In this day and age, we tend to obsess about how our butts look on the outside, from exercising, to low carb diets to the latest medspa treatments, our butts are an important asset. Seldom do we talk about how our butt looks on the inside. Persistent diarrhea or constipation, a change in bowel habits or rectal bleeding are not glamorous subjects that you talk about over dinner. But maybe we should.
With March being Colon Cancer Awareness Month, it’s important to recognize and not ignore these symptoms. If you have any persistent changes in your bowel habits, then you should request an appointment today. If you do not have any symptoms, then routine screening for colon cancer begins at age 45. The majority of people with colon cancer do not have a family history and symptoms may not occur until the cancer is advanced. The colonoscopy is the best screening method, but there are other less-invasive options. However, don't let the fear of the bowel preparation for a colonoscopy scare you! There are options now for same day bowel preparation with the Hygiea chair flushing system and a variety of oral preparations that are more tolerable.
Colon cancer occurs when cells in the lining of the colon (large intestine) grow out of control. Colon cancer isn’t talked about as much as some other cancers, but it should be. It’s the third most common cancer in the United States, with around 150,000 people diagnosed each year. And a growing number of these cancers are being found in younger adults under the age of 50. But there’s another key fact about colon cancer: We can prevent it. 75% of all cases could be avoided by things you can do.
Getting regular screening tests for colon cancer is the single best way to protect yourself from the disease. It can catch cancer early, when it’s easiest to treat. It can also help prevent the disease by finding abnormal growths called polyps that can turn into cancer. Precancerous polyps can take 3-5 years to become malignant, so it is very important to detect and remove these before malignancy develops. There are a number of effective screening tests for colon cancer. Which test you have depends on your medical history and what you prefer. If a test finds something suspicious, a follow-up colonoscopy is usually needed.
Studies have shown that combination hormone replacement therapy (HRT) that includes both estrogen and progestin lowers the risk of invasive colorectal cancer in postmenopausal women. HRT is gaining in popularity and use. In fact, in two recent New York Times articles, it was recognized that HRT can also help treat and ease a number of menopause symptoms.
Click here to read the New York Times article Women Have Been Misled About Menopause
Click here to read the New York Times article 5 Things to Know About Menopause and Hormone Therapy
The best way to fight cancer is by catching it early. We can create a cancer screening schedule based on your age, health history, and unique risk factors. If you’re experiencing symptoms, don't ignore them. We are committed to keeping our patients healthy and want to help you reduce your chance of colon cancer. Request an appointment to discuss your risk factors for colon cancer and appropriate screening tests as well as your options for HRT. Call us at (512) 301-6767 or click the link below.