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.
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:
However, it’s important to be aware that many people with colon cancer don't have symptoms at first. When symptoms appear, they'll likely depend on the cancer's size and where it is in the large intestine. In general, the most common symptoms of colon cancer can include:
Don’t assume anything. If you have experienced any digestive symptoms described above, you should get checked out, even in your 20s or 30s. Don’t think you’re too busy with school, work, or raising a family to see a digestive health specialist for symptoms.
Some people have no symptoms at all, so it’s important to talk to your primary care doctor or a gastroenterologist if colorectal cancer or a history of polyps runs in your family.
If you are a young adult concerned about your digestive symptoms or have a family history of colorectal cancer, contact us to schedule an appointment with Dr. Mark Coronel.
You are never too young or too healthy to see a GI doctor.
Don't let your digestive issues hold you back, call or click to schedule an appointment.
631-591-3000 Book Appointment
A risk factor is anything that raises your chances of getting a disease, such as colon cancer. However, having a risk factor does not mean that you will get the disease. It’s essential to be aware of the risk factors and understand which you can control and which you cannot.
Many lifestyle-related factors have been linked to colorectal cancer. More than half of all colorectal cancers are linked to risk factors that can be changed. The most common risk factors you can control are:
While you can’t change your genetics, it may be possible to lower your risk of developing colon cancer by being aware of how these factors can affect your level of risk and discussing your family health history with your doctor.
To learn more about this disease, you are encouraged to view our colon cancer webpage.
Colon cancer is one of the more treatable cancers. You can be cured, especially if you catch it early. When colon cancer is detected in a localized stage and has not spread outside of the colon or rectum, the 5-year survival rate is 91%.
Lower your risk. Take control of the risk factors you can change by eating healthier, less processed foods, limiting alcohol consumption, not smoking, and exercising regularly.
Additionally, it’s essential to be aware of your family health history, not ignore digestive symptoms, and discuss these topics with your doctor when applicable.
Remember, if you experience persistent digestive problems, it's always best to consult a GI doctor. The Internet can be a helpful tool, but it shouldn't replace professional medical advice. For proper gut health, it's best to consult a real doctor!
If you’re concerned about your digestive health, you can schedule an appointment online or call our office at 631-591-3000.
East End Gastroenterology & Hepatology participates with most major carriers. Please consult your insurance carrier or contact one of our scheduling representatives in our office prior to your appointment to verify our participation status with your insurance plan. This accepted insurance list is subject to change and is not all-inclusive.
Note: Some plans require insurance referrals, which differ from a prescription referral. Please contact your health insurance and/or our office to confirm this is in place prior to your appointment.
The Bravo pH monitoring system helps Dr. Coronel determine if you have GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) by measuring the degree of acidity or alkalinity in your esophagus over a 24- to 48-hour period. The pH test monitors:
The Bravo system consists of a tiny gel cap-sized capsule that is temporarily attached to the wall of your esophagus. This small capsule measures pH levels in your esophagus and transmits this information wirelessly to a portable receiver that you wear on your waistband or belt. The receiver is about the size of a small cell phone or pager and has three symptom buttons. During the study, you will be required to press the appropriate button when you experience heartburn, regurgitation or chest pain.
You will also be asked to record periods of eating and sleeping in a diary throughout the test. Maintaining regular activities and a normal diet during the test also has the potential to provide a more accurate picture of acid exposure, compared to data collected using catheter-based systems where normal activities may be limited.
The receiver is designed to stay on throughout the duration of the test and does not intefere with your daily routine. In general, the only restriction is to keep the receiver within three feet of your body at all times.
The information gathered from the pH test, along with your diary entries, helps Dr. Coronel diagnose and plan your treatment accordingly.
Learn more about Bravo pH testing at East End Gastroenterology & Hepatology. Call 631-591-3000. Or use our convenient Request an Appointment form. Our Bravo pH patients come to us from Patchogue, East End, Manorville, Mastic, Riverhead and bordering locations.
Dr. Coronel may perform upper GI endoscopy in order to see the lining of your upper gastrointestinal tract to find the cause of an abnormal lab test, such as anemia or nutritional deficiencies, or identify different diseases, obtain biopsies or simply remove objects, including food, that is stuck in the upper GI tract. This procedure is often referred to as EGD, or esophagogastroduodenoscopy.
Upper GI endoscopy can help find the cause of unexplained symptoms, such as:
It may also help Dr. Coronel identify diseases such as:
Dr. Mark Coronel performs this procedure while you receive light sedation, so you will not feel any discomfort during the procedure.
For convenient high-quality digestive care, call East End Gastroenterology & Hepatology at 631-591-3000. Or use our online Request an Appointment form. Our endoscopy patients come to us from Mastic, Riverhead, Patchogue, East End, Manorville and nearby communities.
715 Roanoke ave, Building B, Riverhead, NY 11901
287 Wading River Road Unit 2 Manorville, NY 11949
