citizensmemorial.com 9 Care and treatment for gastroenterology concerns Board certified gastroenterologist Ryan E. Denney, D.O., and nurse practitioner Candi Erven, with CMH Gastroenterology Clinic, Bolivar, are experts in treating patients with gastroenterology issues, such as: » Acid reflux and heartburn. » Cancer (gastrointestinal, liver, pancreatic and colorectal). » Celiac disease. » Chronic diarrhea. » Chronic liver disease (cirrhosis). » Clostridium difficile (C. diff) and Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. » Colitis, including ulcerative colitis. » Colon polyps and other polyps. » Constipation. » Crohn’s disease. » Diverticulosis. » Dysphagia. » Fatty liver disease. » Fecal incontinence. » Gastritis. » Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). » Hemorrhoids. » Hepatitis. » Indigestion. » Inflammatory bowel disease. » Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). » Nutritional problems. » Pancreatic disease and pancreatitis. » Peptic ulcers. » Rectal bleeding. Call 417-326-8700 to schedule your colonoscopy today! Colorectal cancer is a leading cause of U.S. cancer deaths. So can you do anything to lower your chances of getting the disease? The answer is yes. Keep in mind that cancer prevention rarely comes with guarantees. (One reason is that there are some cancer risk factors, like getting older, that you can’t control.) That said, taking certain steps might make you less likely to get colorectal cancer. Get regularly screened. This is likely the best way to lower your risk. Not only can routine screening find colorectal cancer at an early, more treatable stage, it also might keep you from getting the disease in the first place. How? During a colonoscopy—one of the screening tests available—a doctor can find and remove precancerous polyps (growths) in the colon before they might turn cancerous. Many doctors encourage people at average colorectal cancer risk to start screening at age 45. You may need earlier tests if you have a personal or family history of colorectal cancer or polyps. Know the risks of alcohol. Regular use can up the risk of developing colorectal cancer as well as large noncancerous tumors in the colon. Aim for a healthy weight. Excess weight is linked to an increased risk of colorectal cancer cases and deaths. Keep moving. Being physically active and avoiding too much sitting may help protect against colorectal cancer. Everything from walking to riding a bike counts as movement. The key is to exercise regularly, at a moderate to vigorous pace. If you smoke, commit to quit. Smoking raises the risk of getting and dying from colorectal cancer. The American Cancer Society has a helpline for quitting: 800-227-2345. Consider a plant-based diet. Some studies suggest that eating a lot of red or processed meats increases the risk of getting colorectal cancer. Limiting these foods and increasing your intake of fruits, vegetables and whole grains may help protect against the disease. Have the colorectal cancer conversation. Talk with your doctor about your individual colorectal cancer risk and how you might lower it. That may include making healthy lifestyle choices (such as with diet and exercise) and getting recommended cancer screening tests on time. Sources: American Cancer Society; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; National Cancer Institute PREVENTION Ryan E. Denney, D.O. Candi Erven, NP-C Lower your risk of colorectal cancer
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