Coronavirus (COVID-19): Important information from Sharp
View more
View more
Contact Us
 
Find a Doctor
I'm looking for
I'm looking for
Doctor's office
Enter your doctor's name to get office information.
Labs
Find labs in your network
Enter your primary care doctor's name to find labs in your network.
Urgent care centers
Find urgent care centers in your network
Enter your primary care doctor's name to find urgent care centers in your network.
Medical Services
Medical Services
Health Insurance
Classes and Events
Health and Medical
Wellness and Fitness
Community Classes
Pregnancy and Parenting
Seniors and Aging
For Professionals
FollowMyHealth®
Driving Directions
Print
Cart
Update Information

Cancel

Save

Forgot Password

Please enter your e-mail address.

Sharp Health News

Fear no colonoscopy (infographic)

March 16, 2017 by

Angst. Panic. Dread. If you're worried about getting your first colonoscopy, you're not alone. In fact, only 59 percent of people over 50 (the age a screening is recommended) report getting one.

But this routine exam is much easier than people think, and the results could save your life. Here's why it's time to book that appointment.

Fear no colonoscopy (infographic). For those new to it, a colonoscopy can seem scary. But this routine exam is easier than you think. And most importantly, it could save your life. A colonoscopy allows your doctor to look at the inner lining of your large intestine. It helps your doctor screen for cancer or precancerous growths in the colon or rectum. Colonoscopies are not scary, but the following stats are: Colorectal cancer is the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer after breast, lung and prostate cancer. It is the second leading cause of cancer deaths. In 2017, it is estimated 155,870 people will die from lung and bronchus cancer, 50,260 people will die from colorectal cancer and 43,090 people will die from pancreatic cancer. (Source: American Cancer Society) Only 59% of people aged 50 or older – for whom screening is recommended – reported getting screened according to the National Health Interview Survey. Colon cancer is preventable and potentially curable if detected early, Dr. Ananthram Reddy, a board-certified gastroenterologist affiliated with Sharp Grossmont Hospital. Screening 80 percent of the population could prevent over 200,000 deaths a year. Although there are several tests available for screening, a colonoscopy is an integral part of early detection of colon cancer. The best screening test is the one that gets done. Here’s what to expect at your screening: Step 1: Prep. This is the most important step. Your doctor will require that you only consume a diet of clear liquids, such as sports drinks and broth for 24 hours. In advance of the procedure, your doctor will most likely prescribe a laxative drinking solution that will make you – you know – go. The most commonly prescribed regimen includes two doses of the laxative, the second to be given about five hours before the procedure. Step 2: Sedate. You’ll lie on your side on the exam table for the screening. But you’ll be comfortably sedated the whole time. In fact, most people don’t even remember it. Step 3: Screen. For 20 to 30 minutes, your doctor will use a small, tube-like instrument to view your colon. Most precancerous lesions will be removed at this time. Step 4: Go home. You will need someone to drive you home, but you can eat once you get there. The next day you can get right back to your regular routine.

View the printable version of this infographic.

You might also like:

Sharp Grossmont recognized for stroke care

Sharp Grossmont recognized for stroke care

Sharp Grossmont Hospital designated as a Comprehensive Stroke Center.

April 1 2020

What people with asthma should know about COVID-19

What people with asthma should know about COVID-19

Having asthma doesn’t make you more likely to get COVID-19, but it could cause complications.

March 27 2020

6 things you can do while practicing social distancing

6 things you can do while practicing social distancing

Social distancing doesn’t have to mean cutting yourself off from others.

April 3 2020

Choose the doctor who's right for you.

At Sharp, we make it easy to find an exceptional doctor — right where you live and work.

Get started

All Categories
Contact Sharp HealthCare
Call us

1-800-827-4277

If this is a life- or limb-threatening emergency, please call 911 immediately.

Email us

Please do not use this form to convey personal or medical information.

How would you like to be contacted?
Date of birth
Optional

Find other numbers

View our phone directory

What's This?

These important numbers are located on your billing statement.

Find your Sharp Rees-Stealy account number

Find your Sharp Rees-Stealy account number

Find your Sharp hospital account number

Find your Sharp hospital account number

Find your SharpCare account number

Find your SharpCare account number
What's GDPR?

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) governs the processing of personal information gathered from individuals while they are in the European Union (EU) and parts of the EEA (European Economic Area, which currently includes Iceland, Lichtenstein and Norway).

We are sorry, but we are unable to process hospital price estimates if you live or are travelling within the EU or affiliated nations.

To learn more, call us at 858-499-5901.

What's This?

Many surgery and procedure names sound similar. If possible, please provide the current procedure terminology (CPT) code, which can be found on the order from your doctor.

If you cannot provide the CPT code, please contact your doctor's office for the CPT or a detailed description of services.