Early colonoscopy changes outcome – a case example

Shawn Ryan’s colorectal cancer was discovered during a routine colonoscopy at a stage where an advanced laparoscopic procedure could be used to remove it, sparing the New Jersey man from needing a colostomy.  I find that people’s biggest fear about the G.I. tract in general is the need for a colostomy. It is important to

Nitrates may increase colon cancer risk

A recent study suggests nitrates in drinking water were associated with a higher risk of colorectal cancer. Researchers from Aarhus University in Denmark reported in the International Journal of Cancer wrote that exposure to the highest nitrate levels raised the risk of colorectal cancer by 15%, compared with exposure to the lowest concentrations. These findings

Hi-Def Colonoscopy for IBD

A recent study in The American Journal of Gastroenterology found high-definition colonoscopy was as effective as dye spraying chromoendoscopy and virtual chromoendoscopy in the detection of neoplastic lesions in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. We use high-definition endoscopy at The Endoscopy Center of the North Shore, as well as Evanston and Glenbrook Hospitals. Read the

42% of cancer cases linked to 17 modifiable risks

New research examined a total of 1,570,975 cancer cases. During the analysis, 26 cancer types and 17 risk factors were analyzed. These 17 risk factors are called “modifiable” because people can take active measures to change them. In the new study, such factors included: alcohol intake smoking (both first- and second-hand) excess body weight a low content of

Adenomatous polyps higher in blacks than predicted

Results from a small group of mostly black patients who participated in a free screening colonoscopy initiative at an urban hospital showed adenomas were found in 78.8%, while advanced adenomas were found in 35%, researchers told the American Society for Clinical Pathology’s annual meeting. Dr. Muhammed Hassan of Howard University Hospital said more research is

Colon cancer increase in younger adults raises screening issues

As we recently reported here, according to a research letter in the Journal of the American Medical Association, more adults ages 20 to 54 are dying from colorectal cancer than ever before. This raises issues regarding the benefits of earlier screening and better detection methods for younger patients. Although no new guidelines have yet emerged, and

Colon cancer increases among younger white patients

Colon cancer incidence rate among younger white patients has increased, but has remained stable among blacks. Colorectal cancer deaths among white patients under age 55 have also increased, but they have decreased among blacks in the same age group.  These findings were published in a research letter in the Journal of the American Medical Association

Barbershop program boosts colon cancer screening in black men

Black men who were paired with a community-based patient navigator were more likely to follow through on colonoscopies or other testing for colorectal cancer than those in a control group. Community health workers identified the men as eligible for colorectal cancer testing in visits to barbershops throughout New York City. “Although previous studies have shown

Diet and exercise boost cancer survival rates

A healthy diet and exercise could reduce colon cancer patients’ chance of death and simply walking could improve survival rates for breast cancer survivors, studies presented at the world’s largest cancer conference have found. A study of nearly 1,000 colon cancer patients found that those who exercised regularly, ate more fruits and vegetables and avoided