Colonoscopy exams can save lives

By Kris Sargent

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Women in Iowa have the highest incidence of colorectal cancer in the nation. As an oncology nurse, I've pulled every trick out of my hat to convince friends, family, patients and anyone within earshot of how important it is to schedule a colonoscopy to screen for cancer.

Last spring, as I neared my 50th birthday, I prepared to schedule a colonoscopy. In preparing for Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, observed in March, I offered to have my colonoscopy videotaped and shown live on the Web. You can see for yourself at Mercy Medical Center's site, www.mercycare.org, or also see a rebroadcast on KCRG-TV9 at 1 p.m. March 26.

What prompted me to take this unusual step was to illustrate how critical I consider this test. I have been an oncology nurse my entire nursing career, more than 25 years. Education is a priority of mine. I have seen far too many people die of colon cancer. At Mercy, we're always looking for new ways to raise awareness of the need for colonoscopies. So last March, when I reached my milestone year of 50, I wanted to practice what I preach. I know that many people are afraid of this test because of its potential results. I figured if I could help one person, it would be worth it.

Thankfully, my physician, Dr. Dean Abramson, agreed to narrate the procedure. He was the real educator here. Throughout the 30-minute procedure, he discussed risk factors of colon cancer and lifestyle choices that play a key role in prevention. Smoking, excessive use of alcohol, obesity, diets high in fat and/or low in fiber, and sedentary lifestyle increase the risk for this disease.

When the video was broadcast live last May, it was viewed by 1,200 people. It also aired on several local news outlets. I've heard many positive comments, including some who said it prompted them to schedule their own test.

The purpose is to look for polyps that have the potential to become cancerous. If any are discovered, they are immediately removed.

During my colonoscopy, two polyps were found and removed. One polyp was benign but the other was an adenoma, which can turn into cancer. It shows that early detection is key.

If you have no family history of colon cancer, get screened at age 50. But if you have a close relative, sibling or parent who's had colon cancer, you should be screened at age 40 or 10 years before that relative had cancer, whichever comes first. If you're experiencing blood in your stool, changes in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss or abdominal pain, schedule a colonoscopy.

Kris Sargent is an Oncology Nurse Navigator at Mercy Medical Center's Regional Cancer Center. Comments: ksargent@mercycare.org