Colonoscopy is the gold standard for colon cancer screening. A colonoscopy procedure involves examining a patient’s colon and rectum through the anus to look for changes such as swollen tissue, ulcer, polyps or cancer using a scope. A colonoscope is a long, thin and flexible tube with a light and a tiny camera at the tip. The patient will be sedated during the colonoscopy.²²

What are the preparations before a colonoscopy?

Prior to the procedure, bowel prep (or bowel preparation) for colonoscopy is performed to clean the bowel. This is to ensure your doctor can clearly see the lining of your colon to avoid missing any polyps or any other abnormalities.

Follow carefully the instructions given for bowel preparation for colonoscopy such as:

• Complete the course of bowel cleansing preparation that your doctor prescribes for you²³
• Drink a lot of water²⁴
• Avoid eating vegetables and a high-fiber diet²⁴
• Fasting at least 6 hours before the procedure²⁵

Proper bowel prep ensures that the colon is clean, allowing the endoscopist to detect small lesions and polyps that might be missed with inadequate preparation.²⁶

How often should a colonoscopy be performed?

Colonoscopy is recommended to be done every 10 years for people who do not have an increased risk of colorectal cancer. For further medical advice, please consult your doctor.²⁷