What are some symptoms that might warn me of colorectal cancer?
Often there is no warning, but warning signs may include: • A change in bowel habits, such as prolonged constipation or diarrhea • Blood in the stool • Unusual stomach or gas pains • Unexplained weight loss • Fatigue • Vomiting Q: What’s a colonoscopy really like? A: Most patients who have had a colonoscopy will tell you the bark is much worse than the bite — the bowel cleansing preparation takes more time and effort and is more uncomfortable than the screening test itself, which involves inserting a long, flexible tube containing a light and camera into the colon. The exam itself takes only about 15 minutes. Most patients are so relaxed and sedated during the screening, they fall asleep and are not likely to remember much about it or feel discomfort when they wake up. Diarrhea and some cramping, as well as hunger from fasting, are associated with the procedure prep, beginning about noon the day before a colonoscopy. For some patients, pills rather than a liquid bowel prep may be appro
