How can I configure GL reports to separate info in the 'Description' column?

If you notice in the attached image (blotted for confidentiality), the customer/vendor name is always preceded by their cheque/cash number and comma.

Can these not be separated?  Later, when exported to XL for instance, it's very annoying and time-consuming to have to manually remove the payment info, comma, to achieve the Name only - which is what I'm often sorting for other reports.