Patients Experience 100 Percent Remission in Clinical Trial

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A dozen patients with rectal cancer experienced 100 percent remission in a recent phase II clinical trial.

This breakthrough resulted from an experimental immunotherapy study conducted at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City. The results were published in the New England Journal of Medicine in June.

“Immunotherapy harnesses the body’s own immune system as an ally against cancer,” according to the center.

The clinical trial researched if immunotherapy alone could beat rectal cancer that had not spread to other tissues.

All patients in the trial had stage II or stage III rectal tumors that contained a specific genetic mutation. This mutation is known as mismatch repair-deficient (MMRd) or microsatellite instability (MSI).

The patients were given the checkpoint inhibitor dostarlimab (Jemperli) intravenously every three weeks for six months.

Researcher Luis Alberto Diaz, MD, said the tumors were closely tracked using “imaging, visualization such as endoscopy, as well as other methods.”

The center reported in every case that the rectal cancer disappeared after immunotherapy. “The cancer has not returned in any of the patients, who have been cancer-free for up to two years,” according to the center.

None of the patients underwent standard treatment options — radiation, surgery or chemotherapy.

Patients Had MMRd Tumors, Lynch Syndrome

About 45,000 Americans are diagnosed each year with rectal cancer. Between 5 and 10 percent of all rectal cancer patients may have MMRd tumors, according to the center’s website.

In addition to MMRd tumors, eight of the patients in the study had Lynch syndrome. Lynch syndrome is “an inherited condition that puts people at significantly higher risk of rectal, colon and other cancers.”

Both MMRd and Lynch syndrome made these patients’ cancer particularly sensitive to immunotherapy, according to the center.

“Lynch syndrome is associated with poorer outcomes from chemotherapy and surgery,” according to the center.

“Our first duty is to save our patient’s life,” said researcher Andrea Cercek, MD.

A second goal was to preserve patients’ quality of life. Rectal cancer patients who undergo surgery, radiation and chemotherapy can experience side effects. These side effects could include bowel and bladder dysfunction, incontinence, infertility and sexual dysfunction.

“This approach, if the results are confirmed, holds out the hope of cure without the need for potentially toxic therapy and the need to tolerate long-term negative treatment consequences in order to achieve a cure,” said Dr. Diaz at the 2022 American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting.

The cancer center plans to continue the research study, ultimately enrolling 30 patients. Follow up will be needed to determine if these results are long lasting.

Hanna K. Sanoff, MD, MPH, at the University of North Carolina Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, shared her thoughts on the results: “These initial findings of the remarkable benefit with the use of dostarlimab are very encouraging but also need to be viewed with caution until the results can be replicated in a larger and more diverse population” (Medical Xpress).

Don’t Delay Colorectal Cancer Screening

The American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates more than 150,000 individuals will be diagnosed with colon and rectal cancer in 2022.

More than 52,000 will die from the disease this year, according to the ACS.

In the United States, colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second-leading cause of cancer death.

CRC is one of the most preventable cancers through timely screenings. The disease often begins as a growth, called a polyp, inside the colon or rectum, according to the National Cancer Institute.

Leading health organizations now recommend screenings starting at age 45, not 50, for all average-risk individuals. People at high risk or who have a family history of the disease should be screened earlier.

Many screening methods are available for CRC, but a colonoscopy is the gold standard. Colonoscopy can both detect and even prevent CRC. During this procedure, a doctor can find and remove polyps in the colon (large intestine) or rectum before they become cancerous.

Most health insurance covers colonoscopy as a preventive screening or as a follow-up to evaluate a positive stool-based test. Patients aged 45 and older should check with their policyholder about this coverage.

When CRC is found at an early stage before it has spread, the five-year survival rate is about 90 percent. Our doctors perform colonoscopy screenings at surgery centers around the country. Schedule an appointment today.

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Your Child’s Pink Eye May Not Need an Antibiotic

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As children prepare to return to school, it’s important to note that August is Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month. Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is a common eye condition in school-aged children. Most cases of pink eye do not require antibiotics but are often misdiagnosed, and treating them can contribute to antibiotic resistance.

What Is Conjunctivitis or Pink Eye?

School-aged children frequently contract contagious illnesses like the common cold, strep throat and pink eye. Conjunctivitis, or pink eye, develops when infection or allergies irritate the conjunctiva, the clear tissue that covers the inside of the eyelids and the front of the eye. Typical symptoms of pink eye include the following:

  • Redness in the inner eyelid or white of the eye
  • Increase in tear production
  • Swollen eyelids
  • Gritty sensation in one or both eyes
  • Feeling like there is a foreign object in the eyes
  • Blurred vision
  • Increased sensitivity to light

What Type of Pink Eye Does Your Child Have?

If children exhibit symptoms of pink eye, contact your ophthalmologist. They may have developed one of three types of conjunctivitis: viral, bacterial or allergic.

Viral conjunctivitis is the most common type of pink eye. Often occurring in conjunction with a cold, respiratory infection or the flu, viral pink eye can begin in one eye and spread to the other. It is highly contagious and can easily transmit in schools and populated areas. Children can spread viral pink eye as long as they have symptoms and even before they display them.

Bacterial conjunctivitis is also very contagious. It often causes sore, red eyes with a thick discharge that causes the eyelids to crust and stick together. Sometimes, bacterial conjunctivitis develops along with an ear infection or strep throat.

Allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious. It develops due to an allergic reaction to an environmental irritant like animal dander, pollen, pool chlorine or cigarette smoke. Although allergic conjunctivitis is not transmittable, it can cause inflammation, itching and redness.

Treating Your Child’s Conjunctivitis

Most cases of pink eye develop from viruses or allergies and do not respond to antibiotics. Viral conjunctivitis usually improves in one to two weeks without treatment. Although bacterial conjunctivitis responds to antibiotic eye drops, most cases of bacterial pink eye are mild and improve within a week or two without medication.

Unfortunately, doctors over-prescribe antibiotics for pink eye symptoms. A study by the University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center found that 60 percent of patients with conjunctivitis symptoms receive a prescription for antibiotics, even though antibiotics are rarely necessary. In addition, about 20 percent receive antibiotic steroid drops, which can worsen the infection and cause antibiotic resistance.

Call Your Eye Doctor if Your Child Has Pink Eye Symptoms.

You may be tempted to take your child to a walk-in clinic and ask for an antibiotic, but call your eye doctor first. Your eye doctor can suggest ways to help your child stay comfortable and prevent infection from spreading to other family members.

Celebrate Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month by scheduling a yearly comprehensive eye exam for your family. Consider making the appointment around the time school begins so that it will become an annual tradition! Clear vision is essential for children to be successful in school, so call today.

Tips to Prevent Fall Sports Injuries, Protect Joints

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An active lifestyle is key for physical and mental health. Ways to stay active may include participating in sports and recreational activities.

As the fall season kicks off, athletes should take precautions to prevent injuries to their muscles, bones and joints.

Athletes between the ages of 5 and 24 sustain more than half of the seven million sports and recreational injuries each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Common injuries include the following:

  • Acute injuries where players are hit by something (like a ball), fall or run into another player. These can be minor (like a scratch or bruise) or more serious (like an eye injury or broken bone).
  • Overuse injuries (also called repetitive stress injuries) that happen from doing the same action over and over. They can cause problems with bone growth. Overuse injuries often happen in the feet, knees, elbows and shoulders.
  • Reinjuries that happen when an athlete returns to the sport before an earlier injury fully heals.

Proper Warm-up, Workout Prevents Injuries

Football and volleyball players are at risk for elbow and shoulder injuries as well as knee, hip, ankle, hand and lower back pain problems.

Hip and hamstring injuries, tendinitis, knee problems or foot strains can be an issue for cross-country runners.

Golfers may experience golfer’s elbow, tendinitis, lower back pain or rotator cuff conditions.

Pain and swelling can occur in many types of joints and muscles during practices or games, so knowing risks and preventive measures may reduce further injury.

Physical therapist Marcus Knox, DPT, told Medical Xpress proper warm-up and recovery are important in preventing spring sports injuries. These tips also apply year round.

Athletes also should follow an “off-season program to work on mobility and stability limitations or impairments,” said Dr. Knox, who works at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston.

“If you’re in a sport that requires you to have a lot of overhead motions like throwing, make sure that you have the right stability and mobility of the shoulder and shoulder blade, and you want to make sure the spine is moving correctly,” he said.

“There are lots of little things that you’d want to find out about your form before the season starts so you can work on that in the off-season,” Dr. Knox added.

The CDC offers a few tips for players to protect their muscles, bones and joints:

  • Use protective gear, such as helmets, wrist guards and knee and elbow pads — in addition to any other sports gear appropriate to your activity or player position.
  • Be sure that sports protective equipment is maintained correctly and is in good condition — without missing or broken buckles or compressed or worn padding.
  • Have players learn and practice skill sets relevant to their chosen activity. Be sure to safely and slowly increase activities to improve physical fitness; being in good condition can protect participants from injury.
  • Allow time for athletes to gradually adjust to hot or humid environments to prevent heat-related injuries or illness. Parents and coaches should pay close attention to make sure that players are hydrated and appropriately dressed.
  • Communicate positive messages about safety and serve as role models for safe behavior, including wearing a helmet and following the rules.

Don’t Delay Treatment

If you suffer a sports or recreational injury, do not overdo your training routine for recovery. Follow a doctor’s instructions on when to go back to playing after an injury.

“There has to be the perfect combination of rest and stress in order to recover from an injury quickly and safely,” Dr. Knox said.

Sometimes rest and stress are not enough for a full recovery. If you suffer from chronic pain in the knee, hip, shoulder or back, do not ignore these symptoms, or your condition may worsen.

Do not delay your diagnosis or treatment. Our orthopedists can develop a treatment plan to manage your joint pain. In many cases, surgery is not necessary, but your doctor may recommend it if you would benefit from a procedure. Schedule an appointment for an exam today.

Which Tests can be Used to Identify and Treat Esophageal Disorders?

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In the event you or a loved one experience a problem involving your esophagus, it’s imperative to have it evaluated so that the appropriate diagnosis and treatment approach can be carried out. But what does that involve? At Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates, our GI providers carry out an array of tests to diagnose esophageal disorders that could be interfering with your health. Please do not let an esophageal problem continue to negatively affect your life. To hear more about the types of evaluations and treatments for esophageal disorders in New Orleans, LA, request a visit with one of our GI providers. Read below to learn more about how each test work.

When is an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) recommended?

Commonly referred to as an EGD, an esophagogastroduodenoscopy is a test that is conducted to assess the upper part of your digestive tract. Additionally called an upper endoscopy, it uses a small camera fitted on the end of the endoscope, or tube.

During the exam, the tube is passed down through your throat to help our doctors see the esophagus, stomach, and upper portion of the small intestine, or duodenum. The camera transfers the pictures that are taken to a computer screen so that your gastroenterologists can assess them. When the pictures have been reviewed, our team of GI providers can determine a diagnosis and explain the appropriate treatment plan necessary for your health. An esophagogastroduodenoscopy procedure might be advised if you’ve noticed the following symptoms:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Heartburn
  • Anemia
  • Persistent acid reflux
  • Non-cardiac chest pain
  • Unintentional weight loss
  • Vomiting blood
  • Frequent nausea or vomiting
  • Swallowing difficulties
  • Functional indigestion (dyspepsia)

The team at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates can provide more information about this approach and if it can be beneficial to your health.

How does a CT scan detect and treat esophageal disorders?

A CT or computed tomography scan is a helpful tool for your digestive health physician when it pertains to esophageal conditions. These images function as the first step in the process of examining the esophagus. As radiographic procedures, CT scans generate a clear image of the area in question. The images are then provided to your doctor, who examines them and can determine the next steps to take to help ease your esophageal disorder.

Our New Orleans, LA digestive health specialists may order a CT to accurately diagnose esophageal conditions. These x-ray images can assist with:

  • Detecting inflammation or irritation
  • Detecting esophageal cancer
  • Detecting abnormalities in the esophagus
  • Determining if esophageal cancer has metastasized

When would a barium x-ray be needed?

A barium x-ray is scheduled when a radiographic assessment of your digestive tract is warranted. These procedures are commonly used to detect concerns, like tumors, polyps, ulcers, hernias, inflammatory conditions, and strictures.

The barium utilized in the exam is a dry and white chalky powder-like consistency. This powder is mixed with liquid so that it can be swallowed. Following ingestion, it will spread over the inner lining of your esophagus, stomach, and small bowel. The clarity of the barium permits our gastroenterology specialists to evaluate for irregularities that might not be seen when conventional x-rays are captured.

There are different types of barium x-ray tests in use. These include a barium enema to look at the lower gastrointestinal tract, a small-bowel follow-through, and a barium swallow to assess the upper gastrointestinal tract. If you or someone you love needs an esophageal evaluation, request an appointment with us without delay.

Find advanced esophageal treatment in New Orleans, LA

When you need treatment for esophageal issues, you can rely on the experts at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates. Our staff will work closely with you to design a treatment plan that addresses your condition. Call us today to request a visit with one of our esophageal specialists in New Orleans, LA. We look forward to helping you get the care you deserve.

Common Esophageal Conditions

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Positioned in the center of the chest, the esophagus is the top part of the digestive system. Though the esophagus can vary in size among individuals, esophageal conditions can affect everybody. Regardless of whether you require acid reflux relief, treatment for Barrett’s esophagus, or esophageal cancer treatment, finding the right medical experts to help you is imperative.

When you’re searching for ways to manage esophageal concerns, it’s important to have an experienced and dedicated group of gastroenterology providers you can rely on. At Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates, our GI physicians are available to help. Request an appointment with a member of our team today to receive help for esophageal disorders in New Orleans, LA.

How many individuals experience esophageal disorders?

Esophageal conditions are experienced by a large percentage of people in the United States. As reported by the American College of Gastroenterology, gastroesophageal reflux disease, often referred to as GERD, is experienced by 20% of the nation’s population, and cancer of the esophagus ranks within the top 10 most common cancers across the globe. Some esophageal cancers are associated with lifestyle habits, like tobacco use and alcohol consumption, while other types are associated with persistent acid reflux in individuals with GERD.

On average, acid reflux is experienced by approximately one-third of adults, and the chronic allergic inflammatory disease eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is experienced by around 1 in 2,000 people. Dysphagia, a condition characterized by swallowing difficulties, can affect one out of every six adults, as reported by the Dysphagia Research Society.

In the event you think you may be having esophageal issues and are looking to find the right approach for treatment, you certainly aren’t the only one. Request a visit at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates near you. Our team can appropriately diagnose and address your condition so that you may get relief from your symptoms.

What are common esophageal disorders?

You might begin to notice certain symptoms impacting esophageal function, such as trouble swallowing, pain in the chest area while eating, heartburn, or food getting stuck in the esophagus. Such symptoms might indicate esophageal issues that need care. A few of the most common conditions involving the esophagus include:

  • Dysphagia
  • Barrett’s esophagus
  • Esophageal cancer
  • Esophagitis
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease
  • Eosinophilic esophagitis
  • Acid reflux

To find esophageal treatment in New Orleans, LA, request a consultation with our specialty group. We will partner with you to identify a treatment strategy suited to your individualized needs. Whether it’s managing GERD symptoms or addressing esophagitis, we can deliver dependable treatment when you need it most.

When should you receive care from a GI physician?

Getting esophageal treatment from a GI physician may be necessary if you experience persistent symptoms that continue for more than 14 days. It’s also essential to seek treatment if the symptoms are impacting the quality of your sleep, if you notice sudden shifts in the frequency or intensity of your symptoms, or if you experience significant pain or discomfort.

Esophageal disorders can impact patients of all ages. If you or someone you love are experiencing esophageal concerns, there’s no need to deal with them alone. When you schedule a consultation with our GI experts at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates, we can help you get the quality care you require. Our digestive health professionals enjoy delivering solutions that have a positive impact on your health and wellness.

Esophageal care you can count on

At Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates, we’re proud to be a team of providers who can help you deal with the esophageal conditions that are causing you stress. To hear more about such disorders and to attain advanced esophageal care from a New Orleans, LA gastroenterologist you can trust, request a visit, and partner with our practice today.

What are Common GI Conditions Among Women?

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Although digestive diseases affect both males and females, certain gastrointestinal conditions are more widespread among women. This might be because of the differences in the structures of the gastrointestinal tract between men and women. Hormonal shifts that occur in women’s bodies because of menses, pregnancy, and menopause may also render GI conditions, such as IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), more extreme in women.

If you or a loved one have been experiencing gastrointestinal concerns, please seek gastrointestinal disease treatment in New Orleans, LA. The extensive group of gastroenterologists at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates diagnoses and treats common digestive diseases in women, helping patients relieve symptoms and enjoy a better quality of life.

What are the primary differences between women’s and men’s GI systems?

Though the function of the gastrointestinal system in women and men is structured identical, there are a handful of distinct differences that call for a slight adaptation in how gastrointestinal concerns are treated. Beginning at the top area of the gastrointestinal system, a woman’s lower esophageal sphincter (which is the ring of muscles that keep food from passing back up the esophagus) shuts more tightly than a male’s. Women generate less stomach acid than men. Additionally, their stomachs empty much slower. The large intestine in a woman is around ten centimeters longer than it is in a man’s body, as the gastrointestinal organs share space with the reproductive organs. As a whole, a woman’s digestive system activities take more time than a man’s.

Which digestive problems are more common among women?

There are several digestive concerns that affect women more frequently than men. Some of the most common GI problems in women involve:

  • Gastroparesis: This condition occurs when the stomach fails to empty fast enough, which could lead to GI issues, like bloating, nausea, vomiting, and heartburn. This condition is more commonly diagnosed in women.
  • Celiac disease: This is an autoimmune disorder wherein consuming gluten causes damage to the small intestines. Celiac disease is more commonly diagnosed in women than in men.
  • Gallstones: These are hardened cholesterol that develops into crystalline deposits in the gallbladder. Women are twice as likely to be diagnosed with this condition than men.
  • Irritable bowel syndrome: Women are two times as likely to have this condition, which impacts the small bowel and colon, compared to men. Moreover, IBS symptoms can be associated with a woman’s menstrual cycle, intensifying in severity toward the beginning of the period.
  • Constipation: A common gastrointestinal problem, constipation occurs when stool becomes hard or dry and difficult to pass. Women are three times more likely to experience constipation than a man.

If you or a family member notice any of GI conditions mentioned here, then help is within reach through Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates. Request a consultation with one of our gastroenterology specialists in New Orleans, LA today to help treat your GI condition.

How can women maintain proper gastrointestinal health?

Heeding healthy habits can help maintain and support good gastrointestinal health and wellness, no matter if you are a woman or a man. Some of the habits that can help keep your gastrointestinal health on track include:

  • Getting regular exercise
  • Seeing a GI specialist for digestive symptoms
  • Drinking adequate water daily
  • Consuming smaller meals more frequently
  • Managing a healthy weight
  • Decreasing stress
  • Consuming more high-fiber foods

Need help with GI issues in New Orleans, LA?

Should you experience any troubling symptoms associated with your GI tract, then connect with the expert GI doctors at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates to get the care you need. As a physician-led group of gastroenterology providers, we regularly treat gastrointestinal disorders in New Orleans, LA patients. Our team can help you ease your symptoms and experience an improved quality of life.

Improving Outcomes for Hip or Knee Replacement Surgery

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Is chronic pain and mobility loss causing you to consider a knee or hip replacement? You can take active steps to improve the success of your total joint replacement if you make specific lifestyle changes before the procedure.

When to Consider Total Joint Replacement

Chronic pain can result when the cartilage that lines the ends of the bones becomes worn or damaged from arthritis or fracture. Your orthopedist may recommend total joint replacement if nonsurgical treatments like physical therapy, medication and modified activities fail to relieve your pain and disability.

Knee and hip replacements are the most common joint replacements. However, replacement surgery can be performed on other joints like the wrist, shoulder, elbow and ankle.

Having a Successful Total Joint Replacement Procedure

Matthew Abdel, MD, a Mayo Clinic orthopedic surgeon who specializes in hip and knee replacement, said patients can take an active role in having a successful surgery. Dr. Abdel suggests following these tips to improve the success of a knee or hip replacement:

  1. Find safe ways to lose weight. Even losing 20 pounds can make a significant difference in the outcome of surgery. Talk to your doctor about your body mass index. Your target body mass index is less than 40 kilograms per square meter (kg/m2).
  2. Make sure chronic conditions like diabetes are under control. Ask your primary care physician about glycemic control. Your HgA1C should be less than 7.5 before you have hip or knee replacement surgery.
  3. Do not use nicotine products. Your hip or knee procedure will be more successful if you stop smoking cigarettes and cigars and do not use chewing tobacco at least six weeks before surgery.
  4. Stop taking narcotics. Cease taking all narcotic pain medication at least 14 days before surgery.
  5. Reduce or stop using alcohol. Heavy alcohol use can alter the effects of anesthesia.
  6. Call your doctor about illness. Patients who become ill with a cold, fever or influenza in the days before surgery should contact their doctor.

Obesity, Bariatric Surgery and Joint Replacement

Obesity is one of the highest risks of joint replacement surgery because it increases the likelihood of post-surgical complications like instability and infection. Dr. Abdel and his colleagues conducted a study showing patients who had bariatric surgery to help them lose weight still had significant complications after the joint replacement procedure.

“We think it may have something to do with the bariatric patients’ underlying system, such as their gut microbiome and underlying genetic host variation,” Dr. Abdel said. “Even though they lost the weight, the soft tissues and underlying collagen status were still of their original nature.”

What May or May Not Help Knee or Hip Replacement

Certain changes will not improve the outcome of total joint replacement, like using wound creams, taking vitamins and supplements or using electrical stimulation. Other changes like pre- or post-operative physical therapy may or may not be effective in improving knee or hip replacement outcomes.

Call a Local Orthopedist for Consultation

If you are experiencing persistent joint pain, call your orthopedist. At your appointment, you can discuss options for physical therapy, medication or surgery if necessary.

 

Patients Skip Colon Cancer Screenings Because of Obesity Stigma

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Early diagnosis of diseases like colon cancer saves millions of lives each year. Getting a quality cancer screening test is important to diagnose diseases early.

Unfortunately, some patients who are overweight or obese are avoiding life-saving cancer screenings. British researchers reported some patients fear their doctor’s judgment about their weight. The report was published online in Obesity Science and Practice.

Delaying or avoiding cancer screening tests like colonoscopy may hurt a person’s health. Lead researcher Yitka Graham said these screenings are “vital to early diagnosis and favorable outcomes.”

In the report, women living with obesity were less likely to be screened for cervical cancer. Men who were overweight or obese were less likely to be screened for colon cancer, according to the review.

People avoided screenings because of “embarrassment, negative body image and trouble with imaging equipment.”

Excess Weight Increases Colon Cancer Risk

If your weight is higher than what is considered healthy for your height, you may be overweight or obese. Body Mass Index (BMI) is a person’s weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters. A high BMI can indicate being overweight (BMI 25-<30) or obese (BMI >30).

According to the World Health Organization, 650 million adults worldwide are obese.

Excess weight increases the risk of developing 12 types of cancer, including colon cancer. So, timely screenings are crucial for early diagnosis and prevention.

“Getting recommended cancer screenings is critically important for people with obesity, who may be at a higher risk for some cancers,” Kristen Sullivan told MedicalXpress. Sullivan is the director of nutrition and physical activity at the American Cancer Society (ACS).

Graham is head of the Helen McArdle Nursing and Care Research Institute at the University of Sunderland in the United Kingdom. She said healthcare professionals need to encourage people to access healthcare services without fear of stigma or judgment.

“This has implications for early clinical interventions needed to diagnose, assess and treat common cancers, with the consequence of potential adverse outcomes and increased cancer mortality for those living with obesity,” Graham told MedicalXpress.

Sullivan said some doctors are educating themselves on how to reduce biases and stereotypes against patients with higher BMIs.

In the meantime, Sullivan told MedicalXpress that people who are overweight or obese must be their own advocates.

Don’t Delay Colon Cancer Screening

In 2020, about 12 percent of all cases of colorectal cancer occurred in individuals younger than 50, according to the ACS. Patients diagnosed before age 50 were more likely to have advanced disease at diagnosis.

By 2030, 10.9 percent of all colon cancers and 22.9 percent of all rectal cancers will affect patients younger than 50. This is compared with 4.8 percent and 9.5 percent, respectively, in 2010.

Colorectal cancer cases have been increasing in adults ages 40-54. Recently, healthcare agencies started recommending screenings begin at 45 for people at average risk for the disease. If you have a family history of colon cancer or polyps, you should be screened earlier. People with digestive symptoms should consult their physician regardless of age.

Individuals with higher BMIs risk their health by avoiding recommended colon cancer screenings.

Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in the United States. With screenings starting at 45, the ACS reports that 60 percent of colon cancer fatalities could be prevented.

Many screening methods are available, but a quality colonoscopy is the gold standard. This procedure allows your doctor to see the entire length of the colon to examine for and remove precancerous polyps. It is the only screening that can both detect and prevent colon cancer.

No matter your weight, if you are 45 or older, don’t delay colon cancer screening. Take the first step to better health and schedule a quality colonoscopy.

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Poor Vision Can Be Misdiagnosed as Cognitive Decline

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Cognition tests that rely on vision-dependent activities may skew results for up to 25 percent of adults over 50 with undiagnosed eye problems like cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

A new study by the University of South Australia suggests millions of elderly people with vision problems are being misdiagnosed with cognitive decline.

What Are Cataracts and Macular Degeneration?

Visual impairments affect approximately 200 million people worldwide over the age of 50. Cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are common causes of vision loss but do not affect cognitive function. Cataracts are a clouding of the eye lens and are the leading cause of vision loss in adults over 55. Over half of Americans will develop a cataract by age 75.

AMD affects five percent of Americans aged 65 and older. Although it does not cause blindness, it affects the ability to drive, read, cook and do everyday tasks.

Poor Vision or Cognitive Impairment?

Poor vision can often be misdiagnosed as early brain decline when cognitive tests assess only visual ability. Researchers from the University of South Australia studied 24 participants with normal vision and asked them to complete two cognitive exams. One exam included vision-dependent activities, and the other used verbal-based metrics.

When the participants used glasses to simulate AMD, they received much lower scores on brain tests involving reaction time tasks compared to when they were not wearing the glasses. The research team noted no difference with verbal fluency tests when participants used the simulation glasses.

“The diagnosis of [mild cognitive impairment (MCI)] can trigger psychological problems (e.g., depression and anxiety) due to the stigma of cognitive impairment,” said University of South Australia PhD candidate Anne Macnamara. “For people with AMD, who are already experiencing physical and psychological issues due to vision loss, the multitude of repercussions that inaccurate cognitive assessments causes are an unneeded additional burden” (Scientific Reports).

Improving Screening Procedures to Include Verbal Tasks

Unfortunately, vision problems are often missed in clinical and research environments. The research team estimates experts underestimate visual impairments in half of all older adults. This statistic will increase as the population ages, so it is crucial that researchers examine vision when analyzing cognitive function in older people.

“Mobile apps can now be used to overlay simulated visual impairments onto test materials when piloting their stimuli,” Macnamara said (Medical Xpress). “Also, researchers can incorporate quick and simple screening tasks before getting people to do cognitive tests. Verbal tasks should always be part of the assessment, too.”

Call Your Ophthalmologist for a Comprehensive Eye Exam

When was the last time you visited your ophthalmologist for a yearly comprehensive eye exam? An eye exam looks at more than just your vision. It offers a glimpse of your overall wellness. Many chronic conditions show early signs in the eyes, such as diabetes, hypertension and heart disease.

Call today to make an appointment for the whole family. Early detection and treatment of eye diseases like macular degeneration, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy can preserve vision and prevent further eye damage.