Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide, and early detection is vital for effective treatment. As a colorectal cancer doctor, Dr. Ursina Teitelbaum from Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center talked to the Huffington Post about the common mistakes to avoid for good bowel health. This is everything you need to know about your colon’s importance, colorectal cancer, and the five things Dr. Teitelbaum never does to maintain her colon health.
Your Colon and Your Health
Your colon, part of the large intestine, plays a crucial role in digesting food and absorbing nutrients. Maintaining colon health is essential for overall well-being. If your colon is not performing at it’s best, you won’t feel your best – and you will be at risk for developing some pretty serious conditions and illnesses, including cancer. By understanding the significance of your colon, you can take proactive steps to prevent colorectal cancer and other digestive disorders. A healthy colon is key to a healthy life.
All About Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer, as you can imagine, is cancer that develops in the colon. Colorectal cancer can often be asymptomatic in its early stages, making it challenging to diagnose. Symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and anemia can be mistaken for other benign issues or overlooked. Factors such as genetics, environmental exposures, and lifestyle choices contribute to the development of colorectal cancer. Early screening and detection significantly increase the chances of successful treatment and recovery.
The 5 Things To Never Do
Dr. Ursina Teitelbaum spoke to HuffPost about the five things that she, as a colorectal cancer specialist, would never do herself. As someone who spends her days testing for, treating, and supporting people through colorectal cancer, we think it’s a good idea to take her advice. So take notes, and keep your colorectal health in check.
1. Never ignore my family history
Family history is a strong risk factor for colorectal cancer. Individuals with a family history of the disease have a higher likelihood of developing it themselves. Understanding your family’s medical history can help determine your individual risk and guide screening recommendations. Early detection is key, and knowing your family history can play a crucial role in preventing colorectal cancer. Talk to your parents, siblings, aunts and uncles, and grandparents to find out if colon cancer is in the family. If you are adopted, contact the adoption agency who may be able to help you get more information about your family history. If this is not possible, go talk to your doctor about what you can do to assure your colon stays healthy.
2. Never miss or delay colonoscopies and screening tests
Regular screenings, such as colonoscopies, are essential for detecting colorectal cancer early. Recent trends show an increase in colorectal cancer cases among younger adults, emphasizing the importance of early screening. Regardless of family history or lifestyle, regular screenings starting at age 45 are crucial for early detection and treatment.
“No matter how healthy your lifestyle is, when you hit a certain age, you need to get screened,” Dr. Teitelbaum said.
3. Don’t ignore any odd or abnormal symptoms
Paying attention to changes in bowel habits, unusual pain, or unexplained symptoms is vital in detecting colorectal cancer early. Advocating for yourself and seeking medical attention for persistent symptoms can lead to early diagnosis and improved outcomes. Timely intervention and a proactive approach to health can make a significant difference in colorectal cancer treatment. According to the Mayo Clinic, colon cancer symptoms include:
- A change in bowel habits, such as more frequent diarrhea or constipation.
- Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool.
- Ongoing discomfort in the belly area, such as cramps, gas or pain.
- A feeling that the bowel doesn’t empty all the way during a bowel movement.
- Weakness or tiredness.
- Losing weight without trying.
If you are concerned about symptoms you are noticing and don’t feel as though your medical care provider is taking them seriously enough, insist. If necessary, go see someone else. Dr. Teitelbaum insists that being your own advocate is of the utmost importance. Better to have a test come back negative than to wait until the cancer is more advanced.
4. Don’t underestimate the power of a healthy lifestyle
Modifiable lifestyle factors, such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and diet, play a significant role in colorectal cancer risk. Adopting a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, can help reduce the risk of developing colorectal cancer. Making healthier choices can positively impact your colon health and overall well-being. While Dr. Teitelbaum says that a healthy lifestyle isn’t a sure-fire way to a cancer-free life, it is the most effective and accessible prevention method that we have. It is never too late to start living in a healthier way, and it may just add years to your life.
5. Never avoid talking about poop
Maintaining open communication about bowel movements and discussing any irregularities or concerns is essential for colorectal health. Changes in stool consistency, color, or frequency can indicate underlying issues that require medical attention. Breaking the stigma around discussing bowel habits can encourage early detection and prompt treatment of colorectal conditions. It may be awkward at first, but it is critical for your health.
“Poop is such a status of your health, and talking about it could save your life,” said Dr. Teitelbaum.
Consider starting a poop journal, where you track your bowel movements, including color, texture, size, ease of passing, etc. Even better, there are many poop tracking apps that you can use to help you follow your colon health that even include you taking pictures. It sounds gross, but this will help immensely when speaking with doctors.
The Bottom Line
Prioritizing colon health through awareness, early detection, and healthy lifestyle choices can make a significant impact on preventing colorectal cancer. By following Dr. Teitelbaum’s advice and avoiding these common mistakes, you can take proactive steps towards maintaining a healthy colon and overall well-being. Remember, your colon’s health is in your hands – take care of it for a healthier future.
Read More: 7 Life Hacks Supported By Science To Help Combat Cancer