Common GI Disorders We Treat

Colon Cancer

Colorectal cancer can begin without any symptoms, but some warning signs may develop over time. Talk to your doctor if you have ongoing symptoms such as:

• Rectal bleeding   
• Blood in the stool (bright red, dark, or black)   
• Change in bowel movements, especially regarding stool shape (e.g., narrow like a pencil)   
• Cramping pain in lower abdomen   
• Discomfort or the urge to move bowels when there is no need   
• Weight loss without dieting   
• Constant fatigue.

Colon Cancer Screenings

Colon cancer screenings should begin at age 50 (45 for African-Americans), or sooner if you have any of these risk factors:

• Strong personal or family history of colon cancer or polyps   
• Family with hereditary colon cancer syndromes   
• Personal history of chronic inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis, or Crohn's disease.

Colonoscopy

Colonoscopy is the safest, most effective screening for pre-cancerous or cancerous colorectal polyps. Pre-cancerous polyps can be removed during a colonoscopy—often preventing cancer.

Hepatitis C

Most people with Hepatitis C have few symptoms—or none—for years or decades. But left unchecked, chronic Hepatitis C infection can lead to liver scarring and cirrhosis. Sometimes those can lead to other life-threatening problems including liver failure or cancer. Get screened if you are at risk so treatment can be most effective.

Hepatitis C Screening

Everyone born between 1945 and 1965 should be screened for Hepatitis C. So should anyone with these risk factors:

• Any drug use (nasal, injected, smoked)   
• Received chronic dialysis, blood transfusions, or organ transplants before 1990.