Women & Colonoscopies – 5 Ways To Make It Easier

May is National Women’s Health Month and a perfect opportunity to get screened

(NASHVILLE, Tenn.) (April 19, 2011) – Colon cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths among women, right behind breast cancer. While 80 percent of women routinely schedule mammograms, only about 60 percent of women over 50 are screened for colon cancer. That's why, during National Women's Health Month, in May, StopColonCancerNow.com is urging women who are 50 and older or who have a family history of colon cancer or polyps to get screened.

"Mammograms are key to the early detection of breast cancer, but being screened at the appropriate time for colon cancer can actually prevent the cancer," said Dr. Lisa Pichney, gastroenterologist and member of StopColonCancerNow.com. "Some women don't consider getting a colonoscopy because they don't think they need one, others don't want to endure the preparation for it. But women need to understand that colon cancer screenings are just as important as any other regular medical test. It can save your life."

That's why Dr. Pichney and the community of more than 700 physicians that make up StopColonCancerNow.com are urging women to take time during the month of May to get screened for colon cancer. StopColonCancerNow.com offers the following tips to make a colonoscopy a little easier.

• Wear Your Boxers Backwards
  If modesty during the procedure is a concern, then wear a pair of boxers backwards. Some gastroenterologists, like Dr. Pichney, offer "moon pants", which are paper shorts worn from the waist down during the procedure. Women should ask their GI if that option is available.
• Diaper Rash Cream and Wet Wipes – Not Just For Babies
  Before you start the prep for your colonoscopy, get diaper rash cream. Apply it before your first trip to the bathroom and then every time after. Instead of toilet paper, use flushable wet wipes. Both will help cut down on the irritation of repeated trips to the toilet.
• Make The Prep An Event
  Schedule your colonoscopy on the same day as a friend and get through it together. If you're able to laugh about what you're going through, it will make those repeated trips to the bathroom easier. If you're on your own, grab a book or a DVD to help pass the time.
• Drink Up
  Drinking all the liquid that's required for the prep can be a daunting task. But if you hold your nose, use a straw, keep the liquid cold and gulp it down, it can be easier. Get support from your family -- let them watch the clock, mix the liquid and place bets on whether or not you can get all the liquid down in a certain amount of time.
• Plan Your Celebratory Meal
  After you're finished with your colonoscopy, you can finally eat again. So the day after your procedure, go some place special and celebrate the step you've taken towards better health.

When colon cancer is detected and treated in the earliest stage, the five-year survival rate is 90 percent according to the American Cancer Society. A colonoscopy is the most effective method of screening for colon cancer because it allows both diagnosis and treatment at the same time. Women are encouraged to be screened if they are over 50 years old (45 for African Americans) or have a family history of colon cancer or polyps.

"The bottom line is, women need to take care of this," said Pichney. "Women are trailblazers and that means chances are good if you have your colonoscopy, then your spouse, friends and everyone else important in your life will also. So you're not just doing it for yourself, you're doing it for everyone you love."

About StopColonCancerNow.com
StopColonCancerNow.com is working through its more than 700 member physicians to increase screenings through patient education, primary care physician outreach and special events. One of the campaign's objectives is to help the public overcome the barriers associated with colon cancer screenings – perceived risk, challenging preparation, fear of discomfort, modesty and embarrassment, and expense.
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