Digestive Health Archive

Cancer

Adding ultrasound to mammography improves cancer detection rate

Published November 1, 2021

A combination of mammography and ultrasound may increase accuracy of breast cancer screening.

Diet and nutrition

What are postbiotics?

Published November 1, 2021

Postbiotics are created by digestion. Like probiotics and prebiotics, they may contribute to gut health and overall health.

Diseases & Conditions

Gastroparesis: A slow-emptying stomach can cause nausea and vomiting

Published October 27, 2021

Gastroparesis is a condition that causes delay in the emptying of food from the stomach. This can cause uncomfortable symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, and can affect nutrition and quality of life. Treatment may involve medication or a procedure, but a correct diagnosis is necessary first.

Cancer

Cancer survivors' sleep is affected long after treatment

Published October 22, 2021

According to a new study, many people who have survived cancer treatment experience poor sleep long after treatment has ended. These people also reported emotional distress, financial hardship, and concern that their cancer might return. Many sleep disorders can be treated successfully, but an accurate diagnosis is essential to choosing the correct treatment.

Diet and nutrition

Keep ultra-processed foods off the menu

Published October 1, 2021

A study published online July 14, 2021, by the BMJ suggests that eating ultra-processed foods is associated with substantially increased risks of developing inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.

Cancer

Cancer report shows a mixed bag

Published October 1, 2021

Women are being diagnosed with cancer at a higher rate than in the past—but death rates for women with the disease are down, says a report published July 8, 2021, in JNCI: The Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

Diseases & Conditions

Inflammatory bowel disease on the rise in older adults

Published October 1, 2021

The number of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis cases among older adults has increased every year over the past decade. While all racial and ethnic groups were affected, the most significant annual percentage increase was among non-Hispanic Black individuals.

Cancer

Radiation risk from medical imaging

Updated September 30, 2021

Given the huge increase in the use of CT scans, concern about radiation exposure is warranted. Patients should try to keep track of their cumulative radiation exposure, and only have tests when necessary.