This visual guide shows you the actual procedure narrated by a gastroenterologist as he performs the procedure. What I like about this particular video is that he shows you different clips of what diverticulosis, Crohn’s, ischemic colitis, and colon cancer look like.

The colonoscopy is performed under a light anesthesia called “conscious sedation” and you can actually watch the procedure on a video screen – if you don’t fall asleep. Through an IV you are given 2 drugs: one is a very short acting anesthetic/sedative, the other a pain medication. The actual procedure takes minutes to perform but because of the medications you are given, you need someone to drive you home afterwards.

It’s simple, painless, quick and an extremely effective way to monitor for colorectal cancer. If nothing is found, you can consider yourself good to go for another 10 years before you need to have another procedure. Screening for colon cancer begins at age 50, so for those of you at this delicate age, if you haven’t had your screening, it’s time!

Remember, colon cancer is very treatable and easily screened for. Do yourself and your loved ones a favor by getting your screening done too.