Are you worried about your first colonoscopy? Don’t be. This screening for colorectal cancer is easy, generally covered by insurance and not painful. Let’s address some of the common myths that give the “gold standard” of colorectal cancer screenings a bad name.
MYTH #1: COLONOSCOPIES ARE ONLY FOR OLD PEOPLE
Colorectal cancer is on the rise for younger people — so much so that in 2021, the American Cancer Society lowered the recommended testing age to 45 instead of 50 for people with an average risk. If you’re younger than 45 and have an increased risk of colorectal cancer, you may need earlier screening and/or additional testing.
All adults should take colorectal cancer seriously. For Americans under age 50, it is the top cause of cancer death in men and second in women. Sadly, the numbers are only expected to rise.
MYTH #2: COLONOSCOPY PREP IS HORRIBLE
You may have heard complaints about the preparation process of cleaning out your colon, aka bowel prep. This usually begins 24-48 hours before your procedure and requires you to take a laxative medication and drink a clear liquid diet. While prep is inconvenient and somewhat unpleasant, the medication options are now much better than before.
MYTH #3: THE COLONOSCOPY PROCEDURE IS UNCOMFORTABLE
During most colonoscopies, the patient is put under sedation. From the patient’s perspective, the procedure is just a nap. You won’t feel uncomfortable because you won’t be feeling much of anything. Many people find the procedure to be the easiest part of the process. Couldn’t we all use a good nap?
MYTH #4: COLONOSCOPY IS THE ONLY WAY TO SCREEN FOR COLORECTAL CANCER
While a colonoscopy is considered the best means of screening, there are alternatives. Other screening options include:
Flexible sigmoidoscopy
This test involves using a flexible tube to examine the lower part of the colon. A sigmoidoscopy is less invasive, faster to complete and has lower risk of complications.
Blood testing
Blood tests can detect certain biomarkers associated with colorectal cancer, such as carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), as well as any liver dysfunction.
Stool testing
There are three types of stool tests (FIT, gFOBT, and stool DNA) approved for colorectal cancer screening. You can collect your stool sample at home using a kit and bring it to the doctor.
CT-based screening
Also known as a “virtual colonoscopy,” this screening uses CT scans to create detailed images of the colon. While less invasive than a colonoscopy, the test still requires bowel prep. If polyps are found, a follow-up colonoscopy is needed to remove them.
MYTH #5: COLONOSCOPIES ARE ONLY NECESSARY IF YOU HAVE SYMPTOMS
Certain health issues make a lot of noise, but others, like colorectal cancer, tend to stay quiet — until they become a serious concern. Colon cancer often is referred to as a silent killer because it can develop without any noticeable symptoms during the initial stages.
Colonoscopies prevent cancer by removing pre-cancerous polyps before they even have the chance to develop into cancer. While colorectal cancer is a silent killer, with proper screening, it is also one of the most preventable cancers.
