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Myth 1: Colon cancer cannot be prevented
Fact: Colon cancer is not only beatable and treatable, it is PREVENTABLE as well. Since most colorectal cancers develop from non-cancerous polyps (growths on the lining of the rectum and colon), regular screenings can find and remove these polyps before they become cancerous. Additionally, eating a diet high in fruits, vegetables and fiber, as well as exercising regularly, can help reduce your risk of developing the disease.
Myth 2: Colon cancer is fatal
Fact: Colon cancer is TREATABLE when detected early, which is why regular screenings are so important
Myth 3: Screening is only necessary if you experience symptoms
Fact: Early colon cancer often has no symptoms, so it is important to have regular screenings to detect cancers before symptoms start. It is recommended that men and women with no family history of colon cancer begin screening at age 50, and at age 45 for African Americans. Individuals with a family history of colon cancer may need to begin screenings earlier, and should discuss this with their doctor.
Myth 4: Only older, white men get colon cancer
Fact: Colon cancer is the third most common cancer found in both men AND women in the United States, and African American males have an increased risk. According to the Tennessee Community Health Profile, in Hamilton County, the colorectal cancer mortality rate among black men is approximately double the rates for black women and white men, and triple the rate for white women.
Myth 5: Colonoscopy is a painful procedure
Fact: Neither the colonoscopy preparation, nor the colonoscopy procedure itself is painful. Probably one of the most feared parts of the procedure is the prep, or "cleaning out," that occurs the day before. While you will spend a lot of time in the restroom eliminating all the stool in your intestines, this preparation is not painful, and it is necessary to allow your doctor to see the lining of your intestine clearly. During the colonoscopy procedure itself, patients are sedated to minimize any discomfort.
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