By Kim Knipe
When I turned 50 (three years ago), my primary care physician wrote me a prescription for a colonoscopy during my annual physical. I'll be honest – like most people, celebrating my 50th birthday by getting a colonoscopy wasn't very appealing. I wish I could say I was conscientious enough to call to schedule my procedure within a couple days of my appointment, but I didn't. I put it off because I heard stories about the unpleasant "prep" required for the screening. But then, I had some unrelated reflux issues and I was referred to a gastrointestinal (GI) specialist. After that appointment, I was convinced to schedule my colonoscopy.
I took a day off from work for the procedure, and although taking a vacation day for a colonoscopy was annoying at first, I understood how important the screening was. After all, colon cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States. Colonoscopies provide early detection of colorectal cancers when it is easier to treat and/or cure.
According to the American Cancer Society, risk factors for colon cancer include: age and personal/family history of colorectal polyps or inflammatory bowel disease. Other factors that increase colon cancer risk are lifestyle oriented, such as: physical inactivity, alcohol consumption, tobacco use, being overweight and eating a diet that is high in red and processed meat, low in fruits, vegetables and fiber.
When looking at this list, I had very few risk factors. Sure, I was getting older and had gained a little weight, but I have never used tobacco and limit my alcohol consumption. I am a dietitian so I make sure to eat a healthy diet with lots of fruits, vegetables, chicken, beans, and only occasionally indulge with a burger and cookie. Most days I walk for exercise and get to the gym for at least 30 minutes four times per week. Lastly, to my knowledge, no one in my family has had colon cancer.
With this in mind, I was not worried about the colonoscopy itself. My primary concern was going through the necessary prep required. The prep begins the day before the actual procedure. "Bowel preparation" or cleansing is needed in order to perform an effective colonoscopy. Any stool that is left in the colon can hide polyps and small cancers and can result in the need to repeat the colonoscopy.
My "day before" diet was composed of a clear liquid fast. (You are able to consume clear liquids — such as water, broth and plain gelatin. These are easily digested and leave no undigested residue in your intestinal tract.) I was able to consume chicken broth, water ice and Jello. It certainly wasn't my favorite meal plan, but for one day, it was tolerable.
That afternoon, I prepared for the procedure by "cleaning out my pipes" – to put it nicely. This entailed drinking a mix of mildly salty fluids that acted as a strong and fast laxative. Although it wasn't the most pleasant experience (and believe me when I say it was effective), it was only eight hours of my life.
The following day, I went in for my colonoscopy. The procedure itself only took about 30 minutes. When I woke up from the anesthesia, I was surprised to hear the GI physician tell me that despite having few risk factors, they had found two pre-cancerous polyps. I was fortunate to have scheduled my colonoscopy when I did because the polyps were still small and were easily removed during the procedure.
Although the physician was reassuring, I was alarmed because polyps can lead to cancer if not removed. Since polyps were found, I was advised to get a colonoscopy in three years rather than 10 years to be on the safe side. Three years have flown by and I’m already scheduled to have my colonoscopy this April.
In hindsight, I feel incredibly lucky. I had a primary care physician who insisted I get a colonoscopy and a GI physician who found and removed my polyps. My risk for developing colon cancer is significantly lower than if my polyps were not removed. Now my two beautiful daughters will need to be screened at age 40 rather than age 50 because they will have an increased risk since I had polyps. I am grateful and happy that I went through this necessary procedure so they will be screened earlier and be more aware that a healthy lifestyle is important.
If you are a Chester County, PA resident 50-years-old or older, schedule your colonoscopy. If you are younger with a strong family history of polyps or colon cancer, talk to your doctor about scheduling it earlier. Although it is not a fun process, it isn't all that bad, and it is extremely important. Cancer prevention is a no-brainer. Early detection and proper screening by colonoscopy can prevent 90% of colon cancers. Do it for you and your family.
For More Information on Colonoscopies, Visit ChesterCountyHospital.org/CCScreen.
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