Top four reasons that people avoid a colonoscopy
Despite the fact that the importance of colon cancer screening is being promoted more frequently in the media, Americans are still reluctant to get their recommended colonoscopies. In his recent address to Congress, President Obama pointed out that 38 percent of adults aged 50 and over have never had a colon cancer screening. The Colon Cancer Coalition is one of many organizations which seeks to improve awareness about screening procedures with their popular Get Your Rear In Gear 5K events. CBS Cares, which airs public service announcements featuring CBS celebrities, offered a national Colonoscopy Sweepstakes in March and promoted the event with a series of humorous ads. And yet, patients are still reluctant to go.
In a recent article, CBS News medical reporter and gastroenterologist Dr. Jonathan LaPook listed the reasons he hears most often for why his patients avoid their colonoscopies. The list includes his typical response.
Top four reasons for not getting a colonoscopy
- I have no symptoms (most colon cancers start small and have no symptoms until they grow larger.)
- I have no family history of colon cancer (that’s true in about 70 percent of patients with colon cancer.)
- I’m afraid it will hurt (that’s why we use sedation and, if needed, anesthesia.)
- I can’t do the prep (we’ll figure out a way to clean out your colon that you can tolerate. And even if you have a tough night, it sure beats chemotherapy.)
To ease the concerns felt by his patients and to promote screening for all Americans, LaPook underwent the procedure himself and documented the process on camera. The prep, he notes, is the most uncomfortable part. LaPook uses humor to get through the process. He also relies on a straw, hard candies, and a strong sense of purpose to stay on track. Watch Dr. LaPook’s video and use his tips to get yourself through this important screening test.
