Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is an ongoing problem that causes inflammation and swelling in the digestive tract. The irritation causes bleeding sores, known as ulcers, to form along the digestive tract. Symptoms include abdominal pain and cramping as well as bloody diarrhea. The two main types of IBD are ulcerative colitis and Crohn's Disease.
Additional Information
LINKS
Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America: Maintenance Therapy in IBD
Research Shows Promise of Pineapple Extract for Inflammatory Bowel Disease
EN ESPAÑOL
Medline Plus: Colitis Ulcerativa
Medline Plus: Enfermedad de Crohn
SOURCES
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: The National Women s Health Information Center
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Myths
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Myth #1
Colon cancer is a disease that affects only Caucasian males.
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Myth #2
Only people with a family history of colon cancer get it.
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Myth #3
I don't have any symptoms, so I must not have colon cancer.
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Myth #4
Preparation for a colonoscopy is difficult.
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Myth #5
Colonoscopies are unpleasant and uncomfortable.
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Myth #6
I saw Katie Couric get a colonoscopy on the Today Show, so I should get one too.
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Myth #7
All methods for colon cancer screening are equally as effective.
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Myth #8
A polyp means I have cancer.
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Myth #9
If I have colon cancer, it means I am dying.
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Myth #10
I can't afford it.
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Myth #11
I have to go to a hospital to have a colonoscopy.