Colorectal Cancer
Also known as colon cancer or rectal cancer, colorectal cancer is often curable if caught early. While symptoms such as narrow stools, change in bowel habits, blood in the stool and stomach discomfort may not manifest at first, everyone over 50 should be screened for colorectal cancer. See more about colorectal cancer at the National Library of Medicine’s MedlinePlus resource.
View website Breast Cancer
While there are no definitive causes of breast cancer, there are several risk factors including age, genetics, early onset of menstruation, overweight, and behavioral factors. Symptoms can include a lump in the breast, change in size or shape of the breast, or nipple discharge. Medical professionals recommend self-exams and mammography to detect breast cancer early. To learn more, visit MedlinePlus.
View website Benign Diseases of the Breast
Age, hormone levels, and medicine may cause breast changes in some women such as lumps, bumps and discharges. Minor and serious breast problems often have similar symptoms and both should be brought to your health care provider’s attention. Some common breast changes include fibrocystic breast changes, cysts, fibroadenomas, intraductal papillomas, blocked milk ducts and irregular milk production. Read more about these changes and what they mean at Medline Plus.
View website Ventral Hernia
A Ventral Hernia usually arises in the abdominal wall where a previous surgical incision was made. In this area the abdominal muscles have weakened; this results in a bulge or a tear. Learn more about Ventral Hernia at Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES) website.
View website Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), affects the large intestine and can cause abdominal cramping, bloating and a change in bowel habits. It is a common disorder with different symptoms for each individual. While it can cause a great deal of discomfort, IBS can usually be controlled with diet, stress management, and medicine. Learn more about IBS at MedlinePlus.
View website Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis
Diverticula are small pouches that bulge outward through the colon. Diverticulosis refers to the condition of having these pouches; diverticulitis occurs if these pouches become inflamed or infected. The National Library of Medicine’s MedlinePlus website details symptoms, diagnoses and treatments for both diseases.
View website Peptic Ulcer
Also referred to as duodenal ulcer, gastric ulcer, or stomach ulcer, a peptic ulcer is a sore in the lining of your stomach, usually signaled by a burning stomach pain. Commonly caused by an infection with Helicobacter pylori, peptic ulcers will get worse if not treated. MedlinePlus provides warning signs of peptic ulcers in addition to tools and tutorials.
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