Colon cancer is the third main cause of cancer deaths for men and women in the US and second leading cancer cause of death worldwide. But there’s good news: it’s also one of the most avoidable cancers. This is partly due to colonoscopies, which is a procedure where doctors use a probe to examine the large intestine. Colonoscopy is considered the best way to screen for colon cancer because it allows doctors to remove polyps — small growths in the colon — before they become potentially cancerous. It can also help doctors diagnose colon cancer, as well as other conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends adults ages 45 to 75 are screened for colorectal cancer. Most people need one every 10 years, but you may need one sooner if you have a higher risk of colon cancer. For example, if you have chronic bowel disease, a family history of colon polyps, or a family history of colon cancer, you may need your first screening colonoscopy before age 45. Dr., assistant clinical professor at the University of New England, told Yahoo Life. Depending on the result, including if polyps are found, the next colonoscopy will be done in five years or less, she adds.
Colonoscopy rarely causes pain, Dr. Lance Uradomo, interventional gastroenterologist at City of Hope Orange County Lennar Foundation Cancer Center, tells Yahoo Life. “It’s typically a painless exam and usually takes less than 30 minutes,” she adds.
However, preparing for a colonoscopy is another story. You may need to drink lots of fluids, spend a lot of time in the bathroom, and temporarily change your diet. Otherwise, your doctors won’t see your colon properly and you may need to prepare again. And nobody wants that.
Fortunately, there are some ways to make your preparation more effective and less unpleasant. Here’s what experts recommend for better, easier colonoscopy preparation.
Discuss your options
Traditionally, preparing for a colonoscopy involves drinking a large amount of fluids (an oral laxative formula) to help cleanse the colon. Now there are other options that help you achieve the same effect like low volume preparations and tablets. And it may also be possible to drink your prepared drink over two days, rather than drinking it all at once. Ask your medical team about your options so you can find the one that’s best for you.
If you have had a bad experience with any of the bowel prep medications in the past, tell your medical team. They may recommend something else.
You should also inform them if you are constipated. “If you have uncontrolled constipation, it may be helpful to discuss this in advance with your doctor,” Dr. a gastroenterologist at Houston Methodist Hospital told Yahoo Life. “Doing bowel prep while constipated can lead to inadequate emptying, as well as symptoms such as cramping, bloating, and nausea,” she says.
Know what to expect
For your preparation to go smoothly and successfully, you need to know exactly what to expect. About a week or two before your appointment, read the instructions so you know what to do in advance, and ask the medical staff questions if you’re unsure about anything.
Clear your schedule on prep day (the day before your colonoscopy) and make arrangements so you can stay at home, near a comfortable bathroom. You may also want to have a book or movie on one device to keep you company during this time.
“I recommend reviewing your instructions about a week before the procedure. Stock up on clear liquids that you will need the day before your colonoscopy, such as broth, coffee, tea, and gelatin.” Dr. Aditi Stanton, a doctor at Gastro Health told Yahoo Life.
Watch your diet
Your medical team will give you instructions on what to eat – and what not to eat – and following them is critical. “Following dietary recommendations is very important to ensure you do not have undigested food in your colon that could make it difficult to see,” Dr. Rabia de Latour, director of endoscopy at Bellevue Hospital Center and assistant professor of medicine at NYU School of Medicine, told Yahoo Life.
You will need to change your diet a few days before your colonoscopy. Generally, this means eating low fiber foods for two to three days – eat pasta, white rice, potatoes, turkey, eggs and more – and temporarily stay away from beans, prunes, whole grains, fruits and vegetables, as well as nuts and seeds. You will also consume a clear liquid diet the day before the procedure. So buy clear soups, broths and teas.
Stay hydrated
The day before your colonoscopy, you will be on a mostly liquid diet. Although you can’t eat solid food, you can drink your calories and have as many drinks as you want.
Drinking enough will also keep you hydrated while your bowels are empty. You can drink water, clear sodas, clear juices, and broths. You can also eat jello and popsicles. But avoid anything with colors like red, blue, or purple that can stain the colon fluid and interfere with the procedure the next day.
“Really focus on hydration,” says Schiesser. “Being well hydrated before starting your bowel cleanse will help you feel better, lower your risk of dehydration, make it easier to put in IVs, and help you cleanse better,” she adds.
Help him get down and out
If you’re doing traditional preparation with a lot of liquid, you can get a little creative to help cut down:
• Leave the liquid in the refrigerator and use a straw, which can help make it easier to drink. But don’t rush the drink to avoid nausea and vomiting.
• Mix with a little lemon or Crystal Light flavored Gatorade to improve the flavor. “If you are mixing the preparation with a liquid, use a flavor that you like, but don’t love, because you will drink so much that you may not want to drink it again for a long time,” says Sharkey.
• Drink a permitted beverage — such as tea (dairy-free), soda or juice — of your choice after each sip to eliminate the taste. Chewing ginger or gum between drinks can also help.
Feel free
After drinking the preparation, expect to spend a lot of time going to the bathroom. Wiping with toilet paper after frequent trips to the bathroom can be irritating, so using baby wipes can help. Just don’t flush them. Dispose of them in the trash as, despite their name, they can clog your pipes.
Also, wear loose, comfortable clothing and stay close to the bathroom, as the urge to go may come on suddenly.
“Buy a good book or download something to watch on your phone, because you’ll be camping out in the bathroom ‘doing your homework,’” says Sharkey. “And have a sense of humor. This will be behind you soon.”
