Do you know what a colonoscopy is? Do you know whether you need one? Are you afraid to get a colonoscopy? Do you know how to discuss colonoscopy with your doctor?
Salix Pharmaceuticals and the Colon Cancer Alliance want to help patients be more relaxed about colonscopies. This year, they've partnered to give away free copies of Colonoscopy For Dummies®, an easy-to-read guide to this life-saving colorectal cancer screening procedure. The guide answers readers' common and uncommon questions, and demystifies some misconceptions about colonoscopy.
Carol Burke, MD, Director of the Center for Colon Polyps and Cancer, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at the Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, says about the guide, “Many patients experience fear, anxiety, or concern when told by their physician that they need a colonoscopy. The tips and hints in this book should reassure patients by helping them understand the nuts and bolts of colonoscopy and its important health benefits.”
Some of the questions Burke, technical editor of Colonoscopy for Dummies®, heard in her practice helped her shape the content of the guide. Colonoscopy questions answered in the guide include:
- How long will the procedure last?
- Do I have to take a colonoscopy preparation?
- Do I need to ask a friend for a ride home?
- Can I drink alcohol before a colonoscopy?
- Can having a colonoscopy take off a few pounds?
- Can you wear makeup when you go for a colonoscopy?
To get the free Colonoscopy for Dummies® download, readers enter their names and email address (for the delivery of the download) and are asked to answer this two-question survey:
Which of the following best describes why you are interested in learning more about colonoscopy?
- I'm doing research for a family member or friend.
- I've heard about colonoscopy and just want to learn more about it.
- I plan on having a colonoscopy soon but haven't scheduled it yet.
- My colonoscopy is scheduled.
- I'm a healthcare professional looking for more information for my patients.
- Other: (fill in the blank)
If we created other books or educational resources, which disease states are you most interested in? (Check all that apply.)
- Colonoscopy/Colon cancer
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Ulcerative colitis
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Hepatic encephalopathy
- Travelers' diarrhea
- Other (fill in the blank)
Once readers answer the questions and click "Send me my free guide," they'll receive an email containing a link good for a one-time free download of the guide.
The patient information in Colonoscopy for Dummies® is endorsed by the Colon Cancer Alliance, a national patient advocacy organization dedicated to supporting patients and caregivers affected by colorectal cancer. Salix Pharmaceuticals, Inc., is a pharmaceutical company which offers gastroenterology treatments which include several pre-colonoscopy preparations. Salix and CCA hope to improve public knowledge and increase the number of people who decide to have a colonoscopy and be screened for colorectal cancer.
Sources:
- Salix Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Colon Cancer Alliance media announcement: Colonoscopy for Dummies® released for free download
- Colon Cancer Alliance
Get Pat's Colorectal Cancer columns delivered free to your inbox – click Subscribe.
Comments