"This blog was developed to provide medical updates that are important and have my perspective as additional insight."
Colon screening took a great leap forward with the FDA approval today of the COLOGARD stool test. This test does genetic screening on your bowel movements to check for genetic defects that are found in cancerous polyps and tissues that are sloughed-off into the bowel movement. Using this $599 test, you will be able potentially …
Colon cancer has a large preventable component through early screening and detection, and despite the general safety and tolerability of colonoscopy, many people hesitate due to the preparation required, or due to the perceived risk of the test (which is small..but real.) Other ways we screen for cancers and polyps is through testing for microscopic …
Two large studies have shown that screening for colon cancer is an effective tool in reducing your risk for dying from colon cancer. Both articles appeared in the respected New England Journal of Medicine. One study looked at colonoscopy, and found a 70% reduction in your chances of dying from colon cancer. A second study …
Read More “GET YOUR COLONOSCOPY ON….OR AT LEAST CHECK THE BOWELS FOR MICROSCOPIC BLOOD”
In a recent study of oiver 1,000 patients with colon cancer, discovery at colonoscopy proved to be an important factor in longer survival. Patients who were discovered to have colon cancer by colonoscopy were found to have an earlier stage of disease and a longer life-span. This is just another study suggesting the benefits of …
A patient just sent me this great video of one of my favorites, the comedian Robert Klein, singing this paean to the colonoscopy. If you haven’t had one yet, it’s time. Between 50-55 you should get your first colonoscopy or sooner (40) if there is a strong family history of colon cancer. To read more …
This past week the FDA approved a lower-volume colonoscopy preparation called PREPOPIK (funny name.) The Baltimore Sun on-line reports: Prepopik is a combination of sodium picosulfate, magnesium oxide and anhydrous citric acid with an orange flavoring. It is taken in two doses: either both doses the day before the colonoscopy or one dose the day …
Read More “YIPPEE…..NEW, LOW VOLUME COLONOSCOPY PREP IS APPROVED”
A just-released study in the NEJM (New England Journal Of Medicine) has clearly shown the benefits of colonoscopy. In patients with polyps (called adenomatous polyps…a specific type of polyp under the microscopic), removal of these polyps reduces the future risk of colon cancer by 50%…..a statistically large margin. It is important to have proof that …