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Show IJ by Corey W. Grua L Uintah Co. Unit Amer. Cancer SV PHes may be signs of cancer QUESTION: Are hemorrhoids (piles) a sign of cancer? ANSWER: No. But hemorrhoids bleed and bleeding may be a warning signal of cancer. Any bleeding should always be brought to the attention of your physician. Colon-rectal cancer is one of the most dangerous forms of the disease. A yearly checkup should include a procto, or examination of the rectum and lower bowel. A physician looks at these sites through a lighted tube called a proc-tosigmoidoscope. proc-tosigmoidoscope. Seventy-Five percent of cancers of the colon and rectum can be discovered in this manner. And these cancers are highly curable when detected early and treated promptly. The Utah Division of the American Cancer Society is piloting a new program along with Utah pharmacys. Envelopes are available locally at the Vernal Drug, that will allow you to make a simple test to detect blood in the stool. These tests are available free, paid in part by your donations to the Society. Elsewhere in today's Vernal Express is an article explaining the process which may save your life. Look for it. |