March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about a disease that is common and preventable. Colorectal cancer is the second deadliest cancer in the United States, but with education, early detection, and preventative care, it can often be stopped before it becomes life-threatening.

Did You Know?

• Colorectal Cancer can be detected with early screening.
• Colonoscopies are recommended starting at age 45, or earlier if you have risk factors.
• The purpose of a colonoscopy is to screen for colorectal cancer, diagnose bowel problems and remove any present polyps.
• Eating a fiber-rich diet, staying active, limiting alcohol, and avoiding smoking can help prevent colorectal cancer.
• Changes in bowel habits, blood in stool, or unexplained weight loss are warning signs. Even without symptoms, it is very important that you schedule a colonoscopy starting at the age of 45.

“Colon cancer is a silent cancer, you might feel totally fine and not have symptoms but that does not mean that you don’t have colon cancer. Colon cancer only shows symptoms when it is at an advanced stage.” – Dr. Martinez Ugarte

Specialized Colorectal Care at Gonzaba Medical Group

At Gonzaba Medical Group, your health is managed under one roof. Our coordinated care model places your Gonzaba primary care provider at the center of your care and in direct communication with our in-house specialty providers to curate the best health plan for you.

Dr. Maria Martinez Ugarte, Board-Certified Colon and Rectal Surgeon, with Gonzaba Medical Group, is one of Gonzaba’s many dedicated specialists. In honor of National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, Dr. Martinez Ugarte will be hosting Care & Conversations at two of Gonzaba’s event center locations, so you can be in the know.

Meet Our Colorectal Specialist

Dr. Maria Martinez Ugarte is fluent in English and Spanish, making her the only Spanish-speaking, female, Board-Certified Colon and Rectal Surgeon in San Antonio, TX. Dr. Martinez Ugarte has been a doctor for over 20 years and is a highly specialized Colon and Rectal Surgeon. She is Mayo Clinic trained and has been honored with countless awards throughout her career, including Top Surgeon in 2023, Top Doctor in 2025, and Top Doctor in 2026, among others.

Dr. Martinez Ugarte works closely with Gonzaba’s primary care providers to curate a health plan that works best for the patient. She is in constant communication and coordination with Gonzaba providers to go over different signs and symptoms patients may experience and is readily available to answer any questions you may have about your colon health.

Most other medical groups don’t have the luxury of calling upon the expertise of a colorectal surgeon at any time, but at Gonzaba Medical Group – our patients do! While colonoscopies at many facilities are scheduled months in advance, at Gonzaba our primary care providers work directly with Dr. Martinez Ugarte to help schedule procedures within weeks.

Join Our Care & Conversation Sessions!

Let’s talk about your colon health (Yes, really!) colonoscopies don’t have to be awkward, they can be lifesaving. Join Dr. Maria Martinez Ugarte for an easy, judgement-free conversation about:

• When you actually need a colonoscopy
• What to expect (no surprises!)
• How diet and prevention play a role
• Why early detection matters.

Gonzaba Event Center – Southeast
1130 Goliad Rd., San Antonio, Texas 78223
March 4, 2026
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM

Gonzaba Event Center – Woodlawn
902 Bandera Rd., San Antonio Texas 78228
March 20, 2026
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM

To RSVP for a Care & Conversation session, please call 210-864-2587

At Gonzaba Medical Group, we are here to help keep you informed, supported, and proactive about your health. Take the next step today! Talk with your primary care physician about colorectal cancer screenings!

Disclaimer: This article is meant to be informative, but it does not replace your primary care provider’s instructions. Please ask your doctor before making any drastic lifestyle changes to make sure it is the right fit for you.