Undergoing a colonoscopy may seem daunting. Here at Austin Gastroenterology, we do our best to ensure that the process is smooth-sailing for you. A colonoscopy can help us detect and understand any problems in the large intestine as well as the rectum. While it may seem like an ordinary medical procedure, colonoscopy has the potential to save or prolong your life because of what it is capable of detecting. What Is A Colonoscopy? A colonoscopy is a way for us to gain insight into the possible ... [Read More]
colonoscopy
What to Expect During Your Colon Cancer Screening
Colorectal cancer (colon and rectal cancer) is always among the top five most common types of cancer, which is why it is so important to get screened. It is generally recommended for people to begin getting screened at age 50, or sooner if this type of cancer is in the patient’s family history. There are a variety of tests used to screen for colon cancer or precancerous polyps, but the baseline and gold standard of detecting this cancer remains the colonoscopy. It is the single best way to ... [Read More]
Facts About Colon Cancer
Colorectal cancer is projected to cost the lives of over 50,000 Americans in 2019. It is the third-leading cause of cancer deaths in men and the second-leading cause of cancer deaths when the statistics for men and women are combined. Recent decades have seen a decline in the number of deaths from colon cancer due to improved treatment measures and an increased focus on regular screenings beginning at age 50, or earlier if a genetic risk exists. When caught early, colon cancer is highly ... [Read More]
Colon Cancer Awareness
Colon Cancer Awareness Month is promoted in March of every year to help everyone across the U.S. learn about the symptoms and prevention of colorectal cancer. This is the third most-common cause of cancer deaths in America. Approximately 1 in 20 adults will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer at some point in their lives, and it is estimated that 60 percent of related deaths could have been prevented with proper screening. Colon cancer is usually a slow-growing cancer, developing over a ... [Read More]
THE STAGES OF STOMACH CANCER
Stomach cancer is a relatively rare but nonetheless serious disease that needs to be treated as soon as possible. Before treatment can start, however, the severity of the cancer – namely whether it has spread and, if so, to what extent – must be assigned a numerical “stage” by the patient’s gastroenterologist or oncologist. This way, the patient can receive the optimal course of treatment. The earliest stage of stomach cancer is stage 0, when the cancer has not spread to other organs. From ... [Read More]