Myths vs. Facts

Myth #1: 

Colon cancer is a disease that affects only Caucasian males.

Fact: Colon cancer affects individuals equally, regardless of gender and, typically, race. Recent studies suggest that African-Americans have a higher incidence of colon cancer and, therefore, might begin their screenings at age 45. If you are African-American, discuss this issue with your physician. Each year, about 150,000 people will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer and about 50,000 people will die from the disease, according to the American Cancer Society.

Myth #2: 

Only people with a family history of colon cancer get it.

Fact: Approximately 80 percent of colon cancer cases have no prior family history and most have no symptoms. A family history just means you need to start your preventive colon cancer screenings earlier. Contact your physician to find out what age you need to get screened.

Myth #3: 

I don't have any symptoms, so I must not have colon cancer.

Fact: It has been said that one of the most common symptoms of colon cancer is no symptoms at all. In its early stages, colon cancer generally has no symptom and gives no warning. Later in the cancer's development, symptoms such as stool changes, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain and unexplained weight loss can all signal colon cancer. But once these symptoms begin to develop, it may be a sign of more advanced disease, which can have reduced survival rates.

Myth #4: 

Preparation for a colonoscopy is difficult.

Fact: Preparing for a colonoscopy involves cleaning the colon with the help of fasting paired with prescription and over-the-counter laxatives. Ask your doctor about your options. The preparation can be inconvenient, but it is not difficult or painful.

Myth #5: 

Colonoscopies are unpleasant and uncomfortable.

Fact: The actual screening is not painful or unpleasant. During the actual test, patients are sedated to eliminate discomfort. The procedure itself takes 15-30 minutes, and you can resume normal activities the next day.

Myth #6: 

I saw Katie Couric get a colonoscopy on the Today Show, so I should get one too.

Fact: Colonoscopy screening is recommended for men and women beginning at age 50. If you are younger than 50 but have other risk factors - such as family history of cancer, obesity, smoking, ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease - talk to your doctor about your screening needs.

Myth #7: 

All methods for colon cancer screening are equally as effective.

Fact: There are several screening options for colorectal cancer, including flexible sigmoidoscopy, fecal occult blood test and double-contrast barium enema. But a colonoscopy is considered the most accurate. It detects more cancers, examines the entire colon, and can be used for screening, diagnosis and removing polyps in the same procedure.

Myth #8: 

A polyp means I have cancer.

Fact: Polyps are benign growths that left unchecked, have the potential to develop into cancerous tissue. Polyps can be easily removed during a colonoscopy eliminating the possibility that they will become cancerous.

Myth #9: 

If I have colon cancer, it means I am dying.

Fact: When colon cancer is caught early, it is 90 percent curable. That's why screening is so important. Once colon cancer has spread, survival rates decrease significantly.

Myth #10: 

I can't afford it.

Fact: Most insurance plans, as well as Medicare, cover a colonoscopy. Co-pay amounts, if required, will vary by plan. Also, if you qualify for a screening colonoscopy, under the Affordable Care Act, your colon screening could be of very little cost to Medicare and private insurance patients.

Myth #11:  

I have to go to a hospital to have a colonoscopy.

Fact: For most patients, colon cancer screening does not have to be done at a hospital. Stop Colon Cancer Now-affiliated outpatient centers provide screenings by the same highly-skilled specialists but in a more relaxed, personal environment. Furthermore, because they are not done in a hospital, cost is usually much lower.