‘IF EVERYONE got regular colonoscopies, then no one would die of colon cancer.” That’s what the surgeon told me, after spending a full day operating on my mother. She was 65 at the time, and had never had a colonoscopy. By the time her cancer was detected — after a high fever had sent her to the doctor — it had spread. The surgeon had removed it from her large and small intestines, and her stomach lining, and he also removed her uterus and an ovary.
Twenty years later, as I get ready for my next colonoscopy in just a few days, I still remember the quiet certainty of my mother’s doctor. We’re always talking about finding a cure for cancer. Colonoscopy offers the potential for cure, through early detection. Equally important, the procedure actually reduces the need for cure, because it can help stop cancer before it ever gets started. Different technologies are being developed, but meanwhile, colonoscopy is a great one that is sadly underutilized.
Comments
I get the exams but I can understand why some people don't. The preparation the day before is hell. A liquid diet is bad enough, but one that's restricted to clear liquids is awful unless lemon jello and chicken broth are two of your favorite foods. Then there's the 4 liters of a nasty-tasting laxative over 2 or 3 hours, along with multiple trips to the bathroom. I start dreading it as soon as the appointment is made.
For those who are squeamish and can not easily tolerate colonoscopy or other instrumentation, there is a reasonable alternative. Fecal occult blood testing cards still have preventative value for colon cancer and can be done privately and easily in one's home. Naturally a discussion with a physician or other informed provider helps in sorting out or becoming more enlightened about any procedure. If one still can not see their way to colonoscopy, this should be respected and the testing cards offered. Use of the cards do need instruction since 2 to 3 days of testing is ideal and must be returned promptly to get accurate results(less than 8 days). New forms of the test use immunological methods but if done correctly the older testing still has value. No one should be forced to be so uncomfortable to do things they dread and then feel they are shortchanging themselves in preventing serious disease. It should also be noted that prompt visits to a doctor should be encouraged when symptoms arise that are distinctly unusual for that individual such as over a week of abdominal symptoms or rectal bleeding, no matter how mild. You should expect your physician to take these complaints seriously and do what is necessary to make sure there is a problem or not. It is important if your symptoms are benign, not only that you get reassurance but are supported in your efforts to help yourself. Many of the deaths from this disease did not arise because of lack of testing but long delays sometimes a year or more of tolerating symptoms one knew was not the norm for them.
My father died a horrible death from colon cancer at age 58 which is my age now. Never got tested and Dad also didn't eat his veggies, although my doctor says it's genetic and not diet or environmentally linked. That was 26 years ago and there isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about him and miss him. His father died of colon cancer too, at 70 years of age. So, I'm high risk for colon cancer and my doctor laid down the law. Every three years and no cheating. I get the tube stuck up my nether regions on schedule and the doc always finds polyps and snips them out. I thought the first time I did it that going 24 hours without solid food or dairy products would be hard but it wasn't hard at all, I didn't feel hungry, weak or deprived in any way and I actually decided that I like my coffee black and still drink it that way. The discomfort of the procedure is real but minor, less discomfort than getting my teeth cleaned. The embarrassment is nonexistent, believe me, the doctors and nurses have seen it all and they've heard all the nervous jokes too. The medical professionals are all very nice and pleasant but to them you're just another piece of meat and it's just another procedure to them. Man up, people, and get this done. There's no reason not to, especially if you have the insurance, and you can avoid a horrible death and live long enough to know your grandchildren. Worth it.