Have you ever wondered why it's so hard to convince most men to get screened for prostate and colon cancer? Previous research has pointed to embarrassment and offensiveness as general reasons why men avoid digital rectal exams (DREs) and colonoscopies. But seven researchers decided to probe deeper to determine why men are embarrassed and offended by these tests.

Their study, published yesterday in the American Journal of Men's Health, pinpointed the underlying reason for men who opt not to get DREs: most men associate them with homosexuality. Read more...

If we're lucky, the challenges we face teach us lessons we can pass on to others who are experiencing a similar situation. Each week, I ask readers to consider a particular question and offer insight when they can. All responses will be considered for inclusion in articles designed to help site visitors cope with colon cancer and related conditions, such as genetic syndromes that increase colon cancer risk. This week's question: How do you cope with nose sores from chemo?