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Colon Health

Does age affect who should get a colonoscopy?

2023-01-03T15:27:38-05:00

While there is no set upper age limit for colon cancer screenings, most doctors agree that the benefits of screening decrease and the risks of screenings increase after the age of 75. Of course, the benefit-to-risk ratio can vary for every person depending on factors such as physical health, mental health, family history, and other diseases.  Let’s take a look at the different variables that might play into your doctor’s decision and what are the other options available to those who should not get a colonoscopy. Many times, a colonoscopy is the best option for identifying colon cancer. However, sometimes [...]

Does age affect who should get a colonoscopy?2023-01-03T15:27:38-05:00

What is IBS?

2023-01-03T14:57:45-05:00

IBS stands for Irritable Bowel Syndrome, a common disorder that can affect both the stomach and the intestines. Because IBS can affect people of all ages, it is estimated that between 25 to 45 million people in the United States struggle with it. That comes out to about 10-15% of the entire population! Since IBS is a fairly common disorder, I wanted to share about its most common symptoms, who is most likely to get it, and what are the top things that trigger it. What are the most common symptoms of IBS? A disorder that affects both the stomach [...]

What is IBS?2023-01-03T14:57:45-05:00

37-Year Old Colorectal Cancer Patient

2021-04-13T16:53:37-04:00

  Video courtesy of Catholic Health When 37-year old Dan first visited me with complaints of rectal bleeding, I suggested he get a colonoscopy due to his family medical history. Sure enough, I discovered a mass and promptly removed it during surgery. Unfortunately, it's not that uncommon to see someone like Dan checking for colorectal cancer anymore. Cases of colorectal cancer in patients under age 50 are continuing to rise. Dan didn't think someone his age needed a colonoscopy - he couldn't have colon cancer this young. Now, Dan is doing well. He has peace of mind knowing [...]

37-Year Old Colorectal Cancer Patient2021-04-13T16:53:37-04:00

What to Eat After Colon Surgery

2020-10-01T18:09:26-04:00

What types of foods should you eat after recovering from colon surgery? Your body goes through a lot during surgery, so the recovery period is important. Your body needs to heal. Soft foods that are easy to digest and swallow are going to be the best for after surgery. Foods that help boost your immune system are also great for recovery. Probiotics, which help restore your gut flora, can be helpful for after surgery. You can buy probiotics as a supplement or you can get it naturally from foods like yogurt. In this video, Dr. O'Connor discusses after-surgery diet and [...]

What to Eat After Colon Surgery2020-10-01T18:09:26-04:00

Colon Cancer Screening Options

2020-10-01T16:51:08-04:00

There are several types of screening tests for colorectal cancer. The most common and most effective is colonoscopy. But at-home screening tests like Cologuard and fecal occult blood tests have risen during the age of the coronavirus. Each test comes with their own advantages and disadvantages, so it's good to know about what each test does. There's no best test for any person. Whatever screening option you choose, it's important to know how to properly prepare and administer these test so you are getting accurate results. The best screening is one that gets done. Talk to your doctor to figure [...]

Colon Cancer Screening Options2020-10-01T16:51:08-04:00

Colon Cancer Risk Factors and Disparities

2020-10-01T16:05:04-04:00

Many lifestyle-related risk factors can raise your chances of developing colon cancer. While some people who get the disease may not have any of the risk factors, it's important to be aware of them. Certain racial backgrounds, like African Americans, are more at risk to develop the disease. African Americans are disproportionately burdened by cancer in general, and colorectal cancer is no exception. According to the American Cancer Society, African Americans are about 20% more likely to get colorectal cancer and about 40% more likely to die from it than most other groups. The reason behind this usually stems from [...]

Colon Cancer Risk Factors and Disparities2020-10-01T16:05:04-04:00

Sway’s Universe: Warning Signs of Colon Cancer and Risks

2020-09-24T17:03:15-04:00

"We’ve got to educate ourselves, educate our families, educate our community, and sometimes you need to educate your doctor."    The death of Chadwick Boseman has left a lasting impact on the African American community. It's an unfortunate reminder that colon cancer, like so many other diseases, disproportionately affects African Americans. Even if you're Black Panther. Many people are still unfamiliar with the specifics of this disease: What causes it? Who is at risk? What signs should I be looking for? How can I stave off colon cancer? I returned to Sway's Universe on Sirius XM and spoke with Kelly [...]

Sway’s Universe: Warning Signs of Colon Cancer and Risks2020-09-24T17:03:15-04:00

Treating a Colon Cancer Diagnosis

2020-10-01T17:21:39-04:00

After you're diagnosed with colon cancer, what comes next? Receiving a cancer diagnosis can be incredibly hard to take. It can be overwhelming to think about your next steps. What comes next? Do I need surgery right away? How will my colon cancer be treated? Is chemotherapy my only option for treatment? It's natural to have questions about how to tackle a colon cancer diagnosis. In this video, Dr. O'Connor explains the process of treating colon cancer from her conversation with Nurse Alice Benjamin and Dr. Scott Metcalfe. https://youtu.be/ew724eRBxCI   Transcription  Dr. Lynn O'Connor: You get to the point where [...]

Treating a Colon Cancer Diagnosis2020-10-01T17:21:39-04:00

Dr. Lynn O’Connor in the News: Chadwick Boseman and colon cancer

2020-09-17T19:28:08-04:00

"The vast amount of colorectal cancers are still seen in older patients. Young-onset colorectal cancer patients face significant challenges as their symptoms are sometimes misdiagnosed." 11% of colon cancer diagnoses and 18% of rectal cancer diagnoses occur in those under 50. That's a disheartening statistic. According to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, a staggering 82% of young-onset colorectal cancer patients were misdiagnosed. Gareth Cattermole/ Getty Images As more and more younger patients are diagnosed with colon cancer, like actor Chadwick Boseman, spreading awareness about the disease is crucial. When a patient develops colon cancer, it's often because symptoms are ignored. Colon cancer [...]

Dr. Lynn O’Connor in the News: Chadwick Boseman and colon cancer2020-09-17T19:28:08-04:00

Who Is At Risk For Colon Cancer?

2020-09-14T21:11:31-04:00

How do you know if you're at risk for colon cancer? There are a number of risk factors that contribute to developing colon cancer. It's well known that your risk increases with age, but with younger and younger patients developing the disease, lifestyle factors and family history also come into play. But, family history and pre-existing conditions aren't always to blame when it comes to colon cancer. From her conversation on BlackDoctor.org with Nurse Alice Benjamin and Dr. Scott Metcalfe from Bravo's Married to Medicine, Dr. O'Connor discusses how your family history and other factors can increase your risk for [...]

Who Is At Risk For Colon Cancer?2020-09-14T21:11:31-04:00
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