by Laura Nelson Lof
Marketing Specialist/Grantwriter
Once we turn 50, our healthcare provider mentions the word,
“colonoscopy.” A procedure added to the growing list of preventive screenings
needed as we march through middle age.
Getting a colonoscopy is not on anyone’s “List of Fun Things
to Do,” but neither is having colorectal cancer. March is National Colorectal
Cancer Awareness Month.
Over one’s lifetime, we have a one in twenty chance in
developing colorectal cancer. It’s projected that 50,310 people will die from
the disease in 2014. This is the real tragedy of colorectal cancer. It is
highly curable if it is caught early. And catching it early means getting a
colonoscopy. By the time other symptoms appear, the cancer has spread and it is
much more difficult to treat.
The American Cancer Society says that the death rate for
colorectal cancer is on the decrease and has been for about 20 years. People
are getting screened and getting polyps removed before they turn into cancer. And
the screening tests are also finding cancer at a much earlier stage, giving
treatment a greater chance at a cure.
Anyone who has had a colonoscopy will tell you, “It’s not
the procedure, it’s the prep.”
The colon must be clean in order to get a good look. The
preparation requires using a strong laxative with a liquid cleansing agent and
sometimes an enema.
My father had colorectal cancer that was contained and cured
with surgery. At 46, I had my first colonoscopy. As a hospital employee, I had
a moment of squeamishness knowing that my co-workers would be conducting this
procedure. Let’s face it, we’re all a little sensitive about this sort of thing,
aren’t we?
However, it didn’t take me long to turn that around. Who
would I trust to take good care of me more than them? No one. They were
amazing. By the time I arrived for my procedure, I had not eaten anything but
chicken broth and lime popsicles. I was thirsty, cold, and weak. The GRMC
surgery staff made me so comfortable. I remember talking with the
anesthesiologist and his last words, “Why don’t you just close your eyes?”
What seemed like moments later, I opened my eyes and found
myself in the recovery area. I felt like I’d slept for hours. I had been sound
asleep during the entire procedure and totally unaware. The procedure itself
took only 20-25 minutes.
What was the best part? Finding out that I was just fine and
that I could wait another ten years or so to have it done again.
The mild discomfort I experienced was nothing compared to being
diagnosed with colorectal cancer. A colonoscopy isn’t a fun thing to do, but it
is definitely worth it for the peace of mind to know that I am okay.
Has the doctor mentioned the word, “colonoscopy” to you?
Don’t wait to schedule yours at GRMC.
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