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- Stop skipping 1 simple daily habit to reduce your risk of colon cancer, a doctor says (businessinsider.com)
Dr. Trisha Pasricha, a gastroenterologist and author of “You’ve Been Pooping All Wrong,” emphasizes the importance of understanding your digestive habits as a critical step in maintaining overall health and reducing the risk of colon cancer.
With colorectal cancer increasingly becoming a leading cause of cancer-related deaths in individuals under 50, Pasricha has observed a concerning trend: many people tend to overlook or avoid discussing their bowel movements, missing vital warning signs. “There’s a lot of embarrassment about even saying that you look and then using the right words to describe what it is that you saw,” she explained.
Subtle changes in bathroom habits-such as new onset diarrhea, constipation, or a sudden urgency to go-can be early indicators of colon cancer. Unfortunately, the disease often remains symptom-free until it reaches an advanced and less treatable stage. “The stage at which you catch these early onset cases is everything,” Pasricha stressed.
Her book offers practical advice on recognizing what’s normal for your digestive system and identifying when changes might signal a health issue. Establishing a baseline of what your stool typically looks like is essential since what’s considered healthy can vary widely among individuals. “You’ve got to look every day,” Pasricha advised, noting that monitoring your bowel movements can help you detect shifts related to stress, diet, or travel.
While no single stool characteristic definitively indicates colon cancer-and even normal-looking stool doesn’t guarantee the absence of disease-persistent changes warrant medical attention, especially if they last more than a few weeks. For example, consistently narrow or ribbon-like stools may suggest a tumor compressing the bowel, and any rectal bleeding-whether bright red or dark and tarry-should prompt immediate consultation with a healthcare provider.
Common symptoms associated with colon cancer include abdominal pain, cramping, changes in bowel habits, rectal bleeding, diarrhea, constipation, urgency, fatigue, and anemia. Pasricha highlights that even mild, new abdominal discomfort or unexplained fatigue may be significant, particularly if accompanied by iron deficiency anemia, which can be detected through blood tests.
Ultimately, Pasricha encourages open communication with doctors about digestive health without shame or delay. Early detection remains key to successful treatment and improved outcomes.
This article is intended for informational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
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- Stop skipping 1 simple daily habit to reduce your risk of colon cancer, a doctor says (businessinsider.com)