Improving The Perception Of Colonoscopy

Posted Jan 24, 2023 under:

The procedure can help detect any issues early on, which can prevent them from becoming more serious and costly to treat in the future.

A colonoscopy is an important screening tool for colon cancer, which is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. By having a colonoscopy, you are taking a proactive step to protect your health and detect any potential issues early on.

Patients may skip getting a colonoscopy for a variety of reasons, including fear and anxiety about the procedure

It's important for people to know that colonoscopy is a very safe procedure and the benefits of having it done outweigh the risks. The procedure is done under sedation, so the patient is typically unaware of what is happening during the procedure and does not feel any pain.

This piece was last updated on 5/17/24 to reflect current information and statistics.

Do your patients cringe when you suggest a routine colonoscopy? You are not alone. It is a common perception of colonoscopy, as many gastroenterologists see their patients clench up at the mere thought of the procedure.

Colonoscopy is an important screening test for colorectal cancer, of course, but a large percentage of patients skip the procedure. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that about one in three adults aged 50 to 75 had not undergone any type of colorectal cancer testing as recommended by the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF).

Negative attitudes about colonoscopy may contribute to non-attendance. Worse still, negative perceptions about this important screening test may ultimately prevent patients from getting the care they need during the early stages of colorectal cancer. This is particularly critical as early detection is when the disease is most treatable.

Barriers to colorectal screening include patients’ embarrassment about the procedure, anxiety over the prep, concerns about complications, and even fear of learning that they have cancer. Fortunately, you can take steps to improve public perception of colonoscopy.

Want to learn more about colonoscopies? Check out our Debunking with SCA Health series.

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