Sigmoidoscopy: Purpose, procedure and how it compares to a colonoscopy
An anoscopy examines the anus, and a colonoscopy examines the colon. So, what does a sigmoidoscopy examine? Hint: the answer is in the name.
A sigmoidoscopy – sometimes called a flexible sigmoidoscopy – is a procedure doctors use primarily to see inside the rectum and sigmoid colon.
You may be wondering what conditions a sigmoidoscopy can help diagnose and how a sigmoidoscopy differs from a colonoscopy. Here, I’ll answer...
Food allergies vs. cancer symptoms: How can you tell the difference?
Diarrhea, itching and rashes can all be signs of a food allergy. They could also be symptoms of some cancers, including colorectal cancer,...
What are polyps?
You may already have heard about colon polyps. These abnormal cell growths are more likely to develop as we age. They occur in the colon and...
Mother and son survivors share inspiration, passion for cancer prevention
William Lindley has been watching his mother, Faye Wright, deal with cancer for more than 25 years. He was only a teenager when she was diagnosed with stage IV adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) in her right breast. This rare head and neck cancer usually appears in the salivary glands.
Since then, William has seen his mother face three different recurrences. He’s also watched her undergo radiation therapy and multiple...
How to make colonoscopy prep better
Clear liquid diets, giant containers of prep solution, heightened nerves, and spending the majority of an evening tied to your toilet—it’s...
Colon cancer in young adults: What you need to know
Colorectal cancer cases are on the decline overall. Research shows this is because more people are getting regular colorectal cancer...
5 precancerous conditions and what you can do about them
You may already know that some types of colon polyps can develop into colorectal cancer. Or, that cervical dysplasia can sometimes lead to...
Young adult colon cancer survivor says support was vital during treatment
At age 26, Savannah Kaspar was a typical young adult: working, spending time with family and friends and planning trips. But after a colorectal...
Cancer in the sigmoid colon: What it means when colon cancer is on the left side
The sigmoid colon is the part of the large intestine (colon) closest to the rectum. It absorbs water from stool and pushes the stool to the...
Should you get a full-body scan to look for cancer?
Getting a full-body scan to check yourself out for possible cancers might sound like a great idea. But what are the risks and benefits? And...