Stuart Akerman, MD Digestive Health Blog

March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month, and as a board-certified gastroenterologist practicing in Plano, Texas, I want to address the real concerns that keep people from scheduling their colonoscopy screening. After more than a decade of treating patients throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area, I've heard just about every reason people put off this life-saving procedure. Let's talk through the most common questions I hear.

Colorectal cancer is now the leading cause of cancer death in people under 50, climbing from fifth place in the 1990s. Following James Van Der Beek's death at 48, Dr. Akerman explains why screening at 45 is critical and compares colonoscopy to newer blood and stool tests. While Cologuard and Shield offer convenience, colonoscopy remains the gold standard because it prevents cancer by removing polyps. Learn when you should get screened, especially if you have a family history

Choosing between colonoscopy and Cologuard for colon cancer screening? Dr. Stuart Akerman breaks down the real differences. Colonoscopy prevents cancer by removing polyps during the procedure, while Cologuard only detects problems after they develop. Discover why colonoscopy remains the gold standard for patients in Plano, Frisco, and Dallas.

Not all colonoscopies are created equal. The effectiveness of this cancer-preventing procedure heavily depends on the skill and expertise of

Colon cancer is a significant health concern that requires early detection and prompt treatment.

Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest forms of cancer, with a five-year survival rate of just 12 percent.

The digestive system is one of the most important systems in the human body. It is responsible for breaking down food into nutrients that th

an endoscopy is a medical procedure that allows a doctor to examine the inside of your body using an endoscope, a flexible tube with a light

A colonoscopy is an important medical procedure used to detect, diagnose, and treat several diseases of the colon and rectum.

Gastrointestinal problems can range from minor issues like indigestion to more serious conditions like inflammatory bowel disease.