Kathryn Spradling isn’t afraid to ask people about their colon health.
The endoscopic nurse has even struck up conversations with people on cruise ships and asked if they’ve had a colonoscopy.
“I just really want to get the word out to others to get screened at 45 or possibly sooner because of maybe family history or symptoms they might be experiencing,” said Spradling, who posed the question to several people on March 25 as they passed through an inflatable colon at a professional building at Wellstar MCG Health.
The building contains the center where colonoscopies are performed. March is national colorectal cancer awareness month.
“The beauty about colorectal cancer is that it’s one of the only preventable cancers,” said Dr. Viveksandeep Thoguluva Chandrasekar, a gastroenterologist.
Despite that, it’s the third most common cancer and results in the second most cancer-related deaths.
Colonoscopies are what he calls the “gold standard” when it comes to screenings and early detection. It’s recommended that people start colon screenings at 45. Previously, it was 50, but more colon cancer has been found in younger people, he said.
“We’re looking for polyps which are small outgrowths that a precancerous,” he said.
During a colonoscopy, they can be easily removed if they are found early thereby preventing them from growing and possibly becoming cancerous.
While some colon cancer risk factors are genetic, Thoguluva Chandrasekar said there are lifestyle changes people can make to reduce their risk.
The American Cancer Society suggests eating more fruits, vegetables and whole grains, avoiding red and processed meats, sugary drinks and refined grains, being physically active, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding tobacco and secondhand smoke and avoiding or limiting alcohol.
Although it’s something people might not want to talk about, prepping for the procedure is one of the most important parts. Cleaning out the colon allows the physician to get a better look at the colon tissue.
The inflatable colon showed different sections of tissue and possible problems that could be detected.
Spradling said she thought the visual was a good way to raise awareness.
“It’s a little cartoonish, but it gets people drawn in to at least come in and talk,” she said.
The Boston Scientific display has traveled to other hospitals in March.
Charmain Z. Brackett, the publisher of Augusta Good News and Inspiring: Women of Augusta, has covered Augusta’s news for more than 35 years. She’s a Georgia Press Association award winner. Reach her at charmain@augustagoodnews.com. Sign up for the newsletter here.
