How can I be screened for colon cancer?

Good question! Women are used to having mammogram's to screen for breast cancer, and men are more aware of the PSA test to check for prostate cancer. Unfortunately, many people are not as aware that colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths, but it is very preventable. Polyps are abnormal growths that can become cancerous as they grow. These polyps are easily removed via colonoscopy when detected early.

Screening should begin at age 50 for people of average risk and typically involves performing a colonoscopy. Colonoscopies are generally performed as an outpatient procedure (while sedated) and the results are available immediately.

Are Gastroenterology procedures painful?

Although most people understand the importance of screening, they put-off scheduling a gastroenterology procedure because they are afraid it will be painful and/or uncomfortable. This “myth” is not always true. During the procedure the patient is medicated allowing them to sleep comfortably throughout the entire procedure.

I’m going on a cruise, how do I prevent Diarrhea?

Traveler’s diarrhea is a common syndrome of loose, watery stools accompanied by a low-grade fever, abdominal cramping and bloating. This kind of diarrhea is caused when contaminated food or water ingested. It usually lasts only 3-4 days and rarely longer than a week. The motto "If you can’t boil it, cook it, or peel it, forget it!" has value. Risky foods include tap water, ice, fresh vegetables and salads. Safe foods include carbonated or bottled beverages (no ice!) and well cooked foods served hot. Routine use of preventive medications has not been recommended by the National Institutes of Health, but if a traveler accepts the risks of taking these medications, several antibiotics or Pepto-Bismol (two tablets four times daily) can be taken.

How common is Hepatitis C?

Close to four million people in the United States are currently infected with Hepatitis C virus. This likely represents only the tip of the iceberg, and there is a large push by the health care forces to identify the hundreds of thousands of people not yet identified. Hepatitis C infection is generally acquired through a history of blood transfusions or intravenous drug use.

Why do I have Gas?

"Gas" has been well studied by doctors and you would be surprised at how much is known. An important aspect is that passing gas – either from below or belching, occurs normally up to 20 times a day! Gas is caused by digesting and the inability to digest certain foods by your normal intestinal bacteria. An important way to cut down on gas is to keep a diary of what you are eating and drinking, and how much gas you are having. Reduce the amount of air you swallow by chewing more, eating slower and drinking non-carbonated beverages. Try and cut down or avoid certain foods, such as milk products, whole wheat, bran, beans and dietetic foods. Certain fruits (pears, peaches and apples) and vegetables (broccoli, asparagus and cabbage) should be limited.

What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a very common disorder of the intestine, and is a diagnosis frequently made by Gastroenterologists. It is a functional bowel disorder as there is no sign of disease when the colon is examined. Symptoms consist of bloating, crampy abdominal pain and gassiness, and changes in bowel habits. Some patients are constipated, others have diarrhea, and some patients have both. There is no single diet to follow for patients with IBS. Avoiding dairy products may help some people, and fatty foods often cause the cramps. High fiber diets are believed to help because they keep the colon mildly distended and possibly prevent spasmodic contractions from occurring. Not all maneuvers are helpful for everyone, and drastic dietary changes are usually unnecessary. A good idea is to keep a diary of your symptoms and their relationship to what you have eaten. Go over this with your doctor. Diet and emotional stress can affect IBS and remain important items to modify for controlling this syndrome.

What is Virtual Colonoscopy?

Virtual colonoscopy is a specialized CT Scan of the abdomen that has received attention recently as an alternative to screening for colon polyps via colonoscopy. However, there are several issues regarding this innovative procedure before it can be recommended. Virtual colonoscopy is NOT yet an approved test to screen for colon cancer and is NOT covered by insurances. Furthermore, the medical literature on this procedure is indeed conflicting as it only detects larger polyps. Unknown to many, this procedure requires the same laxative preparation required for a colonoscopy. Still, if a polyp is detected, the patient must then be scheduled for a colonoscopy (at which point, the patient will have to complete yet another laxative preparation before the procedure) to verify the findings and remove the polyp.