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 >>

Are Antibiotics Making Patients Sick?

When you get sick, do you immediately think a prescription for antibiotics would help? Worse yet, do you take what’s left of an old antibiotic prescription?

There is no doubt that antibiotics can be a vitally important medical tool that are effective in treating bacterial infections, certain fungal infections and some kinds of parasites. They are not, however, useful in treating viral infections, such as colds and influenza, most ear infections, or stomach flu. Research shows that antibiotic misuse and overuse is leading to significant health problems. Read more >>

GIA’s Top 10 Digestive Habits to Avoid or Adopt

Digestive health is affected by age, genetics and personal habits — all the more reason to know the ways in which you can improve your daily eating routine and digestive lifestyle. Here are 10 of the worst digestive health habits and why they are so bad for you: Read more >>

Is your medication causing diarrhea?

The Federal Drug Administration has recently warned that some common acid-reducing medications may increase the risk of Clostridium difficile (C-diff) infection-related diarrhea.

C-diff is a bacterial infection that causes inflammation and damage to the lining of the colon leading to severe diarrhea. Typically the infection occurs after antibiotic therapy, when too much helpful bacteria has been destroyed allowing the C-diff bacteria to flourish. 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 >>

Reduce your colon cancer risk: have a colonoscopy

Have you been putting off having a colonoscopy because you’d rather not endure the dreaded “prep” to clear your colon for the exam? Two new studies may cause you to rethink your reluctance. Read more >>

Heed the warning signs of Pancreatitis

The pancreas, an organ in your upper abdomen, has several important functions. It secretes fluids into the bowel to help you digest your food. It also secretes hormones into the blood, one being insulin which regulates blood sugar levels. When the pancreas becomes inflamed for any reason, it is called pancreatitis. Read more >>

New Medicare Benefits Focus on Prevention

Beginning January 1, Medicare recipients will no longer be required to pay a co-pay or deductible to receive screening colonoscopies as part of the Medicare Preventive Services program. Read more >>

Divert-a-what?

The Facts about Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis

If you’re struggling with abdominal cramps, gas and diarrhea alternating with constipation, you may be one of many people suffering from diverticulosis. 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 >>