Colon and Rectal Surgery of New York

11/03/2025

It’s always an honor to hear from patients who trust us with their care.
Valerie recently shared her experience after attending a health symposium and scheduling her colonoscopy:

“Dr. O’Connor explained everything I should expect and made sure I was fully prepared. She is compassionate, knowledgeable, and truly cares about her patients.”

Our team’s goal is to make every patient feel informed, supported, and comfortable every step of the way, from consultation to recovery.

**alHealth

10/31/2025

Don't let myths haunt your health. Let's separate fact from fiction together:

MYTH #1: "Colonoscopies are painful and terrifying"
TRUTH: You're sedated during the procedure, most patients don't remember a thing! The prep is the hardest part, and it's manageable.

MYTH #2: "If I don't have symptoms, I don't need screening"
TRUTH: Colore**al cancer often has NO early symptoms. That's exactly why screening at 45 is so important. We catch problems BEFORE they cause issues.

MYTH #3: "Talking about digestive issues is too embarrassing"
TRUTH: There's nothing to be embarrassed about, we are all human. Your health is worth the conversation!

MYTH #4: "Natural remedies can cure everything"
TRUTH: While diet and lifestyle are crucial, some conditions need medical treatment. Don't let treatable issues become serious by avoiding care.

The scariest thing? Letting fear or misinformation keep you from taking care of yourself.

**alHealth

10/25/2025

Let's talk about something nobody wants to talk about: hemorrhoids. 🙈

If you're dealing with discomfort, bleeding, or pain, you're not alone (and you definitely shouldn't be embarrassed).

Hemorrhoids affect millions of people and can happen for many reasons: pregnancy, constipation, sitting too long, heavy lifting, or simply aging.

Here's what I want you to know:
💙 They're extremely common
💙 They're treatable (often without surgery!)
💙 You don't have to suffer in silence
💙 The conversation is judgment-free with your doctor

Many patients wait months or even years before seeking help because of embarrassment. Please don't let that be you.

If something doesn't feel right, let's talk about it. You deserve to feel comfortable and healthy.

Read more about hemorrhoid symptoms on the blog: https://colonandre**alsurgeryofnewyork.com/understanding-hemorrhoid-symptoms/

**alHealth

Hemorrhoids, commonly referred to as "piles," are swollen veins in the lower re**um and a**s. They are a common condition affecting millions worldwide, but many are unsure of the symptoms. Understanding the signs of hemorrhoids is key to early treatment and relief. In this post, we’ll break down t...

10/22/2025

Your gut and your brain are in constant conversation. 🧠💚
Stress doesn't just affect your mood, it directly impacts your digestive health. When you're stressed, your body releases hormones that can trigger inflammation, disrupt digestion, and even worsen conditions like IBS.

Small changes can make a big difference:
✨ Take 10 minutes daily for deep breathing or meditation
✨ Move your body (even a 20-minute walk helps)
✨ Prioritize sleep and establish a calming bedtime routine
✨ Eat mindfully and stay hydrated

Taking care of your mental health IS taking care of your digestive health. They're connected in ways we're only beginning to understand.

10/14/2025

Your gut does more than just digest food, it plays a major role in your mood, immune system, and overall health.

A balanced gut microbiome helps reduce inflammation, improve nutrient absorption, and even lower your risk of certain diseases.

The best part? You can support your gut health with a few simple lifestyle choices:

🥦 Eat more fiber – think legumes, whole grains, and leafy greens.
💧 Stay hydrated – water helps keep digestion moving smoothly.
😴 Prioritize sleep – aim for 7–9 hours to help your gut (and your brain) recover.
🧘🏽 Manage stress – your gut and brain are in constant communication.
🏃‍♀️ Move your body – regular exercise supports a diverse, healthy microbiome.

Small, consistent habits can make a big difference.

10/10/2025

Colore**al cancer is no longer just a concern for older adults. Rates among people under 50 are rising — so much so that by 2030, it’s projected to become the leading cause of cancer-related death in this age group.

While the reasons are still being studied, lifestyle factors like diet, inactivity, and obesity may play a role. Genetics and gut health are also under investigation.

👉 The good news: Colore**al cancer is highly preventable and treatable when caught early.
Know your family history, pay attention to persistent symptoms, and talk to your doctor about when to start screening (for most, that’s age 45).

**alCancerAwareness

10/03/2025

Colore**al cancer remains one of the most common cancers in the U.S. with 154,270 new cases expected in 2025. Early detection truly saves lives.

📊 Survival rates vary widely depending on the stage at diagnosis, which is why timely screening is so important.

👉 Current guidelines recommend:

Start at age 45 for those at average risk.

Start at 40 (or earlier) if you have a family history or concerning symptoms.

Screening isn’t just a test, it’s a chance to find and remove precancerous polyps before they ever turn into cancer. If you or someone you love is approaching screening age, talk to your doctor about scheduling a colonoscopy.

**alCancerAwareness

09/24/2025

Knowing when to get screened can save lives. 🩺

✅ For most adults at average risk, colonoscopy screenings should begin at age 45.
✅ If you have a family history of colore**al cancer or are experiencing symptoms such as re**al bleeding, changes in bowel habits, or unexplained weight loss, it’s recommended to begin screening earlier — around age 40 (or sometimes even sooner, depending on your doctor’s guidance).

Colore**al cancer is highly preventable when caught early. Talk with your healthcare provider about your personal risk factors and the right time for your screening.

**alcancer

09/19/2025

Fiber is a true multitasker in your diet. It doesn’t just help with digestion, it protects your heart, regulates blood sugar, supports weight management, and plays a major role in reducing colon cancer risk.

Here’s how:
✅ Promotes regularity and reduces the time harmful substances stay in the gut
✅ Nourishes healthy gut bacteria
✅ Produces short-chain fatty acids (like butyrate) that have anti-cancer properties

Aim for a mix of soluble fiber (oats, beans, bananas) and insoluble fiber (whole grains, nuts, veggie skins). Increase your intake gradually and stay hydrated to minimize bloating.

A high-fiber diet is one of the simplest, most powerful tools we have for long-term health and your colon will thank you.

09/17/2025

Colon cancer is on the rise among young adults, with new research showing cases are shifting into people as young as 31–40 years old.

While genetics and family history play a role, lifestyle choices remain some of the biggest risk factors for colore**al cancer:
❌ Diets high in red & processed meats
❌ Low fiber intake
❌ Sedentary lifestyle
❌ Heavy alcohol consumption

The good news?

Making consistent, everyday changes can help reduce risk:
✔️ Swap red & processed meats for lean proteins like chicken, fish, beans, or lentils.
✔️ Add more fiber from whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes (aim for 25–30 grams daily).
✔️ Embrace a Mediterranean-style diet rich in healthy fats and plant-based foods, shown to lower colon cancer risk by ~18%.
✔️ Support your gut microbiome with fermented foods such as yogurt, kimchi, or sauerkraut.

👉 Colon cancer prevention isn’t about perfection, it’s about small, consistent choices that protect your long-term health.

09/12/2025

We’ve all been told to eat our vegetables, but science shows some veggies pack extra punch when it comes to colon health. 🥦

A recent study of nearly 100,000 people found that eating about 40 grams per day of cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, kale, and cabbage) was linked to a 20% lower risk of colon cancer.

Why? These vegetables contain natural compounds called glucosinolates, which break down into bioactive products that:

🧪Help detoxify cancer-causing substances
🧫Support healthy cell turnover
🔥Reduce inflammation
⏹️Even slow or stop the growth of abnormal cells

The key is consistency — just about ½ cup of broccoli a day is enough to get these protective benefits.

Try roasting cauliflower, tossing broccoli in a stir-fry, or blending kale into a smoothie. Small daily choices can make a lasting impact on your health.

09/09/2025

Did you know September 9th is the most common birthday in the U.S.? 🎉 Chances are you know someone turning 45 this year, and that milestone comes with an important reminder.

👉 At age 45, it’s time for your first screening colonoscopy.

Here’s why it matters:

Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S.—but it’s also one of the most preventable with screening.

Most cases start as small polyps that can be found and removed during a colonoscopy—before they ever become cancer.

Early detection means better outcomes.

So if you (or someone you love) are celebrating 45 this year, consider this a birthday gift to your future self, schedule your . 🩺