Resources and Links

Associations

American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
Founded in 1941, the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) is a professional organization dedicated to advancing patient care and digestive health by promoting excellence in endoscopy.

With more than 10,000 members worldwide, ASGE promotes the highest standards for endoscopic training and practice, fosters research, recognizes distinguished contributions to the field of endoscopy, and is the foremost resource for endoscopic education. In addition, ASGE serves the public by providing accurate, credible information on endoscopic procedures and safety in endoscopy.

American Gastroenterological Association (AGA)
The American Gastroenterological Association is the trusted voice of the GI community. Founded in 1897, the AGA has grown to include 17,000 members from around the globe who are involved in all aspects of the science, practice and advancement of gastroenterology. The AGA Institute administers the practice, research and educational programs of the organization.

American College of Gastroenterology (ACG)
More than 11,000 physicians from 82 countries are members of the ACG. Through annual scientific meetings, the American Journal of Gastroenterology, Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology, regional postgraduate training courses and research grants, the ACG provides its members with the most accurate and up-to-date scientific information on digestive health and the etiology, symptomatology and treatment of GI disorders.

ACG’s advocacy in the public policy arenas, and the work of the ACG’s 22 committees have made tremendous strides with many premiere accomplishments to improve the future of clinical gastroenterology and the quality of care available to patients with GI conditions and diseases, today. The information exchange and training acquired through College membership provide physicians with the knowledge necessary to offer the most effective patient care and to meet the challenges of today’s changing health care system.

Barrett’s Esophagus
Barrett’s esophagus is a condition in which the tissue lining the esophagus—the muscular tube that connects the mouth to the stomach—is replaced by tissue that is similar to the lining of the intestine. This process is called intestinal metaplasia.

Barrett’s Information from the ACG
The ACG stie features a downloadable Patient Web Book on Barrett’s Esophagus.

Cancer
American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society (ACS) is a nationwide, community-based voluntary health organization. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, the ACS has state divisions and more than 3,400 local offices. Learn more about ACS, what we do, and our plans for the future by exploring the areas below.

CancerNet
Cancer.Net provides timely, oncologist-approved information to help patients and families make informed health-care decisions.

Colorectal Cancer (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Of cancers affecting both men and women, colorectal cancer (cancer of the colon and rectum) is the second leading cancer killer in the United States.

Celiac Sprue
Celiac Sprue Association
The Celiac Sprue Association® remains the largest non-profit celiac support group in America, with over 125 chapters and resource units across the country, and over 9,000 members worldwide.

A dedicated force of volunteer officers and committee members serve as the organization’s strong backbone, affectionately calling themselves,

“Celiacs Helping Celiacs.”

Celiac Disease & Gluten-Free Resource
Celiac Disease and Gluten-free Diet Information Since 1995

Colonoscopy
FamilyDoctor.org (about colon cancer, symptoms and screening)
Colon cancer is cancer of the large intestine (called the colon). Rectal cancer is cancer of the rectum (which is the part of the large intestine closest to the anus). These forms of cancer have many common features. They are often referred to together as colorectal cancer.

National Digestive Diseases Clearinghouse
The NIDDK Reference Collection, a database of health education materials, is a service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), National Institutes of Health. NDDIC maintains the digestive diseases subfile of thousands of references to materials produced for patients and health care professionals, including fact sheets, brochures, and audiovisual materials.

Crohn’s & Colitis
Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America
American organization focused on improving the quality of life of people with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis through research.

Crohn’s Disease
Information from the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse

General Helpful Patient Information
Your Digestive System and How it Works
The digestive system is made up of the digestive tract—a series of hollow organs joined in a long, twisting tube from the mouth to the anus—and other organs that help the body break down and absorb food

Irritable Bowel Syndrome
International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders, Inc.
A complete resource for trustworthy digestive health information, support, and assistance from the International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD), a nonprofit organization.

The Mayo Clinic
Mayo Clinic is the first and largest integrated, not-for-profit group practice in the world. Doctors from every medical specialty work together to care for patients, joined by common systems and a philosophy of “the needs of the patient come first.”

Liver Disease
American Liver Foundation
The American Liver Foundation (ALF) is the nation’s leading nonprofit organization promoting liver health and disease prevention.  ALF provides research, education, and advocacy for those affected by liver-related diseases, including hepatitis

The Hepatitis Information Network
An interactive  learning site

Hepatitis Foundation International
Offers an online learning center, newsletter and information about living with hepatitis

Medline Plus
A service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health.

Hemochromatosis:  Iron Overload Disease Association, Inc.
Health Information about Hemochromatosis or excess iron.

Nutrition
American Heart Association
The American Heart Association’s mission is to reduce disability and death from cardiovascular diseases and stroke.

Great Nutrition Information at Your Fingertips
Nutrition.gov provides easy access to the best food and nutrition information.  It serves as a gateway to reliable information on nutrition, healthy eating, physical activity, and food safety for consumers, educators, and health professionals.

American Dietetic Association
With nearly 55,000 members, the American Dietetic Association is the nation’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals.  ADA services the public by promoting optimal nutrition, health and well-being.  ADA members are the nation’s food and nutrition experts, translating the science of nutrition into practical solutions for healthy living.

Ostomy
United Ostomy Association, Inc.
UOAA is a national network for bowel and urinary diversion support groups in the United States.  Its goal is to provide a nonprofit association that will serve to unify and strengthen its member support groups, which are organized for the benefit of people who have, or will have intestinal or urinary diversions and their caregivers.

Pancreatic Diseases
National Pancreas Foundation
The foundation supports the research of diseases of the pancreas and provides information and humanitarian services to those people who are suffering from these illnesses.

American College of Gastroenterology
Information about billary tract disorders, gallbladder  disorders, and gallstone pancreatitis

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders, Inc.
IFFGD is a Public Charity designated under the U.S. IRS code 501(c)(3). We are a registered nonprofit education and research organization. Our mission is to inform, assist and support people affected by gastrointestinal (GI) disorders.

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Information about Heartburn, Histal Hernia, and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).

The GERD Information Resource Center
GERD Information Resource Center, sponsored by AstraZeneca LP.

Ulcers
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse
The NDDIC is a service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health.

Center for Disease Control and Prevention
The CDC maintains several departments concerned with occupational safety and health, such as the Center for Injury Prevention and Control

IMPORTANT:
The preceding information is intended only to provide general information and not as a definitive basis for diagnosis or treatment in any particular cases.  It is very important that you consult your doctor about your specific condition.