COLONOSCOPY UPDATE: A reader emails:

I hope I am writing to the right address. I read Instapundit and wanted to thank you for posting about your colonoscopy yesterday (coincidentally, I had a scope too).

I am 32 years old and currently in remission for stage 3c rectal cancer. A few years ago, a colonoscopy saved my life. I was having stomach issues and was initially told it was stress related. A colonoscopy was performed just to be safe and it revealed a very large tumor. After a year of chemo, radiation, and two major surgeries, I am now in complete remission. If it wasn’t for the colonoscopy, I probably would not be here.

I’m not sure if you are aware, but March 2012 is colorectal awareness month. According to the WHO, colon cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths, and more people die from colon cancer each year than breast cancer. However, colon cancer typically does not get the same attention as other types of cancer, particularly compared to breast cancer (have you ever watched an NFL game in October). While I’m thankful for media attention regarding any type of cancer, I can’t help but to feel a little jealous of the fact that I can’t turn around in October without seeing pink, and yet most people do not know that March is colorectal awareness month.

Due to the part of the anatomy involved, many who are diagnosed with this disease feel stigmatized. Let’s face it, it’s more fun to talk about breasts than colons, rectums, bowel movements, and ostomies. I feel fairly confident saying that, on behalf of all colorectal patients, I really appreciate your openness about getting proper screening. Publicity on a prominent blog is wonderful and I hope the trend continues.

The procedure is no big deal, and it can save your life. It’s one of the few diagnostic procedures that can also actually prevent the problem it’s looking for.