Colorectal cancer is the third most common type of cancer in the United States, affecting nearly 50,000 Americans each year. If caught early on, it can easily be treated. Typically, there are little to no signs or symptoms of the polyps, so it’s critical to have colonoscopies on an annual basis after the age of 50. However, younger people are more commonly being diagnosed with colon cancer as it, unfortunately, seems to be on the escalating.
Colon cancer can happen at earlier stages in life if you are at high risk. Your risk factors are dependent on your genetics and lifestyle choices. These include things such as lynch syndrome, hereditary colon cancer, excessive alcohol consumption, lack of exercise and poor dietary habits. Colon polyps are a warning indicator and need to removed in the early stages of development.
Colon polyps go unnoticed most of the time, affecting upwards of 200,000 people a year. Polyps are cell growths on the lining of the colon or large intestine. There are diagnostic tests through lab work and imaging that can detect these polyps. If you have them, it’s best to have them removed.
Polyps don’t turn cancerous in every case, but your risk of developing cancer increases with the number and size of colon polyps you have. When they do turn cancerous, polyp cells divide and grow very quickly within the colon and rectum.
There are specific risk factors that are often associated with colon cancer. One that is quickly resolved is your diet. If you eat a lot of red meat and saturated fats, and very little fresh fruits and vegetables, you are at a higher risk of developing colorectal cancer. Some of the other risks associated with this type of cancer are, being over the age of 50, having a family history of polyps or colon cancer, smoking, being overweight, having Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, and women that have had breast, uterine or ovarian cancer are at a greater risk as well.
Although the symptoms are not always prevalent in the beginning stages, some of the symptoms are as follows:
• Constipation
• Abdominal bloating
• Abdominal pain
• Excessive gas
• Diarrhea
It’s imperative to talk to your physician about protecting yourself and your loved ones who may be at risk for colorectal cancer. Getting a colonoscopy screening is critical for adults with risk factors or over the age of 50. A colonoscopy is an easy procedure and one that can literally save your life. If the polyps are discovered, they can be removed surgically during a colonoscopy or a sigmoidoscopy. If cancerous, chemotherapy or radiation is usually unnecessary as a secondary treatment. It’s always best to be proactive in your colon health, rather than waiting and finding that the cancerous polyps have grown and spread into other organs. Schedule your colonoscopy today.
Well-Being Medical Center
Our dedicated medical staff works around the clock to achieve top patient health and satisfaction. We provide the following services and more in a patient-focused, whole health perspective:
Routine Exams
Routine exams provide piece of mind for our patients, as well as preventative care to ensure a desired level of health.
Addiction Medicine
At our clinic, we assist in counseling and prescribe opioid medication treatments for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders following latest data, research and guidelines.
Health Consultations
Our patients can consult an esteemed health professional about any potential treatment plans.
Urgent Care Services
We provide care for minor illnesses and injuries outside of a hospital-based or freestanding emergency department. Just walk-in, no appointments needed.
Contact Well-Being Medical Center of Naples today at (239) 315-7801.
Dr. Ricardo Martinez
Dr. Ricardo Martinez is an internist in Naples, FL and is affiliated with NCH Baker Hospital. He received his medical degree from Superior Institute of Medical Sciences of Santiago de Cuba and has been in practice 20 years. He also speaks multiple languages, including Spanish. He specializes in hospital medicine, ambulatory care and is experienced in hospice and palliative medicine, bariatric medicine, diabetes mellitus, food allergy, and infectious disease. As of March 16th, 2020, Dr. Martinez has founded Well-Being Medical center in Naples Florida. He is looking forward to providing Medical care within primary care settings and urgent care service throughout the Naples Florida area.
Well-Being Medical Center of Naples
239-315-7801
www.well-beingmedicalcenter.org
851 5th Ave. N. Suite 102, Naples, FL 34102