Monsters, ghosts, and colonoscopies. These are the things that go bump in the night. At least, that’s what some people would have you believe. While a colonoscopy is a relatively quick and simple procedure that can save your life, many people who should get one choose not to.
They might hate the idea of the bowel cleansing preparation, or they are afraid that the procedure will be uncomfortable, or maybe they think it will be too embarrassing to bear. The truth is that none of these things are as bad in reality as they might seem in your imagination. But supposing for a moment that they are as bad as you imagine — so what?
While it might be common to be scared of getting a colonoscopy, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get one. A colonoscopy is a screening test for colon cancer that can detect and even help prevent the disease. According to the American Cancer Society, around 60% of colon cancer deaths can be prevented with colonoscopies.
The older you get, the higher your risk of developing colon cancer. According the the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, around 90% of new colon cancer cases and 95% of colon cancer related deaths occur after the age of 50. That’s why it is recommended that you start getting screened once you reach 50 years of age.
While there are other screening options for colon cancer, colonoscopies are one of the most effective. Colonoscopies allow doctors to visually examine patients, which is a huge advantage over other screening methods.
Not getting a colonoscopy is like driving without a seat belt, or like riding a bicycle without a helmet. You buckle up because it can save your life. You strap on your helmet because it can save your life. A colonoscopy is a preventative measure that can save you from pain and even death. Contact your health provider today to see about scheduling a colon cancer screening.