Maintaining colon health is essential for overall well-being. Understanding how to care for the digestive system can play a crucial role in preventing conditions like colon cancer.

In this Q&A with Community Impact, Rassa Shahidzadeh, gastroenterologist on the medical staff at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center–Plano, talks about the importance of cancer screenings and how individuals can take proactive steps to maintain a healthy digestive system and reduce their risk of colorectal cancer.

What are the warning signs or symptoms of colorectal issues that individuals often overlook?

Shahidzadeh: Unfortunately, colon cancer is often a silent killer. With this said, certain alarm symptoms such as blood in stool, unexplained worsening abdominal discomfort, changes in bowel habits, and unintentional weight loss should be discussed with your physician.

How often should individuals get screened for colorectal cancer?

Shahidzadeh: It is recommended that men and women have their first colonoscopy no later than age 45. Certain patients may need an earlier colonoscopy depending on symptoms or family history. If there are family members who have had colon cancer or chronic GI conditions such as

Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, this could increase the risk of having these conditions so it is important to discuss this with your doctor.

What are the most important lifestyle changes individuals can make to maintain a healthy colon?

Shahidzadeh: It is thought that a diet high in fiber, vegetables and grains is better for a healthy colon. Some studies have shown an increased risk of colon cancer with red meat consumption. There is convincing evidence that obesity and diabetes also increases risk of colon cancer. In addition, exercise and weight control has shown to decrease the risk of many cancers including colon cancer.

How does stress affect colon health?

Shahidzadeh: Stress can affect how your bowel functions. In irritable bowel syndrome, stress can cause diarrhea, constipation and even abdominal pain.

If there’s one takeaway about GI or colon health individuals in the community need to know, what would that be?

Shahidzadeh: A healthy lifestyle is crucial for having a healthy GI system. With that said, serious colon issues such as colon cancer can affect the healthiest patient. It is important to discuss proper colon cancer screening strategies with your doctor.

Learn more

Baylor Scott & White Medical Center—Plano is located at 4700 Alliance Blvd., Plano. Individuals can schedule a colonoscopy today and receive compassionate, quality medical care at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center—Plano. To learn more, visit www.bswhealth.com. To download the free MyBSW app, visit www.mybswhealth.com/download.

Physicians provide clinical services as members of the medical staff at one of Baylor Scott & White Health’s subsidiary, community or affiliated medical centers and do not provide clinical services as employees or agents of those medical centers or Baylor Scott & White Health.

The above story was produced by Multi Platform Journalist Mary Katherine Shapiro with Community Impact's Storytelling team with information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.