As a hepatologist and
gastroenterologist, Dr. Hamna
Fahad, who is board certified
in internal medicine, diagnoses
and treats the full spectrum of
GI conditions, from routine visits
for heartburn and indigestion
to colon cancer screenings. She
has a special interest in Crohn’s
disease, ulcerative colitis and
liver disease.
Fatty Liver Disease on the Rise
Fatty liver disease is one of Dr. Fahad’s top concerns as a
hepatologist and gastroenterologist. For those with nonalcoholic
fatty liver disease (NAFLD), fat builds up in your liver. The
disease is commonly missed because it has few or no symptoms.
Some conditions such as obesity, metabolic syndrome, and type 2
diabetes are risk factors for NAFLD.
“If not managed timely, a potentially reversible condition can
become a chronic illness, leading to end-stage liver disease and
formation of liver cancer,” Dr. Fahad said.
Having a hepatologist on staff, such as Dr. Fahad, is a unique
asset for our community, allowing patients to receive expert
care for liver diseases that might otherwise require referral to
specialists outside the region. Dr. Fahad encourages her patients
to seek care for liver disease as soon as they find out about it.
Initial steps may seem unnecessary or burdensome to patients,
but the steps can save them from more serious complications in
the future. Often, the initial steps include a liver ultrasound every
six months and regular blood work.
Weight loss is also commonly recommended for those with a
NAFLD diagnosis. According to the National Institute of Diabetes
and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, weight loss can reduce fat,
inflammation and fibrosis in the liver. No medicines have been
approved to treat NAFLD. Prevention of nonalcoholic fatty liver
disease may be possible by eating a healthy diet and maintaining
a healthy weight.
“If you have been diagnosed with fatty liver disease due
to metabolic syndrome, weight loss, among other things, is
essential,” Dr. Fahad said. “At CalvertHealth, we can offer
nutrition support and weight management resources to help you
manage your condition better.”
Dr. Fahad emphasizes the importance of early detection
and treatment in liver diseases. Her proactive approach not only
helps prevent the progression to more severe conditions but also
empowers patients to take control of their health with the support
of a multidisciplinary team.
Targeting Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer is the third most
common type of non-skin cancer in
both men and women. According to
the National Cancer Institute, it is the
second leading cause of cancer death
in the United States after lung cancer.
Colon cancer screening is key for early
detection. The most recent statistics
show the colorectal cancer incidence
rate (2017-2021) for Calvert (35.0)
is slightly less than the state (35.2)
and national average (36.4). It is the
fourth most common cancer among
CalvertHealth patients.
Colon cancer screening is
recommended for everyone after the
age of 45, and sooner for those with
circumstances such as family history.
Screening tests can find precancerous
polyps so they can be removed before
they turn into cancer. Screening tests
can also find colorectal cancer early,
when treatment works best.
Adequate preparation is essential
to a successful colonoscopy. If your
colon isn’t clear, your healthcare
provider won’t be able to see properly
inside. Some people dread the
preparation for colonoscopy more
than the procedure itself. But when
you know what to expect, it doesn’t
need to be an ordeal. With so many
different types of bowel prep kits to
choose from, your healthcare provider
can help you choose the best formula
for you. Also, other options for colon
cancer screenings have become more
widely available via stool testing.
“While colonoscopy remains the
best screening tool to prevent colon
cancer, I believe that the best screening
tool is the one that gets done! So, if you
are hesitant about getting your first
colonoscopy, please explore the option
of Cologuard® (stool-based colon
cancer screening) with your primary
care provider,” Dr. Fahad said.
Stool-based colon cancer
screenings aren’t a good fit for
everyone, and positive results require
following up with a colonoscopy. People
who are not candidates for Cologuard®
include those with “new” symptoms of
diarrhea, constipation, or blood in stool;
people with family history of colon
cancer of polyps; those with family
history of colon cancer syndromes
including Lynch syndrome, Peutz-
Jeghers syndrome, MYH-associated
polyposis and others; and those who
have a personal history of ulcerative
colitis or Crohn’s disease or otherwise
at a higher risk of getting colon cancer.
Dr. Fahad stresses the importance
of consulting with a healthcare provider
to determine if Cologuard® is the
right fit. “It’s crucial that patients
understand their individual risk factors
and work with their provider to choose
the most effective screening method for
them,” she notes.