Colon Cancer Risk Factors – Age, Ethnicity, Habits and More

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March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month, so let’s learn more about the risk factors for colon cancer.

Colon Cancer Risk Factors Beyond Our Control

There are several risk factors for colon cancer that you cannot change, but it is important to be aware of them so you can discuss them with your doctor.

  • Age — Nine out of ten new cases of colon cancer develop in individuals over the age of 50.
  • Personal or Family History of Colon Cancer or Colon Polyps — If you or a first-degree relative has ever had colon cancer or an adenoma (colon polyp), you are more likely to develop cancer of the colon or rectum.
  • History of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) — Having IBD, including Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, puts you at higher risk, especially if it goes untreated.
  • Having an Inherited Syndrome — The most common inherited syndromes associated with colon cancers are Lynch syndrome (hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer or HNPCC) and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP).
  • Racial and Ethnic Background — African Americans have the highest colon cancer incidence and mortality rates in the United States.
  • Type II Diabetes — Colon cancer and type II diabetes share some similar risk factors like inactivity and obesity.

Colorectal Cancer Risk Factors We CAN Control

Several risk factors for colon cancer can be limited or eliminated when you have the proper support.

  • Obesity or Being Overweight — If you struggle with weight, especially weight around your waistline, you are at higher risk for colon cancer. Talk to your doctor for help managing your weight.
  • Sedentary Lifestyle — Increasing your physical activity can lower your risk for colon cancer, even just walking each day.
  • Diet — Eating red meat, processed meats and high-fat foods put you at higher risk for colon disease. Replace high-fat and processed foods with fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins.
  • Smoking — When you smoke, you increase your risk for colon cancer as well as lung cancer. Quitting smoking will provide immediate health benefits.
  • Heavy Alcohol Use — Limit your alcohol intake to no more than two drinks per day if you are male and no more than one drink per day if you are female (source: American Cancer Society).

You can’t control all risk factors for colon cancer, but you can control your habits. Changing daily choices regarding diet, smoking, drinking and activity level could make all the difference in whether you develop the disease. Talk to a gastroenterologist about more healthy living tips to keep you cancer-free. Limiting your risk factors can help you maximize your health and longevity!

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What Causes Cataracts? Symptoms, Treatment and More

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Over time, the cataract will spread and cause symptoms such as blurred or double vision, sensitivity to glare, faded colors and halos around lights.   

Causes and Risk Factors for Cataracts

One of the greatest risk factors for cataracts is age, but many other factors influence cataract formation including:

  • Family history
  • Exposure to ultraviolet radiation from sunlight, tanning beds and other sources
  • Diabetes
  • Hypertension
  • Obesity
  • Smoking
  • High alcohol consumption
  • Prolonged use of corticosteroid medications
  • Statin medicines used to reduce cholesterol
  • Hormone replacement therapy
  • Previous eye injury or eye surgery
  • Eye inflammation
  • High myopia

An Ophthalmologist May Help with Cataract Diagnosis

If you think you may be at high risk for cataracts, make an appointment with an ophthalmologist. If you have a developing cataract, your doctor can suggest some lifestyle changes to help delay its progression. You may be able to slow the formation of cataracts by quitting smoking, changing medications, staying out of the sun or managing your blood pressure.

Cataract Treatment Involves Eye Surgery

If cataracts are affecting your vision, your ophthalmologist will perform cataract eye surgery. Cataract eye surgery is one of the most common and successful procedures performed in the United States. A surgeon removes the affected lens and replaces it with a clear plastic one called an intraocular lens (IOL). There are countless types of customized IOLs that can correct vision at various distances or even block ultraviolet light to protect the retina.

Another benefit of cataract surgery is that it is usually an outpatient procedure that can be performed at an ambulatory surgery center. There is little down-time required, so most patients can resume their normal activities rapidly.

It might be difficult to avoid getting cataracts, but you do not have to live with them. Make an appointment with your ophthalmologist today to improve your vision health. 

Dangers and Risks of Putting Off Knee Replacement Surgery

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Patients often delay knee replacement surgery because of fear of the procedure or concerns about the recovery process. Interestingly, while many people worry about what could possibly happen if they undergo knee replacement surgery, fewer stop to think about what will likely happen if they wait:

  • Increased knee pain
  • Further damage to the joint
  • Reduced mobility and ability to use the knee

Continuing to delay knee replacement surgery can bring about serious consequences, such as the inability to walk, work and perform normal daily tasks.

Knee Replacement Surgery May Be More Complex the Longer You Wait

The longer a patient waits to have knee surgery, the more complicated the surgery can become. Here are some ways the procedure can become more complex when a person delays knee replacement surgery:

  • The knee may become deformed and therefore harder to replace
  • The surgical procedure can take longer
  • Kneecap resurfacing may be required
  • Options may become more limited. For instance, early on, a patient may only need a “partial” knee replacement, but if they wait, they may need “total” knee replacement — which is a more complex procedure.

Delaying Knee Replacement Surgery May Diminish Health

Patients who are relatively healthy when they have a knee replaced are more likely to recover sooner. The longer patients wait and allow their knee issues to affect them, the more it impacts overall health. For instance, an inability to walk without pain may lead to avoidance of exercise and weight gain which will put even more pressure on the painful knee.

Make a Knee Replacement Surgery Appointment

So, what’s the smart choice? If you are experiencing knee pain, make an appointment with your doctor and find out if knee replacement surgery or another type of treatment is right for you. Knee replacement may not be the only option, and there may be a different therapy such as a cortisone injection or medication that can help.

Most patients who have had knee replacement surgery not only report positive outcomes including reduced pain or complete freedom from knee pain, many say they would have had knee replacement surgery sooner.

Why is a Colonoscopy Important?

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A colonoscopy offers the best protection against colon cancer, the third-leading cause of cancer death. Studies suggest that colonoscopies reduce deaths from colorectal cancer by 60 to 70 percent (source: National Cancer Institute).

Colonoscopy is the Most Comprehensive Colon Cancer Screening

Colon cancer begins as an adenoma (abnormal growth) in the colon or rectum called a polyp. During a colonoscopy, a doctor can detect and remove polyps before they develop into cancer.

Other colon cancer screenings like fecal occult blood tests or stool DNA tests can detect the presence of blood or DNA biomarkers in the stool, but they cannot be used to confirm a diagnosis of colon cancer. A colonoscopy is the only screening that includes a visual exam of the entire colon and rectum. Using a colonoscope, a gastroenterologist can view the colon on a screen and remove any developing polyps.

The rate for detecting these polyps is the adenoma detection rate (ADR), and you should be looking for a physician with an ADR of at least 15 percent in women and 25 percent in men.

Colonoscopies Detect Cancer Earlier than any Other Test

Colonoscopies are essential because colon cancer is highly treatable when it is found early. In fact, colon cancer is over 90 percent treatable in the early stages. When colon cancer reaches an advanced stage, it is no longer contained in the colon and has metastasized to other organs.

People rarely experience symptoms in early stage colon cancer, so you cannot rely on physical sensations. At diagnosis, many patients claim to feel fine and say that there was nothing to alert them that they had colon cancer. Warning signs like abdominal pain, bloody stool, rectal bleeding and weight loss are often indicators of advanced stage colon cancer, which is challenging to treat.

Call a Gastroenterologist

If you are 50 or older, talk to your doctor about getting a colonoscopy. If you are African American, you should get screened beginning at age 45. Other risk factors, like family history, could also lower your screening age, so make an appointment so you can get screened appropriately.   

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Save Your Vision – Schedule an Eye Exam

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Detect Cataracts, Glaucoma and AMD Early

The goal of Save Your Vision Month is to increase awareness about the importance of quality eye care. The American Optometric Association recommends Americans of all ages visit an eye doctor for a yearly eye exam.

A comprehensive eye exam with dilation promotes early detection of conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and age related macular degeneration. When eye disease is diagnosed in the early stages, it is much easier to treat, and the outcome is more favorable. Conditions like glaucoma and macular degeneration often do not have symptoms early on, so prompt intervention is necessary to prevent vision loss.

Workplace Eye Health and Safety Month

Every year, over 20,000 eye injuries occur in the workplace. Workplace Eye Health and Safety Month reminds us to be intentional and mindful of eye-healthy practices. If your eyes may be exposed to chemicals or flying debris, protect your vision with appropriate eyewear like safety glasses, safety goggles or face masks.

You might think that eye injuries only happen on construction sites and on factory floors, but eye damage can occur in any setting. One of the greatest hazards to eye safety is digital eye strain. Staring at digital screens for multiple hours per day can cause eye fatigue, blurred vision, neck and back pain and dry eye. If not treated properly, digital eye strain can threaten productivity in the workplace.

A simple, effective way to relieve the symptoms of digital eye strain is to follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This will allow your eyes to relax as you find a new focal point (source: Rebuild Your Vision).

Schedule an Eye Exam to Help Insure Vision Health

March is the ideal time to make an eye exam appointment and renew your commitment to healthy vision. Your ophthalmologist will test you for refractive errors, focusing problems and eye conditions, and you can discuss the results of your comprehensive eye exam that day. You can leave your appointment knowing you have the most updated prescription for your vision needs.

If you have concerns about digital eye strain or eye safety in the workplace, discuss these issues with your ophthalmologist. Quality eye care is just a phone call away.

Colon Cancer Awareness Month 2018: Everything You Need to Know

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Because colorectal cancer prevention is so important, in 2000, advocates for colorectal cancer awareness joined together and designated March as National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. The goal was to raise awareness about the disease, to motivate people to talk about colorectal cancer prevention and to encourage screening.

This is a particularly important year for National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month: that is because it is the culmination of the “80% by 2018” initiative. Through “80% by 2018,” hundreds of organizations across the nation joined together and pledged to do their part to help eliminate colorectal cancer as a major public health issue. Their shared goal is to impact 80 percent of the eligible U.S. population so they get screened for colorectal cancer by 2018.

Pledge to Talk About Colorectal Cancer

This year, why not support the “80% by 2018” initiative on your own? Talk about colorectal cancer prevention with your family, friends and co-workers. Here are some facts you can share as part of your discussion:

  • Colorectal cancer is the nation’s second leading cause of cancer death for both men and women
  • It is highly preventable if you get screened regularly beginning at age 50
  • Over 90 percent of those who develop colorectal cancer are over age 50
  • You could have colorectal cancer and not know it, therefore, screening by a doctor is important
  • Colon cancer symptoms include blood in the stool, cramping or stomach aches that persist, and unexplained weight loss

Some People Are at Higher Risk

You should also be aware that certain people are at higher risk for the disease and make a special effort to talk to these individuals about colorectal cancer prevention. Risk factors include:

  • Having a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps
  • Having Crohn’s disease or inflammatory bowel disease
  • Not getting enough exercise
  • Not eating a healthy diet
  • Using alcohol or tobacco
  • Being overweight or obese

About Preventive Screening with Colonoscopy

According to current colon cancer screening guidelines, men and women of normal risk should have a colonoscopy at age 50 and every 10 years thereafter. During the colonoscopy, a physician will view the length of the colon and rectum through a colonoscope to look for any abnormal growths.

The doctor can usually remove any polyps found during the colonoscopy, so the patient does not need to undergo another procedure. Although most growths found in the colon are benign polyps, some can become cancerous, so the removed tissue is sent to a lab for testing.

Learn More

To learn more about National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, visit www.ccalliance.org/awareness-month.

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You’re Never Too Young for Colon Cancer

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Why Young-Onset Colon Cancer is on the Rise

Although colon cancer incidence among Americans over the age of 50 is declining, young-onset colon cancer is on the rise. This may be for a few reasons:

  • Publications and educational materials about colon cancer screening and prevention tend to be targeted to people who are 50 years of age or older.
  • Younger people are unfamiliar with risk factors and warning signs for colon cancer.
  • Younger people are often unaware of their family health history.

Importance of Increasing Awareness of Young-Onset Colon Cancer

Disease prevention begins with knowing the symptoms. However, colon cancer can be a challenging disease to diagnose because there are often no warning signs in the early stages. For those who do experience symptoms, the indicators may include:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Blood in stool
  • Change in bowel habits
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Bloating, fullness or cramps
  • Vomiting

Being familiar with common symptoms of colon cancer helped Missy, age 26, know that she needed a colon screening. She wrote the following in a testimonial: “Thanks to nursing school, I was able to recognize the symptoms. I insisted my GI doctor perform a colonoscopy. I believe it was the early detection and treatment that stopped the stage 1 from becoming a much bigger problem. Don’t be afraid to get screened!” (source: Colorectal Cancer Alliance).

Listen to Your Gut and Speak up About Colon Cancer

Since colon cancer is on the rise among younger people, it is important to pay attention to your body. If you experience any warning signs of colon cancer that persist or worsen, make an appointment with a gastroenterologist.

The good news is that colon cancer is over 90 percent treatable when it is discovered in the early stages. Don’t be afraid to speak up and ask to be screened. It is important to know if you have a family history of colon cancer because that could make you eligible for early or more frequent screenings. If you have any concerns about your colon health, make an appointment with your GI doctor today.

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Common Eye Infections and When to go to the Doctor

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Pink Eye

Pink eye is the common name for conjunctivitis. It can be bacterial or viral, but the warning signs are similar: eye redness, swelling, burning and discharge. Viral conjunctivitis usually causes a watery discharge with crusting in the mornings, while bacterial conjunctivitis typically results in a constant, thick, yellow or green discharge. Pink eye is highly contagious and spreads quickly, especially in schools and day care centers. An ophthalmologist will usually prescribe antibiotic eye drops for bacterial pink eye.

Bacterial Keratitis

Bacterial keratitis is an infection of the cornea, the clear dome in the front of the eye. It is caused by pseudomonas bacteria found in soil and water or staphylococcus bacteria carried on human skin. Contact lens wearers can develop bacterial keratitis, but people who do not wear contacts can develop it as well. Although bacterial keratitis is not contagious, it can develop quickly and can cause vision loss if left untreated.

Stye

A stye develops when an oil gland in the eyelid or eyelash becomes infected with bacteria, usually bacteria that is normally found on the skin. It can look like a red bump under the eyelid or at the base of the eyelashes, and it can feel painful and tender. Most styes last about a week and will eventually heal without treatment.

When to Visit an Eye Doctor

It is not necessary to visit your eye doctor at the first sign of eye irritation, but if symptoms persist or worsen over 24 hours, or if you are a contact lens wearer and have a red eye for more than one day, you should make an appointment with an ophthalmologist. Here are a few symptoms that could indicate a serious eye infection:

  • Swelling in the area around the eyes
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Blurred vision
  • Eye pain
  • Discharge that forms a crust along the lash line
  • Blurry vision
  • Extreme light sensitivity
  • Sensation of a foreign object in the eye

Most eye infections can be prevented with good hygiene. Wash your hands often and avoid touching your eyes. Clean all towels, washcloths and pillowcases in hot water, and never share cosmetics. 

Herniated Disc Pain Often Relieved with Non-Surgical Treatment

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A herniated spinal disc can be extremely painful and can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life. When a disc is herniated or ruptured, the gel-like, inner substance can leak into the surrounding area and aggravate the spinal nerves.

Fortunately, though, many people with pain from herniated discs experience relief from non-surgical treatment. If you have been diagnosed with a herniated disc, here are some of the non-surgical treatment options your orthopedic surgeon may offer:

Short-Term Non-Surgical Treatments for Herniated Disc Pain Relief

  • Ice: Pain and inflammation often accompany a herniated disc. Your orthopedic surgeon may recommend an ice pack to reduce swelling. After 48 hours, treatment with ice is less effective, so use it soon after the onset of back pain for optimum relief.
  • Heat, or heat and ice: For some, heat or a combination of heat and ice is the best short-term solution to relieve herniated disc symptoms. Like ice, however, treatment with heat is less effective after the first 48 hours.
  • Pain medication: As an initial non-surgical treatment for herniated disc pain, your orthopedic surgeon may recommend a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen to help relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Long-term use of NSAIDS has been linked to cardiovascular and gastrointestinal problems, so limit your use of these medicines.
  • Steroids: Another non-surgical option for herniated disc pain is steroids. Your orthopedic surgeon may prescribe an oral steroid to help you. Like NSAIDs, they should not be used over the long term.
  • Muscle relaxants: Some people with herniated disc pain experience painful muscle spasms. If this is true for you, your orthopedic surgeon may prescribe a muscle relaxant that can help.

Long-Term Non-Surgical Treatments for Herniated Disc Pain

  • Physical therapy: Spinal issues like herniated discs are often caused by weak back muscles. Because of this, your orthopedic surgeon may prescribe physical therapy, which can strengthen the back muscles reducing strain on the spine. Additionally, a physical therapist may teach you new and better ways to perform certain activities, such as lifting items, to help you avoid future herniated disc pain.
  • Epidural injections: Another non-surgical treatment to relieve herniated disc pain is an epidural injection, which contains powerful anti-inflammatory compounds. Epidurals are injected directly into the painful area to reduce swelling and bring pain relief.

Although there is a good chance a non-surgical treatment can help reduce herniated disc pain, it can sometimes take several weeks or months to establish a personalized treatment plan. Treatment will likely involve a combination of non-surgical methods.

If you have tried non-surgical treatments for herniated disc pain that have not helped or are no longer working, there may be a minimally invasive a spine surgery option that could benefit you. Talk to your orthopedic surgeon to find out more.

What is Celiac Disease and How is it Diagnosed?

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So, what is fact and what is fiction?

Gluten Intolerance Versus Gluten Sensitivity

Gluten intolerance is due to a condition called celiac disease. Celiac disease is a genetically predisposed autoimmune disorder in which the ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine. Common symptoms of celiac disease include brain fog, depression, ADHD-like behavior, abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, headaches, bone or joint pain, and chronic fatigue after eating gluten.

It is estimated that celiac disease affects 1 in every 100 individuals worldwide, but millions are unaware that they have the condition. In the United States alone, 2.5 million men, women and children have undiagnosed celiac disease. 

People who suffer from symptoms that seem related to gluten may have a condition referred to as non-celiac gluten sensitivity. This means that they may experience similar symptoms of celiac disease, but ingesting gluten does not damage their small intestine in the same way. Studies estimate that 18 million Americans have non-celiac gluten sensitivity. That is six times the number of Americans who have celiac disease.

How is Celiac Disease Diagnosed?

Celiac disease can be detected by a simple blood test that screens for celiac disease antibodies. The most common test is called the tag-IgA test. For this test to be effective, the patient must be eating a diet including gluten at the time the test is administered. If the blood test results suggests celiac disease, the doctor will make a referral to a gastroenterologist.

The gastroenterologist will perform an outpatient procedure called an endoscopic biopsy of the small intestine to evaluate whether the patient has tissue damage related to gluten. A diagnosis of celiac disease can be confirmed when there is evidence of healing due to a gluten-free diet.

If you are experiencing symptoms related to celiac disease, call your gastroenterologist for an appointment. 

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