DEAR DOCTOR K: I am recovering from breast cancer surgery. Unfortunately, my healing process is coinciding with several unexpected stressful events in my life. Can stress actually slow my healing?
DEAR READER: Stress does have far-reaching physical effects. There is plenty of research showing that stress — especially long-term stress, and the feeling that you cannot get control of your life — can harm your body.
DEAR DOCTOR K: I just scheduled my first mammogram. What can I expect during the procedure?
DEAR READER: Unfortunately, I can’t tell you from personal experience. I know what every doctor knows, but only a person who has undergone a medical procedure firsthand really knows what it’s like.
DEAR DOCTOR K: My brother was recently diagnosed with colon cancer. Now my doctor wants me to have a colonoscopy. Can you tell me what will happen during this procedure?
DEAR READER: Your brother’s diagnosis puts you at higher risk for colon cancer, so I’m glad to hear your doctor has recommended that you get checked.
Dr. Anthony Komaroff is a practicing physician, Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, and Editor in Chief of Harvard Health Publications. Learn more »
Harvard Health Publications is the publishing division of Harvard Medical School, providing the general public with authoritative, trustworthy, and accessible health information. Learn more »
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