Colon cancer screening really works

Doctor Column: Ninety percent of my patients will concede to getting a colonoscopy to screen for colon cancer, but here is the other 10 percent:
“Doctor, there is no way I am every letting someone stick that snake-like camera up my bottom. I’d rather have colon cancer.”
My response, “I understand that this procedure is invasive and exposes some of your more vulnerable body parts to complete strangers. Also, the bowel prep does tie you down to a bathroom region approximately 12 hours before the scope. There are other options that are somewhat less invasive and equally as effective.”
“No thank you. No one is getting near that part of my body with a scope.”
At this point in the conversation, I can almost never win. I try to explain that we respect people’s privacy and that to medical providers the rectal region is routine and commonplace. All I am trying to do is prevent colon cancer, a horrible disease that is completely preventable with screening. I have all kinds of screening options that are effective.
• Colonoscopy: The scope that looks at the whole colon is the main screening tool that we use. It does involve drinking prep material that ties you down to a toilet for a period of time to “clean you out” and make a visible environment for the doctor to see during the procedure. This is usually done every 10 years.
• Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: This is a very quick scope that sees about half of the colon that can be done in the office without sedation. Having this done every five years is an excellent tool to screen for colon cancer.
• Stool Cards for microscopic Bleeding: This involves smearing three separate cards with a small amount of stool and having those cards tested for blood. Done every year, this is another excellent screening tool for colon cancer
• Stool Sample for Cancer DNA: This involves putting a small amount of stool in a sample container, mailing it to a lab and having them test it for cancer DNA. Done every year, this is another excellent tool to screen for colon cancer.
Colon cancer screening is such a no-brainer that I will continue to advocate for screening.
Medical literature is overwhelmingly convincing on the effective nature of these screening modes. Screening tests help find precancerous polyps so they can be removed before they have a chance to turn into cancer. When these polyps are removed they no longer have the chance to become cancer. Early detection is key to protecting your life but that is only possible if you are willing. I encourage you to choose one.
Joshua Baker, DO, FAAFP