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The Colonoscopy Cartel: How Routine Screening Became a Business Model. 20 Q&As plus a Deep Research Report. By Unbekoming (07/20/25)
This article is long and rather redundant, but offers good information and interesting reader comments. Thank you, Grok, for boweling it down to a more digestible form.
Summary (Grok ai, edited; image from article)
Unbekoming criticizes routine colonoscopy screening, arguing it transforms healthy individuals into revenue streams for the medical industry.
The article highlights the discrepancy between high prevalence of benign polyps (32-50% in older adults) and low rate of colorectal cancer (5%). The NordICC trial found only an 18% reduction in cancer incidence with no significant decrease in deaths.
Colonoscopy risks include perforation, bleeding, microbiome disruption, and potential cancer cell spread. Additionally, polyps may be the body's healing response rather than precancerous threats.
The article advocates for terrain-based prevention through diet, exercise, stress management, and non-invasive alternatives like Fecal Immunochemical Tests (FIT). The author believes colonoscopy is a potentially harmful intervention that may perpetuate the need for further procedures.
Colonoscopy Industry Critique
Generates $4 billion annually in the US.
Promotes fear of benign polyps to drive screenings.
NordICC trial: 455 screenings needed to prevent one cancer case over 10 years, no significant mortality reduction.
Polyps and Terrain Theory
Most polyps (32-50% prevalence) are benign; only 5% of people develop colorectal cancer.
Polyps may be healing responses to inflammation, not always precancerous.
Terrain theory: Healthy colon environment prevents disease; polyp removal ignores root causes.
Risks of Colonoscopy
Complications: 1 in 1,200 perforations, 1 in 600 significant bleeding, 1 in 14,000 deaths.
Polyp removal may spread cancer cells or weaken gut barrier.
Bowel prep devastates microbiome, potentially increasing future polyp risk.
Alternative Prevention Strategies
Diet: Author recommends high-fiber, anti-inflammatory foods (vegetables, fruits, whole grains, turmeric).
Exercise: Reduces cancer risk via faster bowel transit, lower inflammation.
Traditional medicine: Ayurvedic Triphala, Chinese herbs like E Zhu reduce polyps.
Supplements: Curcumin, vitamin D, omega-3s, probiotics support colon health.
Non-Invasive Screening Options
FIT tests detect blood in stool; DNA tests identify tumor cells.
Virtual colonoscopy or ultrasounds as imaging alternatives.
Two-step approach: Stool tests first, colonoscopy only if positive.
Daily Colon Health Practices
Fiber-rich diet, hydration, regular exercise, stress management.
Avoid toxins (pesticides, heavy metals), support microbiome with fermented foods.
Adequate sleep, vitamin D, and minimal unnecessary medications.
Golden Nugget Colonoscopy prep and polyp removal may create chronic inflammation and dysbiosis, increasing future polyp risk and perpetuating the need for more screenings, making the procedure a self-fulfilling cycle.
Related:
About FIT Tests: tinyurl.com/5ethp3xw
Available over the counter: Example, Amazon: tinyurl.com/ned4dzde
About Germ Theory vs Terrain Theory: tinyurl.com/2p9mtaeb
Colonoscopy Risks. Articles from Dr. Sherry Tenpenny: tinyurl.com/346b8j8d
Should You Get a Colonoscopy? Analysis by Dr. Joseph Mercola (11/29/23). For those at high risk, colonoscopies may be useful, but it’s important to weigh the potential benefits against the potential harms: tinyurl.com/p5ycxd8m (PDF)
