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Colon Cancer Prevention Center - Odessa, TX

Odessa Gastroenterologist Doctors for Colon Cancer Prevention

Type of Physician: Gastroenterologist

What is a Gastroenterologist?

A subspecialty certification by the Board of Internal Medicine; practitioners focus on the stomach, intestines, colon, liver, and gallbladder (digestive organs). The gastroenterologist treats conditions such as abdominal pain, ulcers, diarrhea, cancer, and jaundice and they consult with surgeons when abdominal operations are indicated.

Specialty: Gastroenterology

Common Name: GI Doctor

Gastroenterologist Doctors in Odessa *

Permain Gastroenterology Associates LLP
Ravikumar P Vemuru
315 E 5th St
Odessa, TX 79761
(432) 333-3433

Govind B Patel
Govind B Patel
4214 Andrews Hwy
STE 203
Midland, TX 79703
(432) 697-1000

Mrunal C Patel MD
Mrunal C Patel
4214 Andrews Hwy
STE 203
Midland, TX 79703
(432) 697-1000

Alma Ramos MD
Alma Ramos
1706 W Texas Ave
Midland, TX 79701
(432) 620-9797

Odessa, Texas

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Colon Cancer Prevention

Introduction to colon cancer prevention

Cancer of the colon and the rectum (also known as colon cancer or colo-rectal cancer) is a malignant growth arising from the inner lining of the colon or rectum. Colo-rectal cancer is a major cause of cancer-related deaths among men and women in the United States.

The good news is that colo-rectal cancer is both curable and preventable if it is detected early and completely removed before the cancerous cells metastasize (spread) to other parts of the body. Colo-rectal cancer can be prevented by removing colo-rectal polyps before they grow and change into cancers, or by using natural substances or man-made chemicals to prevent the colo-rectal polyps from changing into cancer. (Using natural substances or chemicals to prevent cancer is called chemo-prevention).

Measures to prevent diseases usually fall into one of five categories of safety and effectiveness. These categories are:
  1. Measures that have scientifically-proven effectiveness and long-term safety
  2. Measures that probably are effective but may have long-term, adverse side effects
  3. Measures that probably are effective, and safe
  4. Measures that have been found to be ineffective
  5. Measures that have no scientific basis and no studies to measure effectiveness and safety

What measures to prevent colo-rectal cancer have proven effectiveness and long term safety?

Colonoscopy and flexible sigmoidoscopy (along with digital rectal examination and stool occult blood testing) are the primary and most important tools for both preventing colo-rectal cancers and detecting early colo-rectal cancers.

Most colo-rectal cancers arise from colo-rectal polyps (small growths on the inner lining of the colon and the rectum). Even though colo-rectal polyps are initially benign, they can grow and change into c...

Recommended Reading Related to Colon Cancer Prevention

Colon Polyps »

What is a colon polyp?

Colon polyps are fleshy growths that occur on the inside (the lining) of the large intestine, also known as the colon. Polyps in the colon are extremely common, and their incidence increases as individuals get older. It is estimated that 50% of the people over the age of 60 will harbor at least one polyp. The significance of polyps is that we know that when certain types of polyps grow large enough, they can become cancerous, and, moreover, colon cancer is the second leading cause of death from cancer in the United Sates. Therefore, screening for colon polyps and removing them before they become cancerous should markedly reduce the incidence of colon cancer.

What types of polyps become cancerous?

The polyps that become cancerous are called adenomatous polyps or adenomas. Adenomas account for approximately 75% of all colon polyps. There are several subtypes of adenoma that differ prima...

Emergency Contact for Odessa

  • In case of Emergency, call 911

Nearby Odessa Hospitals *

Medical Center Hospital Odessa
500 W 4th St
Odessa, TX 79761
(432)640-4000

Regency Hospital of Odessa
500 W 4th St
Odessa, TX 79761
(432)552-4000

Odessa Regional Medical Center West Campus
520 E 6th St
Odessa, TX 79761
(432)582-8000

Odessa Regional Medical Center East Campus
515 N Adams Ave
Odessa, TX 79761
(432)582-8002

HEALTHSOUTH Midland Rehabilitation Hospital
1800 Heritage Blvd
Midland, TX 79707
(432)520-1600

Midland Memorial Hospital West Campus
4214 Andrews Hwy
Midland, TX 79703
(432)522-2273

Midland Memorial Hospital
2200 W Illinois Ave
Midland, TX 79701
(432)685-1111

Desert Springs Medical Center
3300 S FM 1788
Midland, TX 79706
(432)563-1200

Crane Memorial Hospital
1310 S Alford St
Crane, TX 79731
(432)558-3555

Martin County Hospital District
610 N St Peter St
Stanton, TX 79782
(432)756-3345

Ward Memorial Hospital
406 S Gary St
Monahans, TX 79756
(432)943-2511

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