National Clinical Alert Part 3: Preventing Young Adult Colorectal Cancer

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Health care providers can aid in young adult colorectal cancer prevention by taking steps to educate the public on the rising rate of colorectal cancer found in people under the age of 55. For example, patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer prior to the age of 55 are 58% more likely than older patients to be diagnosed with a more advanced stage of the disease. This is in large part due to a general lack of awareness of young onset colorectal cancer.

The following are important actions steps health care providers can take in preventing young adult colorectal cancer:

1. Be Informative About Basic Digestive Health

Educating patients on the basics of digestive health should be part of regular office visits, especially yearly exams. Patients should understand what and where the colon is and know to take symptoms seriously should they experience them. For example, rectal bleeding and blood in the stool is never normal. Such symptoms require further assessment by a doctor to determine the root cause.

2. Relaying the Risk Factors

Patients should also be made aware of the risk factors associated with having a family history of colorectal cancer and or advanced colorectal polyps. Assessing one’s family history is critical in determining one’s risk for developing colorectal cancer themselves. Those at an increased risk may be eligible for more frequent colorectal screenings at an earlier age than others.

3. The Importance of Early Assessments

Patients at any age that are presenting symptoms or signs of colorectal cancer should be referred for diagnostic evaluation immediately and be given an early assessment with their physical exam. If found and treated early, colorectal cancer has a 90% survival rate.

To schedule an appointment or refer a patient, contact the Gastro Health Partners location nearest you today.

 

Young Adult Colorectal Cancer National Clinical Alert Part 2: The Importance of Family History

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Assessing one’s family history of colorectal cancer and polyps (especially advanced polyps) is critical in determining whether or not one is at an increased risk for developing colorectal cancer themselves. Those at an increased risk may be eligible for more frequent colorectal screenings at an earlier age than others.

 

Patients with these family history indicators need to be referred for diagnostic evaluation. To schedule an appointment, contact the Gastro Health Partners location nearest you today.

Dr. Sunana Sohi on Following Her Gut

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Dr. Sunana Sohi was recently featured in an MD-Update Magazine article highlighting her passion for helping others.

Dr. Sohi has been practicing at Louisville Gastroenterology Associates since 2010 where she treats conditions ranging from IBS and heartburn, to incontinence, hemorrhoids, liver issues and inflammatory bowel disease.

Although Dr. Sohi once studied to become a psychiatrist, she ultimately fell in love with internal medicine. “Gastroenterology is fascinating. It affects people on a quality of life level in a way you wouldn’t necessarily think of,” says Dr. Sohi. 

While Dr. Sohi treats patients of all ages (18 years old to 90 plus) she has noticed a bigger percentage of female patients. This is because, while diet and stress commonly affect the gastroinestinal tracts, hormones in the female body can as well. For example, studies show primarily women are affected with IBS and it is normal for a change in the bowel during premenstrual and menstrual periods. “There’s also a whole slew of GI issues that can come up during pregnancy.” says Dr. Sohi.

Solutions for Everyone

Of all the complaints Dr. Sohi hears, bloating is a reoccurring one. However, according to Dr. Sohi, bloating can be attributed to any number of causes. Often she must explore further to find the root cause and appropriate treatment.

Through diagnostic testing and evaluation, Dr. Sunana Sohi works to find a multitude of solutions for a multitude of patients. Whether the solution lies in adjustments to one’s diet or lifestyle, a probiotic or laxative, or via yoga and meditation, Sohi is a firm believer that there is a solution for everyone. “I try to work with the individual where they are at and what they want to get themselves feeling better.”

If you are experiencing a life impacting GI condition, contact Dr. Sohi or one of the many other Gastroenterology Health Partners today.

Read the full article here:

 

Dr. Emori Carrara On Solving Gastroenterology Enigmas

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Dr. Emori Carrara was recently featured in an MD-Update Magazine article where she is credited with treating her patients with both compassion and insight.

Dr. Carrara has been practicing gastroenterology and hepatology at Gastroenterology of Southern Indiana since 2010. As the Kentuckiana area is “one of the nation’s hot spots for obesity related epidemics such as colon cancer and non alcoholic liver disease,” Carrara treats a wide variety of patients and offers endoscopic diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.

Common patient complaints include:

  • Acid Reflux
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome
  • Constipation and Diarrhea
  • Celiac Disease
  • Crohn’s/Ulcerative Colitis
  • Hepatitis C
  • Alcoholic Liver Disease
  • Fatty Liver Disease
  • Pancreatic Disease

Dr. Emori Carrara Specializes in Treating Susceptible Female Patients

As most women prefer a female doctor when it comes to these rather sensitive topics, Carrara’s patient base is mostly female. According to MD-Update, “Functional gastrointestinal diseases or conditions in which doctors can’t pinpoint a root cause, even after a thorough evaluation, are more common among women.” For example, a woman’s hormone levels have been known to complicate GI symptoms, and can even cause bowel movement issues. Carrara specifically treats the needs of pregnant women and has seen problems like gallstones and liver issues arise during pregnancy.

GI & The Psyche

When it comes to GI disorders, Carrara believes in taking note of one’s behavioral patterns and considering lifestyle changes before treatment. “Anxiety can contribute to nearly every gastrointestinal symptom and heighten each one,” says Carrara. IBS for example often stems from anxiety or depression. This is why Carrara recommends “stress reduction through exercise or engaging in hobbies as well as a healthy, balanced diet” in addition to medication.

Colon Cancer

In addition to participating in clinical trials and supporting the latest in preventive care, Carrara sees preventing colon cancer as one of the most important things she does as a gastroenterologist. “Colon cancer can be prevented with a colonsocopy as we are able to remove polyps before they can develop into colon cancer,” says Carrara.

To talk to your doctor about screening, contact us today.

Read the full article here:

New Non-Invasive Methods for Treatment of Hemorrhoids

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Akin to varicose veins, hemorrhoids are a common ailment for both men and women. In fact, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, “about half of adults older than age 50 have hemorrhoids.”

There are two types of hemorrhoids, internal and external. Internal hemorrhoids occur when the swollen blood vessels are inside the lining of the anus and lower rectum. When the inflamed veins however are found under the skin and around the anus, they are known as external hemorrhoids.

While fear and embarrassment often prevent people from seeking treatment, if left untreated, hemorrhoids can worsen over time. Despite many popular at home remedies and over the counter creams, it is recommended that one consult with their doctor immediately before beginning a treatment plan. While common, the signs and symptoms of hemorrhoids are also similar to many other more serious conditions.

Causes Of Hemorrhoids:

  • Strained bowel movements.
  • Prolonged sitting
  • Pressure on the veins due to pregnancy
  • A low fiber diet
  • Chronic constipation or diarrhea

Signs and Symptoms of Hemorrhoids:

  • Itching
  • Pain
  • Bleeding during bowel movements
  • A lump near the anus

Depending on the severity of the situation, there are advanced treatment options available that remove hemorrhoids without a surgical incision or staple. Many of these methods offer a long-term solution compared to over the counter creams by treating the cause of the hemorrhoids and can be done in an outpatient setting as suggested by your doctor.

Non-Invasive Treatment Options:

Rubber Band Ligation

Also known as “banding,” rubber band ligation treats bleeding, protruding, internal hemorrhoids by cutting off the blood supply and circulation to the hemorrhoid. This is done by placing a specialized rubber band around the base of the hemorrhoid. Within a week, both the band and banded portion of the hemorrhoid shrink and fall off on their own. Scar tissue then forms around the remaining part of the hemorrhoid, aiding in it’s further removal. This procedure takes only a few minutes to perform, is painless, and requires no recovery time.

Sclerotherapy Injection

Similar to “banding,” a sclerotherapy injection also cuts off the blood supply of the hemorrhoid, resulting in scar tissue to form and the hemorrhoid to shrink away. This occurs after the doctor injects a chemical solution into the internal hemorrhoid.

Coagulation Therapies

In infrared photocoagulation, infrared light is used on an internal hemorrhoid. The heat from the light causes scar tissue to form, cutting off the blood supply, shrinking the hemorrhoid, and preventing nearby veins to bulge into the anal canal. Electrocoagulation achieves the same results through an electric current.

If you are experiencing some of the signs and symptoms of hemorrhoids contact Gastroenterology Health Partners today. Our clinical team of 21 fellowship-trained Gastroenterologists and 13 advanced practice clinicians have been providing care to patients suffering from disorders of the digestive system since 2013. Each of our five locations in the Louisville, Lexington and Southern Indiana area offer expert specialization in gastrointestinal care. Just visit our website to schedule an appointment at the location most convenient to you.