A few Dulcolax tablets and two bottles of Miralax are the makings of a really successful poop party. More mature people might refer to this as a “colonoscopy prep.” Either way, that’s what I had the pleasure of doing this week.
I have a family history of colon cancer, which means I get to start these parties at 40 instead of waiting until 45 with the “regular risk” population. I’m ok with that because prevention is the best medicine and early detection saves lives. Often, by the time colon cancer symptoms pop up, the disease is advanced. This was the case for my Mom.
Mom avoided getting a colonoscopy at 50 (the recommended age at that time) because it was unpleasant, and she didn’t check the box for a single colon cancer risk factor. She had zero family history of any cancer; didn’t smoke; consumed very little red meat; exercised; maintained a healthy weight; and needed zero prescription medications. Her vitamin D levels were low, but that’s a post for a different day. At 59, she began having persistent diarrhea and saw blood in her stool. A colonoscopy found a tumor, which led to a CT scan that showed the cancer had already spread to her liver. Stage 4. We lost her 2 years later when she was only 61 years young.
I am NOT telling this story to place blame or shame. I am reminding everyone that a poop party is far less unpleasant than an advanced cancer diagnosis. Polyps can be removed early before they ever develop into cancer. A colonoscopy is one of the most important things we can do to avoid cancer. Prevention doesn’t stop there though. Most cancers can be prevented through diet and lifestyle. That’s a very empowering fact. That means you have the power to optimize your health and reduce your risk of cancer. Here are a few of the most basic things you can do:
Subtract: · smoking · excessive alcohol use · stress · toxic people and relationships · processed foods and sugar sweetened beverages Add: · plenty of fiber rich, organic fruits and vegetables · movement and exercise · adequate, restful sleep · activities and people that bring you joy · a mindfulness and/or gratitude practice
Please, please get your routine colonoscopy at whatever age is appropriate for your circumstances. If you need help optimizing your health or diving into some of the more advanced practices that can reduce cancer risk, reach out.
PS – My colon was perfect, and my next poop party is in 5 years.
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