Most people are diagnosed with Crohn’s at around age 20-30, although it can occur at any age. It also is more common in Caucasians, people with a family history of the disease and people who smoke. Cigarette smoking is the most controllable risk factor for developing the disease. Smoking also worsens symptoms and increases the likelihood that a patient will eventually need to have surgery.

Typical symptoms of Crohn’s include persistent diarrhea (which may be bloody), cramping, abdominal pain, fever, loss of appetite and weight loss.

A colonoscopy is usually required to make a diagnosis of Crohn’s.  Other helpful tests often used in the evaluation include blood tests, stool samples, abdomen x-ray or CAT scan, and video capsule endoscopy (Pillcam).   A colonoscopy involves a sedated examination of the entire colon with a flexible, lighted tube with an attached camera. The procedure also provides an opportunity for your doctor to take small tissue samples for laboratory analysis, which may help confirm a diagnosis.

There is no known cure for Crohn’s, although symptoms can be treated with drugs and sometimes surgery. The disease may also go into remission for years at a time.

Living with Crohn’s can be difficult, but patients can help manage the problem of chronic diarrhea by diet and lifestyle changes. If you have Crohn’s, following these tips may lessen your symptoms:

• Take the medications recommended by your gastroenterologist.
• Limit dairy products.
• Eat low-fat foods.
• Avoid gas-producing foods like beans, cabbage and broccoli.
• Limit your intake of raw fruit juices and fruits (especially citrus fruits), spicy food, popcorn, alcohol and caffeinated beverages.
• Eat several small meals throughout the day.
• Drink lots of liquids.
• Avoid stressful situations.
• Reduce stress by exercising, meditating and/or following relaxation techniques.
• If you smoke, quit

If you are experiencing the symptoms of Crohn’s disease and are concerned that you may have the disease, see your doctor.

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.

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.”