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The Journal of the National Cancer Institute published an article saying that colonoscopy for primary screening might be going too far. I agree! The benefits, harms, and costs have not been determined. Checking the stool for ocult blood and flexible sigmoidoscopy have been shown to be of value but there's no data showing that colonoscopy gives additional...

  Dr. Len and Nurse Vicki discuss the pros and cons for a routine colonoscopy for colon cancer screening. In asymptomatic people without a family history of cancer, the risks of doing a colonoscopy may exceed the benefits. Bowel perforations and severe GI bleeding are complications in 1 in 200 tests. Other screening tests are reviewed too.        

Is the fat in milk put us at risk for arteriosclerosis, or does it reduce the risk. It depends on which information you believe. The pros and cons of milk consumption are discussed. Milk sensitivity, lactose intolerance, and milk allergy are discussed.        

  Newer antidepressants are being promoted as better than the older ones. The bottom line is that when drugs go off patent, the drug companies have a need to convince MDs and the public that they should purchase their newer, more profitable products. There are problems with antidepressants that include increased risk of suicide, osteoporosis, and heart...

  Nanoparticles are extemely small particles that can travel to parts of the body where normally they are not found. The safety and long term effects of these particles is unknown, but we're using them anyway! Titanium issues are discussed in terms of possible relationship to lung cancer. The safety tests are being done on the population at large....

  Genetics only accounts for 5-10% of cancers. Environmental and lifestyle factors have a lot to do with getting cancer. Estrogen is another big player in causing cancer. The role of methylation is discussed.        

There are few instances when surgery is necessary. However, surgeries can lead to poor outcomes that can lead to severe and permanent disabilities. Rehabilitation should always be the first strategy and there are many modalities that can be used together for better results.