Your digestive system works hard to keep you healthy—be proactive about protecting it!
“Your digestive system plays an essential role in your well-being, helping your body absorb nutrients and provide energy and fuel for your favorite activities,” explained Wellstar Gastroenterologist Dr. Arif Aziz.
That’s why it’s so important to do your part to protect your gut health.
Wellstar providers help your digestive system stay on track, so you can feel your best and keep doing the things you enjoy most.
Care from top to bottom
Your digestive system is made of an entire team of organs: the esophagus, stomach, intestines (small and large), pancreas, liver, gallbladder, rectum and anus.
“With so many parts working together, your digestive system requires expert care to stay well,” said Wellstar Gastroenterologist Dr. Inder Tandon. “Regular check-ups with your Wellstar provider can help identify potential digestive issues early.”
At a routine exam, your primary care provider can screen for serious diseases like colorectal cancer and help identify chronic and common digestive conditions.
“If specialized care is needed, your primary care physician can refer you to our expert team of gastroenterologists right away,” Dr. Tandon shared.
Stay on track with Wellstar gastroenterologists
Wellstar gastroenterologists offer a full range of services to diagnose, treat and manage both common and complex disorders, including constipation, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s disease and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
At Wellstar, we understand digestive issues can disrupt your everyday life—and talking about them can be tough.
Wellstar Gastroenterologist Dr. Cameron Body addressed this issue, encouraging patients to be honest about their health.
“Many people may feel uncomfortable discussing digestive issues, but it’s important to speak up and have an open dialogue with your provider,” Dr. Body said. “Wellstar has a team of specialists to help treat your symptoms and keep you feeling well.”
See how our gastroenterologists care for you.
Catch colorectal cancer early
Inside the digestive system, most colorectal cancer starts as a growth, or polyp, in the colon or rectum. Because polyps develop slowly over time, you may experience few warning signs and not know you have a medical issue for months or even years.
That’s why it’s so important to get a colonoscopy—it could save your life. When caught early before it spreads, colorectal cancer has a 91% five-year relative survival rate, according to the American Cancer Society. The relative survival rate compares people with the same type and stage of cancer to the general population.
People with average risk should have a colonoscopy starting at age 45. Those at high risk or with a family history of colon cancer may start screenings even sooner. Talk to your provider about your screening plan.