Community Corner

Tips To Prevent Colon Cancer

It's a leading cause of deaths. But unlike many other diseases, you can actually do something to prevent colon cancer. By Slawomir Marecik, M.D., Colorectal Surgery, Advocate Lutheran General Hospital.

True or False:

- Colon cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States.

- There is really nothing you can do to prevent constipation.

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- Changes to your diet can improve your colon health and prevent disease of the colon.

- A colonoscopy is only necessary if you have a family member with colon cancer.

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Only one of these statements is true. If you aren’t sure which one it is, you may not have all of the information you need for optimal colon health. As a colorectal surgeon, I find that this is the case with many of my patients. Accurate, timely information is one key to maintaining a healthy colon and preventing serious disease.

Take for example that colon cancer is actually the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. With proper diet, exercise, supplements (if needed) and properly timed colonoscopies (the most effective cancer screening test available today), most patients can prevent themselves from having cancer and other diseases.

If you are curious about colon health and how to prevent colon cancer, consider attending my Colon Health presentation this Tuesday, January 13 at 7:00pm in Advocate Lutheran General Hospital’s Auditorium.

You will learn about:

  • Basic anatomy of the colon
  • Healthy colon function and how fiber, fluids, probiotics and diet can impact your colon
  • Common conditions of the colon: diverticulosis, diverticulitis, and irritable bowl syndrome
  • Supplements you can take to ensure a healthy colon
  • The five daily factors that can affect colon health
  • Hemorrhoids and common conditions that are often misdiagnosed as hemorrhoids
  • Prevention and screening for colon cancer, as well as how the disease develops.

The presentation is open to the public, and attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions anonymously.

For more information, go to: http://www.advocatehealth.com/luth/communityhealthbeat

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