Colonoscopy Anyone?

In my practice there is not a day that goes by, that I don’t talk with someone about getting a colonoscopy. The common response I get from people is “No Way!”  The only thing I can figure is that answer comes out of a lack of understanding about what happens during a colonoscopy, why they are important, and the biggest fear factor of all…the unknown.

Briefly, a colonoscopy is a procedure where your health care provider – often a gastroenterologist, looks into your colon (entering from the rectum/anus) with a camera that is attached to a tube, kind of like a hose. Why? It’s to detect colon and rectal cancers before they have a chance to grow and cause problems.  Right now, it’s the best early warning system we have for colon cancer.

The problem with colon cancer is that it does not cause symptoms or problems until it’s well established.  This is precisely the reason you need an early warning system.  There is no doubt about it…early detection saves lives.

So what are people afraid of? Some of course are fearful of being told they have cancer. Surprisingly, many people would rather not know they have something like cancer. Unfortunately, that form of thinking is often fatalistic. Others are fearful of pain, discomfort and embarrassment.  So let’s put those fears to rest.

From my personal experience, I can tell you, the worse thing about getting a colonoscopy is the prep the night before. The laxative itself was not too bad tasting, but the results were quick and complete. It also needed to be repeated the morning of the test, just to make sure. The bottom can get a bit tender, so be gentle with the tissue.

Now, I’ll admit…I wanted to be awake for my procedure – after all, I figure if I could tell my patients exactly what to expect, they’d be less fearful. However, that was not to be the case. After being taken into the room where the deed was to be done, a nurse placed some medication in my IV. I remember being slightly dizzy and telling her I wanted to watch. My next waking thought found me  in a different room asking them when they were going to get started. I was completely surprised to find it was over and the doctor was waiting to speak with me.

No pain, no embarrassment. I woke feeling very hungry and well rested. I tell my patients it’s so totally easy, and you get such a great nap that I’d do it again in a heart beat. Too bad I have to wait 10 years.

So who needs these? The current recommendations are to start having colonoscopies at age 50 unless you have an immediate family member with colon cancer or you yourself are high risk for developing colon cancer – you then start screening earlier.

Do yourself a favor…talk with your healthcare provider and get one of these scheduled soon.  I promise you…you will be glad you did.

©2007, Barbara C. Phillips, NP

For further information, including a short video presentation, visit the
Mayo Clinic's educational page on Colon Cancer.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/colonoscopy/CO00009