Some people with IBS find relief from medications that treat their symptoms but disease management remains suboptimal. New drug therapies for IBS that would reduce the sensitivity of the stomach are under investigation. Colon Cancer Cancer of the colon and rectum, known as colorectal cancer, is a subject women may be hesitant to discuss. Some are embarrassed to address the topic with their health care providers and others erroneously believe they are not at risk. The fact is that colorectal cancer strikes women nearly as often as men.
Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death in women.
About 67,000 women are diagnosed with colorectal cancer each year and more than 40 percent of those will die from the disease. Colorectal cancer develops from polyps, grape-like growths on the inner lining of the colon and rectum, which usually form after age 50 and grow slowly. All women age 50 and older are at risk for developing colorectal cancer. Younger women may also be a risk if there is a strong family history of colorectal cancer or polyps or a personal history of polyps or inflammatory bowel disease. Lifestyle choices, such as a high fat, low fiber diet, smoking, excessive drinking, lack of exercise and obesity can also increase a woman's risk.