A colonoscopy is a procedure in which a doctor examines the lining of the large intestine, which is the colon, rectum, and anus, and removes abnormal growths, called polyps. A long, flexible tube equipped with a tiny video camera is inserted through the rectum into the colon. The camera displays images of the inside of the colon on a video monitor, allowing your doctor to detect any abnormal growths, which may be precancerous or cancerous. Colonoscopies are generally performed as part of a ... [Read More]
Colonscopy
Colorectal Cancer Screening Saves Lives
With the recent release of a colonoscopy study published in The New England Journal of Medicine, news spread quickly through large media outlets suggesting colonoscopies may not be as effective at reducing cancer deaths as previously thought. Regardless of these news stories, this one study's findings shouldn't deter anyone from getting checked for colorectal cancer. Numerous studies have been done to show colonoscopy effectiveness in early cancer detection and prevention. Colonoscopies remain ... [Read More]
Receive a Colonoscopy By Year’s End (and Maximize Your Deductible)
As we head into the last few months of 2022, now is the ideal reminder to consider the situation of your overall health and your wellness goals for the coming year. One option to help you stay on top of these goals might be to book your routine colorectal screening with an experienced GI doctor. Even though other colon cancer screening testing methods are available, colonoscopy is perhaps the most reliable and efficient of all screenings in the field. The doctors at Austin Gastroenterology ... [Read More]
Colorectal Cancer Screening Age Drops from 50 to 45
According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of cancer deaths in the United States. Recent studies show a rise in colorectal cancer rates among individuals younger than 50 years of age, prompting ACS and USPSTF (U.S. Preventative Services Task Force) to lower the recommended screening age to 45 for those at average risk of developing colorectal cancer. Getting screened even younger and more often may be recommended for those at higher ... [Read More]
Common Digestive Issues Among Women
Although digestive problems can affect both females and males, certain gastrointestinal disorders are more prevalent among women. This may be a result of the different structures of the GI tract between males and females. Hormonal shifts that occur in women's bodies because of menses, pregnancy, and menopause might also render gut issues, like IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), more severe in patients who are women. If you or a member of your family have been facing gastrointestinal symptoms, we ... [Read More]
