Colon cancer screening, digestive, or GI issues may not be an easy topic to talk about, but it’s not worth dying over just because you don’t want to be embarrassed. If you notice any changes in in your bowel movements, unexplained pain in the abdomen or back, should not be ignored.
Don’t Wait Till Later, Do It Now
Talk with the team at Gastroenterology Consultants of Central Florida about your symptoms, they discuss bowel movements, bloating, gas, rectal complaints, constipation, and stools, all day.
Silence can lead to missed, preventable issues. We are specialists, here to help you feel better and comfortable, we aren’t judging you. Also, make it a point to talk with your family about any history of colorectal cancer.
According to the findings by the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute,
It is helpful for people to know if they have a family history that includes colorectal cancer or polyps,” said co-first author Sara Char, MD, a medical oncology fellow at Dana-Farber.. “People don’t always want to talk about colonoscopy histories with their loved ones, but it is important information.”
Screening for other gastrointestinal cancers is not generally available, but certain symptoms can be an early indicator of the development of cancer. Symptoms such as blood in the stool, persistent acid reflux, heartburn, or unexplained abdominal or back pain all warrant a follow-up with a primary care doctor. In addition, a sudden onset of diabetes in adulthood is also an important potential warning sign of pancreatic cancer.
“It is important for people to be aware of symptoms and follow up with a doctor if they see or feel anything unusual,” said Char.
Treatment guidelines for early onset gastrointestinal cancers are the same as for average onset disease. However, the report notes that while younger patients are more likely to receive more aggressive treatment, this does not always provide benefits in terms of survival.
Don’t Ignore The Warning Signs Of Colon Cancer
Rectal bleeding is the most common warning sign. Whether it is a darker maroon color or bright red, if you notice blood mixed in with your stool or on the toilet paper, tell your doctor.
“Rectal bleeding is something, believe it or not, people can ignore for very long periods of time,” said Dr. Alfred Neugut, a cancer epidemiologist at the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health in a Today article. “It can be intermittent, so you might have it one day and then it’ll go away for a few weeks and then you’ll get it again. So in-between, you’ll think you’re OK.” But you may not be.
Preventative screening and testing help detect diseases and conditions in their early and most treatable stages. For more information or to make an appointment, contact Gastroenterology Consultants of Central Florida.