We're going to do the colon screening test, diet questions

[catmandu57]

I think we pretty well got it down, but I got some pork chops, and, I'm wondering if they would be okay to eat during the test, they are white meat, so I'm thinking it's okay.
I'm not worried about the outcome, but there is a history od colon cancer. I'm hesitant to do this, because if they would want either of us to follow up, I don't know how we could do it.
Marshmallow's medical bills ate us alive last year, I'm just about ready to say the hell with it, but, I guess it would be best to know.
Anyway, I'm digressing should I include pork in our diet?

[Kadie]

1. I don't remember anything about pork

Beef was more of a concern. I think they said to make sure that all meat was very well cooked. If you are taking the test I'm thinking of. fun fun fun Oh, and try not to take any Advil, and eats lots of fruits and veggies.

My family has a history of colon cancer too, so the doctor started checking me early.

Good luck.

[kckc]

2. I have that answer for you!

You are talking about the fecal occult blood test, I assume.

Aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatories within 7 days of the test can interfere.

Within 72 hrs of the test period, Vitamin C in excess of 250 mg (dietary and supplemental), red meat (beef, lamb, liver and processed meats), and raw fruits and veggies, especially melons, radishes, turnips and horseradish, can all interfere with the test. Although there are different manufacturers of occult blood tests, the interfering substances are pretty much the same, as the tests generally use the same chemical reaction.

(I work in a lab, and this is pretty current.)

[catmandu57]

4. Yes, that's it

Your instructions are pretty much what I've read, but what about the pork?

[Snow]

6. Piggies have blood -

I'd stay away from it. If you've got a family history, by the way, that's the biggest risk factor for colon cancer in this country. In other countries, risk factor include things like crappy American diets. Anyway, given that, I believe I'd also advise you to skip the crappy hemoccult test, which has really lousy sensitivity and specificity, and go straight for the big banana. I'm talking colonoscopy, here. Try it; you'll like it.

[kckc]

3. I forgot to say...

good luck! My family has a history too. In fact, my father, after 3 bouts with it spanning over 20 years, is a survivor! So get checked early and often.

[ramapo]

5. Follow the Doc's direction

As I remember it, no red meat for a couple of days prior then going to a light/liquid diet day before.

The evening prep is no fun but there's nothing to the test. It seemed like it only took a couple of minutes. The drugs were good.

Everyone should have this test, especially past age 50. I started early since my dad had colon cancer. I'm due again in the next year.

If they find any polyps they just clip them out. I had a "ratty looking" thing which was nothing. The idea is to clip it early before turning bad.

Anything serious and of course it needs to be followed up. The idea is to save your life. Ignoring such problems doesn't make things better.