Common GI Disorders We Treat

Colon Cancer

Take a Colon Health Assessment

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.