Dr Oz: Colon Cancer With Katie Couric
While discussing colon cancer and colonoscopies with Katie Couric, Katie admitted she had never actually held a colon before. Naturally, Dr Oz was thrilled to give her the opportunity to hold one, despite how hesitant and apparently “squeamish” Katie was. Dr Oz arranged a colon the way it is arranged in the body. Katie immediately noticed that it wasn’t as pink as she expected, but Dr Oz was quick to explain that it is slightly pinkish in the body, but once all the blood is removed, it turns more pale.
Dr Oz also pointed out a greenish looking area of the colon where bile had been leftover. Dr Oz explained that if food isn’t digested well, it stays green the whole way. Your poop turns brown when food is mixed with green bile and metabolizes. That’s why you can look at the color of your poop and be able to tell a lot about your digestive system.
Dr Oz: Warning Signs Of Colon Cancer
Katie Couric shared common warning signs of colon cancer to help save other families from suffering the same fate as her’s. (mllerustad / Flickr)
Katie also pointed out that blood in the stool or differently-shaped stool can also be a warning sign. Because colon cancer is a “silent killer” you really have to pay attention to your body and what it may be trying to tell you. Other signs include bloating and unexplained weight loss. But if you’re over the age of 50, you need to get checked so a colonoscopy is your best option.
Katie explained that her husband, who passed away from colon cancer in 1998, experienced weight loss and fatigue. But they were young parents at the time. Katie specifically remembered her husband always having a “sour stomach” recalling that on their first date, he brought a roll of Rolaids with him and Katie joked that she didn’t take it personally.
Dr Oz: What Does The Shape Of Your Poop Mean?
Katie picked up the small bowel that connects to the colon and described it as “rubbery.” She joked that you could turn a colon into an “attractive necklace.” Dr Oz wanted Katie to notice that as you work your way down the intestine, you can feel how much thicker it gets. That’s because the top of the intestine is more responsible for sucking water out of the poop, to getting ready to push the poop out.
Dr Oz added that he often tells people to look at the shape of their poop because the sigmoid colon, the bottom of the colon, is shaped like an “S.” When you go to the bathroom, you should “clean yourself out” if you’re practicing the right habits. That’s why your poop should be more “S” shaped.
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