GTA Endoscopy Services Inc.

Second Annual Colorectal Cancer Association of Canada (CCAC) Public Service Announcement Contest!

Learn about colorectal cancer and have your shot at winning a total of $4,500! Click on the image below to see how you can create an image or video to promote colorectal cancer screening and win.

Exercise Can Help Stave Off Colon Cancer: WHO

The World Health Organization (WHO) is advising people engage in at least 150 minutes of "moderate" physical exercise a week to reduce the risk of breast and colon cancers, in new recommendations published on World Cancer Day.

"Cancer is preventable and many cancers are avoidable," said Eduardo Cazap, president of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) and one of the authors of the joint "Global Recommendations on Physical Activity for Health". UICC and WHO experts estimate based on scientific evidence that around 25 per cent of breast and colon cancers could be prevented by undertaking physical activity, while exercise can also affect other types of cancers.

"The dose of physical activity required is 150 minutes a week," WHO health promotion expert Tim Armstrong told journalists. "Most individuals can accomplish it, it’s 30 minutes of moderate effort like walking on five days of the week," he explained.

The WHO ranks lack of physical activity alongside tobacco, diabetes and high blood pressure as a health risk, leading to the deaths of 3.2 million people a year.

Agence France-Presse February 4, 2011

Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are enlarged or swollen veins in the lower rectum. Hemorrhoids are common, occurring in both men and women. Although hemorrhoids do not usually cause serious health problems, they can be annoying and uncomfortable. The most common symptoms of hemorrhoids are rectal bleeding, itching, and pain.  Fortunately, treatments for hemorrhoids are available and can usually minimize the bothersome symptoms.

Click HERE to learn more about hemorrhoids

GTA Endoscopy Nurses

GTA Endoscopy's Nursing Staff is committed to providing compassionate, quality care focusing on the unique needs of our patients and their families. We recognize the expertise, diversity, and value of each member of our nursing team and we are committed to fostering an environment that promotes respect, positive communication, and collaboration among all members of the GTA healthcare team.

The Nursing Team requires highly educated nurses who are specially trained to manage the complexities associated with endoscopy and related treatments. Our low patient to nurse ratio assures patients of individualized, attentive care.

What is a peptic ulcer and what causes it?

A peptic ulcer is a sore on the lining of the stomach or duodenum, the beginning of the small intestine. Less commonly, a peptic ulcer may develop just above the stomach in the esophagus, the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach.

A peptic ulcer in the stomach is called a gastric ulcer. One that occurs in the duodenum is called a duodenal ulcer. People can have both gastric and duodenal ulcers at the same time. They also can develop peptic ulcers more than once in their lifetime.

Peptic ulcers are common. Each year in the United States, about half a million people develop a peptic ulcer.

A bacterium called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a major cause of peptic ulcers. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin and ibuprofen, are another common cause. Rarely, cancerous or noncancerous tumors in the stomach, duodenum, or pancreas cause ulcers.

Peptic ulcers are not caused by stress or eating spicy food, but both can make ulcer symptoms worse. Smoking and drinking alcohol also can worsen ulcers and prevent healing.

What is PICO-SALAX?

PICO-SALAX is a white powder that is a strong purgative (i.e. to empty bowels). PICO-SALAX is used to cleanse the bowel of faecal matter and secretions prior to x-ray examination, endoscopy or surgery. It is the #1 prep in the UK and Canada.

For the best results, GTA Endoscopy Services recommends that patients use PICO-SALAX as part of the preparation for colonoscopy.

Click here to read more about PICO-SALAX

Remember to follow our preparation instructions on our website as they differ from instructions given by your Pharmacy or included with PICO-SALAX. If you have any questions about the preparation, don't hesitate to call us.

Does Colorectal Cancer Run in Your Family?

GTA Endoscopy Services would like you to know that one in five colorectal cancers is linked to family history.  On Monday December 6th at 8PM, join Dr. Henry Lynch, a pioneer in genetic cancer research, and Kate Murphy, a Lynch syndrome survivor and Director of Research Communication for the Colorectal Cancer Coalition, in a discussion about at-risk families. Arm yourself with the facts so that you and your family can take steps to:

- Detect inherited colorectal and associated cancers early
- Treat them successfully or
- Prevent them entirely

Click here to sign up for the FREE webinar

Remind a Friend to get Screened!

This year more than 22,000 Canadians will be diagnosed with colon cancer. The Colorectal Cancer Association and GTA Endoscopy would like to remind you that screening does save lives.

Visit getyourbuttseen.ca to send a e-card to a friend. It could save someones life.

Colon Cancer Statistics 2009

Currently, colorectal cancer is the 2nd leading cause of cancer death in Canada. Only lung cancer kills more Canadians every year. The most recent estimated statistics for colorectal cancer for 2009 are:

• 22,000 new cases
• 9,100 deaths

View more Colon Cancer statistics from 2009

Low-dose Aspirin and Possible Reduced Colon Cancer Risk

British researchers have found a possible connection between low-dose aspirin and the incidence of colon cancer. The group’s report, published in The Lancet, summarized the 20-year results of trials involving the use of ASA (acetylsalicylic acid), more commonly known as Aspirin. The studies involved more than 14,000 people, with the primary intention of studying the drug’s use in preventing strokes and heart attacks.

The study found, however, that the benefits of regular ASA also include protective effects against colon cancer, and that regular use even seemed to prevent tumours in certain areas (most notably in the higher reaches of the colon, where discovery through traditional colonoscopy is often difficult).

The study’s findings are an exciting step for colorectal cancer prevention practices, but we at GTA Endoscopy Services urge you to speak with your doctor before commencing any kind of drug regimen. Though commonly available over-the-counter, even ASA has potentially serious side effects, including irritation of the stomach, intestines and colon.

The cost-effectiveness of screening for colorectal cancer

Published decision analyses show that screening for colorectal cancer is cost-effective. However, because of the number of tests available, the optimal screening strategy in Canada is unknown. Colonoscopy every 10 years yielded the greatest net health benefit.

View the article here (CMAJ)

Cancer Day of Action 2010

November 3rd, 2010 is the second annual Cancer Day of Action! The goal of the 2010 Cancer Day of Action is to educate, energize and unify professional, patient, advocate, providers and citizens in order to give voice to Canadians concerned about cancer issues.

Click here to learn more.

Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is a condition in which the absorptive lining of the small intestine is damaged by gluten, a substance commonly found in some foods. This results in an inability of the body to absorb much needed protein, carbohydrates, fat, vitamins and minerals. It is estimated that 1 in 133 persons in Canada are affected by celiac disease.

A range of symptoms may be present. In general, the symptoms of untreated celiac disease indicate the presence of malabsorption due to the damaged small intestine. At present there is no definitive cure, but celiac disease is readily treated by strictly following a gluten-free diet.

To learn more about celiac disease visit celia.ca or read this review article (medical literature, New England Journal of Medicine)

Our Vision

GTA Endoscopy Services Inc. provides complete endoscopic services to all patients without discrimination that is covered by OHIP. The care provided is not limited to the treatment, diagnosis and management of gastrointestinal disorders, but also embraces the psychological, social and spiritual dimensions of patients and their families. This vision is fulfilled by collaborating with highly skilled and experienced medical professionals staff to provide endoscopic procedures in a safe and patient friendly environment.

Giant Colon Makes It Across Ontario

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