You’ve been hearing about it more and more, and it’s true: Colon cancer is the third-leading cause of cancer deaths — but it can be prevented! Early detection is key. For everyone. Because an increasing number of people younger than 40 are being diagnosed with colon cancer … which we can all work to change.

Keeping yourself colon-cancer free means educating yourself about your risk factors, and taking care of your colon by getting a colonoscopy (at age 45, or sooner if you have risk factors).

Risk Factors

Cancer can develop without symptoms that you notice, but when you know your risk factors, you can be more aware of the potential for it to develop — and you can help prevent colon cancer or detect it in its earliest stages in order to increase your survival rate.

Family History

Know your family history: Has anyone in your direct bloodline (including parents, siblings, or children) been diagnosed with colon cancer?  It’s also important to know if any of them had any precancerous polyps that were detected, or any hereditary syndromes that may impact your chances for developing cancer.

Personal History

Beyond that, it’s vital to monitor your own personal history. If you have had any precancerous polyps detected in a prior colonoscopy, no matter how long ago, it’s imperative to continue monitoring things and having routine colonoscopies. Additionally, if you have other health conditions, you may be at increased risk.

Diet

While we are still learning more and more every day, some studies indicate that there may be a chance that what you eat can impact your risk for colon cancer.

In general, we’d love for everyone to eat a balanced, healthy diet full of fresh foods — for a plethora of reasons — and if it helps lower your risk for colon cancer, we’re all for it.

Missing a Colonoscopy

You know it’s something you have to do, but you put it off. But not getting your colonoscopy when you should puts you at greater risk of developing colon cancer in its later stages, which makes it less treatable. In fact, colon cancer mortality doubles if you skip your colonoscopy.

How to Prevent Colorectal Cancer

You know your risk factors, and you’re discussing them with your doctor. The number one way for you to prevent colon cancer is to have a colonoscopy — by age 45, or sooner if you have those risk factors.

A colonoscopy isn’t just about detecting if you already have colon cancer: A colonoscopy can prevent colon cancer by actually looking into your digestive tract to see if there are any polyps hanging around. Polyps usually have no symptoms, so we need to be able to have a camera go through to see. And those polyps can be precancerous — so by locating and removing them, we’re able to prevent colon cancer.

For anyone with colon cancer risk factors including a personal history of colon polyps or a family history of colon cancer, a screening colonoscopy, not a stool test, is the right test for you.

In addition, you want to follow tips for a healthy colon to reduce the chances of those polyps even developing in the first place.

Again, what you eat can also play a part: Diet can help prevent colon cancer. Taking care of your health now is benefitting you in the long run — so go ahead and schedule your colonoscopy today!

Call Gastrointestinal Specialists, P.C.

We’re seeing patients for all your intestinal concerns and scheduling colonoscopies — even our Colonoscopy Now — so contact us today to set up your appointment!

On a recent segment of Public Health Matters, Gastroenterologist Dr. Peter Park and Megan Casem, nurse case manager at the Harford County Cancer Prevention Program, discuss colorectal cancer and the importance of getting a colonoscopy screening along with what the Harford County Health Department is doing to help in this area.

Watch the video by clicking the link here. 

To help digest and properly utilize the food you consume, your body has a highly functional system known as the gastrointestinal or GI tract. At Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates, we concentrate on the maintenance and wellness of this vital body system. Our aim is to help you become more in tune with your digestive health, and our experts address a broad array of gastrointestinal conditions and diseases. If you’re in need of a GI specialist in New Orleans, LA, our team can connect you with digestive health experts in your area. We invite you to read on to discover more about the digestive system and how it functions.

What should I know about the gastrointestinal system?

Your digestive tract is made up of a sequence of connected organs that transport and break down the food items you eat. As a result of mechanical and chemical digestive factors, these bodily organs break down food into its most fundamental composition so your body is able to absorb the nutrients it relies on and get rid of the waste. The digestive system consists of hollow organs, like the esophagus, stomach, small bowel, and large bowel, that store and propel food through the body. Additionally grouped in the digestive system are the pancreas, liver, and gallbladder. These organs hold and generate digestive enzymes and juices, along with conducting other functions.

What structures comprise the gastrointestinal system?

The various portions of the digestive tract work collectively to conduct the critical function of digesting food. GI organs in the order of digestive function are:

• Oral Cavity: The primary part of the digestive tract, the mouth is where chemical and mechanical digestion starts. We mechanically break food down into smaller bites by chewing, and the saliva begins the chemical part of the digestive process.
• Esophagus: When food has been diminished into manageable bites, it is delivered to the stomach by passing through the esophagus. The esophagus performs muscular contractions as we swallow, advancing food to the next phase of digestion.
• Stomach: The stomach is a cavity housed in the upper part of the abdomen. It is where food is stored and mixed with enzymes and acid that further the chemical digestive process.
• Pancreas: The pancreas creates enzymes that process carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, and generates insulin, which helps you process sugar.
• Gallbladder: The important digestive chemical referred to as bile is stored in the gallbladder.
• Liver: The liver is responsible for many digestive functions, including bile creation and toxin reduction.
• Small Bowel: The small intestine finishes breaking down fats, carbohydrates, and proteins, and the broken-down nutrients are absorbed into the bloodstream.
• Large Intestine/Colon/Appendix: In the large bowel, water is taken from digested food and the remaining substances are prepared to exit the body as stool.
• Rectum: The rectum is a chamber found at the end of the large intestine that stores stool until it can be evacuated.
• Anus: Located at the very end of the gastrointestinal tract, the anus is composed of sphincter muscles that help in managing the evacuation of stool.

A doctor who detects, treats, and helps manage diseases of the intestinal system is referred to as a gastroenterologist or GI physician. You or a loved one can connect with a GI doctor in New Orleans, LA through Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates, a physician-led team of skilled specialists.

What factors make the gastrointestinal system so important?

The components that make up your gastrointestinal system function to help the body process and absorb important nourishment from the food you eat. These nutrients are then used to provide you with necessary energy, aid in growth and development, and repair cells throughout the body. The processed food left over after digestion is then eliminated from the body as waste. Should you be impacted by digestive conditions, your ability to digest food and get rid of waste properly may be impeded, which can greatly influence your general health and wellness.

When should you visit a gastrointestinal doctor in New Orleans, LA?

Should you notice worrisome symptoms related to your GI health, like chronic heartburn, diarrhea or constipation, blood in your stool, or abdominal discomfort, visiting a gastroenterologist at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates may be in order. Our physicians in New Orleans, LA strive to place the needs of our patients first, incorporating advanced treatments and technologies to help preserve gastrointestinal health and wellness. If you experience GI symptoms, need a colorectal cancer screening, or wish to find out more on how to preserve your intestinal health, contact Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates to set up a consultation visit.

Countless people are affected by persistent gastrointestinal (GI) distress and bowel concerns. What they might not be aware of is that this could be a symptom of irritable bowel syndrome or IBS. This ailment impacts 10 – 15% of people and does not have a cure. At Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates in New Orleans, LA, we aim to bring attention to this disorder throughout the month of April, which is IBS Awareness Month. Just because there is no long-term remedy, it doesn’t mean you have to live every day in discomfort.

What should I know about irritable bowel syndrome?

Irritable bowel syndrome is a persistent digestive condition that influences GI function and affects the large and small intestines. In short, the brain and gastrointestinal tract have problems working together, and it causes the digestive system to become sensitive and the colon muscle to contract more than usual.

These challenges can result in symptoms, such as bloating, stomach pain, cramping, irregularity, diarrhea, and more. If you have this disorder, you most likely won’t experience IBS symptoms all the time. In reality, some days may be entirely normal and at other times, symptoms might be worse — it depends on the form of IBS you suffer from. The types of IBS are:

• IBS with mixed bowel habits
• IBS with diarrhea
• IBS with constipation

Our IBS specialists at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates frequently provide IBS treatment to New Orleans, LA citizens. We can determine what kind of irritable bowel syndrome you have and help you find relief.

How is IBS diagnosed?

If you’re noticing signs or symptoms of IBS, it may be smart to get the help of a gastroenterologist near you. Our team can help you determine if your symptoms are from irritable bowel syndrome or something else. Prior to a physical exam, we’ll ask a few questions to help us assess your symptoms and wellness history. In some cases, we may ask you to undergo a blood or stool sample test to rule out any conditions that could be misidentified as irritable bowel syndrome. Typical symptoms of IBS include:

• Loss of appetite
• Gut pain
• Gas
• Urgent bowel needs
• Swelling
• Diarrhea or constipation

Once we obtain sufficient proof that you suffer from IBS, our GI specialists in New Orleans, LA can discuss the ideal irritable bowel syndrome treatment to meet your needs.

How is IBS treated?

There is no universal remedy for irritable bowel syndrome, so it could take some trial and error to identify an IBS treatment that benefits you. Despite that, many adults find that they can make some eating and physical activity adjustments and get great results. Common adjustments that generally have an impact on IBS symptoms include:

• Consuming minor meals more often rather than three larger meals
• Eating fewer dairy products
• Avoiding all types of caffeine
• Stopping smoking
• Increasing fiber consumption (more veggies, fruits, grains, and supplementary fiber, like Metamucil®)
• Increasing liquid consumption
• Creating a regular exercise routine

It’s also a good idea to maintain a food journal. This can allow you to discover which foods activate irritable bowel syndrome issues so you can work on avoiding those items in the future. Additionally, if you take any medications, we might look to see if any adjustments can be made to the dosage or type.

A respite from IBS is within your reach

If you have symptoms from irritable bowel syndrome, like abdominal pain, diarrhea, and flatulence, it can be hard to schedule outings, as this condition can interrupt even the most special events. We propose coming to see our GI physicians in New Orleans, LA without delay so we can help you diagnose and treat your irritable bowel syndrome symptoms. While there is no permanent solution, it is possible to manage your symptoms so you can do what you love. For further information on irritable bowel syndrome or IBS treatments, please get in touch with Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates as soon as possible.

We do a number of things daily to sustain our health, such as caring for our teeth, working out, and eating our vegetables. But there’s one thing that repeatedly gets neglected that could really save our lives — a colonoscopy. This important test can identify and inhibit colorectal cancer, inflammatory gut issues, and other ailments. At Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates, we advise getting a colon and rectal cancer exam every decade unless suggested otherwise. Our board-certified gastrointestinal (GI) doctors frequently perform colonoscopies for New Orleans, LA individuals.

Why should I have a colonoscopy procedure?

A colonoscopy is an examination of the colon and rectum that is used to discover abnormalities and/or growths (polyps) that could be or turn malignant. Over the course of this 30 to 60-minute exam, a gastrointestinal doctor will insert a miniature camera into the bowels to look for any signs of colon and rectal cancer or other concerns. Colonoscopies are often recommended as a technique to:

• Identify the cause of gut discomfort, blood in the stool, persistent obstruction or diarrhea, or different issues
• Screen for colon and rectal cancer
• Check for polyps (tissue growths that can become cancerous if ignored)

At Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates, we typically suggest that you see a colonoscopy physician at about the age of 45 and again every decade for regular exams. However, contingent on your exam results or if you have a family history of colon and rectal cancer, we may suggest you get tested at an earlier age and more often.

Can I just use a home colon cancer screening?

Many individuals today wonder why a colonoscopy is recommended when there are innovations in home screenings. The simple response is our gastrointestinal doctors can obtain a more comprehensive understanding of any irregular or potentially cancerous concerns than with an at-home stool specimen kit. While some people choose to use these at-home tests, they cannot replace a colonoscopy exam.

A home-based kit, for instance, might not detect any polyps that have formed in the large intestine. They may show particular signs of cancer, but a colonoscopy can detect indicators of cancer much sooner and more precisely than a home screening. At-home screenings are also not capable of detecting inflammatory digestive diseases.

What makes colonoscopies important?

Though colonoscopies may seem intrusive, the lifesaving consequences of this procedure can significantly override the few minutes of awkwardness it may cause. It’s significant to emphasize how necessary these exams can be, especially for men and women who have colon cancer in their family history. A number of individuals with colon or rectal cancer have no signs in the initial stages and might not even know they have the illness.

Several simple reasons to have a colonoscopy are:

• This is the most effective colorectal cancer exam.
• Despite prevalent belief, the preparation for a colonoscopy is not that bad.
• Colonoscopies are fast and generally comfortable.
• Though you might feel somewhat embarrassed, your GI physician is not.
• Plainly put, a colonoscopy can protect your life.

Further, a colonoscopy can identify much more than cancer. It can also verify inflammatory intestinal diseases, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s, in addition to diverticulosis. Like colon and rectal cancer, when identified early, these conditions can be treated and further harm can be prevented.

Schedule a colonoscopy in New Orleans, LA as soon as possible

Even if you might feel like there’s no need for a colonoscopy, this exam can preserve your life. A colonoscopy can discover initial signals of colorectal cancer, and it can also identify diverticulosis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and more. This standard exam may be the critical factor between life and death, as our New Orleans, LA gastrointestinal doctors are well-trained to check for early indicators of cancer and other factors that could hinder cancer in the coming years. For more details on colonoscopies at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates, please contact our GI office today.

Comprising the longest portion of the large intestine, the colon plays a critical function in your digestion and your overall health. As the leftovers of nourishment move through the body by way of the colon, the last remaining nutrients and liquids are absorbed, and the waste is then excreted through the rectum as stool. Cancer that develops in the colon or rectum is frequently classed jointly as colorectal cancer.

The American Cancer Society calculates that approximately 150,000 new incidences of colon and rectal cancer are diagnosed each year. Thankfully, colorectal cancer is easily discoverable through a colonoscopy and, when identified early, the chances of surviving it are extremely good. To partner with a colonoscopy doctor near you and arrange for a colorectal cancer screening, contact Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates in New Orleans, LA.

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates endeavors to bring you the essential things you should know concerning colorectal cancer to help keep you and your family well. Keep reading to find out five important facts about colorectal cancer.

#1: Colon and rectal cancer is the second leading reason for cancer deaths.

Colorectal cancer is the second most common reason for cancer fatalities among women and men combine. The American Cancer Society estimates that about 52,000 patients will die from colorectal cancer in 2022. Due to routine colorectal cancer screenings and colorectal cancer awareness nationwide, colon and rectal cancer deaths are diminishing. Sadly, it is calculated that about one-third of Americans are not current on their routine colonoscopy screenings.

#2: Colorectal cancer rates impact men and women similarly.

The American Cancer Society theorizes that around 1 in 23 men and 1 in 25 women will be diagnosed with colon and rectal cancer at some point in the course of their lifespan. Both genders have about an equal chance of being diagnosed with the disease, meaning that gender is not a colon and rectal cancer factor of risk. The risk factors for colorectal cancer are:

• Being obese
• Being older than 45
• Having an inflammatory bowel disease
• Having a family history of colorectal cancer
• Excessive alcohol intake
• Smoking

#3: There may be no symptoms of colorectal cancer.

According to the Colon Cancer Coalition, about 60% of individuals identified with colon cancer are diagnosed with late-stage disease, possibly because they did not get an exam until there were signs of an issue. Individuals in the first stages of colorectal cancer will possibly show no indications of the disease, and when colon cancer does exhibit signs, it is generally late-stage. If you experience symptoms of colorectal cancer, they will likely be:

• A new change in bathroom habits, like ongoing diarrhea or chronic constipation
• Abdominal distress or discomfort
• Rectal bleeding
• Tiredness
• Inexplicable weight reduction

If you or a loved one is experiencing these concerning colon and rectal cancer symptoms, get in touch with a gastroenterologist in New Orleans, LA to schedule a colonoscopy as early as possible. You can find a local GI physician by getting in touch with Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates.

#4: When detected early, colon and rectal cancer is extremely treatable.

Colorectal growths can take as long as 10 – 15 years to become cancerous. Precancerous tumors can be excised long before they begin to cause trouble, which makes colorectal cancer exceedingly avoidable compared with other various cancers. People diagnosed with localized, early colon and rectal cancer have a considerably superior survival rate than individuals whose colon or rectal cancer has metastasized. The five-year survival rate for limited colon and rectal cancer is about 90%. When detected late, the five-year odds of survival decrease to smaller than 10%. Please do not wait for signs to be examined.

#5: You should start standard colon cancer screenings by age 45.

If you are at average risk for colorectal cancer, then the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends you have your initial colonoscopy when you are 45 years old and then once every decade if no irregularities are found. Individuals with a higher chance of colon and rectal cancer should schedule regular colonoscopies around every 3 – 5 years or as advised by a gastroenterologist. Several home test choices for colorectal cancer screening have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration, but colonoscopies remain the preferred standard for the discovery and avoidance of colon cancer.

Find a GI doctor in New Orleans, LA

If you are due for a routine colon cancer exam, please reach out to Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates as soon as possible. We can schedule you with a GI specialist who will place your treatment needs and comfort first. Patients facing colon and rectal cancer and other gastrointestinal issues can rely on our physician-led system of GI doctors in New Orleans, LA. If you want to learn more about the fight against colorectal cancer and how to get a colonoscopy, please contact Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates today.

We invite you to join us at the GASTROINTESTINAL FESTIVAL in Knoxville on Wednesday March 30 from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.  We will be partnering with Gastrointestinal Associates to educate our Knoxville neighbors to drive awareness of colorectal cancer. All are welcome!

At this family-friendly event, GI gurus, local businesses and demonstrations with a digestive twist all will be on hand to help you better understand your gut. Enjoy free snacks and giveaways, talk to a doctor or even book a screening appointment while you’re there.  Learn more and register to attend here.