You wouldn’t think the World Series and colonoscopy had anything to do with each other. But for me it did. When my doctor suggested I have a colonoscopy, I said I’d do it when the Red Sox won the World Series. At the time, they hadn’t done it in 86 years and I thought I was safe. That year the Red Sox won the 2004 World Series and I went in for my test. It wasn’t bad at all and I know I don’t have colon cancer.
But I’m not the only person who looks for a way to put off a colonoscopy, even though it can detect the second most common cause of cancer death when it is still a precancerous polyp. According to the CDC, 1 in 3 adults between the ages of 50 and 75 are not up-to-date with colorectal cancer screening as of 2010. Reasons why people don’t get screened for colorectal cancer include—
• A health care provider didn’t tell them they should get screened.
• They don’t realize that everyone’s risk increases with age.
• They don’t have health insurance or a health care provider.
• They fear the test, or fear the test will be positive for cancer.
To help people overcome their fear, I wrote a colonoscopy song and play it for you on the video below. It’s part of HealthRock; kind of like Schoolhouse Rock but for health. My idea is that if people can sing about something, they can talk about it. And if they can talk about it, they can do something about it.
Before March, which is Colon Cancer Awareness Month slips away, I want to encourage you one more time to get your colonoscopy. I’ve included the words below. The first verse tells you why you need one. The second verse tells you the signs and symptoms. The third verse explains about the preparation and why it’s important. The chorus sums it up. Enjoy the video. Have you had a colonoscopy? Comment on why you decided to get one. If not, comment on why not. Since it’s been 10 years, you guessed it – the Red Sox won the World Series again and I’ve got to get another colonoscopy.
Colonoscopy Song – Light At The End Of Your Tunnel
Colon cancer’s silent, but it’s killer number two
Silently a-growing deep inside of you
But if you catch it early, you’ll be cancer free
That’s why when you’re 50, get a colonoscopy
(Chorus)
You need a light at the end of your tunnel
Searching for a bump in the road
In order to see with more clarity
First you’ve got to lighten your load
Each year have your doctor check for occult blood in you
And tell them about bright red blood or dark and tarry poo
If colon cancer or polyps run in your family
You need to schedule a colonoscopy
(Repeat Chorus)
‘Cause if your colon’s loaded, it’s not much of a view
But enemas and liquid meds will flush it out of you
Next day when it’s empty, your doctor can see
Just in time for you to have your colonoscopy
(Repeat Chorus)
© Mache Seibel, MD (ASCAP) HealthRock Publishing
I’ve created a free singing colonoscopy eCard with a snippet of the colonoscopy song that you can sent to a friend or loved one to encourage them to get a light at the end of their tunnel. Please like and share. For more info on women’s health and menopause visit MyMenopauseMag.com.
