The American Cancer Society recommends colon cancer screening starting at age 50 (sooner if you have a family history of the disease), but few people are doing this. In the following survey, many said their providers don’t bring up the issue. However, I think it goes further than that.
I do happen to discuss this with my patients, and about 1/2 of them will get the test done – the others…they don’t even want to think about it. I can understand it – I’m not looking forward to mine either…but I think I’d rather have the test than develope something that can be taken care of early on.
While this study was done by the makers of another type of test, I think the results are probably valid. See what you think. Most Americans still skip colon cancer screening
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
As a Registered Nurse for many years, I always counciled my clients on the positivity of scheduleing their own colonoscopy as a gift to themselves for their 50th birthday. However, I had NOT done the same for myself and @ the age of 58, without rhyme or reason, I KNEW I needed an EGD and a colonoscopy. Only 18 months and 3 colonoscopies later, I was recovering well from a Right partial hemicolectomy which saved my life after rapid growth sessile and pedunculated polyps were found in my large intestine. The colonoscopy is PAINLESS. May I repeat, PAINLESS and a very minor trade off for the peace of mind that results from knowing that you have taken good care of yourself. Love yourself first! Have that colonoscopy!!!
Thank you Elizabeth!
I hope everyone takes what you have shared with us to heart and follows your advice. Thank you so much!
To you good heatlh,
Barbara