What began as a casual wager between Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney transformed into a life-saving, teaching moment.
“I placed a wager. I lost. Nonetheless, it paid off “Reynolds posted on YouTube as part of a colon cancer awareness campaign.
It all started last year when the duo, who co-own a Welsh soccer club, gambled on McElhenney’s ability to learn Welsh. If McElhenney, the star of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, won the bet, Reynolds agreed to film his colonoscopy in public.
Reynolds’ doctor, though, kept his end of the agreement by detecting benign polyp-tissue growths that can be a forerunner to cancer.
Reynolds, who has three children and is expecting a fourth, had no indications of a developing polyp and it was “very subtle” before it was removed, according to his doctor in a video released about the incident on Tuesday.
“This may have been life-saving for you. I’m not joking “Reynolds’ doctor informed him.
McElhenney also chose to get a colonoscopy, during which his doctor removed three polyps, as shown later in the film.
Colon cancer is the second largest cause of cancer mortality in the United States, yet it is highly preventable with early detection. Here’s what you should know:
The Ideal Time For a Colonoscopy
Routine colonoscopies are recommended every 10 years for most persons aged 45–75, according to the United States Preventative Services Task Force.
Inflammatory bowel illness (such as Crohn’s disease), a personal or family history of colon cancer, or a genetic trait that promotes polyp development are all reasons to test those younger than 45, as stated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The American Cancer Society recommends increased screening for those who have these illnesses.
Experts recommend being checked out as soon as possible. According to the National Cancer Institute, colon cancer is the second greatest cause of cancer-related mortality among those under the age of 50.
Recent studies reveal that the relative risk of developing colon cancer is reduced by 52% and the chance of dying from it is reduced by 62% when screening colonoscopies are performed.
The Specifics of the Screening Experience
Colonoscopes are procedures in which a long, thin, flexible tube is used to examine the inside of the rectum and the whole colon for polyps or cancer. Similar to the instances of Reynolds and McElhenney, physicians may seize the opportunity to remove polyps.
Over 40% of persons over the age of 50 have precancerous polyps in the colon, as reported by the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.
It takes around half an hour to an hour to complete the process.
In addition to colonoscopies, other methods of colon cancer screening include non-invasive stool tests and sigmoidoscopies, in which a small, thin tube is inserted into the rectum to examine the bottom portion of the colon.
According to the CDC, the best way to decide which test to take is to discuss the matter with your doctor.
Colonoscopies Are Meant to be Free, But Some Patients Have Reported Being Charged – What Should You Do If This Occurs To You?
Preventive health care, such as mammograms and colonoscopies, is supposed to be provided at no cost to patients under the Affordable Care Act, but there are certain exceptions.
Some people may be charged for the treatment if it is for “diagnosis” rather than “screening.” Doctors and hospitals frequently make this difference. People with a family history of colon cancer or a personal history of polyps, for example, are at a higher risk of cancer and hence have their colonoscopy classed as “diagnostic.”
It is crucial to highlight that polyp removal is typically insufficient to be declared “diagnostic” under the legislation. Because there is minimal government regulation of this provision, it is up to the patient to verify they are accurately invoiced.
Check for any coverage pitfalls that may allow providers to charge for polyp removal, according to medical experts.
Share this news with your loved ones, and keep visiting journalization.org.
