By Thomas Sequist, M.D. Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States, and detecting it earlier, when the chances of successful treatment are higher, is key to improving the odds of survival.  When colon cancer is found early and treated, the five-year survival rate is 90 percent. However, less than 40 percent of colon cancers are found early due to low screening rates.  Patients often cite lack of motivation and awareness of the need for the screening, as well as reporting that their provider did not recommend it. So, would an e-mail reminder increase your …

It is likely that memories of last year’s flu season are still fresh in the minds of many—H1N1 infected millions, and vaccine shortages led to fear and anxiety while waiting for the flu vaccine to arrive. Flu activity is likely to peak as usual in January, February and March. It is hard to predict what kind of season to expect, but the latest vaccine—which protects against three strains of flu, including the H1N1 virus—is already beginning to arrive at doctor’s offices and clinics. This flu season the CDC has voted in favor of a universal recommendation for the flu vaccine—this means that …