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From American College of Gastroenterology | November 2, 2012 |
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Top Story
- Colorectal cancer risk extends down family line, study shows
Researchers have known that first-degree relatives of colorectal cancer patients are at higher risk of the disease, but a new study shows second- and third-degree relatives also are more likely to develop cancer or polyps. Researchers presenting at the American College of Gastroenterology annual meeting said the findings also suggest a need to expand screening recommendations for first-degree relatives. Medscape (free registration)
(10/29)
Guide to Healthy Living
- Study explores cancer's effect on quality of life
Data from the 2010 National Health Interview Survey revealed equal or even better health-related quality of life among breast cancer, prostate cancer and melanoma survivors compared with adults without history of cancer. Cervical, blood and colorectal cancer survivors, along with patients with cancers associated with five-year survival rates under 25% such as pancreatic and liver cancer, fared worse in quality-of-life measures, researchers said. Nurse.com
(10/30)
- Research shows clinical IBD differences by race
Black and white patients with inflammatory bowel disease display different symptoms, according to a study presented at the American College of Gastroenterology annual meeting. Research suggests IBD may be increasing among minority groups. University of Chicago researchers found no differences, however, in medication, clinical trial enrollment, prevalence of cancer or family history. Medscape (free registration)
(10/23)
Diagnosis & Treatment
- IBS responds to mesalamine treatment, study shows
Mesalamine, used for years to treat inflammatory bowel disease, reduced abdominal pain and improved stool consistency in patients who had irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea, researchers reported at the American College of Gastroenterology conference. Study author Dr. Jeffrey Aron of the Center for Inflammatory Bowel Disorders in San Francisco said patient stress can spark inflammation and IBS symptoms, and he said the findings could allow gastroenterologists to offer a safe and effective treatment. Medscape (free registration)
(10/29)
- Research links statins to lower esophageal cancer rates
Statins may help protect against esophageal cancer, especially for patients with Barrett's esophagus, according to Mayo Clinic researchers who analyzed data from 13 studies. Their presentation at the American College of Gastroenterology annual meeting showed statin use was linked to a 30% decrease in esophageal cancer cases. Medscape (free registration)
(10/26)
Policy Watch
- Study compares Medicare with Canadian health system
Medicare spending on the elderly in the U.S. has increased almost three times faster than that of a comparable program in Canada, a study in the Archives of Internal Medicine found. City University of New York researchers found that U.S. Medicare spending for every elderly enrollee rose from $1,215 in 1980 to $9,446 in 2009, compared with Canada's increase from $2,141 to $9,292. Canada's per-senior spending is higher but covers a greater share of seniors' health costs. The study found the Canadian model would have saved the U.S. $2.15 trillion in health costs since 1980, but critics said the comparison was unrealistic and superficial. PhysiciansBriefing.com
(10/30), U.S. News & World Report/HealthDay News
(10/30)
- GAO: Medicare gap discounts didn't shift drug prices
Prices for brand-name prescription treatments used by Medicare patients didn't increase after drugmakers offered the government discounts to help seniors deal with a gap in benefits known as the "doughnut hole," the Government Accountability Office reported. Before the start of the discount program, 77 brand-name treatments increased 36% for Medicare patients within the coverage gap between January 2007 and December 2010, compared with 35% for those not within the gap. From December 2010 to December 2011, prices for both groups increased just 13%. USA Today
(10/29)
The Last Word
News and information from the American College of Gastroenterology
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NSAIDs and ulcers: How to avoid unsuspected damage
If you're one of millions who take NSAIDs for pain relief, you may be at risk for ulcers and GI bleeding. You can reduce the risk of these common side effects by following a few simple guidelines. Learn important safety tips on the use of NSAIDs.
SmartQuote
| I often think that the night is more alive and more richly colored than the day."
--Vincent van Gogh, Dutch painter
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