[KoK! Health] Reasons to Get 'Stomach and Colonoscopy' Before the New Year

Early Detection of Inflammatory Diseases and Cancer
High Test Effectiveness...Regular Screening Needed

Endoscopy. [Image source=Getty Images]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-ju] Every year, health screening centers become crowded at the end of the year. In particular, gastroscopy and colonoscopy examinations are most frequently performed in November and December. According to the National Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service’s statistics on medical procedures of public interest, the number of gastroscopy examinations increased by more than 19%, from 560,000 in the first quarter to 670,000 in the fourth quarter last year. Colonoscopy examinations also concentrated more than 20% in November and December throughout the year.

If you have not yet undergone an endoscopy, experts emphasize that it is best to get the examination before the year ends. Dr. Park Jae-seok, head of the Gastroenterology Department at H Plus Yangji Hospital, explained, “Gastroscopy and colonoscopy, which are the most important tests during health checkups, are highly effective in detecting inflammatory diseases and early-stage cancer. It is important not to miss the timing and to detect diseases early through regular examinations.”

Gastroscopy: Detecting Inflammatory Diseases to Cancer

Gastroscopy, also called upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, is an examination that observes the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum to detect diseases. It is an important test that can identify gastroesophageal reflux disease, inflammatory diseases, peptic ulcers, various tumors, and cancer.

Gastrointestinal diseases are closely related to dietary habits. Westernized diets, such as excessive consumption of meat and instant foods, and irregular lifestyles are identified as major causes. Alcohol consumption and smoking also worsen these diseases. As this is the first year-end after the lifting of social distancing due to COVID-19, an increase in drinking gatherings is expected to lead to a rise in related diseases.

Gastroscopy under the national health screening program is conducted every two years for men and women aged 40 and above for cancer screening purposes. A 10% co-payment is required, and additional costs are charged for procedures such as sedation endoscopy. If sedation endoscopy is performed, it is advisable to rest for 30 minutes to an hour after the examination and return home with a guardian. Driving or tasks requiring concentration should be avoided on the day of the examination.

Colon Cancer Without Early Symptoms, Preventable Through Regular Screening

Colonoscopy is an examination in which an endoscope is inserted through the anus to detect inflammation or polyps in the colon. If polyps are found, they can be removed directly, so the procedure is also performed for treatment purposes. Colon polyps refer to abnormal growths of the colon mucosa that protrude like lumps. Most colon cancers develop from polyps. Polyps with a high potential to develop into cancer are called adenomas, which are common, appearing in 3 to 4 out of 10 people aged 50 and above. Dr. Park explained, “Polyps can develop into colon cancer in 5 to 10 years, but removing them reduces the incidence of colon cancer by 70 to 90%, so early detection is very important.”

Colon cancer has a cure rate of over 90% if detected early, but it often goes unnoticed because there are almost no early symptoms. Therefore, even if there are no symptoms, regular endoscopic screening is necessary after age 40 if there is a family history.

Under the national screening program, fecal occult blood tests are provided free of charge every year for men and women aged 50 and above. If abnormalities such as blood in the stool are detected, colonoscopy can be performed without co-payment. However, since the fecal occult blood test has low accuracy, the government is currently considering implementing colonoscopy as the primary screening method for colon cancer.