Patients have the opportunity to participate in a number of national clinical trials. In addition, there are plans to initiate a database to study gender-related gastrointestinal disorders. According to the American Digestive Health Foundation, at least 40 million Americans suffer from chronic digestive diseases that impact their lifestyle, and many more people are affected less severely by digestive illness. Women are more likely than men to suffer from certain gastrointestinal illnesses and are equally affected by colon cancer, the most deadly digestive disease. It is important that women openly discuss digestive health with their physician.
Women often think they are less at risk for digestive illnesses than men are.
This is not true. Five practitioners plus a nutritionist and a pain psychologist, all female, staff the Women's Digestive Health Clinic, which is located at two University sites. One is at the Medical Center, the other at the Northridge facility on Rt. For information, call 924-9582.