Make Your Annual Exam a Top Priority

There are times in your life when you see your Ob/Gyn quite often – during pregnancy, when you are trying to get pregnant, or if you are having health issues. During the other seasons of your life it is just as important to see your doctor at least once a year. Most women do not have a family doctor outside of their Ob/Gyn – so your annual exam is essential for everyday wellness as well as preventative measures. You deserve attention, care, and concern – so make your annual exam a priority. 

Your annual visit to your gynecologist is the key to prevention of so many conditions that target women – cancer of the reproductive organs, tumors, cysts, menopause, you name it. Your doctor is here to help you monitor and understand the changes in your body year to year.

All women over the age of 18 – or younger if they are sexually active – should have annual exams. Even after age 65, women should still have their regular check ups to continue to detect signs of ovarian, cervical and vulvar cancers.

What can I expect during my annual exam?

The best time to see your doctor is one to two weeks after your period. The tests and results will be more accurate and it is more comfortable for you, the patient. At your annual exam, a nurse will first check your weight, blood pressure, pulse, and sometimes urine. This is a good time to bring up any concerns you have or any questions you would like to ask your doctor. Next, you will slip into something a little less comfortable – like a gown – and wait for your doctor.

Your doctor will perform a physical exam – checking your heart, lungs, ears, eyes, etc. During the breast exam, your doctor will feel for lumps or changes in your breasts. They will also talk to you about breast self exams - how often you do them and advice on how and when they should be done. If you are 35 or older, your doctor will recommend a mammogram in addition to your annual exam. All of these screening tests and tools saves lives – and it helps to have an annual reminder.

An external exam of your abdomen will involve a little pushing and tapping to check for any noticeable irregularities. Next will be the pap test and pelvic exam. The pap test is done to take specimens of your cervix – which will be checked for signs of cancer or other problems. A pelvic exam is a physical exam of the reproductive organs – the vulva, vagina, cervix, uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes. It is a thorough examination – including the size and shape of your uterus and for signs of uterine problems – like endometriosis or fibroid tumors. Your doctor will look for any abnormalities and check your ovaries for cysts during your annual exam.

If you are over 40, your doctor might perform a colorectal and a fecal blood occult test to check for polyps and any other signs or symptoms of colorectal cancer.

Be prepared with any questions or concerns you have about your body, your periods, aches or pains. You will have your doctor’s undivided attention at your annual exam, so take advantage of this time. Dr. Hessel is knowledgeable and has years of experience working with women at all stages in their lives. Take time to take care of yourself, call Dr. Hessel and schedule your annual exam today.

May is Melanoma – Skin Cancer Awareness Month

April showers bring May flowers – and the beginning of warmer weather and summer-like days. We all know the sun does wonders for our moods, our lawns, and our activity levels. While we definitely need a daily dose of vitamin D – it helps prevent osteoporosis and helps our bodies and bones absorb calcium – a little sun goes a long way. Be smart, be safe and protect yourself from skin cancer – especially melanoma.

Melanoma is the least common but most serious type of skin cancer. Melanoma can appear on otherwise normal looking skin or on a preexisting mole that suddenly changes size or color, develops irregular borders, or begins to itch, bleed, swell or hurt. For women, melanoma is more likely to appear on the arms and legs.

Who is more likely to develop melanoma?

People who are fair skinned with blue or green eyes, are redheads or have freckles are more susceptible to melanoma skin cancer. A family history of melanoma is a determining factor as is excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays and sunburn – especially as a child.

Prevent melanoma and other forms of skin cancer

Avoid unnecessary exposure to the sun – always wear at least SPF 15 sunscreen. Even if it is waterproof, reapply often – especially after swimming or sweating.
Wear clothes – long, light clothing will cover your skin and hats and sun glasses will protect your head and eyes.
Do not forget to apply sunscreen to your lips, too.
Stay away from tanning salons – there is no such thing as a safe ultraviolet light.
Fill up on vitamin E – it helps protect you from damage caused by UV rays. It is available in supplement form and found in foods such as asparagus, green leafy vegetables, raw nuts, wheat germs and some natural oils.

Examine your skin regularly, melanoma can become advanced without producing any symptoms.

The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends a full body exam at least every three months. You will need a full length mirror, a hand held mirror, good light and this ABCD checklist -
Asymmetry – Both sides of a mole should be shaped similarly.
Border – The border or edges of a mole should be smooth, not blurred or ragged.
Color – Tan, brown, and dark brown are normal. Red, white, blue and black are not.
Diameter – A mole larger than 1/4 inch in diameter or one that is growing is suspicious.

Skin cancer affects more people in the United States than any other form of cancer. If found early, it is treatable. Make it a habit to regularly check your skin for anything that looks different or abnormal. Get to know your skin – every inch of it. Dr. Hessel is your go-to source for concerns about your skin or your risk for melanoma. Do not wait, call Dr. Hessel today.

When hot flashes happen…

You feel it in your face. It moves down your throat, to your chest – then through your entire body. You want to yell “I’m melting!” while your makeup slides off your skin. Sound familiar? If your answer is yes, then you are one of the millions of women who have experienced or are experiencing one of the most common symptoms of menopause – hot flashes.

Hot flashes are your body’s way of announcing the beginning of a new phase of your life. The end of your period and the beginning of menopause is marked by hot flashes. Perimenopause, the onset of symptoms, can start in your late 30s but menopause usually occurs in the 40s and 50s and can last for 2-8 years as your body changes. The first years and signs (like hot flashes) are the most drastic as your hormones are rapidly changing.

Hot flashes happen more at night. All of those symptoms associated with menopause – like mood swings, irritability, depression and fatigue – can actually be linked to the lack of sleep or disturbed sleep caused by hot flashes.

Early hot flashes and menopause symptoms can be caused by hysterectomy, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy. 75% of women going through natural menopause get hot flashes and 90% of women who have had a hysterectomy or had their ovaries removed will have hot flashes.

If you can’t beat hot flashes, manage them -

AVOID – Going out in hot weather, stuffy rooms, synthetic clothing, hot drinks, stress
LIMIT – Alcohol and caffeine
QUIT – Smoking
SAY YES TO – Dressing in layers, wearing natural fabrics (like cotton and silk), fans, cold drinks, smaller, more frequent meals, regular exercise, relaxation techniques, yoga, a high-fiber, low fat diet

There are medications that can help stave off hot flashes, but they are not for everyone. The most effective treatment is a low dose estrogen replacement therapy – available in pill or patch form. Not everyone wants the added risk of extra hormones or perhaps they simply can not take the hormone therapy due to a history of breast or uterine cancer or liver disease. Some antidepressants have also been used to alleviate hot flashes and other symptoms of menopause.

There are several natural remedies used around the world to lessen the effects of hot flashes. Black cohosh is a natural, herbal supplement that is thought to help. Natural estrogen can be found in many foods, it is a safe and easy way to counter the effects of menopause and hot flashes. It is found in real, unprocessed soy products – not the kind found in meat crumbles or veggie burgers, but in edamame, soy beans, and real tofu. Flaxseed, sage, apples, grapefruits, plums/prunes, strawberries, red raspberries, asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, and sweet potatoes are all good sources of natural estrogen. And these foods are part of a healthy diet which will also help to manage hot flashes.

If you are experiencing hot flashes or symptoms of menopause, remember that this is a significant time of change in your life. Talk to Dr. Hessel today, she can help you learn more about menopause and what it means to you and the rest of your life.

Since puberty, we have learned to deal with it – we have to, we are women. We know the routine, we recognize the signs and symptoms month after month, and we have a shelf full of pads and tampons of all shapes and sizes. Menstruation is a normal, healthy, and necessary function of the female body that women experience for a about half their life. But abnormal vaginal bleeding can throw even the most prepared and scheduled woman for a loop.

There are about 7 days each cycle when vaginal bleeding is normal and expected. When spotting or bleeding occurs between your periods, is it considered abnormal vaginal bleeding. Let your doctor know if your period is extremely heavy, longer than normal or extremely light. If you experience abnormal vaginal bleeding at a time in your life when you should not be bleeding at all – like before puberty, during pregnancy, or after menopause – it is best to call your doctor right away.

There are many reason why you might experience abnormal vaginal bleeding.

Pregnancy – Any bleeding during pregnancy should be considered abnormal vaginal bleeding and reported to your doctor immediately. Some spotting can occur in the beginning but heavy bleeding could be a sign of miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. After your first trimester, abnormal vaginal bleeding could mean you have placenta previa. After pregnancy, miscarriage, or abortion you will tend to bleed heavily. When your uterus returns to normal size, your hormones will start to balance and your bleeding should subside.

Medicines - Taking certain medicines, birth controls, or antibiotics can lead to abnormal vaginal bleeding. Birth control pills can cause irregular bleeding for the first few months. Keep a strict schedule with your birth control, take it the same time every day. If you are a few hours off, your pill will be not only be less effective but this can also cause spotting. The ParaGard IUD is associated with heavier periods while Mirena users tend to have lighter bleeding or none at all.

Infections – Inflammation or infection of the pelvic/reproductive organs can cause abnormal vaginal bleeding. These infections can be caused by STDs, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), or other problems that require medical attention.

Ovulation can cause mid-cycle spotting.
Some other causes of abnormal vaginal bleeding are sexual abuse, uterine fibroids, cancer, stress, menopause, weight gain or loss and other diseases such as diabetes or hyperthyroidism.

Treatment depends on what type of abnormal vaginal bleeding you experience. You will be given a pregnancy test to make sure your bleeding is not pregnancy related. Your doctor will also make sure the bleeding is coming from the reproductive tract and not the urethra or the rectum. If your abnormal vaginal bleeding is caused by an illness (such as kidney, liver, or thyroid disorders) the bleeding should improve when the disease does. Birth control pills, hormones, and the fertility drug Clomid can be used to treat abnormal vaginal bleeding. In some cases, surgery or a hysterectomy might be necessary.

What can you do to prevent abnormal vaginal bleeding?

By maintaining a healthy weight, taking any birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy medications on schedule, and decreasing the stress in your life – you will be doing yourself a favor while helping to prevent abnormal vaginal bleeding.

If you are experiencing abnormal vaginal bleeding there is a chance you are low in iron – iron supplements are available but should only be taken if you have been diagnosed as anemic. Eat foods rich in iron like eggs, fish, liver, meat, poultry, leafy green vegetables, whole grains, molasses, kidney and lima beans, peaches, pears, raisins and prunes.

When you lose more blood then normal, you are losing valuable resources for your energy and vitality.  If you are experiencing abnormal vaginal bleeding, call Dr. Hessel. You know your body, how it works and when it works – team up with Dr. Hessel, she can help get you on the road to better health.

An IUD is safe, effective and so easy

Do you have kids - one, two or even three? Maybe your family is complete – or perhaps you are on the fence about adding another child. Not now, but maybe someday…your life is crazy enough as it is. There is good news for women like you – it’s called an IUD. IUD stands for intrauterine device, it is a safe and virtually worry-free birth control – and it is 99% effective. An IUD is an easily reversible form of birth control that can last from 5 to 10 years. Are you a good candidate for an IUD?

There is more than one option when considering an IUD

An IUD is a small, plastic, T-shaped device. In their office, your OBGYN will insert the IUD into your uterus through the vagina and cervix. It is a quick and relatively painless process. Currently, the IUD is available in two forms in the United States. The ParaGard (or Copper) T 380A has been used since 1988 – it is coated with copper which slowly releases into the uterus and blocks sperm from entering the vagina. It can last as long as 10 years but has been linked to longer, heavier periods.

The Mirena is a newer form of IUD and it is quickly becoming more popular than its copper counterpart. The Mirena is an IUD with the same T-shape, but it releases small amounts of a progesterone hormone. These hormones thicken the cervical mucus so the sperm can not reach the eggs and it changes the lining of the uterus to prevent implantation. It can last up to five years and is associated with lighter periods.

Tell me more about an IUD!

If you are looking for a reliable, worry-free birth control, an IUD is a great choice. Some women may question a birth control they can not see – how can you be sure it is still there? There are long, thin plastic strings attached to an IUD that will hang down into the upper portion of your vagina. Your doctor will ask you to feel for those every day for the first few weeks, and then once a month to make sure your IUD is still in place. You can carry on with your normal life, normal sexual activity, and normal yearly appointments to your gynecologist – you do not need to do anything else to prevent pregnancy. Your IUD is working for you, right on schedule, every time.

When you decide if you would like to have more children, your doctor will remove your IUD and you can start trying to get pregnant. There are a few recommendations – an IUD is best suited for women who have had children (this lessens your risk for pelvic inflammatory disease) and are in a monogamous relationship (as an IUD does not protect against STDs and HIV). Side effects are usually quite minimal – and differ by the type of IUD. Some side effects include headaches, backaches, and heavier periods (with the ParaGard). An IUD can become dislodged or fall out – so it is important to stay in tune with your body and to visit your doctor regularly.

If you are interested in learning more about an IUD or other birth control options, call Dr. Hessel today. She has the experience, knowledge and resources you need to make the best decisions for your future.

Finish Strong with a Full-term Pregnancy

Let’s face it, that last month of pregnancy is a tough one. When you hear full-term, it seems years away. Pregnancy is an emotional roller coaster – your ankles are swollen, your back aches, and you get winded folding laundry. No doubt, you are ready to meet your baby. I don’t blame you, the discomforts of pregnancy are rough. But as uncomfortable as you might be, these last weeks are the most important for the development and health of a full-term baby.

A full-term pregnancy is considered anywhere from 37 – 42 weeks. And within that range, your baby will become more full-term and fully developed each day. Full-term is when a baby can be born and most likely be just fine, without the help of machines or feeding tubes. You might be ready to meet that baby a few weeks early, but don’t rush it – he or she needs every minute they can get in the womb to be healthy and strong.

A full-term baby is worth the wait

Pregnancy is a normal, well timed process. Ideally, your body will take action when it reaches full-term and you will have a healthy, full-term baby. There are times when the mother or baby is at risk, and an induction or c-section is required to deliver before full-term. These should be reserved for medical emergencies or health problems. Elective c-sections are another story. Our society seems to cherish convenience, organization, and doing things with less mess and less stress. While it is true that 1 in 3 births are by c-section, those should be for the medically necessary. An early birth – due to induction, c-section, or other – can steal valuable time away from a baby that would be better off if allowed to be born full-term.

In the ninth month, your baby will gain 1/2 pound or more a week and start getting ready for birth. Full-term begins at 37 weeks but a 37 week old fetus is still growing and developing. Most likely, their lungs will be strong enough to work on their own, but the more time spent in the womb the better. They are sucking their thumbs, their skin and bones are getting stronger, their eyes and muscles are strengthening each day. When a baby is full-term, they are ready and willing to enter this world with that big, healthy cry every mother wants to hear.

Sit back and relax as much as you can and enjoy the last few weeks and days of your pregnancy – your life will be very busy once that bundle of joy arrives. Depend on your doctor to keep everyone healthy and happy and when the time is right – your baby will be here. A full-term baby is a healthy baby, do all you can to make it happen. Call Dr. Hessel today. She will walk you through all the stages of pregnancy and what they mean to both you and your baby.

If you are pregnant, there is a 1 in 3 chance you will have a c-section.

Admit it – you were all ears during childbirth class when your teacher talked about Lamaze, massage, and the stages of labor. But the during the c-section discussion, your mind wandered to thoughts of baby names, pinks and blues, and your baby registry. The truth is, one in three deliveries ends up being a cesarean section, also known as a c-section. It’s definitely worth your time to pay attention and be prepared for anything that life – and labor – might throw your way.

Giving birth is a big deal. The labor and delivery process is miraculous – it is emotional, painful, and unpredictable. The ideal end result is a happy mother and a healthy baby. Over the last few decades, the rate of c-section births has increased from 3% to 31%. If you are pregnant or are thinking of becoming pregnant, it is never too early to learn about delivery by c-section.

Why would you have a c-section?

There are several reasons why a mother might have a c-section. Medically speaking, there are several risk factors that make it necessary -
• If the baby is breech – feet or buttocks first – it will make a vaginal delivery very difficult and dangerous.
• The baby’s head could be too big to go through the mother’s pelvis.
• If fetal distress is detected, often due to problems with the umbilical cord, the baby will have a slow or irregular heart beat and a quick delivery is needed.
• The mother could have problems with her placenta – like placenta abruptio or previa.
• If the mother has health problems – like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart trouble or preeclampsia – there could be complications for the baby.
• Multiple births are often delivered via c-section.
• The age of the mother can affect the doctor’s decision.
• Increasing uses of fertility treatments are leading to more multiple births and therefore more c-sections.

A c-section is a major abdominal surgery. It involves an incision that goes through the skin, abdomen, muscle and uterus. Organs are moved around, a baby is born, a placenta is removed, and the uterus and incision are stitched back together and readjusted. From pre-op to post-op it can take 3-4 hours, your hospital stay will be longer, and recovery can take weeks.

Once you are home, you will have restrictions on lifting (usually nothing heavier than your newborn), climbing stairs, and driving. If you are breastfeeding, you will have to find a comfortable position to hold your baby so as not to put pressure on your incision.

Once a c-section, always a c-section?

Not necessarily, if you have had a c-section talk to your doctor about a VBAC – vaginal birth after c-section.

Thousands of babies are born by c-section every day. They are a safe and common way to bring a baby into the world. Dr. Hessel has years of experience delivering babies by c-section. Call Dr. Hessel today - she is ready to talk about your pregnancy and help you start planning for a safe and successful delivery.

Who Wants to Talk Hemorrhoids?

Hemorrhoids are extremely common, affecting most adults at least once in their lifetime. Also referred to as piles, hemorrhoids are varicose (weakened, swollen) veins located in the rectum or around the anus. Veins have an important job, they transport blood to our hearts – but they are delicate and those affected by hemorrhoids are fragile.  Many women find that they develop hemorrhoids while they are pregnant or after delivery.  But don’t worry–if you are one of the 10 million Americans who suffer from hemorrhoids, a few healthy habits can help ease your pain.

There are two types of hemorrhoids– internal and external, and the names easily identify their location. External hemorrhoids cause itching and pain. Internal hemorrhoids may be painless but can cause bright red blood to appear in the stool and after a bowel movement. If you experience rectal bleeding or discomfort, call your doctor. A simple exam can determine if you have hemorrhoids.

Hemorrhoids are caused by too much pressure on the veins in the pelvic and rectal area. Pregnancy, obesity, and frequent heavy lifting can put excess pressure on veins – therefore weakening them and increasing your chances of developing hemorrhoids. The straining caused by constipation and diarrhea can also stress your veins and predispose you to hemorrhoids. They can be hereditary and can also be caused by prolonged periods of standing or sitting.

Treating hemorrhoids at home

Home treatment is first recommended for hemorrhoids, but if you aren’t sure what’s going on any bleeding or pain should be evaluated just to make sure. After that, you can use over the counter ointments for itching and pain relief or you can talk to your doctor about a stronger prescription medication.

Regular exercise and a healthy diet can help clear up hemorrhoids for good. Eat, drink and be healthy by following these easy guidelines –sure, you’ve heard most of these before, but it’s just common sense folks.
• Drink more water and fluids – at least 8 glasses a day.
• Add fiber to your diet – both soluble and insoluble.  Eat breakfast – it is an important and easy meal to fit in extra fiber.  Soluble fiber helps to ease elimination, bulk up stool and stimulate the digestive track. It is found in apples, beans, carrots, and plums. Insoluble fiber promotes regularity and lessens straining during bowel movements. Great sources are salad greens, flaxseeds, prunes, and whole grains.
• Vitamin C fortifies and strengthens blood vessel walls – take a supplement and eat plenty of citrus fruits, kiwis, peppers and strawberries.
• Zinc can enhance the healing of hemorrhoids. It is available in supplement form and is also found in poultry, seeds, shellfish and wheat germ. (mmm…I love a good bowl of wheat germ, don’t you?)

Hemorrhoids may require further treatment. It is always best to check with your doctor first since rectal bleeding can also be a sign of anal,  rectal or colon cancer. If you suspect you have hemorrhoids and you have just had a baby or are pregnant, call Dr. Hessel. You do not have to live with their discomfort.   Dr. Hessel can help – schedule your appointment today.

When was the last time you saw your doctor for a checkup, and yes, I mean a pap smear and pelvic exam? If you can’t remember – then it’s time to make an appointment. Routine visits to your gynecologist are essential to your health as a woman. Starting at age 21 – or when you become sexually active – you should begin getting pelvic examinations, which include a pap smear, every year. A pap smear is a simple procedure done in your doctor’s office. It is considered the best tool to detect precancerous conditions and tumors that could lead to cervical cancer.

Beginning in your twenties, you should have an appointment every year. After age 30 – if you have had three normal Pap smears in a row – you can go once every three years. Women aged 40-44 have the highest rate of cervical cancer so a routine pap smear is essential in your forties. And it is important for women to continue having a pap smear even past age 70. 1 in 10 cases of cervical cancer are found in women aged 72 or older.

If you are HIV positive, have a weakened immune system from chemotherapy or an organ transplant, have a history of chronic steroid use, or a history of diethylstilbestrol (DES) exposure before birth (a hormone often given from 1938-1971 thought to prevent miscarriage) – your doctor will recommend more frequent pap smear screening.

What is a pap smear and what does it mean to me?

A pap smear is an office procedure given during a pelvic exam. You will lay on the exam table with your feet in stirrups. Your doctor will use a speculum – a plastic, tong-like device – to widen the opening of the vagina so the cervix can be better examined. Your doctor will then use a plastic spatula, brush, and/or cotton swab to collect cells from the cervix. You might feel slight discomfort, but just for a moment. The cells are then placed in a liquid solution and sent to a lab for testing.

Once at the lab, your cells will be examined and classified as normal or abnormal. If your test comes back normal you will schedule your next routine checkup and pap smear in 1 – 3 years. An abnormal pap smear result can be caused by a number of things – it does not necessarily mean you have cancer. It could be caused by an infection (like a yeast infection), a vaginal or cervical inflammation due to diaphragm use or sexual intercourse, or even changes in the menstrual cycle.

The purpose of a pap smear is to look for changes in the cells of the cervix that detect cervical cancer or conditions that may develop into cancer. It looks for atypical or abnormal cells. It can also detect those associated with the human papilloma virus HPV – a sexually transmitted microorganism that has been linked to cervical cancer.

If a pap smear is abnormal, your doctor will recommend a follow up in a few months. If an infection affected your results, you will be treated for the infection then have your follow up pap smear. If there are still abnormal cells found, the next step is a colposcopy – an exam using a special type of microscope that can further examine the cervix.

Precancerous changes in the cervix usually take years to develop into cervical cancer. Regular pap smears can find cancer early – when it is easiest to treat and cure. Pap smears can also detect about 50% of uterine cancers.

Cancer typically does not cause early symptoms. When cancer is in the cervix there could be abnormal bleeding – often occurring between periods, after sex, or after douching. Another possible symptom is abnormal vaginal discharge. Pain is not an early warning sign of cancer. See your doctor is you have any odd symptoms. But remember, these are not sure signs of cancer.

A Pap smear is important – especially if you have any of these risk factors for developing cervical cancer.
· Having more than five sexual partners
· First intercourse before age 17
· History of HPV
· Over age 65 and never had a pap smear – there is an increased risk of developing cervical cancer with increased age
· DES exposure

If you have a cervix, get it checked. Start young and continue visiting your gynecologist throughout your life. Call Dr. Hessel today. Encourage your friends, co-workers, sisters, mothers, daughters, aunts, and grandmothers to keep up with their pap smear and check ups. Make time for yourself and for your good health – Dr. Hessel is an experienced, educated gynecologist that will help you stay in your best shape and health.

Colorectal cancer screening saves lives

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in the United States. It strikes men and women almost equally. It is the third leading cause of cancer death for women after lung and breast cancers. The risk of developing colorectal cancer increases with age, more than 90% of cases are in people aged 50 or older. It affects about 140,000 Americans each year, of whom around 55,000 will not survive. These are the facts – colorectal cancer is common and often fatal, but it does not have to be.

Screening and early detection are vital to change these statistics. Colorectal cancer is one of the most detectable and can be one of the most treatable forms of cancer.  Also called colon cancer, it is found in the colon (large intestine) and the rectum. Most colorectal cancers develop first as colorectal polyps, which are growths inside the colon or rectum that may later become cancerous. Screening tests are designed to find these precancerous polyps so they can be removed before becoming cancer. These tests can also find colorectal cancer early, when treatment works best and can lead to a cure. As many as 80% of colorectal cancer deaths could be prevented if all men and women aged 50 years or older were screened routinely.

Risk factors for colorectal cancer

·  Age – Your risk increases after age 50 and the average age at diagnosis is 72.
· Colorectal Polyps – These are growths on the inner wall of the colon or rectum, common in people age 50+. Most are benign (not cancer) but some (called adenomas) can become cancer. Finding and removing polyps may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer.
· Personal history of cancer – If you have had colorectal cancer or are a woman with a history of cancer of the ovary, uterus or breast you are at a somewhat higher risk.
· Family history of colorectal cancer – If your close family – parents or siblings – has a history of colorectal cancer, especially at a young age, your risk is greater.
· Ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease – Both of these cause inflammation of the colon and increase the risk of colorectal cancer.
· Diet and Lifestyle – Inactivity and obesity have been linked to a higher risk of colorectal cancer. Daily physical activity can decrease your risk by as much as 50 percent.
· Cigarette smoking – Smokers have an increased risk of developing polyps and colorectal cancer.

Colorectal cancer develops over a 10 to 15 year period and has few, if any, symptoms until it is advanced. When it is discovered early it is very treatable. The cancerous tumors can be removed and survival rate is very high. Talk to Dr. Hessel now about getting screened – it is your best protection against colorectal cancer. Do not wait for symptoms, it may be too late by the time you experience them.

If symptoms are present they may include any of the following -
· Changes in bowel habits – diarrhea, constipation or changes in the consistency of your stool
· Rectal bleeding and/or blood in your stool
· Feeling that your bowel does not empty completely and having narrow stools
· Abdominal pain – persistent and uncomfortable cramps, gas, bloating
· Weight loss, weakness or fatigue, having nausea or vomiting

These symptoms may be caused by other health issues. Usually, early cancer does not cause pain so only your doctor can determine why you’re having these symptoms.

Screening saves lives. You should begin screening for colorectal cancer soon after turning 50, then continue getting screened at regular intervals. There are several tests available to screen for colorectal cancer. Talk with Dr. Hessel about the tests that are best for you and when you should start them. Generally, you should have a colonoscopy every ten years.  A high-sensitivity fecal occult blood test (FOBT) detects subtle blood loss anywhere from the mouth to the colon and should be performed every year.  Every five years, a flexible sigmoidoscopy is recommended.  It is similar to a colonoscopy and is used to look for benign and malignant polyps and early signs of cancer in the descending colon and rectum.  One more test is the double contrast barium enema which is given once every 5 years

To reduce your risk of colorectal cancer, routine screening is the most important step to take. In addition, increase your physical activity – Spring is the perfect time to take up walking, bike riding, and gardening. Maintain a healthy weight and diet and stop smoking. Certain medications and supplements, such as aspirin, calcium, beta-carotene, vitamin D, C and E, folic acid, probiotics, selenium, and even coffee may help prevent colorectal cancer. But remember, the best and most effective way to reduce your risk of colorectal cancer is by having regular screening tests beginning at age 50.

If you are nearing age 50 or find you have one or more of the risk factors – now is your time. March is your month. Talk to Dr. Hessel about screenings for colorectal cancer. Schedule your appointments in March as a good reminder to be aware of colorectal cancer and of your overall health and well being year after year.