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Screening and Preventive Services
Proactive Healthcare for Early Detection and Risk Reduction
What Are Screening and Preventive Services?
Screening and preventive services are essential medical practices focused on early detection and prevention of diseases before symptoms arise. At Central Gastro, we prioritize your health with tailored screening programs and preventive care, ensuring timely intervention to maintain your digestive and overall wellness.
Our goal is to detect potential health issues early, reduce the risk of complications, and provide you with the tools to lead a healthier life.
Why Are Screening and Preventive Services Important?
Screening and preventive care can:
- Identify diseases at an early, more treatable stage.
- Prevent the progression of chronic conditions.
- Reduce the risk of complications like advanced cancer or liver failure.
- Improve long-term health outcomes.
- Save lives through early intervention and management.
Screening Services Offered at Central Gastro
- Colorectal Cancer Screening
- Who Needs It: Recommended for individuals aged 45 and older, or earlier for those with a family history or other risk factors.
- Methods:
- Colonoscopy (gold standard for detection and prevention).
- FIT (Fecal Immunochemical Test) or stool DNA tests.
- CT Colonography (virtual colonoscopy).
- Liver Disease Screening
- Who Needs It: Those at risk due to obesity, diabetes, excessive alcohol use, or hepatitis.
- Methods:
- Who Needs It: Patients with chronic GERD, Barrett’s esophagus, or a family history of esophageal cancer.
- Methods:
- Upper Endoscopy (EGD).
- Biopsy for detecting precancerous or cancerous changes.
- Helicobacter pylori Testing
- Who Needs It: Individuals with persistent stomach pain, ulcers, or a family history of gastric cancer.
- Methods:
- Breath tests, stool tests, or biopsy during endoscopy.
- Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) Screening
- Who Needs It: Patients with unexplained bloating, diarrhea, or malabsorption.
- Methods: Hydrogen or methane breath tests.
- Bone Health Assessment
- Who Needs It: Patients with malabsorption syndromes like celiac disease or IBD.
- Methods: Blood tests for vitamin D and calcium levels.
Preventive Services at Central Gastro
Tailored dietary plans to address risk factors for conditions like GERD, IBD, and obesity.
- Lifestyle Guidance
- Support for quitting smoking and limiting alcohol to reduce GI-related risks.
- Risk Assessment and Family History Evaluation
- Identifying inherited risks for colorectal cancer, IBD, or liver disease.
- Vaccinations
- Hepatitis A & B and Pneumococcal vaccinations for those at risk.
- Stress Management Programs
- Techniques to manage stress, a known trigger for many GI conditions like IBS and functional dyspepsia.
Complications of Skipping Screening and Preventive Services
Delaying or avoiding regular screening can lead to:
- Advanced-Stage Diseases: Late detection of cancers or chronic liver conditions may limit treatment options.
- Increased Risk of Complications: Conditions like undiagnosed Barrett’s esophagus can progress to esophageal cancer.
- Poor Outcomes: Conditions like fatty liver disease or IBD may worsen without early intervention.
- Higher Healthcare Costs: Advanced diseases often require more complex and expensive treatments.
- Reduced Quality of Life: Preventable complications, like severe anemia from undiagnosed GI bleeding, can lead to long-term health challenges.
When to Consider Screening and Preventive Services
- Regular Health Checkups: Begin colorectal cancer screening at age 45 or earlier for high-risk individuals.
- Family History of GI Disorders: If you have a history of colorectal cancer, IBD, or liver disease in your family.
- Persistent Symptoms: Seek screening for unexplained abdominal pain, bloating, or changes in bowel habits.
