The colonoscopy tradeoff: 30 minutes for a lifetime

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer worldwide – and is the third most common cancer in Abu Dhabi and worldwide. Unlike many other cancers, it's preventable with regular screening.

Despite how prevalent colorectal cancer is in the region, only a shocking 36% of people aged 40 and above undergo their regular screening. There's a host of reasons for these statistics: 55% of Emiratis reported that they avoid screening due to fear of pain (the procedures are actually painless when done under anesthesia/sedation), the discovery of diseases and embarrassment. While these feelings are understandable, the importance of regular screening can't be understated.

Who's at risk?

Given that colorectal cancer is common, almost everyone is at risk and should get screened. While some risk factors can be controlled (such as diet and exercise) others cannot.

While you can't control risk factors such as having a family history, it doesn't mean you're destined to develop colorectal cancer; you can still screen regularly to detect the pre-cancerous polyps early.

Changing lifestyle habits isn't easy; you'll have to learn to replace unhealthy choices with less harmful ones. But remember – the short-lived dopamine hit you get from tobacco, alcohol and processed food isn't worth sacrificing your health.

Detect or prevent: a win-win situation

Even if you've never had a colonoscopy, you're probably familiar with the term (one that's usually considered a pretty awkward topic of conversation).

Since symptoms of colorectal cancer don't typically show until the disease has advanced to a less treatable stage, a 30-minute colonoscopy detects colorectal cancer at an early stage, which can actually prevent it.

“There are real barriers and misconceptions that prevail when it comes to screening for this cancer, which is a true challenge”, says Dr. Michael Wallace, consultant and chair of the Gastroenterology and Hepatology Division at SSMC, “however, if colorectal cancer is detected early, up to 95% of cases are curable. SSMC is one of the leaders in high-quality colonoscopy. We monitor all internationally accepted standards for excellence and also provide state-of-the-art technologies. Our FDA and UAE-approved Artificial Intelligence technology, known as GI Genius, significantly enhances our ability to safely detect the presence of pre-cancerous polyps in the colon, which reduces the risk of death by at least 50%.”

No matter what the outcome of the colonoscopy is, you won't regret it; you'll either be relieved that potential signs of colorectal cancer were caught before they advanced, or have peace of mind in knowing that none exist.

A 30-Minute Investment: Protecting Yourself from Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer remains a significant health concern, ranking as the third most common cancer in both Abu Dhabi and worldwide.

While its prevalence is undeniable, it is equally important to emphasise that colorectal cancer is often preventable through regular screening. The Department of Health data demonstrates the impact of screening, with 42% of the estimated 845 colorectal cancer cases diagnosed in Abu Dhabi between 2012 and 2019 detected in the early, more treatable stages. This highlights the critical importance of screening and its contribution to improved outcomes.

Who is at Risk? A Universal Concern

Given the prevalence of colorectal cancer, virtually everyone is at risk and should be proactive about screening.

While certain risk factors, such as family history, are beyond our control, others, like diet and exercise, can be modified.

It is important to understand that even with uncontrollable risk factors, regular screening remains a powerful tool for early detection, which increases the likelihood of successful treatment and recovery.

Lifestyle Choices and Prevention

Adopting healthier lifestyle habits can play a significant role in reducing the risk of colorectal cancer. While changing ingrained behaviours can be challenging, it is essential to recognise the long-term consequences of unhealthy choices.

The satisfaction derived from tobacco, alcohol and processed foods simply cannot compare to the profound value of safeguarding one's health.

Understanding the Barriers to Screening

Research indicates that a significant proportion of individuals avoid screening due to concerns about pain, fear of diagnosis and feelings of embarrassment. While these anxieties are understandable, it is crucial to recognise that modern colonoscopy procedures are typically painless, especially when performed under anaesthesia or sedation. It is also important to remember that the long-term benefits of early detection far outweigh any temporary apprehension.

The Power of Early Detection

The term ‘colonoscopy’ may evoke feelings of unease or embarrassment for some. However, this relatively short, 30-minute procedure is a critical tool in the fight against colorectal cancer.

As symptoms do not often manifest until the disease has progressed to a less treatable stage, a colonoscopy serves as both a detection and a prevention strategy.

By identifying and removing pre-cancerous polyps, colonoscopy can actually prevent the development of colorectal cancer altogether.

While other screening methods, such as the annual FIT test and CT colonography, can be used when the patient is asymptomatic, colonoscopy remains the gold standard, as these alternatives have their own limitations, making colonoscopy the most effective and comprehensive screening option.

The Value of Screening

Regardless of the outcome, a colonoscopy provides invaluable information. If pre-cancerous polyps or early-stage cancer are detected, timely intervention can significantly improve the chances of successful treatment. Conversely, a negative result offers peace of mind and reassurance. In either case, the 30 minutes invested in a colonoscopy is a small price to pay for the potential to protect your health and well-being for a lifetime.

Please don’t wait – schedule your screening now.