Gastroenterology Consultants of San Antonio - Colon Cancer Awareness
Gastroenterology Consultants of San Antonio - Colon Cancer Awareness

Colon Cancer Awareness Join The Fight & Get Screened Today!

img-responsive

We Are Committed To Promote Awareness & Educate The Public

March Is Colon Cancer Awareness Month

If you are over the age of 45, now is the time to get screened. Request an Appointment Today!

Request Appointment Colon Cancer FAQs


What is Colon Cancer?

Colon cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer, yet many people are uncomfortable talking about it. Colon cancer begins as a growth on the lining of the colon or rectum. This growth is called a polyp. Over time, some polyps may develop into cancer.

Colon Cancer Statistics

  • Colorectal cancer is the #2 leading cause of cancer deaths among men and women in the U.S. combined.
  • 1 in 3 adults aged 45-75 are NOT up-to-date with recommended colorectal cancer screening.
  • The lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer is: about 1 in 23 for men and 1 in 25 for women.
  • Colon cancer incidence rates have dropped 30% in the U.S. in the last 10 years among adults ages 45 and older due to the widespread uptake of colonoscopy.
  • There are more than 1.5 million survivors of colorectal cancer in the United States.
  • Over the past 8-10 years the incident rates have dropped by 1% per year, however in people younger than 50 rates have continued to increase by 1-2% per year.
  • When detected early, colon cancer is over 90% curable.
  • Texas’ colorectal cancer screening rate is only 66.8% and the National average for screenings per state is 72.4%. Texans, can, and need to do better.
  • Colon cancer is on the rise in young adults – know the signs and symptoms and take them seriously.

Colon Cancer Risk Factors

Colon cancer can occur in anyone and does not discriminate. However, studies have shown that  those who fall into the following categories are  at a greater risk of developing the disease:

  • Individuals with a family history of colon polyps or cancer
  • Those with a personal history of colon polyps or cancer
  • People over the age of 45
  • Those with ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease
  • Individuals with the genetic conditions Hereditary Nonpolyposis Colon Cancer (HNPCC) or Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP)
  • Certain ethnic groups including African-Americans, Native Americans, Alaskan Natives and Jews of Eastern European descent (Ashkenazi Jews)

Colon Cancer Symptoms

Oftentimes, symptoms do not appear in the early stages of the disease. Do not wait for these symptoms before talking to your doctor about screening.

  • A change in bowel habits, including diarrhea, constipation or a change in stool
  • Rectal bleeding, or finding blood in your stool
  • Persistent abdominal discomfort, such as cramps, gas, pain or feeling full or bloated
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Chronic fatigue

Colon Cancer Prevention

Take steps to prevent & lower your risk of colon cancer. Here is what you can do:

  • Get screened for colon cancer beginning at age 45, or sooner if you are at higher risk
  • Maintain a healthy weight throughout life
  • Adopt a physically active lifestyle
  • Eat a healthy diet
  • Don’t use tobacco products
  • Limit alcohol intake

Request an Appointment Today!

Request Appointment


Visit Our New Patient Portal

If you have not registered with the new gPortal yet please select the Register/Learn More button for instructions on registering.

Please note that your current /old patient portal credentials will become inactive after August 31, 2022, so update your account today to avoid any disruption in accessibility.

© 2024 Gastroenterology Consultants of San Antonio. Accredited by the Association for Ambulatory Health Care, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
San Antonio Website Design & Development - Backyard Studios