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Gastroenterology Stories and Local Doctors
Colon Screening
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What is Gastroenterology?
Video: Dr. Jonathan Cohen of the Concorde Medical Group discusses Gastroenterology.
Gastroenterology is a specialized field of medicine that focuses on the digestive tract - from the mouth to the anus. Gastroenterolgy studies the functioning and disorders of the esophagus, stomach and intestines, as well as its associated organs such as the liver, pancreas and gall bladder.
There is documented evidence that some forms of Gastroenterolgy were practiced in ancient Egypt. Greek, Roman and Arab practitioners studied the digestive tracts of the human body with specially designed spatula and mirrors illuminated by candles or oil lamps. More complex tools for examining the rectum with dilating specula were found in the ruins of Pompeii. (Read more about What is Gastroenterology?)
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Screenings for the Elderly
We’re not getting any younger. And there are plenty of baby boomers who are suddenly looking at their senior years.
But with all the push to get screened for cancer, when is it ok to stop getting tested, in particular, for colon cancer?
This is something that is mostly missing from preventive care recommendations.
We know when to start screening for breast cancer, and colon cancer, but when does one stop?
The answer: it depends.
“I had a mammogram in august for the second time in twenty years.” So maybe Henrietta Bethune isn’t exactly a poster child for aggressively pursuing good preventative care. But at least she’s at the doctor today. (Read more about Screenings for the Elderly)
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African American Women and Colon Cancer
“I am here to show you that there is life after colon cancer, and it is something that can be easily detected and treated,” says Verna Cox.
56 year old Verna Cox says it’s a testament to her competitive spirit, that she wasn’t going to let colon cancer win. Verna beat two bouts of cancer over the last seven years, and she is now making it her life’s mission to educate and empower other women about the disease. “I am miss colon cancer, I call all my friends and try and encourage them to have a colonoscopy. I really believe in it, if it is early detected you can treat it and be fine,” says Verna.
And, as new research has shown, more African American women need to take Verna’s lead. According to a recent survey conducted by the national women’s health resource center and the black women’s health imperative, despite having the greatest risk of developing and dying from colorectal cancer of any gender, race or ethnicity, an astounding 96 percent of African American women do not consider themselves to be at high risk for the disease. (Read more about African American Women and Colon Cancer)
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Colon Cancer Screening
Tina Donnelly has no doubt been heavily exposed to the dangers of cigarette smoke. “It has gotten less and I am at about a pack and a half a day, and I have been smoking just because time passes so quick for thirty six years,” says Tina.
She knows the risks, except for perhaps the latest identified in new research in the archives of internal medicine: the risk of colon cancer!
“Heart disease lung cancer, I thought that was bad enough I didn’t know about the colon cancer,” claims Tina.
A new study in the Archives of Internal Medicine found smoking, as well as drinking, caused, on average, an earlier onset of colon cancer by more than five years! (Read more about Colon Cancer Screening)
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Colon Cancer March Madness
We are in the midst of March Madness now, but a sidebar to the basketball tournaments is a coaches versus cancer initiative to get fans to think about colon cancer screening during what also happens to be colon cancer awareness month.
They’re shooting for hopes that hoops fans will pay notice to the importance of getting a colonoscopy.
If people only paid as much attention as they do on their bracketology to their colonoscopy which they should be getting. (Read more about Colon Cancer March Madness)
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What is Cancer?
By Dr. Chitti Moorthy -Director, Departments of Radiation Medicine and Radiology,
New York Medical College, Valhalla , NY
The cause of cancer lies deep within the building blocks of a person's cells (genes and DNA). If these blocks become disorganized, cancer may develop. (Read more about What is Cancer?)
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Fiber Failure
Do you get enough fiber in your diet?
New research brings into question whether fiber provides what is considered to be one of its most important health benefits.
When you eat your fruits and veggies…you’re not just getting the antioxidant chemicals that help battle heart disease; you’re also getting fiber! And fiber itself has been thought to help reduce the risk of colon and rectal cancer. (Read more about Fiber Failure)
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Weekly Health Wrap
New research out of a major radiology meeting shows that virtual colonoscopy along with computer-aided detection is highly effective for finding colon polyps, which can become cancerous.
Virtual colonoscopy is desirable because there is no risk of bleeding or colon perforation and intravenous sedation is unnecessary. The procedure is less costly than conventional colonoscopy and it’s more convenient, taking 15 minutes or less. (Read more about Weekly Health Wrap)
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What is Cancer and How it is Caused
Cancer is a term used to describe a group of illnesses all having certain common characteristics. There are over 200 different types of cancer and all have a specific name, treatment and a chance of being cured. The human body is made of organs, such as the brain, liver and heart. And each of these organs is made up tissues, such as fat, blood vessels and muscles. (Read more about What is Cancer and How it is Caused)
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ASPIRIN AND COLON CANCER STUDY
There is an important new study out tonight that answers some of the important questions concerning the use of aspirin and the prevention of colon cancer.
With all the high tech procedures and cutting edge treatments, aspirin has for nearly a hundred years now been a terrific medicinal. Colon cancer is one of the things aspirin has been shown to help prevent…moreso in those who have already had a tumor or polyp.
But what about those who have never had anything wrong? Can it help prevent colon cancer from ever appearing. The answer is a highly qualified yes. (Read more about ASPIRIN AND COLON CANCER STUDY)
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