WomenAnd Colonoscopies—Five Ways To MakeIt Easier (NAPS)—While colon cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths among women, manylives could be saved if more women were screened. The problem is, many women don’t schedule a colonoscopy because they don’t think they need one, while others don’t want to endure the preparation for it. That’s why StopColon CancerNow.com is urging all women 50 and older and those who are not yet 50 but have a family history of colon cancer or polyps to get screened. “Being screened at the appropriate time for colon cancer can actually preventit,” said Dr. Lisa Pichney, gastroenterologist and member of StopColonCancerNow.com. “Women need to understand that colon cancer screenings are as important as any other regular medical test. It can save yourlife.” While more than 80 percent of womennationally routinely schedule mammograms and Pap smears, only about 60 percent of women over 50 are screened for colon cancer. These tips may make a colonoscopyeasier: e Wear Your Boxers Backwards. If modesty is a concern, wear a pair of boxers backwards. Some gastroenterologists offer papershorts to keep you covered. Grab Diaper Rash Cream and Wet Wipes. To cut down on irritation during prep, apply diaper rash cream before and after every trip to the bathroom and use flushable wet wipes. e Make The Prep An Event. Schedule your colonoscopy on the same day as a friend. Going through preparation and proce- easier. Drink Up. To maketheliquid you must drink to clean out your colon more palatable, hold your nose, use a straw, keep the liquid cold and gulp it down. Celebrate. The day after your colonoscopy, go someplace special and celebrate the step you've taken towardbetter health. “The bottom line is, women must take care of this,” said Pichney. “Womenare trailblazers and that means chances are good if you have your colonoscopy, then your spouse, friends and everyone else important in your life will also. So youre not just doing it for yourself, you're doing it for everyone you love.” About StopColonCancer Now.com StopColonCancerNow.com is working through more than 700 member physicians to increase screenings through patient education, primary care physician outreach and special events. One of the campaign’s objectives is to help the public overcome barriers associated with colon cancer screenings.
