My aunt had colon cancer 20 years ago and have over a foot of her colon removed. She's 80 today and has been cancer free ever since, thank God! Didn't need a bag, either.
My sister was just diagnosed with colon cancer at 44, stage 3b. She had surgery, no bag, now has to get chemo. She has 2 kids. It’s frightening and we are all praying she gets better.
I am 48 and take great care of my health, exercise eat well etc. my colonoscopy had 15 a mm polyp that was cancerous. They removed it. Meeting an oncologist today to see what happens next. Wish me well.
I’m a young women and I got a colonoscopy at 27 and I had polyps that could have progressed if I had waited to get it checked out… this screening is so important even in your 20’s I think!
I was diagnosed with stage 1 colon cancer last year. Nothing showed up on CT scan but was found during colonoscopy. I was 53. Thank god i got it done,it saved my life. Wasnt a bad procedure well worth it.
@@patrickdoherty6211 no i was lucky it was cought early stage 1 no lymph node involvement, however if it were in my rectum i would have needed therapy over surgery,as they try and do that first so they can save your rectum. I had a resection surgery.
My sister died from stage 4 colon cancer last weekend. She was only 31 and non verbal autistic adult, we had no idea she had cancer. I found out I am very high risk of getting this cancer cause it runs in my family. I need to make some life changes to get healthier and this video seems helpful.
✝️🇻🇦 Eternal Father I Offer Thee the most precious blood of your son Jesus in union with all the Masses being said all over the world this day for the souls in purgatory 💜 Your and all autistic souls ❤
My cousin is diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, at 49 I guess. And its heartbreaking. I couldn't sleep that night. I was so stressed. Life is so priceless...😢😢😢
I would take what Dr. Gandolfo says very seriously because he literally saved my life. I was diagnosed with colon cancer and had to have 12 inches of my colon removed. When I was in recovery, awake, I started hemorrhaging and they realized my artery was cut. My surgeon called Dr. Gandolfo in and he put a clip on my artery that stopped the hemorrhaging. He saved my life and I still go to him. Thank You ❤ much blessings and appreciation to You Dr. G. And Your Family ❤
My sister was just diagnosed with colon cancer at 44, stage 3b. She had surgery, no bag, now has to get chemo. She has 2 kids. It’s frightening and we are all praying she gets better. No family history EVER!
My dad died from it at age 58. Always drank 1-2 glasses of alchohol per day and did not eat much fiber, and never exercised. Was a reality check for me. In school here they tell you, you will probably die a painful death around your 60's if you live like that but nobody listens, myself included. After my dad died I improved my lifestyle massively.
My dad dies at the same age from Colon cancer. I'm 66 and was diagnosed with colon cancer after a colonoscopy. Had surgery to remove stage ll / lll cancer. Did 3 months of chemo just to be safe. All CT scans and CEA are excellent. Got into this predicament because I didn't follow my doctors advice on 5 year colonoscopies. Any change in your bowel habits or hereditary history...challenge your doctor for the procedure.
Just had mine at 50. They found and removed several polyps. I have to go for another in 3 years. I’m so glad to live in a time when we can prevent deaths from colorectal cancer with a simple procedure. It was a kick in the ass (pun intended) to live a healthier lifestyle.
I had bowel cancer 12 years ago at age 57, had colonoscopy to take biopsy which came back positive. Had a resection op and chemo and just had another colonoscopy 3 days ago and still clear 👍 bu the way I’m in the UK and we’re awake throughout the procedure and even have a screen for us to see what’s happening. The bowel prep is horrible but it’s just one day out of your life. Good informative video 👍😀
I was out and woke yp in horrible pain.. There must be somthing awful going on but they couldnt see and had to stop .. Hopeing or trying to get a vertual colonoscopy
Just had a colonoscopy today to have a polyp removed. The prep was not pleasant, but I’m glad to get it taken care of. I’m 73 and want to live a long and healthy life. Thanks for the video.
My in laws are Armenians and they have been eating processed foods (lots of cold cuts, sausages, cheeses) since they are 2 years old. They are now 83 and 78. No cancer!!!!
Pray this every day say heal me Lord and I will be healed save me Lord and I will be saved for it is you I give praise. Lord my God I cried to you for help and you healed me.
I am 36 and have a colonoscopy and upper GI scheduled on feb 5th. Im nervous because I feel like im way too young for this type of thing, but grateful I can get it checked out. I will update (if i remember) on how it goes. Prep starts in a few days and im dreading it.
@@RachelJane101 totally forgot about this. The prep was awful. Not because it tastes bad, but because being that hungry for so long while also being dehydrated makes you feel awful. The procedure went well. Was over in what seemed like the blink of an eye. The prep is definitely the worst part. Everything was fine except for a precancerous polyp that was removed, so overall I'm glad I had it done so that it didn't develop into cancer at some point. Prep: 0/10 Procedure: 10/10
I'm a 39 yo male and just had my first colonoscopy (and Gastro Endoscopy), because I have family history. Other than the prep (night before) the procedure was painless and totally worth the peace of mind. It takes all of half an hour and recovery is finished within an hour, and you can be back to eating almost anything you want within 24 hours. I highly recommend that you go ahead and book it if you're approaching your big 4-0 or just passed it. PS the sedation was actually quite fun, kept laughing after the procedure had finished, thinking about what had happened!
Thanks I'm going to be going for one soon and have been really nervous. I'm nervous about something going wrong and also the embarrassment of the procedure if I'm to be honest. I'm trying to remember it's a lot better to get this done than deal with later stage cancer down the line possibly. Still feel nervous but it does help hearing people who've gone through it saying it's not such a big deal to get done.
@@littleripper312 Glad my input helped! The procedure and any embarrassment attached to it is 1000x better than having cancer in the abdomen - imagine having to have a part of your guts taken out. That will certain change your life forever. So look at it from that angle. As a funny anecdote they will provide you with shorts on the day with a shall we say 'access hole' in the back which you will wear to the operating room. Once the sedatives are administered, you will feel relaxed within about 5 seconds and the rest of the procedure will be over in give or take 1 min in your mind, while it will actually take 30-45 mins. It's a surreal experience. Trust me however, the hardest part is the night before. Just make sure to drink plenty of water with the laxatives so there is no 'residue' during the procedure inside your guts. At the end you will get a score called the Boston Bowel Prep scale which is out of 9 (can look it up online). The higher, the more internally 'flushed' ' you were for the procedure. Aim for 9 if you can, your doctor will thank you for it :) I went for a steak on the same night after the procedure (which was at 8 am) and it was the best steak I ever had, after having eaten not very much the day before and on the day of the procedure!
The prep is awful! But yes, it’s 1,000,000 times better than having 10” of your colon cut out, which I got to do 3 weeks after my colonoscopy..wish I had gotten it done sooner before I had a tumor in my belly :(
Thanks Doc! I had my first colonoscopy 2 days ago. It went fine. The worst part is the prep the night before and the morning of. But the procedure is nothing at all. No pain or discomfort. They removed 2 polyps that were sent off for testing but the Dr wasn’t worried about them. I was VERY nervous leading up to the day but it was easy as pie. Good luck everyone. 🥰
@@beautiful20106 I was VERY anxious about mine but now that I know it’s a piece of cake, I’d do the next one without any hesitation. I might even stay awake for the next one which u can request to do…. 🤔
My family doctor pushed me to have a colonscopy in my early 50's because I was having ibs issues (gas, constipation etc.). Luckily everything was ok, but the prep was difficult but it was worth it for peace of mind. I was anxious before the procedure and everyone was so nice.
Was diagnosed with stage 2 colon cancer 10 years ago at age 39. The stool test showed nothing. Did the colonoscopy after and it was caught. The hardest part of getting a colonoscopy is the preparation. The colonoscopy itself is super easy!!!
Had colon cancer at 39 yrs old as well. They removed 13 inches of my descending colon along with 6 months of chemo. Been a bit more mindful about alcohol and my overall diet. I'm 51 yrs old today. Just need to do a better job on getting more exercise
Very informative video ❤️ I am 55 and am having mine next month. I dread it because I have some underlying factors that put me at higher risk but will be relieved to know I'm ok afterwards! It really is best to stop bitching and get tested. It beats the alternative!!!
I’m 70 and have had 3 colonoscopies. Fortunately they have shown no cancer. After my last one I was told my next colonoscopy is scheduled in 5 years. 👍🏻
Hey Doc, God bless you for caring and doing what many people wouldn't want to do but is necessary in saving lives. Thank you for your service to humanity!
Thank you for the great video, Dr. I've had a couple of colonoscopies to investigate bleeding (they found and treated haemorrhoids) but in my personal experience prolonged sitting and lack of sleep were major causes. Standing while working some of the day and getting proper sleep have stopped my bleeding. A colonoscopy is one of my least favourite things in the world but it's honestly not that bad, even the prep part. Just do it and either get peace of mind or hopefully detect and treat things early - if not for yourself for the sake of those who depend on you.
I had mine this week. I even watched your colonoscopy prep video three times. In my case everything worked very well. It wasn't even 30% "as horrible" as people say. I'm 45 years old and a 5mm polyp was found in my cecum (I didn't even know I had a cecum, LOL). I got GOLYTELY for prep. Was ok.
I had a large pre cancerous polyp at 39 years old with a family history of colon cancer. Please get screened. If insurance denies it, then get around that. It’s your life.
I had a adenomatous polyp removed when I was 30 yo. Then some hyperplastic polyps at 31, then no polyps at 32. Didn't do a colonoscopy at 33 and 34, and will do another one tomorrow at 35. Hope everything is fine. I am fit, don't smoke, eat well and have no family history.
@@spectralknights2 normally yes. My first one was early due to blood on feces and family history. The next ones were due to the bad result on the first one. My last one came up good so my next one will be at 40
@@Emidretrauqe Any blood on feces should be checked, even if it is just a little bit. Very often they check it and it is nothing. Checking not always mean doing a colonoscopy. But if you see any blood on feces you should see a doctor.
Great video. As someone with Crohn's I've many colonoscopies and a recent hemicolectomy. Colonoscopy prep isn't fun but as you said it's one day out of your life. My most recent prep wasn't that bad at all and I know I don't have colon cancer.
I believe the age of the colonoscopy should be lowered to age 30. I’m meeting with a gastroenterologist in a couple weeks. I used to eat too much processed food but I have never consumed alcohol .
Thank you for making this. My first colonoscopy is scheduled for next week and I just picked up my Suprep kit. Your videos are helping to make the process less scary.
Thank you so much for this video and the other video or prepping with Su Prep. I loved that video!!!! I just had my colonoscopy this week and your videos truly made the prep and understanding how important colonoscopies are to prevent colon cancer.
Great information. In Canada after the age of 75 they don't want to do anything. Very discouraging for the older very healthy seniors who just want to stay healthy. I think this should be changed.
Same here in England, after 55 all test are deleyed some to 2, 3 or 5 years then when you are 75 things are more slow. Shame, this system treats older people with not consideration and the dignity after their contributions to the society 😢 it is worrying about getting old here and not been millionaire to paid privately any treatment.
My mom died of squamous small cell carcinoma stage 3 in the colon, she was 53 when diagnosed but had symptoms for a few years but was ignored by her primary care physician. She was diagnosed with sciatica pain from a pinched nerve. By the time they ordered a colonoscopy, it was too late ashshe was diagnosed at stage 3b. I lost her 2 years ago now, she would be 59 today if she was diagnosed earlier and complaints more thoroughly looked at.
Father died of colon cancer stage 4 in 2006 he was a smoker but also a painter and painted with lead during the 60-70. I drank alcohol but in moderation. He was active and thin. I had my first colonoscopy at 34 everything was fine i am now 50 and awaiting another one. I cut back on meat and process foods, but i have weight to lose i am also active i train and lift weights walk
glad to know you are free of cancer. recently my brother was diagnosed with stage 2 colon cancer had his surgery done.. now he has to wear a bag. It really distress me ..now I don’t know what nxt the Drs will do… it’s either chemo or oral chemotherapy.. I’m feeling so sad
I have family history of colon cancer, my dad had it luckily he found it in its early stage. I decided to get checked early, at 32 years of age my colonoscopy showed a growth 2 cm in diameter looked like a broccoli growing in my intestines. Now I need to get a colostomy every two years for a piece of mind. Get checked early everyone!!!
I am a big supporter of Colonoscopies. Like the doctor here says they are very important tests when you are reaching midlife. It's one of the top most important tests that you should definitely go for. Waiting for the symptoms to appear might be too late. Good health takes work and it's worth it. We all must learn as much as possible about our bodies.
@@mikesmith1702 Seriously, it is in my family and compared to the other cancers which can come fast and take you to the other side colon cancer gives you a second chance at least. I have had it done twice already and so far so good. Other people have not been so lucky. It is not a joke. If you do not want to live then you can take life as a joke.
So sorry to you all. I was diagnosed with breast cancer last year and had a genetic test done. The genetic test checks for a long list of things including whether you have a gene that would increase your risk of colon cancer. Maybe ask for the genetic test for yourselves to be on the safe side. Insurance paid 100% of the testing.
Many view this procedure as the goose that laid the golden egg for gastroenterologists. I have had it done three times in the last twenty years. I just turned 67 and have refused to have it done again. Different strokes for different folks I guess.
Thank you for this information I am getting a colonoscopy in a couple months praying they don't find any cancers but it's got to be done as I am now 60 and it's my first one eekk
I’m only 25 and got a colonoscopy.. they didn’t find anything scary(what a relief) they did do biopsy’s and I’ll be getting the results tomorrow crossing fingers those are good as well.
Why biopsy? I had a sigmoidoscopy at 50, they told me everything looked great, come back in 10 years. No hemorrhoids or anything. Was I supposed to have hemorrhoids?
Thanks for the video. It is the best one I have seen. I’m going to meet with a new gastroenterologist Wednesday because it concerns me that my last colonoscopy 3 years ago couldn’t be completed due scars tissue.
Thank you for your informative video. I am going to have my first colonoscopy this Thursday and I am quite nervous about it. I am mostly concerned about the not eating part. My instructions say I need to have an only liquid diet the entire day before and I am relieved to see that this is not necessary. I still can have a light breakfast and so keep my hypoglycemia in check because if I don’t eat for a long period of time I feel very sick.
Did they go to a highly skilled doctor?I live in a major city and know many many people that one for colonoscopies and never heard about that…The benefit outweighs the risk
I've been getting tested since my early 20s. I'm now in my mid 40s. Every time I get tested, they find something. I know it's how I will eventually die but there's not much I can do besides screening and lifestyle. After the colonoscopy, there's nothing nicer than the tea and sandwiches you get in the recovery room. Yum.
I'm having scary symptoms but honestly after the events over the last two years I have lost all faith in the modern medical establishment and am very suspicious of doctors. I mean honestly I'm more afraid of how doctors treat cancer ( chemo) than the actual disease. It's 2023 and the best we have for cancer is still injecting poisonous radiation into people? Really? I'm sorry but I believe that modern medicine is designed to keep us as patients and keep us sick. I'm slowly reversing my symptoms,( hopefully it's not cancer) through supplementing, healthy diet , exercise and good sleep. Don't let these doctors get their hands on you is my belief
@@michaell3711 have you heard of the Flexner report? Basically outlawed natural therapies and instituted the petrochemical pharmaceutical industry as we know it today
Patrick Doherty… I’m a Malaysian. Our private hospitals doctors are cut throat talk about money.. I too are suspicious of them. if you tell them@ the end of the consultation you could not afford private treatment n need a refer letter to go for government treatment you can see the immediate disappointment from the face.
Read the books “Chris Beats Cancer” and “Curing Cancer with Carrots” and look up Dr. Lorraine Day she cured her stage 4 breast cancer with natural remedies and never had a reoccurrence.
I used to think like you but my dad had stage 4 cancer and he got chemo, radiation and a targeted drug. Those shrank his tumor, and he currently has no active cancer.
My dad had 3.5 years and it wasnt fun. Not one doctor suggested a colonoscopy when he said my dad died of stomach cancer. He visited 15 doctors. Sorry for loss.
I have bowel cancer iv a tumour iv had radiotherapy now I'm have oral chemo hoping to have my operation in December iv had polyps remove 6 times so take the test I'm going to survive this 😮😊
Dr Gandolfo, I had my first test last week, I’m 77 and the Doctor found Diverticula which scared the life out of me and made we wish that I had taken this test years ago! I enjoyed the frank and thorough presentation that you made. First Class and takes some of the fear away. Thank you,
My father passed away from colon cancer at only 61 years old... I am 59. I was diagnosed with IBS a little over a year ago, and have some troublesome symptoms that could either be IBS or colon cancer... there are many gastrointestinal issues that have overlapping symptoms - doctors call this differential diagnosis. I had a colonoscopy 5 years ago ( my 1st one) and was told I have something called megacolon. I am scheduled for another one in a few weeks. I don't eat pork or beef, foods made of flour, sugar, etc. I exercise and drink plenty of water, don't drink alcohol or smoke... I wonder how often I should be having colonoscopies? - I have a family history, but live a healthy lifestyle, do my bowel problems increase my risk?
Your chance of getting the colon cancer is lower than those who do not live a healthy life style but do not have issues that you have. if you avoid any process foods and animals not raised naturally you shall be even in better shape.
If your father dies from colon cancer then you have a predisposition to this same cancer - get yourself a colonoscopy every 3-5 years it’s painless and the only way to pick up Colin cancer early - of course a healthy diet lifestyle helps with preventative toon of all cancers
I had three colonoscopies, no problems. Once I turned 75, insurance stopped paying for routine colonoscopies. My father was diagnosed with colon cancer at age 90, had surgery and died in the hospital just as he was ready to go home. Why did her die? I have no idea, the doctor who did the surgery would not return my calls.
I was 27 when I had colonoscopy and has 6 polyps then went back 3 years later and had 4 more, my family all died of bowel cancer, I don’t want to be next
Thanks for this great information DR, just wanna ask why would a gastroenterologist carry out a colonoscopy test without sedating a patient? I almost died of pain during my colon scan . My colon was clean after the scan though.
Dr. I am 33 year old male. For the past 7 months, i have been having severe stomache pain and flat stools. Unfortunatley, i live in canada and the health system here is a nightmare. No doctor would refer me to a specialist or colonoscopy as i do not meet the age requirement for colon cancer. One walk in clinic doctor agreed to let me do the FIT test. It came back positive today. I am terrified. What should i do? The wait time to see a GI specialist is over one year, thats if the walk in clinic doctor agrees to refer me to the specialist. What should i do? I am sick and tired of canada and its garbage medical system. Canada does not even have options to do a colonoscopy privatley by paying out of pocket!
just to add balance colonoscopies arent without risk i had one and they perforated my bowel had to have emergency surgery with a resection and temporary colostomy bag for 6 months
I am 58 yrs old man who stopped drinking 32 yrs ago and stopped smoking 24 yrs, ate red meat daily and vegetables and fruits doctor found two none cancerous polyps 5 days ago
What is the rate of colon cancer in those who are vegetarian, non-drinkers who don't smoke or eat junk food, if such people exist? And I think we need to be careful about tying social drinking to the rates of colon cancer. I think there are plenty of social drinkers and even alcoholics who don't smoke who never get colon cancer. This likely means their is a genetic component of some sort as there is in other cancers.
They tie social drinking to colon cancer because that’s what the evidence and data indicate and that evidence and data are very compelling. This is by no means new. GI docs have been aware of the link for decades now. Alcohol is a poison to humans and when you put it in your body the body then must work very hard to remove it at the expense of everything else. The body will prioritize filtering out the alcohol you consume even over digesting the food you eat. Booze is a distraction that impacts entire bodily systems. It’s like trying to learn calculus while a classmate is blaring music over a loud speaker. Booze makes your body function at least than optimal. A 2017 study found that people under age 55 are nearly 60% more likely to be diagnosed with late-stage colon cancer than older adults. This is not hysteria or some joke. And that’s just alcohol and the colon. Booze can cause all sorts of problems in other organs and you don’t need to be a big or daily drinker to be at risk for them.
I have read some horror stories regarding colposcopies where patients ended up with perforated bowels. This is why opted for the fecal test. It’s not as good as colonoscopy but better than nothing I suppose.
Just because it has happened to people it doesn’t mean it will happen to you. The colonoscopy is very at creating the screenings. It’s better to know early than late into the cycle.
My fear is perforated bowel as well. Those stories exist but they are extremely rare, like do you personally know someone that had a perforated bowel from a colonoscopy? I have read about jackpot lottery winners but don’t know any personally even though they exist.
@@RubbingPotatoes My sister had a colonoscopy done last year. Nothing bad happened to her. As long you trust your doctor nothing bad will happen during the procedure.
@@RubbingPotatoes Any kind of surgery always has its risks. You can be scared but if the surgery if a matter of life or death. You have to trust your doctors skills and believe this is the best option possible. Another thing thst can help with high anxiety is by praying to God for something kind of relief. I hope this helps.
@@jaguar4120 I had a colonoscopy done and it went fine. Just still concerned about the risk of perforated bowel because it can be fatal. But want to know whether it's practical concern.
A lot of people getting Colorectal cancer I believe is part hereditary as well but not in everybody but I know genetics and family heredity has a lot of factors with cancer in general.
No mention about the common and highly processed "vegetable oils" like canola, sunflower, rapeseed, soybean, safflower, peanut, cottonseed? These are processed at high temperature and then washed with hexane (a petroleum molecule) because it smells so bad after high heating. These vegetable oils are so mangled by this process they end up oxidizing just sitting on the store shelf in their containers. This is a big health concern because everyone uses the "vegetable" oils at home as well as restaurants and most of the food industry because vegetable oils are cheap. The alternatives are "expeller pressed" canola oils - or better - coconut oil, avocado or olive oils because they are not highly processed that way. Only downside is they're more expensive.
All good what you are teaching, but if it was that easy to get medical help most people who died from cancer would still be alive today, no medical professional who owns a cancer treatment centre would operate, see patients or treat anyone without money, I might be wrong but this was from my personal experience from my sister who died from that disease
If you are in the United States you have no excuse because the states give medicaid for free to people who have no income or because of their age. Most hospitals accept Medicaid fir these procedures.
You are vry right. Same here in Malaysia private hospitals if you finish up using your insurance fund then just wait to die but then luckily government hospitals in Malaysia are vry good.
My first thought is not eating so much processed meats (nitrosamines, hello!), second, stop eating as much grilled/charred foods (benzo[a]pyrene), these are two significant carcinogens that we really shouldn't be eating in large quantities.
I had a colonoscopy once but the doctor did not make me sleep. He kept telling to relax, but my gut keep fighting to push that thing out. Who can relax with a 1.5 meter tube lurking into your colon, it felt like that you had to make an endless huge go for 30 minutes. Horrible experience. 😢