10 yanktonmedicalclinic.com wasn’t as bad as they thought it was going to be.” ‘This saves lives’ “If I can help someone who’s on the fence about having a colonoscopy or they’re worried about it and thinking they’ll put it off further, I would say better safe than sorry,” Hovden says. “I had no symptoms whatsoever. I should have had it at 45. I have had friends that have had colon cancer at a young age. I was very much of the opinion it wouldn’t happen to me. For some reason, I decided this March I was going to do it even though I had no symptoms.” All three doctors point out that most insurance companies fully cover colonoscopies and that the effort is well worth it in the end. “The fact of the matter is that this saves lives, and people need to do it,” Dr. Kampshoff says. Take action now— don’t let another year pass you by! If you’re 45 or older and at average risk for colon cancer, it’s time for a colonoscopy. It’s simple to schedule a colonoscopy at Yankton Medical Clinic. Just call 605-664-2742. —Continued from page 9 ‘I need to get my story out there’ Your colonoscopy If you’re 45 and haven’t had a colonoscopy yet, it’s time to start getting them scheduled. A colonoscopy helps prevent and detect colon cancer. It allows doctors to remove polyps (growths) in the colon or rectum before they turn into cancer. If cancer has developed, the screening test may help your provider find it early, when treatment is most likely to be successful. What is getting a colonoscopy like? Here are seven things to know. things to know 1 There’s homework. Before a colonoscopy, follow your doctor’s “bowel prep” directions, which may involve taking laxatives and drinking plenty of water for a day or so. The goal is to clean out your colon so your provider can see clearly during the test. 2 A colonoscopy doesn’t take long. The test itself lasts about 30 minutes. It’s an outpatient procedure. You won’t need to stay overnight in a hospital. 3 You’ll need to fast. By a certain time before the test, you will be instructed to avoid eating or drinking anything. 4 You won’t feel it. During the test, you will be asked to lie on your side. Your doctor will insert a colonoscope—a thin, flexible tube—into the rectum and pass it through the entire colon. But it won’t hurt. In fact, you may not even feel or remember it, because you will be sedated. 5 Colonoscopy is safe. Complications are rare. 6 You’ll need a ride home. Since you will be sedated during your colonoscopy, it won’t be safe to drive right after it. 7 You won’t need to repeat the test often. If polyps aren’t present, you can wait as long as 10 years before your next colonoscopy. If polyps were present, ask your doctor when you’ll need to repeat the test. Ask your provider when you should start having colonoscopies. Need a checkup? Your primary care provider can help you get the care you need to stay well, like scheduling a colonoscopy. Don’t have a doctor? Turn to our directory on pages 6 and 7 or the back page. You can also use our “Find a Provider” tool at yanktonmedicalclinic.com/ find-a-provider.
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