Mayim Bialik, the famous 47-year-old host of Jeopardy!, is using her platform to promote the importance of colonoscopies. The actress recently shared a video on Facebook from the hospital, wearing a hospital gown, in which she openly discussed her upcoming colonoscopy.
In the video, Bialik reassured fans that she is fine but is undergoing a routine procedure recommended for people of a certain age. She explained that she decided to make a video about it because she believes that talking about these topics is crucial for people to pay attention to their physical well-being, which is closely connected to their mental well-being.
Bialik also expressed her desire to remove the stigma surrounding routine medical procedures that society should be comfortable discussing. She stated that colonoscopies are not as bad as people may think and even offered tips to make the experience less unpleasant in a later post.
But what exactly is a colonoscopy? According to the Mayo Clinic, a colonoscopy is a health exam that looks for changes in the colon and rectum. During the procedure, a long, flexible tube called a colonoscope, equipped with a tiny video camera, is inserted to help doctors identify issues such as swelling, irritation, polyps, and even cancer. If any concerning tissues are spotted, they can be removed or biopsied during the colonoscopy.
The American College of Gastroenterology recommends starting colonoscopy screenings at age 45 for individuals at average risk of developing colon cancer. However, there are other risk factors, such as a family or personal history of colorectal cancer or polyps, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or a history of radiation or pelvis treatment for cancer, that may prompt individuals to start screening at a younger age or undergo more frequent screenings.
The purpose of a colonoscopy is to improve health and, in some cases, save lives. Changes in bowel habits, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, bloating, and cramping are symptoms that warrant a discussion with a doctor about considering a colonoscopy.
Colorectal cancer ranks among the leading causes of cancer deaths in the United States, with higher rates observed in minority populations, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Shockingly, the Colon Cancer Coalition predicts that by 2030, colorectal cancer may become the leading cause of cancer death in adults under 50.
Thankfully, the guidelines for colonoscopy screenings have recently changed. As of 2021, the age for the first colonoscopy has been lowered from 50 to 45, making an additional 20 million Americans eligible for the procedure.
Bialik is not alone in promoting the importance of colonoscopies. In 2022, actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney documented their colonoscopy experiences as part of the Lead from Behind initiative, which aims to spread awareness that colon cancer is preventable. Both actors turned 45 and wanted to convey that the procedure is a rite of passage that can literally save lives. They emphasized that although it may make people uncomfortable, it is far better than the alternative of developing cancer.
During Reynolds’s colonoscopy, doctors discovered and removed a subtle but potentially lifesaving polyp. McElhenney also had three small polyps removed from his colon.
Even actress Melissa Gilbert shared details about her colonoscopy prep in the same year, urging fans to prioritize their own screenings. Gilbert emphasized the importance of not procrastinating and encouraged her followers to get their colonoscopies done as soon as they were due.
With influential figures like Bialik, Reynolds, McElhenney, and Gilbert speaking out about colonoscopy screenings, it is hoped that more people will recognize the significance of early detection and prevention when it comes to colorectal cancer.