Diseases & Conditions
Do hemorrhoids increase my cancer risk?
Ask the doctors
I have hemorrhoids. Could this increase my risk of colon cancer?Hemorrhoids are very common, affecting three-quarters of adults over age 45. They occur when veins inside or just outside the anus become enlarged or inflamed. They can be bothersome but are rarely dangerous. Risk factors include obesity, pregnancy, chronic constipation, and straining during bowel movements, among others. Most often symptoms related to hemorrhoids will go away within a couple of days or a week, but in some cases, they will persist for longer. If you aren't sure what is causing your symptoms, make an appointment with your doctor.
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