When I was 5-years-old I was afraid of the boogey man. When I was 16, it was the highway patrol. At 30, I feared gray hair. At 40—parenting teenagers, and now that I am creeping, very slowly, toward 50, my fear has changed again. I now fear the words “it’s time for your colonoscopy!”

Out of all people, you would think that I, someone who works for a colon cancer awareness campaign, would be the last to fear a colonoscopy, but I am not alone in my fear. I have mentioned it before, and I will say it again: Fear is one of the top reasons why people put off their colonoscopy.

Just in case you don’t believe, read this article: Quick. Painless. Lifesaving. Still, fear factor keeps many away from colonoscopy.

Fear is a natural part of life. It is okay to fear the unknown, but it’s not okay to let that fear stop you. Now that I am older, I have to suck it up and learn to once again put my fear behind me. But how?

I Talk to Myself (I was always told if you want the best information, listen to yourself.)

  • Consider the Alternative: I tell myself that instead of avoiding a colonoscopy, I have to realize this single procedure is the best way to diagnose and treat colon cancer. If caught early, colon cancer is more than 90 percent curable, so if you’re over 50 or have a family history of colon cancer or polyps it’s time to get your butt to the gastroenterologist and get screened.
  • Research: Fear grows from the unknown, so I did extensive research on colonoscopies and learned that it is the gold standard for colon cancer screening. I also learned that if I have a polyp, they can remove it during my screening!  No going back for another procedure.  BONUS!
  • Change the Way You Think: Only you can change how you think and feel about a colonoscopy. So every time a little bit of fear starts creeping in, I quickly make a light-hearted joke about the procedure. Laughter is fear’s worse enemy, and really, there’s a lot of great humor about butts.

So, remember if you’re 50 (or at your appropriate screening age), it’s time to take responsibility for your health. Schedule your colonoscopy today. Make no butts about it; it could save your life.

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