american gastroenterological association

(American Gastroenterological Association) A patient's viewpoint of the severity of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms can be influenced not only by physical symptoms of IBS but broader psychological problems.

(MedPage Today) -- Emmet Keeffe, MD, a noted hepatologist and past president of the American Gastroenterological Association, has died.

(American Gastroenterological Association) Intake of high levels of folate may reduce colorectal cancer risk, according to a new study in Gastroenterology, the official journal of the American Gastroenterological Association Institute.

Folate is a water-soluble B vitamin that occurs naturally in food.

(American Gastroenterological Association) A significant proportion of irritable bowel syndrome patients treated with cognitive behavior therapy have a positive response within four weeks of treatment.

(American Gastroenterological Association) Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third leading cause of cancer death among men and women nationwide, yet only half of people who need CRC screening receive it.

The American Gastroenterological Association Institute is working to educate patients about the importance of screening and to encourage everyone age 50 and older to get screened for CRC.

(American Gastroenterological Association) Due to the increasing complexities of treating digestive diseases, allowing gastroenterological trainee physicians the opportunity to develop enhanced abilities and experiences in specific disease areas or procedures will be a great benefit to patients, according to a "Report of the Multisociety Task Force on GI Training." Additionally, GI training programs need to measure the achievements of trainees based on specific defined competencies rather than the duration of training alone.

(American Gastroenterological Association) The AGA Foundation for Digestive Health and Nutrition announced that the family of the late businessman and photographer, Bernard Lee Schwartz, has honored his memory by establishing a new three-year Research Scholar Award for pancreatic cancer research.

The $225,000 gift from the Bernard Lee Schwartz Foundation will provide a young investigator with funding and protected time for three years to focus on basic science related to pancreatic cancer.

(American Gastroenterological Association) The anti-diabetic medication metformin is associated with a reduced risk of pancreatic cancer in diabetics.

(American Gastroenterological Association) The latest advances in polyp detection, assessment of colorectal cancer risk, and patient sedation during colonoscopy will be presented today at Digestive Disease Week 2009.