New study finds screening colonoscopy reduces colon cancer death risk by 70 percent

A new study supports what gastroenterologists have preached to their patients for decades, having a screening colonoscopy greatly reduces the risk of developing colon cancer. Now they know by how much.

The study, published in the March 5 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine, found that for average-risk people, screening colonoscopies produced a 70 percent reduction in risk for newly detected cases of advanced-stage colon cancer – the type most difficult to cure. Read more >>

Fourth Annual Gastrointestinal Associates’ Screening Colonoscopy Day is Lifesaving

The fourth annual Gastrointestinal Associates’ Screening Colonoscopy Day on Saturday gave 42 Knox-area people a life-saving opportunity – receiving a free colonoscopy.

GIA founded Screening Colonoscopy Day in 2009 for two reasons: to help protect uninsured people from this preventable and treatable disease, and to raise awareness about the importance of you and your loved ones getting screenings. Read more >>

Study findings: diabetics may benefit from earlier colonoscopies

A pair of physician researchers reported in May they have found a connection between diabetics and a higher incidence of precancerous polyps, leading to a recommendation that Type 2 diabetics may need to begin colorectal screenings earlier than the typical age 50.

The researchers, Dr. Honga Vu, a clinical gastroenterology fellow at Washington University and Dr. John Petrini, a gastroenterologist at Sansum Clinic and past president of the American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, presented their findings during Digestive Disease Week in San Diego. Read more >>

Colonoscopies save patients from the knife

For National Colorectal Cancer Awareness month in March, GIA is urging everyone to schedule a colonoscopy to reduce your risk of dying from colon cancer by at least 50 percent. One patient, Harrogate banker John Buis, is glad he did.

John was referred to me a few months ago for a routine screening. He was experiencing no pain or symptoms of any kind. Though it’s recommended to schedule your first regular colonoscopy at age 50, this was 66-year-old John Buis’ first screening. During the procedure, I discovered a fairly large polyp and was able to completely remove the polyp during the colonoscopy. Read more >>

Act Now! March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

There is no time like the present to schedule your colonoscopy. March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, a great time to remind you that colorectal cancer is a largely preventable, treatable and beatable disease.  But it is up to you. Read more >>

Second annual GIA Screening Colonoscopy Day helps build awareness

Back by popular demand . . . we held our second annual GIA Screening Colonoscopy Day on Saturday, Oct. 9. This year we provided free colonoscopy screenings for 48 patients who were referred to us by Interfaith Health Clinic, The Free Medical Clinic of America and West Knox Free Clinic. Read more >>

Hemorrhoids: What a Pain!

Hemorrhoids, which are basically varicose veins of the rectum, occur when veins in the anal canal or lower rectum become swollen or inflamed. While many people joke about hemorrhoids, this painful condition is no laughing matter. Read more >>

Research Helps GIA Physicians Achieve Better Outcomes

I recently participated in a study with a group of esteemed colleagues to determine if the suggested protocol for performing colonoscopy was, in fact, the most beneficial. The results of this study were published in the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology (http://www.jcge.com; Vol. 44, No. 4, April 2010). Read more >>

Act Now! Colorectal Cancer Can be Prevented

There is no time like the present to schedule your colonoscopy. Did you know that colorectal cancer is a largely preventable, treatable and beatable disease? It’s true — but you have to take the first step. Read more >>

Irritable Bowel Syndrome can be More than just an Irritation

Over 55 million Americans suffer with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). It is extremely common and often ignored.

Symptoms of IBS include diarrhea, constipation, abdominal cramps and bloating. For some people, symptoms are mild; many don’t even seek treatment for the condition. For others it can be very distressing and make it difficult to carry on normal daily activities. Read more >>