Dr. Bruce McCune, MD

Dr. Bruce McCune, MD is a Gastroenterology specialist practicing at his clinic in Melbourne, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Gastrointestinal care. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Your gastroenterologist is your primary partner in lifelong digestive health, creating personalized plans for prevention, coordinating crucial screenings, and managing the wellness of your entire digestive system—from esophagus to liver—to keep you feeling your best for years to come. He serves all ages and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (321) 434-9358 to schedule.

Dr. Bruce McCune, MD is a gastroenterologist in Melbourne, FL with over 50 years of experience in the medical field. Dr. McCune has extensive experience in Pancreatic Disease. He graduated from the University of Florida in 1973 and is affiliated with Viera Hospital and Palm Bay Hospital. With over 50 years of dedicated experience in Gastrointestinal care, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from the University of Florida in 1973, completing an internship at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in 1974. Following medical school, he undertook residency training in Gastroenterology at North Carolina Baptist Hospital, graduating in 1976, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of all ages. He is Board Certified in Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He is committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Bruce McCune provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Bruce McCune is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on proactive strategies to protect and enhance your long-term health.

By working together, you and Dr. Bruce McCune can create a clear, actionable plan to address your unique risk factors and health goals.

A proactive approach to health involves understanding and managing potential risks. Dr. Bruce McCune provides expert care for a range of conditions, focusing on early detection and effective management to support your long-term wellness. Common areas of focus include:

• Colon Cancer: Managing your risk factors for colon cancer, such as diet and lifestyle choices, combined with preventative screenings, reduces your chances of developing this disease.
• Diaphragmatic and Hiatal Hernia: Managing your weight and avoiding activities that increase abdominal pressure are key preventative measures against developing or worsening a diaphragmatic or hiatal hernia, safeguarding your digestive health.
• Colorectal Cancer: Many colorectal cancers develop from polyps, which can be detected and removed during routine colonoscopies, preventing them from turning cancerous.
• Large Intestine Infarction: Early detection of conditions that could lead to large intestine infarction, such as blood clots or vascular disease, is crucial for preventing this life-threatening complication.
• Ascites: Early detection of ascites is vital because it can indicate serious health problems like liver failure; regular screenings and prompt medical attention can significantly improve your outcomes.
• Benign Neoplasm of the Digestive System: Understanding your family history and lifestyle factors can help identify your risk for developing benign digestive neoplasms and allow for proactive health management.
• Dysphagia: Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, can signal serious underlying health problems, so early detection through regular checkups with your doctor is crucial for preventing complications.
• Esophageal Varices: Regular check-ups and screenings, especially if you have a history of liver disease, are crucial for early detection of esophageal varices, allowing for timely intervention and preventing serious complications.
• Intestinal Diverticulosis: Early detection and management of intestinal diverticulosis are key to preventing painful complications. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including sufficient fiber intake, can significantly reduce your risk.
• Cirrhosis: Cirrhosis can be a severe outcome of untreated liver conditions, highlighting the importance of consistent medical care to prevent irreversible damage.
• Celiac Disease: Protecting your digestive health starts with understanding celiac disease, a condition where gluten intake damages your gut; proactive testing and dietary changes can significantly improve your quality of life.
• Nausea: Understanding the causes of your nausea is key to preventing further digestive discomfort and potential long-term health issues; talk to your doctor if it's persistent.

This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes only. The best way to understand your personal health and create a prevention plan is to schedule a consultation. Accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans are developed based on individual patient evaluations.

Taking proactive steps is central to long-term health. Dr. Bruce McCune offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Liver Function Test: A liver function test is a simple blood test that helps proactively assess the health of your liver and detect potential problems early, allowing for timely intervention.
• Sigmoidoscopy: For peace of mind and to ensure the health of your lower digestive system, a sigmoidoscopy offers an effective screening tool to identify and address issues before they become serious.
• Manometry: Manometry is a valuable tool for preventing long-term digestive problems. By accurately measuring pressure in your digestive system, it allows for early diagnosis of conditions like achalasia or gastroparesis, enabling timely treatment and improved quality of life.
• Wireless pH Testing: Proactively safeguard your digestive system by undergoing wireless pH testing; this painless procedure helps diagnose the cause of persistent acid reflux or swallowing difficulties.
• Flexible Sigmoidoscopy: Invest in your long-term well-being with a flexible sigmoidoscopy. This painless exam allows for the early detection of colorectal cancer and other lower bowel diseases.
• Duodenal Polypectomy: For comprehensive digestive health management, duodenal polypectomy helps identify and remove polyps in your duodenum, a proactive approach to preventing potential complications like cancer.
• Colonoscopy: A colonoscopy is a proactive step in maintaining digestive health. This procedure screens for colorectal cancer and other colon conditions, allowing for prompt treatment.
• Screening Colonoscopy: Invest in your well-being with a screening colonoscopy; it's a vital preventive measure to identify and address potential problems in your colon and rectum before they become life-threatening.
• Esophagoscopy: Take charge of your health with an esophagoscopy, a procedure that helps doctors identify potential problems in your esophagus, such as reflux or cancerous growths, at the earliest stages.
• Esophageal Dilatation: This procedure helps detect and treat a narrowed esophagus, easing swallowing difficulties and allowing for better nutrient absorption to improve overall health and well-being.
• Transendoscopic Stent Placement: Transendoscopic stent placement is a procedure that proactively opens up blocked areas in your digestive system, improving the flow of food and preventing complications.
• Rigid Proctosigmoidoscopy: Taking a proactive step towards better gut health, a rigid proctosigmoidoscopy provides a visual examination of your rectum and sigmoid colon, enabling early detection of potential issues and preventing more serious problems.

Service availability can change, and not all services listed may be appropriate for every patient. For a comprehensive understanding of all available services and to create your personalized screening plan, please schedule a consultation.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Gastroenterology in Florida.

Dr. Bruce McCune is dedicated to partnering with Caregivers to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how a proactive approach can make a tangible difference in a Patient's life:

• By diligently following a tailored plan for colon cancer risk reduction, including a healthy diet and regular screenings, a patient enjoyed peace of mind, knowing they were actively managing their health proactively.
• By focusing on weight management and avoiding activities that increased abdominal pressure, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing a diaphragmatic or hiatal hernia, promoting better digestive health and peace of mind.
• By scheduling regular colonoscopies, a family proactively reduced their risk of colorectal cancer, gaining peace of mind about their long-term health.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. He will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.

Here are answers to some common questions about proactive Gastrointestinal care with Dr. Bruce McCune:

What is a Gastroenterologist?

Dr. McCune and our team are gastroenterologists, meaning we are specialists in the health of your digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. We are experts in diagnosing and treating conditions, and in performing preventive screenings like colonoscopies.

When should I get my first screening colonoscopy?

For average-risk individuals, routine screening colonoscopies are now recommended to begin at age 45. However, individuals with a family history of colon cancer or other risk factors may need to start earlier. Dr. McCune will determine the best, personalized screening schedule for you.

Are there non-colonoscopy options for colon cancer screening?

Yes, there are alternative screening options like at-home stool-based tests. However, a positive result from these tests necessitates a colonoscopy to confirm the findings and remove any suspicious polyps. Colonoscopy remains the gold standard for both detecting and preventing colon cancer.

What is the role of diet in managing IBS?

Diet plays a crucial role in managing IBS. Dr. McCune can help identify trigger foods and recommend dietary approaches, such as the low FODMAP diet, to significantly reduce symptoms like bloating, gas, and abdominal pain.

What is H. pylori?

H. pylori is a common type of bacteria that can live in the stomach. In some people, it can cause gastritis and ulcers. It can be easily detected with breath or stool tests and effectively treated with a course of antibiotics.

Can hemorrhoids be treated without surgery?

Yes, most hemorrhoids can be effectively managed with lifestyle and diet changes. For persistent internal hemorrhoids, Dr. McCune can perform simple, painless in-office procedures like hemorrhoid banding.

What is the difference between Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?

IBD, including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, is an autoimmune condition causing inflammation and damage to the gastrointestinal tract. IBS, in contrast, is a functional disorder that causes symptoms like cramping and bloating without the same physical damage. A gastroenterologist can help determine the specific cause of your symptoms.

What are some common signs of liver problems I should watch for?

Common signs of liver problems include jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), persistent fatigue, abdominal swelling, and unexplained dark urine. If you experience any of these symptoms, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Bruce McCune for a thorough evaluation.

8745 N Wickham Rd
Melbourne FL 32940
Phone: (321) 434-9358

Dr. Bruce McCune, MD is regulated by the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) in Florida and is licensed by The Florida Board of Medicine.

National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1649214040

Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.

The information on this profile, provided by weprevent.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with preventive health partners. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the physician named. Gastroenterology like Dr. Bruce McCune are skilled in helping patients create proactive health plans. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. It is always recommended to maintain open communication with your gastroenterology about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.