Debunking the myths around your colonoscopy
Colon cancer is the third most common diagnosed cancer in both men and women, according to the American Cancer Society. Colonoscopy screenings are the best preventive action you can take to protect yourself from colon cancer, but the myths surrounding colonoscopies can make you feel uncomfortable with screening.
Having the facts can help you make the best decision for your health. Mayin Lin, DO, MPH, a colorectal surgeon at MercyOne Des Moines Surgical Care, helps debunk the myths surrounding colonoscopies. Genesis Health System is part of MercyOne.
Myth: A colonoscopy is painful
“The most popular myth I hear is that a colonoscopy is a really difficult procedure to undergo and very painful,” said Dr. Lin. “Typically sedation is used very generously during the procedure to minimize any discomfort and most patients wake up afterwards saying ‘Oh, did we even do the procedure?’”
Myth: I don’t have symptoms, so I don’t need a colonoscopy
“Something I hear very often is screenings are only necessary for individuals who have symptoms, but the reality is that early colorectal cancer usually has no symptoms,” said Dr. Lin. “That’s why getting colonoscopy screening is even more important.”
The purpose of a colonoscopy is to screen for polyps, small clumps of mushroom-like growth, with potential to develop into cancerous cells, even if symptoms are not present. Polyps invade the colon and eventually, if left untreated, can spread to other parts of the body through blood vessels.
Screening is the most powerful tool to prevent cancer.
“The recommended age to begin colon screening is 45 years old,” said Dr. Lin. “It used to be 50 years old, but we’ve seen colorectal cancer diagnosed in more younger people even without family history.”
Myth: I’m a woman and less likely to get colon cancer
Colorectal cancer can strike both women and men.
“Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in both men and women in the United States,” said Dr. Lin. “Whichever way you look at it, it equally affects both men and women and is equally important for both to receive their screening.”
Myth: I don’t have family history so I’m not at risk for colon cancer.
While it’s true having a family history of colorectal cancer can increase someone’s risk, it does not mean only people with a family history can get it.
“In reality, about 75% of all new cases of colorectal cancer actually occur in patients who have no known risk factors for the disease and no prior family history,” said Dr. Lin.
If you have a history of colorectal cancer in your family, talk with your provider to determine when you should start screening.
Myth: The preparation is horrible
The day before your colonoscopy, your provider will give you directions, which includes cleaning out your colon. The prep, usually a combination of a laxative and sports drink, helps strip away any residual stool particles from the colon.
“We have a lot better and lower volume of preps needed now,” said Dr. Lin. “It’s not going to taste like a nice cold beer or a soda, but it’s more tolerable and palatable prep now.”
Myth: Colonoscopies are a dangerous procedure
With any medical procedure there is always a risk, just like driving into work or school every day.
“The risk of injury to your colon is very low, but when it does happen, we recognize it immediately and are able to take care of you and the problem,” said Dr. Lin. “And if you know someone who had complications, it affects how you feel about colonoscopies. When you look at all the colonoscopies that are done every day across the U.S., these complications happen at a low rate.”
Myth: It’s too embarrassing and uncomfortable
Yes, it can feel a little embarrassing to have a procedure in an area where the sun doesn’t shine.
Myth: Young adults can’t get colon cancer.
“Over the last 10 years we have seen an alarming rise in the number of young folks getting colorectal cancer. That’s why it's important to get your first colonoscopy screening at age 45 if you are an average risk individual or younger if you have a family history.”
Myth: Once I get a colonoscopy, I’ll never need one again.
“Even though everyone needs to get screened for colorectal cancer, some people may need to be screened more frequently. If you have a family history of colorectal cancer or a history of polyps, talk to your doctor about getting colonoscopies more frequently.”
Myth: I don’t need to talk to my doctor about my colonoscopy results.
It is crucial to discuss the results with your doctor.
“Following your colonoscopy, your doctor will let you know what you need to do based on your results. For example, if you have polyps you may need to get screened more frequently, every 5 years instead of every 10 years.”
“Everyone has a colon, and everyone needs to get it screened,” said Dr. Lin. “It’s nothing we haven’t seen before. Most people don’t remember very much from the procedure at all. We keep you completely covered while in the procedure room, and we don’t typically begin until after a few rounds of the sleep medication.”
While other tests, like stool tests or blood tests, can alert you if there may be cancerous polyps, colonoscopies remain the gold standard because they are both diagnostic and therapeutic.
“If you send a sample of your stool or blood into get tested and an abnormality comes back, there is no option in that moment to treat it,” said Dr. Lin. “When we do a colonoscopy and we find a polyp, we can and we do treat it at that time by removing it. You can think of a colonoscopy as a one and done.”
Talk with your primary care provider about when you should begin screening for colorectal cancer.
