How to go
What: Presentation by Dr. Patricia Raymond, comic gastroenterologist
When: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. today
Where: Mathile Theater, Schuster Center, Second and Main streets, Dayton
Admission: Free
Sponsored by: The American Cancer Society
More info: (800) 227-2345 or www.cancer.org
DAYTON — If you’ve had the procedure, then you know it’s no laughing matter, but colonoscopies seem to be the butt of jokes nevertheless.
The test, given under sedation, involves inserting a long, flexible instrument that allows your doctor to view the colon and rectum. You typically don’t remember much, but you won’t forget the prep, which involves an evening of constant travel to your closest bathroom. That’s because you need to be completely cleaned out so there’s a clear view.
Dr. Patricia Raymond, a gastroenterologist and national expert on colorectal screenings, has become known for poking fun at her own profession. She’ll appear at the Schuster Center in Dayton tonight, March 10, for a free presentation in honor of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.
The doctor who sings about colonoscopy as her alter ego, Butt Meddler, says she tries to help people have fun and remember the most important part of colonoscopies — they save lives.
“I attempt to bring a sense of whimsy to colonoscopy to counteract that natural ‘ick’ factor,” she says. “I encourage my patients, should their colonoscopy be scheduled for a holiday, to decorate their bottom to celebrate the day. Just get over it and have fun with it.”
She has authored books including “Don’t Jettison Medicine,” “Colonoscopy: It’ll Crack U Up!” and “Colonoscopy: It’s a Gas!”
Dr. Raymond is board certified and a fellow of both the American Colleges of Physicians and of Gastroenterology. She practices gastroenterology in Virginia Beach, Va.
“Show some intestinal fortitude,” she said. “Get your screening colonoscopy.”
Here’s more that’s important to know and not so humorous:
Colorectal cancer kills more people than any other cancer except for lung cancer. In Southwest Ohio alone, approximately 566 people die from the disease each year, with another 1,542 people diagnosed with the disease annually.
Regular colorectal cancer screening or testing, including colonoscopy, is one of the best ways to prevent colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer almost always starts with a polyp — a small precancerous growth on the lining of the colon or rectum — which can easily be removed during colonoscopy.
The American Cancer Society recommends that everyone talk to their doctor about colorectal cancer screenings starting at age 50. Options include:
• Colonoscopy every 10 years.
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years.
• Double-contrast barium enema every five years.
• CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy) every five years.
• Stool DNA (sDNA) test, interval uncertain.
• Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) every year.
• Fecal immunochemical test (FIT) every year.
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2440 or mmoss@Dayton DailyNews.com.
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