Can gastroscopy and colonoscopy help in cancer prevention?

Early detection of digestive diseases and cancer through gastroscopy or colonoscopy increases the chances of cure. Learn more about these diagnostic methods performed by a team of trained gastroenterologists according to global standards, using state-of-the-art equipment at the PULS GO rapid diagnostics center.

In this text, we will explain how gastroscopy or colonoscopy can aid in screening and even preventing cancer, as well as the role these procedures play in early treatment of these conditions.

The differences between gastroscopy and colonoscopy

First and foremost, both gastroscopy and colonoscopy are known as endoscopic procedures. Endoscopy refers to the visual examination of the cavities of our body using long and thin flexible telescopes connected to a video monitor. The procedure is called gastroscopy when the endoscope is inserted through the mouth to examine the stomach. When the endoscope is inserted through the anus to examine the large intestine and rectum, it is called colonoscopy.

Gastroscopy

Gastroscopy is used to examine the upper digestive tract. The procedure takes about 15 minutes and is not painful, but rather uncomfortable as patients may experience a strong urge to vomit. It is performed in a specially equipped gastroscopy room or on a bed in the intensive care unit. Gastroscopy is performed by a gastroenterologist or a general surgery specialist and can be done in the following ways:

• Without any anesthesia
• With only local anesthesia – a spray applied to the throat
• Under intravenous analgosedation, where you are asleep but still able to breathe on your own.

The patient is placed in a left lateral position, and a hollow mouth guard is placed in their mouth to protect the lips and teeth, through which the instrument is inserted. The endoscope is passed through the mouth into the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.

At the beginning of the examination, air is introduced into the stomach to facilitate visualization. During gastroscopy, the patient needs to cooperate with the doctor and nurse to ensure a smooth and risk-free procedure. It is important to follow the doctor’s instructions regarding breathing. At the end of the examination, the air that was introduced at the beginning is aspirated through the endoscope. The doctors will ask you to lie on your left side, and if the gastroscopy is performed under anesthesia, intravenous sedation will be administered. Once you are “asleep,” the endoscope will be inserted through the mouth and carefully passed through the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.

Preparation for gastroscopy:

1. Patients should refrain from eating or drinking anything for at least eight hours before the gastroscopy. The day before the examination, milk and dairy products should be avoided, and dinner should be very light (toast and tea).
2. If the procedure is scheduled in the morning, no food should be consumed after midnight. Patients can take their regular medications with a small amount of water at least three hours before the examination.
3. Prior to the examination, blood tests (complete blood count, PT, PTT, INR) should be conducted. If tissue sampling or biopsy is planned, the intake of analgesics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs should be discontinued at least five days before the examination.
4. If possible, dental prosthetics should be removed before the procedure. Pulse and blood pressure are checked before the examination.
5. If the patient has allergies, heart or lung diseases, increased medical supervision is applied during the gastroscopy. Heart rate, blood oxygen level, and blood pressure can be monitored during the examination.
6. Additionally, the doctor should be informed about pregnancy or any suspicion of pregnancy before the examination.

Colonoscopy

Colonoscopy is used to examine the lower digestive tract. An endoscope is inserted through the anus and passed through the rectum and the entire colon. The procedure takes about 30 minutes and is usually performed under sedation for patient comfort. Air is used to inflate the colon to enhance the visibility during the examination. You may experience some discomfort due to bloating, but you should not feel pain. On the day before the colonoscopy, you will be asked to consume a low-fiber diet and avoid fruits and vegetables. You will also be given a laxative to prepare the colon for a better examination of the large intestine. Depending on the timing of your procedure, the colon preparation may be administered the night before or on the morning of the colonoscopy.

Preparation for colonoscopy:

If the examination is scheduled in the morning:

1. On the day before the procedure, have a light lunch (such as soup). At 5 PM, take 3 Panlax tablets at once and do not have dinner.
2. At 10 PM, dissolve 4 packets of the preparation powder in 3 liters of water.
3. On the day of the procedure, starting from 5 AM, drink the solution slowly within 1 hour and 30 minutes.
4. Drinking the solution too quickly may cause a feeling of nausea.
5. After consuming the solution, bowel movements will occur.
6. Perform personal hygiene before the examination.
7. Arrive at the appointment 5-10 minutes before the scheduled time.
8. If you have any medical documentation, bring it with you.

If the examination is scheduled in the afternoon:

1. On the day before the procedure, have a light dinner, no later than 7 PM (toast, biscuits, and tea).
2. At 9 PM, take 3 Panlax tablets at once.
3. At 11 PM, dissolve 4 packets of the preparation powder in 3 liters of water.
4. Do not have breakfast.
5. On the day of the procedure, at 8 AM, drink the solution slowly within 1 hour and 30 minutes. Drinking the solution too quickly may cause a feeling of nausea. Bowel movements will occur after consuming the solution. Perform personal hygiene before the examination. Arrive at the appointment 5-10 minutes before the scheduled time. If you have any medical documentation, bring it with you.

Can endoscopy detect cancer?

Endoscopy is commonly used for early detection of diseases and conditions, but it can also be used to perform certain treatments. This includes controlling internal bleeding, conducting biopsies (taking tissue samples for further laboratory analysis), and removing polyps (precancerous growths that can lead to cancer).

Colonoscopy and cancer screening

Our doctors may recommend gastroscopy or colonoscopy to examine the stomach or colon for the detection of gastric cancer or colorectal cancer. The goal of screening is to detect cancerous tumors in the early, curable stages even before symptoms appear.

Colorectal cancer is a commonly diagnosed cancer. Most of these cancers begin as small polyps, which take about 5-10 years to grow and progress into a cancerous form. Nine out of ten cases of colorectal cancer can be prevented through regular colonoscopic screenings at 5-year intervals, starting at the age of 45.

Detecting stomach problems

In addition to cancer screening, gastroscopy and colonoscopy are frequently performed to accurately diagnose symptoms related to digestive or stomach problems, in order to provide appropriate medical treatment.

Symptoms of stomach problems that require gastroscopy

Our doctors may recommend gastroscopy if you have symptoms of stomach problems such as:

• Persistent pain or discomfort in the stomach
• Difficulty swallowing or vomiting
• Heartburn or reflux symptoms
• Indigestion and/or bloating after meals
• Black stools – melena (this may be a sign of internal bleeding in the stomach)
• Loss of appetite and weight