colon rectal cancer

Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the developed world. Many people die in the mid Atlantic region of the U.S. of this dreadful disease. This is quite frustrating, because a large number of these patients could have been saved if they only had scheduled a screening test.

There are several things you can to prevent falling victim to colorectal cancer, aside from talking to a gastroenterologist in Maryland.

1. Know your family's medical history - Talk to your relatives to find out if there are any cases of colorectal cancer in the family. If there are, you should consult with your family physician. Ask to be screened regularly even before the age of 50.
2. Self examination - Keep an eye on changes in your stool. If it turns black and tarry, you may have a problem, e.g. the presence of hidden or occult blood in the stool. Talk to your family doctor before coming to any conclusions, as this abnormality can have other causes besides cancer.
3. Colonoscopy - Your gastroenterologist in Maryland can schedule a colonoscopy. This procedure is recommended for both men and women over the age of 50. During the endoscopic examination of the colon, the specialist will check for polyps, and signs of colorectal disease. Patients are generally sedated during the test, which allows the gastroenterologist to remove polyps. Samples will be sent to a lab. When the biopsy results return, your gastroenterologist in Maryland will then recommend a follow-up appointment. This can be anywhere from 6 months to several years.

Screening will detect cancer in its early stages. With the right treatment, you can make a full recovery, and lead a long and healthy life.

Advanced Endoscopy Center of Howard County, LLC. (http://www.drschub.com/) is a gastroenterologist Maryland specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the digestive system.

View the original article here