Why is There a Disparity in the Risk for Colon Cancer?

Studies reveal that the higher incidence of colon cancer in African Americans is likely due to factors such as reduced access to healthcare and insurance and limited knowledge regarding the benefits of screening. African Americans are less likely to get a colonoscopy and to be treated for colon cancer than other racial groups. Because of this, colon cancer rates are 25 percent higher and mortality rates are 50 percent higher in African Americans compared with Caucasians.

When to get Screened for Colon Cancer

In 2005, The American College of Gastroenterology published new guidelines stating that colon cancer screening of African Americans should begin at age 45 due to statistics regarding incidence and survival. Most adults who are at average risk for colon cancer should get screened for colon cancer at age 50, but family history or personal history of polyps or colon cancer could also affect screening age.

Colonoscopy Offers the Best Protection Against Colon Cancer

Colonoscopy is the gold standard for colon cancer screening because it can detect and remove growths called polyps before they become cancerous. Other types of screenings such as fecal occult blood tests or double contrast barium enemas are designed only to detect cancer. A colonoscopy is the only screening that can both detect and prevent colon cancer.

You Can Affect Your Colon Cancer Risk

The most effective way to reduce your risk of colon cancer is to make colon-healthy choices every day like avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol, eating a high-fiber and low-fat diet, and being physically active. With routine screening, nutritious diet and regular exercise, colon cancer incidence and mortality can decrease significantly. So take steps to reduce your chance of colon cancer today.

That does not have to be true, however. Breakfast, lunch and dinner can be both enjoyable and heartburn-friendly if you know which foods to incorporate into your diet. 

Heartburn can flare when your stomach produces too much gastric acid, and your food choices can directly affect this. Here are three meals that incorporate heartburn-reducing foods that your stomach will appreciate.

Oatmeal and Wheat: Try Whole Grains for Breakfast

Oatmeal has been a whole-grain breakfast favorite for generations. It is a good source of fiber, so it keeps you feeling full and promotes regularity. Oats also absorb stomach acid and reduce symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). For something sweet, top your oatmeal with bananas, apples or pears. The fructose in these fruits is less likely to trigger acid reflux than other sugars. Of course, eating oatmeal every day could get boring, so switch things up with a warm bowl of Cream of Wheat, or some whole grain toast with peanut butter.

Avoid coffee and most teas that contain caffeine, which can cause heartburn. Instead, brew a soothing cup of ginger tea. Ginger has natural anti-inflammatory properties that will help regulate acid production.

Vegetables: Add Some Color and Nutrients to Your Lunch

Vegetables are low in fat and sugar, which makes them stomach-friendly and healthy. Foods that are high in sugar or fat can be difficult to digest and can spike acid production. Some veggies that reduce heartburn include cucumbers, leafy greens, broccoli, green beans, potatoes, asparagus and cauliflower. 

Try these options for a light and tasty lunch:

• ​Baked potato with steamed broccoli 
• Mixed green salad with fresh-cut vegetables and a light oil and vinegar dressing (apple cider vinegar is known to help control heartburn)
• Veggie wrap or veggie quesadilla

Lean Proteins and Healthy Fats: Accents to a Delectable Dinner

​​Lean proteins like legumes, beans, chicken, turkey, fish and seafood are low in fat and help regulate stomach acid production. Instead of using oil to pan fry or deep fry foods, use healthier cooking methods like grilling, poaching, roasting and baking. Avoid making meat the main component of your dinner. Instead, see it as an accent or an accompaniment to a bed of greens, roasted vegetables, brown rice or fresh fruit.

​​Not all fats are unhealthy, so indulge in the good fats contained in nuts, seeds, avocados and olive oil. You can reduce your saturated and trans fat intake by substituting healthy monounsaturated fats (source: Health Line).

​​Remember that one of the best ways to control heartburn is to make thoughtful and healthy food choices. These options for reducing symptoms should provide some ideas and encouragement for your journey to find heartburn relief.

On the other hand, it could be something seemingly unrelated.

The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of the neck. It is responsible for making and distributing thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism and help the body use energy. When the thyroid gland is not functioning properly, it can cause a wide range of problems including digestive issues. Many people with chronic gastrointestinal problems cannot find relief because they have an undiagnosed thyroid condition.

Hyperthyroidism, or too much thyroid hormone in the body, causes bodily functions to speed up. Common symptoms of hyperthyroidism are a racing heart, nervousness, hand tremors, anxiety, difficulty sleeping and an enlarged neck. Digestive symptoms of an overactive thyroid can include difficulty swallowing, vomiting, diarrhea, lactose intolerance, liver problems, H. pylori bacterial infection and weight loss.

Hypothyroidism, or too little thyroid hormone in the body, can cause the body’s processes to slow down. This may cause symptoms such as fatigue, dry skin, depression, constipation, forgetfulness and weight gain. Digestive symptoms of an underactive thyroid can include dyspepsia (chest pain), low stomach acid, poor absorption, constipation, gallstones, anemia and bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine.

The thyroid gland can have a significant impact on the gastrointestinal system. A common misconception is that diet causes chronic digestive trouble and weight changes, but this may be an oversimplification. Thyroid conditions and their resultant symptoms are often complex and require ongoing treatment by an endocrinologist.

January is Thyroid Awareness Month, so make an appointment with an endocrinologist or gastroenterologist if you think you may have a thyroid condition. According to the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, an estimated 27 million Americans have thyroid disease, and about 13 million cases are undiagnosed. One appointment may provide the necessary insight to alleviate your digestive problems and put you on the road to better health.