Back That Colon Up?

If you were in high school or college when Juvenile said “taking over for the 99 and 2000s”, then you need a colonoscopy.

If you are the last of Generation X and the first of the Millennials, or you identify as a Xenial or Cusper you need a colonoscopy.

If you were there when Stella got her groove back and when Q and Monica played for love then you need to prepare to tell everyone “Don’t nobody go in that bathroom for about 35-45 minutes” as Mr. Jones aka Craig’s daddy told you.

Now you may be thinking, “Don’t I have a few more years before I need one of those.” No, no you don’t have a few more years. The time is now. It’s time to save you and your behind.

So, I believe in actions and not just words, therefore in March which by the way is colon cancer awareness month, I had my first colonoscopy. It was quite an interesting experience, one that I’m happy that I don’t have to do again for ten years! But don’t let me discourage you, the goal is to get you to have yours. The preparation process is not nearly as daunting as it was years ago. I recall as a bedside nurse giving patients huge bottles of liquid to consume that seemed comparable to trying to swallow a pond. Now the options are much more suitable and you don’t necessarily have to starve yourself in the process either.

In my case, I could have clear liquids the day before my procedure. Yay, broth! Who knew broth could taste so good when you’re miserable. I digress.

The morning of my colonoscopy, I was sufficiently empty if you know what I mean. After checking in, getting vitals and an IV I was ready for the big ta-doo! When I was taken in the room for the procedure, I met my wonderful team, talked to my gastroenterologist and then the CRNA knocked me out like Adonis Creed did that big guy. But anyway, the next time I woke up they were done and all I had were the memories of before. See how smooth that process was. Along the way the doctor talked to my husband, the nurse let me sip Sprite and the patient care tech rolled me out to the freedom and thoughts of breakfast. After my husband helped me in the car, he took me for breakfast based on my request. I felt certain that I could stay awake for that and that sleep could wait another minute. By the next day I was back at work like it never happened. You can be too.

Now, I encourage you to do a few things a little differently than I did. Pay close attention and don’t say that I didn’t warn you. If you have the option of not working on the day that you start the colonoscopy prep, then stay home. Sometimes I confuse myself with Superwoman and I do things that are unnecessary. Chicken broth and water alone while expending physical and mental energy didn’t make me the happiest person. And having to start my prep before I got home only made me anxious and more prayerful. I mean being more prayerful is always good, but the circumstances of increased prayer could have been avoided had I been home, safe and comfortable and not trying to manage work, traffic and child pickup. But anyway, I made it honey. Just know that ten years from now when I do this again. I will not be working the day before. Enough about me. Back to you.

In 2021 the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) lowered the starting age to get a colonoscopy from 50 to 45 due to the increasing incidence of early onset of colorectal cancers in younger people.

Here’s a quick refresher about what the colon is and why it is important. The colon is the first and longest part of the large intestine. The large intestine is the last part of the digestive system. It breaks down food for the body to use.

As you age, small clumps of cells called polyps can develop in the colon and if they are not monitored or removed, they can turn into cancer overtime.

If you have a strong family history of colorectal cancer, then you may need your colonoscopy even sooner. If you have a family or personal history of certain conditions or syndromes you should have colonoscopies even sooner. Two conditions or syndromes that cause an increase in colorectal cancer are Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP) and Lynch Syndrome.

FAP is a gene mutation that results in hundreds to thousands of polyps by a person’s mid-teens and if not treated you are more likely to develop colorectal cancer by age 40.

Lynch Syndrome is a genetic condition that significantly increases the lifetime risk of developing colorectal and other cancers.

Other risk factors for developing colorectal cancer include:

-Older age (this is a risk factor for all cancers; the older we get the greater our risk.)

- Black or African American people have a greater risk of colon cancer than people of other races.

-Inflammatory bowel diseases. If you have conditions such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease you are at greater risk

- Low fiber, high-fat diet. Some studies have found an increased risk of colon cancer in people who eat a lot of red meat and processed meat.

                - Reduce your risk by eating a variety of fruits, vegetables and whole grains

- Sedentary lifestyle. People who are not active are more likely to develop colon cancer

                - Exercise most days of the week for 30 minutes.

- Obesity

                - Try to maintain a healthy weight. Talk to your health care provider to see what that may look like for you.

- Smoking

                - Stop smoking by seeking out ways to quit.

- Drinking alcohol

                - Drink alcohol in moderation if you are going to indulge. Limit to no more than one drink a day for women and two for men.

- Diabetes

- Previous radiation therapy for cancer that was directed to the abdomen

Colonoscopies are a screening tool that can prevent colon cancer or diagnose early. Though other screening tools such as stool studies exist, colonoscopy remains the gold standard.

When people develop colorectal cancer, they do not often have symptoms at first! This is even more of a reason to have your colonoscopy in a timely fashion. However, let’s say you do start to develop symptoms. What are they?

-          A change in bowel habits such as frequent diarrhea or constipation

-          Belly discomfort such as gas, pain or cramps

-          Rectal bleeding or blood in stool

-          A feeling of not emptying completely when having a bowel movement

-          Losing weight without trying

These symptoms are not all encompassing and could be a sign of something else that is NOT colorectal cancer, but they are still a RED FLAG that you should have evaluated and addressed.  

Unfortunately, there has been a rise in people being diagnosed with colorectal cancer and other gastrointestinal cancers earlier in age and research regarding why is ongoing.

Nevertheless, I encourage you to do your part in your health to prevent disease and/or have the option for early intervention!

So now that you are done reading this call and schedule an appointment if it’s time or if you are overdue. Go ahead and back that thang up!