Colonoscopy Prep Explained: Why Bowel Preparation Matters for Colon Cancer Screening
The Gastro Girl Podcast
06/17/26
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Preparing for a colonoscopy may not be anyone's favorite part of colorectal cancer screening, but proper colonoscopy prep is one of the most important factors in detecting precancerous polyps and colorectal cancer early.
In this episode, Jacqueline Gaulin sits down with leading gastroenterologist Dr. Fola May to answer common questions about bowel preparation for colonoscopy. Why is colonoscopy prep necessary? What happens if the bowel isn't cleaned properly? Have preparation options improved over the years? And what can patients do to make the process easier?
As a co-author of the latest U.S. Multi-Society Task Force recommendations on bowel preparation for colonoscopy, Dr. May explains how colonoscopy prep has evolved to become more effective and patient-friendly. She discusses lower-volume bowel prep options, updated dietary recommendations, and practical strategies to help patients achieve a high-quality prep and avoid repeat procedures.
In this episode, you'll learn: ✅ Why bowel preparation is essential for an effective colonoscopy ✅ How poor prep can impact polyp and cancer detection ✅ Newer low-volume colonoscopy prep options ✅ Updated diet recommendations before a colonoscopy ✅ Tips for improving your colonoscopy prep experience ✅ How proper prep helps improve colorectal cancer screening outcomes
Whether you're preparing for your first colonoscopy or looking for the latest guidance on bowel preparation, this episode provides expert insights to help you feel more confident and informed.
This episode is brought to you in collaboration with the American College of Gastroenterology Patient Care Committee.
Previous Episode
If you've tried medications, diet changes, fiber supplements, or other therapies for IBS-C and still aren't feeling better, you're not alone.
Many people with irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) feel frustrated when symptoms persist despite treatment. But when treatments don't work, it may be time to take a closer look at what's really going on.
In this episode of the Gastro Girl Podcast, Jacqueline Gaulin sits down with Dr. William D. Chey, world-renowned gastroenterologist at the University of Michigan and President of the American College of Gastroenterology, to discuss what patients should do when IBS-C treatments fail.
Dr. Chey explains why some patients continue to struggle, what conditions may be overlooked, and how to work with your healthcare provider to develop a more effective plan.
In this episode, you'll learn:
✅ Why IBS-C treatments may not always work as expected
✅ When it's time to rethink your diagnosis
✅ The role of pelvic floor dysfunction and other overlooked conditions
✅ Questions to ask your healthcare provider
✅ How to take the next step toward better symptom control
✅ Why you don't have to settle for ongoing symptoms
Whether you're newly diagnosed or have been living with IBS-C for years, this episode offers practical insights to help you move forward with confidence.
Learn more at GastroGirl.com.
This episode is sponsored by Ardelyx.
Next Episode
After a Barrett's esophagus diagnosis, many patients ask: What happens next—and do I need treatment?
In this episode, foregut surgeon Dr. Caitlin Houghton of Keck Medicine of USC explains how Barrett's esophagus is treated in the United States and how doctors work to reduce the risk of progression to esophageal cancer.
In this episode, you'll learn:
• How doctors decide when treatment is needed • The role of reflux control, medications, and lifestyle changes • When endoscopic eradication therapy (EET) may be recommended • When surgery may be considered • Why ongoing surveillance is important for long-term care
If you or someone you love has Barrett's esophagus, chronic GERD, or long-term acid reflux, this episode provides practical, evidence-based guidance to help you better understand your options.
This episode is part of a 4-part patient education series sponsored by Castle Biosciences and produced by Gastro Girl in collaboration with leading U.S. clinicians dedicated to improving outcomes for patients with Barrett's esophagus.
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