Steven Rogers, MD Archives | Cayuga Medical Center

Oct 12 Comments Off

Major Breakthrough in Treating Hepatitis C Virus

Posted by jprobert

By Steven Rogers, MD

The Food and Drug Administration recently approved an extremely promising new treatment for hepatitis C virus. This new medication, sofosbuvir, marketed under the name Sovaldi, is considered a major breakthrough for two reasons: it is much more easily tolerated by patients than previous treatment protocols, and it has proven to be 80-90 percent effective in curing hepatitis C, representing a significant increase over previous approaches to treatment. Sofosbuvir, which works by blocking the ability of the hepatitis C virus to replicate, is a pill that is taken once a day. It received final approval in December 2013 and is available now locally.

Screening for Colon Cancer Can Save Your Life

Posted by jprobert

By Steven Rogers, MD

Colon cancer is the third most common cancer, and the second most common cause of cancer death. Five percent of the population in this country will develop it. Symptoms of colon cancer show up quite late in the disease process, mainly because the colon can accommodate a large tumor before bleeding or bowel-movement changes occur. The good news is that colon cancer is really preventable.

Celiac Disease: Common and Often Undiagnosed

Posted by jprobert

By Steven Rogers, MD

A recent front-page article in the Ithaca Journal drew needed attention to celiac disease. This condition, which damages the gastrointestinal (GI) system, affects about one in 140 people. It produces symptoms that go beyond the GI system and diagnosis can be complicated. Once diagnosed, however, celiac disease can be well controlled with a restricted diet.