A team of researchers from the University of Pennsylvania has found evidence of a new culprit in colon cancer, the protein MSI2. Overexpression of MSI2 is common in colon cancer tumors and promotes tumor growth by disrupting cellular metabolism.
A new study estimates that increasing screening rates to 80% in the US by 2018 would prevent 21,000 colorectal cancer deaths annually by 2030. The initiative aims to boost screening from 58% in 2013 to 80% in 2018.
Researchers found that combining naproxen with omeprazole reduced bladder cancer incidence by 75% in rats. This combination may be a valuable cancer prevention strategy for those at high risk of colon, esophageal, or other cancers.
A vegetarian diet was associated with a 22% lower risk of all colorectal cancers, and higher risks were found for non-vegetarians. Vegetarian diets similar to those studied may be important for primary prevention of colorectal cancers.
Researchers investigated a potential link between new weight-loss drugs and increased colon cancer risk, driven by the intestinal growth factor properties of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). The study suggests that patients with a previous history or increased risk of colon cancer may not be ideally suited for these therapies.
A new $10 million research program aims to investigate and experimentally validate nutritional interventions, develop reliable DNA tests, and introduce new cancer prevention strategies to the general public and policymakers. Research suggests that more than half of all colon cancers can be prevented through dietary and behavioral inter...
A Stanford University School of Medicine study reveals that more equitable delivery of evidence-based care can close the gap in colon cancer survival rates between white and African-American patients. The researchers found that five-year death rates were lower for all colon cancer patients treated in integrated health-care systems, wit...
A small study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that dense bacterial mats called biofilms are present in the majority of colorectal cancers and polyps, particularly on the right side of the colon. The presence of these bacterial bunches may increase cancer risk and form the basis of new diagnostic tests.
Researchers found that black patients' poorer health at diagnosis, not treatment differences, explains most of the racial disparity in colon cancer survival. Emphysema detected on CT scans is linked to increased mortality among those without airflow obstruction or COPD.
Researchers at the University of Missouri found evidence suggesting testosterone contributes to colon cancer tumor growth. Higher levels of testosterone in post-menopausal women may be associated with increased colon cancer risk.
Researchers at Mount Sinai Hospital discovered that bisphosphonates block abnormal growth signals passed through the human EGF receptors, which drive some tumors. The study suggests that bisphosphonates could be used to prevent or treat lung, breast, and colon cancers.
New estimates suggest excess body weight causes around 481,000 new cancer cases annually in adults, with a quarter of these cases (118,000) avoidable by reducing rising BMI since 1982. Obesity-related cancer disproportionately affects women, particularly post-menopausal breast and endometrial cancers.
A new study found that offering a $50 cash reward through a lottery-style incentive increased the completion rate of stool tests for colon cancer screening among veterans. The test helps detect early signs of abnormal growths or cancer in the colon and is recommended annually for people over 50.
A novel siRNA-based approach successfully targets and silences the KRAS oncogene, a well-studied but hard-to-halt protein important for cancer development and metastasis. The treatment significantly slows cancer growth and stops metastasis in cultured cells and mice.
Incidence rates of colon and rectal cancers among 20-34 year olds are projected to increase by 90% and 124.2%, respectively, by 2030. Lifestyle factors such as obesity and lack of physical activity contribute to the rising trend, while screening efforts in older patients have led to a decline in incidence rates among those over 50.
The incidence of colorectal cancer in people under 50 has increased, while those over 50 have seen a decline. The study found that the CRC incidence rate declined overall between 1975 and 2010, but rose among young adults, with the biggest increase seen in patients 20-34 years old.
Researchers at the University of Utah have discovered that cancers select against a protein complex called the mitochondrial pyruvate carrier (MPC), which counteracts the Warburg effect and supports uncontrolled growth in cancer. Re-introducing MPC into colon cancer cells impairs several properties of cancer, including growth.
Researchers found that bioactive sphingolipids contribute to carcinogenesis via programmed cell death pathways and inflammation, but plant-type sphingolipids reduce inflammation and enhance SPL levels. These findings suggest a mechanistic link between diet and cancer prevention.
Researchers at the University at Buffalo have successfully treated chronic, precancerous inflammation in the intestine using an oral biologic medication. The study found that targeting disease-promoting inflammatory cells can render them less able to cause disease, offering a promising avenue for site-specific oral therapy.
Researchers generated a fruit fly model of human colon cancer, revealing key genetic factors behind the disease. The study identified subtle interactions in cancer development, shedding light on early-stage cancer progression.
Researchers discovered that mutations in the PIK3R1 gene, particularly R348, can activate ERK and JNK signaling cascades, enabling tumor growth. Targeted therapies may need to focus on these mutant tumors, offering a potential new approach for treating endometrial and colon cancers.
University of Minnesota researchers have identified microRNAs miR-182 and miR-503 that contribute to the development of colon polyps into cancerous tumors. By targeting these microRNAs, physicians may be able to provide earlier and more specialized treatment for patients with a higher risk of colon cancer.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have discovered a novel approach to killing colon cancer cells by using an antibody that targets the GUCY2C receptor, which is over-produced and exhibited on the surface of cancer cells. The immunotoxin selectively destroys colon cancer cells while sparing surrounding tissue.
A subset of stage III colon cancer patients with CpG island methylator phenotype (CIMP) showed improved overall survival when treated with irinotecan-based therapy. Patients with CIMP-negative tumors experienced significant harm from the addition of irinotecan, resulting in lower overall survival rates.
A study by researchers at the University of Kansas reveals a new function for APC in protecting against chronic colitis-induced inflammation and tumor development. The team found that functional nuclear APC is necessary to suppress Wnt signaling pathway, controlling goblet cell differentiation.
A new method has been developed to produce artificial anti-cancer molecules with properties similar to those of the body's natural defense systems. The molecules have proved effective against colon cancer cells in laboratory tests and show promise for further research.
A study published in Nature found that regulatory DNA regions preceding genes play a crucial role in tumor development, with altered function leading to gene mutations and cancer progression.
A group of scientists have revealed the structure of two proteins involved in liver and colon cancers, opening up research opportunities for drugs that can inhibit cancer cell growth. By blocking a specific region of these proteins, it is possible to prevent tumour cell reproduction without affecting other life-sustaining functions.
Researchers at the University of Granada found that colon cancer patients suffer from reduced physical function, fatigue, and loss of muscle strength due to treatment. This can lead to a significant decline in quality of life, affecting up to 40% compared to healthy individuals.
Researchers discover synthetic triterpenoids suppress colon cancer onset by impeding inflammation and increasing 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase gene expression. Oral administration in mice shows promise for chemoprevention, with potential to delay or halt colon cancer development.
African-Americans with colon cancer are half as likely to have a genetic marker linked to better outcomes compared to Caucasian patients. The study also found that African-Americans are more likely to have right-sided colon cancer, which is easier to miss with screening.
A team of scientists has discovered that the colon has a safety mechanism to restrict adenoma formation and growth. The study found that an increase in BMP production limits the self-renewal capacity of adenoma stem cells, thus impeding rapid development.
A new study by Northwestern University found that community-based outreach programs can significantly increase colorectal cancer screening rates among low-income and minority populations. By using a combination of automated reminders, mailed letters, phone calls, and personal outreach, the program was able to nearly double screening ra...
A meta-analysis of 43 studies found that sedentary behavior increases the risk of colon, endometrial, and lung cancers. The risk increases with sitting time, even among physically active individuals, suggesting a detrimental impact on cancer prevention.
Researchers have identified four new genes that increase familial breast cancer risk, with RINT1 also linked to a broad spectrum of gastrointestinal and gynecological cancers. The study has significantly expanded the panel of genes known to account for increased breast cancer occurrence within families.
The Myriad myRisk test detects significantly more deleterious mutations than single cancer tests and helps solve the overlap dilemma among hereditary cancer syndromes. The test evaluates 25 clinically significant genes associated with eight major hereditary cancers.
Researchers engineered a bacterial toxin to attach to tumour cells, forcing the immune system to recognize and attack cancer. The engineered toxin significantly reduced human colon cancer tumours in mice with minimal metastasis.
Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine will study how aging and poor nutrition interact to cause colon cancer mutations. They will use novel techniques, including single-cell whole-genome sequencing, to understand the development of tumors and identify new approaches for preventing and detecting colon cancer.
A study found that aspirin lowers colorectal cancer risk in people with high 15-PGDH gene levels, but not those with low levels. The research team analyzed data from nearly 128,000 participants and discovered a link between 15-PGDH and the anti-cancer effects of aspirin.
Researchers have identified PPAR delta as a crucial molecule linking dietary fats to colon cancer progression. The study found that deleting PPAR delta in a mouse model of colon cancer stopped key steps required for tumor growth, providing new clues for developing therapeutics.
A study by UT Southwestern Medical Center found that popular web information on colorectal cancer screening materials are written beyond the recommended sixth-grade reading level and fail to address key risks and barriers. Only half of the sites discussed colorectal cancer risk in the general population, while only a quarter specifical...
A study published in JAMA Surgery found that patients over 65 have a higher risk of complications and longer hospital stays after colorectal cancer surgery compared to younger patients. The study analyzed over 1 million patients with colorectal cancer and found that mortality rates improved across all age groups during the decade studied.
A study published at The Wistar Institute Cancer Center found that bacterial virulence proteins can suppress DNA repair proteins in epithelial cells, leading to genetic mutations that favor tumor development. This research opens the possibility of modifying colon cancer risk by altering gut bacteria populations.
A new study has identified PLAC8 as a critical protein involved in the spread of colon cancer. Elevated levels of PLAC8 have been linked to abnormal cell behavior, leading to faster tumor growth and increased invasiveness.
A new NIH study reveals that obesity primes the colon for cancer, with frequent exercise and calorie control shown to lower the risk. The research suggests that molecular signals in the gut lead to cancer progression in obese mice, highlighting the importance of a healthy lifestyle in preventing colorectal cancer.
A study of 999 patients found that low-dose aspirin use after colon cancer diagnosis was associated with improved overall survival, particularly among those with HLA class I antigen expression. The molecular mechanisms underlying this effect are not fully understood.
A team identified p38 as a dual role in colon cancer, both protecting the epithelial barrier and promoting tumour growth. Treatment with a p38 inhibitor reduced tumour size in mice.
A new non-invasive genetic test detected 92% of colon cancer cases, outperforming a traditional fecal immunochemical test in asymptomatic participants. The test's high sensitivity could lead to increased screening rates and reduced deaths from colorectal cancer.
A recent study found that colon cancer incidence rates have dropped by 30 percent in the US among adults 50 and older due to widespread colonoscopy adoption. Colonoscopy use has almost tripled among adults ages 50-75, leading to significant declines in mortality rates as well.
A pilot study found that mailing free stool tests to patients' homes increased colon cancer screening rates by nearly 40% among uninsured and low-income patients. The test, called FIT, is simple, cost-effective, and can be done at home.
The study reveals that beta-catenin increases in certain types of T cells, causing chronic inflammation in the intestine and colon, leading to cancer. The researchers also found that beta-catenin signaling alters the balance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory T cells.
A Michigan State University study found that obese men are more likely to have colorectal polyps, precancerous growths linked to colon cancer. The research showed a significant association between elevated leptin levels, higher body mass index, and larger waistlines with an increased risk of having these polyps.
A new evidence review finds that fecal immunochemical tests (FITs) detect about 79% of colorectal cancers and correctly identify 94% of patients without cancer. The test is simple, can be done at home, and can save lives, making it a great tool for assessing which patients have cancer and which do not.
Researchers found that fiber activates Gpr109a receptors, which reduce inflammation in the colon and prevent cancer. Mega-doses of niacin may also help protect the colon and prevent conditions like ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.
Cancer death rates have declined by 20% over the past two decades, with middle-aged black men experiencing a 50% reduction in mortality. The American Cancer Society estimates that there will be 1,665,540 new cancer cases and 585,720 cancer deaths in 2014.
Researchers decoded cell messages in zebrafish embryos to understand abnormal colonic cell growth, a common precursor to colon cancer. The discovery provides new insights into pathways fueling low-calcium-related cell growth and potential therapies to prevent colon cancer.
The John S. Dunn Foundation awards seed grants to researchers at Rice University's BioScience Research Collaborative to support new collaborations in cancer diagnosis and treatment, vascular health, and plant-inspired energy conversion. The grants aim to foster interdisciplinary and multi-institutional research.
A study by Arizona State University researchers links CXCR2 to tumor formation, growth, and progression in colon cancer. The genetic culprit is implicated in recruiting immune cells that evade the immune response, providing a new clue for developing therapeutic targets.
Researchers found that patients surveyed at federally supported community health centers generally reported high-quality care, with excellent or very good ratings for overall quality of services, clinician care, and referrals. The study also found that higher patient ratings of access to care and patient-centered communication were ass...
Researchers at the McGill University Health Centre have identified genetic changes in the colon lining that could be used as biomarkers for early diagnosis of colorectal cancer. The study, published online in Cancer Prevention Research, has implications for the nearly one million people diagnosed annually worldwide.