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Preventive Care · Katy & Cypress, TX
Preventive Health Counseling for Digestive Diseases
Preventive health counseling helps you lower your risk of certain digestive and liver diseases and find problems early, when they are easier to treat. At United Gastroenterology Associates, PLLC, Muhammad Ali Khan, MD, FACP, FASGE, a board-certified gastroenterologist and hepatologist, reviews your personal and family history and recommends the screening and lifestyle steps that fit your risk. Visits are available at offices in Katy and Cypress serving Greater Houston.
Questions: (346) 340-4414
Meet Your Digestive Health Specialist: Muhammad Ali Khan, MD, FACP, FASGE
BOARD-CERTIFIED Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist
CREDENTIALS AT A GLANCE
Board-Certified
Gastroenterology, hepatology, and internal medicine
Academic Medicine
Former Associate Professor, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center
Published Research
More than 100 peer-reviewed articles in gastroenterology
FACP and FASGE
Fellow, American College of Physicians and American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
“My gastroenterology & hepatology practice is dedicated to working closely with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that meets your unique needs and preferences.”
Dr. Muhammad Ali Khan, MD, FACP, FASGE
Board-certified gastroenterologist and hepatologist, United Gastroenterology Associates
Preventive counseling at United Gastroenterology Associates is provided by Dr. Khan, a gastroenterologist and hepatologist board-certified in gastroenterology, hepatology and internal medicine. Because he treats both digestive and liver conditions, he can address colon cancer screening, hepatitis and fatty liver risk in one visit.
Dr. Khan is a former Associate Professor at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, a Fellow of the American College of Physicians (FACP) and the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (FASGE), and has authored more than 100 peer-reviewed publications.
Preventive services
- Colorectal cancer screening and colonoscopy
- Hepatitis B and C evaluation
- Fatty liver and liver health assessment
- Family history risk review
- Diet and lifestyle guidance
What Is Preventive Health Counseling for Digestive Diseases?
Preventive health counseling is a gastroenterology visit focused on risk, not just symptoms. Dr. Khan looks at your age, family history, weight, medicines, alcohol and tobacco use, and earlier test results, then explains which screening tests you need, when to have them, and which habits can lower your risk.
Not every digestive disease can be prevented. Prevention works best for conditions with known risk factors or effective screening, such as colorectal cancer, hepatitis B and C, and fatty liver disease. For conditions that cannot be prevented, such as inflammatory bowel disease or celiac disease, the goal is to recognize warning signs and get an early diagnosis.
Board-Certified Gastroenterologist
Gastroenterology, hepatology and internal medicine
Former MD Anderson Faculty
Former Associate Professor
Liver & Digestive Care
Gastroenterology and hepatology in one practice
Two Locations
Offices in Katy and Cypress
Preventive Care Topics and Who They Apply To
These are some of the preventive steps a gastroenterologist may discuss. Your own plan depends on your history and risk factors.
| Topic | Who it applies to | What current guidance says |
|---|---|---|
| Colorectal cancer screening | Adults 45 to 75 at average risk; earlier for people at increased risk | Regular screening with a stool test or colonoscopy. See colorectal cancer screening guidelines. |
| Hepatitis C screening | All adults | USPSTF: screen adults 18 to 79. CDC: test all adults at least once. |
| Hepatitis B screening and vaccination | All adults | CDC: screen all adults 18 and older at least once. Vaccinate adults 19 to 59, and adults 60 and older with risk factors. |
| Fatty liver disease (MASLD) risk | People with overweight, obesity, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure or abnormal cholesterol | Often silent; may be found through liver tests or imaging. Weight and metabolic health matter. |
| Alcohol and tobacco | Anyone who drinks or smokes | Both raise the risk of colorectal cancer, and alcohol can damage the liver. |
| Family history review | Anyone with relatives who had colorectal cancer, polyps or liver disease | Can change when screening starts and which test is used. |
What Happens During a Preventive Counseling Visit?
Dr. Khan reviews your medical history, family history, medicines and lifestyle, and any earlier screening or lab results. Bring a list of your medicines and supplements, and if you can, the ages at which relatives were diagnosed with colorectal cancer, polyps or liver disease.
You leave with a plan: which screening tests are due and when, whether hepatitis testing or liver evaluation makes sense, and specific steps you can take. If testing is needed, the office explains what comes next. For liver concerns, this may include tests such as FibroScan.
Counseling focus areas
- Colon cancer screening schedule
- Hepatitis B and C testing
- Fatty liver and metabolic risk
- Diet, fiber and hydration
- Weight, activity, alcohol and smoking
- Medicines that can irritate the stomach, such as regular NSAID use
Your plan is based on your own history and risk factors.
Diet, Fiber and Everyday Habits
Daily habits affect digestive health. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2025–2030 emphasize fiber-rich whole grains and cutting back on refined carbohydrates. Fiber and enough fluids help keep bowel movements regular and can ease constipation. The American Cancer Society links regular activity, a healthy weight, more vegetables, fruit and whole grains, less red and processed meat, not smoking and limiting alcohol to lower colorectal cancer risk.
Weight and metabolic health are closely tied to fatty liver disease and can affect acid reflux. Small, steady changes are easier to keep. Ask before starting probiotics or supplements, since the evidence depends on the product and the condition, and some supplements can affect the liver.
Build Your Digestive Health Prevention Plan
Dr. Khan can review your risk factors and tell you which screenings are due and which steps matter most for you.
When Prevention Becomes Evaluation
Preventive counseling is for people without worrying symptoms. If you have symptoms, you need an evaluation rather than a routine screening schedule. Dr. Khan can see you for abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, abnormal liver tests and other concerns. Learn more about seeing a digestive disorder specialist.
Get emergency care for severe symptoms.
Vomiting blood, black or tarry stools, heavy rectal bleeding, fainting or sudden severe abdominal pain need emergency care. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
See a doctor promptly for
- Blood in the stool or rectal bleeding
- A lasting change in bowel habits
- Unexplained weight loss
- Trouble swallowing
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes
- Ongoing abdominal pain
These symptoms call for evaluation, not routine screening.
Preventive Digestive Health FAQs
Answers to common questions about preventing digestive and liver disease.
What is preventive health counseling for digestive diseases?
It is a visit with a gastroenterologist focused on lowering your risk of certain digestive and liver diseases and finding problems early. Dr. Khan reviews your health history, family history, medicines and habits, then recommends screening tests and lifestyle changes that fit your risk.
Can digestive diseases be prevented?
Some can be prevented or caught early, but not all. Colorectal cancer screening can find and remove polyps before they become cancer, hepatitis B can be prevented with vaccination, and keeping a healthy weight lowers the risk of fatty liver disease. Other conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease or celiac disease, cannot be prevented, but early diagnosis helps.
When should I start colon cancer screening?
Adults at average risk should start at age 45. If a close relative had colorectal cancer or advanced polyps, or you have inflammatory bowel disease or an inherited syndrome, you may need to start earlier. A gastroenterologist can set your screening schedule.
Should I be tested for hepatitis B and hepatitis C?
The CDC recommends that all adults be tested for hepatitis C at least once, and that all adults 18 and older be screened for hepatitis B at least once. The USPSTF recommends hepatitis C screening for adults 18 to 79. Many people with hepatitis have no symptoms, so testing is the only way to know.
Who is at risk for fatty liver disease (MASLD)?
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), formerly called NAFLD, is more common in people with overweight or obesity, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure or abnormal cholesterol levels. It often causes no symptoms, so it may first be found through abnormal liver tests or imaging.
Should I take probiotics or supplements for gut health?
Ask your doctor first. The evidence for probiotics depends on the condition and the product, and some supplements can affect the liver or interact with medicines. Dr. Khan can tell you whether a supplement makes sense for you.
Does insurance cover preventive GI care?
Many plans cover recommended preventive services such as colorectal cancer screening and hepatitis screening. United Gastroenterology Associates participates with many major insurance plans. Coverage and benefits depend on your specific plan and must be verified with the office or your insurance carrier.
Preventive GI Care in Katy and Cypress
United Gastroenterology Associates offers preventive digestive and liver care for patients from Houston, Katy, Cypress, Fulshear, Richmond, Rosenberg and nearby communities.
United Gastroenterology Associates – Katy
Katy Freeway (I-10) near the Grand Parkway
- Address: 23920 Katy Freeway, Suite 555, Katy, TX 77494
- Phone: (346) 340-4414
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM (closed 12:00–1:30 PM for lunch; last appointment 4:30 PM)
United Gastroenterology Associates – Cypress
Northwest Freeway (US-290) in Cypress
- Address: 21216 Northwest Freeway, Suite 640, Cypress, TX 77429
- Phone: (346) 340-4414
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM (closed 12:00–1:30 PM for lunch; last appointment 4:30 PM)
Take a Proactive Step for Your Digestive Health
Find out which screenings are due and what you can do to lower your risk. Call (346) 340-4414 or request an appointment.
Sources
- U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Colorectal Cancer: Screening (2021). uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org
- U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Hepatitis C Virus Infection in Adolescents and Adults: Screening (2020). uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Screening and Testing for Hepatitis B Virus Infection: CDC Recommendations (2023). cdc.gov
- American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases. New MASLD Nomenclature. aasld.org
- American Cancer Society. Colorectal Cancer Risk Factors. cancer.org
This page provides general information and does not replace personal medical advice. Your screening and prevention plan depends on your own health and history. For a medical emergency, call 911. Last updated October 5, 2026.
