By Dr. Rucha Shah | Thoughts on Innovation
While most people associate March with college hoops and office pools, it’s also Colon Cancer Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to talk about something many of us would rather avoid like a buzzer beater knocking out our top pick – a colonoscopy.
I get it. The prep can feel like the worst part. Luckily, the hard part is done and then you get to have a restful nap while we prevent color cancer.
As a gastroenterologist, I promise it doesn’t have to be awful. With a little planning and a few insider tips from people who do this every day, you can get through it feeling more comfortable and confident. You might even feel proud of how prepared you are – after all, we give out a grading to let you know how well you cleaned out. And that’s a win worth toasting with a glass of clear electrolyte drink.
Let’s walk through it together.
A Clean Colon Is a Happy Colon (and a More Accurate One)
A colonoscopy isn’t just a screening. It’s a chance to catch precancerous polyps before they turn into something more serious. But for us to see clearly, your colon has to be clean. That’s where prep comes in and why following it closely is so important.
Starting a few days before your procedure, you’ll switch to a low-fiber diet. That means skipping roughage and focusing on simpler foods like eggs, white rice, and plain yogurt. I always tell my patients: if it crunches like a seed, we’ll probably see it in there. So avoid nuts, corn, popcorn and seeds, even those sneaky little chia ones.
Water helps more than you think. Even before you start drinking your prep solution, staying hydrated makes the process easier on your body. It keeps everything moving and balances out the effects of the laxative.
And yes, that prep drink. It’s not anyone’s favorite flavor, but there are ways to make it less intense. Chill it. Sip it through a straw. Add safe flavor packets (just steer clear of red or purple ones (they can look like blood on the scope). A little effort here can go a long way.
Set yourself Up for Success
Colonoscopy prep takes a little planning. I tell people to treat it like a mini staycation in the bathroom. Stock it with soft toilet paper, wipes, a good playlist, and maybe even a scented candle. Keep your schedule light that evening, and don’t stray far from home base.
Stick to clear liquids all day – broth, electrolyte drinks, tea, apple juice, and even plain Jell-O (again, no red or purple). When in doubt, if you can see through it, it’s usually safe.
If you’re on medications, check in with your doctor about what to pause and what to keep taking. And don’t wait until the last minute to pick up your prep, get it early so you’re not scrambling the night before.
After the procedure, most patients say the sedation feels like the best nap ever. Once you’re home and awake, take a shower to clean off, ease back into eating with something gentle. Soup, toast, or scrambled eggs are great options for that first meal.
The Real Message Behind All This
Here’s what I really want you to take away from this. Colonoscopies save lives. They’re not just for when something’s wrong, they’re a powerful tool to keep you healthy. If you’re 45 or older, now’s the time to get screened. If someone you love is putting it off, remind them it’s easier than they think and absolutely worth it.
Colon cancer is one of the most preventable types of cancer. Sadly, it has become the leading cause of cancer related deaths in men and women under age 50. The earlier we catch it, the easier it is to treat. And often, we can remove suspicious polyps before they ever turn into cancer.
So during Colon Cancer Awareness Month, I’m encouraging everyone to take their shot. Talk to your doctor. Schedule your screening exam. And when it’s prep time, know that you’re not alone, we’re cheering you on every step of the way.
Bottoms up!
Editor’s Note: Dr. Rucha Shah is a board-certified gastroenterologist with HonorHealth. She graduated from Northwestern University before getting her medical degree at Chicago Medical School.
