Search

    Select Website Language
    Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable cancers — and one of the most deadly when ignored. In this episode of the Therapy for Black Girls podcast, Dr. Joy Harden Bradford sits down with Dr. Sophie Balzora, gastroenterologist, hepatologist, and co-founder of the Association of Black Gastroenterologists and Hepatologists, for a conversation that could genuinely save your life. Dr. Balzora breaks down everything you need to know about colorectal cancer symptoms, including colon cancer warning signs that most people dismiss or don't recognize at all. She explains why early signs of colon cancer — like changes in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, or blood in the stool — are so easy to overlook, and why colon cancer early signs often appear with no symptoms whatsoever, making colorectal cancer screening the single most important tool we have. This conversation also addresses the alarming rise of colon cancer in young adults, with one in five new diagnoses now happening in people under 55. Dr. Balzora explains what a colon cancer diagnosis actually involves, how colon polyps are found and removed before they become cancerous, and why Black women specifically face higher mortality rates from this disease. She also takes the fear out of getting a colonoscopy — walking through the prep, sedation, and procedure itself — and covers the noninvasive colorectal cancer screening options available for those at average risk. If symptoms of colon cancer, colon cancer symptoms, bowel cancer symptoms, or signs of colon cancer have been on your mind, this episode gives you the clarity and confidence to take action. 0:00 Introduction to Dr. Sophie Balzora (Gastroenterologist & Hepatologist) 3:52 What Is Colorectal Cancer & Why Is It Rising in Young People? 6:39 Factors Behind the Increase 8:23 Why Black Americans Are 40% More Likely to Die from It 10:03 The Age Screening Starts 12:18 Colonoscopy Explained (What Actually Happens & The Prep) 14:22 Non-Invasive Screening Options 17:10 Symptoms You Should Never Ignore 20:02 Polyps Explained (How Common, What Happens If They're Found) 25:04 Making the Prep Easier 31:49 Myth Busting 36:40 If It Runs in Your Family 38:41 Why Dr. Balzora Co-Founded ABGH & The Doctor Will See You Now Campaign 44:25 Connect with Dr. Balzora About the Podcast The Therapy for Black Girls Podcast is a weekly conversation with Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, a licensed Psychologist in Atlanta, Georgia, about all things mental health, personal development, and all the small decisions we can make to become the best possible versions of ourselves. Stay Connected Join us in over on Patreon at https://patreon.com/therapyforblackgirls where we’re building community through our chats, connecting at Sunday Night Check-Ins, and soaking in the wisdom from exclusive series like Ask Dr. Joy and So, My Therapist Said. ​ Is there a topic you’d like covered on the podcast? Submit it at: https://therapyforblackgirls.com/mailbox If you’re looking for a therapist in your area, check out the directory at: https://providers.therapyforblackgirls.com/ Grab your copy of our guided affirmation and other TBG Merch at: https://therapyforblackgirls.com/shop Make sure to follow us on social media: https://instagram.com/therapyforblackgirls
    Previous Article
    Tiffany Cross on Unlearning Unworthiness & Putting Yourself First | Therapy for Black Girls | EP 463
    Next Article
    The History of Soul Food (And Why It Keeps Getting Demonized) | Therapy for Black Girls | EP 467

    Related Health Updates:

    Are you sure? You want to delete this comment..! Remove Cancel

    Comments (0)

      Leave a comment