Protect your digestive health
Taking care of your gastrointestinal health can help protect your life and the quality with which you enjoy it.
There are so many great things to do when you live in a community like ours, so don’t make the mistake of ignoring your health concerns or delaying treatments. Doing so could severely compromise, and even end, your ability to enjoy doing the things you love.
See GI screening recommendations
Stomach pains, heartburn, changes in bowel movements, cramping, constipation and diarrhea are just a few things that can be uncomfortable in more ways than one. People who put off seeking treatment or testing right away often do so because they feel embarrassed talking about some symptoms (they shouldn’t!), or they think it's a common issue that will resolve itself. As a result of this delay, many GI diseases are caught in a later stage after they’ve been allowed to wreak havoc on your health and life.
The good news is, proper screenings can help you avoid many major GI health issues. And, if you are experiencing any of these signs or symptoms, there are doctors who know how to help you find relief and peace of mind.
Remember:
Common GI symptoms can be signs of something more serious.
The following are some of the major gastrointestinal health concerns you should be aware of, and how often it’s recommended that you be screened for their presence:
Conditions and screening recommendations
COLORECTAL
CANCER
Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in America, but it can be prevented with proper screenings. And, 90% of cases can be treated successfully if it’s caught early enough.
The American Cancer Society rates colonoscopy above all other colorectal cancer screening methods, including home tests, because of its unmatched ability to detect and prevent colon cancer.
Learn more about colon cancer screening here.
SCREENING
RECOMMENDATIONS
Screening is recommended if:
- You are age 45 or older, or 10 years prior to the age any immediate relative (mother, father, sister, brother or child) was diagnosed with colorectal cancer or adenomatous polyps;
- You have a history of polyps or colorectal cancer;
- You have a history of IBD, Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis
GASTROESOPHAGEAL
REFLUX DISEASE (GERD)
GERD is a form of severe acid reflux that may lead into a condition known as Barrett's esophagus or esophageal cancer if left untreated.
Learn more about GERD and heartburn here.
SCREENING
RECOMMENDATIONS
If you are experiencing frequent, severe, or recurring bouts of reflux two or more times per week.
HEPATITIS C
Hepatitis C and liver disease may be reversible if it’s caught before it reaches cirrhosis and/or liver cancer.
All adults 18+ should be screened for signs of hepatitis C. How often you should get screened will depend on your medical history and lifestyle, so ask your primary care physician or gastroenterologist for more details. If you are experiencing signs or symptoms of liver disease like jaundice (yellowing eyes and skin) or severe abdominal pain, call your doctor today.
Learn more about liver disease and hepatitis C here.
SCREENING
RECOMMENDATIONS
If you are age 18 or older or are showing signs of liver disease.
Most of the time, liver disease signs or symptoms go unnoticed until the disease is already in a later stage. The CDC and U.S. Preventive Services Taskforce (USPSTF) recommend all adults 18 and older get screened at least once in their lifetime even if there are no present symptoms.
INFLAMMATORY BOWEL
DISEASE (IBD)
IBD affects 1.4 million Americans, with the onset of symptoms often appearing between ages 15-80.
IBD, which includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, causes recurring symptoms of abdominal pain, bloating and altered bowel function due to inflammation in some part of the intestines.
Leaving IBD untreated could lead to:
- Colon cancer
- Inflammatory conditions of the joints, eyes and skin
- Blood clots
- Bowel obstruction
- Malnutrition/dehydration
- Ulcers
- Toxic megacolon, or rapid swelling and dilation of the colon
Learn more about IBD here.
SCREENING
RECOMMENDATIONS
If you are experiencing abdominal pain, bloating and/or altered bowel function.
IRRITABLE BOWEL
SYNDROME
Irritable bowel syndrome, also called IBS or spastic colon, is a chronic digestive health condition that affects the large intestine.
IBS is a common disorder, diagnosed in millions of people each year. While it more commonly occurs in adults, it can also occur in children.
IBS is not dangerous and does not make you more likely to develop cancer, like IBD, but it does require management, lifestyle modifications and, in some cases, medication.
Common IBS symptoms, like stomach pain, bloating and changes in bowel habits, may also be associated with other digestive health problems.
Learn more about IBS here.
SCREENING
RECOMMENDATIONS
If you are experiencing stomach pain, bloating, or changes in bowel habits.
WE'RE PRO-PREVENTION SO YOU CAN KEEP DOING THE THINGS YOU ENJOY WITH THOSE YOU CARE ABOUT MOST
Borland Groover is one of Florida’s leading gastroenterology providers, delivering everything from colon cancer screenings to advanced high tech procedures and clinical trials.
Founded in 1947, our mission is to deliver easy access to the most advanced gastrointestinal and liver care possible. By combining the resources typically found within a large hospital network with the patient-centric touch of a primary care physician, Borland Groover is able to treat our patients to more care in a more caring way.
Most importantly, we have a team of expert gastroenterologists in offices all over Florida trained to deliver personalized and attentive care from start to finish so that you can get back the quality of life you deserve.
