Did you know that roughly 2 million Americans are diagnosed with cancer each year, according to the National Cancer Institute? Cancer is a serious and prevalent disease. Indeed, approximately 40 percent of Americans will be diagnosed with cancer at some point. Early diagnosis can increase positive outcomes. As such, finding a gastroenterologist in Katy, TX, like Dr. Kevin Marks at Premier Gastroenterology.
Worried about cancer? For better or worse, you should be. That said, with regular cancer screening and keeping an eye, you can reduce risks. Let’s take a gander at why cancer screening is so important.
Cancer is a Serious and Deadly Threat
Unfortunately, many forms of late-stage cancer are difficult to treat and mortality rates are high. With some cancers, late-stage cancer produces a near hundred percent mortality rate.
Cancer is especially deadly if it starts to spread. Melanoma skin cancer, for example, may start only skin deep. However, cancer can spread throughout your body, causing cancerous tumors to grow on your vital organs, such as your liver. The same is true for breast cancer, it can metastasize, spread to your lungs, brain, and more.
Colorectal cancer is among the most common types of cancer. In fact, as far as cancer deaths go, colorectal cancer is the third leading killer. Colon cancer most often spreads to the liver but can also spread to the lungs, brain, and the lining in your abdominal cavity, among other places.
Common symptoms of colorectal cancer include:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Abdominal pain
- Low red blood cell count (anemia)
- Diarrhea, constipation, and other stool changes
- Rectal bleeding
Ultimately, colorectal cancer claims the lives of more than 50,000 Americans per year. If you’re worried about cancer, colorectal, or otherwise, it’s time to talk with a doctor. Looking for a gastroenterologist in Katy, TX? Come see Dr. Marks at Premier Gastroenterology.
Catching Cancer Early Improves Treatment and Outcomes
If cancer is caught quickly, especially before it metastasizes, your prognosis is much better. With colon cancer, for example, if the disease is caught early, the five-year survival rate exceeds 90 percent, according to the Canary Foundation. If the cancer is caught late and is spreading to other organs, the survival rate drops to just 11 percent.
Cancer treatment is also very intensive. Chemotherapy, surgery, and other invasive treatments are often necessary. What’s more, you may have to undergo repeated chemotherapy treatments and multiple surgeries. If cancer has spread, each organ may need to be treated separately.
By catching cancer early, you can often reduce the burden of treatment, thus improving your quality of life. If you're worried about cancer, it's smart to talk with medical experts. Need a gastroenterologist in Katy, TX? Dial (281) 392-0425 to speak with Dr. Marks at Premier Gastroenterology.