Cancer of the rectum is the disease characterized by the development of malignant cells in the lining or epithelium of the rectum. Malignant cells have changed such that they lose normal control mechanisms governing growth. These cells may invade surrounding local tissue or they may spread throughout the body and invade other organ systems.
JNCI news brief: Thalidomide does not improve survival in small cell lung cancer – Treating patients with thalidomide in combination with chemotherapy for small cell lung cancer (SCLC) did not improve their survival but did increase their risk of blood clots, revealed by researchers.
Less invasive CT-scan based colorectal cancer screening method shows good accuracy – Computed tomographic (CT) colonography may offer patients at increased risk of colorectal cancer an alternative to colonoscopy that is less-invasive, is better-tolerated and has good diagnostic accuracy.
What are the risk factors of sporadic colorectal cancer? – Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers in China. Although the association between the epidemiological factors and sporadic colorectal cancer is not known and still remains uncertain.
Study says colorectal cancer increasing in young adults – largest annual percent increase in colorectal cancer incidence was in the youngest age group 20-29 years – A new study finds that in sharp contrast to the overall declining rates of colorectal cancer in the United States, incidence rates among adults younger than age 50 years are increasing.
Gene expression biomarkers can accurately discriminate pre-cancerous and cancerous colorectal growths. – Australian researchers have developed gene expression biomarkers which can accurately discriminate pre-cancerous and cancerous colorectal growths from non-cancerous controls.
Patients with advanced colorectal cancer spreaded to other organs (stage IV) don’t require immediate surgery. – A new study shows that a large majority of patients who present with advanced colorectal cancer that has spread to other organs (stage IV) don’t require immediate surgery to remove the primary tumor in the colon.
Hormone therapy offers potential protective effect against colon cancer in older women – In a large study, a national team of researchers led by Mayo Clinic scientists observed that self-reported use of hormone therapy was associated with a significantly lower colorectal cancer risk. However, the mechanisms for the apparent protective association are still unclear.
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.
