How To Recognize And Treat Colorectal Cancer In Women

March 1 marks National Dress in Blue Day. On the first Friday of March, those who are afflicted with colon cancer – along with their allies and supporters – wear blue to bring awareness to this disease and promote Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.

Though highly preventable, colon cancer is often a silent and deadly disease. While colorectal cancer affects both men and women, there are specific nuances and considerations regarding its impact on women that we should be aware of.

What is colorectal cancer?

Colorectal cancer, often referred to as bowel cancer or colon cancer, originates in the colon or rectum. It may start as benign growths called polyps, which can become cancerous if not detected and removed. The disease ranks as the t hird most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women and is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States.

Colorectal cancer in women

While historically seen as a disease primarily affecting men, colorectal cancer is increasingly affecting women. In fact, recent studies suggest that women may be at higher risk of dying from colorectal cancer than men due to factors such as hormonal differences and unique symptoms that may delay diagnosis.

What are the symptoms of colon cancer in women?

It’s important to identify the signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer in women to identify the disease and treat it effectively. Though the symptoms noted below may seem just part of normal gastrointestinal distress or indigestion, it’s important to take note of them as they can signal the early stages of colorectal cancer. Symptoms may include:

Changes in bowel habits

Some of us may find it uncomfortable to pay attention to or discuss our bowel habits. However, if you notice changes — such as persistent diarrhea, constipation, or stool consistency – mention these to your doctor right away. It’s important to screen for and identify (or rule out) colon cancer when these changes occur.
Rectal bleeding or blood in stool
Again, this may be uncomfortable to discuss, but it’s important to note unexplained bleeding or blood in your stool and make an appointment with your primary care provider to investigate it further.
Abdominal discomfort
Persistent abdominal pain, cramping, or bloating may signal colorectal issues.
Unexplained weight loss
Significant and unexplained weight loss – without changes in diet or exercise – warrants medical attention.
Fatigue or weakness
If you feel more tired and rundown than usual, make an appointment with your doctor. Chronic fatigue or weakness not attributable to other factors should be evaluated.

What are the treatment options for colorectal cancer?

Treatment for colorectal cancer varies depending on the stage and individual patient factors, but often includes a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted drug therapy. Early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes, highlighting the importance of regular screenings and awareness of symptoms.

Screening guidelines for women

Given the increasing incidence of colorectal cancer in younger populations, screening guidelines have evolved to recommend earlier initiation of screenings. While guidelines may vary slightly, most medical organizations recommend regular colorectal cancer screening starting at age 45 for average-risk individuals. However, women with certain risk factors, such as a family history of colorectal cancer or inflammatory bowel disease, may need to begin screening earlier.

As we observe Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, it’s essential to recognize that colorectal cancer impacts women uniquely. Increased awareness, early detection, and proactive screening are crucial steps in reducing the burden of this disease on women’s health.

By understanding the signs and symptoms, advocating for timely screenings, and supporting ongoing research and education efforts, we can make significant strides in the fight against colorectal cancer for women and all individuals at risk. Let’s empower ourselves and our communities to prioritize colorectal health and save lives.

Is the Mediterranean Diet Healthy?

The Mediterranean diet has long been hailed as one of the healthiest eating patterns in the world. Year after year, it tops global rankings for its ability to support heart health, longevity, and overall well-being. Originating from countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea such as Greece, Italy, and Spain, the Mediterranean diet combines nutrient-rich foods, healthy fats, and a mindful approach to eating.

What makes it so powerful is that it’s not just about food choices; it’s a way of life that emphasizes fresh, seasonal ingredients, physical activity, and enjoying meals with others. With decades of research behind it, the Mediterranean diet continues to be a gold standard for healthy living. And the best part? You don’t need to live near the Mediterranean to enjoy its benefits as this way of eating can be adapted no matter where you are.

What Is the Mediterranean Diet?

The Mediterranean diet is less of a rigid eating plan and more of a flexible, sustainable way of life. At its core, it’s built around fresh, whole, minimally processed foods, enjoyed in balance and often shared with others.

Typical foods include:

Vegetables and fruits form the centerpiece of most meals.

Whole grains such as quinoa, bulgur, and whole-wheat bread.

Legumes like lentils, chickpeas, and beans for plant-based protein.

Nuts and seeds for healthy fats and fiber.

Extra virgin olive oil as the primary source of fat.

Fish and seafood several times a week.

Poultry, eggs, and dairy in moderation.

Red wine occasionally.

Red meat and sweets occasionally

Beyond the food itself, the Mediterranean diet celebrates lifestyle: staying active, savoring meals slowly, and making eating a social occasion. This blend of nourishing nutrition and mindful living is what makes it stand out from many other diets.

Health Benefits Backed by Research

Decades of scientific studies have shown that the Mediterranean diet offers wide-ranging health benefits.

1. Heart Health
Perhaps its most well-known benefit is reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. The diet’s emphasis on healthy fats from olive oil, nuts, and fish can lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and blood pressure, helping to protect against heart attacks and strokes

2. Brain Function
Following the Mediterranean diet may support better cognitive health and reduce the risk of dementia. Research suggests that its nutrient-rich, anti-inflammatory foods help protect brain cells and may help improve memory.

3. Weight Management
Unlike restrictive diets, the Mediterranean diet focuses on balanced, satisfying meals. This can make it easier to maintain a healthy weight without feeling deprived.

4. Reduced Inflammation
Chronic inflammation is linked to many health problems, from arthritis to certain cancers. The Mediterranean diet’s high antioxidant content, from colorful vegetables, fruits, herbs, and spices—may help reduce inflammation

5. Gut Health
Fiber-rich legumes, vegetables, and whole grains feed beneficial gut bacteria, supporting digestion and overall immunity.

For a deeper look at the connection between diet and inflammation, explore Femme Pharma’s article on Inflammation: What It Is and How Your Diet Matters 

How to Embrace the Mediterranean Diet in Daily Life

Adopting the Mediterranean diet doesn’t require a complete overhaul—small changes can add up. Here’s how to start:

Swap your fats: Use extra virgin olive oil instead of butter or margarine.

Fill half your plate with vegetables at lunch and dinner.

Choose whole grains such as brown rice or whole-wheat pasta.

Eat fish twice a week, aiming for salmon, sardines, or trout.

Snack smarter with nuts, fruit, or hummus with raw veggies.

Cook at home more often to control ingredients and portion sizes.

Enjoy meals socially when possible, as sharing food is part of the Mediterranean tradition.

You can also experiment with Mediterranean-inspired meals such as Greek salads with feta and olives, roasted vegetables drizzled with olive oil, or grilled fish with lemon and herbs.

For inspiration, try these recipes:

Mediterranean Quinoa Breakfast Bowl – a fresh, nourishing start to your day.

Baked Cod with Sautéed Spinach and Brown Rice – balanced with protein, whole grains, and greens.

Caesar Salad with Chickpeas – a plant-powered twist on a timeless classic.

Turkey & Cauliflower Skillet – a speedy, low-carb, protein-rich dinner.

You can also experiment with Mediterranean-inspired recipes like Greek salads with feta and olives, roasted vegetables drizzled with olive oil, or grilled fish with lemon and herbs.

Common Misconceptions About the Mediterranean Diet

“It’s only for people living in the Mediterranean.”
Not true, while it’s inspired by traditional eating patterns in that region, you can adapt it to foods available wherever you live. For example, frozen vegetables, canned beans, and affordable local fish can work just as well.

“It’s too expensive.”
With smart shopping, the Mediterranean diet can fit most budgets. Choose seasonal produce, buy whole grains in bulk, and use canned tuna or sardines instead of fresh fish when needed.

“It’s all about pasta and bread.”
While these foods are part of the Mediterranean diet, they’re eaten in moderation and paired with plenty of vegetables, protein, and healthy fats. The focus is on variety, balance, and nutrient-dense choices.

Is the Mediterranean Diet Right for You?

The Mediterranean diet is more than just a trend it’s a time-tested approach to healthy living supported by decades of research. By focusing on fresh, whole foods, healthy fats, and mindful eating, it can support heart health, brain function, and overall well-being.

If you’re looking for an eating pattern that’s flexible, satisfying, and backed by science, the Mediterranean diet could be an excellent fit. Start by making small changes, enjoy the process, and discover the flavor and vitality this lifestyle can bring to your daily routine.

Breast Cancer Awareness: Care Gaps, Life After Diagnosis & New Treatments

Since 1985, every October, people around the world pin on pink ribbons to commemorate Breast Cancer Awareness Month. With 1 in 8 women having an overall likelihood of developing breast cancer in their lifetime, nearly all of us is personally affected by the disease.

Breast cancer awareness—combined with continuing advances in screening and treatment—has led to a 58% reduction in mortality rate over the last sixty years. With over 2.3 million new cases worldwide in 2022, every life saved is a celebration, yet there is more work to be done. Much more.

Innovations in screening: The sooner, the better

Mammography, using x-rays to detect lesions before they can be palpated, is the current diagnostic method for breast cancer. Most women receive 2D digital mammography, where two x-rays are taken, one each from the top and the side. A radiologist reviews all images and is able to view and magnify any areas of concern; images are stored to compare to future mammograms.

Technology is always searching for more specific methods to identify abnormalities at the earliest possibles stages. For women with dense breast tissue or with high-risk factors, providers have several options:

Digital Breast Tomosynthesis (DBT) or 3D mammography is becoming more available across the country. DBT allows for images to be taken from different angles, then recreated to as a 3D reproduction of a breast. Although more expensive than 2D images, it allows for more accurate views. It also means fewer “callbacks” to obtain more images.

Contrast-Enhanced Mammography (CEM) and Contrast MRI both use

a contrast dye that is injected into the bloodstream before starting the screening. The dye allows radiologists to see any suspicious blood flow to tumors. CEM is not considered a routine screening tool but rather for evaluating dense breast tissue; screening high-risk patients; in place of a mammogram when there is noticeable lump, skin dimpling, or nipple discharge; and when patients are unable to have an MRI.

Ultrasound Elastography is based on the theory that malignant tumors are stiffer than benign ones. Using ultrasound wave scan generate waves that expose deformation or suspicious displacement.

Physical health: AI is probably already at work

If you wear a smartwatch or use a smartphone, right now AI is counting your steps, measuring your heart rate, or evaluating your movement. While you sleep, it’s checking the quality of your rest.

Wearable technology and medical devices have merged, allowing for accurate and unique data that can change your life. Here are some ways AI can boost physical wellness:

Wearables encourage more activity by tracking distance, calories, and energy levels.

Fitness apps analyze your workout and make adjustments based on your progress.

Nutrition programs assess dietary habits and suggest changes to meet your weight and health goals.

Heart monitors detect undiagnosed rhythms before a serious cardiac event occurs.

Sensors provide continuous monitoring of blood glucose levels, avoiding dangerous high or low blood sugar emergencies.

Apps track details about migraine headaches, such as menstrual cycles, symptoms, triggers, and barometric changes. They can predict migraine episodes and their duration.

Innovations in treatment: More specific for better outcomes

Researchers have been encouraged by breakthroughs in targeted therapies to deliver precise treatments that minimize unnecessary tissue destruction or complications. The use of AI to detect patterns and predict risk help providers maintain safe therapy margins without harming or overtreating patients. Other developments include:

Drugs receiving FDA Fast-Track approval, such as vepdegestrant that can destroy estrogen receptors and slow progression of metastasis

Immunotherapy trains the patient’s own immune system to identify and destroy “foreign” cancer cells.

Improved methods to create realistic tattoos. For women who have nipple and aureola removed. Multicolored ink techniques can simulate a 3D effect to make reconstruction look and feel natural.

Breast cancer care disparities

Despite being the most common malignancy that affects every race and ethnic group, detection and treatment of breast cancer remain sadly unequal at every stage:

Non-Hispanic White women are the most likely to be diagnosed than any other racial group.

Black women are 42% more likely to die at every age—even among other patients with similar stages and tumor subtypes.

Although Hispanic women have a lower incidence of breast cancer, their disease is often diagnosed at a later stage, leading to worse outcomes.

Disparities are often affected by patients’ by socioeconomic status, access to healthcare, mistrust of the medical system, and inadequate patient-provider communication.

Promising clinical trials are frequently limited to patients with the ability to be recruited by major pharmaceutical companies, travel to researcher trial sites with funding that will support minority and diverse patient demographics, in contrast to “mainstream” clinical trials held at major urban sites.

Living well after breast cancer diagnosis

Thankfully, breast cancer is treatable and curable. Following treatment, you can return to a routine and lifestyle that allows you, your family, and friends to look forward making memories for years to come.

Prioritize YOU! Do all the things you would tell someone else to do. Eat healthy, well-balanced meals; get plenty of exercise and sleep; enjoy time with family and friends.

Be patient with yourself. Breast cancer treatment is rigorous, with side effects that can be both short- and long-acting. Be familiar with your therapies and what to expect, so you know how to prepare.

Find and use your support groups. Don’t be shy about asking for help. Spend time with the people who are important to you. Don’t feel you should be independent when your treatment is done. Continue with your breast cancer survivors’ group.

Keep up with all appointments and learn how to detect signs of recurrence, such as a new lump.

Sources

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The Rise of Digital Mental Health: How Online Therapy Is Helping

When life transitions like perimenopause and menopause arrive, they can bring a flood of changes—both physical and emotional. Hot flashes, sleep disruptions, mood swings, and shifts in identity often show up all at once. For many women, these changes can spark feelings of stress, sadness, or even anxiety. The good news? Support is more accessible than ever, thanks to the growing world of digital mental health and online therapy.

Why Women Are Turning to Digital Mental Health

In the past, therapy meant driving across town, sitting in a waiting room, and arranging schedules around appointments. While in-person therapy is still incredibly valuable, the reality is that many women in midlife don’t have the time, flexibility, or energy for that routine.

That’s where digital mental health tools come in. With online therapy, help is available at your fingertips—whether it’s through video sessions, chat-based counseling, or guided programs on your phone. For women navigating perimenopause or menopause, this flexibility can be a game-changer.

The Benefits of Online Therapy in Midlife

Convenience at Home
Picture this: no commute, no waiting room, and no rearranging your day. You can connect with a licensed therapist from your couch, on your lunch break, or even while traveling. For women balancing careers, caregiving, and their own health, convenience matters.

More Options and Specialties
In smaller towns or rural areas, local therapists may be limited. Online therapy opens the door to a wider pool of professionals—many who specialize in issues like menopause, anxiety, depression, or relationship changes. This means you’re more likely to find someone who understands exactly what you’re going through.

Comfort and Privacy
Talking about mental health can feel intimidating, especially if you’re worried about being judged. For many women, it feels easier to open up from the comfort of home. Digital mental health services provide a safe, confidential space to talk without running into someone you know in the waiting room.

Flexibility with Communication Styles
Not everyone loves sitting face-to-face and spilling their heart out. Online therapy often allows for different formats: video, or phone,

5. Cost-Effective Options
Therapy can be expensive, but many digital platforms are more affordable than traditional in-person sessions. Some even offer subscription-based models that include unlimited messaging with your therapist. Plus, more insurance providers are now covering online mental health care.

Why Digital Mental Health Matters During Menopause

Perimenopause and menopause aren’t just physical—they affect mental health too. Hormonal shifts can heighten anxiety, trigger mood swings, or contribute to feelings of isolation. Add life changes like kids leaving home, aging parents, or shifts in relationships, and it’s no wonder so many women feel overwhelmed.

Digital mental health support provides a lifeline. Whether it’s weekly therapy sessions, quick check-ins with a counselor, or mindfulness tools on an app, these resources remind women that they don’t have to navigate this season alone.

In fact, studies have shown that online therapy can be just as effective as in-person sessions for treating depression and anxiety. For women in midlife, that means relief and support are not only possible—they’re accessible.

Tips for Getting Started with Online Therapy

Do your research. Look for platforms with licensed therapists and transparent pricing.

Consider your needs. Do you want live video sessions? Match the format to your comfort level.

Check your insurance. Many plans now cover digital mental health services.

Try a consultation. Many therapists offer free initial sessions to see if it’s a good fit.

Midlife can be one of the most challenging—and most empowering—times in a woman’s journey. As your body and life shift, so do your needs for support. Thanks to digital mental health, therapy is more accessible, flexible, and tailored than ever before.

If you’re navigating perimenopause or menopause and feeling the weight of emotional changes, know this: you don’t have to do it alone. Online therapy is helping women everywhere find comfort, confidence, and clarity—right from the palm of their hand (or their desktop)!