Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Weight-loss surgery can cut cancer risk

A recent study published by Dr. Nicolas Christou of the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) suggests that bariatric surgery reduces the risk of developing cancer by up to 80% in morbidly obese patients. The research, which compared over 1,000 patients who underwent bariatric surgery with those who did not, found significant decrease...

Study links vitamin D to colon cancer survival

A new study by scientists at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found that patients diagnosed with colon cancer who had abundant vitamin D in their blood were less likely to die during a follow-up period. The researchers identified 304 participants and followed them until death or 2005, whichever occurred first.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateJun 18, 2008

Prevalence of pre-cancerous masses in the colon same in patients in their 40s and 50s

Researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health discovered that the prevalence of pre-cancerous masses in the colon is similar between patients aged 40-49 and 50-59. The study suggests that starting colon cancer screening at age 40 may help decrease its prevalence and save more people from the disease.

AMPK signaling: Got food?

Scientists discovered that when food supplies dwindle, mammals activate the AMPK signaling pathway to conserve energy. The study reveals a link between cancer and diabetes, suggesting that type 2 diabetes drug metformin may also antagonize tumor growth.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalMolecular Cell·DateApr 24, 2008

Digestive process affects anti-cancer activity of tea in gastrointestinal cells

A study found that digestion alters the structure of tea catechins and their anticancer activity. Digestion significantly reduced anticancer activity in colon cancer cells but had little effect on black tea. The findings suggest that better understanding digestion's impact on tea can lead to changes in product formulation and preparation.

Jefferson researchers find personalized interventions key to improving colon cancer screening rates

Researchers found that personalized interventions significantly improved colon cancer screening rates in primary care practices. Screening rates increased by 33-48% compared to usual care, with the most substantial improvements seen when personal messages addressed personal barriers to screening. The study suggests that a relatively si...

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalCancer·DateSep 24, 2007

Other highlights from the July 10 JNCI

Researchers developed a new drug delivery method using ultrasound to target cancer tumors, releasing chemotherapy drugs from nanobubbles. They found this approach was more effective at blocking tumor growth than other nanoparticle delivery methods. Vitamin D levels were also associated with reduced colon cancer risk in a separate study.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJul 10, 2007

U-M, Israeli scientists report major advance in search for genes associated with colon cancer

Researchers found a significant link between genetic variation on chromosome 8 and the risk of colorectal cancer, with individuals carrying the specific marker being 23% more likely to develop the disease. The study suggests that this single genetic variation might account for 14% of colorectal cancer cases in Israel.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalCancer Biology & Therapy·DateJul 8, 2007