Esophageal Cancer is a rare, but devastating illness that affects an individual’s esophagus — the hollow tube that connects the throat to the stomach. Although an individual’s risk of developing the disease during his or her lifetime is only 0.5 percent, the five-year survival rate for those patients diagnosed with the condition averages just 19.9 percent. The two most common types of esophageal cancer are squamous cell carcinoma, which typically affects the upper and middle part of the esophagus, and adenocarcinoma, which usually occurs in the lower part of the esophagus near the st ..read more

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and 45 is the new 50 when it comes to colorectal cancer screening. The US Preventive Services Task Force issued new recommendations in 2021 for colorectal cancer stating that people at average risk should start screening at age 45.   Why get screened? Colorectal cancer is the most preventable cancer with proper screening.  During colonoscopies, precancerous polyps are located and removed which prevents cancer from developing.   What is average risk for colorectal cancer? People are considered to be average risk if they: Are 45 or olde ..read more

Meet Dr. Steven Mathews! We sat down with our newest physician to learn more about him and what makes him so passionate about patient care. Here’s what he had to say:   How many years have you been practicing?  6 total. (3 years Internal Medicine Residency, 3 years GI Fellowship)   Schooling, Residency, Fellowship: Undergraduate: Boston University, B.S. in Biomedical Engineering (Cum Laude) Medical Degree: Stony Brook University School of Medicine Internal Medicine Residency: New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medicine Gastroenterology Fellowship: New York-Presbyterian/Weill Co ..read more

June is Men’s Health Month, and we also celebrate Father’s Day, so how can men take care of their GI health…   Don’t put off regular checkups…  It’s hard to schedule doctor appointments when you feel good, but it is important to be proactive about your health.  Regular checkups can allow physicians to detect and control diseases which can be harder to treat in advanced stages.   Get regular screenings…  According to the American Cancer Society the lifetime risk for men developing colorectal cancer is about 1 in 23.  Colorectal screening starts at age 45 for those ..read more

Hepatitis simply means “inflammation of the liver.” It can be caused by infections including viruses like hepatitis A, B, and C, toxic substances like alcohol and amanita mushrooms, and certain medications. Here we are going to focus on Hepatitis C. Hepatitis C is a virus spread by blood. At high risk for contracting hepatitis C are IV drug users and others who have shared needles, people who have reused tattoo needles from an infected person, healthcare workers with needle stick injuries from an infected person, people who have had blood transfusions prior to 1990, and people who have had sex ..read more

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and 45 is the new 50 when it comes to colorectal cancer screening. The US Preventive Services Task Force issued new recommendations in 2021 for colorectal cancer stating that people at average risk should start screening at age 45.   Why get screened? Colorectal cancer is the most preventable cancer with proper screening.  During colonoscopies, precancerous polyps are located and removed which prevents cancer from developing.   What is average risk for colorectal cancer? People are considered to be average risk if they: Are 45 or olde ..read more

Heartburn or acid reflux symptoms include chronic cough, chest pain and burning. Knowing your triggers, such as certain foods, medications, obesity, or even stress, can help prevent heartburn. Heartburn treatment may include medications, home remedies, or diet changes. The specific triggers for heartburn differ from person to person. Marinara sauce may always spell trouble for you, but your spouse may lick the plate clean and sit back with a satisfied belly and a smile. Despite its name, heartburn has nothing to do with the heart. Some of the symptoms, however, are lik ..read more

It’s that time of year again when we make resolutions to live a healthier and happier life. We may vow to exercise more, eat healthier, or even kick a bad habit. Whatever your goals, making healthy choices in the new year is essential for your overall well-being. The first step towards making healthy choices is to set realistic goals. It is important to focus on achievable goals that you can actually stick to. For instance, instead of saying you want to lose 20 pounds in a month, try setting a goal to lose a pound a week. This is more manageable and will give you a better chance of success. Ne ..read more

From our family at Hunterdon Gastroenterology Associates and Hunterdon Endosurgery Center, we wanted to take a moment to wish everyone a wonderful holiday season!   Thank you for entrusting us with your Gastrointestinal needs!  Have a Happy, Healthy New Year! The post Happy Holidays from Hunterdon Gastroenterology Associates first appeared on Hunterdon Gastroenterology Associates | Digestive Health Specialists - Flemington, NJ. The post Happy Holidays from Hunterdon Gastroenterology Associates appeared first on Hunterdon Gastroenterology Associates | Digestive Health Specialists ..read more

The Difference between Acid Reflux and GERD The American College of Gastroenterology says that at least 15 million Americans, or 20 percent of the American population, experience heartburn every day. Does heartburn affect you? Heartburn is the manifestation — the symptom — of acid reflux, or stomach contents coming back up in your esophagus. You can often pinpoint a reason for the burn (that five-alarm chili, perhaps), but if heartburn happens often — defined as a couple of times a week — it could be a symptom of a more serious condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). While it ..read more