Gastroenterologists reveal colon cancer mistake they wouldn’t make
They’re giving the scoop on poop.
A group of Alabama gastroenterologists are sharing the mistakes they wouldn’t make — from doing parasite cleanses and colonics to relying on Google for medical guidance and undergoing coffee enemas.
The first piece of advice in the TikTok came from Dr. Charles A. Dasher, Jr., who encouraged “age-appropriate colon cancer screening.”
The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends adults at average risk start colon cancer screening at 45. The USPSTF lowered the recommended age from 50 in 2021 amid a concerning rise in colorectal cancer rates among adults under 50.
If you have a parent or sibling who has had colorectal cancer, experts suggest getting your first colonoscopy at 40 or 10 years before the age the family member was diagnosed — whichever is earlier.
Dasher’s colleagues at Birmingham Gastroenterology Associates warned against smoking, which can raise your risk for various cancers, especially colon and esophageal cancer, and ignoring GI symptoms like rectal bleeding, a change in bowel habits and unintended weight loss, which can be signs of colon cancer.
Dr. J. Stewart Herndon, meanwhile, offered a cheeky response to the question, “What’s one thing you would never do as a gastroenterologist?”
“I would not eat Taco Bell before a long car ride,” he said.
Other recommendations include avoiding unnecessary antibiotics and high-dose NSAIDs — like ibuprofen, which can bring the risk of ulcers — and seeking medical help for swallowing problems.
“If things feel like they’re getting stuck in the esophagus, we can actually help that out,” Dr. David T. Steele said.
In a follow-up video, Dr. Carrie Rothermel explained that she’s against parasite cleanses because they are often herbal remedies, which don’t face the same rigorous regulations as prescription treatments.
“Herbal medications, even with parasite cleanses, can often interact with medications [and] cause additional symptoms that you may be unaware of,” Rothermel continued. “Ultimately, if you’re having any symptoms that do make you concerned that you are having a parasite, you should see your local GI doctor and get checked.”
