Grant Regional | aspire to live well | Winter 2022

Taking the time to have a colonoscopy isn’t everybody’s idea of a good time, but it is an important half hour you can take to protect your health and decrease your colon cancer risk. Colonoscopies save a lot of lives. And while it can be in- convenient to get your body prepared for the procedure, the relief of knowing your colon health status cannot be denied. “Colorectal cancer is both common and preventable,” explains Darren Perttu, MD, Grant Regional Health Center general surgeon. “Colonoscopies are the best defense to reduce your risk.” Here are seven key reasons why: 1 Colon cancer can happen to anyone. Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer and the second most com- mon cause of cancer deaths. Most people who get colon cancer are over 50. But it can strike anyone, even otherwise healthy people with no family history of the disease. 2 Colonoscopies prevent colon cancer. Unlike many can- cers, colon cancer is preventable. It starts from little growths called polyps that develop on the lining of the colon or rectum. Over time, some of these polyps can become cancerous. During a colonoscopy, doctors spot and remove these polyps, which decreases the risk of colon cancer. 3 You can’t rely on symptoms to warn you. The whole point of colonoscopies is to get rid of polyps before they turn into cancer, so don’t wait for symptoms to spur you into action. 4 Colonoscopies aren’t as bad as you think. People are often wary of the laxative they have to drink to pre- pare their bowel for the exam. But bowel prep is much improved these days. Cleansing formulas are more efficient than they used to be, and the taste has improved, as well. As for the exam itself, it’s often done during so-called “twilight sleep,” or conscious sedation. With twilight sleep, 99% of patients are comfortable during the exam. Many people don’t even remember it at all afterwards. 5 Colonoscopies are accurate. Doctors call colonoscopies “the gold standard” for a reason. They can detect more than 95% of cancer cells and large precancerous polyps in the colon. 6 Colonoscopies are safe, especially when performed by experienced specialists, like Dr. Perttu. Fewer than 1 in 1,000 people experience bleeding or perforated bowel. By contrast, about 1 in 18 people will develop colon cancer in their lifetime. And during the pandemic, we’ve taken steps to keep everyone safe—including screening everyone who enters the building for COVID-19 symptoms, requiring everyone to wear masks, disinfecting surfaces frequently and spacing out seat- ing in waiting rooms. 7 Colon cancer screening puts your health in your hands. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends people age 45 to 75 get colorectal cancer screening. But if you have a family history of colon cancer, you might benefit from earlier screenings, so talk to your doctor. Not all cancers can be prevented—but colon cancer can. Isn’t that worth a little time for your health? Why you should get a colonoscopy even when you don’t want to CALL TODAY To learn more or to make an appointment with Dr. Perttu, call 608-723-2131. 6 WINTER 2022