American Cancer Society Lowers Colon Cancer Screening Age to 45

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Latest Research Calls for New Colonoscopy Age Guidelines

Previously, the ACS and other medical organizations recommended colon screenings for average-risk men and women beginning at 50 years of age. The ACS updated their recommendation in May 2018 after examining the most current colon cancer statistics.

Since the 1990s, colon cancer incidence among Americans aged 20 to 54 has gradually risen by between 0.5 and 2 percent per year and rectal cancer incidence has increased by between 2 and 3 percent per year. The ACS asserts if this trend continues, people born in 1990 will double their risk for colon cancer and quadruple their risk of rectal cancer compared to those born in 1950.

Men and women 55 and younger are 58 percent more likely to be diagnosed with advanced-stage colon cancer because they are unaware of the warning signs of colon cancer and may appear to otherwise be in good health.

Why Colon Cancer Screening Matters

Colon cancer is the third-leading cause of cancer death in the United States and is expected to claim the lives of 50,630 Americans this year. Most cases of colon cancer are actually preventable through screening, but one-third of eligible adults are not getting screened.

American Cancer Society’s New Guidance

The new guidance from the American Cancer Society includes the following Colonoscopy Age Recommendations:

  • All adults who are at average risk for colon cancer should begin routine screening at age 45.
  • Those with a family or personal history of colon polyps or colon cancer should begin screening earlier.
  • Average-risk men and women in good health with a life expectancy of more than ten years should continue colon cancer screenings through 75 years of age.
  • Men and women between the ages of 76 and 85 should consult their medical provider about whether to be screened, based on their overall wellness, life expectancy, personal preferences and prior screening habits.
  • Men and women 85 and older should not be screened for colon cancer.

Insurance Coverage

Although the ACS recommends that first-time colon screenings begin at age 45, not all insurance plans offer preventative coverage for patients between the ages of 45 and 59.

Talk to your doctor about your family and personal medical history so you can be screened at the appropriate time. Then, call your insurance provider about coverage specific to your age, medical history and doctor’s recommendations.

Call a Gastroenterologist

As young-onset colon cancer continues to increase, it is important to remember that you are never too young. More adults in their 20s and 30s are being diagnosed than ever before. The ACS encourages you to familiarize yourself with the warning signs of colon cancer so you can act promptly. If symptoms persist for more than a few days, schedule an appointment with a fellowship-trained gastroenterologist.  

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Types of Eye Drops: Learning the Difference

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Varieties of Eye Drops

Over-the-counter (OTC) eye drops treat minor ailments and eye discomfort. You can achieve favorable results with many OTC brands if you read instructions carefully and use the drops as directed. A few advantages of OTC drops are easy accessibility and lower cost.

Irritation caused by chronic conditions may need to be treated with prescription eye drops recommended by an ophthalmologist or optometrist. Some OTC eye drops have a prescription-strength version that contains a higher percentage of active ingredients, but you’ll have to see your eye doctor to request a prescription. 

Drops for Dry Eye

Eye irritation and dryness is common, especially in the fall and winter. Most minor cases of dryness respond well to lubricating drops or artificial tears, but these drops may not alleviate the symptoms. If OTC drops do not soothe the scratchy, irritated, burning sensation from dry eye, call your ophthalmologist. You may be one of 30 million Americans who suffer from chronic dry eye and would benefit from a prescription eye drop.

Drops for Redness

Decongestant drops can help clear away redness by constricting blood vessels in the eye. If redness persists, schedule a check-up with your eye doctor. Overusing decongestant drops can make the redness problem worse.

Drops for Allergies

Allergens like grass, dust, mold, spores and pet dander can cause the body to release histamines that trigger eye irritation, redness and watering. OTC and prescription eye drops that contain antihistamines can block the histamine that initiates the allergic response.

Antibiotic drops

Bacterial infections like pink eye require prescription antibiotic drops to reduce symptoms and bring healing. Antibiotic drops are also prescribed after eye surgery to prevent infection. These drops are not available over the counter.

Rewetting drops

Contact lenses wearers can get relief using OTC rewetting drops to add moisture when contacts feel dry.

Glaucoma drops

One treatment method for glaucoma is prescription eye drops which help maintain safe levels of internal eye pressure. These drops are only available with a prescription and the dosage is carefully monitored by an ophthalmologist.

Make an Appointment with Your Eye Doctor

Eye drops can soothe irritation, treat infection and maintain healthy vision when used as directed. Call a board-certified ophthalmologist to schedule an appointment for a comprehensive eye exam and an evaluation of your eye care regimen. 

Top 10 Procedures Performed at Multispecialty Surgery Centers

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Regardless of what your health is like today, chances are at some point you will need to go to a multispecialty surgery center or another healthcare provider for medical procedure.

If you don’t know a lot about multispecialty surgery centers, it’s wise to know about what they offer before you need their services. There are many benefits to being treated in one of these independent facilities as compared to a hospital, such as:

  • Ability to go home the same day as the surgery—no need for an overnight hospital stay
  • Easy scheduling and access for patients and families
  • Reduced costs—patients may much less than they would for the same procedure in a hospital
  • Reduced risk of infections as compared to hospitals

Here are some of the most common outpatient procedures performed at multispecialty surgery centers:

1. Carpal Tunnel Surgery: Carpal tunnel release is a type of surgery used to treat to carpal tunnel syndrome. During the procedure a ligament is cut to take pressure off the nerve causing the pain.

2. Cataract Surgery: If a person experiences vision loss due to the lens of their eye becoming cloudy, cataract surgery may be recommended. During cataract surgery, an eye doctor removes the damaged lens and replaces it with an artificial one.

3. Colonoscopy: During a colonoscopy a flexible device with a camera is inserted into the rectum, and the doctor uses it to find growths called polyps. Sometimes, they can be removed at the same time that they are detected.

4. Cystoscopy: If someone is having bladder issues, a doctor may use a cystoscope, which is a thin tube with a camera and light on the end. This device is inserted into the urethra, then water is administered through it. This stretches the bladder, so the doctor can better see the area.

5. Hysteroscopy: If a woman is having unusual vaginal bleeding, has had several miscarriages or has another gynecologic problem, a gynecologist may schedule a hysteroscopy. This procedure uses a hysteroscope which is a thin, lighted device that is inserted through the vagina and into the cervix so the doctor can view the uterus.

6. Incision Procedures on the Middle Ear: Sometimes a doctor can relieve a patient’s ear pain by making a tiny incision in the eardrum. This procedure, called a myringotomy, relieves pressure caused by fluid build-up.

7. Knee Arthroscopy: If a patient has a knee problem like an ACL tear or cartilage problems, the doctor may use knee arthroscopy to treat it. An arthroscope is a surgical tool with a tiny camera. The doctor makes tiny incisions and inserts this device and surgical tools in the damaged area to further diagnose it or treat it.

8. Paravertebral Facet Joint Block and Facet Joint Denervation: If spinal facet joints are injured or become arthritic, facet joint denervation may be used. It is a procedure where a heated needle is inserted to damage the nerve, which also kills the pain. A steroid also be injected into the area, too, which can block the pain.

9. Shoulder Arthroscopy: Sometimes shoulder arthroscopy will be used to treat the shoulder issue such as a rotator cuff tear. This procedure uses a surgical tool with a tiny camera called an arthroscope. The arthroscope can be inserted into an incision in the shoulder, allowing a doctor to view and treat the area.

10. Upper GI Endoscopy: If a person has a problematic stomach ache, vomiting or heartburn a doctor may recommend an upper GI endoscopy. This is a procedure that uses a device called an endoscope, which is a flexible thin tube with a camera. The doctor can use it to view the inside of the food pipe (esophagus), the stomach and the first part of the small intestine.

Colon Cancer Rates On Rise in Low, Middle-Income Countries

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Colon cancer used to be thought of as a Western disease that affected only the affluent, and colon cancer was no exception. According to the World Cancer Research Fund, two-thirds of colon cancer cases occur in countries associated with high income.

Colon Cancer Risk Factors

Life Expectancy

One reason why colon cancer rates are higher among wealthier nations is that life expectancy is higher in developed countries. Colon cancer is usually associated with advanced age, and most new cases of colon cancer occur in men and women over the age of 50.

The Western Diet

The Western diet also contributes to colon cancer risk. A 2018 study found that a pro-inflammatory diet centered on red meat, refined grains, saturated fats, sugary drinks and processed foods significantly increases colon cancer risk. Replacing fiber-rich fruits and vegetables with foods that are high in fat causes inflammation in the colon, a precursor to cancer.

Obesity Rates

As developed nations grow increasingly sedentary, obesity rates are steadily climbing. One out of every three American adults is obese, making our society more prone to diabetes, heart disease and cancer.  Excess weight, especially in the mid-section, increases risk for colon cancer.

Colon Cancer Worldwide

New studies show cancer mortality is a global problem, especially lung, breast and colon cancers. Advancements in colon cancer education, screening and therapies in Western nations have helped to reduce colon cancer incidence, but developing countries are experiencing a surge in new cases.

Lindsey Torre, an epidemiologist at the American Cancer Society, believes lifestyle factors are largely responsible for increases in cancer incidence among low and middle-income nations. For example, smoking is now more common among poorer countries. We are now seeing developing countries adopting unhealthy habits from wealthier nations like eating a Western diet, being sedentary and having a higher body mass index.

Cancer can no longer be considered a Western disease. Colon cancer affects every population group and age level, so it is essential to know the warning signs of colon cancer. If you experience symptoms like abdominal pain, cramping, bathroom habit changes, rectal bleeding or excess fatigue, call a gastroenterologist.

The American Cancer Society suggests that all adults who are at average risk for colon cancer begin screening at age 45. Talk to your GI doctor about your individual risk so you can get screened at the appropriate time.  

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Retinal Detachments Require Immediate Treatment

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What is a Retinal Detachment?

The retina is a thin layer of light-sensitive cells at the back of the eye that relays impulses to the optic nerve. In rare cases, the retina can separate from the blood vessels that provide it with oxygen and nutrients.

What Causes Retinal Detachment?

A retinal detachment can be caused by retinal disease, injury, scar tissue, inflammation or diabetes, but most retinal detachments are spontaneous. People who exhibit the greatest risk for retinal detachment include individuals who:

  • Have had a retinal detachment in the past
  • Have a family history of retinal detachment
  • Are extremely nearsighted
  • Have experienced eye trauma
  • Have had diabetic retinopathy or inflammation
  • Have undergone cataract surgery

Retinal Detachment Surgery

Almost all patients with a retinal detachment require surgery to prevent permanent vision loss. The type of surgery depends on the details of the patient’s detachment.

Photocoagulation (laser surgery) or cryopexy (freezing treatment) — Laser surgery or freezing treatment may be sufficient to prevent the retina from pulling away if the retinal holes or tears are small.

Scleral buckle — A surgeon sews a plastic, silicone band to the sclera to keep the retina in place and allow it to reattach to the back of the eye. Sometimes, the vitreous fluid behind the detached retina must be removed so the retina can recede to the back of the eye again.  

Pneumatic retinopexy — A surgeon injects a gas bubble into the center of the eyeball to flatten the retina against the back of the eye. Using a laser beam or freezing probe, the surgeon then seals the retina into the proper position.

Vitrectomy — The surgeon removes the vitreous gel, so that it does not pull on the retina. The surgeon will replace the vitreous fluid with a saline solution and often a temporary gas bubble is placed to push the retina back into position. Vitrectomy can be combined with scleral buckle if necessary.

What are the Warning Signs of a Detached Retina?

When the retina is not receiving oxygen and nutrients, it begins to deteriorate and can cause permanent vision loss. A detached retina is painless, but it is often accompanied by symptoms like:

  • Blurred vision
  • Eye floaters
  • Flashes of light
  • Reduced peripheral vision

A Retinal Specialist to the Rescue

If you experience any symptoms of retinal detachment, call your ophthalmologist immediately. Swift intervention will help preserve your vision. You can maintain healthy eyesight by scheduling yearly comprehensive eye exams, so make an appointment today. 

Ovarian Cancer: Symptoms, Warning Signs and Risks

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September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month — an opportunity to increase awareness so that women reduce their risks of the disease and detect it sooner, and so that we can all encourage public education and continued research.

According to the American Cancer Society, in 2018, an estimated 22,240 women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer, and approximately 14,070 women will die from it. Women most at risk for ovarian cancer are in their 50s and 60s.

Fortunately, the rate at which women are being diagnosed has been gradually decreasing over the past two decades. Unfortunately, there is still no adequate screening test for ovarian cancer that is available, and the disease is hard to detect in its early stages when it is most treatable.

Therefore, it’s important for women to be aware of the possible warning signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer as well as to assess their reproductive history and family history of the disease. Ovarian cancer symptoms are often subtle and can be easily confused with other issues.

Ovarian Cancer Symptoms

  • Bloating
  • Pelvic or abdominal discomfort
  • Frequent need to urinate

Assess Your Reproductive and Family History

Research shows a link between the number of menstrual cycles a woman has had in her lifetime and increased risk of developing ovarian cancer. A woman is at greater risk if she:

  • Began menstruating before age 12
  • Has never given birth
  • Never took birth control pills (oral contraceptives)
  • Has experienced infertility
  • First gave birth after age 30
  • Experienced menopause after 50

Also, be aware that approximately one in four women diagnosed with ovarian cancer has a strong family history of the disease, and the greatest risk factor is an inherited mutation in one of two BRCA genes. However, women who have a grandmother, mother, daughter or sister with ovarian cancer but no known genetic mutation still are at greater risk of developing the disease.

How to Reduce Ovarian Cancer Risk

Although ovarian cancer can’t be prevented, women can talk to their healthcare providers and identify the best steps to take to help reduce risk. If ovarian cancer runs in the family, a consultation with a genetic counselor may be recommended.

Here are examples of non-surgical approaches a gynecologist may recommend:

  • Take oral contraceptives: When used for five or more years, women can cut their risk of developing ovarian cancer in half in comparison to women who have never used them.
  • Breastfeed: Breastfeeding is linked to a reduced risk of ovarian cancer, likely because a woman ovulates less often when she is pregnant or breastfeeding.
  • Lose weight: Studies have discovered a link between obesity and ovarian cancer. A 2009 study in the journal Cancer found that obesity was associated with a nearly 80 percent higher risk of ovarian cancer among women between the ages of 50 to 71 who had not taken hormones after they entered menopause.
  • Reassess hormone replacement therapy: Studies show that using estrogen and progestin for five years or longer increases the risk of ovarian cancer in women who have not had a hysterectomy. If a woman has had a hysterectomy and has used estrogen for more than 10 years, her risk also increases.

A gynecologist may also recommend a surgical procedure such as:

  • Hysterectomy: Removing the uterus can decrease the risk of ovarian cancer by 33 percent.
  • Prophylactic bilateral salpingo oophorectomy: This procedure to remove the ovaries and fallopian tubes can significantly reduce the risk of ovarian cancer.
  • Tubal ligation: Having the fallopian tubes tied can reduce risk by up to 67 percent.

Hopeful News Regarding Ovarian Cancer

Finally, be aware of this good news regarding ovarian cancer: according to the American Cancer Society, familial genetic research is beginning to offer clues about how the disease develops. Eventually, this is expected to lead to new therapies that could be used to prevent or treat ovarian cancer. Learn more.

Probiotics, Fiber and Water Help Prevent Colon Cancer

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A healthy colon is essential for overall wellness, and you can nurture your gut by making a few nutritional changes.

The large intestine, or colon, is responsible for digesting food, processing waste and supporting immunity. A well-balanced diet and proper hydration will help maintain colon function and prevent digestive disease. Colon cancer is the third-leading cause of cancer death in the United States, but most cases of colon cancer are preventable through positive lifestyle changes and routine colonoscopies.

You can be an advocate for your own colon health by consuming more fiber, probiotics and water.

Benefits of a High-Fiber Include Colon Cancer Prevention

Fiber is non-digestible plant material found in skins and peels of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Eating five to nine servings of fresh fruits and vegetables and three to four servings of whole grains provides adequate fiber to meet the daily recommended allowance. Men should consume at least 38 grams of fiber per day and women should consume 25 grams per day.

Good sources of fiber include black beans, split peas, brown rice, oatmeal, wheat germ, oat bran, baked potato, flaxseed meal, chia seeds, avocados, pears and apples.

Probiotics Benefits

Probiotics are living strains of bacteria and yeast that regulate digestion, immune function and hormone production. A healthy colon contains 100 billion to 100 trillion beneficial bacteria per milliliter, but advanced age, illness, poor diet and antibiotic use can destroy healthy gut flora.

Eating foods that contain probiotics can fortify the gut microbiome with new colonies of beneficial bacteria. Good sources of probiotics include kombucha, kimchi, sauerkraut, kefir, miso, tempeh, pickles, and some yogurts. Many yogurts sold at commercial grocery stores have been pasteurized, which kills the probiotic cultures. When evaluating food labels, look for yogurts and fermented products that contain L. acidophilus and Bifidobacteria.

Water

Proper hydration is essential for colon health. Water is necessary for absorbing vitamins and minerals and removing toxins from the liver and kidneys. Water also binds with fiber to create bulk in the stool and helps move solid waste through the digestive tract.

A good general rule is to drink half of your body weight in fluid ounces. Stay away from caffeinated beverages like soda, coffee and black tea that are diuretics and cause dehydration and constipation.

Schedule a Colonoscopy

Finally, colon-healthy living includes routine colonoscopies at regular intervals, as recommended by your gastroenterologist. The American Cancer Society recommends that people who are at average risk for colon cancer begin screenings at age 45. Although there are other methods of colon cancer screening, a colonoscopy is the gold standard because it allows a gastroenterologist to examine the entire colon for precancerous polyps. Any suspicious polyps that are found during the procedure can be removed, so they do not develop into colon cancer.

Call your gastroenterologist to discuss your digestive health and schedule a colonoscopy. A healthy colon makes a healthier YOU.

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Colorful, Nutrient-Rich Fall Vegetables Help Prevent Eye Disease

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Your eyes need proper nourishment for lifelong, healthy vision, and fall vegetables are some of the best sources of essential nutrients.

The autumn season provides a bountiful harvest of squash, root vegetables, legumes and leafy greens that contain high amounts of antioxidants. These vitamins and minerals neutralize free radicals and protect eye cells from oxidative stress.

Research suggests that people who eat more vegetables and fruits are less likely to develop chronic diseases. A diet that is rich in antioxidants like zinc, lutein, zeaxanthin, and vitamins A, C and E can help prevent age-related eye diseases like cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration.

Buying produce from a vegetable stand, co-op or farmer’s market allows you to eat vegetables that are locally grown and harvested at the peak of ripeness. You’ll find that the produce tastes better because it has ripened on the vine, which also makes it more nutritious.

Vitamin or Mineral That Promotes Eye Health

  • Beta carotene and vitamin A: Pumpkins, carrots, sweet potatoes, yams, cantaloupe, acorn squash, curly kale
  • Vitamin C: Broccoli, bell peppers, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, turnip greens
  • Vitamin E: Swiss chard, mustard greens, parsley, pumpkin seeds, butternut squash
  • Zinc: Lima beans, spinach, beet greens, okra, sunflower seeds, peanuts, zucchini
  • Lutein and zeaxanthin: Collard greens, radicchio, watercress, arugula, green peas, leeks, broccoli rabe

Eat a rainbow of fall vegetables for optimum eye health. Incorporate red peppers, orange yams, yellow squash, green limas and purple beets into your autumn menu and remember that More Matters. Try to eat at least five to nine servings of fresh fruits and vegetables daily and purchase local produce if possible.

As the calendar year comes to a close, call your ophthalmologist for an annual comprehensive eye exam. Yearly eye check-ups are just as crucial for eye health as a well-balanced diet. Your eye doctor will test your visual acuity, evaluate your current prescription and screen you for degenerative eye disease. 

 

Fibroids: Signs, Symptoms and Treatments

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A fibroid is a type of non-cancerous tumor that forms in the uterus. Fibroids — also called uterine fibroids — consist of smooth muscle cells and connective tissue and can range from pea-sized to grapefruit-sized. An estimated 20 to 80 percent of women in their childbearing years have fibroids, although many women do not know it.

The reason fibroids develop is still not fully understood. However, what is known are the types of women most at risk of developing them. Women most at risk are:

  • African-American
  • Nearing menopause
  • Obese

Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids

Some women have no symptoms at all, while others’ symptoms are severe. And although every woman experiences a unique set of symptoms, some of the more common ones include:

  • Abnormal bleeding
  • Frequent need to urinate
  • Heavy or prolonged menstrual periods
  • Lower back pain
  • Painful intercourse
  • Pelvic pain

Fibroids Are Usually Found During a Pelvic Exam

Fibroids are most often discovered during routine pelvic exams. However, only about one-third of fibroids are large enough to be detected during an exam. If a gynecologist believes a woman may have fibroids but does not detect them during a pelvic exam, the doctor may schedule an imaging test such as an x-ray, ultrasound or MRI.

Examples of other possible tests a gynecologist may recommend are:

  • Hysteroscopy: A procedure in which an instrument called a hysteroscope is inserted into the vagina so the gynecologist can see the canal of the cervix and the inside of the uterus.
  • Endometrial Biopsy: A procedure in which the doctor numbs the cervix, inserts a thin tube into the cervix and gently suctions out a tissue sample from the uterine lining.
  • Hysterosalpingography: A type of x-ray exam that uses dye and records images of the uterus and fallopian tubes.

Deciding to Treat Fibroids or Wait

Most fibroids stop growing or may even shrink as a woman approaches menopause, so a gynecologist may recommend waiting and monitoring fibroids versus treating them. However, if a woman has fibroids that are very large or are causing pain and severe symptoms, a gynecologist may recommend treatment.

When deciding whether or not to treat fibroids, it’s important for a woman to communicate closely with her doctor and discuss things such as:

  • Overall health
  • Severity of symptoms
  • Available medications, procedures or therapies
  • Plans for future pregnancies

Types of Treatment

If the gynecologist and patient decide to move forward with treatment, there are surgical, minimally invasive and non-surgical options that can include:

Surgical

  • Hysterectomy: Surgical removal of the uterus, which also removes the fibroids
  • Myomectomy: Removes the fibroids, but leaves the uterus intact so a future pregnancy is possible

Minimally Invasive

  • Uterine artery embolization: A process in which the arteries supplying blood to the fibroids are identified and then embolized (blocked). Because the blood supply to the fibroids is blocked, the fibroids shrink.
  • Endometrial ablation: The lining of the uterus is removed or destroyed.

Non-Surgical

  • Anti-hormonal agents: A gynecologist may prescribe an anti-hormonal agent, like progestin, or a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist. These medications cause estrogen and progesterone levels to fall, which stops menstruation. This in turn causes fibroids to shrink. Additionally, it can improve associated anemia. While these prescriptions can help reduce symptoms of fibroids, they are often used temporarily or prior to surgery or embolization to help with pain or symptom relief.

For More Information

Visit womenshealth.gov to read frequently asked questions and to learn more about fibroid treatment methods. If you are experiencing any symptoms, schedule an appointment with one of our physicians today.