Because of stigmas, misinformation and social discomfort, ostomies often are not discussed. But with nearly 750,000 people living in the United States with one, it’s time for that dialogue to begin.

For many people diagnosed with colorectal cancer, surgery can bring lifesaving treatment but also lasting changes.

Almost a million people in the United States live with an ostomy pouch worn outside their bodies to collect digestive waste, after their diseased intestines or bladders had to be removed. It’s the ...