With March being colon cancer awareness month, I wanted to help promote the message that this is a highly treatable cancer and often curable when detected at a localized stage in the bowel. Here are a few other key points to keep in mind regarding Colon Cancer and screening options:
• The American Cancer Society recommends beginning screening at 45 years old for average-risk individuals and high-risk individuals being screened earlier and more frequently.
• A screening colonoscopy is the best way for prevention and early detection of colon cancer. You can learn more about why this exam is considered the gold standard for colon cancer screening by visiting our colonoscopy webpage.
• We offer an Open Access Colonoscopy scheduling option for screening colonoscopy procedures that does not require an office visit before the colonoscopy. This saves the patient time and the cost of an office visit. To learn more, visit our open-access colonoscopy webpage.
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“As March is Colon Cancer Awareness month, it is a great time to discuss the importance and success of colon cancer screening. Colon cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths, but screening with colonoscopy decreases this risk by over 65%. Anyone over age 45 should schedule their screening colonoscopy and encourage their friends and family to do the same.”
– Matthew Eidem, MD
6 Ways to Reduce Risk of Colon Cancer
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March is colon cancer awareness month. Each year my practice participates in promoting awareness for this treatable cancer by participating in local events and creating content that helps educate others on how to prevent and beat colon cancer.
As we’re in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s important to emphasize the importance of not putting off necessary health maintenance services like colon cancer screening or not seeking an evaluation for digestive symptoms. The key to beating this cancer is early detection. When detected in a localized stage (has not spread outside of colon or rectum), the 5-year survival rate is 91%.
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You may think of colon cancer as a disease that affects older adults. This is not always the case. There is a growing problem of colon cancer in young adults. The media recently shined a light on this problem after the death of actor Chadwick Boseman from colon cancer at age 43.
Colon cancer is a leading cause of death throughout the world. Young adults are not immune to this deadly cancer.
Throughout my career thus far, I have unfortunately diagnosed colorectal cancer in many young adults. Many of them had been having symptoms but were not sure what to make of them. It is important to shed light on this topic and get people thinking and talking about the importance of early diagnosis and treatment. When colon cancer is diagnosed early, it can be beaten.
This article will discuss the increasing trend of colon cancer in young adults. I’ll first highlight colon cancer statistics and the potential causes of colon cancer in young adults. I’ll then explore how you can reduce your risk by modifying colon cancer risk factors. Lastly, I’ll discuss colon cancer symptoms, so you know when to see a gastroenterologist.
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Deciding whether or not you should be taking probiotics can be a confusing subject. From diarrhea and constipation to clearer skin and immune benefits, they have been touted as being useful for a wide variety of issues. When you combine that with all the talk of keeping a healthy gut and microbiome, it can be easy to assume you should be taking a probiotic daily.
Although I do not feel that probiotics are the answer to everyone’s health conditions, it’s important to understand when they can be helpful and how they could potentially enhance your health.
Before we get into if adding these strains of bacteria are the right choice for you and the science behind them, let’s begin by discussing what probiotics are and how they work.
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To help further promote colon cancer awareness month in the DFW area, my colleague Dr. Stuart Akerman and I have created an awareness video. In this video, we discuss how to best protect yourself from this cancer.
By watching the video you’ll learn when you should get screened for colon cancer, testing options, and a few recommendations from Plano gastroenterologists. Should you have any questions about colon cancer or your digestive health, please call my office at 972-867-0019 and we would be happy to help.
[arve url=”https://youtu.be/ev6AJ1sL6N4″ /]
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You probably don’t think about your colon that often. Unless you’re experiencing painful or embarrassing symptoms, such as abdominal pain, gas, bloating, or diarrhea, it probably doesn’t cross your mind. But if you’re over the age of 45 it might be time to go and see your doctor about colon cancer screening – yes, even if you feel fine!
We use screening exams to look for evidence of disease in patients who show no symptoms of colon cancer – whereas we use diagnostic exams to evaluate patients already showing symptoms. If you’re dealing with a change in bowel movements, bleeding from the anus, blood in your stool, or a pain or lump in your abdomen, I recommend seeing your doctor as soon as possible for recommendations regarding diagnostic testing.
If you’re not experiencing such symptoms, screening is still important for your health. The earlier that colon cancer is detected, the better the chance of beating it. Also, by removing precancerous polyps, colon cancer can actually be prevented.
I’m going to talk you through two different colon screening options:
- Colonoscopy – the gold standard and the most common screening exam
- Cologuard – home screening test
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When dealing with gastrointestinal issues, you are asked one question over and over…
Are you getting enough fiber?
Why Does Fiber Help Digestion?
You may have heard over and over again how important fiber is for your health, but you may not understand why it has such an impact. Fiber plays a unique role in digestion it is not broken down into nutrients but instead stays intact as it makes its journey through your intestines.
A diet high in fiber can help keep your heart healthy, slow down the absorption of sugar through the gut wall, and aid in weight management. Getting enough intestinal fortitude ensures your digestive system runs smoothly. Allowing for a more comfortable pooping experience.
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Constipation can be disruptive and even painful. Sometimes it seems to hit from nowhere, making you more and more miserable. Or maybe you’ve been living with constipation for a couple of weeks now, but the over-the-counter stool softeners and laxatives are only a temporary fix. There’s usually a reason behind your constipation — sometimes minor, sometimes serious, so it’s a good idea to pay attention and figure out why your bowel movements have slowed down — what can it mean?
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