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www.FredericksburgParent.NET 23 DON'T LET FEAR KEEP YOU AWAY Despite what many may think, colonoscopy is an easy process. Patients are sedated, com- fortable, and unaware of the procedure as it is taking place. "We have wonderful anesthetists giving anesthetic for it, and you are 100% comfortable for the procedure," Dr. Geisler said. In the past, colonoscopies have gotten a bad rap for the bowel-clearing preparation patients must drink before the procedure. Geisler said this cleanout has come a long way since the days when patients had to consume "a big gallon jug of awfulness." "The prep is tremendously better, and much better tolerated," he emphasized. With his patients, Geisler uses a prep that is mixed into a quart of Gatorade. "It tastes pretty much like Gatorade," he said. Patients do need to have a friend or family member drive them to and from the procedure because they will be sedated. For those who are nervous, Geisler urges them to talk to a doctor about their fears— because the potential downside of skipping screening is too high to let fear be a barrier. "If you are the least bit concerned about a colonoscopy, come in for a talk," he said. "We can put your concerns to rest." Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused individuals to put off cancer screen- ings and other important preventative health procedures due to a fear of contracting the virus. But early detection is so important that you are actually putting yourself at much greater risk by delaying screening. Mary Washington Healthcare officials stress that facilities are safe, and that every precau- tion is being taken to ensure individuals can continue to receive these screenings with very little risk of virus exposure. BE ACTIVE, EAT WELL While everybody should be screened for colorectal cancer once they reach the age of 45, choosing a healthy, active lifestyle can reduce your risk. "Aim for plenty of water and juice every day, aim for plenty of fiber in your diet and get out and be healthy and active," Dr. Geisler says. That means choosing high-fiber fruits, vegetables and whole grains over processed foods and meats, and getting regular exercise. If you are 45 and have not scheduled your first colonoscopy, or if you have a family his- tory or symptoms that might make earlier screenings necessary, consult your primary care physician or call Mary Washington Healthcare's HealthLink representatives at 540-741- 1404. Visit cancer.mwhc.com for more information. According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is expected to cause about 52,980 deaths during 2021. Although the overall death rate for these cancers has been dropping for decades, deaths from colorectal cancer among people younger than 55 have increased 1% per year from 2008 to 2017. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused indivdiuals to put off cancer screenings... Daniel Geisler, MD Colorectal Surgeon at Mary Washington Hospital and Stafford Hospital The following screening guidelines are recommended by the Mary Washington Healthcare Regional Cancer Center Colorectal Clinical Team: § Colonoscopy is recommended as the best method for colorectal cancer screening, and unlike other methods, colonoscopy can prevent colorectal cancer. § Routine screening starts at age 45 and can continue to age 80-85. § If you have a first-generation rel- ative with colorectal cancer, your screening should begin ten years before the age of your relative at diagnosis. § Frequency of screening is based on previous screening find- ings, genetic predisposition for colorectal cancer and physician recommendations.