She Asked About Colonoscopies on a Dating Show—Here’s Why You Shouldn’t Put Yours Off
Why Talking About Colonoscopies on Reality TV Might Save a Life
When a contestant on “Love Is Blind” started asking her dates if they’d had a colonoscopy, viewers were stunned—and a little amused. But behind the awkward laughs is a serious reality: colorectal cancer is rising in younger adults, and many of us are putting off a simple test that can literally prevent cancer before it starts.
In this guide, we’ll unpack common colonoscopy myths, explain why screening matters even if you feel healthy, and share practical ways to navigate fear, stigma, and cost. You don’t need to talk about colonoscopies on your next date—but you may want to schedule one with your doctor.
The Silent Shift: Colon Cancer Is Getting Younger
For decades, colon cancer was seen as a disease of older adults. That’s changing. Large studies and reports from organizations such as the American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute show:
- Rates of colorectal cancer are increasing in people under 50, even as they decline in older adults who are more likely to be screened.
- More cases are being diagnosed at later stages in younger adults, when treatment is harder.
- Many younger patients report their symptoms were initially dismissed or misattributed to hemorrhoids, IBS, or stress.
No single factor fully explains this trend. Diet, inactivity, obesity, changes in the gut microbiome, and environmental exposures all likely play a role. But one factor we can directly change is screening.
“Colonoscopy is one of the few tools in medicine that lets us prevent cancer, not just find it. When we remove polyps, we often stop cancer before it even begins.”
— Gastroenterologist and community health advocate
This is why a reality-TV conversation about colonoscopies isn’t just TV drama—it’s a needed push for all of us to start talking about, and acting on, prevention.
What a Colonoscopy Actually Is (and Isn’t)
A colonoscopy is an exam of the inside of your large intestine (colon and rectum) using a thin, flexible tube with a light and camera at the end. It usually takes about 20–45 minutes and is performed by a gastroenterologist.
What happens during the procedure?
- Sedation: Most people receive medicine through an IV that makes them relaxed and drowsy; many don’t remember the procedure.
- Scope insertion: The scope is gently guided through the rectum into the colon while the doctor watches a video screen.
- Polyp removal: If the doctor sees polyps (small growths), they’re usually removed on the spot using tiny tools through the scope.
- Biopsies: Small tissue samples may be taken for lab analysis. This is painless.
- Recovery: After a short monitoring period, you go home the same day with a trusted adult to drive you.
Most people feel groggy and a bit gassy afterward but are back to normal activities by the next day.
Who Needs a Colonoscopy—and When?
Screening guidelines evolve as new evidence emerges, and they can vary slightly between expert groups and countries. Always confirm specifics with your own clinician, but these general principles reflect current guidance from major organizations such as the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force and American Cancer Society:
Average-risk adults
- Most guidelines now recommend starting routine colorectal cancer screening at age 45.
- If your first colonoscopy is normal and you have no new risk factors, many people repeat every 10 years.
Higher-risk adults
You may need to start earlier and screen more often if you have:
- A first-degree relative (parent, sibling, or child) with colorectal cancer or advanced polyps, especially if diagnosed before 60.
- Certain genetic syndromes (like Lynch syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis).
- Inflammatory bowel disease involving the colon (ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s colitis).
- A history of radiation to the abdomen or pelvis for prior cancer.
In these situations, screening can begin as early as your 20s–30s, or about 10 years before the age your relative was diagnosed. This is highly individualized, so partnering with a clinician is essential.
Common Colonoscopy Myths—And What the Evidence Really Says
Stigma and misinformation keep many people from scheduling a colonoscopy. Let’s walk through some of the most common fears.
- “I’m too young to worry about colon cancer.”
- Colorectal cancer in people under 50 has been rising for years. While the absolute risk in your 30s or early 40s is still lower than in older age, cases in younger adults are often caught later. If you’re 45 or older—or younger with risk factors—screening is worth a serious conversation with your provider.
- “The prep is unbearable.”
- Prep used to mean choking down large volumes of salty liquid. Newer regimens often use lower volumes, divided doses, and flavor options. It’s not fun, but it’s temporary—and many patients say it was “much easier than I expected.”
- “It’s dangerous.”
- Serious complications like bleeding or perforation are rare, especially in experienced hands. For most people, the benefits of finding and removing polyps greatly outweigh the risks. Your doctor should go over risks based on your specific health.
- “If I feel fine and eat healthy, I don’t need it.”
- Many people with early colorectal cancer feel completely well. Colonoscopy looks for silent polyps and early changes before they cause symptoms.
“When we normalize conversations about bowel habits and screenings—on TV, at family dinners, in group chats—we save lives. The embarrassment is temporary; the benefit can be decades of healthy life.”
— Community health educator
What It Feels Like: A Realistic Before-and-After
Every patient is different, but many stories share a similar arc: high anxiety beforehand, relief and perspective afterward.
One patient in her late 30s shared that she delayed a colonoscopy for nearly two years despite rectal bleeding, assuming it was “just hemorrhoids.” When she finally went, doctors removed several precancerous polyps. She later said, “The worst part was the worry I carried for years. The test itself was a nap and some extra bathroom time.”
Not every story finds polyps—and that’s good news. A normal colonoscopy can give you and your care team a clear roadmap for when to screen again.
How to Prepare for a Colonoscopy: Step-by-Step
Exact instructions vary, so follow the plan your clinic provides. Here’s a general roadmap:
- Several days before
- Review your medication list with your doctor, especially blood thinners, diabetes meds, and supplements.
- Ask about continuing or pausing iron supplements—they can darken the colon and make visualization harder.
- 1–2 days before
- Switch to a low-fiber diet if instructed—fewer seeds, nuts, raw veggies, and whole grains.
- Stock up on clear liquids you can tolerate: broth, sports drinks, clear juices without pulp, tea or coffee without cream, gelatin (avoid red or purple if advised).
- The day before
- Follow a clear-liquid diet if directed.
- Start the bowel prep solution on schedule—often in split doses (evening before and morning of).
- Stay close to a bathroom; use soft toilet paper or wipes and a barrier cream to protect skin.
- The day of the procedure
- Stop drinking at the time your instructions specify (often 2–4 hours before).
- Wear comfortable clothing and bring a list of medications and allergies.
- Have a responsible adult ready to drive you home.
Overcoming Real-World Barriers: Fear, Stigma, and Cost
Knowing you should get a colonoscopy is one thing. Getting it scheduled is another. Here are practical ways to move from intention to action.
1. Emotional barriers
- Embarrassment: Remember, gastroenterology teams do this all day. For them, it’s routine medical care, not judgment.
- Fear of results: Avoiding a test doesn’t change what’s already there. Often, the earlier an issue is found, the simpler the treatment.
- Anxiety: Ask about anxiety management—some clinics offer pre-procedure counseling, detailed walk-throughs, or adjustments to sedation.
2. Practical and financial barriers
- Check your insurance or national health plan; many now cover screening colonoscopies starting at age 45.
- Ask about financial assistance, payment plans, or community screening programs if you’re uninsured or underinsured.
- Plan logistics early: time off work, childcare, and a ride home.
3. Cultural and communication barriers
In some families and communities, talking about bowel habits feels taboo. That’s slowly changing—helped, unexpectedly, by reality-TV conversations that bring gut health into mainstream dialogue.
If it feels awkward, you might start by saying, “Someone I saw on TV was asking about colonoscopies, and it made me realize I don’t even know when I should go. Do you?” A simple question can open a life-saving conversation.
Beyond Colonoscopies: Everyday Steps to Support Colon Health
Screening is powerful, but it’s only one part of prevention. Research suggests that several lifestyle choices can help lower colorectal cancer risk over time:
- Eat more plants: Aim for fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes most days. Fiber supports healthy digestion and a diverse gut microbiome.
- Limit processed meats: Frequent intake of processed meats (like bacon, sausages, and deli meats) has been associated with higher colorectal cancer risk.
- Stay active: Regular physical activity supports healthy weight, insulin balance, and gut motility.
- Moderate alcohol and avoid smoking: Both heavy alcohol use and tobacco are linked to higher colorectal cancer risk.
- Know your family history: Share any known colon polyps, cancer, or related syndromes with your clinician.
What the Science Says About Colonoscopy Benefits
Colonoscopy has been studied for decades. While no test is perfect, there’s strong evidence that screening helps:
- Reduce the incidence of colorectal cancer by removing precancerous polyps.
- Detect cancer at earlier, more treatable stages.
- Lower the risk of dying from colorectal cancer in people who are regularly screened.
Other screening options, like stool-based tests (FIT, stool DNA tests) and flexible sigmoidoscopy, can also be effective and may be easier to access for some people. If colonoscopy doesn’t feel feasible right now, ask your clinician about the best alternative—doing something is almost always better than doing nothing.
For detailed, up-to-date guidance, you can review:
Your Next Step: Turn Awareness Into Action
A reality-TV star asking about colonoscopies on national television may feel a bit over-the-top—but if it nudges even one person to get screened earlier, it’s a powerful act of advocacy.
You don’t have to broadcast your screening plans to the world, but you can:
- Check your age and risk factors. Are you 45 or older, or younger with a family history or other risks? If you’re unsure, make a note.
- Contact your clinician. Ask, “When should I start colorectal cancer screening, and what option is best for me?”
- Put it on the calendar. Treat the appointment like any other essential commitment to your future self.
- Talk to someone you care about. Share what you’ve learned with a friend or family member who may also be due for screening.
Prevention doesn’t have to be perfect; it just has to happen. If a dating show can bring colonoscopies into everyday conversation, you can bring them into your own health plan—and maybe help someone you love do the same.
