Colonoscopy Motivation
Colonoscopy Motivation
There are certain things that it is really hard for me to motivate myself to do. Like….
Taking out the garbage when it’s 2 degrees outside.
Getting the paperwork in order to pay taxes.
Colonoscopies…..
There are lots of medical tests that are unpleasant, but I suspect a colonoscopy is at the top of most folks “I don’t want to do that” list.
Here are some reasons why you should do it anyway…
Excluding skin cancers, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the United States. The American Cancer Society’s estimates for the number of colorectal cancer cases in the United States for 2013 are:
- 102,480 new cases of colon cancer
- 40,340 new cases of rectal cancer
- Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States when men and women are considered separately, and the second leading cause when both sexes are combined. It is expected to cause about 50,830 deaths during 2013.
Truthfully the test itself is not bad, it’s the getting ready for it that stinks (sorry for the horrible pun). Drinking the nasty test prep concoction and spending the night in the bathroom are not anyone’s idea of a good time but neither is colon cancer.
From A NanaHood friend who believes colonoscopies save lives…
“At almost age 64, I’ve had two colonoscopies, and both times polyps were found and removed. I need to return within 3 years now, but I’m grateful that within 24 hours, start to finish, I can know that a painful and costly future cancer has been avoided. You’re actually asleep for the procedure, and the prep has really improved over the last few years. Since most patients don’t need a return visit for 5 or 10 years, chances are the prep will be even easier next time. As a bona fide scaredy cat, let me reassure you — it’s a very tolerable investment in your peace of mind and future health.” Marilyn
My Family History of Colon Cancer
Because my mother died of colon cancer at the age of 51 I am supposed to be tested every 5 years. I’m 3 years overdue. Not sure how I got so behind but let’s just say I found a few other things I’d rather do. A couple of weeks ago my husband was screened and I promised him I would do the same.
As the mom of 5 now grown children I also realize that what we do is more powerful than what we say. Someday they will need to have a scope and if their dad and I show them we can do it, hopefully they will do the same for their children.
Am I looking forward to it? Of course not, but it’s a small price to pay if it helps prevent cancer.
Have you had a colonoscopy? Or maybe you are like me and were supposed to have one and now it’s overdue. Schedule one today. It might just save your life, now that’s what I call colonoscopy motivation.
Still need some more motivation? Read Katie Curic’s article about colon cancer and her husband’s death from it, that might convince you.
P.S. My test went fine!
Thank you so much for letting me know this article helped you! Women definitely need them. It might have saved my mother’s life if she had had one. Miss her still!
I gotta say, I appreciated reading about this because I’ve always wondered why people sound like getting one is the end of the world. I also wasn’t sure if women needed them, too (or at least as often as men), so they was good information for me!
At almost age 64, I’ve had two colonoscopies, and both times polyps were found and removed. I need to return within 3 years now, but I’m grateful that within 24 hours, start to finish, I can know that a painful and costly future cancer has been avoided. You’re actually asleep for the procedure, and the prep has really improved over the last few years. Since most patients don’t need a return visit for 5 or 10 years, chances are the prep will be even easier next time. As a bona fide scaredy cat, let me reassure you — it’s a very tolerable investment in your peace of mind and future health.