Question: I’ve been dealing with hemorrhoids for over two years. They never go away and only seem to be getting worse. Is it possible that it could be anal cancer? Answered by colon and rectal surgeon Matthew Fuglestad, MD.

There has been a rise in colorectal cancers in people 20 to 50 years old over the last decade. Learn more about colorectal cancer and how this 49-year-old beat it.

Colonoscopy literally means “to look inside the colon.” During a colonoscopy, the doctor will place a flexible camera called a colonoscope into the anus and steer it throughout the colon and rectum.

Women need to be assertive about their own health. If symptoms persist and aren’t getting better after two weeks or so, it is worth making an appointment with your doctor to get it checked out. It’s worth the peace of mind.