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]
colon cancer
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]
Learn the Signs of Poor Gut Health
Worrisome issues, like stomach pain, chronic diarrhea, or unintentional weight changes, can be more than a mere annoyance. In the event you experience persistent signs of an unhealthy gut, you could be afflicted with a concerning GI issue. Don't overlook the signs of poor GI health. Should you experience symptoms that are different, such as a change in bowel habits or yearnings for certain foods, bring it to the attention of a skilled gastroenterology specialist in Austin, TX. By talking with a ... [Read More]
June is Men’s Health Month: Get the Facts About Men and Colon Cancer
You've likely noticed day-to-day fluctuations in bowel habits depending upon the types of foods you consume and the daily medications you take. Yet, persistent changes in bowel habits can signal a more concerning condition. Colon and rectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer among the U.S. population, as indicated by the American Cancer Society. It's also important to note that the lifelong risk of having colon cancer among men is about 1 in 23. June is Men's Health month. At ... [Read More]
How Frequently Should a Colonoscopy be Performed?
A colonoscopy is a gold standard for colorectal cancer screening. The procedure entails doing a “prep,” which helps empty the bowels completely for accurate viewing. During a colonoscopy, the doctor uses a lighted, flexible instrument to view the rectum and colon, and check for abnormalities that may point to cancer. Precancerous polyps can also be removed during a colonoscopy. One of the most frequently asked questions about a colonoscopy is how often it should be performed, and the answer ... [Read More]