptoms (or lack thereof), be screened for colorectal cancer. (Learn more about colon cancer screening guidelines.)
How can you put this research into action?
The next time you get a colonoscopy, ask your doctor to take his time. Mention this study and how the authors recommended doctors take at least six minutes to withdraw the scope - just to make sure they aren't missing anything. Doing so should merely serve to remind your doctor to take his time, since the U.S. Multi-Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer already publicized the recommendation in 2002.
You'll want to bring this up before the colonoscopy starts, since during the procedure you'll be too sedated to feel any discomfort, notice how long your doctor takes - or have an intelligent conversation.
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