A simple solution to improve cancer screening rates
A simple cost-free solution may help more Americans get their routine screening colonoscopy at the recommended age of 50. Despite American Cancer Society guidelines, thousands of Americans resist having the test performed. Reasons for avoidance include:
- Patient has no symptoms (most colon cancers start small and have no symptoms until they grow larger.)
- Patient has no family history of colon cancer (roughly 70 percent of patients with colon cancer have no family history of the disease.)
- Patient is afraid of discomfort (sedation and anesthesia are available)
- Patient has heard that prep is intolerable (many feel that concern over prep discomfort is overstated, and options are available)
If a 50-year old wants to avoid the test, there is no shortage of rationalizations. But, a GetYourRearinGear.com reader recently suggested that physicians begin talking to patients at age 48, two years prior to the recommended screening age, in an effort to prepare patients for the test and get them used to the idea of having it done. By doing so, patients are ready to be screened after two years of awareness and education.
48 Start making it clear
49 That the time is near
50 To get your rear in gear!
Unlike many cancer screening tests, colonoscopies can prevent colon cancer from occurring; a fact misunderstood by many people who avoid colonscopies. Some who avoid the test do so out of fear of receiving bad news. But by educating patients that the purpose of the procedure is to actually prevent the cancer from occurring in the first place, and by reassuring patients that the test does not need to be uncomfortable, screening rates may improve.
The Colon Cancer Coalition has received many success stories from patients whose lives were saved by a routine screening colonoscopy. Many of those stories address the issue of prep discomfort and anxiety over having the test performed. Click on the links below to read personal accounts of patients whose first-time colonoscopy was easier than they expected.
Read more about colon cancer screening:
