Normal preparation instructions for a colonoscopy call for clear liquids the day before the test.  But are they really necessary for doctors to get clear view of the colon?

A small randomized study reported in a poster at the American College of Gastroenterology 2011 Annual Scientific Meeting found that a full liquid diet including milk, yogurt, pudding, fruit and veggie juices — even ice cream — was just as good as a more restricted clear liquid diet in finding polyps.

Doctors doing the exams didn’t know which patients had clear liquids only and who got to eat a full liquid diet, but rated them equally effective in satisfactorily cleansing the colon

In addition, the number of patients where polyps were found wasn’t different in the two diets.  One patient on a clear diet wasn’t able to finish the prep — which also included 2 liters of MoviPrep. Read the rest of this entry »

Older colorectal cancer patients on Medicare who saw their primary care physician more often were less likely to die from colorectal cancer and from other illnesses.

They were almost three times as likely to have been screened and more likely to be diagnosed early. Read the rest of this entry »

Colorectal cancer patients in a phase III clinical trial who took the oral drug regorafenib lived longer than those who got the best supportive care along with a placebo.

In fact, when the independent Data Monitoring Committee analyzed the progress of the trial, they recommended it be unblinded so that patients who had been randomly assigned to supportive care and a placebo pill could receive the new medicine.

The survival benefit was statistically significant, although how much time was gained isn’t yet available. Overall survival benefits are expected to be reported at an upcoming scientific meeting.

Patients enrolled in the randomized Phase III CORRECT trial had already had their cancer get worse on all standard approved treatments. Read the rest of this entry »

CancerCare is offering a teleconference in collaboration with Fight Colorectal Cancer:

• Current Developments in the Treatment of Colorectal Cancer
• Wednesday, October 26, 2011
• 1:30 – 2:30 pm, Eastern time
• Register online

A panel of experts will cover topics including new treatments for colorectal cancer, clinical trials, personalized medicine, nutrition, controlling symptoms and pain, and communicating with your healthcare team.

Read the rest of this entry »

Need some help with keeping the house clean during cancer treatment?

Sometimes trying to clean the kitchen or vacuum the living room is just too darn much . . . especially during chemo or after surgery.  Things get cluttered and grimy, and you get exhausted and discouraged.

There are organizations that can help. Read the rest of this entry »