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By Mel Rothenburger

ARMCHAIR MAYOR

ROTHENBURGER: The medical procedure everybody’s too embarrassed to talk about

Jul 20, 2023 | 5:08 AM

WENT IN FOR my colonoscopy this week. Too much information?

The reason I mention it is that I hear so many people who have never had one, quake at the very thought. So, without getting too detailed, let me tell you a little bit about the experience and why you shouldn’t worry when it’s your turn.

This wasn’t my first one, but it was the first in quite a few years, and it’s not nearly as scary as you probably think it is.

Some say the preparation is worse than the procedure and maybe they’re right. Before you go in, you have to be squeaky clean, if you get my drift, and that involves a few days of inconvenience.

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At the hospital, the nurses and doctors are terrific. The care is first rate — all very professional but friendly — and you can choose sedation or not.

Let’s face it, there’s no dignity to this invasive procedure but there’s no point in being embarrassed about it. It’s nothing the healthcare providers haven’t seen before, pretty much every day.

Nevertheless, many folks find it impossible not to be squeamish. And that’s a problem.

A colonoscopy is the surest way of knowing what’s going on in there. Last year, 9,400 Canadians died from colorectal cancer. Twenty-six every day.

But with early diagnosis, the survival rate is 91 per cent. If detected late, mortality is high.

The day I went in, it looked to me that the demographic tilted toward mid-40s and up and the ratio of men to women was about 50-50.

Colonoscopies used to be recommended every five years for people over 50 but I’m told it’s now generally 10 years for people in good health.

The point is, stop being afraid of it and don’t be afraid to talk about it. It’s a bummer but it’s more fun than the dentist. If your doctor recommends it, do it. It could save your life.

I’m Mel Rothenburger, the Armchair Mayor.

Mel Rothenburger is a regular contributor to CFJC Today, publishes the ArmchairMayor.ca opinion website, and is a recipient of the Jack Webster Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award. He has served as mayor of Kamloops, school board chair and TNRD director, and is a retired daily newspaper editor. He can be reached at mrothenburger@armchairmayor.ca.

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or Pattison Media.