The Pros and Cons of Colonoscopies

From the article:

“If You Still Decide to Get Tested, BE CAREFUL, As 80 Percent of Instruments Are NOT Properly Sterilized”

The Pros and Cons of Colonoscopies:

By Dr. Mercola

Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),1 nearly 135,000 people were diagnosed with the disease in 2012, and more than 51,500 died from it.

Men and women over the age of 50 at average risk of colorectal cancer are typically recommended to get tested either by:2

  • Fecal occult blood testing (FOBT) on an annual basis, to check for signs of blood in your stool
  • Flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years
  • Colonoscopy every 10 years

Despite the fact that there are three acceptable screening methods, most doctors simply recommend colonoscopy, and researchers have found that in most instances, doctors completely fail to review all the options and the benefits and drawbacks of each with their patients.

Read moreThe Pros and Cons of Colonoscopies