I'm a Colorectal Cancer Doctor – Here are 5 Things I'll Never Do, Ever Do

Colorectal cancer is the third most common type of cancer worldwide. In the earlier stages, it can be difficult to catch. Symptoms, such as diarrhea, abdominal pain and anemia, can easily be ignored or mistaken for another, more serious problem.

There has also been an increase in the detection of colorectal cancer in young people. The reason for this, although unclear, is multifactorial, with genetics, environmental exposures and lifestyle all contributing. What we do know is that if colon cancer is caught early, it can be successfully treated.

Fortunately, there's a lot you can do to check your gut health. We asked Dr. Ursina Teitelbaum, medical oncologist and colon cancer division chief at Penn Medicine's Abramson Cancer Center, about common mistakes you should avoid for your colon. Here's what Teitelbaum says he personally avoids, and what you should too:

1. I will never ignore my family history.

Family history is one of the biggest risk factors for colorectal cancer. Up to 1 in 3 people diagnosed with colorectal cancer have a family member who also has it. There are several reasons why cancer runs in families: genetics, shared environmental factors, and a combination of both, according to the American Cancer Society.

Because the health of your relatives directly affects an individual's risk of colon cancer, it is important to know your family history. Teitelbaum recommends asking your parents, siblings or other relatives if any family members, including grandparents, cousins, or aunts and uncles, have ever been diagnosed with colorectal cancer.

If you find out that a first-degree relative has colon cancer, for example, you will be advised to start screening early. “Your colon health depends on your genes,” Teitelbaum says.

2. I will never miss or delay colonoscopies and screening tests.

Colorectal cancer cases are increasing rapidly among adults. Although the disease, which affects less than 1% of adults, is still rare, the increasing incidence has made early screening and diagnosis more important.

Because of this alarming trend, the US Preventive Services Task Force issued new guidelines for colon cancer screening in 2021 to try to catch more cases. Now, all adults are advised to start screening with colonoscopy or stool-based screening from 45 years of age.

Regular colonoscopies are especially important for people with inflammatory bowel disease, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, as these conditions can increase the risk of colorectal cancer. But even otherwise healthy people with no family history can get colorectal cancer.

“No matter how healthy your life is, when you get to a certain age, you need to get tested,” Teitelbaum said. Screening is the best way to catch colon cancer early and treat it.

3. I will not ignore any strange or unusual symptoms.

Doctors across the country have noticed that many young adults don't think their unusual symptoms could be cancer, Teitelbaum said. And because they are young, health care providers may not immediately suspect problems. This can lead to delayed diagnosis and poor outcomes, research shows. The takeaway? You be Pay attention to your body, Teitelbaum emphasized.

Be aware of any changes in your bowel movements – if you've been having bowel movements for a while but now you feel constipated more often, or you see blood in your stool and have stomach pains, it's worth talking to a doctor. Diarrhea, fatigue or unexplained anemia also require a medical evaluation.

It is important to speak up for yourself. If you feel like your doctor is mistaking your symptoms, go get a second opinion. “If you're really worried, you need to be persistent,” Teitelbaum said.

4. I will not underestimate the power of a healthy life.

Although the causes of colon cancer are not well understood, more than half of colorectal cancer is linked to changing lifestyle factors. Cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption and a sedentary lifestyle are thought to be associated with an increased risk of colon cancer, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Your diet also plays a big role. Red meat and highly processed foods, such as soda, candy and cookies, have been linked to a higher risk of colon cancer, while vegetables, fruits and whole grains are associated with a lower risk.

“There is no perfect prognosis for colon cancer, but globally, a healthy lifestyle can help” prevent it, Teitelbaum said.

5. I will never avoid talking about shit.

Finally, Teitelbaum recommended being free to speak out. The more we talk about a topic, the better we can expose the stigma when discussing it.

Sometimes, unusual bowel movements – such as loose or bloody stools – are the only indication that something is wrong. It can be hard to know if your experience is unusual without telling others what you are going through.

It can feel embarrassing to talk about poop, but we should do it, according to Teitelbaum. “Poop is a condition of your life, and talking about it can save your life,” she said.This article originally appeared HuffPost.