Findings make her an advocate for colon cancer screening

"Have yourself a Merry Colonoscopy, flush your colon right. From now on the privy is a welcome sight."

Not exactly the carol I wanted to sing at Christmas but I needed a colonoscopy and no matter how hard I tried to get in the Christmas spirit, I couldn't get the upcoming test out of my mind, even with the carols cranking at the highest decibels.

Once I let it be known that I was going to be going through the Fantastic Flush, I was bombarded with well-meaning folks who wanted to share their colonoscopic stories.

I heard tales of patients gagging, spouses nagging and hemorrhoids sagging. I was given recommendations on all of the favorite flavorings from A to Z. I learned to stay away from root beer and embrace lemonade. A cold beverage was better than hot and a good book suitable for the toilette was a good investment.

By the time the scheduled day of preparation arrived, I was terrified to even sip the cold beverage that had been chilling in my fridge for 24 hours.

I did what any well adjusted 57-year-old would do. I held my nose and took a gulp. It wasn't too bad. Then I did another gulp and in no time I had downed four glasses.

By the tenth glass I was beginning to see why the beverage had never made it to the top 10 drink list. By 15, I felt like I was going to float away.

In the end (sorry for the pun) I felt that it wasn't that bad. Even rearranging my furniture to make a more direct route to the bathroom wasn't that tough. And the test? It felt like I had the nap of my life. I felt great afterward.

More than 130,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with colon cancer each year. Fifty-eight thousand die from it. Many could be saved if they would just have a colonoscopy. Colon cancer can be cured if found in the early stages.

So why are people so hesitant to have this test?

"People are hesitant for several reasons," said gastroenterologist Dr. Darran Moxon. "Some anticipate pain involved but the majority of patients are asleep for the procedure and feel no discomfort. Others fear a lack of privacy, but the patient is covered while laying on his side."

For many the financial cost is a worry.

"The majority of insurance companies cover the cost of a colonoscopy if shown to be needed," Moxon said. "If someone has no insurance we can find ways to help them get screened."

Moxon agreed that most people fear the preparation more than the actual test.

"Most people hear from a friend how bad the prep was -- who would tell you it was easy?" he said. "Studies show the majority of people tolerate the drink to flush you out just fine."

Colon cancer screening usually begins at age 50 unless you have a first degree relative with colon cancer (begin at 40 or 10 years before they got it then every five years) or you have a change in bowel habits or significant blood in your bowel movements.

Sadly, sometimes colon cancer can occur without any symptoms. For me the polyps removed showed that one was the type that could become cancerous.

So call me the Katie Couric of Batavia, but I am now an advocate for colon cancer screening.

You may have to experience the pain of being the butt of other's jokes but it is no laughing matter. Schedule the test. It just might save your life.