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Colonoscopy
Just do it
It’s easy
to come up with reasons to delay having a
colonoscopy.
For instance: “I feel fine—I don’t need one.”
Or: “I’m too busy. I’ll have one when things slow down.”
Or perhaps: “Whoops, can’t make my appointment. I
forgot I have tickets to [fill in the name of your favorite
event] next week. I’ll do it next year.”
Although undergoing a colonoscopy is certainly no
picnic, there are good reasons to get the test, such as:
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It’s not a painful procedure.
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The sedative medication given beforehand works so
well that most people have no memory of the experience.
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After it’s done, you probably won’t need another test
for 10 years.
But the best reason to schedule a colonoscopy is that
the test is so effective. Not only can it spot signs of colorec-
tal cancer early, when it’s easiest to treat, but it also allows
doctors to remove abnormal growths (polyps) before they
have a chance to become cancer.
When to have the test
Both cancer and gastroen-
terology experts recommend that most people have their
first colonoscopy at age 50. If you’re African American,
you’re at increased risk for the disease, so you’re advised
to have the test starting at age 45. Other factors that may
increase the risk for colorectal cancer include:
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A family history of the disease or of polyps.
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A personal history of inflammatory bowel disease, like
Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis.
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A personal history of colorectal cancer or polyps.
If any of the above applies to you, your doctor may
suggest earlier or more frequent screenings than for
someone at average risk for the disease.
What you can expect
There are different ways to
prepare for a colonoscopy. All of them involve cleaning
out your colon, or large bowel, before the procedure.
This bowel prep often requires a liquid diet for one or
more days before the test and then a series of laxatives
or an enema the night before.
On the day of the test, you’ll be given a sedative. Once
you’re relaxed, the doctor will insert a thin, flexible tube
(a colonoscope) into your rectum. At the tip of the colo-
noscope is a light and tiny video camera, which sends
video images of your colon onto a computer screen.
If your doctor sees anything unusual, such as a polyp,
he or she can pass tools through the scope to remove it
or take a sample for testing.
The exam usually takes less than an hour. You’ll be in
recovery for another hour or so, and you’ll need someone
to drive you home when you’re released.
Talk to your doctor
Make time to have a frank
discussion with your doctor about your risk for colorec-
tal cancer. He or she can give you more good reasons to
schedule this important test.
Sources: American Cancer Society; American College of Gastroenterology; National Digestive
Diseases Information Clearinghouse
To schedule an appointment with
one of our surgeons, please call
Samaritan Clinic General Surgery
Department at 793-9785.
W
e l l n e s s
Hormone therapy:
The pros and cons
Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT)
was once considered the answer for
many health problems women face
as they age.
In 2002, however, a Women’s
Health Initiative (WHI) study
showed that MHT, in this case a
specific formulation of estrogen
and progestin, increased the risk
for breast cancer, heart disease,
strokes and blood clots.
Studies are ongoing, but doctors
still offer MHT for those women
whose quality of life is harmed
by menopausal symptoms. Cur-
rent MHT guidelines recommend
the lowest effective dose for the
shortest amount of time necessary.
Risks and benefits must be carefully
balanced.
Before considering MHT, you
should talk with your doctor about:
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The benefits and risks for you
personally.
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What the WHI study results
mean.
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All of your possible treatment
options.
You are not a candidate for
MHT if you have a history of breast
cancer or blood clots or if you have
ongoing cardiac risks, such as heart
disease.
Menopause has
long been referred to as “the
change of life.” For most women, it is just one of life’s
many ongoing changes.
The average age that women go through menopause
is 51. The body slows production of estrogen and proges-
terone, two female hormones, and reproductive ability
comes to an end.
Menopause is a completely natural part of aging, not
a disease or a condition that needs to be managed or
treated. However, the lowered levels of hormones associ-
ated with menopause may lead to bothersome symptoms
and increased health risks.
Educating yourself about menopause may help prepare
you for the possible symptoms. Visiting your doctor to dis-
cuss your reproductive and overall health can set the stage
for you to be healthier during the menopausal transition.
Common symptoms
Each woman experiences the
transition to menopause differently, but certain symp-
toms affect nearly all women sooner or later. The first
thing most women notice as menopause approaches is a
change in their periods, which may be shorter or longer,
lighter or heavier. (You officially reach menopause when
you have gone one year without having a period.)
Other common menopause symptoms include:
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Hot
flashes and night sweats.
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Vaginal dryness.
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Sleep
disturbances. There are many ways to ease these symp-
toms. Talk to your doctor to find out what is right for you.
Health risks
Once women reach menopause, risk
increases for osteoporosis and heart disease.
To help reduce your risk for these problems, discuss
your health history with your doctor and make sure you
are getting all recommended screening tests. Your doctor
should also regularly check your blood pressure, choles-
terol levels and bone density.
Certain lifestyle changes, recommended by the National
Institute on Aging (NIA), can help strengthen your general
health after menopause. For example:
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Don’t smoke. If you do, quit.
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Eat a healthy diet low in fat, high in fiber, and with
lots of fruits and vegetables.
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Get enough calcium and vitamin D.
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Watch your weight, and get plenty of exercise.
For more information about menopause, go to
www.nia.nih.gov
and search for “menopause.”
The providers at Samaritan’s Women’s
Health Center are ready to help you.
Call 793-9786 for an appointment.
Menopause
Take charge of your health
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T h e S a m a r i t a n