Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month: 10 Myths About Colonoscopies
By Michele Thomas, MD, FACS, FASCRS
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, which strives to bring awareness to the severity of cancer in the colon and rectum.
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States for both men and women combined. The general population faces a lifetime risk for developing the disease of about 5 percent, while someone whose family has a history of colorectal cancer has a 10 to 15 percent chance of developing the disease.
The risk rises to over 50 percent in people with ulcerative colitis and those whose family members harbor specific genetic mutations.
Approximately 140,000 new cases of colorectal cancer will be diagnosed, and 56,000 people will die from the disease this year. Surpassing both breast cancer and prostate cancer in mortality, colorectal cancer is second only to lung cancer in numbers of deaths in the United States.
In my practice, I often hear reasons why patients do not want to get a potentially life-saving colonoscopy.
Here are 10 very common misconceptions.
1. The wait time is too long to get in to be seen and to set up the colonoscopy
Many clinicians have a process to specifically decrease the wait time for patients looking to schedule a screening colonoscopy. Some clinicians offer virtual telehealth options for the pre-procedure intake and many providers don’t require a formal pre-procedure visit for healthier patients seeking a screening colonoscopy.
2. Colonoscopy is too risky
For the vast majority of patients, colonoscopy is a safe procedure with a very low risk of complications. Please speak with your clinician for an individualized risk assessment that pertains to your specific health history.
3. I’m too old to have a colonoscopy
Screening is recommended for most patients until about age 75. Relatively healthy patients between the ages of 76 and 85 may also be considered for screening.
4. I can’t drink that clean out solution
There are a variety of different ways to clean out your system before undergoing a colonoscopy. If you’ve had difficulty with a prior bowel preparation, let’s talk about trying a different clean-out for your next procedure.
5. I had a colonoscopy 10 years ago and I don’t need further screening
If you had a normal colonoscopy 10 or more years ago, it is time to plan an updated screening exam to make sure you have not grown a polyp or cancer since your last screening.
6. I don’t have health insurance to cover the cost of the screening
Many providers are affiliated with hospitals that have screening outreach programs that may cover screening. Please reach out to a nearby provider’s office and ask about what options they are familiar with.
7. I haven’t had any bleeding, so I don’t need a colonoscopy
Many patients with colorectal polyps or cancer do not pass blood that they can see. Screening can detect growths before they start to cause bleeding.
8. I’ve just had a little bit of bleeding
Bleeding is not normal and may be a sign of a simpler problem (like hemorrhoids) or may be a sign of a more serious problem like cancer. If you notice bleeding, please speak with your doctor about how to have this evaluated. Many colorectal cancer patients experience bleeding that was attributed to “just hemorrhoids” only to find out after down the road that the bleeding was coming from a cancer.
9. I don’t have a family history of colorectal cancer, so I don’t need a colonoscopy
Research tells us that about 85% of patients who are diagnosed with colorectal cancer do not have a family history of this disease. What this means is that the majority of patients with colorectal cancer are the first ones in their family to have this kind of cancer.
This is why it is so important to undergo screening even if you don’t have a family history.
10. I’m too young to have a colonoscopy
Screening for colorectal cancer is recommended for patients beginning at age 45. Patients are developing colorectal cancer at a younger age than ever before, and it is important to begin your screening at age 45. Patients with a family history should discuss with their doctor about getting an earlier screening.
About Dr. Thomas
Fellowship-Trained and Board-Certified Colorectal Surgeon Michele Thomas, MD, FACS, FASCRS, specializes in medical and surgical management of anorectal disorders such as hemorrhoids, fissures, abscesses, and fistulas, as well as cancerous and precancerous lesions. Additionally, she performs colonoscopies, and advocates for screening examination to prevent and detect colon cancer.
