ROCKPORT and BELFAST — “A routine screening for colorectal cancer may seem unnerving but is one of the most important preventative procedures a person can undergo,” said Pen Bay Medical Center and Waldo County General Hospital, in a news release.

As it recognizes Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month this March, Pen Bay and Waldo are joining the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in encouraging those 45 years and older to talk with their primary care provider about regular screenings.

“It’s important to get screened early even if you feel healthy, as symptoms of colorectal cancer may not be obvious,” said the hospitals. “According to the CDC, if discovered and treated early, nine out of 10 people diagnosed with colon cancer are still alive five years later.”

According to the American Cancer Society, the overall rate of people diagnosed each year has declined since the mid-1980s due to screenings, better treatments and changes in lifestyle risk factors including:

-Lack of physical activity
-Diet low in fruits and vegetables
-Low fiber and high-fat diets
-Overweight and obesity
-Alcohol consumption
-Tobacco use
 

Other risk factors include:

-Personal or family history
-Inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
-A genetic syndrome such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (Lynch syndrome)
 

While colorectal cancer rates have been declining overall, rates in people younger than 50 have increased in recent years, and colon cancer remains the second leading cancer killer in the United States.

How to Prepare for Your Colonoscopy

The time spent preparing for a colonoscopy may not be pleasant, but the peace-of-mind that can follow this important screening is well worth it for you and your family.

“The preparation is just as important as the procedure, because if it is not up to par, polyps and lesions can be missed and the colonoscopy may take longer, increasing the risk of complications,” said Kirk Bernadino, MD, medical director of Pen Bay’s Gastroenterology department.

In some cases, a poor prep regiment may require that the entire prep process be repeated.

A few days before your colonoscopy, start eating a low-fiber diet (no whole grains, nuts, seeds, or raw fruits and vegetables), and the day before the procedure consume only clear liquids (such as water, clear broth, black coffee or tea). Finally, on the day of, continue to drink clear liquids, but stop two to four hours before your screening. Do not drink alcohol anytime during the prep process, even though it may be clear, because it can cause complications.

The evening before and morning of the colonoscopy, a laxative will be needed to completely clear out the colon. Laxative options have increased over the years and your primary care provider will prescribe the best one for you.

Arrange for the time and privacy you need to complete the preparation so your comfort level is high and stress level low. Other tips include:

-Keep a variety of clear liquids on hand
-Wear loose clothing and stay near the bathroom
-Stock up on gentle toilet paper
-Arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure 

Be sure to receive your prep instructions well before your procedure date, read them completely and follow the directions. Contact your primary care provider with any questions to help alleviate concerns you may have.

For more information about colorectal cancer screening and treatment, go to mainehealth.org/colorectalscreening or cdc.gov/cancer/colorectal.

About Pen Bay Medical Center

Pen Bay Medical Center is part of MaineHealth, a not-for-profit integrated health system consisting of eight local hospital systems, a comprehensive behavioral healthcare network, diagnostic services, home health agencies, and more than 1,600 employed and independent physicians working together through an Accountable Care Organization. With more than 19,000 employees, MaineHealth is the largest health system in northern New England and provides preventive care, diagnosis and treatment to 1.1 million residents in Maine and New Hampshire. For more information, please visit pbmc.org.

Waldo County General Hospital

Waldo County General Hospital is part of MaineHealth, a not-for-profit integrated health system consisting of eight local hospital systems, a comprehensive behavioral healthcare network, diagnostic services, home health agencies, and more than 1,600 employed and independent physicians working together through an Accountable Care Organization. With more than 19,000 employees, MaineHealth is the largest health system in northern New England and provides preventive care, diagnosis and treatment to 1.1 million residents in Maine and New Hampshire. For more information, please visit wcgh.org.