Why do I need to see a gastroenterologist?

Gastroenterologists specialize in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of the stomach, small intestine, colon, and rectum.

When you are experiencing ongoing troublesome signs or symptoms in your digestive system, such as constipation, abdominal pain, heartburn, or diarrhea, it is time to see a gastroenterologist. Another reason to see a gastroenterologist would be for preventative care-colon cancer screening. Colon cancer screening is generally recommended for people at their 50th birthday (45 if you’re African American) or at earlier times in your life if there is a family history of colon cancer.

Here are some “Fast Facts” (source: www.valueofcolonoscopy.org):

• Roughly 50,000 people die from colorectal cancer annually

• 90 percent of all colon cancers occur after the age of 50

• The colonoscopy screening model translates into Medicare savings of $15 billion annually.

Common GI Disorders & Diseases