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Glossary
Colon:
The colon, the longest part of the large intestine, is a part of the digestive system. It's a long, tube-like organ connected to the small intestine and located in the lower part of the abdomen. The main job of the colon is to absorb water, nutrients, and electrolytes (such as sodium and potassium) from the partially digested food that comes from the small intestine. The waste products, including undigested food and dead cells, are then passed as stool to the rectum.
Sources:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/22134-colon-large-intestine
https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/colon
Rectum:
The rectum is the final part of the large intestine, and it connects the colon to the anus. The main function of the rectum is to temporarily store solid waste (stool) until its release from the body through the anus. The transfer of stool into the rectum stimulates the need to release stool, or defecate.
Source:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/22134-colon-large-intestine
Cancer:
Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal (mutated) cells. Cancer can begin in various parts of the body and may spread to other parts of the body (metastasize). Early detection and treatment can improve outcomes for many people with cancer.
Cancer can be caused by a variety of factors (e.g., random or inherited genetic mutations (changes in the DNA or genetic material of cells), exposure to cancer causing substances, radiation, infections, and lifestyle factors). In many cases, the exact cause of cancer is not known.
Source:
https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/understanding/what-is-cancer
Polyp:
A colon polyp is a small growth of cells that projects from the inner lining of the colon. Some polyps (especially adenomas and serrated polyps) can develop into colon cancer over time if they are not removed. For this reason, polyps are often detected during screening tests such as stool based tests (FIT DNA) or colonoscopy and often removed (through colonoscopy) before they have a chance to become cancerous. Often, polyps do not cause any symptoms, so regular screening is always essential.
Source:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/colon-polyps/symptoms-causes/syc-20352875
Prep:
Colonoscopy preparation, also known as a "colonoscopy prep," is the process of cleaning out the colon to allow the doctor to have a clear view during the procedure. The preparation usually involves the following steps:
Diet restrictions: You will be instructed to follow an altered diet (i.e., low-fiber and then clear liquid) for a specified period before the procedure.
Bowel cleansing: You will need to take a solution, such as a laxative, to flush out the contents of your colon and ensure that it is empty for the procedure.
Hydration: It is important to stay hydrated, especially during the bowel cleansing process and avoid dehydration.
Avoiding certain medications: You may need to stop taking certain medications, such as blood thinners, before the procedure. (before stopping any medication, check with your doctor or with your health care team)
It is important to follow the instructions provided by your doctor carefully to ensure a successful colonoscopy preparation. Also, it is important to remember that you will need someone to pick you up after the colonoscopy appointment.
Source:
https://www.webmd.com/colorectal-cancer/prepare-for-colonoscopy
Lynch:
Lynch syndrome or hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) is an inherited condition that increases the risk of developing certain types of cancers (e.g., colon cancer, endometrial cancer, and other cancers). While not everyone with Lynch syndrome will develop cancer, people with Lynch syndrome have a higher risk of developing cancer at an earlier age than the general population. This means that they may need to start cancer screening at a younger age and have screening tests more frequently.
Source:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lynch-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20374714
IBD:
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a group of long-term digestive conditions that cause inflammation and damage to the digestive system, including the large intestine (colon) and small intestine. IBD can increase the risk of developing colorectal cancer. People with IBD may need to be screened for colorectal cancer younger and/or more often.
The two main types of IBD are Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis:
Crohn's disease can affect any part of the digestive system from the mouth to the anus through inflammation of the digestive tract. It most often affects the small intestine.
Ulcerative colitis affects the colon and rectum, causing inflammation and sores or ulcers.
The exact cause of IBD is not known, but it is thought to be related to a combination of genetic, environmental, and immune system factors.
Common symptoms of IBD include:
Abdominal pain and cramping
Diarrhea
Rectal bleeding
Weight loss
Fatigue
Source:
FAP:
Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is a hereditary condition that increases a person's risk of developing colorectal cancer. People with FAP develop many precancerous polyps (adenomas) in their colon and rectum, which can develop into colorectal cancer if not treated.
FAP is caused by a mutation in a specific gene, which is passed down from parent to child. Without treatment, people with FAP have a nearly 100% chance of developing colon cancer in their lifetime. People with FAP will need to be screened and monitored for colorectal cancer and other cancers at a much younger age and/or more often than is recommended for people at average risk of developing colorectal cancer.
Source:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16993-familial-adenomatous-polyposis-fap
Screening:
Cancer screening is a medical test that checks for cancer or precancerous changes in the body, before symptoms appear. There are various kinds of screening tests, including physical exams, laboratory tests, procedures that image or take pictures of the inside of your body, and genetic tests.
The goal of cancer screening tests is to detect disease early, when it's most treatable, and to reduce the risk of dying from cancer. Doctors often recommend screening tests to patients based on age, family history, personal history, and other risk factors.
It's important to talk to your doctor about what screening tests are appropriate for you and how often you should have them.
Source:
https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/screening/patient-screening-overview-pdq