TIPS FROM YOUR COLON AND RECTAL SURGEON • Who needs a colonoscopy? Adults aged 50 and older should be screened regularly for colorectal cancer. One of the most effective screening tools is a colonoscopy. This procedure allows the physician to view the colon and take biopsies, if needed. If you have a family history of colorectal cancer or you’ve had precancerous polyps, your doctor may recommend more frequent screenings.
Patrick F. Hammen, M.D., FACS
• What are the risk factors for colorectal cancer? Risk factors include: age (50 or older), a family or personal history of colorectal cancer or polyps, smoking, heavy alcohol use, obesity and Type 2 diabetes. African Americans have a higher risk for colon cancer. Eating a low-fiber, high-fat diet and being inactive also increase your chance of getting colorectal cancer. • How do I prevent diverticulitis? Diverticulitis occurs when small pockets in your colon, called diverticula, become inflamed and infected. It can cause abdominal pain, fever, nausea, vomiting, chills, cramping and constipation. Doctors usually recommend eating 20 to 35 grams of fiber daily to head off an attack. • What causes rectal bleeding? Rectal bleeding could indicate a number of conditions. Blood in your stool could come from hemorrhoids, ulcer or colon cancer. To find the cause of the bleeding, your doctor may order an upper endoscopy, colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy. • What are hemorrhoids? Hemorrhoids occur when veins or blood vessels in and around your rectum become swollen and irritated. They are most common in those over the age of 50 and in pregnant women. Carrying a baby in the womb, childbirth, straining to have a bowel movement or heavy lifting may increase your risk of getting hemorrhoids.
Patrick F. Hammen, M.D., FACS Memorial University Surgeons 101 West Mulberry Boulevard Pooler, Georgia 31407 912-350-2030 memorialhealth.com/MUS 44 January/February 2016 | www.PoolerMagazine.com