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RN Administered Sigmoidoscopy |
 
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Registered Nurses Administered Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
Montfort Hospital is taking part in a pilot project for colorectal cancer screening along with Cancer Care Ontario and the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. This project introduces a screening test based on flexible sigmoidoscopy administered by registered nurses.
Ontario has one of the highest rates of colorectal cancer in the world. It is the second cause of death, after lung cancer. We know that through early detection, colorectal cancer has a 90% cure rate.
Flexible sigmoidoscopy is a bowel mini-examination which requires very little preparation and can detect polyps in the lower intestine before they become cancerous. This test can reduce the odds of death from bowel cancer by 60%. This procedure, along with fecal screening every two years, can reduce your chances of developing colorectal cancer in your lifetime by over 30%. Take the opportunity to make the odds work in your favour!
COLORECTAL CANCER
Colorectal cancer can develop from a polyp that forms on the internal wall of the colon. Different types of polyps can be found in the colon, but these are not all necessarily cancerous. Thanks to flexible sigmoidoscopy, it is possible to detect polyps in the lower part of the colon in order to determine if cancer cells are present.
WHY UNDERGO COLORECTAL CANCER SCREENING?
The risk of developing cancer increases with age. Health experts recommend a flexible sigmoidoscopy examination every 5 years, given that this is a safe method for screening healthy adults aged 50 to 74 for colorectal cancer.
WHAT IS FLEXIBLE SIGMOIDOSCOPY?
Flexible sigmoidoscopy is an examination administered by a registered nurse using a flexible, supple tube (an endoscope) that allows the rectum and the lower part of the colon to be viewed on a monitor. This examination:
• enables 60% of cancers to be detected
• takes between 10 and 30 minutes
• does not require sedation
• requires simple preparation
• carries a lower risk of perforation than a colonoscopy
• allows the patient to return to work afterwards
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