Men’s Health & Colonoscopy Screening
The importance of colon screenings is published widely across the internet, doctor offices, television screens, radio commercials, and the list goes on. Colonoscopies are often the “butt” of a joke, a complaint, and sometimes viewed as an inconvenience. Often, published health information is not targeted at gender specific medical advice. This article is specific to the male gender and the importance of a screening colonoscopy. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, men are slightly more likely to develop colon cancer as compared to women. Starting at the age of 45 years of age, most insurance companies offer free colonoscopy screenings (previously the recommended age was 50). So, what does a colonoscopy procedure entail? Screening, diagnosis, and removal happens all at once. Screening only occurs every ten years, 3-5 years if polyps are found, and every 1-3 years if you are considered high risk by your doctor.
During a colonoscopy, a Gastroenterologist or “GI” physician uses a handheld device called a “scope” to visualize the colon in its entirety. The colon can be seen once you drink a colon preparation. Yes, I know, the “dreaded drink”. Stay close to the toilet! Once your bowels are cleaned out, you are ready for the procedure. You will be kept under sedation or anesthesia safely at a hospital or surgical center. The physician is looking for any abnormalities along the colon walls. Our colon walls consist of mucosa, tissue, and muscle. Abnormal cells develop within the mucosa lining in the colon wall. These cells can mutate and change thus, developing into a colon polyp. Colon polyps are easily and painlessly removed with equipment during a colonoscopy procedure. The polyps are then sent off to a lab where a pathologist views the polyp cells under a microscope. From here, a pathologist will determine between benign cell growths, pre-cancerous, and cancerous cells. Colon polyps typically do not produce any signs or symptoms to an individual and there is no known single cause as to why colon polyps are produced. Screening is important because polyps that remain in the colon and do not get removed during a colonoscopy grow. The polyps can grow at a fast rate. They can then turn into what we all typically know as a tumor.
Evidence shows that colon cancer among many other cancers is being diagnosed at younger ages. With this lowered age range, many men are still putting colonoscopies on the back burner. Often, men harbor stigmas, perceptions, and things they’ve heard or seen on tv or word of mouth, decreasing the likelihood that they will sign themselves up for a colonoscopy. Males often times, refer to colon screenings as something they’d never do. Colonoscopies can be perceived by men in a very negative light. Many patients report after their colonoscopy, “That was the best sleep of my life” and “It’s not so bad!”. Dr. Indira Donepudi, a Gastroenterologist practicing in Midland suggests that “You should not wait. Get screened for colon cancer early.” She goes on to say that “African American males are at an even higher risk of developing colon cancer.”
Colon cancer is the second-deadliest cancer in men according to the National Cancer Institute. Early prevention and screening are the key to battle the chances of developing cancer. Signs and symptoms to monitor at any age include persistent changes in bowel habits, bleeding (blood in stool), unexplained weight loss, abdominal pain, persistent bloating in your stomach, vomiting and fatigue. Some patients report there were no signs or symptoms of their colon cancer. The gold standard of medicine for screening of colon cancer remains evident in the colonoscopy procedure.
Further, you can take action by reducing the risk of developing colon cancer by maintaining a healthy weight, exercising and avoiding tobacco and alcohol products. Often, a man is encouraged by a primary care physician (PCP), a spouse, or family member. But it doesn’t have to be this way! I want to encourage men of all races, martial statuses, or preconceived opinions to empower themselves to take the step. Men, I challenge you today to put your health first and speak with a gastroenterologist about your options in preventing and screening your colon. Your life depends on it.