March is colon cancer awareness month, and although they can be an awkward topic of conversation, colonoscopies are a routine and potentially lifesaving screening. And when it comes to colonoscopies, there is a lot of misinformation floating around the internet.

Thankfully, our friends at Virtua Health set the record straight by debunking common myths associated with them. This way, you’ll know what to expect for your next one.

• Myth: I don’t have any symptoms so I don’t need to get a colonoscopy.

  Starting at age 45, it is recommended that everyone gets a colonoscopy. You do not need to show signs before getting one. But, if you experience signs of colorectal cancer before you turn 45, such as bloody stool, constipation, or abdominal pain, it is imperative that you get one as soon as you can.

• Myth: Colonoscopy prep is awful!

  Although colonoscopy prep has a bad rep, it’s become much more tolerable in recent years. Clear liquids and even sports and power drinks are important to have while prepping, as well as relaxing.

• Myth: I only need to get one colonoscopy in my lifetime

  The first colonoscopy you get will serve as a baseline for the rest of them. Depending on the findings from it, such as potential polyps or nothing at all, your next one will be scheduled accordingly. But it is generally recommended to get one every ten years once you turn 45.

• Myth: Doctors will always find something when getting a colonoscopy.

  Most of the time your doctor won’t find anything unusual when checking down there. But, colonoscopies can detect polyps, tumors, inflammation, bleeding, and ulcers. If any of these are found, a follow-up appointment will be scheduled ASAP to make sure everything is okay.

• Myth: Colonoscopies are not that important

  Colonoscopies serve as a great form of preventative medicine. During your colonoscopy, your doctor can spot and remove pre-cancerous polyps, all in the same procedure. Even though they aren’t all that fun, they are vital in maintaining a healthy body as you get older.

   

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