Town hall: Colorectal cancer questions, answered
Colorectal cancer rates are rising, with colorectal cancers now the fourth leading cause of death in those under the age of 50, according to American Cancer Society Journals. However, these cancers are not inevitable, and there are steps you can take to lower your risk of developing colorectal cancer.
In this town hall-style video, Prisma Health experts, including George Blestel, MD, colon and rectal surgeon; Jennifer Fletcher, DO, primary care physician; and Lindsay Johnson, GI oncology nurse navigator, answered common questions about colorectal cancer, including:
- Are you still at risk for colon cancer if you don’t have a family history?
- Who should be screened for colorectal cancer and at what age?
- Why is colon cancer occurring more often in younger people?
- What are some common causes of rectal bleeding?
- What is considered a normal bowel movement? When should you see a doctor about bowel movements?
- When is genetic testing for colon cancer recommended?
- Does colon cancer tend to be more aggressive in younger patients? Why?
- Are the symptoms of colon cancer different in younger people?
- How can you treat hemorrhoids at home?
- What causes diarrhea and constipation?
- Should you get a colon cancer screening if you are under 45 and have a family history of colon cancer?
- Do most younger patients with colon cancer have a family history of the disease?
- How can you prevent hemorrhoids?
- What is a colon cleanse, and does it help or harm?
- What are the most common symptoms of colon cancer?
- Do insurance companies cover the cost of a colonoscopy?
- And more
For more information on colorectal cancers, you can find other videos, podcasts, and blog articles right here on Flourish. Learn when to schedule your colonoscopy and what to know before you go.
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