Colonoscopy video demonstrates polyp removal
Can you find the polyp in this picture?
Iowa nurse Kris Sargent chose a unique celebration for her 50th birthday. She had a colonoscopy aired live on the web. “I have been an oncology nurse all of my nursing career (which has been the last 25 years). I am an educator at heart, and unfortunately I have seen far too many people die of colon cancer. So I turned 50 at the end of March and in celebration, I took on the mission to educate everyone 50 and older to get their colonoscopy by having my colonoscopy live on the web.” Sargent’s video was aired on MercyCare.org, the website for Mercy Medical Center where Sargent is a nurse. It was also aired on ABC affiliate KCRG-TV9. The procedure holds particular significance in Iowa because women in that state have the highest incidence of colorectal cancer in the nation.
Can you find the polyp in this picture?
During the thirty minute procedure, Sargent’s physician, Dr. Dean Abramson, discusses risk factors for colon cancer, noting that this is a disease of western culture. He emphasizes that lifestyle factors play a key role in colon cancer prevention. Diets high in fat and/or low in fiber, cigarette smoking, excessive use of alcohol, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle can increase one’s risk for the disease.
Screening guidelines recommend that those with no family history of colon cancer should be screened at age 50. But family history is key. According to Dr. Abramson, those who have a close relative, a sibling or a parent, who have had colon cancer should be screened at age 40, or 10 years before that relative had colon cancer, whichever comes first. Additionally, anyone experiencing symptoms should also consider screening. Symptoms of concern include:
- blood in the stool
- change in bowel habits
- unexplained weight loss
- abdominal pain
The purpose of a colonoscopy is to look for polyps that have the potential to turn into cancer. The goal is to remove polyps before they become malignant. Typically it takes 5-10 years for a small polyp to become cancer. During Kris Sargent’s colonoscopy, two polyps are discovered and removed. Watch the video and see if you can identify them in the pictures.
Post Script: Kris Sargent contacted GetYourRearinGear.com after the publication of this article to let us know that she received her pathology results and had one benign polyp and one adenoma, which is a polyp that can turn into cancer. “It just goes to show that early detection is key!” she says.
My father had 4 colonoscopies, 4 years in a row. They said everything was clear. Then he had a colonoscopy the 5 year, which they diagnosed stage 4 colon cancer, and said it was probably 5 years old. They said the instument doesn’t reach all the way to the bottom, and off to the right. I tried retrieving his medical records from a friend, and a couple or 3 years are missing regarding his colonoscopies. I saw a documentary on this also. How can this happen, or be allowed to happen. My Dad did everything right, but did they?
Hi Denise,
Thanks for submitting your comment. Our Ask the Doctor panel is available to answer general questions about colon cancer screening and treatment. Unfortunately, however, we are unable to give medical advice about specific cases. We wish you and your father the best and appreciate your visit to Getyourrearingear.com. Feel free to visit our education page for caregiver and patient support resources.
My father, the one that was diangnosed with a 5 year old colon cancer, after 4 clear colonoscopies, was the first in the family to have this. His brother was diagnosed after my father had already been on 3 years of chemo. My uncle died very quickly. Maybe a few months. Since then, one of my 4 brothers has had polyps removed, and part of the colon, but is fine. My uncle that passed, had a 55 year old daughter pass after him from ovarian cancer. She had her cancer about 5 years. She had gone into remission a couple times. My father never was in remission. I am about to call to make an appointment for another colonoscopy, from the same one I had about 4 or 5 years ago. Should I try somebody else. Just don’t want to get the one my father had. My fathers medical records of his colonoscipies are missing for a couple years. Thanks doctor!
Dear Doctor: In addition to my last comment; I also wondered why they had him have all these colonoscopies. Nobody in the family wants to know, or ask, or something. I think my Dad gets mad if I ask. I guess he thinks, it won’t do any good now. Thanks again for your time.
I was so happy to finally find a video of the whole colonoscopy. Great information! I am sending to several friends and loved ones. Thank You !! Sincerely, Donna Wood
Thanks Donna! This is our goal, getting folks like you to spread the message about the importance of screening procedures. You make our job easier
My blood uncle was 42 when he passed away from colon cancer. From a child he had always had bleeding and polyps. My question is I am 28 and experiencing blood when using the restroom. and i think I may have a polyp. I scared and not sure what I should do? I also feel like I cant go to the hospital do to no Insurance at this time. Any suggestions? Thank you for your time and any help will great.
Sarah,
Where do you live? We will do everything to get you help. Feel free to call me too (I’m listed under the contact tab).
You are no longer alone. We are here to help and we need to get the worry out of your mind.