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It’s time for a gut check! March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, a good time to make sure your digestive health is in good shape. We asked three Holy Name colorectal specialists to tell us about some hot topics in their field today:
Colorectal cancer in people under 50
The number of people being diagnosed with colon cancer before the age of 50 is sharply rising, says colorectal surgeon Dr. Hima Ghanta. At the start of the millennium, 1 in every 10 cases of new colorectal cancer diagnoses were in people younger than 50. Today, that number is 1 in 5. "The number of cases in people younger than 50 has doubled," says Dr. Ghanta. "In just two to three decades, that’s unbelievable."
Dr. Ghanta says we’re not quite sure the reason behind the increase yet, but suspects environmental changes as our world has become more developed and modernized may play a role. Some risk factors, such as obesity, smoking, and sedentary behavior, are already well known. She says it’s important to know your family history and stay on top of screenings. People of average risk should get their first colonoscopy at age 45; if you’re at a higher risk, ask your doctor when you should get yours. Finally, reach out to your doctor with any symptoms like rectal bleeding, blood in the stool, changes in bowel habits, or abdominal cramping that doesn’t go away.
Diverticulitis flares: Why they happen and how to prevent them
"Hearts have heart attacks, brains have strokes, and colons have diverticulitis," says colorectal surgeon Dr. Christina Seo. Diverticula are small, bulging pouches in the wall of the colon that many people have as a result of not getting enough fiber in their diet. Sometimes, one can pop and cause an immune system flare-up that brings on fever, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and other painful symptoms. Most of the time, diverticulitis usually resolves on its own, though people may need intravenous antibiotics and bowel rest in the hospital. Someone who has had three or more diverticulitis flare-ups may be a candidate for surgery to remove the sigmoid colon, which would prevent future attacks. Staying hydrated and eating enough fiber can reduce your chances of developing diverticula – and diverticulitis as a result.
Abdominal pain, Bloating, and Constipation: The ABCs of IBS
Gastroenterologist Dr. Nilesh Shukla often treats people experiencing irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which is marked by a number of unpleasant symptoms such as belly pain, diarrhea and/or constipation, cramping, and gas. While experts don’t know the root cause of the condition, Dr. Shukla says one theory is that people with IBS have increased sensitivity in their colon. Thankfully, there are many ways to treat IBS, such as medications that reduce pain and mobilize stool, fiber supplements to minimize strain on the colon, and prebiotics to build up good bacteria in the gut. One important distinction is that IBS does not cause rectal bleeding; if you notice blood in your stool or on toilet paper after wiping, you should give your doctor a call.
To make an appointment with one of our specialists or see their location, visit holyname.org/physician.
