Women and men may develop similar digestive conditions such as gallstones, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), but gender can affect their symptoms and treatment recommendations. Interestingly, while the risk of colon cancer is similar for both, colon cancer can behave differently in women. In fact, women have fewer colon polyps and develop the disease at a later age than men.
At NorthShore, we meet the unique healthcare needs of women through specialized GI programs and services. We offer a range of treatment and prevention services designed to meet the specific physical, biological, emotional and supportive needs of women dealing with digestive disorders. Our gastroenterologists and GI staff possess specialized training in treating women who are coping with, or are at high risk for developing, digestive diseases such as IBD and colon polyps. Our highly-trained clinical staff provides compassionate care using the most innovative treatment options available for women's GI conditions. We appreciate that women may approach their health needs with a different mindset than men and strive to create a soothing, relaxing environment.
Our full range of support services, including integrative medicine, psychosocial, nutrition and genetic counseling, ensure that you and your family’s needs are addressed in a comprehensive and well-coordinated manner. Additionally, our Women’s Gastrointestinal (GI) Cancer Risk and Prevention Program, supported by a generous private grant, meets the specific healthcare needs of women through specially designed female-centric services aimed at colon cancer prevention and women's GI health. From pregnancy-related digestive disorders to inherited conditions, we offer outstanding care that meets the specialized needs of our female patients.
Women’s Gastrointestinal (GI) Cancer Risk and Prevention Program
In the United States, colon cancer is the third-leading cause of death among Caucasian women and the second among those of Asian/Pacific or Hispanic ancestry. Women have important biological differences such as cancers located further up the colon and different genetic mutations in their tumors that may demand a different approach to cancer prevention and women's GI care.
A private grant has provided support for the development of a novel multidisciplinary team of gastroenterologists, dieticians, health psychologists and other healthcare professionals who work with female patients to reduce risk factors for colon cancer.
The Women's GI program at NorthShore provides the opportunity to talk with female specialists about screening colonoscopy, the first best step toward preventing colon cancer. In addition to helping reduce pre-procedure anxiety and improve the screening process for women, the program also promotes healthy lifestyle changes proven to prevent colon cancer. These cancer prevention strategies include weight loss, increased physical activity and smoking cessation.
For More Information
For more information on women's GI health or to schedule a screening colonoscopy with one of our gastroenterologists, please call 888.364.6400. To make an appointment with a Women’s GI specialist, please call 847.657.1900.