Have you had your Colonoscopy? March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month
As nurses, we understand the importance of health screenings. We check our eyes, do blood work, and get pap smears, but over the years we have added colonoscopy to the list. Getting a colonoscopy can save a person’s life. March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month, and the goal is to educate people about colon cancer and eliminate the stigma surrounding colonoscopies.
SpecialtiesGastroenterologyArticle
I’ve been a GI nurse for about 25 of my 27 years of nursing and I have seen a multitude of changes take place. The proficiency of a colonoscopy has improved as scopes have become more flexible with high definition cameras that lead to an increased adenoma detection rate. Now that screening colonoscopy is paid for by insurance, more people are getting one and lives are being saved. But there still remains a societal imputation around the test that hopefully over time will disappear with education and awareness.
March 24 - 28 is GI nurses week this year, so if you know a GI nurse, please celebrate with them. SGNA is the national organization for GI nurses that sets the guidelines for standards of practice and provides many services with the most important being education about gastroenterology.
There are many opportunities in your community to serve as a volunteer or participant at a colon cancer awareness event. Here in Chattanooga, we have the Rump Run on March 9th. It is a run or walk event with a bouncy house and face painting for the kids, and a large colon to walk through that exhibits different types of colon polyps and cancers. Colon cancer survivors are the highlighted guests of the day as they share their stories to help spread awareness. It is a fun way to spend a Saturday morning.
The reason a colon screening is so important is that very often there are no symptoms when a person has colon cancer. There may not be any visible bleeding or pain and therefore some cases of colon cancer are not detected until there is an occluding tumor or metastasis. Educate your circle of friends and family to talk to their doctor about when they should get a colonoscopy. The first time screening is at age 50 except for African Americans who should get one at 45, and of course those with a family history.
Some of you may have read or heard that colon cancer is on the increase in younger people. The highest increase has been seen in the age group of 20s. Although the exact cause is not known, genetics and environmental factors are thought to play a role. These younger patients are more likely to die from the diagnosis than older patients (Priedt, 2018).
Some signs and symptoms that we can tell our patients to watch for is blood in the stool, diarrhea and constipation, abdominal cramps, and the feeling that aren’t empty after a bowel movement. If one of your patients, friends or family has unexplained weight loss, fatigue, and jaundice, make sure they make an appointment to see their doctor right away. These are signs of advanced colon cancer and they need to be addressed.
Most of us have known someone affected by colon cancer, and the fright that diagnosis can bring. We lift up those going through the trenches of surgery, chemo and radiation in our prayers. Also, we celebrate the survivors, those who have been in the pit and are now on the other side. Many survivors give back by telling their story and educating their community. March is the month to highlight these wonderful people and one by one, save a life.
I am proud to be a GI nurse and I learn something all the time. I have come to respect the GI system and how important it is to our bodies. Research is continually realizing all that the GI system does for us and how we treat it is so important. What we eat and drink really does matter. Celebrate Colon Cancer awareness month in your unit or office this year and make it an annual event. Participate or volunteer in a local event, it is rewarding and not to mention a lot of fun!
Are you a colon cancer survivor? If so, please share your story with us.
