Yesterday was the big day – my annual physical. When you’re my age, teetering precariously toward my mid-40s, physicals are not something you look forward to. They usually end with the doctor informing you that your morning aches and pains are nothing to be alarmed about because they’re normal for your age, but yesterday’s annual physical was more interesting than usual!

My physical was first thing in the morning, so I started my day starring in a juggling act. I had to find someone to take my children to school, while answering e-mails via cell phone and rescheduling work meetings, and then for the grand finale, I had to navigate rush hour traffic like an Indy car driver so I wouldn’t be late to my appointment.

Once I arrived and made it back to the exam room, I was horrified to realize that Britney Spears had somehow managed to weave herself into the threads of my doctor’s office. It’s bad enough she’s tainted my favorite show, Glee, but I believe she literally designed my patient gown. Not only was it fitted, it wouldn’t pass any high school fingertip rule.

Then, after 30 minutes of trying to keep my paper mini in place while trying not to seem uncomfortable, (all which I know is very irrelevant since I was getting an annual physical) my doctor asked the big question:  Did your parents have polyps when they got screened?

Now, not a lot of people would understand the significance of this question, but since I work on the Stop Colon Cancer Now campaign I knew exactly where my doc was going. According to Stop Colon Cancer Now’s good friends, the Colon Cancer Alliance, people with a personal or family history of colon cancer, polyps, inflammatory bowel disease or are experiencing symptoms should be screened before the age of 50. (Please discuss your exact screening age with your health care professional.)

Since both my parents had polyps in their 50s, I needed to get my screening colonoscopy before I turned 50.

I am very lucky to have a doctor who knows what questions to ask during my annual physical. Unfortunately, not everyone is so lucky, so please pass on the message to Be Your Own Health Advocate.

  • Find out your family history
  • Let your physician know your family history
  • Get an annual physical as your doctor recommends
  • Ask your doctor during your annual physical if it’s time for your colonoscopy

Well, I’ve been talking the talk with Stop Colon Cancer Now, and now I am off to walk the walk and schedule my screening colonoscopy!

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