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A gene mutation linked to breast cancer appears to play a role in some prostate cancer as well, according to a A gene mutation linked to breast cancer appears to play a role in some prostate cancer as well, according to a study study co-authored by Upstate urologist Srinivas Vourganti, MD. The co-authored by Upstate urologist Srinivas Vourganti, MD. The study l study l ooked mostly at the BRCA2 genes, which, when mutated, can lead to breast cancer. When they occur in close relatives, these mutated genes raise the risk of breast cancer for women as well as prostate cancer for men, the study shows, and those prostate cancers tend to be more aggressive. Vourganti explains how a medical student conceived the idea for the study, its implications for African-American men in particular, and how the knowledge might help shape future screenings and treatments. ooked mostly at the BRCA2 genes, which, when mutated, can lead to breast cancer. When they occur in close relatives, these mutated genes raise the risk of breas

Some may be completing a course of antibiotics. Some may have a new diagnosis of diabetes and need help learning to manage their disease. Others could be recovering from a fall that caused a broken bone. A variety of Medicare patients spend from five to 20 days in the Some may be completing a course of antibiotics. Some may have a new diagnosis of diabetes and need help learning to manage their disease. Others could be recovering from a fall that caused a broken bone. A variety of Medicare patients spend from five to 20 days in the Transitional Care Unit Transitional Care Unit before they are discharged from Upstate University Hospital. What these older patients have in common is the goal to return to their homes. Medical director before they are discharged from Upstate University Hospital. What these older patients have in common is the goal to return to their homes. Medical director Sharon Brangman, MD Sharon Brangman, MD (at left in photo), says patients on the Transitional Care Unit receive the same type

The autoimmune diseases known as lupus are hard to diagnose, unpredictable and affect many more women than men, explains Upstate rheumatologist The autoimmune diseases known as lupus are hard to diagnose, unpredictable and affect many more women than men, explains Upstate rheumatologist Hiroshi Kato, MD Hiroshi Kato, MD. Lupus causes the immune system to attack the body‘s healthy tissues and organs, and while its cause is unknown, it appears to involve both genetic factors and environmental triggers, Kato says. Close monitoring by a rheumatologist is usually necessary to help control the disease, he notes.. Lupus causes the immune system to attack the body‘s healthy tissues and organs, and while its cause is unknown, it appears to involve both genetic factors and environmental triggers, Kato says. Close monitoring by a rheumatologist is usually necessary to help control the disease, he notes.

As scientists have documented the importance of breast-feeding to a baby's current and future well-being, more American women are opting to breast-feed, says As scientists have documented the importance of breast-feeding to a baby's current and future well-being, more American women are opting to breast-feed, says Jayne Charlamb, MD Jayne Charlamb, MD, director of breast health and, director of breast health and breast-feeding medicine at Upstate. breast-feeding medicine at Upstate. She says the majority of infants born in America receive some breast milk, but she and other experts would like more babies to be breast-fed for at least six months. Babies who are breast-fed have a lower risk of developing ear infections, some leukemias and obesity. In addition, breast-feeding helps mothers lose their pregnancy weight and adjust their glucose regulation. She says the majority of infants born in America receive some breast milk, but she and other experts would like more babies to be breast-fed for at least six mon

Most men with prostate cancer can be treated successfully through surgery and/or radiation, but when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, a systemic approach using medication is often prescribed, says Most men with prostate cancer can be treated successfully through surgery and/or radiation, but when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, a systemic approach using medication is often prescribed, says Bernard Poiesz, MD Bernard Poiesz, MD, a professor of medicine at the Upstate Cancer Center. He describes both advances in and limitations of treatments for metastatic prostate cancer, such as hormone therapy, chemotherapy and immunotherapy, which stimulates the body‘s immune system to attack the cancer., a professor of medicine at the Upstate Cancer Center. He describes both advances in and limitations of treatments for metastatic prostate cancer, such as hormone therapy, chemotherapy and immunotherapy, which stimulates the body‘s immune system to attack the cancer.

Asking whether someone is contemplating suicide can be a way to let that person talk about his or her troubles and perhaps find some relief or hope, crisis intervention experts say. Cheryl Giarrusso (at left in photo) and Stephanie Lewis (at right), who both work for the Asking whether someone is contemplating suicide can be a way to let that person talk about his or her troubles and perhaps find some relief or hope, crisis intervention experts say. Cheryl Giarrusso (at left in photo) and Stephanie Lewis (at right), who both work for the Contact Community Services Contact Community Services Crisis Intervention Services program, say a common misconception about suicide is that people should avoid mentioning the word to someone who is suspected of being suicidal. They describe warning signs, the role of social media and how ordinary people can help. Contact runs a Crisis Intervention Services program, say a common misconception about suicide is that people should avoid mentioning the word to someone who is susp

Gastroparesis -- a complex condition in which food does not empty out of the stomach properly – can cause nausea and vomiting and eventually lead to a patient barely eating in order to avoid the associated pain. Gastroparesis -- a complex condition in which food does not empty out of the stomach properly – can cause nausea and vomiting and eventually lead to a patient barely eating in order to avoid the associated pain. Divey Manocha, MD Divey Manocha, MD (at right in photo), an Upstate gastroenterologist, and one of his patients, Rhonda Ferry (at left) of Liverpool, offer a scientific as well as a personal glimpse of the disorder, which often strikes young and middle-aged women and can change a person's life. Manocha also explains the testing -- including manometry -- that patients with this and other digestive diseases undergo at his laboratory and the multidisciplinary approach to treatment. (at right in photo), an Upstate gastroenterologist, and one of his patients, Rhonda Ferry (at left) of Liverpool, of

June 26, 2016 June 26, 2016 Jayne Charlamb, MD Jayne Charlamb, MD, explains why more mothers are breast-feeding their babies., explains why more mothers are breast-feeding their babies. Bernard Poiesz, MD Bernard Poiesz, MD, discusses medications to treat advanced prostate cancer. Upstate graduate, discusses medications to treat advanced prostate cancer. Upstate graduate Stanley Burns, MD Stanley Burns, MD, tells about his historical collection of medical photographs and his work advising TV shows., tells about his historical collection of medical photographs and his work advising TV shows.

Communication and patience are the keys to caring for someone with Communication and patience are the keys to caring for someone with Alzheimer‘s disease Alzheimer‘s disease, say Linh Nguyen (right) and Kaylin Brainerd (left),, say Linh Nguyen (right) and Kaylin Brainerd (left), geriatric resource nurses at Upstate geriatric resource nurses at Upstate University Hospital. Start communicating with the loved one when Alzheimer‘s is first diagnosed and try to keep him or her involved even as memory fades, they advise. They also offer University Hospital. Start communicating with the loved one when Alzheimer‘s is first diagnosed and try to keep him or her involved even as memory fades, they advise. They also offer tips for caregivers tips for caregivers, such as trying to live in the loved one‘s world – don‘t correct their errors or finish their sentences, and try to keep up a routine that includes familiar faces and places and avoids isolation. , such as trying to live in the loved one‘s world – don‘

The idea that a morbidly obese person can achieve a healthy weight through willpower alone is outdated, according to The idea that a morbidly obese person can achieve a healthy weight through willpower alone is outdated, according to Howard Simon, MD, Howard Simon, MD, director of director of bariatric surgery bariatric surgery at Upstate. People with morbid obesity (with a at Upstate. People with morbid obesity (with a body mass index body mass index above 40) have a metabolic disease too complicated to treat with just drugs, diet or exercise, he says, and most will regain weight lost through those methods. He explains why bariatric surgery, combined with behavioral changes, has a high rate of long-term success.  above 40) have a metabolic disease too complicated to treat with just drugs, diet or exercise, he says, and most will regain weight lost through those methods. He explains why bariatric surgery, combined with behavioral changes, has a high rate of long-term success. 

The Burns Archive contains more than a million medically related photos, such as this one of Dr. William L. Rodman‘s Surgical Clinic, Philadelphia, March 26, 1902. (PHOTOGRAPH © STANLEY B. BURNS, MD, and THE BURNS ARCHIVE) The Burns Archive contains more than a million medically related photos, such as this one of Dr. William L. Rodman‘s Surgical Clinic, Philadelphia, March 26, 1902. (PHOTOGRAPH © STANLEY B. BURNS, MD, and THE BURNS ARCHIVE) Adviser Stanley Burns, MD (left), instructs actor Clive Owen on historical accuracy on the set of the Cinemax series "The Knick," set in a New York City hospital in 1900. (PHOTOGRAPH BY MARY CYBULSKI / CINEMAX) Adviser Stanley Burns, MD (left), instructs actor Clive Owen on historical accuracy on the set of the Cinemax series "The Knick," set in a New York City hospital in 1900. (PHOTOGRAPH BY MARY CYBULSKI / CINEMAX) A passion for detail and for history led Stanley Burns, MD, to amass A passion for detail and for history led Stanley Burns, MD, to amass an unparalleled co

June 19, 2016 June 19, 2016 Surgeon Surgeon Howard Simon, MD Howard Simon, MD, discusses the connection between weight loss and metabolism, and the effect surgery can have for people with morbid obesity. Researchers, discusses the connection between weight loss and metabolism, and the effect surgery can have for people with morbid obesity. Researchers Sandra Lane, PhD Sandra Lane, PhD, and, and Arnett Haygood-El Arnett Haygood-El talk about the impact of poverty and violence on health. talk about the impact of poverty and violence on health. Geriatric resource Geriatric resource nurses Kaylin Brainerd and Linh Nguyen provide guidance to caregivers of people with dementia. nurses Kaylin Brainerd and Linh Nguyen provide guidance to caregivers of people with dementia.

Pharmacist Andrew Burgdorf discusses the variety of medications available to treat prostate cancer. Dermatologist Pharmacist Andrew Burgdorf discusses the variety of medications available to treat prostate cancer. Dermatologist Ramsay Farah, MD Ramsay Farah, MD, tells about the causes of and treatments for acne. Physical therapist, tells about the causes of and treatments for acne. Physical therapist Cassi Terpening Cassi Terpening explains the benefits of exercise during cancer treatment. explains the benefits of exercise during cancer treatment.

Is Is street violence an addictive behavior? street violence an addictive behavior? How does a violence or poverty affect how a child learns, how police deal with crime and how landlords treat tenants? These and other How does a violence or poverty affect how a child learns, how police deal with crime and how landlords treat tenants? These and other social determinants of health social determinants of health are being studied by are being studied by Sandra Lane, PhD Sandra Lane, PhD (at left), a professor of public health at Syracuse University, and Arnett Haygood-El (at right), associate director of the (at left), a professor of public health at Syracuse University, and Arnett Haygood-El (at right), associate director of the Street Addiction institute Inc. in Syracuse Street Addiction institute Inc. in Syracuse. Health does not exist in a vacuum but as part of a person‘s environment, they explain, and they are seeking solutions to the trauma inflicted by violence and poverty. . Health does not exist in a vac

Using poetry, art and essays to explore how patients, care providers and others view illness and treatment is the guiding spirit behind Using poetry, art and essays to explore how patients, care providers and others view illness and treatment is the guiding spirit behind The Healing Muse The Healing Muse, now in its 16th year of publication at Upstate. The journal‘s editor,, now in its 16th year of publication at Upstate. The journal‘s editor, Deirdre Neilen, PhD Deirdre Neilen, PhD (at right), offers a look at the latest edition, which includes an award-winning poem by fourth-year medical student Kaitlin Kyi (at left). Kyi reads her work, “Kind of a Bummer,” a meditation on people who leave without saying goodbye, and she and Neilen discuss the insights and feelings the journal explores. (at right), offers a look at the latest edition, which includes an award-winning poem by fourth-year medical student Kaitlin Kyi (at left). Kyi reads her work, “Kind of a Bummer,” a meditation on people who leave without say

Men have an advantage over women when it comes to bone health, since they are able to build up stronger bones in their youth. This is why older men are much less likely than older women to get the weaker, thinner bones of osteoporosis. Upstate physical therapist Men have an advantage over women when it comes to bone health, since they are able to build up stronger bones in their youth. This is why older men are much less likely than older women to get the weaker, thinner bones of osteoporosis. Upstate physical therapist Karen Kemmis Karen Kemmis specializes in osteoporosis and preventing falls. She explains how people can enhance bone health through exercise and a proper diet or detract from it through smoking, a poor diet and sedentary habits. specializes in osteoporosis and preventing falls. She explains how people can enhance bone health through exercise and a proper diet or detract from it through smoking, a poor diet and sedentary habits.

Diseases of the pancreas, such as pancreatitis, can bring debilitating pain and sometimes lead to cancer. Diseases of the pancreas, such as pancreatitis, can bring debilitating pain and sometimes lead to cancer. Nuri Ozden, MD Nuri Ozden, MD (at left), an interventional gastroenterologist at Upstate, discusses the function of the pancreas and diseases that affect it, and he previews Upstate's planned islet transplant program. One of his patients, Jane Cross (at right), offers a personal view of pancreas disease. She chairs the New York State Chapter of the (at left), an interventional gastroenterologist at Upstate, discusses the function of the pancreas and diseases that affect it, and he previews Upstate's planned islet transplant program. One of his patients, Jane Cross (at right), offers a personal view of pancreas disease. She chairs the New York State Chapter of the National Pancreas Foundation National Pancreas Foundation, which has recognized Upstate as one of only two hospitals in the state to provide

June 5, 2016 June 5, 2016 Gastroenterologist Gastroenterologist Nuri Ozden, MD, Nuri Ozden, MD, and Jane Cross, chapter chair for the and Jane Cross, chapter chair for the National Pancreas Foundation National Pancreas Foundation, tell about multidisciplinary care for people with pancreatitis. Physical therapist, tell about multidisciplinary care for people with pancreatitis. Physical therapist Karen Kemmis Karen Kemmis provides steps to better bone health. Editor provides steps to better bone health. Editor Deirdre Neilen, PhD Deirdre Neilen, PhD, shares the new edition of, shares the new edition of The Healing Muse The Healing Muse literary journal. literary journal.

May 29, 2016 May 29, 2016 Vascular surgeon Vascular surgeon Michael Costanza, MD Michael Costanza, MD, goes over the importance of screening for vascular diseases. Research scientist, goes over the importance of screening for vascular diseases. Research scientist Stephen Glatt, PhD Stephen Glatt, PhD, discusses the genetic epidemiology of neuropsychiatric disorders. Meaghan Greeley and Tiffany Brec from, discusses the genetic epidemiology of neuropsychiatric disorders. Meaghan Greeley and Tiffany Brec from Vera House Vera House talk about strategies for stopping sexual violence. talk about strategies for stopping sexual violence.

May 22, 2016 May 22, 2016 Stephen Glatt, PhD Stephen Glatt, PhD, and Seetha Ramanathan, MD, talk about Mental Health First Aid. Nurse Cathy Narcavage-Bradley tells what new and expectant parents need to know., and Seetha Ramanathan, MD, talk about Mental Health First Aid. Nurse Cathy Narcavage-Bradley tells what new and expectant parents need to know. Jennifer Kelly, DO Jennifer Kelly, DO, explains the role of the endocrine system in osteoporosis. Psychologist, explains the role of the endocrine system in osteoporosis. Psychologist Rich O'Neill, PhD, Rich O'Neill, PhD, provides a "Check Up from the Neck Up." provides a "Check Up from the Neck Up."