Here’s a second article from C3 research advocate, Pam McAllister, based on information she learned at the 2010 GI Cancers Symposium in Orlando.

Pam’s experience with colorectal cancer research advocacy goes back more than a decade.  She has been a patient advocate with several cancer cooperative groups and now chairs the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) Patient Advocacy Committee.

While most patients with stage II colon cancer are at low risk of recurrence, there are patients in this group who are at increased risk and who may need chemotherapy to reduce their risk. Read the rest of this entry »

At ASCO in June 2009  a study was presented showing potential benefit of a novel inhibitor of AKT and MAPK in patients with metastatic colon cancer in second and third line chemotherapy.  An update at the 2010 ASCO GI meeting in January further confirmed these promising results.

This was a randomized phase II study comparing Xeloda alone versus a combination of Perifosine and Xeloda. Read the rest of this entry »

There’s still time to make reservations for the Strides for Life Dinner Dance and Auction.  The deadline has been extended until Wednesday, February 17.

The 7th Annual Dinner Dance will be held on Saturday, February 20, 2010 at the San Francisco Airport Marriott beginning with cocktails at 5 p.m.  Dinner will be served at 7:30.

The annual fundraiser for Strides for Life is held in memory of Dylan Lawrence Cappel to benefit colon cancer prevention and early awareness.  Since  2005, the Strides for Life Life Colon Cancer Foundation has provided over $400,000 in medical services to people without insurance. Read the rest of this entry »

Ready to run?  Walk?  Party?  Celebrate colorectal cancer survivors?

The 5th Annual SCOPE Fun Run begins at 8:00 a.m. on March 27, 2010 at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.

Registration is now open.

The Sprint for Colorectal Oncology,Prevention and Education (SCOPE) includes:

• 5K Run/Walk
• 1 K Fun Walk for children beginning at 9 a.m.
• Survivor’s Fair
• Post-Race Party with live band Lewna Eclipse

A special feature of the day will be a chance to explore inside the Super Colon, an educational project of the Prevent Cancer Foundation.   Eight feet high and 20 feet long, the Super Colon helps visitors understand the importance of screening to prevent colorectal cancer.

Briefly

• Hormone replacement therapy reduces risk of colon cancer.
• Smoking before age 30 increases chances that colon cancer will recur.
• Low CEA levels improve both survival and disease-free survival for stage II colon cancer.
• Most patients want videos of their colonoscopies and are willing to pay for them. Read the rest of this entry »