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]
colonoscopy
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]
How a Colonoscopy Can Save Your Life
Colorectal cancer – popularly referred to as colon cancer – is the third-most common form of cancer among both men and women in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society. It is also the second deadliest. However, it is also one of the most preventable. If everyone age 50 and older had regular screenings, up to 60 percent of colon cancer deaths could be prevented, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Many cases of colon cancer can be ... [Read More]
When Would I Need an Endoscopy?
There are many reasons your doctor may recommend an endoscopy. An endoscopy is a procedure conducted by gastroenterologists – doctors specializing in diseases of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract – to evaluate your digestive system and any suspected issues like infection, tissue damage or cancer. Two types are commonly performed: an upper endoscopy (esophagogastroduodenoscopy or EGD) or lower GI endoscopy. As their names imply, the first explores the upper section of the ... [Read More]
