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Care eliminates racial disparity in colon cancer survival rates, Stanford study finds

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...

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateJan 26, 2015

Bacterial 'bunches' linked to some colorectal cancers

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.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 16, 2014

Young patients with newly diagnosed colorectal cancer anticipated to nearly double by 2030

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.

Website information on colon cancer too complex, fails to address key concerns

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...

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalGastrointestinal Endoscopy·DateApr 14, 2014

Simple, at-home test will detect most colorectal cancers

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.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateFeb 3, 2014

Dunn Foundation awards bioscience grants

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.

November/December 2013 Annals of Family Medicine tip sheet

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...

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateNov 11, 2013

MUHC researchers identify biomarkers that could lead to early diagnosis of colorectal cancer

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.

SourceMcGill University Health Centre·JournalCancer Prevention Research·DateOct 30, 2013