Welcome to Dr. Julian V Deese Gastroenterology.
News
Colon Cancer Increasing for Young Americans
Colorectal cancers in younger patients are rising at an alarming in the United States:
“A report released early this year by the American Cancer Society found that people younger than 55 went from accounting for 11% of all colorectal cancer in 1995 to 20 percent in 2019. About 3,750 people younger than 50 will die of colorectal cancer in 2023.” – Washington Post
Common symptoms of colorectcal cancer (CRC) include:
Complaints of abdominal pain
Change in bowel habit
Rectal bleeding
Primary care providers (like physician assistants, nurse practitioners, OB-GYNs, & even internists) often misattribute these symptoms to irritable bowel syndrome or hemorrhoids, delaying or even preventing an accurate diagnosis and potentially life-saving interventions,
We need to educate all people around colorectal cancer, similar to how we educate women around breast cancer.” – Washington Post
While 60% of CRC cases have no risk factors, there are some notable risk factors: those with family history of CRC, smokers, & those eating high amounts of processed foods with limited fruits and vegetables.
Concerned about possible symptoms and/or risk factors for colon cancer? Call our office to make an appointment.
IBS, or Irritable Bowel Syndrome, is common condition characterized by abdominal pain & uncomfortable bowel activity. While often associated with gas and bloating, there are several major forms of the disorder: IBS with constipation, IBS with diarrhea, as well as IBS with mixed constipation and diarrhea.
“In the United States, it is estimated that 10-15 percent of the adult population suffers from IBS symptoms, yet only 5 to 7 percent of adults have been diagnosed with the disease. – American College of Gastroenterology
Common symptoms include: diarrhea, constipation, bloating, urgency, and abdominal cramping. If you think you might have IBS, schedule an appointment so that Dr. Deese can evaluate your symptoms and explore diagnostic and treatment options with you.
Early Onset Colorectal Cancer Screening
We all know the emergence of COVID-19 has changed our daily lives, but it has also interrupted regular cancer screenings for many patients. As the third leading cause of cancer in the United States, colorectal cancer continues to pose a serious threat to patients amid the pandemic.
With an alarming rise in cases of adults under 50, the screening age has recently recently lowered to 45. Since this cancer is frequently associated with advanced age, many younger patients incorrectly attribute symptoms to more common ailments (like hemorrhoids). And the majority of cases arise from precursor polyps, which can be caught early via screening before they become cancerous.
The Colorectal Cancer Alliance has excellent resources around the types of screenings and symptoms associated with this cancer. However, some patients have no symptoms, which is why early screening is essential. This is especially true if you have a history of cancer in your family or other risk factors.
Please call our office to learn more about colorectal cancer screenings and prevention.
National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
As we recognize Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month this March, we wanted to share some helpful resources and reminders about the importance of screening:
For many patients, we recommend screening for Colorectal Cancer by age 45. However, if you have any risk factors, you may need to start screening sooner. Please call our office at (903) 212-3262 if you would like to schedule your screening or find out more about when screening is appropriate for you.