Category: Colonoscopy

Preventative Eating: Colon Cancer

Posted on by Dr. Tara Martinez

Preventative Eating: Colon Cancer

Preventative Eating: Colon Cancer

We’re all familiar with the age-old adage, “You are what you eat”.  It’s something our elders would tell us in an effort to ply us with fibrous vegetables rather than the easygoing processed junk that would’ve sated our childhood tastes.  

As adults ourselves now, it is important to not only remember this adage, but also to expand our education of nutrition in order to ward off the increasing potential for complications as we age.  

There is no simple cause of cancer – only carcinogenic elements that we have identified through scientific research and can alert others to avoid. Proper nutrition and diet are important in helping to prevent many diseases, including colorectal cancer.

Colorectal cancer, which affects 6% of Americans, is one that directly affects the digestive system.  As such, it can be directly affected by how we treat our digestive systems.

 

The Link Between Dietary Fat and Colorectal Cancer:

Unfortunately, dietary fat may be one of the greatest culprits connected to the colorectal cancer-causing process.  High consumption of fat increases the amount of substances called bile acids that are released into the digestive tract to help break down the fats. When bile acids get through to the colon, they may be converted to secondary bile acids, which have the potential to promote tumor growth, especially of the cells that line the colon.

“How could this be, though?  Human beings have been consuming fat in various forms throughout the millennia – Some would say it has helped us evolve and survive!”   Absolutely. And throughout history, peoples’ diets have been expanded and refined to complement the intake of fat. For example with the successful Mediterranean diet, fat consumption is balanced out through consumption of red wine and vinegars, which have been shown to aid the body in the breakdown of fats as a sort of pre-emptor to bile acids, so as not to put so much strain on the digestive system with the consumption of a heavy meal.  

In fact, when it comes to wine, it’s best to choose red.  New research suggests a chemical from the extracts in red grapes and red wine might help the body burn fat cells.

 

Antioxidants Vs. Free Radicals:

Another key warrior in the fight against colorectal cancer is the powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants operate by bolstering the body’s defenses against free radicals, which are known to contribute to the formation of cancer.

 

Fiber – Move along, toxins:

Thirdly, as any physician would recommend, you must retain an adequate source of fiber in your diet, each and every day.  Fiber is easy to find in fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole-grain cereals and breads, and beyond. Nature provides wonderful foods such as celery and apples, which provide us with vitamins, minerals, and plenty of fiber.  

Fiber intake is known to improve health by moving the body’s waste through the digestive tract faster.   In terms of cancer prevention, this may give those potentially toxic substances less of a window of time to come into contact with your intestinal cells. It is also believed that some types of fiber help detoxify potential cancer-causing substances as well as prevent these substances from being absorbed by the cells of the intestines.

 

Can Colon Polyps be Prevented?

Posted on by Dr. Tara Martinez

Can Colon Polyps be Prevented?

Oftentimes completely painless and asymptomatic, colon polyps are noncancerous growths that occur throughout the lower digestive tract and usually end up being completely harmless. However, they are still a reason for concern, because, if left untreated, some colon polyps can develop into cancerous growths. Moreover, even noncancerous polyps can eventually lead to pain and bothersome symptoms if they grow too large. Therefore, it is important for everyone — especially patients over the age of 50 or with certain risk factors – to learn about colon polyps and how they can be treated or prevented.

First off, to answer the question posed in the title of this article, many colon polyps can be prevented. The primary risk factors for developing a colon polyp include age, genetic factors, inflammatory bowel diseases, tobacco use, alcohol use, and type 2 diabetes. By eating a healthy diet that is rich in vitamins and fiber, many inflammatory bowel diseases, along with most cases of type 2 diabetes, can be avoided. And controlling your alcohol and tobacco and take can further reduce your risk.

However, you will also notice that your age and genetic factors are not so easily controllable. People over the age of 50, people with a family history of colon polyps, people with certain genetic problems, and people of African American descent are all at an increased risk of developing colon polyps. Even if you live a very healthy lifestyle, you should still be aware of this issue — especially as you advance in age.

Regular checkups with your doctor are crucial. After all, most colon polyps do not cause any symptoms. Though bleeding, changes in stool color, changes in bowel movements, pain, nausea, vomiting, and iron deficiency are all potential reactions to this issue, there is no guarantee that your body will alert you to colon issues before a problem has become serious.

Now for some good news: colon screenings are normally fairly straightforward and painless. The most famous option is colonoscopy, however you should know that these are only performed once every 10 years in most cases. You may occasionally need less invasive options such as a virtual colonoscopy or a sigmoidoscopy, though, especially if you have multiple risk factors for colon cancer. These screening options are not always exceedingly popular with patients; however, they are crucial to preventing and treating cancer and an optimal time frame.

If your doctor does happen to find a colon polyp during an examination, the odds are good that he or she can simply remove the polyp immediately as a part of the procedure without any further complications. You may not even realize that this has happened until your doctor tells you so! In the event that a colon polyp has grown especially large or has become cancerous, your doctor will probably schedule surgery or another treatment plan on another day.

If you have had colon polyps diagnosed, treated, and removed, your doctors may make a few recommendations or treatment plans for the future. For example, your doctor may suggest that you receive colon cancer screening at more regular intervals in the future, or that you make a few lifestyle changes in order to reduce your risk of experiencing further colon-related problems in the future.

If you are concerned about your colon health, if you are due for a colonoscopy, or if you have been diagnosed with problems such as colon polyps and would like to receive a second opinion, we encourage you to visit Surgical Specialist of Long Island online for more information and a chance to make an appointment today!

5 Reasons why Patients Avoid Colonoscopies

Posted on by Dr. Tara Martinez

5 Reasons why Patients Avoid Colonoscopies

It is a procedure that takes as little as 20 minutes and could potentially save your life. In fact, it has been scientifically proven to save the lives of thousands every year. And most patients who do it report little to no discomfort. All the same, colonoscopies have received a very bad reputation, and each year thousands of patients who should receive this important procedure instead avoid it, putting themselves at risk for cancer and other severe health problems. Why does this happen? Let’s take a quick look at 5 of the most common reasons why patients avoid colonoscopies.

  1. They don’t have any family history or known risk factors, and therefore believe that a colonoscopy is not necessary. The truth is that anyone over the age of 50 is at risk for colon cancer and therefore should receive a colonoscopy every ten years, unless another screening method or screening frequency is recommended by their doctor. Moreover, even though health information is readily available online, it is important to keep in mind that only a doctor can assess your personal level of risk, and that there are many risk factors you may not be fully aware of.
  2. They fear that the procedure will cause pain or discomfort. Nearly everyone has had the displeasure of experiencing a painful or uncomfortable medical procedure. Whether an unpleasant trip to the dentist as a child or an annoying blood test as an adult, these things are bound to happen sooner or later, and they tend to leave a bad impression. Because of this, many of us shy away from procedures that we believe could cause us discomfort in the future. And colonoscopies, as we already mentioned, have a bad reputation in this sense. However, the truth is that the vast majority of patients report feeling little to no discomfort when when having a colonoscopy. Sometimes, the idea of a procedure is scarier than the procedure itself!
  3. They feel embarrassed. Once again, the idea of a colonoscopy can be uncomfortable for some. This issue can be quite challenging for doctors, as it is not usually easy to talk someone out of their feelings. However, it is important to understand just how important this procedure is — and perhaps, taking that into account, you can overcome any negative feelings and accept that a colonoscopy is necessary. At the very least, you should know that great lengths are always undertaken to protect patient privacy and dignity.
  4. They feel like the procedure is inconvenient. Colonoscopies usually last less than one hour. However, the drugs that are given for colonoscopies last a bit longer, and between the procedure time and the time needed for colonoscopy drugs to wear off, patients generally miss one day of work. In today’s fast-paced world, this can seem tremendously inconveniencing for patients. And this dissuades many people from undergoing the process at all. It is worth pointing out, however (morbid as it may seem), that this is not much compared to the amount of time that you would need to miss if you ended up being diagnosed with colon cancer because you failed to treat a routine colon polyp on time. There is a lot at stake, and you owe it to yourself not to allow the small inconvenience of a routine procedure to expose you to the larger inconvenience of serious illness.
  5. They are afraid that the results of the test will not be favorable. For some people, the fear of an unfavorable test result is enough to keep them away from undergoing medical examinations altogether. Though understandable on an emotional level, this idea is quite logically flawed. It is important to realize that in today’s world, most diseases can be cured as long as they are caught in their early stages! A bad result should not scare you — what should scare you is the idea of not knowing about a bad result until it is too late.

If you wish to learn more about colonoscopies, or schedule your own appointment, we encourage you to visit Surgical Specialists of Long Island online today.

Colorectal Cancer Screening

Posted on by Dr. Tara Martinez

Colorectal Cancer Screening

Colorectal Cancer Screening

 

According to the American Cancer Society, there is “95,520 new cases of colon cancer,” estimated for 2017. It is the third most common cancer excluding skin cancer in the United States. The disease affects both men and women. The discovery of and spread of the colorectal cancer can be prevented through regular cancer screenings.

What is Colorectal Cancer?

Colorectal cancer is also known as colon cancer. It starts in the colon or rectum and are often grouped with rectal cancer because of similar features. Symptoms include abdominal pain as well as a change in bowel movements. A polyp may develop in the colon or rectum’s inner lining and turn into cancer which is why it’s important to have it monitored.

Who Gets Colorectal Cancer?

People over the age of 50 are at greater risk for this form of cancer. Men and women who have Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), Crohn’s Disease or other similar bowel-related diseases as well as smokers, drinkers, and consumers of red meat have a greater chance of developing and being diagnosed with colorectal cancer.

Statistically, men have a greater chance of developing the disease. The American Cancer Society reports that “Overall, the lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer is: about 1 in 21 (4.7%) for men and 1 in 23 (4.4%) for women.” There isn’t a large margin of difference between the two sexes which means that everyone should be screened for the disease.

What Does a Screening for Colorectal Cancer Entail?

Screenings for colorectal cancer has helped the death rate decrease for several decades. Men and women with polyps are having them removed before they turn to cancer. The survival rate connected with colorectal cancer in the United States has improved, too, with over 1 million people surviving the deadly disease.

A colonoscopy is the most common screening process for patients with colorectal cancer symptoms. The doctor will give you very clear instructions to follow to prepare for the procedure. You’ll be asked to drink clear liquids and to stop eating solid foods.

You may even be required to take a laxative or a special drink to consume that helps with the colonoscopy. You’ll also be given medication that helps you relax. This makes it easier for the doctor to insert the colonoscope through the rectum and into the colon.

He or she will then be able to monitor your body for ulcers and polyps. Any polyp that is present is removed and tested for cancer. Your doctor will then monitor you closely for future signs of colorectal cancer because of the discovery they made.

After the procedure is complete, you’ll remain at the facility where you can be watched. You’ll then need someone to drive you home as the medication you were given at the time of the colonoscopy makes you drowsy and impairs judgement. You’ll need to drink a good amount of water to replace what you lost during the preparatory process.

You’ll then wait to hear back from the surgeon who may have sent tissue in to the lab for further testing. You can have results back in as few as a couple days or weeks. It depends on what was discovered and how busy the lab is at the time they received the samples.

Take Charge of Your Health by Scheduling a Screening Today

There is nothing more empowering than taking an active interest in your own health. By knowing what risk factors exist, you have ways to prevent and fight colorectal cancer should you be diagnosed with it. Partnering up with a trusted medical professional is the quickest, easiest, and most reliable way to learn more about your health.

Schedule a Colorectal Cancer screening with Surgical Specialist of Long Island right away. It’s important that you take preventative steps by meeting with a physician who can monitor you for signs of this form of cancer.

Having a physician you feel comfortable speaking to helps you ask the right kinds of questions that help your health. If colon surgery is in your future, you’ll relax knowing that it is performed by a surgeon you trust. The process is minimally invasive, too, meaning that you’ll heal faster and be back to your day-to-day activities in no time.

Colon Polyps and What to Do About Them

Posted on by Dr. Tara Martinez

colon-polyps-and-what-to-do-about-them

Colon Polyps and What to Do About Them

 

The division of cells in your body is a natural and constant process. As your cells die, your body races to replace them. However, sometimes your body continues to create cells in places where new cells aren’t yet needed. As the cells build up, they will become abnormal growths. It is under these circumstances that colon polyps–clusters of cells in the lining of colon–form.

Types of polyps

There are three types of polyps that are mostly likely to be found in your colon, and they can indicate different things about your health.

  • Adenomatous polyps are the most common polyps to be found in the lining of the colon. They are also the most likely to be malignant, but the chances of that happening are small.
  • Serrated polyps can have different significance depending on their shape and location. Larger, flat polyps located in the upper colon, which are harder for doctors to find, are precancerous. However, serrated polyps found in the lower colon are rarely malignant.
  • Inflammatory polyps are the result of ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease and are not malignant, but the diseases that cause these polyps can cause cancer.

Risk Factors

Risk factors are traits that can make a certain person more likely to develop colon polyps. In general, adults are more likely to develop polyps if they are 50 years old, or older. It has been found that if a member of your immediate family has colon polyps, your chances of developing polyps will significantly increase. Those who make unhealthy choices such as excessive drinking, smoking, or eating excessive amounts of red meat will also be more likely to have polyps.

Symptoms

As colon polyps are not something you can see externally, you should be on the lookout for the symptoms. Abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting are all common symptoms of colon polyps, but as they are symptoms of many other issues, they may be indicative of something else. This isn’t to say you should ignore them. If colon polyps bleed slowly over time, the bleeding can cause your iron levels to become low, which leads to anemia. Rectal bleeding is another symptom of the polyps, but it can also be the result of a tear in tissue. A change in bowel habits such as constipation or diarrhea is another symptom, so as common as it can be, it should not be ignored.

Appointment Prep

You don’t want to find out that you have colon polyps from the symptoms. If the polyps are discovered and removed early enough, there will be no symptoms at all. However, if you do have symptoms make sure that you’ve identified them so that when you meet with a doctor, you can give them as much information as possible. You should also write down any question you have beforehand so that you don’t forget when it comes time to ask your doctor.

Further Action

If your doctor believes that you may have colon polyps, they’ll want to screen you for them. This could come on the form of a colonoscopy, but others procedures are also available depending on what your doctor sees fit. For example, adenomatous polyps can be found with a sigmoidoscopy, but all other types require a colonoscopy or something else similar. Polyps should be removed as soon as possible to prevent them from becoming cancerous.

You’re better off safe than sorry. Polyps can exist in the lining of your colon for a decade before coming cancerous, but that doesn’t mean you should leave them there until it is too late. A recommended screening can save your life, so you should put it off. We of Surgical Specialist of Long Island will be happy to answer any of your questions and help you make an appointment. Visit our website today to learn more.

Why Colonoscopies and Sigmoidoscopies are Important

Posted on by Dr. Tara Martinez

colonoscopy

Why Colonoscopies and Sigmoidoscopies are Important

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” goes the old saying. When it comes to medicine, this is certainly the case. And of course, the value of this prevention is much more than merely fiscal: catching potential problems early can help add years to your life while enhancing your quality of living. Getting regular colonoscopies according to your doctor’s medical recommendations is a great example of this concept in action. According to the American Cancer Society,  the average 5-year relative survival rate for colon cancer is roughly 90% as long as the disease is detected in its early stages. When colon cancer is discovered at a more advanced stage, however, that survival rate drops drastically. In fact, colorectal cancer represents the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States.

As you are probably already aware, colonoscopies (along with the related, but less invasive procedure known as sigmoidoscopies) represent the most effective way of detecting early-stage colon cancer. In fact, because colon cancer takes quite a while to develop to a dangerous stage, regular colonoscopies and sigmoidoscopies can oftentimes detect potential problems while they are still in their benign (non-cancerous) stage. These as-of-yet harmless growths, known as polyps, can be removed very non-invasively, thus drastically reducing the patient’s chance of ever developing colon cancer in the first place.

Here are a few important facts about colonoscopies that every patient should know:

  • Typically, doctors recommend that patients receive just one colonoscopy every ten years, starting at age 50. However, doctors also recommend that patients receive a sigmoidoscopy space out every five years in between their colonoscopies, also starting at age 50. Depending upon individual factors such as medical history, family history, and personal risk factors, however, doctors may recommend that colonoscopies and sigmoidoscopies be performed on a different schedule. This is why regular medical checkups are important.
  • 24 hours before receiving a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy, patients are required to undergo a preparation process. This generally involves a liquid diet, laxatives, and, in some cases, enemas.
  • Patients may be given medication to facilitate sleep and relaxation
  • Doctors check for potential problems using a special camera that observes in inside of the colon. This technology is designed to be as non-invasive as possible, and every measure is taken to protect patient’s privacy.
  • Colonoscopies generally take around 30 minutes, while sigmoidoscopies may take only 15 to 20 minutes.
  • Colonoscopies are usually performed by a gastroenterologist or a colorectal surgeon. Sigmoidoscopies can also be performed by general practitioners.
  • Small polyps discovered during these procedures can usually be removed on the spot without further complications.
  • Although minor discomfort can persist after the procedure, this is unusual. More serious complications can occur in rare cases, but are highly unlikely.
  • Upon receiving a colonoscopy, patients will need to arrange to be driven home due to the lingering effects of sedation. After a sigmoidoscopy, on the other hand, patients are generally able to go about their day with no lasting effects whatsoever.

In brief: although the thought of receiving a colonoscopy may seem unpleasant or intimidating, it is one of the simplest choices you can make in order to improve your long-term health outlook.

Of course, it is important to understand that these facts are, in a certain sense, generalizations: in order to understand the best course of preventative action for your own healthcare, it is imperative that you speak personally with a health care professional. If you live in the Long Island area, we recommend that you get in touch with us here at Surgical Specialists of Long Island. Our dedicated team will work with you in order to develop the post effective and personalized healthcare strategy available.