Colonoscopy is a dreaded term for most of us. It’s obvious why colon health can be an uncomfortable topic: location, location, location. And a scary-sounding procedure done in an unmentionable location just makes most people do the worst thing they can for their colon health: ignore it. Colorectal cancer is beatable in 90% of the cases that are detected early. Colonoscopies make that early detection possible. Read on to see if you need to schedule your colonoscopy today.

What Is A Colonoscopy?

• Your doctor will use a scope (a thin and flexible camera) to screen your colon and rectum for anything abnormal (growths, polyps, cancer.).
• You will be under moderate to deep sedation, so you will be comfortable and calm.
• The procedure is short, typically ranging 30-60 minutes.
• Your colonoscopy may involve the removal of small growths, if your doctor is able to do so safely. But, it does not generally involve any large surgical incisions.
• It’s considered to be a safe, necessary procedure for older adults.

Resistance To Colonoscopy

Whether due to personal or social discomfort, many people, especially men, avoid the colonoscopy altogether. This is a dangerous choice that can result in unnecessary deaths to colorectal cancer. If we want to be healthy, we need to treat the whole body – even the unmentionables. Colonoscopies help detect colorectal cancer in its early stages, making it an invaluable medical procedure.

“In the United States, colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men and in women, and the second most common cause of cancer deaths when men and women are combined. It’s expected to cause about 52,580 deaths during 2022.” – The American Cancer Society

Do I Need A Colonoscopy?

You should schedule your colonoscopy today if:

• You’re over the age of 45 and have never had a colonoscopy before.
• It has been 10 years or more since your last colonoscopy.

What’s Up With The Prep?

One of the most dreaded parts of colonoscopy isn’t the procedure itself – it is the prep. Preparing your colon for a colonoscopy can be uncomfortable as it involves going on a temporary liquid diet and using a laxative solution to flush your colon, making it easy for your doctor to see abnormalities.

On prep day, you’ll want to make sure you’re able to stay home and near a bathroom during the process. Laxative preps are very dehydrating, which causes the majority of the discomfort. Your doctor will likely recommend you drink plenty of fluids like clear broth and water (no colored dyes allowed) and there are beverages like CF(Rehydrate)® that replace electrolytes so you stay hydrated and more comfortable during the prep.