Articles tagged with Colorectal Cancer
A 15-month study found that patients who received mailed reminders for colorectal cancer screenings were more likely to schedule screenings than those without reminders. This approach increased screening rates by 16% compared to the control group.
Women with higher calcium intake have a lower risk of cancer overall and specific digestive system cancers like colorectal cancer, according to the study. Calcium consumption was inversely associated with an increased risk of these types of cancers in both men and women.
A study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found that mail reminders increased colon cancer screening rates by 44% compared to non-reminded patients. Electronic physician reminders also showed promise, especially among patients with three or more primary care visits, resulting in a 59.5% screening rate.
A study published by the American Cancer Society found that patients seeking health information online are more likely to be aware of and receive the latest cancer treatments. Patients who search for information on targeted therapies like Avastin and Erbitux are up to 3.22 times more likely to receive these treatments.
A new study finds that racial disparities in colorectal cancer screening persist, with significant gaps between white patients and those of other ethnicities, including Hispanics. Increasing screening rates among Medicare recipients have not narrowed these gaps.
Researchers identified guanylyl cyclase C as a molecular marker for metastatic colorectal cancer that can detect occult metastases in lymph nodes, improving risk stratification. About 13% of patients with pN0 colorectal cancer were found to be free of tumor cells, while 87% had results suggesting occult metastases.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University found a biomarker, guanylyl cyclase 2C (GUCY2C), that predicts disease recurrence in colorectal cancer. The study revealed that 87.5% of patients had positive GUCY2C expression and 20.9% developed recurrent disease.
Research found capecitabine and irinotecan with bevacizumab to have comparable tumor response rates of 29% and 35%, similar overall survival at 15 months and 24 months. Toxicity was generally well-tolerated in a small patient population.
Researchers found immunological tests to be more accurate in detecting precancerous lesions, identifying over twice as many lesions as HaemOccult test. However, some tests yielded too many false positives, emphasizing the need for high detection rates and reliable all-clears.
A study found that rural physicians in Arizona estimated they could increase their endoscopic procedures by 53.1%, while urban physicians estimated an additional 35.7% with improved compensation. The potential increase is attributed to the growing population of older individuals moving to warmer climates.
A new study reveals that primary care physicians often fail to recommend colorectal cancer screening, even in patients who visit their offices frequently. The research, which analyzed data from nearly 50,000 patients, found that over half of those with regular visits did not receive screening.
A pre-emptive skin regimen can significantly reduce skin-associated toxicities associated with panitumumab for metastatic colorectal cancer treatment. The study found that this approach reduced the incidence of grade 2 or higher skin toxicities by over 50%. Patients who received prophylactic treatment reported improved quality of life,...
Research from Thomas Jefferson University reveals that African-American patients with colorectal cancer are more likely to present with advanced disease and have a worse five-year survival rate. Socioeconomic factors, including access to healthcare screening, may contribute to these disparities.
Researchers found that trained primary care physicians can perform colonoscopies with a low complication rate and high polyp detection rate, comparable to specialists. This fills the gap in colorectal cancer screening as the US population ages and demand for screenings grows.
Studies show that primary care physicians can safely and effectively perform colonoscopies, with quality and safety indicators comparable to those of gastroenterologist specialists. Having a personal health care provider is associated with a three times higher likelihood of colorectal cancer screening, highlighting the potential for po...
A recent study by Charles Drew University found that gay and bisexual black men have the lowest use of prostate cancer testing. The percentage of gay and bisexual black men who received the PSA test was 12-28% lower than heterosexual blacks and 15-28% lower than gay and bisexual whites.
Individuals with the ADH1C*1 gene variant produce more acetaldehyde, leading to greater cellular DNA damage and a heightened risk of colorectal cancer. Chronic drinking is also a known risk factor for colorectal cancer.
A recent study published in Annals of Internal Medicine concludes that screening colonoscopy is associated with fewer deaths from colorectal cancer, but primarily on the left side. The findings emphasize the need for skilled physicians to perform effective colonoscopies.
A recent meta-analysis published in JAMA found that smoking is significantly associated with an increased risk for colorectal cancer (CRC) and death. The study analyzed data from nearly 40,000 new cases of CRC, indicating a 25% higher risk of CRC death among smokers compared to non-smokers.
A Canadian study found colonoscopy is associated with lower death rates from colorectal cancer, but raises concerns about detection of lesions on the right side of the colon. Patients are urged to seek a qualified gastrointestinal endoscopist to perform a thorough colonoscopy.
Researchers found that narrow-band imaging (NBI) was not more accurate than white light colonoscopy in differentiating colorectal polyps during real-time colonoscopy. However, NBI accuracy improved significantly after the endoscopists gained experience with the new diagnostic tool.
A new study by American College of Physicians reveals that colonoscopy strongly reduces mortality from left-sided colorectal cancer, while offering little benefit against right-sided cases. The researchers suggest factors such as incomplete examinations and varying tumor biology contribute to these limitations.
University of Texas Medical Branch researchers have identified a promising new target for colon cancer therapy by mapping the biochemical pathway critical to the spread of tumors. High levels of the enzyme Akt2 are found in association with other cancers, and its inhibition shows promise in stopping colon cancer's spread.
A major study of over 14,000 male physicians found that long-term vitamin E and C supplementation had no significant impact on prostate cancer or total cancer risk. The study suggests that these supplements may not be effective in preventing cancer in middle-aged and older men.
A long-term study found that high insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1 (IGFBP-1) levels reduced overall death risk by over 50%, while high C-peptide levels doubled the risk of death. Lifestyle factors like obesity and physical inactivity are associated with high insulin levels, which can fuel colon cancer growth.
Researchers found two insulin-related proteins that predict survival chances in colorectal cancer patients. High IGFBP-1 levels were associated with lower mortality rates, while high C-peptide levels increased the risk of overall death and other conditions.
Researchers found excellent agreement between CT colonography's bone density measurements and DEXA results, identifying osteoporotic bones in patients. CT colonography may be a cost-effective way to screen more people for osteoporosis without additional radiation.
A recent study found that individuals with lower socioeconomic status are more likely to be diagnosed with late-stage colorectal cancer, leading to poorer survival rates. The research highlights the importance of removing barriers to healthcare services, including screening tests and treatment for colorectal cancer.
A meta-analysis of 15 randomized controlled trials found that bevacizumab increases the risk of venous thromboembolism by 33% compared to controls. The risk is highest for patients with colorectal cancer, with an incidence rate of 19.1%.
A large clinical trial found that calcium supplementation reduced colorectal adenoma recurrence risk by 32% only in those with low magnesium to calcium ratio. This suggests a personalized diet/supplementation regimen considering both nutrients may be more effective than supplementing with one alone.
A recent study found that the cost of treating colorectal cancer can range from tens of thousands of dollars, with newer therapies often costing significantly more than older agents. This variation in costs raises questions about access to care and the value of these treatments for patients.
A study found that surgical removal of small colon polyps is not necessary due to low risk of cancer development. The study suggests that imaging surveillance for isolated small polyps detected during CT colonography may be an alternative to unnecessary colonoscopy procedures.
A study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology found that overall beta-catenin expression is associated with better differentiation and earlier staging in colorectal cancer. High staining density also predicted superior survival, suggesting an alternative role for beta-catenin beyond the Wnt-signaling pathway.
Researchers found that BRAF mutations are associated with resistance to anti-EGFR therapy in colorectal cancer patients. The study suggests that combination therapy blocking EGFR and BRAF may be a useful approach to increase patient benefits.
Researchers identified an 11-gene signature that separates responders from non-responders to FOLFIRI chemotherapy. The gene signature can predict treatment outcomes with 100% accuracy in a small sample size of 19 patients.
Research reveals endocan protein expression is higher in normal tissues than in colorectal cancer, with positive correlation to tissue differentiation. Elevated serum levels of endocan found in late-stage lung cancer, suggesting its potential as a biomarker.
A study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology found that CT colonography is accurate for detecting colonic masses or polyps equal to or greater than 10mm. This non-invasive technique replaced double contrast barium enema (DCBE) for evaluating incomplete colonoscopies.
Patients with metabolic syndrome have a significantly higher lifetime risk of colorectal cancer compared to those without the condition. The American College of Gastroenterology recommends closely adhering to published guidelines for colorectal cancer screening.
A Mayo Clinic-led study found that the first generation of a stool DNA test detected 20% of colorectal cancer and precancerous polyps, compared to fecal blood tests. The test's limitations include sample degradation and low sensitivity, but second-generation tests improved detection rates.
A new study by Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center found that routine colorectal cancer screenings may not provide significant life expectancy benefits after age 75. The study suggests that individuals who have had adenomas or colorectal cancer should continue surveillance in this age group.
A new study suggests that colon cancer screening for patients starting at age 55 could save the US at least $2 for every dollar spent. The research found that nearly 45% of uninsured patients who underwent free colonoscopies had polyps, highlighting the need for earlier screening.
A new study suggests that implementing a nationwide CRC screening program for uninsured patients starting at age 55 can reduce healthcare costs by an estimated $2.58 for every dollar spent, saving over $1 million in federal healthcare dollars annually.
A study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology confirms that colonoscopy reduces colorectal cancer incidence, with the greatest benefit seen after seven years of follow-up. However, the effectiveness of colonoscopy is reduced for cancers arising in the proximal colon.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center found that young adults without family history of bowel disease have few pre-cancerous polyps. Screening guidelines recommend colonoscopies starting at age 50, but the study suggests African Americans should consider colonoscopy over sigmoidoscopy.
A study found that a specific gene variation linked to a protein hormone secreted by fat cells is associated with a lower risk of colorectal cancer. The discovery suggests that the adiponectin axis may play an important role in modifying colorectal cancer risk.
Researchers found that complete removal of peritoneal surface disease (PSD) combined with heated chemotherapy can produce long-term survival in select patients. The study suggests a new approach to treating previously considered incurable cases of colorectal cancer.
A new study published in JAMA found that black Americans have a higher occurrence of colon polyps compared to white patients. The research suggests that black men and women are at greater risk for serious polyps, emphasizing the importance of regular screening among this demographic.
Researchers found a significant relationship between loss of heterozygosity (LOH) frequencies on the D4S3018 locus and larger tumor size. Additionally, LOH at the D4S1534 locus was linked to liver metastasis in sporadic colorectal carcinoma patients.
A study found that black patients undergoing screening colonoscopy have a higher prevalence of colon polyps compared to white patients. Black men and women were more likely to have large polyps, with increased odds in those over 50 years old.
BAMBI overexpression is correlated with aggressive tumor phenotypes and predicts tumor recurrence in CRC. A new active monoclonal anti-BAMBI antibody may offer improved survival for CRC patients and serve as a diagnostic tool.
Research found that high alpha-catenin expression is associated with increased lymph node involvement and progressive disease in colorectal cancer. Alpha-catenin also showed distinct patterns in tumors of different colon locations, highlighting differences in molecular pathways between proximal and distal colon cancers.
A new study found that people with an initial negative colonoscopy have a very low risk of developing colorectal cancer within five years. Based on this study, rescreening may not be necessary sooner than five years after the initial screening. The study's findings confirm what many gastroenterologists already believed.
A new colorectal screening procedure, CT colonography, has been found to be highly accurate in detecting intermediate and large polyps. The study, which used virtual reality technology, compared the accuracy of CT colonography with conventional colonoscopy and found that it was comparable in its ability to accurately detect problems.
A large study found that rescreening average-risk individuals after a normal initial colonoscopy every five years is sufficient to determine the optimal screening interval. The study's findings contradict previous recommendations of 10-year screenings and may impact screening costs and individual follow-up rates.
The AGA Institute concludes that CT colonography is a viable colorectal cancer screening option, detecting 90% of large polyps. However, small polyps are less detectable, and radiation risks are still uncertain. Colonoscopy remains the definitive test for early detection and prevention.
Genetic testing identifies patients with advanced colorectal cancer who are likely to survive longer on cetuximab, a new standard of care for targeted therapies. Tumor cell analysis also reveals high levels of circulating cells before treatment as an indicator of disease aggressiveness.
Researchers at UC Davis have developed an interactive multimedia computer program to provide personalized education on colorectal cancer screening. The program aims to increase screening rates among Hispanic patients, who are less likely to receive screenings compared to non-Hispanic whites.
A new analysis reveals that fewer than half of older patients with colorectal cancer receive the recommended screening schedule to detect any recurrence. The study found that some patients may not meet guideline standards due to other procedures, while others receive testing that goes beyond guidelines.
A recent study found that positron emission tomography (PET) scans led to changes in treatment plans for more than half of patients with suspected recurrent colorectal cancer. The study, conducted at four sites in Australia, involved 191 patients and showed that PET scans identified additional disease sites in 48% of patients, allowing...
A new study confirms that colorectal cancer screening should begin at age 50, with colonoscopies being the most effective method for preventing the disease. The study found that the prevalence of colorectal polyps increases sharply after age 50, and African Americans have a higher rate of right-sided polyps.