Learn how to prepare for colon cancer screening during the two days before your scheduled examination.
What Do I Need to Do Two Days Before Colon Cancer Screening?
Most colonoscopy preparation instructions don’t tell you to follow a special diet two days before the exam. However, carefully choosing what you eat during this time can make the day before the exam a little easier.
Two days before your colonoscopy, drink plenty of water and try to eat lightly. Avoid bulky, fibrous, sugary, and fatty foods such as:
- A lot of raw vegetables, beans, peas, and lentils
- Wheat bran cereals and breads
- Sweets such as cakes, pies and cookies
- Fatty meats such as fried chicken, sausage, and bacon
The bottom line is that the day before your colonoscopy everything in your colon must come out. The less that is in your colon to begin with, the easier it will be to completely empty it.
What Supplies Do I Need Two Days Before Colon Cancer Screening?
Two days prior to your colonoscopy is also a good time to get some supplies to make your colonoscopy preparation go more easily. Supplies include:
- Any laxative solutions or enemas prescribed by your doctor
- Plenty of soft, fluffy toilet paper, such as Charmin or Angel Soft
- Tucks medicated wipes or baby wipes, to clean your anal area after each bowel movement
- Matches and a scented candle, for the bathroom
- Magazines or other enjoyable reading material for when you are stuck on the toilet
More Important Tips on How Not to Dread Colon Cancer Screening
Sources
American Cancer Society Frequently Asked Questions About Colonoscopy and Sigmoidoscopy. Accesed: January 29, 2009.
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_6x_Frequent_Questions_About_Colonoscopy_and_Sigmoidoscopy.asp
Gastroenterology of the Rockies Colonoscopy Pep Talk. Accessed: January 29, 2009.
http://www.gastrorockies.com/English/Pep_Talk/What_Its_Like.html
WikiHealth How to Prepare for a Colonoscopy. Accessed: January 29, 2009.
http://www.wikihealth.com/How_to_prepare_for_a_colonoscopy
