Colonoscopy Myth Number 6 - “If I was meant to get colorectal cancer it’ll happen anyway, so why get checked!”

One should never let anxiety or superstition cloud their ability to stay healthy. Colorectal cancer screening colonoscopies save lives by removing precancerous polyps before they turn into cancer.

The procedure is covered by the vast majority of insurances and can be done with open access scheduling. In addition, the procedure is safe and comfortable, and can be used to diagnosis other problems in the colon before they cause problems in the future.  

The best way to prevent colorectal cancer is to get a colonoscopy! In addition, individuals should also:

• Watch their weight
• Eat lots of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains          
• Get regular exercise 
• Stop smoking                     
• Limit alcohol intake

If the thought of a colorectal cancer screening colonoscopy gives you anxiety or you are unsure if you need one, have a consultation with a Gastroenterologist as soon as possible.

Colonoscopy Myth Number 1 - “I don’t need a colonoscopy because I do not have any symptoms!”

Colorectal cancer in its early stages usually has no symptoms, so patients 50 and older should get screened. Importantly, in patients at any age with gastrointestinal problems, anemia or a family history of colorectal cancer, testing for colorectal cancer may need to be done much earlier.

In the vast majority of cases, colon cancers arise from tiny polyps that will continue to grow over time. These polyps, when small, do not cause any symptoms.  As polyps continue to grow in size, they have an increased likelihood to develop into cancers.  Polyps are removed during a colonoscopy to prevent cancer.  Once a polyp is fully removed, it cannot turn into cancer. The goal is to have a colonoscopy done before an individual develops bleeding, a change in bowel habits, diarrhea, constipation, anemia, and weight loss, which are associated with progression to colon cancer.

Colon Cancer RISK FACTORS

People in the following categories are at greater risk of developing the disease:

• Individuals with a personal and/or family history of polyps or cancer
• People over age 50
• Those with ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease
• Individuals with the genetic conditions Hereditary Nonpolyposis Colon Cancer (HNPCC) or Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP)
• Individuals of Eastern European Jewish descent and certain other ethnic groups including African Americans, Native Americans, Alaskan Natives and Latinos

These health tips are not a substitute for speaking to a qualified health-care provider, talk to your primary care physician or specialist today! 

The Number One Colon Cancer Myth - “There is no way I can get colon cancer!”

The vast majority of colon cancers occur in patients without a family history of colon cancer.  It is estimated that 1 in 19 men and 1 in 20 women will get colon cancer. The sad fact is that most of these could be prevented with a timely screening colonoscopy.


Colonoscopy screenings have reduced the number of people diagnosed with colon cancer by 30% over the last 10 years. In the United States, the acceptance and utilization of screening colonoscopies have resulted in reductions of colon cancer and death by 80% in the rectum and left side of colon and by 40 to 60% in the right side of colon. 

A screening colonoscopy is recommended for everyone who is age 50+. However, individuals with lower gastrointestinal symptoms such as a change in bowel habits, change in stool consistency, unexplained diarrhea or constipation, rectal bleeding, iron deficiency,  unexplained weight loss, a family history of Colorectal Cancer, or a familial colon cancer gene syndrome may require a colonoscopy earlier than age 50.

Get a Colonoscopy Now!

If you suffer from any of these symptoms, or are age 50+ don't delay. If you are in the greater Philadelphia area, schedule an appointment with one of our Gastroenterologists today!