Colon cancer

Surgery Group LA
What is causing the rising rates of colon cancer in young adults?
testing tubes with different solutions

Guys, the test results are in and they’re not pretty! 50 is no longer the age when you need to check for colorectal cancer. People who are under 50 now account for 10% of colorectal cancer cases. And the worst news is that we only have ourselves to blame.

Why young people are getting colorectal cancer so young?

The truth is poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle. Couple this with smoking or drinking and young colons are going bad faster than our pandemic investment portfolio.

There are of course other factors. Age, race, and gender all play some part in your risk of developing colon cancer. 3-5% of people in developed countries have genes that put them at very high risk of Colon Cancer, caused by germline mutations in colon repair proteins (mmr).

But these mutations do not explain the recent uptick. The type of cancer that doctors are seeing in these cases grows sporadically. Genetic forms of colon cancers grow more steadily. New gene mutations could be the cause of some of these new cases. But new research shows there are more obvious risk factors to consider.

What can young people do to stay healthy?

Know your symptoms – if you or a loved one at any age develop these symptoms, it is imperative you speak to your doctor as soon as you can.

  • Rectal Bleeding – especially if your stool has rust-like blood forming inside of your stool
  • Unusual stools – dark stools, narrow thin stools, that may be a sign that your bowels are being obstructed
  • Changes in Bowel movements- this could either mean tough stools that only pass a few times a week (constipation), or loose watery stool (diarrhea) especially if this has gone on for longer than two weeks
  • Low energy or chronic exhaustion – this may be a sign of anemia or blood loss

Don’t be too alarmed! They are a variety of far less serious conditions, from hemorrhoids to a poor fiber diet to explain these symptoms. But you should still get tested, especially if there is any blood in your stool.

Make a lifestyle change – studies have shown that making these lifestyle changes can dramatically decrease your risk of developing colorectal cancer.

  • Drink in moderation – the American cancer association advises no more than two drinks for men or one drink for women, but any alcohol can increase your cancer risk
  • Quit smoking – the amount of damage smoking causes your body can fill a blog on its own, so quit as soon as you can. That includes e-cigs too!
  • Lose weight – your new year’s resolution won’t just help your pants fit better it could save your life!
  • Consume 25 grams of fiber a day – most Americans only consume 10 – 15 grams of fiber a day. This causes your body to have to strain to keep your colon clean.

The key is consistency, not intensity – no need to throw all your cigarettes in a bin or eat two pounds of Benefiber. Moderate your smoking with nicotine patches, consider adding a walk every couple of days. 

You can do a lot more good in a year doing a little than you could ever do in a week so stay consistent and be gentle with yourself when you inevitably get off track and just get back on.

If you or a loved one have questions or concerns about colorectal cancer, speak to your doctor today.

February 10, 2023

Surgery Group LA
Understanding Rectal Bleeding: Symptoms, Causes, Colors, and More

Rectal bleeding is often a troubling sign of a host of different conditions. These can range from mild, such as hemorrhoids, the moderate, like an ulcer, or severe problems, such as colorectal cancer.

This can cause a lot of confusion and distress, which is why the Surgery Group of LA has made this handy sheet to help explain what the blood in your stool may mean.

What kind of rectal bleeding do I have?

Rectal bleeding can happen at various stages of the digestive process. Where it happens dictates the color, the amount, and where inside the stool the blood will start to form. 

While there are always exceptions, if your bleeding is:

  • Bright Red Blood – usually means bleeding that’s lower in the rectum near the anus
  • Dark Red or Maroon Blood – can signal bleeding in the small bowel or high in the colon
  • Blackish or tar-like stool (Melena) – likely means bleeding in the stomach, such as bleeding caused by an ulcer

Sometimes bleeding can’t be detected by the human eye and needs to be tested under a microscope. 

Rectal Bleeding Symptoms

Depending on the type of rectal bleeding you are enduring, you may experience very different symptoms. 

However rectal bleeding usually can come with: 

  • Feeling rectal pain and pressure
  • Mental confusion
  • Feeling lightheaded or dizzy

If you’re experiencing a more serious rectal condition you may also suffer from the:

  • Fast heart rate
  • Inability to urinate
  • Slipping into unconsciousness
  • Experiencing a sudden drop in blood pressure

This may be a sign that you are going through Shock, and you should get medical treatment immediately.

What causes rectal bleeding?

As mentioned earlier the type of conditions that cause rectal bleeding range from severe to mild.

Common mild conditions include:

  • Hemorrhoids – the most common cause of rectal bleeding, this condition occurs when veins inside the anus grow inflamed and causes bleeding into your stool. 
  • Anal fissures – not to be confused with Hemmorhoids, are sudden cuts that form after passing an especially hard stool

More serious, but still treatable conditions include:

  • Diverticulosis/Diverticulitis – this happens when small pouches called Diverticuli to develop in weakened sections of your intestine, if they get infected they can cause pussy yellowish blood that causes all sorts of abdominal symptoms and fever
  • Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome – IBS or IBD as it is also called, is a swelling of the small or large intestine, which can cause intestinal blockages, diarrhea, and cramping
  • Ulcers – these form when the fluids in your intestines are constantly out of homeostasis which damages the lining of your intestines

Or unfortunately, it may be a sign of:

  • Polyps – or growths in the lower digestive system, which can develop into cancer

What to do if I have rectal bleeding?

Depending on the severity of your symptoms you may want to set up an appointment with your doctor or go to urgent care.

It’s important that regardless of the cause your doctor is given a chance to perform some tests in order to verify your condition and make sure your treatment is appropriate.

And again, If you’re experiencing a more serious rectal condition you may also suffer from:

  • Fast heart rate
  • Inability to urinate
  • Slipping into unconsciousness
  • Experiencing a sudden drop in blood pressure

This may be a sign that you are going through Shock, and you should get medical treatment immediately.

If you or a loved one have questions or concerns about rectal bleeding speak to your doctor today.

February 10, 2023

Surgery Group LA
Colon: What is it?

” …Eat more spinach son, good for your Colon! 

…My doctor says I need a colonoscopy!

…Ow! She hit me right in the colon!”

As part of the Surgeon Group of LA’s simple biology tour, we introduce our lovely friend:

The Colon!

Colon:

The largest intestine inside the digestive system, the colon connects the small intestine and the anus and is a crucial part of the entire digestive system. It’s basically where all the good stuff that you need, like water and nutrients, gets absorbed from the food you eat.

Job Description: To completely absorb the nutrients, water, and energy from the partially digested food coming from your Small Intestine

Aliases: Large Intestine, the poop chute, the 5 feet poop maker

Size: 5 feet long, can be approximately 3 inches wide or as low as 1 inch wide depending on the region

Altogether the large intestine gets the food you chew up and turns it into energy. Albeit with poop too.

Myth# 1 Poop takes 72 hours to digest

The truth is, people, vary widely on how long food stays in their colons.

Generally, though, the colon spends anywhere from 12 to 48 hours turning mashed-up food into a waste product.

Myth # 2 You should poop every day

There is simply no medical evidence that backs this up.

The truth again is that people vary widely on how many times they poo, from a few times a day to once every three. If it takes you more than 72 hours in between bowel movements, it may be time to speak to a doctor.

Myth# 3 Red blood in your stool means colon cancer

Darkened, semi-clotted blood inside of your stool may perhaps be a sign of colon cancer.

However, if the blood in your stool is red, and does not come from inside your stool, it could be a sign of:

  • hernia
  • Hemorrhoids
  • Chronic constipation
  • Ulcers

Any blood in your stool = time to see a doctor.

However, most likely after a colonoscopy, your doctor will prescribe some preparation h and a high-fiber diet. No need to panic just yet.

Myth# 4 Fiber is all I need for a good colon

The truth is, you can have all the fiber in the world, but if you:

  • Constantly overweight and obese
  • Smoke
  • Excessively drink

You will highly increase your chance of developing colon problems.

Fiber or juice cleanse be damned.

And on that point.

Myth# 5 Juice cleanses work!

This is the myth that will especially tick off your doctors.

Every once in a while juice cleanses may be a way to reduce calories and increase the number of vitamins you get from fruits and vegetables. However, nearly every study done on juice cleanses show they have no effect on colon health. You’re likely better off adding some green tea and whole fruits to your diet and calling it a day.

Conclusion

With a good diet and exercise plan, checkups, and occasionally an apple or two, your colon should stay good as new. Additionally scheduling a yearly colonoscopy is recommended for adults over 45. Especially if you have colon problems in your family.

If you or a loved one have questions about colon health, schedule an appointment with your doctor today.

January 4, 2023

Surgery Group LA
Prepping for your colonoscopy

Whether it’s checking for colon cancer, internal hemorrhoids, or just a bad case of constipation, colonoscopies are a crucial medical diagnostic tool that has alerted doctors on the status of many colon maladies. However, these procedures can be a little anxiety-inducing. Will it hurt a lot? Do I have to drink special fluids before? How long is this going to put me out? Use this article as a helpful guide for all your questions regarding your scheduled colonoscopy.

How to prep for your colonoscopy

The key to the game is simple: emptying the bowels prior to your appointment. Without this crucial step, any growths, polyps, or abnormalities may be missed. 

To help you achieve this, we’ve created this 3-day colon cleansing program for you.

3 days out Low fiber foods, no whole grains, seeds, dried fruit or vegetables. Keep food clear and to a minimum. Avoid fried foods and any bright red foods.

24 hours out: No solid foods at all. If you can handle it a fast could be helpful, but you can supplement this window with clear foods like jello, popsicles, clear juices, or black coffee. This is often when we recommend you drink a bowel cleansing liquid for the best results.

2 hours before: No food or liquid at all, not even the bowel cleansing liquid. 

How to know if my colonoscopy prep is working

While following these steps should allow you a worry-free colonoscopy, for the hypervigilant, check for these steps that your colonoscopy prep is working:

  • Bowel movements are watery and clear
  • Seek medical attention if your bowel movements have become bloody or you are suffering from chronic constipation even after drinking the bowel cleansing liquid.

The Colonoscopy itself

The good news is that once you’re ready, a colonoscopy takes less than an hour to complete and you should be at the doctors for no more than 2-3 hours including prep and recovery. 

Your doctor will often begin by administering a light sedative. This means you will need to get a ride home after your test, and you should call off work on the day of the test. The sedative and test take about an hour to wear off but you should spend the rest of the day relaxing. If your doctor has found any polyps that are worth consideration they will let you know and send them off for further testing.

4 quick tips for colonoscopy prep:

  • Read your colonoscopy prep instructions asap – you don’t want to have to reschedule cause you missed a crucial step
  • Consider nonsugar sweeteners like kool-aid or stevia to keep you from being bored of drinking water
  • Consider drinking your colonoscopy prep fluid cold, sweetened, and through a straw to make it easier to put down
  • Once the fluids and diet kick in, keep your clothes nice and loose and try to take a little time off work if you can, it might be hard to stay away from the bathroom for the time being

If you or a loved one have questions about their colon health, speak to a medical professional today to get answers.

September 16, 2022

Surgery Group LA
How to cope with a cancer diagnosis

Cancer as a word is everywhere. On your newsfeed, someone in your family or a friend perhaps. Cancer seems to be all everyone seems to be talking about, and yet for the vast majority of people who get their cancer diagnosis: it’s a huge, huge surprise.

No amount of counseling, support, or information will completely remove the shock and raw wholly. Each person who goes through a cancer journey has a right to approach it in their own way, but we here at the Surgery Group of Los Angeles humbly offer these words of support and advice from our years of experience treating cancer patients.

  1. Talk to someone, who it is up to you – A trusted friend or loved one? Of course. Random person at a bar? Go for it. Your cancer support team? You betcha. Other cancer survivors? Whatever you want. Who that person is is entirely up to you. Stay authentic or work on authenticity, there is no need to be faux cheery or need to discuss deep moody topics just because you have cancer. Talking with other cancer survivors might give you insight into what parts of the cancer journey are completely normal and perhaps bond with people that might understand more than others.
  1. Focus on the treatment options and what you can control, not statistics – There is nothing wrong with learning everything you need to know about your cancer diagnosis and treatment, we recommend it. But don’t get bogged down in the year mortality rates, or which type of cancer is worse, focus on what you can control, like making sure that your treatment plan and the team are crucial and right for your diagnosis.
  2. Advocate for yourself! – Just because your doctor might be a specialist of some pedigree in this diagnosis gives them no excuse to bully or talk down to you. If you feel like your doctor is not giving you a clear and informative picture of your treatment options, and isn’t discussing the complexity of your case with you in full, move on. You know your body better than anyone and you should fight for it.
  3. Maintain who you are – It is a fact that some things will change as your cancer journey commences. You will have times when you suddenly are unable to do things. Focus on what you can do, maintain your physical regimen, or begin a new one. Keep pursuing goals and passion, you may need to focus your energy more on what really matters but keep your life as unchanged as you can.
  4. Eat well and exercise – You and your body are about to go on a journey, make sure that it’s well maintained.

In essence focus on getting healthy and staying connected to the things and people that you love and trust. It’s good advice for anyone, but in a sea of misinformation and shocking articles, please consider this a healthy reminder that this is your journey, it is unique and will have its own complexities, and you don’t have to listen to anyone but knowledge and yourself. 

If you or a loved one is processing a cancer diagnosis and would like to speak with someone who can help contact a medical professional today.

September 16, 2022

Surgery Group LA
Is Robotic Surgery actually performed by my surgeon? 5 misconceptions about Robotic Surgery

Based on your point of view, this image above can seem fascinating or disturbing. Dr. Yosef is a surgeon and former member of the Cedar Sinais robotic steering committee, and he understands your concerns. A robot performing surgery? Then what is my surgeon doing? Watching videos on their phone?

Not exactly, Dr. Yosef says. Robotic surgery implies automation. A robotic “surgery assistant” might be a better name, a way to describe the many amazing ways robotics have assisted surgeons with their operations, but not simply doing the surgery for the surgeon. 

Surgical robotic systems are comprised of miniature cameras and mechanical arms with surgical instruments. The Surgeon controls these arms and uses the cameras for feedback and information, usually while seated at a nearby computer.

Why do things this way? In short, it allows Surgeons to perform more complex, less invasive, surgery for longer periods of time. Mechanical arms mean smaller incisions needed for surgery. Miniature cameras allow surgeons to see areas invisible to the naked eye. The design of the robotics has been perfected for years to make sure the surgeon can stay alert and focused for longer. 

Smaller incisions and more focused surgeons mean shorter recovery times, less chance of complications, and shorter hospital stays.

Some people however still may have very valid concerns. Does robotic surgery mean that I’m getting less surgeon attention and care? Is this all a clever ruse for my surgeons to get lazy with their practices and still charge exorbitant fees?

Doctors like Dr. Yosef understand people’s fears and encourages those who have them to see for themselves. “Come see for yourself,” Dr. Yosef says, “ You’ll see that no robot is performing a surgery automatically.” Instead, robotic surgery aides are like cutting-edge formula one cars, allowing surgeons to perform the most advanced and groundbreaking techniques their field has to offer. 

And like those f1 drivers, Dr. Yosef and others like him have been training for years so that these new technologies are like an extension of themselves, as comfortable and in tune with them as their own hands might be.

Have questions about robotic surgery and want to talk about it? Speak to a medical professional today about how robotic surgery may be a treatment option for you.

July 26, 2022

Surgery Group LA
Warning Signs of Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month is this March, and it is crucial that more people are aware of this insidious disease that is now the third most common cancer in the United States. Colorectal cancer is often asymptomatic, and doctors recommend regular screenings starting at the 45 to everyone. However, if you or a loved one is suffering from one of these warning signs, you may need to speak with a medical professional today.

Continuous Nausea and Vomiting

Nausea and consistent bouts of vomiting may be a sign that a rectal or colon tumor is creating a blockage in the bowels. This leads to the digestive system being unable to pass waste or gas properly. If you experience persistent nausea, vomiting, or dehydration for longer than 24 hours, speak to a medical professional immediately.

Rectal Bleeding

While rectal bleeding can be a sign of other conditions such as polyps, or, hemorrhoids, doctors recommend a checkup anyway. While it could just be a minor illness, rectal bleeding of any sort is worthy of more investigation, especially if it doesn’t go away.

Changes in bowel movements

Unusual stools or change in bowel movements, even if occurs in your twenties or thirties should be looked into. Concerning symptoms include pencil-thin, or bloody stools, feeling early in a meal for extended periods of time. While these symptoms may have other less serious explanations, it still is a good idea to consult a medical professional as soon as you can.

If you or a loved one suffer from any of the symptoms, it may be time to speak to a medical professional about your colon health.

March 23, 2022

Surgery Group LA
How to lower your risk of colon cancer by managing obesity

March is colorectal cancer awareness month, and it’s about time as colorectal cancer is skewing younger and younger around the world.

With young adults suffering from higher rates of sedentary lifestyles, poor eating habits, and lack of exercise, doctors have changed their best practices so that colorectal cancer screenings start at 45 instead of the previously recommended 50.

This is because obesity, almost as much as age, increases people’s susceptibility to colorectal cancer.

These risks have become so thoroughly documented that it has become compared to the effects of smoking on the chances of getting lung cancer. In a study in the UK, patients who carried just a few more pounds of weight on their body for a few years suffered a 25% higher chance of getting colorectal cancer compared to their lighter counterparts.

This is believed to happen because fat tissue triggers the creation of chemicals that cause inflammation, which in turn makes it easier for tumor cells to grow in the body. 

Obesity is a proven risk factor for the development of colorectal cancer, here 3 tips to help manage your obesity.

Instead of less unhealthy foods, think more healthy foods! 

While it may be tempting to just eliminate fast food, soda, and cookies, this can often cause cravings and inevitably give up together. Dieticians instead recommend adding as many healthy foods as you can, even if they come in a slightly compromised state. Can’t stand chicken breast and broccoli? How about fried chicken and country potatoes instead? The goal is to eat healthier incrementally, allowing you and your body to begin to find healthy food you enjoy and can stick to eating.

Move, move, move!

While doctors recommend 150 minutes of moderately intense activity a week, you might need to start slow. Perhaps a long walk while listening to your favorite podcast, a couple of squats spread throughout the day. Any extra movement helps burn calories and keeps your body fit.

Counseling

Sometimes our reasons for overeating or not exercising are related to a more emotional or trauma-related issue. Therapists and support groups can provide key insights as well as a valuable support as you work through your weight loss and overall health journey.

If you or a loved one may be suffering from colorectal cancer, speak with a medical professional today.

March 23, 2022

Surgery Group LA
3 Advances in Colorectal Cancer surgery You Need to Know About

Colorectal Cancer is the third most common form of cancer in America. To combat this, doctors around the world are developing new techniques that are less invasive and decrease the chance of recurrence. Here are three new techniques that are helping change lives around the world.

Transanal Minimally Invasive Surgery (TAMIS) – For those in the early stages of colorectal cancer, this new procedure is performed by having your surgeon place a laparoscopic port into the anus, allowing surgeons to pass through the necessary equipment to find and remove polyps and superficial lesions without making an incision.

By not having to make an incision or remove the anus, patients are often only under surgery for as little as an hour and have often can leave the hospital in less than 24 hours. It also leads to faster recovery and fewer complications.

Advanced Robotic Surgery –  Developed to provide more flexibility and visibility than laparoscopic surgery while still not requiring an incision. Surgeons place a surgical camera and instruments through the anus, while a surgeon using a state-of-the-art 360 console directs the camera and instruments in real-time. 

This procedure allows surgeons to perform incisions with absolute precision, allowing the surgeon to only make tiny incisions instead of the lengthy cuts made before. This leads to low recovery times, and an even lower risk of complication and infection.

Laparoscopic colon resection surgery –  For patients who still require some sort of incision to be made LCR surgery allows the surgeon to use 4-5 small incisions into the body instead of one large incision in earlier procedures. Then a surgeon is able to insert specialized equipment that allows the surgeon greater visibility without having to increase the size of the incision.

While not appropriate to all patients, this form of surgery allows for a quicker recovery time as well as less pain after the procedure.

Colorectal Cancer Surgery has made huge advances since its inception. Procedures are safer, more accurate and precise, and lead to faster recoveries with a fast return to normal life. 

September 22, 2021

Surgery Group LA
Is it normal to have thin stools? 4 possible explanations

While finishing your business in the bathroom, you might look at your stool just to make sure everything is okay. While observing stool if you notice that your stool is pencil-thin over a length of time, it might be a sign of a health condition that could be a cause for concern. Here are 4 possible explanations for your thin stools.

Constipation

While everyone might struggle with staying regular from time to time, it becomes constipation when your bowel movements drop to less than three times a week. While thin stools are not always a sign of constipation, they can be if your stools do not always look that way. Constipation usually occurs due to a lack of fiber and exercise. Other signs that it might be constipation is if your poop becomes hard to pass, hard and dry.

Having thin stools for a period of time is nothing to worry about, though it might require some lifestyle changes.  However if looks this way all the time and begins to narrow over time, you should let your doctor know. 

Colorectal Cancer

It used to be that doctors believed that pencil-thin stools were a sign of colorectal cancer, indicating that some sort of growth was creating a blockage, narrowing the space for stool to pass through.

However, years of research have concluded that stools narrowing over time is usually the sign of a far less serious medical condition.

That being said if your stool narrowing coincides with symptoms such as:

  • Blood in your stool
  • Diarrhea, incontinence, constipation
  • Anemia
  • Belly pain or bloating
  • Unexpected weight loss
  • Vomiting

It is advised that you consult a medical professional.

Anal Cancer

While rare, Thin stools could also be a sign of anal cancer. Anal cancer forms in your anus or the outer part of your rectum. Anal cancer is usually caused by infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV)

If anal cancer is causing your thin stools it might also come with symptoms such as:

  • Anal pain, bleeding, and itching of the rectum
  • Strange rectal discharge
  • Lumps felt around the anus
  • Swollen lymph nodes around the anus

If you believe you have these symptoms, consult a medical professional for more information.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Another common cause of thin stools is Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Those who suffer from IBS suffer from stools that change in shape and texture, suffer from diarrhea,  as well as:

  • Gas, bloating, constipation
  • Strong urge to go, mucus in your poop
  • Belly cramps

To manage IBS, doctors recommend more fiber in the diet, and to manage your stress levels.

If you or a loved one suffer from thin stools and any of the other symptoms listed above and would like more information, consult a medical professional right away.

September 5, 2021

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