“Colorectal cancer can, however, be detected early by having a regular routine scoping procedure, known as a colonoscopy, during which any pre-cancerous polyps can be removed before they become a more serious health threat,” says Dr Pieter Swart, a general surgeon who practises at Netcare Pinehaven Hospital in Krugersdorp, Johannesburg. He has established an outpatient endoscopic facility at his rooms at the hospital. 

“There are a few tests used to detect colon cancer, however, a colonoscopy, is one of the better-known and is today a routine procedure involving the colon being investigated by means of a scoping device. This is used not only to detect cancer and pre-cancerous polyps in the gut, but also to remove the polyps before they become cancerous, as well as any abnormal tissue. Colon cancers that are detected at an early stage tend to be most amenable to treatment, and an endoscopic investigation can be absolutely life-saving,” he explains. 

A polyp is a grape-like growth that quite commonly occurs in an adult’s colon or rectum and most are harmless. However, some polyps known as adenomas are considered pre-cancerous and may well develop into cancer if they are not removed.

Dr Pieter Swart says that a colonoscopy should be undertaken in persons who are 50 years or older and at average risk of colon cancer, and every 10 years thereafter. However, your doctor may recommend that you are scoped at a younger age and/or more often than every 10 years should you have a family history of colon cancer, as a genetic predisposition is an important risk factor for developing colon cancer. More regular colonoscopies may also be advised if large pre-cancerous polyps have been identified previously. Your doctor can advise when you should begin screening and what tests will be most suitable in your case.

“A colonoscopy is also used to examine the causes of various other intestinal problems such as rectal bleeding, abdominal pain and chronic constipation or diarrhoea. Tissue samples, or biopsies, can also be obtained during a colonoscopy, and sent for further testing to check whether they are cancerous.

“There are minimal risks associated with a colonoscopy, but there is a possibility of bleeding, inflammation, infection, or of the colon being perforated. However, these problems are rare and the benefits of the investigation are clear, particularly in those patients with a high risk of developing colon cancer. 

“The procedure itself takes approximately 30 minutes and is usually relatively painless, although it can be a little uncomfortable. No hospital stay is required but, as the procedure requires sedation, someone needs to drive you home.”

Dr Swart says that while more complex investigations and procedures are performed within the theatres at Netcare Pinehaven Hospital, his new outpatient endoscopic facility there is able to perform a range of more minor procedures including investigations into intestinal bowel syndrome, hernia repair, and haemorrhoid procedures.

“Patients appreciate the fact that they can have these minor investigations and procedures at our outpatient facility. We have an experienced anaesthetist working at the facility full time, who is responsible for sedating patients,” he concludes.