Colon Health

Carolyn Gretton

How sugary drinks help colorectal cancer spread

Having an occasional soda can’t hurt, can it? Turns out it can. Modest consumption of sugary drinks can raise your risk of cancer, and, if you’re battling it, can cause it to spread. Here’s how…

Margaret Cantwell

Why colonoscopies may be less effective than we thought

Colonoscopy was hailed as the procedure that could end colorectal cancer by reducing risk and death as much as 70%. But results from a large trial might make it harder to justify this form of screening that’s remained largely unchanged since 1969…

Carolyn Gretton

An over-the-counter medication activates cancer-protective genes

There are upsides and downsides to daily medication. Take aspirin. It may help prevent a heart attack, but for some, the risk of bleeding or stroke goes up. But, with care, there’s one disease where daily aspirin’s possible side effects may pale compared to its prevention potential…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Colonoscopy: Is every 10 years really necessary?

Whether your rite of passage was at 50 or 45, anyone who submits to a routine colonoscopy is informed they’re expected to repeat the procedure every 10 years. Now for some good news: some of us may get a reprieve…

Joyce Hollman

Why the red meat-colon cancer link is higher for some

The colon is the last stop in your digestive system, so it stands to reason that food can significantly impact the risk of colon cancer, especially red and processed meats. But new research shows why that risk is even higher for some of us, and how we can take it down…

Dr. Adria Schmedthorst

Anti-cancer key found in anthocyanin-rich foods

Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S. And survivors are left reeling from the chemotherapy, radiation and surgery used to fight it. That’s why our focus must be on prevention, starting with the unbelieavable power of purple food…