Central Florida Health and Wellness Magazine Health and Wellness Articles of the Villages
Related Articles
Dr. Sivasekaran, MD
Colon cancer is the third most common type of cancer in the United States. It affects nearly 50,000 Americans each year. If caught early on, it can easily be treated. Typically small polyps are the cause of colorectal cancer, as they tend to become cancerous rather quickly and grow within the colon and rectum.
Normally, there are little to no signs of the polyps, so it’s critical to have colonoscopies on an annual basis after the age of 50. However, younger people are more commonly being diagnosed with colon cancer as it, unfortunately, seems to be on the escalating.
There are specific risk factors that are often associated with colon cancer. One that is quickly resolved is your diet. If you eat a lot of red meat and saturated fats, and very little fresh fruits and vegetables, you are at a higher risk of developing colorectal cancer. Some of the other risks associated with this type of cancer are, being over the age of 50, having a family history of polyps or colon cancer, smoking, being overweight, having Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, and women that have had breast, uterine or ovarian cancer are at a greater risk as well.
Although the symptoms are not always prevalent in the beginning stages, some of the symptoms are as follows:
• Constipation
• Abdominal bloating
• Abdominal pain
• Excessive gas
• Diarrhea
• Narrow stools
• Weight loss
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Fatigue
It’s imperative to talk to your Internal Medicine Physician about protecting yourself and your loved ones who may be at risk for colorectal cancer. Your physician will schedule the appropriate testing with the gastrointestinal specialist that they work with and trust.
The colonoscopy is an easy procedure and one that can literally save your life. If the polyps are discovered, they can be removed with surgery, and usually chemotherapy or radiation are unnecessary. It’s best to be proactive in your colon health, rather than waiting and finding that the cancerous polyps have grown and spread into other organs.
RATNASABAPATHY SIVASEKARAN, MD
Dr. Siva is a comprehensive internal medicine physician that understands the complexities of colorectal cancer and is experienced in helping his patients get the preventative care that is essential for their health.
Dr. Siva has been in practice for fourteen years. He earned his Honors Bachelors of Science in Biology from University of Waterloo, Canada. He went on to earn his Doctor of Medicine from St. George’s University School of Medicine graduating on the Dean’s List. He is American Board of Internal Medicine certified. Dr. Siva has affiliations with AMA, AHA and Marion County Medical Society. He opened his own private practice in Ocala in 2006, and he has privileges at all hospitals and nursing homes in Ocala for continued care of his patients.
To find out more information, please contact Dr. Siva’s office at (352) 369-5300, or visit DrSivaOcala.com.
