By Ronald W. DeMasi, M.D.
Colon cancer is the third most common type of cancer in the United States. It affects nearly 50,000 Americans each year. If caught early on, it can easily be treated. Typically small polyps are the cause of colorectal cancer, as they tend to become cancerous rather quickly and grow within the colon and rectum.
Usually, there are little to no signs of 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.
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 breast,
uterine or ovarian cancer
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
• Narrow stools
• Weight loss
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Fatigue
It’s imperative to talk to your gastroenterologist about protecting yourself and your loved ones who may be at risk for colorectal cancer.
The colonoscopy is an easy procedure and one that can literally save your life. If the polyps are discovered, they can be removed with surgery, which typically eliminates the need for chemotherapy or radiation. It’s best to be proactive in your colon health, rather than waiting and finding that the cancerous polyps have grown and spread into other organs.
One SIMPLE test could save your life!
Ronald DeMasi, M.D. M.S.P.H,
Board Certified Gastroenterologist
After completing his training at Yale University’s St. Raphael Hospital Progam in 1998, Dr. Ronald DeMasi returned home to Venice, FL to practice with his father, Clem DeMasi, M.D. In 2009, he established DeMasi Digestive Health with a vision to build on the foundation that began with his father: serving patients with the excellent care and the compassion they deserve.
DeMasi Digestive Health is a comprehensive gastroenterology practice that focuses on the treatment of the gastrointestinal or “GI” tract diseases and disorders. They diagnose and treat the conditions of the digestive organs, including stomach, esophagus, intestines, pancreas, liver, and gallbladder.
If you or someone you know has GI ailments or other related symptoms, please contact DeMasi Digestive Health at (941) 584-6272, or visit demasidigestivehealth.com
DeMasi Digestive Health
941-584-6272
Venice
1370 E. Venice Ave. Suite, 210
Venice, FL 34285
North Port
14575 Tamiami Trail
North Port, FL 34287
Englewood
250 W. Dearborn Street
Englewood, FL 34223