T.J. Samson | Destination Health | June 2018

June 2018 7 It’s a simple truth: A colonoscopy is one of those tests that just seems yucky. The prep work often isn’t pleasant, and you really don’t want to think too much about how the test is performed. Because of those reasons, maybe you’ve been putting off getting a colonoscopy or you’ve convinced yourself that you don’t need one. But it’s time to get over the yuck factor, and here’s why: This test could keep you from getting cancer. A colonoscopy can prevent cancer if your doctor finds precancerous growths called polyps.These can be removed during the test before they have a chance to turn into cancer. A colonoscopy can also find colorec- tal cancer early, when it’s easiest to treat. WHEN TO GET SCREENED If you’re at average risk for colorectal cancer: A colonoscopy is recommended for men and women every 10 years, beginning at age 50. If you’re at higher risk: You and your doctor may decide you need one earlier than 50 and more often than every 10 years. You fall into a higher risk category if: ●  ● You’ve had colon polyps or colorectal cancer, or you have a strong family history of either one. ●  ● You have a family history of a hereditary colorectal cancer syndrome, such as familial adenomatous polyposis or Lynch syndrome. ●  ● You have a personal history of inflamma- tory bowel disease, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. If you’re 75 or older: You may not need screening if you have been previously screened. Follow your doctor’s advice about whether or not to get tested. About one-third of U.S. adults who should be screened for colorectal cancer skip the test. Don’t be one of them. Lower your chances of getting the disease by get- ting screened. Sources: American Cancer Society; U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Colonoscopy Why you need one Turning 50 Personal history Heredity Digging in the dirt? Keep tetanus shots up- to-date Deciding what to plant shouldn’t be your only consideration if you’re putting in a garden this year. It’s also a good time to see if you need a tetanus shot. That’s the best way to protect against tetanus, the bacteria that cause lockjaw. Tetanus spores, which thrive in soil, can enter the body through a wound. Sometimes that happens with a deep puncture wound, like one you’d get from stepping on a nail. But you could also get tetanus if you cut or poke yourself on a gardening tool or a thorny bush. In fact, doing any kind of yard work that includes digging could possibly expose you to tetanus. And since tetanus is potentially fatal (and it has no cure), you really do need to keep your tetanus immunizations up-to-date. You may have already had a tetanus shot before it was combined with a vaccine to protect against other diseases, like diphtheria or whooping cough. But protection against tetanus fades with time. That’s why even adults who’ve been vaccinated still need a booster shot every 10 years. Ask your doctor if it’s time for you to get a booster shot. Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Immunization Action Coalition