The Believers Medicine Podcast: Recent Episodes
The Believers Doctor
Dr Jamal Ross discusses contemporary topics in health and medicine with an emphasis of using the wisdom in the word of God to prevent disease and improve your health.
One of the pitfalls of the FIT and multitarget DNA test (trade name Cologuard) is the inability to find polyps. A poly is a small growth on a stalk. Think of a skin tag in your colon. Some polyps are harmless. Others have malignant potential. Polyps that can turn into cancer are called adenomas. An adenoma is the middleman of cancer. As we wrap up our discussion on screening tests we will take closer look at a gold standard, the colonoscopy, which is critical for finding and removing polyps and adenomas.
While there are several lifestyle factors that play a role in the genesis of colon cancer, there are a series of stepwise genetic mutations that lead to this disease. Generally speaking, colon cancer develops over a long period of time. Most times we can catch colon cancer before it develops with various screening measures, including a colonoscopy. Let’s find out why colon cancer takes so long to develop and how we can use this to our advantage.
As we begin our colon cancer series, I would like to share some interesting facts about colon cancer. Colon cancer is the third most common cancer in the United States. Colon cancer is also the second most common cause of cancer related death in the United States. About 140 men and women are expected to die from colon cancer every day.
Our journey to discover more about breast cancer has been long, but I hope you have learned something that will prevent this disease from taking a hold of your life and those around you. Our breast cancer series cover many areas of this topic including risk factors, symptoms, screening methods, biopsy types, genetic testing and treatment for the most common breast cancer types, specifically DCIS and invasive breast cancer. Let’s review these topics one more time.
As we discussed before, there are words in your biopsy report that may be difficult to understand, but there are some key phrases you can learn to help uncover the meaning of this report. Ductal carcinoma in situ and invasive breast cancer are the two most common types of breast cancer. If you would like to know more about ductal carcinoma in situ, or DCIS, read our blog “What is DCIS?” Otherwise, let’s find out more about invasive breast cancer and discover its meaning.
There are words in your biopsy report that may be difficult to understand, but there are some key phrases you can learn to help unravel the meaning of this report. First, you will need to become familiar with two terms, which are ductal carcinoma in situ and invasive breast cancer. Let’s find out about ductal carcinoma in situ.
Learn about the symptoms of breast cancer and how you can find masses, as well as other changes, in your breast that may missed on mammogram.
Breast cancer risk increases with age, yet even women in their 20s and 30s have some risk of breast cancer. Find out more about breast risk for each stage of life.
When your doctor tells you that your mammogram is “positive” or “abnormal,” negative emotions and thoughts may flood your mind. Yet, take a step back, know your mammogram score and become empowered to know the next steps. Let’s find out more about when you might need a biopsy.
It is not enough to know if you have a "negative" or "positive" mammogram result. You need to know you BIRADS score. In this episode, we will learn more about BIRADS scores and what this means for your risk of breast cancer.
It has been a long journey. We have learned so much about depression, as well as how this condition can be treated. We have learned that many conditions can have a depressed mood as a symptom, such as premenstrual syndrome (PMS), post-partum blues and depression, normal and prolonged grief, major depression disorder, bipolar disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. We have learned that therapy is useful in most, if not all, of these conditions. We have also learned that medications play a role when a depressive condition is severe, impacts our daily function or a deep physiologic basis is the culprit of our emotions. In the end, remember depression does not control you. You are already free from depression or any negative emotions through the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Today, I would like to pray for your healing and thank God in advance that he has broken the chains of depression in your life.
Up to this point in our depression series we have discussed several conditions that have a depressed mood as a symptom of the condition; this includes premenstrual syndrome (PMS), post-partum blues and depression, normal and prolonged grief, major depression disorder, bipolar disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. Depending on the condition and severity, medication may be needed to help control symptoms. On the other hand, therapy tends to be beneficial in all these conditions. A therapist can use many types of therapy methods. It can be helpful to know which therapy method is being used in your case or what methods tend to work best for you. In this way, you can come to your session engaged and empowered.
There are events in our life that seem to create permanent painful memories that are etched onto the fabric of our minds. These memories arise from traumatic events that instills a depth of hurt so deep that it seems impossible to rid ourselves of these thoughts. It shapes our interactions others and can serve as a hinderance to living a fulfilling life. When thoughts, nightmares and flashbacks of a painful experience affects your daily activities and how you interact with others, this is called post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD. Let’s find out more about what causes PSTD and, more importantly, what the bible says about our recovery from the thoughts and trauma of our past.
Depression is one of the most common psychological illnesses in the world with far reaching effects, stretching across ethnicities, genders, and all age groups. Major depression is a formidable opponent that can impact our lives greatly, as well as those who are closest to us. In the battle against depression, it is important to know when to use therapy, medications, or both. More importantly, it essential to know we have a comforter in Jesus.
Bipolar disorder is a condition whereby someone’s mood and habits can swing form one pole to the next. On one pole, there is depression. On the other pole there is mania, which is a period of heightened activity, risk taking and poor choices that can lead to severe consequences. Over a lifetime bipolar disorder affects about 1-3% of the population worldwide. Bipolar begins around the age of 18 to 20 years and affects men and women equally. Though bipolar disorder is not the most common psychological illness; when recognized, this condition does require treatment.
At times we use cordially use the word “bipolar” to describe swings in someone behavior, but there is a deeper meaning. If we were to take a snapshot of someone’s life dealing with bipolar disorder, we may see someone who terribly depressed. At other times we can see someone who is filled with energy, ideas, and irresponsibility. These periods of heightened activity and risk taking is called mania. While we have discussed major depression in previous episodes, let us find out more about mania. More importantly, let us find out more about what the bible says about how we should feel and be stable in our decisions and actions.
There are women and men who are at increased risk for breast cancer. In this group, genetic testing for the BRCA mutation should be a consideration. In this way, other cancers caused by the BRCA mutation can be detected earlier and family members can be empowered to know their cancer risk as well. If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer, you doctor will tell you of you need genetic testing. But for those who are have not been diagnosed with breast cancer, there are some clues you can use to help determine of you need genetic testing.
There are some women that are at the highest risk to develop breast cancer. These women tend to have a hereditary form of breast. The most common form of hereditary breast is that which involves the BRCA mutation. BRCA stand for the BReast CAncer gene. There are two BRCA mutations that have been identified. Theses gene are named BRCA 1 and BRCA 2. Women with the BRCA 1 or 2 gene mutation have a 50 - 87% risk of developing breast cancer in their lifetime. These women also have a 20 -45% chance of developing ovarian cancer in their lifetime.
There are some things that cause certain women to be more at risk for breast cancer than others. Some of the things we can change, such as exercising more, and others we cannot, such as our age. Find out what lifestyle changes you can make to decrease your risk of breast cancer.
Before we begin our series on breast cancer, lets learn some interesting facts and statistics about this disease.
There are moments in our lives that tip us over the edge into a valley of depression. It is usually not one event but an accumulation of insults, setbacks, and losses that causes someone to become weary and discouraged. They may tempt us to isolate ourselves and devalue life. We may think passive thoughts of not wanting to live. Let us find out more about another symptom of depression: thought or harm and not wanting to live. Most importantly, we will discover what the bible says about our future.
Depression can have far reaching effects, stretching across genders and all age groups. A depressed mood and lack in the interest in most, if not all, activities of daily life are hallmark symptoms of depression. Another well symptom of depression is feelings of guilt and worthlessness. Let’s us find about more about this symptom of depression and how the word of God can lead us to feelings of value and confidence.
Depression is a formidable opponent and can impact our lives greatly, as well as those who are closest to us. Also, depression can present and appear differently amongst individuals impacted with this disease. There is always a depressed mood or lack in the interest in most, if not all, activities of daily life when we speak about depression. Yet, those with depression can have changes to eating patterns, weight, and energy level. Let us find out more about another and less commonly known of depression: psychomotor changes.
During a lifetime, about 12% of individuals may be affected by depression worldwide. In the United States and Europe, about 18% of individuals may deal with major depression. Therefore, depression is one of the most common psychological illnesses worldwide. So far, we have discussed depressed mood and anhedonia, as well as weight, appetite, and sleep changes. Today, let us find out more about another symptom of depression: Changes in energy level, or fatigue.
Major depression is one of the most common psychologic conditions worldwide. The symptoms of major depression include: depressed mood, anhedonia, changes to eating habits, weight, sleep, energy level and concentration. Today, let us find out more the symptom poor sleep. More important, we will discover what the bible says about our rest.
Major depression is one of the most common psychologic conditions worldwide. During a lifetime, about 12% of individuals may be affected by depression worldwide. The symptoms of major depression include: depressed mood, anhedonia, changes to eating habits, weight, sleep, energy level and concentration. Today, let us find out more the symptoms of weight and appetite changes.
Major depression is one of the most common psychologic conditions worldwide. The symptoms of major depression include: depressed mood, anhedonia, changes to eating habits, weight, sleep, energy level and concentration. Today, let us find out more the symptoms of anhedonia, which speaks to the lack of enjoyment in life.
Major depression is one of the common psychologic conditions worldwide. During a lifetime, about 12% of individuals may be affected by depression worldwide. In the United States and Europe, about 18% of individuals may deal with major depression. The symptoms of major depression include: depressed mood, a lack in the interest and pleasure in most, if not all, activities of life; changes to eating habits, weight, sleep, energy level and concentration. Today, let us find out more the symptom of a depressed mood.
Major depression is a term we hear from time-to-time to describe a state where someone feels down for prolonged period of time. Social interactions and activities of daily living can be affected. As discussed previously, feelings of depression can be link to a medical condition, medication, menstruation, pregnancy, loss of a loved one or change in one’s environment. At other times, others may feel depressed and not quite know why. In this case, your doctor may be suspicious of a major depressive disorder. In the course of a lifetime, about 12% of individuals may be affected by depression worldwide. In the United States and Europe, about 18% of individuals may deal with major depression. We will discover more about the symptoms of major depression and how we can use the bible to live a happier life and attack each symptom of this disease. Today, Let’s define major depressive disorder and list the symptoms.
Life can hit us hard. Natural disasters, broken relationships, the death of a loved one, loss of a job or a newly diagnosed life-threatening illness can turn our lives upside down. Shock waves can be felt in all areas of our life, including our emotions. There is an adjustment to our new reality. There are times when our adjustment to a stressful life event can become unhealthy. When our adjustment to a stressful event becomes excessive and impacts our behaviors and daily living, this is called adjustment disorder. Adjustment disorder tends to occur within 3 months after a stressful event. Let’s find out more about the symptoms of adjustment disorder and what the bible says about our future when faced with a stressful event.
Life has highs and lows. Some of the lowest points in our life involves loss of something or someone that is close to our hearts. Grief is a common reaction to a life circumstance. There are times when grief can be prolonged and debilitating. This is called prolonged grief disorder. Whereas acute grief is normal and should improve within months, prolonged grief is a psychologic condition and can last years. Let find out more about the causes, symptoms and treatment of prolong grief disorder. More importantly, we will discover what the bible says about our recovery from grief.
Life has highs and lows. Some of the lowest points in our life involves the loss of something or someone that is close to our hearts. Grief is a common reaction to a challenging moment in life. Events that can lead to grief include the death of a loved one, divorce or loss of a job. Let’s find out more about the symptoms of grief and what the bible says about our recovery.
Generally speaking, having a baby is a joyful event, but some women may experience sadness or depression after the delivery of a child. When the symptoms of depression are persistent, this is call post-partum depression. The word post means “after” and partum is defined as “childbirth.” Therefore, post-partum depression refers to feeling of depression after childbirth. About 10-16% of women in the United States have symptoms of depression following the birth of a child. Whereas the postpartum blues is mild, self-limited and does not require treatment, postpartum depression is more impactful. In fact, the symptoms of postpartum depression can mirror major depressive disorder. If the postpartum blues worsens, lasts for more than 2 weeks or a new mother expressed a desire not to live, this is serious. In this cause, a new mother should be evaluated for postpartum depression. Let’s find out more about the symptoms of postpartum depression and how to treat this condition.
Generally speaking, having a baby is a joyful event. Notwithstanding, woman can feel an array of emotions following the birth of a child, including depression. Particularly, many women experience post-partum blues after delivery. The word post means “after” and partum is defined as “childbirth.” Therefore, the postpartum blues refers to a woman feeling “a little down” following the birth of a baby. About 40% of woman may experience post-partum blues within a week following the delivery of a child. Let’s find out more about post-partum blues and how to treat this condition.
As discussed previously, symptoms of depression are not always caused by a life event or related to major depressive disorder. In some cases, depression can be a symptom of another complex medical condition, such as thyroid disease. In other cases, depression symptoms can be a result of starting medication for another medical condition. The official name for depression when it is caused by a medication or substance is called “substance/ medication induced depressive disorder.” Let’s find out more about some of the medications that can cause symptoms of depression.
At times, symptoms of depression are not caused by a life event or related to major depressive disorder. In some cases, depression can be a symptom of another complex medical condition, such as thyroid disease. In these cases, our focus shifts from treating major depressive disorder to uncovering a hidden medical condition. The official name for depression when it is caused by a medical condition is “depressive disorder due to another medical condition.” Let’s find out more about some conditions can mascaraed as major depressive disorder.
It seems commonplace to suggest or joke about mood changes or irritability that can occur during a women’s menstrual cycle. This concept is familiar to most. Hormone changes that occur with menstruation are complex. With this complexity in physiology comes a change in mood. Changes in mood can be mild to non-existent or severe and debilitating. When symptoms affect daily social interactions or work, this is called premenstrual syndrome. Although it is common to have one or two premenstrual symptoms, such as irritability or headache, true premenstrual syndrome is relatively uncommon and affects about 3-8% of women. Let’s find out more about premenstrual syndrome and how to treat it.
There are a variety of situations and circumstances that can affect one’s mood. One factor that can impact someone’s mood is the weather or seasonal changes. It is possible to feel depressed during the summer or winter months. When changes in the seasons affect someone’s mood, this is called seasonal affective disorder. There are several types of season affective disorders. Let’s find out more about seasonal affective disorders and how it is treated.
The word “depression” is a common term that is used loosely at times to describe someone’s emotional state following a major life event, such as the loss of a job or a loved-one. However, there is a difference between feeling depressed and dealing with major depressive disorder or another depressive syndrome. We all can feel depressed without being depressed. Let’s find out more about the difference between feeling depression and battling major depressive disorder.
Depression is one of the most common psychological illnesses in the United States and worldwide. It’s affects can be felt amongst men and woman, across rich and poor households and span all ages and ethnic groups. Anyone can be impacted by depression. We may know someone with depression. We may be dealing with depression ourselves. Let’s learn about some of the statistics regarding depression, and more importantly, what the word of God says about those who are impacted by this illness.
Prostate cancer in the second most common cancer in men worldwide and the single most common cancer in men in the United States. Worldwide over 1000 men are expected to die from prostate cancer every day. In the United States men have a 12-13% lifetime risk of developing prostate cancer. Prostate cancer presents a unique risk to men with no easy answers on how to find this disease at an early stage. Let's summarize what we learned about prsotate cancer so far. Afterwards, I would like to pray for you!
When prostate cancer has spread outside the prostate gland to affect the lymph nodes of other parts of the body, this is called metastatic prostate cancer. If you have been told that you have this disease, do not be discouraged. This is not a death sentence. There are many men that live a healthy and fulfilling life with this disease. At times, a doctor may even wait to begin treatment for metastatic prostate cancer if there are no symptoms. When treatment is necessary, there are several things one can expect.
There are many types of treatments for prostate cancer. Along with other medications, some men are treated with surgery or radiation. At other times, prostate cancer does not need to be treated. It can be “watched,” or monitored from year to year. In our previous blog and podcast, we discussed how the Gleason score can help guide a treatment course for prostate cancer. In addition to the Gleason score, there are other factors, such as the PSA level and tumor stage, that will be help plan a path to treat prostate cancer. Let’s find out how the Gleason score, PSA level, and tumor stage are used to help formulate a plan to treat prostate cancer.
There are many types of treatments for prostate cancer. Along with other medications, some men are treated with surgery or radiation. At other times, prostate cancer does not need to be treated. It can be “watched,” or monitored from year to year. The decision for treatment with surgery, radiation or watchful waiting depends on many factors. One is these factors is called a Gleason score. After undergoing a prostate biopsy, a doctor that specializes in looking at tissues on microscope, also known as a pathologist, will give a score to grade the cancer cell from not aggressive to aggressive. This is called a Gleason score. Let’s find out more about the Gleason score and how this number can be used to guide the treatment of prostate cancer.
The choice to undergo a biopsy of the prostate is an important decision. After a PSA blood test, and likely an MRI of the prostate gland, are performed, you and your doctor may come to the decision that a biopsy of the prostate gland is best for you. With this biopsy, several small samples of tissues are taken from the prostate gland. In this way, the doctor will get better idea of the presence or absence of prostate cancer or the aggressiveness of these cells if found. Let find out more about you can expect before and after your prostate biopsy.
The decision to get a biopsy of your prostate is a big one. There can be anxiety while awaiting results. Once results are obtained, a cancer diagnosis can carry a heavy weight. These drawbacks are especially concerning when we consider a large number of prostate cancers are slow growing and will not cause death. Notwithstanding, there are some prostate cancers that are aggressive and deadly. Therefore, a prostate biopsy becomes an important means to identify and separate slow growing cancers for aggressive ones. Lest find out more about when you should consider getting a biopsy of your prostate.
You have decided to get a PSA blood test and it is higher than expected. The test is repeated, and remains elevated. When you look at you PSA blood test year over year, it has increased with time. You have a discuss with your primary care doctor and it is their recommendation that you consider a biopsy. A referral is placed to a urologist. Yet, before seeing the urologist you ask yourself: “should I consider an MRI of my prostate before undergoing a biopsy?” The answer in most case is “yes.” Let’s find out why.
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide and in the United States. About 1,600,000 men worldwide, and 165,00 men in the United States, are affected by prostate cancer each year. Typically, a blood called a PSA, or Prostate Specific Antigen, is used to screen for prostate cancer. The chances of being affected by prostate cancer increases as men get older. Therefore, it is important to know the right time to be screened for prostate cancer. With this in mind, the timing of prostate cancer screening depends of whether a man is considered an average or high risk for this disease. Let’s find out more about the when one should be screened for prostate cancer.
When you go to your doctor for a yearly visit, you may be offered a blood test to search for prostate cancer. This blood test is called a Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA). Nowadays, some professional societies recommend against using digital rectal exam to search for prostate for cancer. We have found the blood test is more helpful than using our finger to find cancer in average risk men, but the blood test is not perfect either. When receiving your test results, it is not enough to know if you test was “positive” or “negative.” You need to know your number. There are 3 different cut offs you should remember when looking at your PSA results.
There are a number of ways to detect prostate cancer. Traditionally, a doctor would attempt to feel the prostate gland with their finger. This is called a digital rectal exam, or a DRE. With time, it become apparent that this was not a perfect test for a number of reasons. Presently, we screen for prostate cancer with a blood test called a Prostate Specific Antigen, or a PSA. This test also has its limitations. Let’s find out more about how to look for prostate cancer with these two methods.
Before we begin our discussion on the symptoms of prostate cancer, it is important to realize that it is our goal to detect prostate cancer before symptoms develop. More prostate cancers are found when there are not symptoms at all. Instead, a high Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) may be found on blood testing or a hard prostate gland may be found on a rectal exam. When symptoms of prostate cancer come about, this can mean that the cancer has spread beyond the prostate. At other times, the symptoms of prostate cancer can be confused with other conditions of the bladder and prostate. Let’s find out more about the symptoms of prostate cancer and what we can do to catch this disease early.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer amongst men in the United States, and the second most common cancer in men worldwide. There are some well-established risk factors for prostate cancer. As with many cancers, there are some risks, such as our age, that are not under our control. While other risk, such as diet, are influenced by our decisions and can help lower the risk of cancer. When we look at the risk for prostate cancer; age, family history and ethnicity are major risk factors for this disease. Let’s find out more about prostate cancer and some of the things we can do decrease the chances of being affected by this disease.
Prostate cancer in the second most common cancer in men worldwide and the single most common cancer in men in the United States. More specifically, there are over 3 million men who are living with prostate cancer in the United States. Worldwide over 1000 men are expected to die from prostate cancer every day. In the United States, about nearly 100 men are expected to die from prostate cancer each day. In the United States men have a 12-13% lifetime risk of developing prostate cancer.
We have learned a lot in our journey to discovery more about colon cancer and some of the ways we can prevent this disease. During our colon cancer series, we learned some interesting facts about colon cancer as well as risk factors for this disease. We also learned how to make changes to our diet and lifestyle in order to lower the risk of colon cancer. We discussed colon cancer symptoms and the importance of early screening and detection. We discussed several screening methods for colon cancer and treatment options based of the stage of this disease at the time of diagnosis. Finally, we took a closer look at stage 4 colon cancer and discovered this disease is curable. Let’s review each topic in detail. Afterwards, I would like to pray for you.
We know that finding colon cancer at an early stage when it is most treatable can drastically improve survival rates. Prevention and screening are the best ways to fight colon cancer. If colon cancer is discovered when it has spread to other organs and parts of the body, this is called stage 4 metastatic colon cancer. This is the most advanced stage of colon cancer. Surgery and chemotherapy are needed to fight colon cancer at this stage. There is a sinking question: Is stage 4 colon cancer considered curable? The answer is yes! Let’s find out why.
If you have been diagnosed with colon cancer, it is important to know your treatment options. Some early-stage colon cancer can be treated with surgery alone without the need for chemotherapy. When colon cancer has been given time to grow, surgery and chemotherapy can be needed. The treatment course depends on the stage of your disease. There are 4 stages of colon cancer. With each stage we will discuss the treatment course. Let’s find out more about each stage of colon cancer and how it is treated.
We have discussed many options for colon cancer screening including the FIT (Fecal Immunochemical Test), Stool DNA test (Cologuard by trade name) and colonoscopy, which is considered the gold standard for detecting colon cancer. There is another option for colon cancer screening called a CT colonoscopy. Another name for CT colonoscopy is “virtual colonoscopy.” Let’s find out more about this virtual colonoscopy and whether this test is right for you.
If you have decided to undergo a colonoscopy, congratulations! You have made an important decision to change the trajectory of your health and prevent a deadly cancer from affecting your life and those around you. In preparation for your colonoscopy, there are some changes to you diet and medications that should be held prior undergoing a colonoscopy. You doctor will provide both written and verbal instructions of the things change. A week before your colonoscopy, make sure read the instructions at least twice. Let’s find our more about what things will look like before and after your colonoscopy.
One of the pitfalls of the FIT and multitarget DNA test (trade name Cologuard) is the inability to find polyps. A poly is a small growth on a stalk. Think of a skin tag in your colon. Some polyps are harmless. Others have malignant potential. Polyps that can turn into cancer are called adenomas. An adenoma is the middleman of cancer. As we wrap up our discussion on screening tests we will take closer look at a gold standard, the colonoscopy, which is critical for finding and removing polyps and adenomas.
Having a realization that colon cancer is a serious disease that is largely preventable is half the battle. Once you make the commitment to be tested for colon cancer, there is another challenge to determine which test is best for you. As we continue our discussion of colon cancer tests, we will take a closer look at a test that can pick up cancer DNA in your stool. This is called a multitarget stool DNA test, but it is also known as Cologuard, which is the trade name.
Having a realization that colon cancer is a serious disease that is preventable is half the battle. Once you make the commitment to be tested for colon cancer, there is another challenge to determine which test is best for you. Some tests can detect early-stage disease, while others can find pre-cancers. For this discussion, let’s find out more FIT stool blood card.
Before we begin our discussion on the symptoms of colon cancer, it is important to realize that it is our goal to detect colon cancer before symptoms develop. When we begin to have symptoms of colon cancer. This is why it is extremely important that you have a colonoscopy to detect cancer before it develops. With that being said, it is important to know the most common symptoms of colon as a means to uncover this diagnosis in those who have not had a colonoscopy. Colon cancer symptoms include changes in the way someone passes their stool, abdominal pain, anemia or weight loss. At other times, one may have no symptoms at all. Let’s find out more about the symptoms of colon cancer.
There are a number of characteristics about ourselves and choices we can make that place us at a higher risk for colon cancer. As with many cancers, some factors, such as eating a healthy diet, controlling diabetes and becoming more active, are under our control and influenced by the decisions we make. These are called modifiable risk factors. By knowing the risks we can control, we are better able to make lifestyle choices that can keep colon cancer at bay. Let’s find out more about some of the things we can do to lower our risk of colon cancer.
There are a number of characteristics about ourselves and choices we can make that place us at a higher risk for colon cancer. As with many cancers, some of these characteristics, such as our age and gender, are not under our control. These are called non-modifiable risk factors. By knowing the risk we cannot control, one can discover the need for colon cancer tests at an earlier age. Let’s find out more about these risks and how it can change the way we think about the timing of colon cancer tests.