Exciting Updates: New & Relocated Locations & Expert Rheumatologist Addition!

Learn More

MENU

Physicians Alliance of Connecticut Blog

What Foods Cause Bowel Leakage? Dietary Considerations for Fecal Incontinence

What Foods Cause Bowel Leakage? Dietary Considerations for Fecal Incontinence

By: Physicians Alliance of Connecticut Fecal incontinence isn’t always easy to talk about. However, research shows you’re not alone if you suffer from this condition. The American College of Gastroenterology reports more than 5 million Americans experience fecal incontinence. Also known as bowel leakage, fecal incontinence can impact the quality of life and becomes more common… Read More

Read More

5 Types of Primary Care Doctors in CT

5 Types of Primary Care Doctors in CT

By: Physicians Alliance of Connecticut Finding the right primary care doctor is an important part of staying healthy. Your primary care doctor is usually your first call when you are experiencing a health issue and they also serve as the main point of contact for other members of your healthcare team.  If you are new… Read More

Read More

Sinus Infection vs Cold: Here’s How to Tell the Difference

Sinus Infection vs Cold

When you have symptoms like a runny nose, persistent cough, or headache, your immediate thought might be that you have a common cold. But in some cases, these common symptoms can actually be a sign of a sinus infection. So, which is it: Sinus Infection vs. Cold? Although the two conditions share symptoms, and a… Read More

Read More

Do Hemorrhoids Go Away on Their Own? We Answer This and Other Top Questions

Hemorrhoids

If you have hemorrhoids, you probably have a lot of questions about the conditions, such as how long they last and if they can go away on their own. You may also be wondering how serious hemorrhoids are and if there are other conditions that have similar symptoms. Let’s look at these and other common… Read More

Read More

Flu Season in CT for 2023: Here’s What the Experts are Predicting

flu in Connecticut

Flu season is upon us once again. Combined with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and a surge of RSV cases in children, the U.S. could be facing what some experts are calling a “tripledemic.” That means a lot more people may be getting sick this year than they have in previous years.

Read More

6 Symptoms of Colon Cancer in Females and Males

6 Symptoms of Colon Cancer in Females and Males With the exception of some skin cancers, colorectal cancer—which includes colon cancer and rectal cancer—is the fourth most common cancer in men and women in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It is also the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths. However, over the last several decades, the death rate for colon cancer has decreased significantly thanks to improved treatments and increased screening measures. An estimated 64 million adults ages 50 to 75 were screened for colorectal cancer in 2020, and 71.6% of adults in that age group were up-to-date with screening based on all test types. Since regular screenings aren't recommended until age 45, it is important to recognize the symptoms of colon cancer so it can be treated as early as possible. What are the risk factors for colon cancer? The risk of developing colorectal cancer increases as you age, and most cases occur in people over the age of 50. Although the incidence of colon cancer in younger adults has increased in recent years, it is still uncommon. It is also unclear what has caused the increase. Certain lifestyle factors can also increase your risk of developing colorectal cancer. These include: • Physical inactivity or a sedentary lifestyle • Overweight or obesity • Alcohol consumption • Tobacco use • A diet low in fruits and vegetables • A low-fiber and high-fat diet, or a diet high in processed meats Family history is also a major risk factor for developing colon cancer, especially if an immediate family member had the disease. This can be due to environmental or genetic factors, or both. If you have a family history of colorectal cancer, you may want to talk to your doctor about genetic counseling to determine your risk. Inflammatory bowel disease, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, can also increase your risk for colon cancer. According to the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation, inflammation of the colon can cause continuous turnover of cells in the intestinal lining, increasing the chances of irregularities that can lead to cancer. If you have inflammatory bowel disease, especially if you have an eight to 10-year history of the disease, you should get a colonoscopy every one to two years. Signs and symptoms of colon cancer Colon cancer is considered a silent killer because there are usually no symptoms in the early stages. It takes years for colon cancer to progress to a stage where you begin to experience symptoms. When colon cancer is caught in stage 1, before it spreads to other parts of the body, it is highly treatable and can be cured with surgery. Once colon cancer progress to stage 4, the most advanced stage, the cancer has spread to other parts of the body and treatment options are limited. Men and women generally experience the same symptoms of colon cancer when they do appear. Symptoms may include: • A change in bowel habits • Diarrhea, constipation, or the feeling that the bowel does not empty completely • Blood in or on the stool • Persistent abdominal aches, pain, or cramps • Unexplained weight loss While these symptoms can mean colon cancer, it is also possible that they may be caused by something else. If you have any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor. What are the screening recommendations and options for colon cancer? The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force changed its colorectal cancer screening recommendations in May 2021. The Task Force lowered the recommended age to begin screening from 50 to 45 to combat the increase of young-onset colorectal cancer. It is projected that colorectal cancer will be the leading cause of cancer deaths in patients ages 20 to 49 by 2040. A colonoscopy is the gold standard for detecting colon cancer, but it's not the only screening method. During a colonoscopy, the doctor inserts a long, thin, flexible lighted rod into the rectum to check for polyps or cancer inside the rectum and entire colon. Colonoscopies are recommended every 10 years for people who do not have an increased risk of colon cancer. A similar screening is called a flexible sigmoidoscopy checks the rectum and lower third of the colon for polyps or cancer. It is recommended every five years, or every 10 years with a fecal immunochemical test (FIT) that uses antibodies to detect blood in the stool. Other stool tests, besides FIT, include the guaiac-based fecal occult blood test (gFOBT) and the FIT-DNA test. The gFOBT uses the chemical guaiac to detect blood in the stool. It is done once a year at home. You'll receive a kit from your doctor to obtain a small amount of stool using a stick or brush. Then you send the kit back to the doctor or a lab, where it will be analyzed for the presence of blood. The FIT-DNA test combines FIT with a test that detects altered DNA in the stool. This test requires the collection of an entire stool movement that is sent to a lab. It is done once every three years. The screening type that is right for you will depend on your preferences and any existing medical conditions, as well as your family history. Each test has its advantages and disadvantages, so be sure to talk to your doctor before making a decision. How to reduce your risk of colon cancer Getting regular colon cancer screenings is the most effective way to reduce your risk of getting colon cancer. The majority of colorectal cancers start as precancerous polyps in the colon or rectum. Since these polyps may not cause symptoms in the early stages, the only way to know they are there is to get screened. If they are detected early, polyps can be removed before they turn into cancer. Lifestyle changes can also help you reduce your risk of getting colon cancer, such as getting enough physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight. If you drink alcohol or smoke tobacco, consider limiting your consumption. Dietary changes can also help you reduce your risk; try to eat a diet that is low in animal fats and high in fruits, vegetables, and fiber. PACT can help If you suspect signs of colon cancer or are due for screening, reach out to your doctor. PACT physicians are ready to help. Contact us today to set up an appointment. Looking For a Colorectal Specialist for your next screening in Connecticut? ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS: DR. DANIEL LAVY, M.D, FACS IN ANSONIA & HAMDEN, CT Dr. Lavy is a member of our experienced PACT Surgical Specialist Group. To schedule an appointment, please call 203-281-7000 or request an appointment online.

With the exception of some skin cancers, colorectal cancer—which includes colon cancer and rectal cancer—is the fourth most common cancer in men and women in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It is also the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths. However, over the last several decades, the… Read More

Read More

5 Health Screenings for Women that Your Primary Care Provider Performs

5 Health Screenings for Women

If you’re a woman who has recently visited the doctor or has a doctor’s appointment coming up, you’re probably familiar with the concept of health screenings. Health screenings are tests that doctors perform to proactively check for diseases and illnesses before the patient shows any signs or symptoms. This can be beneficial for early treatment… Read More

Read More

Is Female Incontinence Just a Normal Part of Aging? 5 Common Misconceptions About Incontinence

Is Female Incontinence a Normal Part of Aging?

Although it can be embarrassing to talk about, urinary incontinence is a common problem among women. Urinary incontinence is the loss of bladder control causing urine leakage. While it can happen to anyone, it affects twice as many women as men because of health events such as pregnancy and childbirth that may affect the urinary… Read More

Read More

4 Little-Known Symptoms of Poor Gut Health to Be Aware of and How to Improve It

Poor Gut Health

It’s a common belief that digestive woes are the only symptoms of a stomach problem. But did you know that the state of your gut health affects more than just your stomach? The study of proper gut health has been widely examined as of late with experts researching just how much gut health impacts not… Read More

Read More

3 Prostate Cancer Prevention Tips Backed By Science

Prostate Cancer

Approximately 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, making it one of the most common types of cancers affecting men. Unfortunately, there’s no surefire way to prevent prostate cancer. But with the right lifestyle and healthy choices, you can reduce your risk. Let’s talk about risk factors, symptoms, and steps you… Read More

Read More