Colorectal Screening: Will I Get Behind It?

There are two billboards that I drive by regularly which have achieved their goal of raising (at least my) awareness of colon cancer and the need to screen.

I'd be curious to see studies into the success of these campaigns, since I find that while they make me think about screening, they're sort of strengthening my resolve to hold out until the last minute.

Mind you, I'm not endorsing that. I'm just saying. At some point in the next several years the original integrity of the posterior opening to my alimentary canal will be violated by a beneficent finger. I do not look forward to that day, but like so many unpleasant tasks that I can do little to plan for or affect, I do better just waking up one morning and deciding to do it.

The longer I have to think about it, the more likely I am to chicken out. I'd be more likely to respond positively if the doctor said, "Hey, while you're here, why not give this a go?" than to a cheerful receptionist saying "Mr. Swait, why don't we schedule a screening for three months from now?"

And I have years to stew over this.

The billboards feature two scary things. The scary slogan: "Colon Screening: Get Behind It". "Get Behind It"?!??! Are you serious?! I mean, that's cute and all, but I imagine that this sort of campaign would do better to stop short of creating in men "bend over" visualizations.

And then there's the scary logo: an upside down heart...a butt. Love your colon.



Oh, man. All that innocuous-looking little blue butt makes me think of is uncomfortable fingers. I don't think I will talk to my doctor.

Of course, that's easy to say now. We'll see what's up in a few years.