Colorectal cancer is thethird-most commontype of cancer around the world.
In the earlier stages, it can be tough to catch.
Theres also been aspike in colorectal cancer diagnosesamong younger people.
What we do know is that whencolon canceris caught early, it can be effectively treated.
Fortunately, theres a lot it’s possible for you to do to keep your bowel health in check.
Heres what Teitelbaum said she personally avoids, and what you should, too:
1.
Id never ignore my family history.
Family history is one of the strongest risk factors for colorectal cancer.
Up to1 in 3people who get diagnosed with colorectal cancer have family members who also had it.
Your colon health depends on your genes, Teitelbaum said.
Id never miss or delay colonoscopies and screening tests.
Cases of colorectal cancer have beenrapidly increasingamong young adults.
Now, all adults are advised to starting screening by a colonoscopy or stool-based test starting at age 45.
But even otherwise healthy people who have no family history can get colorectal cancer.
Getting screened is the best way to catch colon cancer early and treat it.
I wouldnt ignore any odd or abnormal symptoms.
And because theyre so young, health care providers may not immediately suspect issues either.
This can lead to delayed diagnoses and poorer outcomes,researchshows.
Youhaveto pay attention to your body, Teitelbaum stressed.
Diarrhea, fatigue or unexplained anemia also warrants a medical checkup.
Its important to advocate for yourself.
If you feel like your doctor isnt taking your symptoms serious, go get a second opinion.
If youre really worried, it’s crucial that you persist, Teitelbaum said.
I wouldnt underestimate the power of a healthy lifestyle.
Your dietalso plays a big role.
Id never avoid talking about poop.
Finally, Teitelbaum recommended getting comfortable with talking about poop.
The more we open up about the topic, the better we canbreak down the stigmaaround discussing it.
It can be hard to know if your experience is abnormal without telling others what youre going through.
It can feel embarrassing to talk about poop, but we have to do it, according to Teitelbaum.
