Checking your colon without the "oscopy" Q: Everything I read says that if you're past 50 you should have regular colonoscopies to screen for polyps and cancer. I know I shouldn't be, but I'm just too squeamish to have one done. Is there any other way to check for colon cancer? JVW: You're in luck. There's a simple, inexpensive test you can do on your own (or with your doctor's help) that can help you estimate your risk of colon cancer. The test is called a stool butyrate determination. Butyrate is a natural short-chain fatty acid produced by friendly colon bacteria from fully digested vegetable fiber. It acts as a principal energy source for colonocytes (the cells lining your colon). Without enough butyrate, colonocytes can't function optimally and can't resist the action of carcinogens as well as they might. Several laboratories around the country can send you testing kits, but if you don't know of one in your area, you can order a test kit from the lab I'm affiliated with: Meridian Valley Laboratory (425-271-8689; www.meridianvalleylab.com). Once you have your test kit, you'll collect a small stool sample at home, then mail it back to the lab in a special container. When you get your results in the mail, check the listing for your butyrate level. Generally, you want your level to be between the normal ranges indicated on the lab form. (These ranges vary from lab to lab, so, unfortunately, I can't give you more specific information. But the test result sheet you receive in the mail should have that lab's "normal" ranges marked. If not, just call the lab and ask to speak with a technician who can help you analyze your results.) If your level is lower than normal, the first step is to incorporate more fiber into your diet. I know you've heard this advice before, but it really is one of the most important things you can do to help protect yourself from colon cancer. Along with eating more fiber, start taking probiotics (Lactobacillus acidophilus combined with other natural bowel flora) to help normalize bowel flora. You should also begin taking digestive enzymes after meals. Digestive enzymes will help you fully digest dietary fiber. Continue taking the probiotics and the enzymes for six to eight weeks, then order another test kit and follow the same protocol outlined above. Most likely, your butyrate level will have risen to normal. If not, make an appointment with your doctor for additional testing that will help you determine why the butyrate level may be staying low (and your colon cancer risk higher than it should be). | 
