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Colorectal Cancer (colon cancer/ large bowel cancer 1) third most deadly form of cancer related deaths according to World Health Organization, attributed to approximately 680,000 world-wide deaths in 2007. 13 Colorectal Cancer can be prevented by early diagnostic testing including an FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approved home self - administered Colon Health Check kit.1

The colon is part of the digestive system that moves food through a hollow tube. The colon extends about six feet long from the cecum (Where food enters from the small intestine) to the rectum and anus where solid waste called stool leaves. 2 The hollow tube were food passes through is lined with a layer of moist mucous cells that lubricate the contents and protect the walls of the colon from bacterial activity and neutralizes some of the fecal acids. 3 Almost a third of colorectal cancer cases is linked to bad diet and lifestyle occur in people 65 and over. 13
Within the inner walls of the large intestines polyps (clumps of cells) are known to develop which maybe benign or become cancerous. Benign polyps do not produce any symptoms, compared to cancerous polyps cause changes in bowel habits and blood in the stool. 4 Benign polyps do not grow or metastases, compared to malignant polyps which can spread to other parts of the body. 12.

During a colonoscopy examination, entire colon in the lower part of the Gastrointestinal Tract is checked for polyps which maybe malignant besides screening for ulcers and areas of inflammation or bleeding. Preparation for colonoscopy is unpleasant compared to the actual procedure. 5 A special solution may be required to drink prior to the procedure as part of the preparation. One or two days before a colonoscopy depending on the type of preparation the patient's physician recommends a clear liquid diet and laxatives or enemas would be taken to cleans the colon. Some preps are only taken the evening before the test. 5 Prior to a colonoscopy medication is administered intravenously to make the patient sleepy and relaxed which may be adjusted during the procedure. 10 After being sedated, a thin colonoscopy is manipulated by the physician to examine the whole colon and lower part of the small colon. The flexible tube has small camera attached to the colonoscopy providing a visual examination. 5 Almost always polyps are removed by use of forceps and a biopsy is sometimes obtained for examination in the laboratory. 11 "The procedure usually takes 15 to 60 minutes."

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