Supriya Rao, MD

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United States
Chelmsford, MA
Supriya Rao, MD

Board certified gastroenterologist and obesity medicine specialist interested in preventative health measures to live a healthy life.

Clinical interests include gut health and motility, inflammatory bowel disease, obesity medicine, health and wellness.

02/19/2026

Caught early, outcomes are better.

Stage at diagnosis matters enormously which is why screening and early detection are so important.

-If colon cancer is localized (only in the colon), about 9 out of 10 people are alive 5 years later.

-If it has spread to nearby lymph nodes (regional), survival drops to about 7 out of 10.

-If it has spread to distant organs (distant/metastatic), survival drops significantly to ~1 out of 8.

-Overall, across all stages combined, the 5-year survival rate is 63%.

02/18/2026

A meaningful portion of cancer deaths are linked to missed or delayed screening. Research suggests that nearly one in three cancer deaths in the United States occur from cancers where routine screening is recommended, including breast, colorectal, and cervical cancer. When screening is delayed or inaccessible, cancers are more likely to be diagnosed at later stages, which significantly impacts outcomes.

Also, scroll my feed. I often talk about how to reduce your risk of colon cancer. I talk about when to start screening, why 45 is the new 50, what symptoms should never be ignored, the limits of at-home stool tests, why colonoscopies do not cause cancer, and how nutrition, fiber intake, limiting processed meats, reducing alcohol, and prioritizing metabolic health all play a role.

Education matters. A lot of people do not get screened because they are scared, misinformed, embarrassed, or told online that testing is unnecessary or harmful. I know firsthand many avoid doctors because of cost, high deductibles, and time off work. Accurate information and access can change outcomes.

02/17/2026

I got a lot of comments on my James Van Der Beek post about what signs to look for specifically, so let’s talk about them. Colon cancer is highly treatable when caught early, and speaking up about symptoms can truly save your life. If you are 45 or older, screening is recommended even if you feel completely fine. And if you are younger with symptoms or a strong family history, talk to your doctor sooner.

Address

Chelmsford, MA
01863

Website

http://www.instagram.com/gutsygirlMD

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