Wellness Exchange: Health Discussions
"Is Your Rectal Bleeding a Cancer Warning?"
(upbeat music) - Welcome to Quick News. This is Ted. The news was published on Monday, November 11th. We've got a heated debate lined up today and we'll dive right into it. Joining me are Eric and Kate. We're talking about a viral TikTok clip by Dr. Karen Raj, explaining how to spot the difference between hemorrhoids and signs of colon cancer. So Eric, why don't we start with you? Can you elaborate on the key details? - Sure thing, Ted. So Dr. Raj explained that if the blood is bright red, it's likely from hemorrhoids because it's coming from the lower digestive tract, like the anus or rectum. The bright color of the blood is because it hasn't had time to oxidize. So it appears fresh. It's like spotting a bruise on your skin. The more recent it is, the more vibrant and red it will be. Eric, hang on a sec. You're glossing over an important part. Dr. Raj made it clearer by comparing hemorrhoid blood to pizza toppings. It's on the surface of the stool or toilet paper. Blood from colon cancer, however, is darker and mixed into the stool, making it look kind of like the cheese melted into the dough of a pizza. - Exactly, Kate. He even used a visual example with red food coloring. For hemorrhoids, he showed how the blood appeared as a few drops on the surface. On the other hand, with colon cancer, the blood was more integrated into what's in the toilet bowl, kind of like how cheese is baked into the pizza dough. The blood from cancer is darker because it comes from higher up in the digestive tract, giving it time to oxidize and darken. - But hey, the major takeaway is that any blood in the stool shouldn't be ignored, regardless if it's bright red or darker. It's the persistence and the combination with other symptoms like unexplained weight loss or fatigue that really sets off alarm bells. Just like you wouldn't ignore a car's warning light, the same- - Given these symptoms, Kate, how crucial do you think early screening is for those under 45? - Oh, it's absolutely vital, Ted. The stats show a worrying rise in young people being diagnosed. Often at later stages, because symptoms are either overlooked or misdiagnosed. It's like not noticing the first signs your car might be breaking down until you're stranded on the side of the road. - While I agree early diagnosis is important, I think we should also consider making lifestyle changes to prevent these diseases in the first place. Dr. Raj pointed out that factors like obesity and a sedentary lifestyle contribute to this rise in colon cancer cases. - Harrick, are you serious? Early screening is non-negotiable if symptoms are present, regardless of someone's lifestyle. You wouldn't wait until your car's engine blows up to take it from a mechanic, right? - Of course, Kate, I'm not downplaying the importance of screenings. But the article also mentions other symptoms like diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain, which should definitely prompt people to seek medical advice immediately. It's about catching these issues before they have a chance to develop into something serious. - Dr. Raj recommended asking for further evaluations if these symptoms are present. Do you both agree that pushing for more comprehensive diagnostics can reduce misdiagnosis? - Definitely, Ted. Many younger patients initially get diagnosed with less severe conditions like hemorrhoids or IBS, which delays proper treatment. If we push for more thorough evaluations, it could make a huge difference. - I agree as well, Ted, but I still think public health campaigns focusing on prevention through lifestyle changes should be a significant part of the conversation. You wouldn't wait to fix a leaking roof until water damage ruins the whole house, right? - Considering the rise in colorectal cancer cases among young people, can you each discuss a similar historical trend and the responses to it? - Ted, let me draw a parallel here. The rapid increase in lung cancer cases due to smoking in the mid 20th century is quite similar. Initially, there was a lack of awareness and delayed action, which led to high mortality rates. It took a while for public health campaigns to catch up and promote smoking cessation. - That's an interesting analogy, Eric. Back then, public health campaigns eventually promoted smoking cessation. But the rise in colorectal cancer among youths now is more complex, with factors beyond just lifestyle. We're dealing with big food corporations pushing unhealthy diets, leading to obesity and setting - True, but the response to lung cancer was effective through awareness and changes in policy, like warning labels on cigarettes. Here we're seeing increased awareness around symptoms and the importance of early screenings. Awareness changed the game for lung cancer, and it could do the same thing. - Yet just like the tobacco industry, we're battling big food industries that promote unhealthy eating habits. We need policies targeting unhealthy diets and encouraging more active lifestyles. It's not just about the disease. It's about tackling through causes. - Agree, but the awareness and medical advancements in tackling lung cancer offer a learning curve. This time, combining it with better screening protocols can make a difference. It's like having the blueprint, but needing to tailor it to a new challenge. And we need to push for more aggressive early interventions. The article notes that colorectal cancer cases in those under 55 jumped from 11% in 1995 to 20% in 2019. That's a significant increase in demands urgent public health action. - Drawing from the past, how do you both think public health campaigns and policies should adapt to address the current trend in colorectal cancer? - I think campaigns should focus on recognizing early signs and symptoms and promoting screening, starting at younger ages, especially for high risk groups. It's about catching the problem before it escalates. - Agreed, Eric. But we must also enforce policies targeting unhealthy diets and sedentary living. This is more than just education. It requires real systemic changes. It's like needing both a strong offense and defense to win the game. - Could implementing these policies face the same public pushback as seen with smoking regulations? - Possibly, but the success with smoking regulations gives us a roadmap. Public health can win if it persistently promotes factual information and the practical health benefits. Over time, people will see the value in these changes. - Right, public resistance is inevitable, but history shows us that with the right strategy, we can save many lives. It's about being patient and persistent, getting the message out there repeatedly until it sticks. - Considering current trends, how do you each see the situation unfolding in the next decade? - If we follow Dr. Raj's recommendations and increase awareness around symptoms and screening for younger demographics, we can expect earlier diagnoses and improved survival rates. It's hopeful, but requires action. - That's optimistic, Eric. But given the slow response to rising trends, high-fear diagnoses will remain late-stage until substantial lifestyle changes and policies are enforced. It's like hoping for sunshine while ignoring-- - Speaking of policies, what measures could effectively curb the rising numbers of colorectal cancer among young people? - Broadening guidelines for earlier and more frequent screenings is crucial. High-risk individuals should get the chance for screenings well before the current standard age. It's about giving everyone an equal chance at catching the disease early. - Yes, along with making these screenings more accessible and affordable. Imagine the impact if screenings were freely available. Plus, we need to promote healthy lifestyles through strict dietary regulations in schools and public spaces. - If accessibility and early screenings increase, as Eric suggests, could that alone handle the spike in cases? - Not entirely, but it's a significant first step. Screening leads to diagnosis, and early diagnosis is key to treatment success, like mowing your lawn regularly to keep the weeds at bay. - But screening without addressing root causes like poor diet, pollution, and sedentary lifestyles will only act as a temporary fix. Comprehensive health reform is necessary for a lasting solution. You can't just paint over rust-- - What if we don't act now? Will the problem intensify or could there be a natural plateau? - Unchecked, the issue will grow. The factors contributing to colorectal cancer are increasing, only proactive measures can counter this. Ignoring it is like leaving a small fire unattended and watching it become an inferno. - Agree, it's a ticking time bomb. Ignoring it is not an option. Immediate and multifaceted response is essential to change course before it's too late. Just like in any crisis, delaying action only makes things worse. - Well, that wraps up our discussion. Thanks Eric and Kate for joining me today on Quick News. To our viewers, stay informed and proactive about your health. Until next time, take care.