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Inflammation marker predicts colon cancer

A study published in The Journal of the American Medical Association found that people with higher CRP levels were more likely to develop colorectal cancers over an 11-year period. Median CRP levels were higher among those who developed colon cancer, and inflammation was linked to increased risk without being mediated by diabetes.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 3, 2004

Study: Couric's colonoscopy caused cross-country climb in colon cancer checks

A new study reveals that Katie Couric's on-air colonoscopy led to a significant increase in colon cancer screenings nationwide. Colonoscopy rates jumped over 20% in the days and months following Couric's test, sustained for nearly a year. The 'Katie Couric Effect' also showed an increase in screenings among women and people under age 50.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateJul 14, 2003

Pre-diabetic adults at increased risk of colon cancer

Pre-diabetic adults with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) are nearly twice as likely to die from any cancer and four times more likely to die from colon cancer compared to those with normal glucose tolerance. Researchers suggest that high insulin levels may promote the development of cancer cells, but prevention methods are unclear.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateJul 8, 2003

Method used by enzymes in development of colon cancer described by UCSD researchers

UCSD researchers define multiple steps initiated by COX-2 enzymes, including cyclic adenosine monophosphate and Inhibitors of Apoptosis, leading to suppressed cell killing and uncontrolled growth. The study also explains how aspirin and NSAIDs can reduce colon cancer incidence by inhibiting COX-2.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 30, 2003

Is bigger better?

A large Canadian study found no significant difference in postoperative mortality between high- and low-volume hospitals for complex surgical procedures. The authors suggest that volume-based regionalization may have good reasons, but the main benefit of reduced mortality rates may be overstated.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMay 26, 2003

PET scans are superior to CT scans

A study published by the American College of Radiology found that PET scans had a sensitivity rate of 93% compared to 46% for CT scans. Additionally, PET scans offered advantages over CT scans in terms of cost savings due to lower radiation exposure. The researchers recommend using PET scans for staging patients with suspected cancer s...

Potential blood test for colon cancer risk

A new study identifies a genetic marker in blood samples that may indicate an increased risk of colon cancer. The researchers found that individuals with a family history of colon cancer, polyps, or personal history of the disease were more likely to have this marker in their blood.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalScience·DateMar 13, 2003

Better access to health care is key to higher survival rates for African-Americans with colon cancer

Research suggests that African-Americans with colon cancer fare equally well when receiving the same treatment as white patients, dispelling long-held theories about innate biological differences. The study found no significant disparities in survival rates between the two groups five years after treatment.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateAug 6, 2002

Elderly colon cancer patients benefit from chemotherapy and surgery

Researchers found that elderly patients with lymph node involvement in colon cancer experienced a 30% reduction in mortality at five years after diagnosis with both chemotherapy and surgery. This contradicts the common assumption that age is a deterrent for these treatments, allowing doctors and patients to make more informed decisions.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMay 20, 2002