There are several myths about colon cancer that we hope to clear up here with the help of Dr. Heather Yeo, a colorectal surgeon at Weill Cornell Medical Center and a medical advisor to SurvivorNet:
1. Colon cancer only affects menFALSE.
Read More3. Having anal sex causes colon cancerFALSE.
The act of anal intercourse does not cause colon cancer.
4. You don't need to be screened for colon cancer if you have regular bowel movements and feel fineFALSE.
Many patients who develop colon cancer are asymptomatic, especially those patients with early stage disease. This is why routine colon cancer screening is recommended for all patients over the age of 50 years old (and sometimes earlier), even in patients who feel well.
Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.
