Preventive colonoscopy refers to the examination of the large intestine using a flexible endoscope in asymptomatic individuals with no increased risk of colorectal cancer (CRC), i.e., with no history of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), colorectal cancer, or polyps in the examined individual, and at the same time no history of CRC in their close relatives under the age of 60.

The aim of the examination is to detect and remove early precancerous lesions and thus prevent the development of colorectal cancer, or to diagnose CRC at an early, more easily treatable stage.

In colorectal cancer screening in the Czech Republic, colonoscopy is used as a stand-alone examination method (so-called screening colonoscopy) or follows a positive fecal occult blood test (FOBT) result, so-called FOBT+ colonoscopy. Both methods are currently performed in the Czech Republic from the age of 50. The term preventive colonoscopy includes both screening and FOBT+ colonoscopy.

Interesting Facts about Colonoscopy

• Detecting and removing precancerous stages (polyps, early lesions) during colonoscopy can prevent the development of colon and rectal cancer.
• The patient's prognosis depends on the stage of the disease at the time of diagnosis. Patients with early forms of colorectal cancer are completely cured in more than 95% of cases.
• Preventive screening for early forms of the disease in asymptomatic individuals is the most effective method, significantly improving the prognosis for patients and reducing mortality from this disease.
• The national screening program was launched in the Czech Republic in 2000.
• ISCARE is one of the selected centers for screening for colon and rectal cancer.
• The most effective method is colonoscopy, which is covered by public health insurance for people over 50 years of age.
  
  

Alarming Facts

• The Czech Republic is among the countries with the highest incidence of colon and rectal cancer.
• More than 8,000 people in the Czech Republic are diagnosed with colorectal cancer every year.
• More than 4,000 people in the Czech Republic die of colorectal cancer every year.
  
  

Preparation for the examination:

• A residue-free diet 5 days before the procedure, bowel emptying with the help of a bowel cleansing preparation (preparation according to the recommended preparation).
• You can obtain information about preparing for the procedure at our clinic. If you cannot find what you are looking for, please do not hesitate to send us your question, which we will be happy to answer.