Colonoscopy Isn't For Everyone, Or Is It?

By: Gary R. Oman, CPA, PFS, MST

I really enjoy a big breakfast, scrambled eggs or an omelet with a side of crisp bacon and French toast or pancakes and, of course coffee with milk. However, today is my liquid diet day. You know, water, black coffee, juices, broth, jello, soda, and a few others. As “good” as this sounds, this is only prepping me for that delicious lemon-lime flavored drink of which I will have to partake early this evening – just two liters worth. Oh, and two more liters first thing in the morning before 7. After all this, the colonoscopy procedure itself is a piece of cake!

Last time, which was my second colonoscopy, I remember the anesthesiologist saying to me, “I just gave your something to help you…”, that was it. The next thing I knew, I was in recovery. Though it was relatively short (20 minutes or so), what a great sleep I had! And I got a good report from the doctor to boot!

According to the American Cancer Society, “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 estimates for the number of colorectal cancer cases in the United States for 2020 are:

• 104,610 new cases of colon cancer
• 43,340 new cases of rectal cancer”

Although the death rate for colorectal cancer has been declining, the American Cancer Society (ACS) expects about 12,430 deaths from all cancers in Massachusetts in 2020, seventeenth highest state.

ACS recommends people at average risk of colorectal cancer start regular screening at age 45 and continue at least through age 75 and longer, based on preferences, life expectancy, overall health and prior screening history.

The good news. According to ACS, the 5-year survival rates for colon cancer when there is no sign that the cancer has spread outside of the colon or rectum is 90% with lower survival rates when it has spread.

If you’re 45 or older and never had a colonoscopy, please don’t wait to have your first one. And then schedule others based on the advice of your physician.

So by 11-11:30 tomorrow morning, I will be indulging myself on a big breakfast that I am already looking forward to with great anticipation!

Until next time…

Gary

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