Early-onset colorectal cancer is occurring at an increasing rate, and the reality is that you’re never too young to be at risk. As colon cancer becomes more common in younger adults, including people in their 20s and 30s. There are a couple of things you need to know about this trend. Signs and Symptoms Young-onset colorectal cancer is often diagnosed too late because many people are unaware that the symptoms that they are having could be signs of something as serious as cancer. According to a recent study, the four most common signs of colon cancer in young adults are: Diarrhea Abdominal P ..read more

How To Know If Common Stomach Issues May Be Due To Common Digestive Disorders The gastrointestinal (GI) tract consists of the mouth, stomach, and small and large intestines. The liver, gallbladder, and pancreas are also part of the GI tract. Any issues with the part of the digestive system including stomach issues could be due to digestive disorders. It’s important to know that although not common, disorders affecting some other systems may present similar effects to the digestive system. People may experience stomach issues for reasons ranging from eating habits or gastrointestinal disorders ..read more

Fiber and Why Is It Vital for Digestive Health? Fiber is the part of plant-derived food that can’t be broken down completely by the digestive system. It is also known as roughages. Fiber is different from fats, proteins, and carbohydrates which are completely broken down by the digestive system and absorbed into our blood circulation. Fiber is classified into two categories, which are soluble and insoluble. Soluble fiber dissolves in water, taking on a gel-like consistency, hence the term soluble fiber. Insoluble fiber does not easily dissolve but rather absorbs water, and helps add bulk to th ..read more

Colorectal Cancer in 2024 Colorectal cancer is a malignant disease of the colon or rectum, which are parts of the distal gastrointestinal system. This cancer is preventable by screening and treatable when detected early, unlike most other cancers. Most cases of cancer have been reported to occur in people aged 45 years and older. The disease is increasingly affecting younger people nowadays. Colorectal cancer in 2024 remains one of the most common cancers globally. According to The American Cancer Society, more than 50,000 people will die from colorectal cancer in the U.S. alone in 2024. The s ..read more

Acid Reflux vs. GERD The terms acid reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are often used interchangeably, but they differ slightly. Acid reflux is the backflow of stomach contents into the esophagus, resulting in a sensation known as heartburn. Acid reflux can sometimes progress to GERD, a more severe form of reflux.  Similar to acid reflux, the most common symptom of GERD is heartburn. However, the heartburn that comes with GERD is more frequent, about two or more times a week. Other symptoms can include regurgitation of food or fluid, difficulty swallowing, coughing, wheezin ..read more

Fiber is the part of plant-derived food that can’t be broken down completely by the digestive system. It is also known as roughages. Fiber is different from fats, proteins, and carbohydrates which are completely broken down by the digestive system and absorbed into our blood circulation. Fiber is classified into two categories, which are soluble and insoluble. Soluble fiber dissolves in water, taking on a gel-like consistency, hence the term soluble fiber. Insoluble fiber does not easily dissolve but rather absorbs water, and helps add bulk to the intestines. Most plant-based foods contain bot ..read more

Colorectal Cancer in 2024 Colorectal cancer is a malignant disease of the colon or rectum, which are parts of the distal gastrointestinal system. This cancer is preventable by screening and treatable when detected early unlike most other cancers. Most cases of colorectal cancer have been reported to occur in people aged 45 years and older. The disease is increasingly affecting younger people nowadays. Colorectal cancer in 2024 remains one of the most common cancers globally. According to The American Cancer Society, more than 50,000 people will die from colorectal cancer in the U.S. alone in 2 ..read more

With March being colon cancer awareness month, I wanted to help promote the message that this is a highly treatable cancer and often curable when detected at a localized stage in the bowel. Here are a few other key points to keep in mind regarding Colon Cancer and screening options: The American Cancer Society recommends beginning screening at 45 years old for average-risk individuals and high-risk individuals being screened earlier and more frequently. A screening colonoscopy is the best way for prevention and early detection of colon cancer. You can learn more about why this exam is consi ..read more

Capsule Endoscopy for the GI Tract in Lubbock, TX Capsule endoscopy is a procedure that gastroenterologists and other healthcare professionals use to view the inside of the gastrointestinal tract. It’s a type of endoscopy. It involves swelling a small capsule that contains a tiny wireless camera. When the capsule is swallowed, its tiny camera takes several pictures as it goes through your gastrointestinal tract. ‌The pictures taken are transmitted and recorded on an external recording device worn on a belt around your waist. With the images recorded, your doctor can then view your gastrointest ..read more

When would I need an upper endoscopy? You may need an upper endoscopy if you’re bleeding in the upper digestive tract, experiencing abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or having problems with swallowing. You may also need an upper endoscopy for direct view when tissue biopsies need to be taken from your upper gastrointestinal tract. Upper endoscopy is also accurate in diagnosing gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD) and heartburn, cancerous and noncancerous tumors, inflammation, such as esophagitis, gastritis and duodenitis, peptic ulcer diseases, and other gastrointestinal disorders. Healthc ..read more