December, 2009

Colorectal Cancer News in Brief: December 29

Briefly

Factors related to the patient, year of surgery, and tumor itself and not surgeons or pathologists explain low lymph node counts after colon and rectal surgery. Lack of colorectal cancer screening leads to emergency surgery and complications and death among the elderly.

Americans without health insurance are more likely to die, even when factors like overall health, smoking, and income are considered, and cancer patients who have support from family and friends at diagnosis are much more likely to look on the entire experience as a chance for positive growth years later.

Finally, FDA has a good video to help people avoid health care frauds.

Happy Holidays. Enjoy family, friends, and lights. Continue reading…

Posted by Kate Murphy on December 29th, 2009
Posted in: Research & Treatment News | 2 Comments »
Tags: colorectal cancer screening, elderly, FDA, uninsured

Survivors at Sea

After being diagnosed with colorectal cancer ten years ago, Mortimer Brown turned to support groups because as he says, “one of the things I discovered was people who became involved in support groups lived richer, fuller lives than those who did not.”

In October 2009, Mortimer and his wife, Marilyn, enjoyed a cruise on Holland America Line along with over 100 other passengers. Mortimer’s involvement with support groups at home, lead him to contact C3 prior to his cruise for assistance in forming a support group for the Holland America Cruise Line. C3 was happy to help Mortimer and provide him with the materials he needed to conduct his meeting.

After talking with C3, Mortimer started the process of reaching out to Holland America. He spoke with several middle level managers at Holland America Line and although they were all enthusiastic about the idea they did not have the authority to approve such a request. They suggested that he approach the person on the ship responsible for the daily schedule and pitch the idea to them.

Mortimer did just that and Holland America arranged for two sessions during his cruise – listing the event as “Survivors at Sea.”

Posted by Catherine Knowles on December 27th, 2009
Posted in: Policy & Advocacy News | No Comments »

Senate Passes Health Care Reform; Congress on Track to Send President a Final Bill in January

After 25 straight days of debate, by a vote of 60-39, today the Senate approved the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

In January, the House and Senate will begin the difficult task of reconciling the differences between the bills they have passed.

There are a number of provisions in both the House-passed and Senate-passed health care reform bills that will affect colorectal cancer patients. Click here to see a chart outlining and comparing these provisions.

Posted by Catherine Knowles on December 24th, 2009
Posted in: Policy & Advocacy News | 1 Comment »
Tags: Health Care Reform, House of Representatives, President Barack Obama, Senate

Risk for Lynch Syndrome Related Cancers in MSH6 Mutations

People with a mutation in the MSH6 gene, part of the Lynch syndrome, have a greatly increased risk of colorectal, endometrial, and other related cancers. The cancers can occur in old age, with an increasing risk from age 70 to 80.

About 4 in every 1000 colorectal cancers are due to an inherited mutation in the MSH6 gene. It accounts for about 10 to 20 percent of Lynch syndrome mutations.

By the time they are 80 years old, men have eight times the risk of getting colorectal cancer and women have 26 times the risk of endometrial cancer — cancer that begins in the lining of the uterus.

Posted by Kate Murphy on December 23rd, 2009
Posted in: Research & Treatment News | No Comments »
Tags: inherited cancer, Lynch syndrome, MSH6

Colorectal Cancer News in Brief: December 21

Briefly

It’s been tested, and it hurts less to rip a bandaid off fast.

NCCN has updated their guidelines for colon and rectal cancer to include testing for BRAF mutations in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.

FDA announced a recall of some lots of Alka-Seltzer Plus Day and Night Cold Formula, and an aggressive program to manage respiratory infections at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance has kept patients there from getting H1N1 flu. Continue reading…

Posted by Kate Murphy on December 21st, 2009
Posted in: Research & Treatment News | No Comments »
Tags: FDA recalls, H1N1 influenza, NCCN Guidelines