Jason Bill, MD, an interventional gastroenterologist with OSF HealthCare, says the trend is concerning and highlights the urgent need for awareness, earlier detection and preventive screening.

Not only is it being diagnosed more, a JAMA study released in January reveals colorectal cancer is now the leading cause of cancer-related death in adults 50 and younger. The findings suggest colorectal cancer is the only major cancer that has increased in the last two decades, averaging a 1.1% increase every year since 2005. The American Hospital Association (AHA) reports colorectal cancer ranked fifth in cancer deaths from 1990-1994.

A troubling rise in diagnoses among younger adults

“We are seeing much younger people being diagnosed with colon cancer. Unfortunately, these younger people are being diagnosed at later stages of disease, as well," Dr. Bill says. "There is clearly something going on. A lot of research is happening behind the scenes that's trying to sort out what is causing this."

Dr. Bill says researchers are actively investigating the causes behind the increase in cases. While no single explanation has been confirmed, experts believe multiple factors may be contributing.

“There seems to be a birth cohort effect, meaning those born after a certain time, seem to have an increasing incident of colon cancer diagnosis,” Dr. Bill says. “So, what that leads people to believe, is that there must an environmental trigger to the increased incidence. The most likely culprits include ultra-processed foods and the obesity epidemic. Further research is going into other exposures including microplastics.”

Genetics and inherited conditions can increase risk

Genetics can play a significant role in colorectal cancer risk. One inherited condition, known as Lynch syndrome, increases the likelihood of developing colorectal cancer and other cancers.

Lynch syndrome is caused by inherited mutations in genes responsible for repairing damaged DNA – including MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2 and EPCAM. When these repair systems don’t function properly, damaged DNA can accumulate, increasing the risk of cancer over time.

“In those who have a family history, be a little more aggressive and more sensitive, mindful of your symptoms. With rectal bleeding in a young person, we need to treat that more aggressively and strongly recommend a colonoscopy,” Dr. Bill says.

Doctors may recommend genetic counseling and testing for individuals with strong personal or family histories of colorectal cancer or related cancers. Identifying inherited risk factors can help patients and providers create personalized screening and prevention plans.

 “No one loves the idea of getting a colonoscopy, but it is the right thing to do. If you have any symptoms you’re concerned about, talk to your primary care provider and they can move you forward to get a colonoscopy. But the best advice is to get screened when it’s appropriate and be mindful of the symptoms,” Dr. Bill adds.

Screening guidelines may miss at-risk younger adults

Colorectal cancer screening guidelines have evolved in recent years. The American Cancer Society recommends routine screening beginning at age 45 for people at average risk.

While research is ongoing, Dr. Bill notes that current guidelines may not fully address this younger population; however, the decrease in the screening from 50 to 45 was an important step.

Colonoscopies don’t just detect cancer – they prevent it

A colonoscopy remains the gold standard for colorectal cancer screening, not only detecting cancer but preventing it, Dr. Bill says.

“It’s a test where we’re able to examine the colon and prevent cancer,” Dr. Bill says. “In those patients who have decided to not get a colonoscopy, any screening is better than nothing. That’s where the mailed stool kits come in handy.”

During a colonoscopy, physicians can identify and remove polyps (abnormal growths) that can develop into cancer if left untreated. These samples can then be analyzed to determine cancer risk.

“In general, we can tell you right then and there what your findings are," Dr. Bill points out.

This immediate feedback provides patients with clarity and allows care teams to quickly determine next steps if needed.

Symptoms and risk factors shouldn’t be ignored

Even for adults under age 45, certain symptoms and medical histories may warrant earlier screening. These include:

• Rectal bleeding
• Anemia (low red blood cells)
• A strong family history of colorectal cancer
• Family history of polyposis syndromes
• Personal history of inflammatory bowel disease, including ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease
• Sudden abdominal pain
• Unexplained weight loss

If you're concerned your at-risk for colorectal cancer or are experiencing any of the symptoms above, it's time to speak with your primary care provider and request further screening. 

Lifestyle changes can help lower risk

While some risk factors, such as genetics, cannot be controlled, healthy lifestyle choices can help reduce colorectal cancer risk. Experts recommend:

• Avoiding tobacco use
• Limiting or avoiding alcohol
• Reducing consumption of ultra-processed and processed foods
• Exercising regularly
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Avoiding prolonged sedentary behavior
• Eating a fiber-rich, balanced diet

These steps support overall digestive health and may reduce cancer risk over time.

Screening saves lives

Colorectal cancer is highly treatable when detected early – and often preventable through routine screening.

If you're concerned, OSF HealthCare offers a colorectal cancer risk assessment that can help you figure out when you should start screening.

Video Interview Clips

OSF Cancer Institute B-Roll

Though not one of the most common cancers, Marcie Lindstrom, APRN, says she’s seen liver cancer cases rise in recent years in line with national trends. Luckily, the gastroenterology provider at OSF HealthCare says treatment has evolved, too. And it’s another reminder to know your body and see your health care provider regularly because liver cancer is more treatable when caught early.

The liver: A recap

A primer on what the liver does for us: Lindstrom says the liver sits underneath the right ribcage and cleans toxins from our blood, helps digestion and produces proteins needed to live. In other words, it’s not an organ you can live without like a gallbladder or one kidney.

Liver cancer: Hidden and harmful

Lindstrom says primary liver cancer describes when the cancer starts there, and secondary liver cancer is when it spreads there (medical term: metastasizes), most commonly from the lungs, breasts or colon. Secondary is more common than primary.

“There are multiple causes of liver cancer. A person is at a higher risk if they have a damaged liver,” Lindstrom says. “Things that can cause a damaged liver include alcohol. So heavy alcohol use [is a risk]. Viruses that can infect the liver such as hepatitis B and C [are risks]. And we’re seeing an increasing number of people having fatty liver disease. That puts people at risk for liver damage. That damage can progress to cirrhosis [scarring], and cirrhosis puts you at a higher risk.”

These liver issues can be fatal if untreated. And unfortunately, Lindstrom says liver cancer often comes with no symptoms.

Diagnosis and treatment

That’s where regular visits to your primary care provider, and if needed, a specialist like a gastroenterologist or oncologist come in.

Lindstrom says your provider will go over your risk factors: do you have a family history of liver issues? What’s your own health history, specifically with hepatitis? How often do you drink alcohol? What’s your daily diet and exercise routine?

“If we determine somebody has a lot of scarring of the liver, they should be on regular surveillance looking for liver cancer,” Lindstrom urges. “Every six months, they should get some imaging and possibly a blood test that helps to detect cancer.” The person could also have a biopsy of their liver, where a provider will take a sample of liver tissue and send it to a laboratory to find out exactly what’s wrong.

Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy and liver transplant surgery are possible treatments.

“A liver transplant could be required if the tumor isn’t very large, but there’s a lot of damage or scarring of the liver,” Lindstrom explains.

Prevention

Lindstrom says if it’s caught early, liver cancer can be treated and even cured. Some things to keep in mind to avoid the disease:

• Eat a healthy diet, avoiding things like processed food, high sugar food and high fat food that can lead to liver issues.
   
• Get moving to avoid things like obesity, diabetes and high cholesterol. The American Heart Association says to aim for 150 minutes of exercise per week spread out over several days.
   
• If you do develop chronic conditions like diabetes, see your provider regularly to stay on top of managing the issue.
   
• Know your family history of liver and other health issues.
   
• Limit alcohol or avoid it altogether.
   
• There’s no vaccine for hepatitis C, but there is treatment. There is a vaccine for hepatitis B. The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the shots are safe, effective and have a schedule. Talk to a provider to see if you’re on schedule or if you need a shot now, for example if you’re at high risk.
   
• Take other steps to avoid hepatitis: practice safe sexual relations, avoid blood-to-blood contact with others and don’t share or reuse needles.
  
  “You have a history of blood transfusions prior to 1992. You got a tattoo or piercing in a less than sanitary situation,” Lindstrom lists as other hepatitis risk factors. “I’d recommend getting screened. In fact, it’s a current recommendation to be screened for hepatitis C at least once in adulthood.”
  
  Lindstrom says providers list 1992 as a hepatitis C benchmark because that’s when blood screenings were developed.

Learn more

Read more about how to keep your digestive system healthy on the OSF HealthCare website. Cancer care at OSF HealthCare also includes the OSF HealthCare Cancer Institute in Peoria, Illinois, which provides comprehensive care for the region.

Interview clips

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Hepatitis C treatment has come a long way
‘A gamechanger’
New treatment provides hope for people with fatty liver
Diverticulosis: Long name, bad condition
Hepatitis B: Know the risks and symptoms

When watching a basketball game on television, you may hear coaches and announcers say the star player is missing time with a hernia.

A sports hernia is different than a hernia suffered in everyday life, says Raman Kumar, MD, a colorectal surgeon and general surgeon at OSF HealthCare. But each should be taken seriously.

Hernia

Dr. Kumar says a hernia is when an internal organ or piece of fat goes through a hole in the abdominal wall. The most common type – around 80%  – is an inguinal hernia, when a part of the intestine pushes through the abdominal wall in the lower belly (also called the groin). Anyone can get a hernia, even newborns. But Dr. Kumar says they are seen more in older men. Symptoms include a bulge or swelling in the abdominal area and pain when moving.

“A lot of chronic heavy lifting,” can cause hernias, Dr. Kumar says. “Other things weaken the abdominal wall such as diabetes and smoking. Being obese causes a lot of weight hanging down on the abdominal wall. If you’ve had surgery in the past, that’s also a risk factor.”

So be mindful when lifting objects, Dr. Kumar advises. Lift with your knees, not your back, and don’t try to lift heavy items. Get a cart or a partner to help. Eat healthy and exercise to avoid obesity and diabetes. Avoid alcohol and cigarettes.

Dr. Kumar says an exterior wrap known as a hernia belt or abdominal binder can be a short-term solution. But surgery is often the endgame.

“If you have a hole or defect, it needs to be closed,” Dr. Kumar says. “The reason we fix hernias is because we don’t want a loop of intestine or bowel to get into the hernia, twist off and die.”

That would make a person very sick and possibly threaten their life, Dr. Kumar says.

Sports hernia

Dr. Kumar says a sports hernia is a muscle tear in the groin area. They’re seen in athletes due to all the twisting, turning and bending that comes with competition.

“Stretch before you do any type of activity. Work and develop your core muscles, including your abdominal and hip muscles.” Dr. Kumar says. “If the muscles are strong, they are less likely to tear.”

Athletes who complain of groin pain should immediately leave the competition and get checked out by a trainer or doctor. Resting and icing the groin will help, but a combination of medication, physical therapy or surgery will likely be needed to fully heal.

Be proactive

If you have symptoms of a hernia or sports hernia, see a health care provider right away.

“Nine times out of 10, we can determine you have a hernia just based on a physical exam,” Dr. Kumar says.

But for more complicated cases, your doctor may order an ultrasound or CT scan. Then, the provider will develop a treatment plan.

Interview clips

Previous coverage

Hernias: More common than you think

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. It's a reminder that the disease is manageable when caught early.

Uwais Zaid, MD, a urologist who provides care at OSF HealthCare, is urging men to get screening appointments on their calendar at the right time. That’s critical, he says, because some people who develop prostate cancer will not show symptoms.

“It is something we certainly do take seriously in urology,” Dr. Zaid says.

What is the prostate?

The prostate is a male gland about the size and shape of a walnut. It surrounds the upper part of the urethra, or the tube that carries urine from the bladder. The prostate makes some of the fluid that’s part of semen.

Risk factors

Dr. Zaid says the risk for prostate cancer increases with age.

Other risks: “African American men are at a higher risk,” Dr. Zaid says. “Certain dietary things like too much red meat and greasy, fatty food. And certain type of exposures such as Agent Orange for some of our veterans.”

And like most other ailments, a family history of prostate cancer should put you on higher alert.

Screening: how and when

Dr. Zaid says prostate cancer screening involves two simple tests. One is a blood test that measures the amount of a hormone produced by your prostate called prostate-specific antigen (PSA). An abnormally high reading might warrant further examination by your health care provider.

The other test is a digital rectal exam, where your provider will feel for lumps on the prostate.

Don’t get that confused with a colonoscopy, the more invasive screening that looks for colon cancer, Dr. Zaid says.

“It doesn’t require any special or horrible bowel prep,” Dr. Zaid says of the prostate exam. “It’s about a 20 second thing we do in the clinic that can save your life.”

You should always see your health care provider anytime something seems off with your body. But the American Urological Association has guidelines for when to get a prostate cancer screening.

“For most men, we want them to start screening with an annual PSA [test] at age 54 to 69,” Dr. Zaid explains. “For certain men, you want to start earlier if you have a risk factor.”

After age 69, Dr. Zaid says you should talk to your primary care provider about what screenings are right for you.

What should you not do?

Don’t think this type of cancer is so common that you should just let it run its course. Dr. Zaid says there are aggressive types of prostate cancer that can be deadly.

Also, Dr. Zaid warns of herbal remedies for cancer in general. He says your best bet is to see a doctor.

Treatment

Dr. Zaid says treatment for prostate cancer depends, in part, on how much the cancer has spread.

If it’s contained to the prostate gland, he says radiation (sending radiation waves to destroy the cancer cells) or surgery to partially or fully remove the gland are options.

“If the prostate cancer has escaped the prostate gland, there are a lot of treatment options,” Dr. Zaid explains. “This is actually a very active area [in medicine] with all sorts of research and new medications.”

Hormone therapy may be an option here, the doctor says.

“It’s very manageable,” Dr. Zaid says on treatment of the disease.

Interview clips

Previous coverage

OSF HealthCare library: Prostate cancer

OSF HealthCare Newsroom: Urinary incontinence and the link to prostate cancer

A colonoscopy at age 15

But why? Those at an average risk of colorectal cancer are recommended to start getting colonoscopies once every ten years, starting at 45 years of age.

"My dad was diagnosed after just turning 26. Because it was colon cancer, they recommended I be seen ten years before. The doctors said when I turned 15 to get a colonoscopy," Jaxson says. He was just a baby when his father passed away.

Jaxson’s father, Michael, was an avid runner in great shape. Angie Brown, Michael’s wife and Jaxson’s mother, says Michael had no family history of colon cancer, and never drank or smoked. At the age of 26, Michael was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer. He underwent six months of chemotherapy and was in remission for almost four years. In 2013, Michael was diagnosed with a rare form of stage 4 colon cancer called signet ring cell adenocarcinoma.

“If he can do it, I can do it!”

Angie says for years, she has helped prepare her sons to know the importance of cancer screening, and that they’d have to undergo a colonoscopy from a young age.

“He figured that if he could go out there and show people that a 15-year-old boy is willing to go through a colonoscopy, without having any symptoms, then anybody can do it,” Angie says. “We had a good amount of people who sent messages and said, ‘if he can do it, I can do it!’”

Jaxson says it helped to know from a young age that the day was coming. Afterwards, he said it “wasn’t that bad.”

"They have you roll over on your side, then they inject the stuff in, and it works like a charm. You're out and don't remember a thing. Best sleep you'll ever get," Jaxson laughs. 

Jaxson’s bravery can inspire others

Daniel Martin, MD, a gastroenterologist with OSF HealthCare, oversaw Jaxson’s treatment. He says Jaxson’s bravery to undergo something uncomfortable, yet potentially lifesaving, should be inspiration for everyone.

"Colon cancer, if caught early (even if not caught at a polyp stage), is a very treatable condition. Where in the early stages of disease, greater than 90% of those patients are going to be disease free at five years," Dr. Martin says. "One of the advantages of colorectal cancer screening is that we can prevent the disease. With colorectal cancer, in a colonoscopy, you can identify the precursor lesions called polyps and remove them during the exam."

Colon cancer is the third-most diagnosed form of cancer in both men and women.

“Lung is first for both, breast cancer is second for women, then colorectal cancer is third. For men, prostate is second, colorectal cancer is third. Colon cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer mortality in this country,” Dr. Martin explains.

The prevalence of colon cancer, along with the rareness of Michael’s signet ring colon cancer, led Angie and Michael to launch the Michael P. Brown Colon Cancer Foundation which lives by the motto “Get Busy Living.”

“A lot of people think you’re guaranteed a long life, especially if they’ve had parents who lived into their 80s and 90s,” Angie says. “You just never know what’s going to happen. If you have a bucket list, start doing those things. Don’t wait until you’re retired.”

The Foundation hosts Michael’s 5K Run for Life each year, raising money for signet ring research

“We try to be an outlet for people to get information about signet ring colon cancer. My husband used to field most of those calls, but now I do. My boys are getting involved too,” Angie says. “If there’s a parent who has cancer, they’re willing to talk to kids about that.”

Signs and symptoms of colon cancer

"The most common concern would be bleeding in your stool. But that would also include abdominal pain that's new or different," Dr. Martin says. "Or changes in the frequency or caliber of your stools."

This was mainly the case with Michael, Angie says.

“Initially, my husband’s symptom was belly pain. He was put on a couple of different medications because it was thought to be a stomach ulcer,” Angie says. “It didn’t work. He started having constipation, diarrhea and vomiting. We went into the emergency department, and he got the diagnosis of colon cancer.”

Traditionally, colon cancer is seen in people in their 60s and 70s. However, more younger people are starting to be diagnosed with colon cancer, Dr. Martin says.

"Specific to colorectal cancer, there are various options available now for screening. We recommend procedural screening with colonoscopy whenever possible. But with the advent of stool studies that are readily available and have been covered by insurance, that has helped increase the pool of patients who are receiving appropriate screening," Dr. Martin says. These readily available options are so important, Dr. Martin says, because most colon cancer patients are getting diagnosed at a later stage in the disease.

In the past, things like smoking, obesity and unhealthy lifestyle choices have been thought to cause colon cancer. Dr. Martin says in addition to that, more recent studies have shown processed foods to be a concern as well, adding that our gut's microbiome may show early indicators of cancer. A study done by Harvard Medical School investigators found that certain types of gut bacteria could lead to the development of precancerous colon polyps. 

Dr. Martin credits the OSF HealthCare cancer tumor boards and medical teams for creating a more organized process over the last five to 10 years that takes care of patients from diagnosis to treatment. 

Jaxson says now that it’s all said and done, the colonoscopy process was not as bad as most people think. This is on par with what most patients say, Dr. Martin adds. His word of caution? Many of his patients undergoing a colon cancer diagnosis wish they would have gotten colonoscopies earlier on.

To schedule a screening, speak with your primary care provider first and get a referral. You can find more information about colonoscopies on the OSF HealthCare website.

Jaxson Brown Video Interview Clips

Angie Brown Video Interview Clips

Dr. Daniel Martin Video Interview Clips

The United States Food and Drug Administration recently approved the first treatment for people with liver scarring due to fatty liver disease. It's welcome news for people battling the disease.

How did we get here?

In some ways, it goes back to the obesity epidemic in the United States. Obesity brings an increased risk of fatty liver disease, an ailment that’s treatable but could mean serious complications. Moreover, health experts say isolation during the pandemic led may to increase alcohol intake, another risk factor for fatty liver.

David Rzepczynski, MD, a gastroenterologist at OSF HealthCare, describes the liver as an “extremely important” factory for the body. It performs many functions, like detoxifying medications, aiding digestion and making cholesterol, proteins and amino acids that help the body function. And have you ever missed a meal? You can thank your liver for releasing glucose and giving you energy.

All those “factory functions” make it critical to be watchful of fatty liver disease. As the name suggests, the disease describes an accumulation of fatty cells in the liver. Dr. Rzepczynski says it takes just 5% of cells with increased fat to make a diagnosis, but some obese people have 100% of cells with fat.

Hepatitis C and excessive alcohol use can cause fatty liver disease or are at least linked to it. But you can still get fatty liver if you’re not a heavy drinker, and that’s where your weight comes into play.

“The big driving force of fatty liver disease is what we call the metabolic syndrome,” Dr. Rzepczynski explains. “There are five factors: obesity, diabetes, hypertension [high blood pressure], high cholesterol and insulin resistance.”

Dr. Rzepczynski adds that fatty liver disease may cause pain in the upper abdomen, but it mostly comes without symptoms. So if any of those five risk factors apply to you or if you’re a heavy drinker, don’t wait. Talk to your health care provider about getting your liver looked at.

A doctor will likely start with a blood test, Dr. Rzepczynski says. An ultrasound or biopsy may also be needed. The next step: lose weight.

“It doesn’t have to be getting back to your ideal body weight,” Dr. Rzepczynski says. “Losing 5% of your weight can reduce fat in the liver. Losing 7% will help reverse some of the inflammation associated with fatty liver. And some studies have even shown that losing 10% or more might reverse some of the scarring.”

While it may be a bit alarming, left unchecked, fatty liver disease can lead to a serious condition called cirrhosis, or scarring, of the liver.

“You have normal liver tissue replaced by scar tissue,” Dr. Rzepczynski says. “When that occurs, you have a loss of liver function. You have less liver cells performing their duties.”

Cirrhosis of the liver can cause the organ to fail, making a transplant necessary. Liver issues can also mean an increased risk of heart disease, stroke and cancer, particularly breast and colon cancer.

Learn more about fatty liver disease and other gastroenterology care on the OSF HealthCare website.

Interview clips

Terminology

David Rzepczynski, MD, an OSF HealthCare gastroenterologist, says it’s important to first lay out some similar sounding terminology.

• Diverticulum (singular) or diverticula (plural): These are the bulges that form when an inner part of the colon sticks out through a weak spot in the colon wall.
   
• Diverticulosis: This is the name of the condition when the bulges occur.
   
• Diverticulitis: This describes when the bulges become inflamed.

Causes, symptoms and diagnosis

Dr. Rzepczynski says diverticulosis occurs when your colon is trying to push stool forward, and the organ is not as bulky as it should be. The diverticula bulges then form.

The condition has been more common in people over 60, but Dr. Rzepczynski says health care providers are seeing a rise in cases in people in their 40s and 50s.

Diverticulosis can run in families. It’s also tied to your lifestyle.

“A diet that has more red meat, less grain and less fiber might put you at a higher risk,” Dr. Rzepczynski says.

Smoking, excess alcohol and obesity are also risk factors.

Symptoms of diverticulosis include abdominal pain or constipation. But it often comes with no symptoms and is found during a colonoscopy.

Treatment

Dr. Rzepczynski says in mild cases, a provider may tell you to change your lifestyle, such as getting more fiber in your diet. This makes bowel movements smoother.

“Often, people will look to use fiber supplements,” Dr. Rzepczynski says. “The amount of fiber intake from supplements pales in comparison to what you can get from your diet.”

Also, eat a healthier diet overall. Dr. Rzepczynski says there used to be a myth that nuts, popcorn and seeds would get lodged in the colon bulges. He says studies have shown those foods are not a risk factor.

Other lifestyle tips: exercise and cut out tobacco and alcohol.

Dr. Rzepczynski says more serious cases of diverticulosis can come with two complications. One is bleeding.

“You could have a blood vessel on the outside of the diverticulum. If it ruptures into the diverticulum, it could cause sudden bleeding from the rectum,” Dr. Rzepczynski says.

Dr. Rzepczynski says bleeding from diverticulosis is not common. He ballparks it at around one in 2,000 cases. People on blood thinning medication who develop diverticulosis have a higher risk of bleeding.

While unpleasant, Dr. Rzepczynski says most bleeding cases resolve on their own.

The second, more serious complication is diverticulitis, or when the diverticula bulges become inflamed. This happens when there is a tear in the diverticulum, and bacteria from stool leaks. And it can lead to a host of other problems: pockets of pus known as abscesses, issues passing stool and a urinary tract infection.

Symptoms of diverticulitis include pain in the lower left abdominal area, abnormal bowel movements, nausea and vomiting. If you have these symptoms, it’s important to been seen by a health care provider quickly. A doctor may order a computed tomography scan (commonly called a CT scan) to diagnose diverticulitis.

Dr. Rzepczynski says it’s not common for diverticulosis to progress to diverticulitis, and most cases of diverticulitis can be treated at home with oral medication. But, he says 12 to 15% of diverticulitis patients spend time at the hospital. Treatments there include antibiotic medication through intravenous therapy (IV) and surgery. If surgery is necessary, a doctor will drain any abscesses then remove the inflamed area of the colon.

“They’ll try to reconnect the colon at that time,” Dr. Rzepczynski explains. “But if the surgery is done on an emergency basis, sometimes the person may have a colostomy where part of the colon is coming out through the skin. That’s a temporary measure.”

A colostomy comes with a bag on the outside of your body that collects the waste that would normally leave your body via a bowel movement.

Dr. Rzepczynski warns that surgery isn’t a permanent fix. He says around 15% of diverticulitis patients who have surgery end up with another bout. It reinforces the importance of lifestyle changes. You should also get on a colonoscopy schedule as advised by your health care provider.

Learn more

Read more about how to avoid diverticulosis on the OSF HealthCare website.

Interview clips

Anal and rectal cancer occur in parts of the body near each other, and they both have prevention steps and time-tested treatments. But they are different types of cancer, says Raman Kumar, MD, a colorectal and general surgeon with OSF HealthCare.

Rectal cancer

Dr. Kumar says the rectum is the last part of the colon, where stool is stored.

Signs of rectal cancer include bleeding, irregular bowel movements (such as the shape of the stool changing and the inability to have a complete bowel movement), weight loss, fatigue and pain in the rectal area.

Rectal cancer impacts men and women roughly equally, and it’s seen “at almost any age,” Dr. Kumar says. If you smoke and eat a lot of red meat and processed food, your risk will go up.

Anal cancer

Dr. Kumar says the anus is where stool comes out. He says signs of anal cancer can be like those of rectal cancer. But often, he says an anal cancer diagnosis starts when a person believes they have hemorrhoids, or when the veins or blood vessels around the anus and lower rectum become swollen and irritated due to extra pressure.

“It turns out not to be a hemorrhoid. It could be a mass or a lesion. You could have some bleeding, especially when you’re wiping with toilet paper or wet wipes,” Dr. Kumar says.

Anal cancer’s prevalence in the United States is “very low,” Dr. Kumar says, with around 8,000 cases per year. Around two-thirds of the cases are women, and it’s more common in age 50 and up.

“The number one cause of anal cancer is HPV, the human papillomavirus,” Dr. Kumar says. “So, it is considered a sexually transmitted disease.”

But he says you don’t have to be sexually active to get anal cancer. Regardless, there are vaccines for the most common HPVs that cause cancer.

Prevention and treatment

Symptoms aside, Dr. Kumar says there’s a must-do for anal and rectal cancer prevention: get on a colonoscopy schedule as advised by your health care provider. A colonoscopy is when a provider inspects your colon and surrounding areas using a tiny camera on the end of a tube. Dr. Kumar says generally, colonoscopies start at age 45. But they could start earlier if you have a family history of cancer.

Other tips: Don’t smoke. Exercise regularly. Eat a healthy diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables and fiber. Thirty grams of fiber per day is a good goal, Dr. Kumar says.

If you do have symptoms of anal or rectal cancer, see a provider to get checked out.

Dr. Kumar says treatment for anal cancer is usually chemotherapy and radiation therapy. He says when treated properly, the typical five-year survival rate is around 80%.

“The only times we would operate on anal cancer are to get the original [cancerous] mass out and if the cancer comes back,” Dr. Kumar explains.

For rectal cancer, Dr. Kumar says around 40% of people can also be treated with chemotherapy and radiation. Others will need surgery to remove the cancer. But Dr. Kumar says medicine has progressed to where people can typically avoid a colostomy, or when a part of the colon is diverted outside the skin to bypass a damaged part of the colon. This is temporary and comes with a bag that collects the waste that would normally leave your body via a bowel movement.

Learn more

Read more about prevention and treatment of rectal and anal cancer on the OSF HealthCare website.

Interview clips

It’s important for women to keep track of health screening recommendations. Early detection of issues like breast cancer can mean a better outcome.

Since everyone’s situation is different, you should talk to your health care provider about what screenings are right for you and when to get them. But Deena Brown, a board-certified family nurse practitioner at OSF HealthCare, says there are a few screenings every woman should know.

• Breast cancer: Brown says women aged 40 and up should talk to their provider about a yearly mammogram that looks for breast cancer.

For adult women of any age, mammograms should be combined with monthly breast self-checks. Brown suggests doing a self-exam a week after your menstrual cycle. If you’re no longer menstruating, you can choose the same day each month (the first of the month, for example) to help you remember. You should feel for changes or other abnormalities like lumps, bumps, one breast being larger than the other, any nipple discharge and swelling or soreness under the armpit. Make an appointment with your provider if you notice any of those changes.

• Cervical cancer: Brown says cervical cancer screenings typically begin at age 21 and occur every three to five years.

“Those screenings involve a pap smear, which takes a cell sample from the cervix and looks for any abnormal cells that need to be addressed,” Brown says.

• Osteoporosis: The National Institutes of Health (NIH) says osteoporosis is a bone disease that develops when bone mineral density and bone mass decrease or when the structure and strength of bones change. This can lead to a decrease in bone strength and an increased risk of bone fractures.

Brown says women over age 65 should be checked for osteoporosis. The NIH says the screening is typically a simple X-ray, and it should be done every two years.

“If the bone density is low, we can initiate treatment with medication to help increase the strength of the bones,” Brown says. “This helps prevent future fractures and debility for women.”

• Colon cancer: Screenings starting at age 45 can help detect colon cancer and other serious issues. A once-a-decade colonoscopy involves a doctor using a tube and camera to check for polyps or cancer in your colon and rectum. Another option is to take a stool sample at home, send it to a provider and they will look for abnormalities. Talk to your provider about which option is best for you.

How things can change

Brown says some women may need these screenings more frequently or earlier in life based on a family history of a disease or your own history.

“It’s all individualized,” she says.

“There are these screening recommendations, but we like to take a personalized approach to care and help address issues as soon as we can.”

In other words, seeing a doctor isn’t just about treating chronic conditions. It’s about preventing them too. And screenings are the best way to do that.

For more on women’s health services, visit the OSF HealthCare website.

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Staying the course for a colonoscopy

Andrew Zasada, MD, can’t help but chuckle when asked about the “latest and greatest” body cleansing fads.

But the internal medicine physician at OSF HealthCare says these whims can turn into anything but a laughing matter.

“When you put stuff that’s not really regulated in your body, you don’t know what’s going in,” Dr. Zasada says. “And if you mix in your regular medicine, too, you’re not doing yourself a favor.”

Dr. Zasada is reminding you to talk to your primary care provider before starting any significant treatment. Don’t believe everything you read online or on a label.

Diatomaceous earth as a cleanse

Dr. Zasada says diatomaceous earth has several legitimate uses in industry. But it’s also seen in powder form as a dietary supplement.

The product comes from ground-up and processed skeletons of algae. It contains silica, one of the main components of sand. There are two types of diatomaceous earth: edible, which contains 2% to 4% silica, and industrial with 60% or more silica.

Dr. Zasada says ingesting silica in small amounts – for example, mixing it in water – is harmless because it does not absorb into your body. But you should never inhale it.

“It causes irritation of the lungs which can be permanent and cause scarring. It can cause you to be short of breath. It’s called silicosis,” Dr. Zasada explains. “It’s similar to what coal miners get when they inhale coal dust. People die from silicosis every year.”

Dr. Zasada says some people claim diatomaceous earth cleanses your digestive tract and improves cholesterol. But he says scientific evidence for and against these claims is “scant at best.”

“There have been a few studies that showed that it lowers cholesterol. But at the same time, we don’t know what else that patient may have eaten because it was a poorly designed study,” Dr. Zasada says. “Was the silica responsible? Was it dietary? We simply don’t know.”

Dewormers and other cleanses

Dr. Zasada says dewormers do what the name suggests – remove intestinal parasites from your insides. He says they serve a purpose in livestock but not humans.

“Some people believe we all carry some type of parasite, and we need to deworm ourselves,” Dr. Zasada says with a sigh.

“If you really think you have an intestinal parasite, see your doctor. The test is simple. If you do, in fact, have a parasite, it can be eliminated.”

Dr. Zasada adds that there’s no evidence that our bodies are loaded with toxins that must be removed. He says that removal happens naturally through our liver, kidneys and bowel movements.

“We’ve been around as a species for hundreds of thousands of years without colon cleanses, and we’ve done pretty well,” he quips.

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