Colon Cancer Prep Is Inconvenient but Here Is Why You Have to Do It

Like with other diseases, preparation can be crucial to a cancer patient’s recovery.

Cancer patients can familiarize themselves with treatment procedures during the prep stage. They can also evaluate potential side effects and establish a reliable support system.

These factors can help improve the patient’s confidence and help them gain control over their circumstances.

For example, people with mesothelioma, a rare cancer condition typically linked with asbestos exposure, may benefit from knowing what medical solutions exist for various mesothelioma stages.

Every cancer has its inconvenience. Needless to say, preparation is also necessary for more common cancer types, including colon cancer.

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) reported 1,369,005 colorectal cancer patients in the United States in 2019. In addition, the NCI estimated 151,030 new colon cancer cases in 2022.

These statistics suggest that many individuals, whether patients or friends or relatives of the patients, need to learn more about treatment options and preparations.

Maybe your doctor just told you that you have colon cancer. In that case, you might wonder why they recommended that you undergo colon cancer preparations before proceeding directly to surgery.

Moreover, you might want to learn the specifics of colon cancer preparation.

This article explains why colon cancer patients choose to undergo colon cancer preparation before surgery, despite the discomfort they may experience. This article also discusses the steps involved with colon cancer preparation.

Read on to learn about the potential benefits of colon cancer preparation.

The Importance of Preparation in Colon Cancer Treatment

Present-day humans have more advanced medical knowledge and technology than their predecessors.

However, cancer remains the most dreaded disease for many people today. This reaction is not surprising, given that cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide.

This reality holds especially true in the United States, where colon cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed. Colon cancer ranks third among cancer-related deaths for both men and women in the U. S.

Understandably, most colon cancer patients will have reservations regarding different treatment and preparation options.

However, you don’t have to be anxious if you have colon cancer. This cancer type is highly treatable if discovered early and highly preventable if monitored regularly.

One primary reason colon cancer is fatal is that it often goes unnoticed until it is already at an advanced stage. Consequently, colon cancer screening, like a colonoscopy, can be critical to a cancer patient’s recovery.

The UC (University of California) San Diego Health suggested that screenings have helped reduce the risk of colon cancer by 77% in the last decade.

Furthermore, colon cancer prep can provide specific benefits beyond early detection. At the same time, screening can help detect and prevent the development the precancerous colon polyps (a small clump of cells on the colon’s lining).

Understanding the Preparation Process

Below are some of the steps you may have to take during the preparations.

Consult with your doctor: Set an appointment to discuss your diagnosis, treatment options, and any questions you may have. This step lets you get all the facts straight and make informed healthcare decisions.

Remember to gather and bring all your relevant medical records, including biopsy reports, imaging studies, and lab results.

Avoid eating solid food: If you were scheduled for a colonoscopy, ensure that you do not eat solid foods for at least 24 hours before the procedure.

This step ensures that your colon is empty, enabling the doctor to get a clear picture of the colon’s inside.

Lifestyle changes: Doctors sometimes advise colon cancer patients to reduce their weight and quit smoking.
Relax: Patients should remain still and relaxed during the colonoscopy procedure. Sometimes, these people may be given a mild sedative to help them relax and feel more comfortable.
Follow-up care: Patients must follow their physician’s post-operative instructions after the colonoscopy. You may need to drink plenty of fluids, avoid certain foods, and take any prescribed medications.

Overall, preparing for colon cancer may seem inconvenient, but it is crucial for your health. You can prevent colon cancer and detect precancerous growths early by undergoing colon cancer screening.

Remember that a successful colonoscopy far outweighs any temporary discomfort during preparation. So, don’t delay in protecting your health by undergoing colon cancer prep.