Colon Cancer Screening – Investigations

Discusses the various investigations that can be done in colon cancer screening colon cancer prevention and is for patients and the public.

This video will attempt to answer the following QUESTIONS;
• What are the screening tests done to detect colon polyps and early colon cancer?
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of some of these test ?

WORD INDEX:
A screening test is an investigation done, to look for a disease before there are symptoms
Colon polyps are small abnormal growths arising from the lining of the large intestine and rectum.
NSAIDs are non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs that reduce pain and inflammation.
Anticoagulants ,commonly called blood thinners, are drugs that prevent or reduce blood clotting.

SUMMARY;
The main colon cancer screening tests are colonoscopy and stools tests. Newer emerging screening tests include virtual colonoscopy and colon capsule endoscopy.

It is the last in the series of three videos. The videos are easy to understand and tries to use everyday language as far as possible. The videos are full of images and follow a standard format of topic objective, word index, content and summary. Each topic covers diagnosis, investigation, management and prevention. Videos are an average of between 5 to 10 minutes. I created the videos, using my over 30 years of experience in managing patients with gut and liver problems . I am a gastroenterologist and hepatologist and was trained in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, and Tokyo and have worked in academia and the private sector.

As the adage goes “A picture is worth a thousand words”. I believe combining images and explanations using blackboards, helps one better understand a medical condition. With knowledge, a person gets a better sense of control, and hence is empowered to make informed decisions.