Colorectal Cancer Survival Gap Between Whites and African Americans

Although colorectal cancer death rates are falling for both whites and blacks in the United States, the decline is steeper for whites and the gap between races is growing.

A new  report from the American Cancer Society, Colorectal Cancer: Facts and Figures 2008-2010, finds that African American men and women are more likely than the rest of the U.S. population to get colon or rectal cancer and much more likely to die of it.  In 2005, the death rate for African Americans was 48 percent higher than that for whites.

Officials at the ACS attribute the difference to lower colorectal cancer screening rates, poorer insurance coverage, and fewer African Americans receiving recommended surgical and chemotherapy treatments.

Incidence and death rates for Asian Americans, Hispanics, and Native Americans are lower than for white and the overall populations.

Continue reading…

Posted by Kate Murphy on January 5th, 2009
Posted in: Research & Treatment News | No Comments »
Tags: disparities

Looking Out For the Symptoms of Colon Cancer

Colorectal cancer develops with few, if any, symptoms at first.

It depends a little on the location of the colon cancer. If the cancer is closer to the anus (left side), symptoms may include blood in or on the stool, a change in bowel habits, stools that are narrower than usual and general weakness and weight loss. These symptoms are more typical for colon cancer and physicians would easily recommend a colonoscopy for further work up. However if the tumor is on the right side, almost a foot away from the anus, the symptoms may be more  general such as unexplained stomach discomfort, frequent gas, pains, or indigestion, unexplained weight loss and chronic fatigue. Continue reading…

Posted by Heinz-Josef Lenz, MD on January 5th, 2009
Posted in: From the Desk of Dr. Lenz | No Comments »
Tags: colonoscopy, screening, symptoms

PACCE Results: Poorer Outcomes When Panitumumab is Added to Chemotherapy and Avastin

Patients being treated for the first time with chemotherapy and Avastin® (bevacizumab) do worse if Vectibix™ (panitumumab) is added to their chemotherapy.  Median time until the cancer progresses is shorter, and they have more serious side effects.

KRAS status made no difference.  Both patients with wild-type and mutated KRAS in their tumors had worse outcomes when panitumumab was part of their treatment.

The research team recommends that Vectibix not be added to chemotherapy with Avastin to treat colorectal cancer that has spread. Continue reading…

Posted by Kate Murphy on January 5th, 2009
Posted in: Research & Treatment News | No Comments »
Tags: panitumumab, survival benefit, Vectibix

Plants Ease Recovery from Surgery

Patients recovering from abdominal surgery benefited from having plants in their hospital rooms.  They had less pain, needed lower doses of pain medicine, and had lower heart rates and blood pressure.  As they got better, they spent time watering and tending the plants.

In addition, patients with plants were less fatigued and anxious.   They were happier with their rooms, and 93 percent of them said that the plants were the best part of the room.  Patients without plants said that watching television was the most positive aspect of their hospital stay. Continue reading…

Posted by Kate Murphy on January 3rd, 2009
Posted in: Research & Treatment News | No Comments »
Tags: complementary therapy, surgery

Stories that Made a Difference for Colon Cancer in 2008

2008 brought new information for people with colorectal cancer and those at risk for it.  The role of KRAS tumor mutations was a major step forward for personalized medicine.  New screening guidelines provided additional resources and guidance for colorectal cancer prevention.

ESA use was restricted further and information was developed to help patients make choices about using the medicines to manage anemia associated with chemotherapy.  Flat and highly dangerous colorectal cancer lesions that are different from polyps were uncovered.

The Genetic Information Non-Discrimination Act was passed.

While there were steps forward in research and screening, nearly 50,000 Americans and half a million people worldwide died of colon or rectal cancer. Continue reading…

Posted by Kate Murphy on December 31st, 2008
Posted in: Research & Treatment News | No Comments »