Constipation is a very common problem. Each year more than 2.5 million Americans visit their healthcare provider. They do this for relief from symptoms. This condition refers to a change in bowel habits, but it has varied meanings. Stools may be too hard or too small, difficult to pass, or infrequent (less than three times per week). People with constipation may also notice a frequent need to strain and a sense that the bowels are not empty. Many factors can contribute to or cause constipation, although, in most people, no single cause can be found. In general, constipation occurs more often as you get older or as a side effect of medications. Diseases like Diabetes Mellitus, Hypothyroidism, Parkinson’s Disease, and Multiple Sclerosis are also associated with constipation.

You can prevent colon cancer by doing routine screening to detect and remove pre-cancerous polyps. Polyps are small clumps of cells that can grow on the lining of the colon wall. Most of these polyps are benign but over time they can grow and turn into cancer.