Cancer of the colon is the disease characterized by the development of malignant cells in the lining or epithelium of the first and longest portion of the large intestine. Malignant cells have lost normal control mechanisms governing growth. These cells may invade surrounding local tissue, or they may spread throughout the body and invade other organ systems.
Annals colonoscopy study underscores importance of quality standards. Cancer of the colon should be one of the easiest tumors to prevent. – Screening colonoscopy is associated with fewer deaths from colorectal cancer, and the association is primarily limited to deaths from cancer developing in the left side of the colon, revealed by researchers.
Colorectal cancer is the third most common form of cancer and the fourth most frequent cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Cigarette smoking is significantly associated with colorectal cancer incidence and mortality. – An analysis of previous studies indicates that smoking is significantly associated with an increased risk for colorectal cancer and death, according to an article in the December 17 issue of JAMA.
Colonoscopy significantly reduces death from left-sided colon cancer but not from right-sided. Physicians should advise patients of test limitations. – A new study finds that colonoscopy is strongly associated with fewer deaths from colorectal cancer. However, the risk reduction appears to be entirely due to a reduction in deaths from left-sided cancers.
ASGE encouraged by drop in colorectal cancer deaths. Prevention through screening and removal of precancerous polyps among key factors in saving lives. – The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) heralds the recent news of a decline in U.S. cancer deaths and incidence rates, with colorectal cancer among the top three cancers with significant declines.
Study confirms colonoscopy associated with reduced colorectal cancer incidence. Incidence reduction in the proximal colon differs in magnitude and timing. – Patients who undergo a complete negative colonoscopy have a reduced incidence of colorectal cancer, confirms a study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology.
JAMA study a first to connect obesity, genetics and colon cancer risk. Gene variation associated with decreased risk of colorectal cancer. – A new study reveals the first-ever genetic link between obesity and colon cancer risk, a finding that could lead to greater accuracy in testing for the disease, said a researcher at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB).
Colonoscopy still the definitive test for colorectal cancer screening and prevention. – Death from colorectal cancer is highly preventable with effective screening and early detection. Many screening options are available, each with advantages and disadvantages, but half of eligible patients still do not participate in colorectal cancer screening.
About one-third of colorectal cancers are inherited, but the genetic cause of most of these cancers is unknown. The genes linked to colorectal cancer account for less than 5 percent of all cases. – Scientists at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine and colleagues have discovered a genetic trait that is present in 10 to 20 percent of patients with colorectal cancer. The findings strongly suggest that the trait is a major contributor to colorectal cancer risk and likely the most common cause of colorectal cancer to date.
There may be a way to directly create cancer stem cells in the lab so you don?t always have to purify these rare cells from patients in order to study them directly. – With a bit of genetic trickery, researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine have turned normal skin cells into cancer stem cells, a step that will make these naturally rare cells easier to study.
Anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin may reduce breast cancer by up to 20 per cent, according to an extensive review carried out by experts at London?s Guy?s Hospital – Anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin may reduce breast cancer by up to 20 per cent, according to an extensive review carried out by experts at London’s Guy’s Hospital and published in the March issue of IJCP, the International Journal of Clinical Practice.
New guidelines update recommendations on colorectal cancer screening, strong preference for tests that can prevent colon cancer, including colonoscopy. – A new guideline on colorectal cancer screening released by an expert group representing a broad spectrum of health care organizations, including the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG), the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) and the American Cancer Society (ACS), offers recommendations for various alternatives for colorectal cancer detection and states a strong preference for screening tests that can prevent colorectal cancer.
Consuming more than 18 ounces, or a little over a pound, of red meat (pork, beef, lamb and goat) each week can significantly increase a person?s risks for developing colorectal cancer. – For most Americans, meals tend to center around meat. To significantly decrease a person’s risks of developing colorectal cancer, experts at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center suggest a new approach to meal planning that focuses more on fruit and vegetable dishes.
