Common Misconceptions

Hemorrhoids can turn into cancer.
This cannot happen. The symptoms of hemorrhoids can be the same as those of colon or rectal cancer, but the hemorrhoids will not become malignant (cancerous).

If the doctor takes a biopsy during a procedure it means he saw something bad.

Not true at all. Biopsies are commonly taken of normal appearing tissue to rule out microscopic reasons for symptoms, or to gauge the damage that certain diseases have caused. Polyps are always biopsied to determine if they are pre-cancerous or totally benign.

A diagnosis of colon or rectal cancer automatically means a colostomy will be needed.

This is far from the truth. A colostomy is almost never needed for colon cancer, and is used in only one of ten patients with rectal cancer. A colostomy is a surgical procedure where by and opening is made in the abdominal wall through which the colon passes and a bag is fitted to collect stool.

We have to have a bowel movement every day.

The normal range of bowel movements is variable. Some people move their bowels 1-3 times per day and some only once or twice a week. It is a change in the usual bowel habit that may suggest a problem with the colon.

More fiber is better.

Additional fiber is often helpful for normalizing bowel habits, avoiding straining and preventing hemorrhoids. But too much roughage can cause cramps, bloating and gas.