Colorectal Cancer Screening - Get Your Shit Checked
Trigger Warning
NSFW language used, Irreverent Humour, Images of Bodily Tissues Taken During a Medical Procedure - Images at BOTTOM of Page
My doctor told me they would always say to patients
Don’t Die of Embarrassment
(Diagram from actual Procedure Report, relevant photos at bottom of article )
TW - NSFW language used, Irreverent Humour, Images of Bodily Tissues Taken During a Medical Procedure - Images at BOTTOM of Page
My doctor told me they would always say to patients
Don’t Die of Embarrassment
Colorectal cancer kills
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common cause of cancer deaths in Canada. For those at average risk, screening usually starts at age 50. However, a disturbing trend has developed - late stage colorectal cancers are being diagnosed in people 45-50 before they are eligible for “average risk” screening.
“Canadians born after 1980 are 2 to 2.5 times more likely to be diagnosed with CRC before the age of 50 than previous generations at the same age.” Early-Age-Onset Colorectal Cancer in Canada: Evidence, Issues and Calls to Action
Many people do not get screened because it can be unsettling to get examined, a lot of people don't like to talk about their bowels. With the decline in our health care system in Alberta to such a shitty level, it is better to get screened so it can be found early.
Not all screening involves a colonoscopy.
The typical screening is a FIT (Fecal Immunochemical Test) test where you send in a sample of fecal matter. You use a wooden stick to collect the sample (cue the “shitty end of the stick” jokes), put it in a sample container and take it to the lab.
A FIT test is not enough in my case as I have a first degree relative (defined as a parent, sibling or child) who had colon cancer. They’re in remission but I’m at higher risk so I get a colonoscopy every 5 years. I had my third one last week.
Every time they found and removed polyps.
Every time I had no symptoms.
Late Stage Colorectal Cancer Has Shitty Survival Rates
The best way to beat cancer is to catch it early, that usually means before symptoms appear.
Stage III five year survival rates for colorectal cancer are pretty shitty; there’s a 1 in 3 (or 4) chance of death.
Stage IV, you might as well bend over and kiss your ass goodbye.
Stage 1 - Colon 92% Rectal 91%
Stage 2 - Colon 88% Rectal 79%
Stage 3 - Colon 68% Rectal 74%
Stage 4 - Colon 11% Rectal 13%
(Stats courtesy of the Canadian Cancer Society)
No Need to Fear the Colonoscopy
I’ve had three colonoscopies so far. The worst part is the preparation. The fasting is annoying but not as bad as the effects of the very strong laxatives; you will spend a lot of time on the toilet. My bottom was a wee bit sore.
The staff at the Endoscopy Clinic at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital (MHRH) are wonderful. They’re happy to answer any questions patients have, the anestheologist comes in and talks to you beforehand as well as the doctor doing the procedure.
Be truthful about any meds, over the counter medications and recreational substances you use.
They are not there to judge you, they won’t rat you out, they just want to make sure you don’t die.
When I was taken in the procedure room, I was knocked out before my ass was bared. To medical professionals, it’s just another body. They’ve seen it all, my ass is nothing special.
I’ve given birth to four children; I lost my sense of modesty around medical people a long time ago. That tends to happen when you have had everybody and their dog with their hand up in your vagina to check your cervical dilation. 😂
I remember being on the procedure table but the sedation left me with no memory of the procedure itself. They use some damn good drugs!
I made sure not to take photos of any staff or patients at the hospital.
Why I get Regular Colonoscopies
1 - My children and I watched Carl die of cancer (albeit a different kind). I am doing this for them. I also know that Carl would be pissed if I did not do it. I miss him every single day but I can wait to rejoin him.
2 - I have a first degree relative who had colon cancer and needed chemo. Chemo often makes hair fall out. While not having to shave my legs would be a bonus, I do love my long locks. 😁
3 - With our shitty health care system currently in the toilet, I am very scared to wait.
Carl had two different types of cancer about 30 years apart. The treatment he received back in 1989 was much quicker than the treatment he received in 2018. I have no confidence that I will be able to get diagnostic imaging and/ or treatment in a timely manner; I am too poor to pay for CT scans or MRIs.
So - ten years after the first colonoscopy - it’s possible those polyps could have turned cancerous if not discovered then. By finding and removing these growths now, it is preventing cancer. All of my family members live to be at least 90 so I can expect another six colonoscopies.
I had no symptoms - imagine if I did not know about my first degree relative, I never would have got the colonoscopy screening. I might not have discovered it until I had symptoms. As it is, the polyps are removed before they can cause issues.
Please Tell Your Family Of Your Diagnosis, You Might Save a Life
More Information
Screening For Life - Colorectal Cancer
Canadian Cancer Society - Colorectal Cancer
Colonoscopy Procedure Report Pics
Trigger Warning - pics show internal body parts and may be unsettling.
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2015 Colonoscopy #1
Two polyps removed. Biopsies showed nothing cancerous. The polyps are slow growing but could turn into cancer in the future, it typically takes 5-15 years.
2020 Colonoscopy #2
Two more polyps removed. Again, biopsies showed nothing cancerous.
2025 Colonoscopy #3
Two more polyps removed. Biopsy showed nothing cancerous. I had a hyperplastic polyp (they rarely turn into cancer), I also had a tubular adenoma (which can turn into cancer given enough time). It was negative for high-grade dysplasia - that means nothing precancerous was found.
