Move it on up!

Excuse #41
Are you putting your first colonoscopy on the bottom of your “to-do” list? Is the reason because you are afraid of what the doctor might possibly find?  Yes, the worst case “findings” would be colon cancer.  But, what you must remember is colon cancer is extremely treatable when detected early.  Moving up a colonoscopy on your “to-do” list could save your life.  It can be extremely easy to put off this type of procedure because the unknown can be easy to avoid.

According to the Colon Cancer Alliance, colon cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death in men and women combined in the US. Those statistics should be enough to move that colon screening from the bottom to the top of your to-do list.  Also, according to the CCA  1 in 3 adults aged 50-75 are NOT up-to-date with recommended colorectal cancer screening!  Screening is the number one way to reduce your risk! By having regular colon screenings you could possibly save your life.  If you put off a colonoscopy for a few years because of your fear you could decrease your survival rate if cancer is found.

Digestive Health asked their very own Physician Assistant, Anthony Pleasant what his response would be to his patient if they told him they didn’t want to go through with a colonoscopy for fear of a possible cancer diagnosis. Here is what he had to say:

“I would tell any patient that the peace of mind of knowing you have a clean colon with no evidence of colon cancer or polyps would outweigh any anxiety you may experience over possible findings.”

A colonoscopy only takes an average of 24 hours with prep and procedure.  Just think, you are giving up only 24 hours of your life to possibly save your life.  Or, better yet, to get an A+ colon report from your doctor during post procedure recovery!  It’s easier on the wallet as well if you are diagnosed early because most of the time cost for treatment isn’t as high compared to detection later in life.  Don’t wait because of the possible findings and get screened today.  The highest cost will not cost you a dime but it may ultimately cost you your life.

Looking for more facts about colon screening to help persuade you to get that colonoscopy?  Visit the Colon Cancer Alliance website: http://fightcolorectalcancer.org/prevent-it/facts-about-colorectal-cancer/

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