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Investment in screening programs that target the pre-Medicare population, individuals aged between 50 and 64, could reduce the costs of colorectal cancer in the Medicare program, according to a study. According to the findings, the up-front investment in screening individuals aged 50 to 64 was recouped only after they transition to Medicare at age 65.

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Researchers found that patients with non-cirrhotic liver cancer had a high prevalence of diabetes and elevated body mass indexes (BMI) despite a lack of steatosis. In other findings, BMI was also linked with adenoma recurrence in the short-and long-term; the prevalence of angiographically-proven coronary disease in the non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) cohort was 61 percent compared to 26 percent in the non-NAFLD controls; and that inflammatory bowel disease is likely an independent risk factor for coronary artery disease.

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An endoscopic technique known as retroflexion, when used in the right side of the colon, may increase the diagnostic yield of polyps, including large adenomas (larger than 10 millimeters) and serrated lesions, particularly in men, older patients and those with polyps found on forward examination according to researchers at Indiana University Medical Center in Indianapolis. Importantly, 41 percent of the patients who had polyps identified on retroflexion had negative exams on forward examination.

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Several studies of the effectiveness of non-X-ray techniques to evaluate Crohn’s disease revealed that diagnostic strategies such as capsule endoscopy (CE) and magnetic resonance enteroscopy (MRE) are useful in managing patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and avoiding ionizing radiation.

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Delbert L. Chumley, M.D., FACG, was elected by the membership as the 2010-2011 president of the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG), a national specialty association representing more than 12,000 clinical gastroenterologists and other specialists in digestive diseases. Dr. Chumley officially took his position as president during the College’s 75th Annual Scientific Meeting, held this week in San Antonio, which coincidentally is Dr. Chumley’s hometown. He in private gastroenterology practice with Gastroenterology Consultants of San Antonio.

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The link between Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and reduced risk of distal large bowel cancer in women; a promising combination antibiotic therapy for ulcerative colitis patients; and the high-rate of alcoholic liver disease mortality, are among the scientific findings featured in the August issue of The American Journal of Gastroenterology.

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June issue of The American Journal of Gastroenterology features a guide for vaccinating the IBD patient as well as findings on the impact of a gluten-free diet; cognitive factors and treatment responses in functional bowel disorders; and more.

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The American College of Gastroenterology's new podcast series, features ACG experts answering questions on topics of most concern to IBD patients, their caregivers and loved ones. The new IBD podcasts are organized into three main topic areas and feature ACG Trustee, Sunanda V. Kane, MD, MSPH, FACG and Dr. William J. Sandborn, MD, FACG both of the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., and Marla C. Dubinsky, MD of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

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The ACG is making the latest ACG practice guidelines for the management of Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis in adults available to physicians and patients via a new IBD online resource page, where the College also unveils a patient must-have, “ACG Expert Tips for Living Well with IBD.”

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New clinical algorithms give physicians a practical, efficient and cost-effective aid to diagnose frequent GI symptoms that patients commonly bring to their primary care doctors and gastroenterologists--symptoms of functional GI disorders that are often difficult to diagnose. The tool has the potential to improve patient experience and provide opportunities to reduce excessive testing and office visits.

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Physician experts from the American College of Gastroenterology raised concern that not all African Americans are aware that they should undergo colorectal cancer screening beginning at age 45—five years before current recommendations.

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Experts available to explain screening options for March Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.

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In a six year study of World Trade Center workers, researchers probed the connection between the high frequencies of gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) and mental health disorders (MHD) reported among exposed workers during the post 9/11 cleanup. In a second study, researchers from the United States Navy examining functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGD) within the active military population and their connection to of infectious gastroenteritis (IGE) found not only a significant association between IGE and FGD, but also that almost 30% of those effected received care for two years after their initial diagnosis.

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New primary research comparing the signs of metabolic syndrome in professional baseball and football players, reveals that the larger professional athletes - football linemen in particular - may encounter future health problems despite their rigorous exercise routines.

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Gastroenterologists working in Joint Base Balad, Iraq, present special cases that put their endoscopic skills to test while on deployment to diagnose and treat military dogs that provide vital protective roles in security and munitions detection.

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Findings from a new retrospective cohort study indicate that patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), especially those receiving the thiopurine class of medications to treat IBD, may be at risk for developing non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC).

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Several studies on new colonoscopic technologies reveal some imaging modalities fare better than others at improving detection of potentially pre-cancerous growths in the colon known as adenomas. Research on a retrograde viewing device for the colonoscope, high definition colonoscopy (HD), and HD "chromocolonoscopy" looks at which imaging modalities are most effective at giving physicians a clearer diagnostic picture.

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Results of a new study reveal that a seven-day course of LOAD therapy is superior to LAC at eliminating the H. pylori bacterium in patients with gastritis and peptic ulcers.

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Performing capsule endoscopy, using a miniature capsule that is swallowed to record and transmit images of the small intestine, is safe in patients with implantable cardiac devices such as pacemakers and implantable defibrillators, a new study shows.

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In a pilot study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Polyethelne Glycol (PEG) plus ascorbic acid (Moviprep) compared to magnesium citrate for bowel preparation before colonoscopy, researchers found that overall colon preparation was excellent or good for the vast majority of those receiving either solution. A second study showed that inadequate bowel preparation by the patient before colonoscopy can result in a recommended follow-up colonoscopy almost a year and a half earlier than average. And a third revealed that a new oral sulfate solution (SUPREP) was found to outperform a large volume polyethylene glycol (PEG) and electrolytes solution (NuLYTELY) in its ability to be tolerated by patients and its ability cleanse the proximal, or right colon, which can be an important site of missed adenomas.

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New study indicates that female patients are being diagnosed with more right-side, or proximal, colon cancers compared to the population in general. Another shows that African American patients are reported to have the greatest proportion of advanced colon cancers at initial diagnosis compared to all groups. And a new retrospective study shows that African American patients are more likely than other ethnic groups to have multiple polyps, as well as polyps located on the proximal side of the colon which can be more difficult to detect.

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Philip O. Katz, MD, FACG, was elected by the membership as the 2009-2010 president of the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG), a national specialty association representing more than 11,000 clinical gastroenterologists and other specialists in digestive diseases.

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The American College of Gastroenterology has issued updated colorectal cancer screening guidelines in the March issue of The American Journal of Gastroenterology. In ACG's update to its 2000 guideline, colorectal screening tests are dividend into cancer prevention and cancer detection tests. Cancer prevention tests are preferred over detection tests.

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The American College of Gastroenterology on Dec. 18, 2008 published a new evidence-based systematic review on the management of Irritable Bowel Syndrome as a supplement to The American Journal of Gastroenterology. The College's evidence-based position statement on IBS offers new graded recommendations on testing and treatment of this chronic, recurrent functional disorder of the GI tract.

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New research presented at the 73rd Annual Scientific Meeting of the American College of Gastroenterology in Orlando found patients with inflammatory bowel disease or chronic liver disease were at increased risk of developing Vitamin D deficiencies. Two separate studies highlight the importance of regular Vitamin D checkups in the evaluation of patients with certain digestive diseases.

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Two studies presented at the American College of Gastroenterology's 73rd Annual Scientific Meeting in Orlando highlight new technologies with the potential to improve the detection of colorectal polyps and flat lesions during colonoscopy. The American College of Gastroenterology endorses colonoscopy as the preferred strategy for colorectal cancer screening because of its remarkable sensitivity in detecting and removing polyps before they become cancerous.

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Could there be a link between high levels of air pollution and the risk of appendicitis? New research presented at the 73rd Annual Scientific Meeting of the American College of Gastroenterology in Orlando, suggests a novel connection.

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New research presented at the American College of Gastroenterology's 73rd Annual Scientific Meeting in Orlando evaluated the long-term efficacy of endoscopic mucosal resection, or EMR, in the treatment of patients with early stage esophageal cancer or Barrett's esophagus. Two separate studies suggest EMR is an effective treatment alternative to surgery and generally yields positive long-term results.

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A screening program for colon cancer in patients starting ten years prior to Medicare eligibility, at age 55 instead of Medicare's 65, would save at least two dollars for every dollar spent, according to a new study presented at the American College of Gastroenterology's 73rd Annual Scientific Meeting in Orlando.

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In a large U.S. population-based study presented at the 73rd Annual Scientific Meeting of the American College of Gastroenterology, metabolic syndrome patients had a 75 percent higher risk of colorectal cancer compared to those without metabolic syndrome.

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Several studies presented at the American College of Gastroenterology's 73rd Annual Scientific Meeting in Orlando highlight the safety and efficacy of probiotics in improving symptoms and normalizing bowel movement frequency in patients suffering from constipation or diarrhea related to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

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Results of a survey presented at the American College of Gastroenterology's 73rd Annual Scientific Meeting in Orlando revealed that many parents do not accurately perceive their children as overweight or at risk for adulthood obesity. Obesity in the United States is often accompanied by an increased risk of gastrointestinal diseases and has emerged as a major health concern, particularly the issue of obesity among children and adolescents.

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Two new studies presented at the 73rd Annual Scientific Meeting of the American College of Gastroenterology examined eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), a condition that can mimic symptoms of GERD, in a small proportion of people. The first study found that the diagnosis of EoE, previously termed "allergic esophagitis," peaked during the summer months. The second analysis reviewed a case series of heartburn patients who underwent surgery to treat GERD, but who were found later actually to suffer from EoE.

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New research presented at the American College of Gastroenterology's 73rd Annual Scientific Meeting in Orlando emphasizes the importance of adequate bowel preparation prior to colonoscopy, and highlights the remarkable effectiveness of colonoscopy in detecting and removing pre-cancerous polyps, particularly tiny, flat, potentially pre-cancerous growths in the colon known as "sessile serrated adenomas."

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While smoking poses a health threat to both men and women, women require less tobacco exposure than men to have a significant increased risk for colorectal cancer, according to new research presented at the 73rd Annual ACG Scientific Meeting in Orlando. In a separate analysis, researchers found smoking may increase the risk of pancreatic cancer precursor lesions, particularly in patients with a strong family history of the disease.

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A study released at the 73rd Annual Scientific Meeting of the American College of Gastroenterology in Orlando found that a new therapeutic treatment, when delivered endoscopically and used in combination with chemotherapy and radiation therapy, improved survival rates in patients with locally advanced esophageal cancer. Cancer of the esophagus often has a poor survival rate.

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The prevalence of obesity and overweight in the United States coupled by the increased risk of gastrointestinal diseases related to obesity raises serious implications for the health of Americans. Several scientific studies in the August issue of The American Journal of Gastroenterology examine the association between obesity and the risk of colorectal cancer and gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD.

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Due to the rise in the incidence of esophageal cancers in the United States, and as a result of significant scientific advances in the area of Barrett's esophagus, physician experts from the American College of Gastroenterology have released updated guidelines for the diagnosis, surveillance and treatment of Barrett's esophagus.

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Although new evidence released by the American Cancer Society attributes early detection to the sharp decline in colorectal cancer deaths in the U.S., not enough Americans are getting screened for colorectal cancer, according to the American College of Gastroenterology. ACG experts on colorectal cancer screening and prevention are available for interviews for March Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.

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A new guideline on colorectal cancer screening released March 5, 2008 offers recommendations for various alternatives for colorectal cancer detection and states a strong preference for screening tests that can prevent colorectal cancer.

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New data revealing decreasing trends in cancer deaths in the United States overall, and in colorectal cancer deaths in particular, highlight the remarkable benefits of colorectal cancer screening tests, but the lifesaving potential of these tests is unrealized for many Americans, according to experts from the American College of Gastroenterology.

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Physician experts from ACG have compiled important health tips on managing heartburn symptoms during pregnancy, and importantly, identifying which heartburn medications are safe for use in pregnant women and those, which should be avoided.

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Physician experts from the American College of Gastroenterology have released an updated educational monograph highlighting the unique clinical challenges of caring for women with chronic digestive disorders during pregnancy and managing GI complications relating to pregnancy.

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A study of women's risk of colorectal cancer found obesity is the strongest risk factor for colorectal neoplasia, an even stronger association than smoking. Of the patients who had colorectal neoplasia, 20 percent were obese and 14 percent were smokers.

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Two case studies from Japan point to a potential health problem as more Americans consume raw fish in the form of sushi. Anisakiasis is a parasitic infection caused by the consumption of raw or undercooked seafood containing Anisakis larvae. The ingested larvae can lead to cramping, diarrhea, vomiting and small bowel obstruction warranting a trip to the emergency room.

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Those who suffer from common functional gastrointestinal disorders face work productivity losses and impairments in daily activity that amount to the loss of at least one day of work in a 40-hr workweek.

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Nighttime acid reflux, along with some of the less typical manifestations or symptoms of GERD, is associated with significant sleep impairment.

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Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth can emerge after gastric bypass surgery, which can impact the absorption of vitamins, minerals and micronutrients, such as calcium and zinc, causing potentially serious complications.

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New studies highlight the risks and significant health care costs of GI injury and bleeding from the use of NSAIDs. According to a survey conducted at Eastern Virginia Medical School, 22 percent of respondents did not think NSAIDs were important to mention to their doctor, revealing a common misperception about these over-the-counter remedies.

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Mesalamine use among patients with inflammatory bowel disease was associated with a decrease in incidence of colorectal cancer when comparing cases and controls. Patients with IBD are at significantly higher than average risk for colorectal cancer and should be screened more frequently, but another study revealed many don't get recommended tests.