There are two types of hemorrhoids: Internal, which occur in the rectal tunnel and are associated with rectal bleeding, itching, pain or skin irritation; and external, which occur in or around the anus and are characterized by a hard spot or painful swelling where the blood clot forms.

Hemorrhoids are common in both men and women. In fact, about half the population has them by age 50. They can be caused by a variety of factors, including abdominal disorders, pregnancy, stress, a lifestyle that includes sitting for extended periods of time, obesity, inadequate intake of fiber, lack of exercise, or genetic tendencies.

While home remedies such as creams, suppositories and warm baths may offer temporary relief from the symptoms of hemorrhoids, they often fail to solve the problem.

Despite the lack of long-term relief, far too many people put off seeking treatment. Some are embarrassed to mention their problem; others mistakenly believe that treatment involves surgery and long recovery periods. The good news is that new medical advances make treatment much easier. We offer non-surgical treatments that are quick, easy and virtually pain-free. Most patients are able to resume their normal lifestyle almost as soon as they leave our office.

A word of caution: Rectal bleeding is a common side-effect of hemorrhoids, but it also can indicate a more serious problem. It is important to seek medical attention if: You are over age 40 or have a family history of colon cancer; your hemorrhoids don’t improve with self-care; you have pain or bleed frequently or excessively; you develop bleeding between bowel movements; and/or the onset of your hemorrhoids occurs along with a marked change in bowel habits.

The study observed the outcomes of nearly 16,000 colonoscopies performed by 315 gastroenterologists from across the country over a four-week period. Results have shown a definite correlation between colonoscopy withdrawal times, or the length of the procedure, and the detection rates for colon polyps.

Previously, the standard of care model suggested a withdrawal time of at least six minutes during a screening colonoscopy. The study provided clear evidence to support the importance of this minimum time frame to the discovery of colon polyps, the primary cause of colon cancers.

Our physicians are continuously participating in ongoing research and analysis, and our patients benefit from this practice. In seeking new and better medical treatments, our doctors keep abreast of the latest ways to diagnose and treat your gastrointestinal conditions. This results in more thorough examinations, earlier diagnosis and the most effective treatments available.

Particularly when it comes to colon cancer, the best way to prevent or cure the disease is through early detection through screening colonoscopies. This latest study confirms that a withdrawal time of six minutes or longer significantly increases the chances of discovering colon polyps. It is a standard we employ at GIA, and one that will help our patients prevent colon cancer.

Preventing colon cancer is the primary goal of a regularly scheduled screening colonoscopy and the aim of our entire staff of board-certified physicians. We consider it a privilege to be involved in ongoing, specialized training and cutting-edge research in the field of gastroenterology, primarily because it benefits our patients.

The absolute best way to prevent and detect colorectal cancer is with a screening colonoscopy. We recommend that everyone be screened at the age of 50, earlier if there is a family or personal history of cancer, and at regular intervals after that. For African-Americans, screenings should begin at age 45.

While there are other tests being developed to detect colorectal cancers, only a screening colonoscopy can help you prevent cancer before it happens. Most colon cancers begin in benign colon polyps, or abnormal tissue growths. A benign polyp usually takes several years to become cancerous. During that time, there is a “window of opportunity” to find it and remove it before it turns cancerous. Any polyps found during a screening colonoscopy are removed and tested.

With removal of polyps, we can prevent colorectal cancers. When a cancer that is found early over ninety percent of cases can be treated and cured. We look forward to the day when colorectal cancer is no longer a life-threatening disease because individuals are taking steps toward prevention.

There is a pre-screening cleansing procedure to follow, but the actual screening procedure takes only about 15-30 minutes. With minor sedation, the procedure is actually painless.

Let’s work together to win the fight against colorectal cancer. Schedule your screening colonoscopy today.

Symptoms of IBS include diarrhea, constipation, abdominal cramps and bloating. For some people, symptoms are mild; many don’t even seek treatment for the condition. For others it can be very distressing and make it difficult to carry on normal daily activities.

Though the specific cause is unknown, many attribute the condition to stress. It is not unusual for people to respond to stress with some sort of physical reaction, often centering in the gastrointestinal system. With IBS, the muscles of the intestines don’t move as they should. And this “gut” reaction to stress can be annoying, uncomfortable and even painful.

When someone complains of these symptoms, the first thing we do is rule out other underlying causes such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis or cancers of the colon. The absence of another disease can indicate that the problem is IBS.

The most important thing to remember is that though it can be uncomfortable, it is definitely not serious and does not lead to more dangerous diseases. Even so, the symptoms should not be ignored. While there is no precise cure for IBS, a modified diet, lifestyle changes and medications can alleviate the pain and discomfort and help those with the condition lead a more normal life.

Dietary changes can be effective, especially when specific foods that provoke the symptoms are eliminated. For example, increasing dietary fiber and avoiding items that stimulate the intestines such as caffeine may stop chronic diarrhea. Lifestyle changes including regular exercise and improved sleep have also been shown to reduce anxiety and relieve symptoms.

When diet and lifestyle changes produce no improvement, there are some medications such as smooth (intestinal) muscle relaxers and low-dose antidepressants that may help relieve intestinal pain.

There is no single solution for IBS, since the condition affects each person differently. And there is no surgical remedy.

However, there’s no need to live with chronic diarrhea, constipation and pain. Consult a physician and see what you can do to help you get your intestinal tract back on track.

A total of 48 persons referred by The InterFaith Health Clinic and The Free Medical Clinic of America received free screenings from the physicians and staff of Gastrointestinal Associates and The Endoscopy Center.

I believe I speak for my fellow physicians and the staff when I say that we feel privileged to have helped make the day a success. It was gratifying to all of us to receive the hugs of support and thanks from the patients.

Our physicians and staff volunteered their time for “GIA Screening Colonoscopy Day” so that these individuals will have the same opportunity as the rest of us to avoid colon cancer, the second deadliest type of cancer.

The national health care debate has focused attention on the role of physicians and other health care professionals. I think this event is a great demonstration of the concern medical professionals have for their patients’ well-being. I recommend a day of this type to other gastrointestinal practices across the country.

We also wanted to make everyone more aware of the need for screenings to prevent colon cancer. Persons over 50 need to have the exam, and those with a history of colon cancer in their family should be screened even sooner.

Out of the 48 tested Oct. 17, a total of 25 had polyps removed and sent for testing – 16 women and nine men. Twenty-three had no polyps – 15 women and eight men. Polyps can lead to cancer, and that’s why early detection is so important.

In addition to my colleagues and staff, I want to add my thanks to event sponsors Anesthesia Associates of Knoxville, Mercy Health Partners, Premier Surgical Associates, The Endoscopy Center, GI Pathology of Memphis, Boston Scientific, Interactive Optics, the American Cancer Society and Braintree Laboratories Inc. Media sponsors were the Knoxville News Sentinel and WBIR-TV 10.

Thank you one and all.

With colon cancer ranked as the second-deadliest cancer, GIA is making free colonoscopy exams available to a group of people in the Knoxville area who are less able to afford the vital screening procedure.

We have termed it “GIA Screening Colonoscopy Day,” and practice gastroenterologists will perform the exams for about 50 persons who were referred by the InterFaith Health Clinic and the Free Medical Clinic of America.

Our physicians and staff volunteered their personal time for GIA Screening Colonoscopy Day so that these individuals will have the same opportunity as the rest of us to avoid this deadly cancer.

There is a message in this event for everyone, because early detection is the key in the battle against colon cancer.

Anyone over 50 should have a colon exam. Persons who have a history of colon cancer in their families may need to have the exam even earlier.

GIA appreciates the help of Dr. Tom Kim of the Free Medical Clinic of America and the InterFaith Health Clinic in identifying recipients and collaborating to make the day a success. We also thank Mercy Health Partners and Premier Surgical Associates, who will stand by in case additional medical facilities or surgical assistance might be needed. Other partners include the The Endoscopy Center, Anesthesia Associates of Knoxville, GI Pathology of Memphis, Boston Scientific, Interactive Optics, the American Cancer Society and Braintree Laboratories Inc., for prep kits. Media sponsors include The Knoxville News Sentinel and WBIR-TV.

I personally thank all of our co-sponsors and especially our physicians and staff who gave up their day off to help these very worthy recipients. Our hope is that everyone will see the value of screenings to prevent colon cancer.

You will be given detailed instructions before your visit, and we will answer any questions you have. You may also obtain additional information from our brochure on colonoscopy and elsewhere on this Web site, but let me touch on a few highlights here.

First, you should know that Gastrointestinal Associates is one of the leading gastrointestinal practices, and its physicians and staff are among the most qualified in the field. I am very proud to be associated with our team.

GIA performs more colonoscopies than any other medical facility in the region, and this experience is a benefit to you and other patients.

Second, we are going to do everything we can to make your exam as easy and simple as possible. You will have to devote some time to preparing for the exam in terms of diet and colon cleansing, but hopefully a good result and the peace of mind it brings will be well worth your effort.

When you arrive at GIA, you will be given a beeper, such as those used at restaurants when your table is ready, to call you back to the Endoscopy Center. I don’t like to have my name called out in front of other waiting room visitors, and I am sure you don’t either.

A trained Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) will give you a safe medication intravenously. Patients sleep through the exam that is essentially pain free. You will need to have a friend or relative drive you home.

There is a possibility that your gastroenterologist may have to remove a polyp from your colon during the procedure. The polyp will be evaluated, and you will be given the results in a timely fashion. The majority of polyps are benign, but a small percentage may contain an area of cancer or develop into cancer.

So removal of the polyps is an important means of preventing and curing colon cancer, which is a leading form of cancer in the United States. Early detection is key.

Colonoscopy and polypectomy are safe and are associated with minimal risk when performed by physicians who have been specially trained and are experienced in these endoscopic procedures. Complications may occur, but treatments exist for these risks.

Your doctor’s decision to perform this procedure was based upon his or her assessment of your particular problem.

We share a common goal – your good health and preventing colon cancer – and it can be achieved through trust and understanding of the process. Please share any thoughts and concerns you have, and we promise to provide any information we can.

Also remember the prep is nothing compared to advanced colon cancer. So help stamp out colon cancer. Get prepped, get screened, think “healthy colon.”