If you knew there was strong evidence that colonoscopies save lives, would you be more encouraged to go and get this feared and sometimes dreaded test?
Only about half of people recommended for colonoscopies go ahead and actually get them. (You know who you are.)
(Photo credit: Thinkstock photos.com)
March is colon cancer awareness month. And just as I’ve procrastinated about writing about it (got in just under the wire!) you might procrastinate about getting your colonoscopy.
So, we’re both at fault. But I’m no longer procrastinating, and I truly hope that if you are, you’ll pick up the phone and schedule your colonoscopy after you’ve finished reading this. I know, it’s hardly polite “dinner” conversation, so if you’re multitasking and reading while you’re eating, please save it for after dessert.
If you’re over 50, you need to get a colonoscopy. Not only am I recommending it, but so is the American Cancer Society (ACS), the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF).
Most colorectal cancers begin as a polyp, which are common in people over 50. Though most polyps are benign, there are others (known as adenomas) that can develop into cancer. A colonoscopy gives you the opportunity to have your polyps spotted – and removed – before they can get that far.
And although the biggest risk factor for colorectal cancer is age, excessive alcohol use, obesity, being physically inactive, smoking and possibly diet can put you at increased risk. So does having a history of inflammatory bowel disease (like ulcerative colitis or Crohn disease), having a family history of colorectal cancer or certain inherited conditions (like Lynch syndrome).
It’s estimated that in 2014, over 136,000 people in the U.S. will get a colorectal cancer diagnosis – and over 50,000 will die from it. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S., after lung cancer.
But the good news: it’s preventable. Don’t wait until you have symptoms – get checked while you’re still healthy.
Symptoms include a change in bowel habits; blood in the stool; weight loss for no known reason; extreme fatigue; diarrhea, constipation or feeling that the bowel does not empty completely.
These are not scare tactics: they’re facts.
Unfortunately, I’ve seen too many people live with denial and fear, and shun available testing. They’d rather not know. They’re frightened of the test. They don’t want to spend the money. Or time. Or effort. They don’t trust doctors. They think if they don’t go, then it means everything is okay.
I don’t like this test any better than you. My past experiences (not with the actual test, but with the prep) have been unpleasant at best. (As an aside, hubby embraces it. Breezes through it and says it’s nothing. What IS it about men and bowel movements?? In fact, in my unprofessional surveys, men generally tolerate the prep much better than women. But my surveys are limited by sample size; after all, just how many men can you discuss the specifics with? And perhaps men don’t want to admit difficulty and appear…weak?)
If you’ve never had a colonoscopy, here’s the deal: 24 hours before your exam, you’re drinking clear liquids, clear broth and eating Italian ices and Jello (minus the flavors with red dye). Depending on what your doctor recommends (there are more than one type of prep), you’ll start to drink a large volume of the special cleansing solution and/or special oral laxatives. Yes, you’ll go to the bathroom – many times. Yes, you might gag at the taste, but you’ll get it down. (During my last prep, I decided to make the most of my time on the toilet throne, by downloading and learning to play Candy Crush on my iPhone. I’m now somewhat addicted. Not to the prep, to the game. TMI, I know…
But remember – the possible discomfort is only temporary. And well worth knowing what’s going on inside your body. When the test is over, you’ll feel great. There’s nothing better than waking up (the anesthesia is great – you have a nice nap and don’t feel a thing) to the sweet aroma of cinnamon toast and washing it down with your choice of juice, brought to you with a smile by your friendly nurse.
And once you’re up to it (some sooner than others), you’ll have fun regaining the 2 or 3 pounds you lost by indulging in your food(s) of choice.
Courtesy of Cleveland Clinic: click on over to this helpful infographic and learn how to reduce your risk of colon cancer.
Doreen McGettigan says
One month ago today I lost my 44 year old best
friend to this disease. She had all the symptoms but believed they would pass. She was too embarrassed to go for the test.
She literally died because of that embarrassment.
SherylK says
I’m so so sorry, Doreen. That is very sad.
Helene Cohen Bludman says
Sheryl, you are so funny. I don’t know many writers who could find the humor in a colonoscopy, but you have done a masterful job. And yes, the message is important. Thanks for the reminder.
SherylK says
You are very welcome, and I’m so glad I managed to make you smile.
Lois Alter Mark says
When I turned 50, I was freaked out about getting a colonoscopy and waited a whole year until I finally made the appointment. My doctor gave me pills instead of the liquid (I didn’t think I’d be able to drink that stuff) and the whole thing was sooo much easier than I would have expected. I’m not saying it was fun (!) but I no longer fear the next one. So important for people to just do it!
SherylK says
I asked for the pills one year and couldn’t believe just how many I had to swallow. For me, I thought it would make it easier, but somehow it didn’t. Glad to hear you did well with it though.
Sharon Greenthal says
I had my first colonscopy at 46 because I had some problems, and it was a huge relief to get it over with. I’ll go back again at 56.
Cathy Chester says
Today is my year to have my 2nd colonoscopy. I didn’t think the 1st one was as bad as I’d heard. I hope this one is the same!
Thank you for writing this very important post.
SherylK says
I’m glad you didn’t have a tough time, Cathy. That’s good to hear!
Lisa Froman says
Yep, this is an important topic. I’ve had two already and I”m a little over-due for my third. I’m gonna schedule it by May. Not fun, but it always feels good to be cleaned out afterwards. LOL.
SherylK says
Happy to hear that you’re on top of things, Lisa!
Irene S Levine says
Thanks for the “low-down” on this important test!
SherylK says
Oh – I get it – LOW down. Hehe.
Estelle Sobel Erasmus says
This is such an important message that can save lives Sheryl. Thanks for sharing it with everyone and for giving the details–most people only get the overview until they get the word from their doctor.
Estelle
SherylK says
Thanks for reading, Estelle! Hoping the message will send some people to get this necessary test.
Ruth Curran says
Thank you so much for putting this out there Sheryl. This kind of “not easy to have” conversation saved my my best friend’s (my husband) life. A colonoscopy 4 years ago detected a cancerous tumor and began the kind of success story that early intervention advocates (like you and Katie Couric) and oncologists everywhere just adore. I know, everyday of my life, just how lucky I am and I am so grateful that my husband followed his primary care doctor’s advice to get tested after some minor issues. Preach on awesome lady!
SherylK says
What a story, Ruth. Thanks for sharing it and I’m so happy your husband listened to his doctor!
Rosalba Gordon says
I got my a few years ago and it was a piece of cake! I woke up with the sound of soft music, the smell of chiken broth and even a warm blanquet around me. The best part was to find out that I was in perfect health… I’m ready for the next one!
Petunia Evans says
I know that I have procrastinated getting a colonoscopy for a while, but reading this has helped me get over my fear of this. Fortunately I’m not 50, so I’m not as at risk for colon cancer, but you can never be too careful. I also think that I could work on being more physically active to have me even less at risk for this. Thank you for this advice!