Barrett’s esophagus is a condition where the cells lining the lower portion of the esophagus change from a sturdy and strong type, like our skin, to an acid-resistant type found commonly in the intestines, a shift called intestinal metaplasia. The condition is believed to be caused by an excess regurgitation of acid and stomach contents into the esophagus over a … Read More
Colonoscopies: Too much of a good thing?
We know that colonoscopies save lives. As mentioned in an earlier blog post, a study by the Yale Cancer Center found that widespread screening has resulted in an estimated 550,000 fewer cases of colorectal cancer over the past three decades. Given the effectiveness of colonoscopies in saving lives, is it ever possible for patients to have too much of a … Read More
Colon polyps 101: What are they and how are they related to colon cancer?
If you’ve read GIA’s blogs, or website material in general, you’re familiar with the emphasis that we place on the lifesaving value of screening colonoscopies to detect and remove precancerous polyps.
Have you heard about GERD?
In 1999, the U.S. National Health Observances calendar was updated to designate the week of Thanksgiving as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Awareness Week. What is this condition, and why does it merit a national awareness week, especially one that includes America’s holiday centered on eating? GERD is a digestive disorder that affects the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the muscle that … Read More
GIA Physicians applaud FDA’s Definition of ‘Gluten Free’
Imagine if eating a certain food ingredient would not only make you sick, but also threaten your health or possibly even your life? What if you couldn’t trust that foods labeled free of this ingredient were accurate? That’s been the situation faced by millions of people who have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. The only treatment for these conditions is … Read More
Study Finds No Link between B Vitamin Supplements and Colon Cancer Risk
For some time, researchers have had mixed opinions as to the effect of B vitamins on the risk of colon cancer. Some have suggested that these vitamins might increase the risk of pre-cancerous lesions, while others believed they might provide some preventive benefit.
Alternative treatment for Barrett’s esophagus — condition results from chronic acid reflux
Barrett’s esophagus is a condition in which the esophagus actively tries to protects itself from erosion caused by chronic acid reflux. Cells in the lining of the esophagus transform into tissue similar to the type that lines the stomach. This tissue alteration results in a greater risk of developing esophageal adenocarcinoma, a dangerous cancer that is rising in incidence.
Acid Reflux on the Rise
The American Gastroenterological Association reports that more than 60 million Americans experience symptoms of heartburn (caused by acid reflux) at least once each month, while a long-term Norwegian study recently revealed that that the number of people who experience acid reflux at least once a week has increased by 50% in the last 10 years.
Brachytherapy offers targeted treatment for esophageal cancer
Brachytherapy is our newest tool in the treatment of esophageal cancer.
Is Heartburn Becoming a Problem?
Here comes the burn: You have just finished a great meal or you lay down to rest and you are hit with that uncomfortable, burning sensation in your chest. Although commonly called heartburn, it really doesn’t involve the heart. Heartburn affects many of us. In fact the American Gastroenterological Association reports that more than 60 million Americans experience symptoms at … Read More