A retrospective study of three large health systems found that the risk for colorectal cancer following a colonoscopy was lower when the colonoscopy was conducted by a physician with higher adenoma detection rates (ADR’s). Adenomas are the usual precursor type polyps that can lead to colon cancer. At the Endoscopy Center of the North Shore,
In a recorded audio presentation in lieu of the usual annual DDW meeting, Shai Friedland, MD, professor of medicine at the Stanford University Medical Center, presented information on a blood test that may detect colon cancer. He said techniques to detect circulating cells in the blood have become more sensitive, which creates the potential to
Experts discuss multiple key strategies to improving the adenoma detection rate. From low-tech to high-def, some simple solutions may improve your ability to make meaningful changes. See the article in Gastroenterology & Endoscopy News here.
Half-siblings of people with colon cancer have nearly the same colon cancer risk as full siblings do — a 6% cumulative lifetime risk compared with 7% — and a higher risk than other second-degree relatives have, researchers recently reported. The risk may be due both to genetics and to shared environmental factors, and the finding
Colorectal cancer is noted to be on the rise in younger patients. This is concerning as rates have steadily declined in other age groups. Although a small percentage overall, the rate of most marked rise in colon cancer is seen in the 20’s. New research suggests colorectal cancer is clinically different in younger patients. The
Two US House lawmakers say more must be done to reduce the mortality rate associated with colorectal cancer, including funding research into preventing and treating the disease. Rep. Donald Payne, D-N.J., and Rep. Charlie Dent, R-Pa., are sponsoring the bill. The Removing Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening Act, in part corrects a glitch in Medicare
“A lot of people are afraid of colonoscopies but very few studies have documented the reasons why,” according to James M. Church, MD, of the department of colorectal surgery at the Cleveland Clinic. “Colonoscopy screening is the best way to prevent colorectal cancer but people often do not make use of the test because they are afraid of it.
A study in the Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology found a modified colorectal cancer screening tool that included body mass index led to improved risk prediction for advanced neoplasia. Researchers based the tool on the Asia Pacific Colorectal Screening score. See the abstract here. See the review article in Physician’s Briefing here.
A study in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that older black patients had a 31% higher risk of colorectal cancer than older white patients. Researchers noted greater racial and ethnic disparities for distal colon and rectal cancer than for proximal colon cancer. “Black persons have the highest incidence of and mortality rates from CRC
In an unprecedented move, the FDA today granted accelerated approval to the cancer drug pembrolizumab (Keytruda – Merck & Co) for treatment of any unresectable or metastatic solid tumors associated with the genetic abnormality known as microsatellite instability. It’s the first time the agency approved a cancer treatment or indication that is not for a tumor
