March is colorectal cancer awareness month

By Jay Babich, MD, FACG, Gastroenterology Associates of Northwest Ohio

A gastroenterologist is an internist who has gone on to complete an additional three-year fellowship in digestive disease disorders.

Common ailments that gastroenterologists treat are reflux, abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, change in bowel habits, irritable bowel syndrome, as well as inflammatory bowel disease. In addition, we work with providers with interest and expertise in liver disease as well as disorders of the gallbladder, biliary tree and pancreas. 

Procedures that we commonly perform are endoscopy as well as colonoscopy, along with specialized endoscopic procedures of the biliary tree and pancreas.

March is colorectal cancer awareness month. Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in both men and women and is one of the most preventable cancers with appropriate screening.

A colonoscopy is the best test to screen and diagnose colorectal cancer. This procedure is performed in the outpatient setting. The current recommendations for a healthy asymptomatic individual are to have this procedure performed at the age of 45. 

However, if there is a family history of colorectal malignancy or you are experiencing lower abdominal discomfort, unintentional weight loss, blood in the stool or change in bowel habits, having the procedure performed earlier might be necessary.

To discuss a colonoscopy or any of your gastrointestinal complaints, please make an appointment with a local gastroenterologist or gastrointestinal office.