Health ShortsColon Health
Aspirin, NSAIDs May Prevent Polyps
Studies have found that aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and COX-2 inhibitors tend to inhibit the formation and proliferation of polyps in the colon, many of which are premalignant. This may be in part because the medications block the growth of blood vessels that grow up around a tumor to nourish it (angiogenesis).
Other factors frequently associated with a lower incidence of colorectal cancer include a high-fiber, low-fat diet; exercise; calcium; vitamin D; and selenium.
[SOURCE: Tina B. Stacy, “Colorectal Cancer: Screening, Treatment and Prevention,” Drug Topics, May 17, 2004; Charlie H. Viala and John K. Olynyk, “Screening Sigmoidoscopy for Colorectal Cancer: Further Pieces in the Jigsaw,” The Medical Journal of Australia, May 17, 2004] Known to be beneficial for strong bones, calcium may also help keep your colon healthy. A recent study found that individuals who had precancerous polyps removed from their colon lowered their risk of recurrence by 15 to 20 percent when they took 1,200 milligrams of calcium supplements a day. New practice guidelines of the American College of Gastroenterology advise member physicians to consider recommending calcium supplements for patients who have had polyps removed. While taking calcium may be good preventive practice, doctors point out, it is no substitute for regular screening tests such as fecal occult blood testing, sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy.
[SOURCE:"Considering Calcium for Colon Cancer Prevention," Tufts University Health & Nutrition Letter, January, 2003] Colonoscopy May Be Best for Women
One recent study concluded that colonoscopy may be the best colorectal cancer screening test for women since advanced cancer in females occurred “significantly more often” in the right than in the left colon. Flexible sigmoidoscopy, which examines only the lower half of the colon, would miss these cancers.
[SOURCE: Jeff Evans, “Colonoscopy May Be Best Ca Screening Tool for Women,” OB GYN News, January 15, 2005] Don’t Let Polyps Shorten Your Life About 56,000 Americans die of colorectal cancer each year, and the average victim has 13 years trimmed from his or her life. Since nearly all cancers develop from pre-malignant intestinal polyps that can be detected through screening, many of these deaths could be avoided with regular screening
[SOURCE: L.A. Ries, et al, “The Annual Report to the Nation on the Status of Cancer, 1973-1997 with Special Section on Colorectal Cancer,” Cancer, 2000; U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, “Screening for Colorectal Cancer,” July, 2002] Follow-up Colonoscopy Saves Lives
For patients who have been treated for colorectal cancer, national guidelines recommend follow-up through colonoscopy, and a recent study found that those who followed the guidelines reduced their risk of death by 40 percent. Among 3,546 subjects in the study, those who received follow-up colonoscopy were more likely to have received radiation and chemotherapy, suggesting more advanced cancer. Yet their five-year mortality risk was reduced.
[SOURCE: "Follow-up Colonoscopy Cuts Colorectal Cancer Mortality by 40%," Internal Medicine News, January 1, 2003] Half Empty or Half Full? How Diet Affects Colon Cancer Risk
Americans have a significantly higher rate of colorectal cancer than persons in countries such as Japan where the typical diet is much lower in fat. A recent study suggests the high fat-cancer connection may be attributed to the body's inability to handle lithocholic acid, a secondary bile acid produced when cholesterol is processed. Lithocholic acid, much of which remains in the intestine, is known to cause cancer in mice, and colorectal cancer patients generally have high concentrations of it.
[SOURCE: Researchers Uncover Biochemical Connection to High-Fat Diets," Cancer Weekly, June 11, 2002] Many Seniors Pass on Colonoscopy Music Eases Colonoscopy Discomfort To reduce your risk of colorectal cancer, doctors recommend: · eating more fruits and vegetables-at least five servings a day, · reducing your intake of animal fats and calories, · getting regular exercise of moderate intensity such as brisk walking, · screening for colon cancer with yearly fecal occult blood testing plus periodic bowel examination with sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy or barium enema, seeing your doctor promptly if you have symptoms such as a change in bowel habits, blood in the stool, abdominal pain or unexplained weight loss or anemia. [SOURCE: Peter Boyle and J.S. Langman, "Epidemiology (ABC of Colorectal Cancer)," British Medical Journal, September 30, 2000] Women Prefer Female Endoscopist
Even though women are generally more health-conscious than men, they are less likely to undergo colorectal cancer screening with sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy. Part of their reluctance may be associated with the gender of the practicing endoscopist.
In a survey of 202 women, 43 percent indicated that they preferred a woman endoscopist. Of these, 87 percent said they would wait 30 days in order to have a female perform the test; 14 percent said they would pay an additional fee; 5 percent said they would refuse the test unless it were performed by a female.
[SOURCE: “Women Prefer Female Endoscopists,” Family Practice News, October 1, 2005] Women Tend To Avoid Colon Screening Even women who are conscientious about screening for breast and cervical cancer tend to avoid colon cancer screening. Of 3,386 women surveyed for the New York Cancer Project, 87.8 percent said they adhered to breast and cervical screening recommendations, but only 42.1 percent had received colon cancer screening with colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy.
[SOURCE: R. Guerrero-Preston, et al, “Previous cancer screening behavior as predictor of endoscopic colon cancer screening among women aged 50 and over, in NYC, 2002,” Journal of Community Health, 2008;33(1):10-21] | ArchiveAIDS & HIV |
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