It’s no laughing matter: failing to prepare for your colonoscopy properly and completely might require starting the whole process all over again.
Colon Cancer
Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers in both men and women. Although it is slightly more common in men, 1 in every 24 women will be diagnosed with colon or rectal cancer at some point in her life.
The differences between left-sided and right-sided colon cancers include why and how the cancer developed, whether it produces noticeable symptoms, and the cancer’s aggressiveness and how well it responds to usual chemotherapy regimens.
While some risk factors, including a genetic predisposition for disease, cannot be controlled, research has shown certain lifestyle factors, like a healthy diet, exercise and maintaining a healthy body weight, could prevent nearly half of the cases of colorectal cancers diagnosed in the United States every year.
A colon polyp is an irregularity of the internal lining of the colon. It most commonly results in a raised surface or bump on the inner surface of the colon.
“Am I pooping enough? Why is my poop green?” Seemingly silly questions like these are, in fact, important to understanding your body. The bowel movement chart below will help you decode your stool and discover helpful insights into your health. Keep in mind that everyone’s body is different and only a medical professional can evaluate your individual symptoms and observations.
I remember it like it was yesterday. I left work to go to my doctor’s appointment and planned on being back to the office in time for a meeting. Little did I know my entire life would flip upside down that afternoon.
While 90% of colorectal cancer diagnoses occur in those ages 50 and older, incidence rates are increasing for young people under 50. Unfortunately, because these cancers are usually discovered at a later stage, colon cancer deaths among young men and women are rising as well.
Your cancer diagnosis may change which cancer screenings you need and how often. Talk to your oncologist about the best screening strategy for you.