Integrative Health: Acupuncture

Posted on March 27, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Integrative health combines modern and holistic medicines that can help prevent the onset of disease, address existing chronic conditions, and promote healing in patients.

This approach places the patient at the center of a treatment plan, considering the physical, emotional, and social needs of that individual.

Treatment plans may also include the use of conventional medicine, such as prescriptions, to manage chronic health conditions, as well as therapies and practices, such as acupuncture.

Acupuncture is a technique in which practitioners insert fine needles into the skin to treat health problems. The needles can be manually manipulated or stimulated with small electrical currents, which is called electroacupuncture.

Originating from traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture has been in use in some form for at least 2,500 years, gaining worldwide popularity since the 1970s.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), acupuncture is used as a therapeutic technique in 103 out of 129 countries that reported data.

Data from the National Health Interview Survey showed that the use of acupuncture by adults in the U.S. more than doubled between 2002 and 2022. In 2002, 1% of adults in the U.S. used acupuncture. In 2022, that percentage rose to 2.2%.

National survey data suggest that acupuncture is most used for back, joint, and neck pain in the U.S.

It isn’t fully understood how acupuncture works. However, there is evidence that shows that acupuncture may have effects on the central nervous system, effects on other body tissues, and placebo effects.

Studies done in animals and humans, including studies using imaging procedures to see what is happening in the brain, have shown that acupuncture may affect nervous system function.

Acupuncture may have direct effects on the tissues where the needles have been inserted, which has been seen in connective tissue.

Research has shown that acupuncture may be beneficial for several pain conditions, including knee pain resulting from osteoarthritis and postoperative pain. Acupuncture may also help relieve joint pain associated with the use of aromatase inhibitors, which are drugs used in people diagnosed with breast cancer.

An analysis of data from 20 studies (6,376 participants) of people with painful conditions (back pain, osteoarthritis, neck pain, or headaches) showed that the beneficial effects of acupuncture continued for a year after the end of treatment for all conditions except neck pain.

Acupuncture doesn’t only treat painful conditions. It has also been studied for at least 50 other health problems. There is evidence that indicates acupuncture may help relieve seasonal allergy symptoms, stress incontinence in women, and nausea and vomiting associated with cancer treatment, and may also help relieve symptoms and improve the quality of life in people with asthma, but it has not been shown to improve lung function.

Auricular acupuncture is a type of acupuncture that involves stimulating specific areas of the ear. Research on auricular acupuncture for chronic back pain and cancer pain has had promising results.

Relatively few complications from using acupuncture have been reported. However, complications have resulted from the use of nonsterile needles and improper delivery of treatments. When not delivered properly, acupuncture can cause serious adverse effects, including infections, punctured organs, and injury to the central nervous system.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates acupuncture needles as medical devices and requires that they be sterile and labeled for single use only.

If you are interested in learning more about any of our integrative health services, events, or classes, or would like to schedule an appointment, please call us at (718) 206-5675.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Biomarkers for Colorectal Cancer

Posted on March 11, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Colorectal cancer is a cancer that starts in the colon or the rectum. It is the second most common type of cancer among men and women, and the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths.

Colorectal cancer most commonly occurs in men and women 55-85 years of age, which is 80% of colorectal cancer cases. Common risk factors of the disease include:

Obesity

Having type 2 diabetes

Family history

Racial and ethnic background

Diet

Level of physical activity

Long term tobacco smoking

Moderate to heavy alcohol use

If a person is suspected of having colorectal cancer or has already been diagnosed with it, they will be tested for colorectal cancer biomarkers.

Biomarkers or biological biomarkers are traits that healthcare providers measure in a person’s blood, body fluids, and tissues. They can be signs of conditions, diseases, normal body functions, or when something goes wrong. Biomarkers can also be used by healthcare providers to see how well a person’s body reacts to treatments for the disease they have.

Biomarkers for colorectal cancer are used for diagnosis, progression, prognosis, and treatment planning. Diagnostic biomarkers can detect the presence of diseases. Prognostic biomarkers are associated with a clinical outcome regardless of the treatment that has been received, and predictive biomarkers can predict the benefit or lack of benefit of a certain treatment.

Colorectal cancer biomarker testing is done by taking a sample of a person’s tumor for a biopsy, or a sample of their blood and sending it to a pathology lab to determine if there are any abnormalities in the DNA, RNA, hormones, or proteins made by their cancer. Many tests are used in biomarker testing, including:

DNA or RNA sequencing

Next-generation sequencing

Molecular testing

CtDNA

Immunohistochemistry

FISH

Biomarker testing can reveal very detailed information about a person’s tumor. A healthcare provider will review the test results to determine which of the specific biomarkers are present, and they may also see how much is present. The type of biomarker tests a person receives depends on what their healthcare provider determines is right for the type and stage of cancer they have.

Biomarkers can also determine if the person’s colorectal cancer has a hereditary genetic mutation or an acquired one. Only 5% of colorectal cancer cases are caused by germline mutations, also known as hereditary mutations, which are genetic abnormalities that are passed down from parent to child. This means that 95% of colorectal cancers happen randomly due to changes in the body cells that weren’t inherited.

Once colorectal cancer biomarker testing is complete, a healthcare provider will be able to create a personalized treatment plan based on the person’s unique biomarker traits.

Biomarker testing is useful in both early and advanced colorectal cancer. For those with advanced cancer, biomarker testing is used to learn whether their cancer has any targetable characteristics. If it does, target therapy or immunotherapy may be treatment options as they target specific characteristics of a tumor.

If you would like to learn more about colorectal cancer biomarker testing, or to learn more about our cancer care program, you can schedule an appointment with an oncologist at our MediSys Health Network Cancer Center by calling (718) 206-6742.

What May Cause Lung Cancer in Nonsmokers?

Posted on January 22, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Tobacco smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer. However, people who smoke tobacco aren’t the only ones at risk of developing lung cancer.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 10% to 20% of lung cancer cases each year happen in people who never smoke.

Nonsmokers can develop lung cancer if they are exposed to secondhand smoke, air pollution, radioactive gases such as radon, asbestos, diesel exhaust, or other harmful chemicals.

According to the CDC, about 50% to 60% of lung cancers found in nonsmokers are adenocarcinomas, which is a type of non-small cell lung cancer that begins in the cells that line the tiny air sacs in the lungs and make substances such as mucus. Additionally, about 10% to 20% are squamous cell carcinomas, cancer that forms in the thin, flat cells lining the inside of the lungs, and 6% to 8% are small cell lung cancers, and the rest are other types of lung cancer.

Lung cancers in nonsmokers are often different than those that are in smokers, as they usually develop in younger people, and often have certain gene changes that differ from those in tumors found in smokers.

A person’s genes can influence their risk of developing certain diseases, including some types of cancer, as some genes help control when cells grow, divide into new cells, and die. These genes are oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes.

Oncogenes help cells grow, divide, or stay alive. Tumor suppressor genes help control cell division or cause cells to die at the right time.

Cancer can develop when any DNA changes that activate oncogenes or deactivate tumor suppressor genes occur. These changes in many different genes are usually needed to cause cancer to develop. The two primary types of gene changes are inherited gene changes and acquired gene changes.

Inherited gene changes are gene changes passed down from a person’s parents. These inherited changes to a person’s DNA may increase their risk of developing certain cancers.

Acquired gene changes cannot be inherited but are acquired during a person’s lifetime and may occur in any individual cell. Certain acquired gene changes can affect the cell’s ability to control how it grows and will ultimately mutate a non-cancer cell into a cancer cell.

It is more common for nonsmoking women, especially Asian nonsmoking women, to develop lung cancer, as they are more than twice as likely to develop it as male nonsmokers. This is due to women having an acquired gene change, such as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR).

Symptoms of lung cancer are the same for smokers and nonsmokers. Lung cancer symptoms include:

Feeling tired or weak all the time

Loss of appetite

A cough that doesn’t go away or gets worse

Coughing up blood or rust-colored phlegm

Chest pains

Shortness of breath

Unexplained weight loss

Hoarseness

Bronchitis or pneumonia that doesn’t go away or keeps coming back

Wheezing

If a smoker is exhibiting symptoms of lung cancer, they should see a healthcare provider.

Although there isn’t any screening guidance for nonsmokers, taking steps such as being aware of lung cancer symptoms and reducing exposure to air pollutants and radon can help reduce your risk of developing lung cancer. Some additional steps include:

Avoid secondhand smoke

Monitor the air quality in your community

Test your home for radon

Protect yourself at work by avoiding any chemicals or cleaning products that contain carcinogens

If you would like to learn more about cancer treatments for lung cancer, or to learn more about our cancer care program, you can schedule an appointment with an oncologist at our MediSys Health Network Cancer Center by calling (718) 206-6742.

Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Posted on January 15, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Hidradenitis suppurativa, also known as acne inversa, is a condition that causes small, painful lumps to form underneath the skin. These lumps usually develop in areas such as the armpits, the groin, buttocks, and breasts where the skin rubs together.

Hidradenitis suppurativa starts after puberty and usually before the age of 40. It can last for many years, worsening over time.

Hidradenitis suppurativa can affect one or more areas of the body, with several signs and symptoms, including:

Blackheads- small, pitted areas of the skin that often appear in pairs

Painful pea-sized lumps that form under the skin in areas where more sweat and oil glands are present, or where the skin rubs together, that can last for weeks or months

Leaking bumps or sores that can get bigger, break open, and drain pus with an odor

Tunnels that form under the skin. These tunnels connect lumps and heal slowly, and drain blood and pus

Some people who have hidradenitis suppurative experience only mild symptoms; however, the course of the disease varies extremely. Excess weight and smoking are associated with worse symptoms, but people who are thin and smoke can also experience severe symptoms of the disease.

Hidradenitis suppurativa occurs when hair follicles become blocked. The cause of the blockage isn’t known; however, experts think it may be connected to hormones, genetic predisposition, cigarette smoking, or excess weight.

Several risk factors can increase the chance of developing hidradenitis suppurativa. They include:

Race

Family history

Certain conditions

Smoking

Severe and persistent hidradenitis can cause complications, including:

Infection in the affected area

Restricted movement due to sores and scar tissue

Skin cancer, such as squamous cell carcinoma, has been reported with long-term hidradenitis suppurativa

Scars and skin changes after wounds have healed, leaving pitted skin and rope-like scars

Swelling in the arms, legs, or genital area, due to scar tissue caused by hidradenitis that blocks the lymph nodes in those areas from draining

Psychological effects and social isolation, such as depression, anxiety, or not wanting to go out in public due to the location, drainage, and odor of the sores

Lifelong pain

Hidradenitis suppurativa can often be mistaken for acne or pimples. A healthcare provider can make a diagnosis based on signs and symptoms, skin appearance, and medical history. Hidradenitis suppurativa can be difficult to diagnose and requires specialized care, so a healthcare provider may refer a patient to a dermatologist.

There aren’t any laboratory tests available to diagnose hidradenitis suppurativa; however, if there is pus or drainage present in the wounds, samples may be taken for testing.

Treatment for hidradenitis suppurativa can include medications, surgeries, or both to help control symptoms and prevent complications of the condition.

Medications used to treat hidradenitis suppurativa can include:

Antibiotics

Steroid injections

Hormonal therapy

Biologics

Retinoids

Pain medicine

Surgical procedures used to treat hidradenitis suppurativa include:

Uncovering the tunnels under the skin by removing tissue to expose them

Punch debridement, which removes a single inflamed bump

Laser therapy

Surgical removal of all the infected skin

If you or a loved one is suffering from hidradenitis suppurativa, you can visit Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Division of Dermatology. To make an appointment, please call (718) 206- 6742.

Cold Cap Hair Loss Cancer Treatment

Posted on December 4, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Hair loss can be a big concern for people who are going through chemotherapy. While hair typically grows back after treatment, the loss of hair can be distressing, as it is a reminder of how cancer has changed them.

Cold capping, or scalp cooling, is a type of therapy that might reduce hair loss caused by chemotherapy.

Cold capping treatment uses a device to lower the temperature of the scalp and constrict the blood vessels. The cold helps keep cell-killing chemo away from hair follicles to protect the hair.

The two main types of scalp cooling devices are automated and manual, and they work in different ways.

Automated cold caps are automated scalp cooling systems that are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and are covered by insurance. They work by connecting a special cap to an automated device that circulates a liquid or gel cooled to a specific temperature. Automated cold caps are only approved for chemo-induced hair loss related to solid tumor cancers, not blood cancers.

Manual scalp cooling devices are frozen gel caps that are not regulated by the FDA and are not covered by insurance. This type of device doesn’t use an automated cooling system. Instead, it is manually cooled in a freezer or with dry ice. The temperature for frozen gel caps must be much lower compared to automated cold cap systems, because the cap starts to warm as soon as it is put on a person’s head. A new frozen cap must be put on every 30 minutes.

A cancer care team may advise against a patient using cold capping if they:

Have blood cancers, such as leukemia or lymphoma, or have a central nervous system cancer

Have a history of migraines

Live with liver disease

Had or will have radiation therapy to the skull

Are preparing for a bone marrow transplant

Are under the age of 18

Research has shown that each person responds to scalp cooling differently. These devices work better for certain types or doses of chemotherapy. For example, if a chemo regimen includes anthracycline, scalp cooling might not work as well to reduce or prevent hair loss.

Some research also suggests that scalp cooling to prevent hair loss might not work as well for people with a thicker hair layer, compared to those with a thinner layer of hair. This could be because thicker hair insulates the scalp, preventing it from cooling down enough.

Additionally, there is research that suggests that the fit of a cooling cap is important. Cooling caps that aren’t fitted tightly have been linked with more hair loss. Increased hair loss often happens in patches where the cap’s contact with the scalp is poor. Therefore, it is highly recommended to receive cold cap therapy with the assistance or guidance of a trained healthcare professional.

Scalp cooling side effects are rare and usually tolerable. The most common side effects reported include:

Headaches

Nausea

Dry skin

Claustrophobia

General discomfort related to feeling cold

There have been a small number of reports of scalp thermal injuries that happened when people use the non-regulated manual cold caps. The MediSys Health Network Cancer Center offers cold cap treatment approved by the FDA to help patients lower their risk of chemotherapy hair loss.

If you would like to learn more about cancer treatments such as cold capping, or to learn more about our cancer care program, you can schedule an appointment with an oncologist at our MediSys Health Network Cancer Center by calling (718) 206-6742.

What is HER2 Breast Cancer?

Posted on December 3, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

HER2-positive (HER2+) breast cancer is a fast-growing form of invasive breast cancer, one that spreads to other parts of the body. When a person has this type of cancer, tests show high levels of a specific protein, human growth factor receptor 2, which manages how cells grow and divide.

In 2023, the American Cancer Society estimated that invasive breast cancers would affect more than 290,000 women. Invasive breast cancers are cancers that have spread to the surrounding breast tissue. These cancers include:

· Invasive ductal carcinoma

· Lobular breast cancer

Additionally, of those 290,000 cases, between 15% and 20% of those breast cancers will be HER2-positive. Men rarely develop HER2-positive breast cancer.

Similar to many types of breast cancer, HER2-positive breast cancer may not cause obvious symptoms. When it does cause obvious symptoms, you may experience:

· A change in the size, shape, or contour of the breast

· A mass or lump, which may feel as small as a pea

· A lump or thickening in or near the breast or in the underarm that persists through a menstrual cycle

· A change in the look or feel of the skin of the breast. The skin may look dimpled, scaly, or inflamed, and may look reddish or darker than usual.

· A marble-like hardened area under the skin

· A blood-stained or clear fluid discharge from the nipple

HER2-positive breast cancer happens when the HER2 gene mutates, creating the HER2 protein. HER2 proteins or receptors are on all breast cells’ surfaces.

Normally, HER2 proteins manage breast cell growth and repair, making sure cells divide as needed to replace any cells that are damaged or dying. When HER2 genes mutate, they create more copies of themselves, which means more proteins that cause more breast cells to divide and grow and become cancerous tumors.

Many factors can increase the risk of developing HER2 breast cancer, including:

· Having an inherited genetic mutation, such as BRCA1 or BRCA2

· Having a personal history of breast cancer

· Having a condition such as atypical ductal hyperplasia

· Starting your menstrual cycle earlier than usual

· Starting menopause later than usual

· Taking hormone replacement therapy

· Having more than one alcoholic beverage in a day

· History of radiation therapy for conditions, including types of lymphoma

HER2-positive breast cancer causes many complications as it can spread or metastasize. About half of the people with it are diagnosed after the cancer has spread to other areas of the body, including the brain. Metastatic breast cancer in the brain can be life-threatening.

All breast cancers are diagnosed by healthcare providers when they perform breast biopsies. If the biopsies find cancer, a medical pathologist will examine breast tissue cells for signs of HER2 proteins. Laboratory tests can include:

· Immunohistochemistry

· Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH)

Since HER2-positive breast cancer is a form of invasive breast cancer, treatments will vary depending on factors such as cancer stage and HER2 status. Treatments may include:

· Targeted therapy

· Chemotherapy

If you would like to learn more about HER2-positive breast cancer, or to learn more about our cancer care program, you can schedule an appointment with an oncologist at our MediSys Health Network Cancer Center by calling (718) 206-6742.

Lung Cancer Awareness Month

Posted on November 21, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, an annual observance dedicated to increasing awareness about lung cancer, its risk factors, early detection, and treatment options.

Lung cancer is the number one cause of cancer death, claiming more lives each year than breast, prostate, ovarian, and kidney cancers combined.

Lung cancer is a kind of cancer that starts with the growth of cells in the lungs. It doesn’t usually cause symptoms early on; however, the symptoms of lung cancer occur when the disease is advanced. Signs and symptoms of lung cancer that happen in and around the lungs include:

A new cough that doesn’t go away

Chest pain

Coughing up blood

Hoarseness

Shortness of breath

Wheezing

In addition to the signs and symptoms of lung cancer in the lungs, some symptoms occur when the cancer spreads to other parts of the body, including:

Bone pain

Headaches

Losing weight without trying

Loss of appetite

Swelling in the face or neck

Lung cancer occurs when cells in the lungs develop changes in their DNA. A cell’s DNA holds instructions that tell a cell what to do. In healthy cells, the DNA gives instructions to grow and multiply at a set rate. The instructions also tell the cells to die at a set time.

In cancer cells, DNA changes give different instructions. The changes tell the cancer cells to make many more cells quickly. Cancer cells can keep living when healthy cells die, causing too many cells.

Cancer cells might form a tumor. The tumor can grow to invade and destroy healthy body tissue. In time, cancer cells can break away and spread to other parts of the body, causing metastatic cancer.

Smoking causes most lung cancer. It can cause lung cancer in both smokers and non-smokers who have been exposed to secondhand smoke. However, people who have never smoked or been exposed to secondhand smoke can develop lung cancer.

Researchers believe smoking causes lung cancer by damaging the cells that line the lungs. Cigarette smoke contains cancer-causing substances known as carcinogens. When cigarette smoke is inhaled, carcinogens immediately cause changes in the lung tissue. The body may be able to repair the damage at first, but with each repeated exposure, healthy cells lining the lungs become more damaged. Over time, the damage causes cells to change, eventually developing into cancer.

Lung cancer is divided into two major types based on the appearance of cells under a microscope. The two general types of lung cancer include:

Small-cell lung cancer

Non-small cell lung cancer

A lung cancer diagnosis often starts with an imaging test to look at the lungs for signs of cancer before it develops. Other tests used to diagnose lung cancer include:

Sputum cytology

Biopsy

There are also additional tests that can be performed if a person is diagnosed with lung cancer to see if the cancer has spread. These tests allow a healthcare provider to know what stage the cancer is in. The stages of lung cancer range from 1 to 4. These staging tests often involve imaging tests such as an MRI, CT scan, bone scans, and a PET scan. If the cancer is in stage 1, the cancer is small and only in the lung. As cancer grows larger or spreads outside of the lungs, the numbers get higher. Stage 4 lung cancer means the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

Treatment for lung cancer usually begins with surgery to remove the cancer. However, if the cancer is very large or has spread to other parts of the body, surgery may not be possible. As an alternative, treatment may start with medicine and radiation instead. A healthcare team will consider many factors when creating a treatment plan. These factors may include:

Overall health

The type and stage of cancer

The patient’s preferences

Another type of treatment for lung cancer is palliative care. Palliative care specialists will work with the patient, their family, and healthcare team to provide extra support while the patient goes through their cancer treatment.

Unfortunately, there isn’t a sure way to prevent lung cancer. However, you can reduce your risk by not smoking or quitting smoking, avoiding secondhand smoke, eating a diet of fruits and vegetables, and exercising most days of the week.

If you would like to learn more about lung cancer treatments, or to learn more about our cancer care program, you can schedule an appointment with an oncologist at our MediSys Health Network Cancer Center by calling (718) 206-6742.

Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

Posted on September 26, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, a month to raise awareness, shine a light on ovarian cancer, and amplify the voices of those in the community who have experienced this disease.

Ovarian cancer is a growth of cells that forms in the ovaries. The cells multiply quickly and can invade and destroy healthy body tissue. It is the deadliest of all gynecologic cancers.

Types of ovarian cancer include:

Epithelial ovarian cancer- this type is the most common. It includes several subtypes, such as serous carcinoma and mucinous carcinoma.
Stromal tumors- this type includes rare tumors that are usually diagnosed at an earlier stage than other ovarian cancers.
Germ cell tumors- these types of rare ovarian cancers tend to occur at a younger age.

When ovarian cancer first develops, the signs and symptoms are subtle, which makes the disease difficult to detect in the early stages (I-II). This is why only 20% of ovarian cancer cases are diagnosed in the early stages. Often, symptoms don’t appear until the disease is in its advanced stages (III-IV). When ovarian cancer symptoms do occur, they’re usually attributed to other, more common conditions. Signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer may include:

Abdominal bloating or swelling
Quickly feeling full when eating
Weight loss
Discomfort in the pelvic area
Fatigue
Back pain
Changes in bowel habits
A frequent need to urinate

Several factors can increase your risk of ovarian cancer, including:

Older age
Inherited gene changes
Family history of ovarian cancer
Being overweight or obese
Postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy
Endometriosis
Age when menstruation started and ended
Never having been pregnant

There is no sure way to prevent ovarian cancer. However, there may be ways to reduce your risk, including:

Considering taking birth control pills
Discussing risk factors with your healthcare provider

Several tests and procedures can be performed to diagnose ovarian cancer. They include:

A pelvic exam
Imaging tests
Blood tests
Surgery
Genetic testing

The type of cell where the cancer begins determines the type of ovarian cancer you have and helps your healthcare provider decide on the best treatment options for you.

Once it is confirmed that you have ovarian cancer, your healthcare provider will use the information from your tests and procedures to assign your cancer a stage. The lowest stage, stage I, indicates that the cancer is confined to the ovaries. By stage IV, the cancer has spread to distant areas of the body.

Treatment of ovarian cancer usually involves a combination of surgery and chemotherapy. Other treatments may be used in certain situations.

Surgical operations to remove ovarian cancer include:

Surgery to remove one ovary
Surgery to remove both ovaries
Surgery to remove both ovaries and the uterus
Surgery for advanced cancer

Chemotherapy is often used after surgery to kill any cancer cells that might remain, but it can also be used before surgery.

Other therapy treatments for ovarian cancer can include:

Targeted therapy
Hormone therapy
Immunotherapy

Palliative care is another treatment option as it focuses on providing relief from pain and other symptoms of a serious illness and can be used while undergoing other aggressive treatments such as surgery and chemotherapy.

To schedule an appointment with an oncologist at our MediSys Health Network Cancer Center, or to learn more about our cancer care program, please call (718) 206-6742.

What Happens If a Polyp is Found in Your Colon

Posted on August 13, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer, but only if you have been screened for warning signs while you are still healthy. Cancer screenings can find precancerous growths or polyps, as most colorectal cancers start as polyps.

There are different types of colon and rectal polyps. They include:

Hyperplastic polyps: These polyps are not precancerous, and doctors generally remove them anyway, just to be safe.

Adenomas: These colon polyps are precancerous and can take seven to 10 or more years to evolve into cancer—if it ever does. Overall, only 5% of adenomas progress to cancer, but your risk is hard to predict. Doctors remove all the adenomas they find.

Sessile serrated polyps: These polyps were once thought harmless; however, this type of adenoma is now known to be risky and is also removed.

Thankfully, polyps aren’t cancer, and most of them will not develop into cancer. This can only happen if they are caught in the precancerous phase before they have a chance to grow and turn into cancer.

After polyps are removed, you will need to return for an additional colonoscopy. There is a 25% to 30 % chance that a repeat colonoscopy will find additional polyps. You may need to come back for follow-up testing to see if more polyps have grown in the future.

The follow-up care you will need if polyps were removed during your colonoscopy depends on your family history, personal risk factors, and the type of polyps found. Your healthcare provider can help you understand your risk and next steps.

If the polyps found were benign, your healthcare provider might recommend continuing your usual recommended screening schedule. Sometimes, if many benign polyps were found, your healthcare provider might recommend a more frequent schedule for getting routine colonoscopies.

If the polyps were pre-cancerous, your healthcare provider may recommend getting a repeat colonoscopy within one to three years. Sometimes, repeating the procedure within six months may be best, because your healthcare provider will want to check the area where each polyp was removed and look for other polyps or problems.

If polyps were removed during your colonoscopy, this can put you at a higher risk for developing colorectal cancer. This is especially true if you had multiple polyps found, if they were large, or if they are the types of polyps that have a higher risk of becoming cancerous.

Along with getting routine testing, there are several steps you can take to help reduce your risk of colorectal cancer, including:

Maintaining a healthy weight

Getting regular physical activity

Avoiding red meat and processed foods

Avoiding alcohol

Quitting smoking

You can receive a colorectal cancer screening from a gastroenterologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-7001.

World Lung Cancer Day

Posted on August 1, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

August 1st is observed as World Lung Cancer Day. It is a day dedicated to the global initiative of raising awareness about lung cancer, its impact, and the importance of prevention, early detection, and advanced treatments.

According to the World Health Organization, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among both men and women, and it is so prevalent that more people die from it than from colon, breast, and liver cancers combined every year.

World Lung Cancer Day was established in 2012 by the Forum of International Respiratory Societies (FIRS) in collaboration with other health organizations. The day focuses on educating the public about risk factors such as smoking, air pollution, and occupational exposures, while advocating for research and improved access to care.

World Lung Cancer Day serves as a platform to support those affected by the disease and to emphasize the critical need for collective action in the fight against lung cancer.

Lung cancer screening helps to identify cancer at an early stage when treatment can be most effective. Early detection through a low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scan can improve survival rates in individuals with the disease.

The MediSys Health Network is committed to improving the morbidity and mortality associated with lung cancer. For more information about our program, please contact the Lung Cancer Screening Program at 718-206-LUNG (5864).