Colon Cancer and Internal Medicine Bowie Maryland

Internal medicine in Bowie offers patients a way to maintain good health and screen for diseases, like colon cancer. These screenings can detect cancer in its earliest stages, when it is most treatable, and save thousands of lives each year.

Continue reading to for everything you need to know about colorectal cancer and why it’s so important for patients over 50 to get checked.

What You Need to Know About Colorectal Cancer

1. It Can Affect Anyone

While anyone can get colon cancer, certain individuals are at greater risk for the disease, including those that have a:

• History of colon, rectal, ovarian, or breast cancer

• History of polyps

• History of ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease

• Family history of colon or rectal cancer

Additional risk factors for colorectal cancer include: Obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, and a poor diet.

2. Colon Cancer May Not Cause Symptoms at First

Because polyps can become cancerous before symptoms develop, it is important to take note of any signs that may suggest colon cancer. These include: Cramping or abdominal pain; diarrhea and constipation; unexplained weight loss and fatigue; and rectal bleeding and bloody stools.

3. Lifestyle Plays an Important Role in Prevention

Internal medicine in Bowie not only stresses the benefits of screening, it also educates patients on how to reduce their risk for colon cancer. You can help prevent colon cancer by:

• Eating a high fiber diet

• Consuming a diet rich in vegetables

• Exercising regularly

• Limiting alcohol

• Quitting smoking

4. Certain Supplements Can Reduce Your Risk for Colon Cancer

Vitamin D is  one supplement that has been shown to help reduce an individual’s risk for colon cancer.

5. Colonoscopy Isn’t the Only Way to Screen

While colonoscopy remains the gold standard for colon cancer screening, Cologuard is a noninvasive alternative that evaluates stool for elevated levels of potentially cancerous DNA.

Learn More About Colon Cancer and Internal Medicine in Bowie

March is National Colon Cancer Awareness Month. Use this as an opportunity to gather additional information about colon cancer or to schedule an appointment for internal medicine in Bowie.

Please call our office at (301) 262-8188 today.