This Week’s Colorectal Cancer News In Brief

In order to bring you more news and colorectal cancer research reports, we’ve developed short reviews of research and other news that has not been covered on the rest of the blog this week.  We’re including connecting links where you can find additional information.  Watch for the News in Brief at the end of the week.

Brief Research Reports

Women who have taken hormone replacement therapy after menopause had reduced risk of colorectal cancer, as high as 44 percent in those who took estrogen plus progestin using a sequential regimen for more than five years.   However, higher risks for breast cancer and for heart attack and stroke need to be considered in deciding on HRT.   Jill Johnson MPH, Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers, and Prevention, January 1, 2009.

Patients who were at high risk of developing depression or anxiety after their cancer diagnosis benefited from a brief psychological intervention at the beginning of their treatment.  After a year they were less likely to have developed depression or anxiety than a control group who received usual care.  However, those with low risk had no benefit from the nonspecialist treatment.  C. Pitceathly, MSc., Annals of Oncology, Advance Access, January 6, 2008.

Other Colorectal Cancer Headlines

• Young colon cancer survivor Erika Kratzer is on the cover of the Colondar for the fifth year.  Diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer at 22, she’s had three surgeries and chemotherapy.  The Roanoke Times carries her story and her work with the Colon Club in developing the Colondar as an artistic project to raise colorectal cancer awareness.
• According to Reuters the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is considering covering some PET scans outside of the established registry system.  CMS has issued a draft report that proposes covering one scan to help make initial treatment plans even when patients and doctors don’t enroll in the special registry.  Final determination will be issued in April.
• Cure Magazine features an article on the Bittersweet Gene discussing KRAS and what it means to patients like Doris Banks, a 53 year old salon owner in North Carolina whose colon cancer spread to her liver.  There is also a short article for caregivers helping them understand and cope with changes in bowel function and diet after surgery.  While available online, the print magazine is free for cancer patients, survivors, and their families.