Colon and rectal cancers are prevalent and now hitting a younger demographic. The American Cancer Society has been pushing for better, earlier screening. One of the predominant screening methods for colorectal cancer is the colonoscopy.
During this medical procedure, a doctor uses a flexible tube fitted with a camera to look for abnormalities, like polyps or cancer, within the colon and rectum. Statistics suggest that these screenings, by detecting the cancer earlier and allowing time for treatment, can reduce the mortality rate 67%. So bear in mind that colonoscopies can save lives. This is especially true for anyone experiencing unexplained bowel problems.
However, colonoscopies are not without risk. Eye-opening investigations, such as that by Johns Hopkins and McKinsey & Co tell us that the risk of infection due to contaminated instruments is at least a hundred times more than previously calculated. As many as 25,000 people suffer from post-colonoscopy infections every year because of dirty endoscopes. Another study of five hospitals across the country, conducted by 3M's Infection Prevention Division, found that 3 out of 20 endoscopes failed because they were contaminated by past patients.
The tubing and camera of an endoscope are difficult and tedious to sterilize. According to the CDC's guidelines, they are supposed to be cleaned with an enzymatic cleaner or detergent, then soaked in disinfectant. That tedious work, coupled with high demand, too often lead to carelessness and complacency.
The American Journal of Infection Control adds specific concerns regarding technicians failing to clean scopes appropriately. Noted concerns include turning off the cleaning machines too early to save time, handling clean scopes without changing gloves, and wiping them down with used towels.
This carelessness puts you at risk for hepatitis or infection. Symptoms of infection after a colonoscopy may include fever, chills, abdominal pain, vomiting, rectal bleeding, fatigue, diarrhea, or constipation. Infection can be particularly dangerous for anyone with an already compromised immune system. Hepatitis B in particular has no cure, though it can be managed with medicine. A lifetime diagnosis is a high price to pay for preventative screening.
It's a big risk, and sounds quite scary when you look at the growing wealth of data being collected. But colonoscopies can still save your life. Colorectal cancer is one of the most lethal forms of cancer when caught too late. Yet when it's caught early, it is 90% curable.
How to Proceed
Caution and good planning are necessary protect yourself. Be very careful about where you get your colonoscopy. Research the infection and complication rates of your facility. Check with your state health department or visit a website like Leapfrog or Medicare's CareCompare.
You can also ask questions such as: 
• What procedure do you use to sterilize the tools?
• How often do you disinfect the equipment?
• Can I see the training records for my providers?
• Can you show me your equipment maintenance records?
• Have you had any complaints or incidents in the past?
• Which provider has the most experience?
• Who has the highest or lowest complication rates?
Their willingness or ability to answer some of the questions might give a glimpse into their commitment to cleanliness and safety -- or lack thereof. Listen to your intuition if anything feels off. Make sure you feel secure with your colonoscopy provider.
For personalized nutrition guidance, schedule a one-on-one consultation with Rose.
| What to Remember Don't skip essential cancer screenings, but do be careful. Get to know your healthcare center's safety rating and public reputation. Ask questions about the cleaning procedures in place. Protect your health! |
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