In this episode of SHE MD, Mary Alice Haney and Dr. Thaïs Aliabadi sit down with colorectal surgeon Dr. Beth Moore to talk about colon cancer, colonoscopies, and the importance of screening. Dr. Moore explains how colon cancer develops, why it affects women just as much as men, and why most people diagnosed with colon cancer do not have a family history of the disease. The conversation breaks down how colonoscopies work and why they remain the gold standard for screening. Dr. Moore also explains the different types of colon polyps, what symptoms to watch for, and how colon cancer is staged and treated depending on how advanced it is. They also discuss lifestyle risk factors, newer screening options like Cologuard and virtual colonoscopy, and emerging topics including GLP-1 medications and digestive health. This episode offers clear, practical information to help women better understand colon cancer risk, screening options, and why early detection is so important. To learn more about MyRisk, visit this link: https://myriad.com/genetic-tests/myrisk-hereditary-cancer-risk-test/ Subscribe to SHE MD Podcast for expert tips on PCOS, endometriosis, fertility, hormonal balance, mental health, and more. Share with friends and visit SHE MD website and Ovii for research-backed resources, holistic health strategies, and expert guidance on women’s health and well-being. Sponsors Premier Protein: Find your favorite flavor at PremierProtein.com or at Amazon, Walmart, and other major retailers. R+Co: Visit randco.com and use code SheMD20 at checkout for 20% off your first purchase. Use code SheMD20 for 20% off your first order Midi: Ready to feel your best and write your second act script? Visit JoinMidi.com today to book your personalized, insurance-covered virtual visit. Peloton: Let yourself run, lift, sculpt, push and GO. Explore the new Peloton Cross Training Tread+ at onepeloton.com Warby Parker: Our listeners get 15%+ free shipping when they buy 2 or more pairs of prescription glasses at WarbyParker.com/SHEMD Babbel: Get up to 60% off your Babbel subscription at Babbel.com/SHEMD What You’ll Learn Why colon cancer affects women just as much as menHow colonoscopies can actually prevent colon cancerThe symptoms of colon cancer you should never ignoreWhy most colon cancer cases occur without a family historyThe biggest lifestyle risk factors for colon cancerThe truth about Cologuard and other screening alternativesHow GLP-1 medications may impact digestive health and cancer riskWhat your bowel habits can reveal about your health Key Timestamps (00:00) Introduction to SHE MD (01:23) Colon Cancer Affects Women Too (02:16) Personal Story: Losing a Grandfather to Colon Cancer (03:08) Meet Colorectal Surgeon Dr. Beth Moore (05:15) What the Colon Actually Does (05:44) How Colon Cancer Starts (Polyps Explained) (06:25) Colon Cancer Stages Explained (1–4) (09:27) Immunotherapy: A Breakthrough in Colon Cancer Treatment (10:08) Why Colonoscopies Can Prevent Cancer (12:26) Colonoscopy Prep: What to Expect (18:27) What Happens During a Colonoscopy (20:33) Early Warning Signs of Colon Cancer (42:13) Cologuard Test: Does the “Poop Test” Really Work? (58:16) HIPEC Surgery: Heated Chemotherapy Explained (1:05:24) How Often You Should Actually Poop Key Takeaways Colon cancer is the third most common cancer in women.Nearly 80% of colon cancer cases occur without a family history.Colonoscopies not only detect cancer but prevent it by removing precancerous polyps.Screening should begin at age 45, or earlier for higher-risk individuals.Lifestyle factors such as diet, obesity, alcohol, smoking, and low fiber intake can increase colon cancer risk.Paying attention to symptoms like rectal bleeding, changes in bowel habits, or unexplained weight loss is important.Preventive screening and early detection dramatically improve survival rates. Guest Bio Dr. Beth A. Moore is a colon and rectal surgeon in West Hollywood, California, affiliated with Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. She received her medical degree from the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University and has been in practice for more than 20 years. She has expertise in treating colonoscopies, colon removal, and other conditions See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.