Marinating meat before grilling can reduce some carcinogens that are connected with colon polyps and cancer according to research from Kansas State University.
Food technology researchers marinated round steaks in three different commercial marinade mixes containing different spice blends including Caribbean, southwest, and herb. They then grilled the steaks at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Read the rest of this entry »
Half of Americans over 50 have not been screened for colorectal cancer according to a new survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
The 2005 National Health Survey interviewed 31,000 adults, including 13,500 who were over 50. It found that 50 percent of people over the age of 50 had been screened for colorectal cancer, but the other half had not. While this was an improvement over the 43 percent screening rate in 2000, it was far from desirable according to the researchers who analyzed the information. Read the rest of this entry »
Digestive Health SmartBrief provides timely information about gastrointestinal problems, including colon and rectal cancer, for consumers. Sponsored by the American College of Gastroenterology, it includes medically accurate tips for daily life for people with a wide range of GI issues.
You can sign up for a free weekly newsletter delivered to your email each Wednesday. If you include the name of your gastroenterologist, contact information for that doctor will be included in your e-newsletter. However, it is not necessary to do so.
You can read a sample issue here.
The HealthBrief does contain advertising.
The American College of Gastroenterology also provides patient information on its website, including where to find a gastroenterologist and a fact sheet on colon cancer.
Colonoscopy screening increased by 50 percent in New York City in the past five years, with the biggest increase occurring among minorities.
Much of the improvement is credited to a coalition of doctors, city officials, union workers, and hospital administrators belonging to the New York Citywide Colon Cancer Control Coalition, known as C5.
The Coalition adopted a single colorectal cancer screening recommendation: all people of average risk over the age of 50 have a colonoscopy every ten years. People with a family history or other risk factors would be screened more often.
Funding was available to cover the uninsured.
One factor that led to success was using patient navigators to help patients through each step of the process. The bilingual navigators call patients to remind them of appointments, help them understand preparation for the procedure, and see that they have a ride home after their tests. They now work in all ten city-run hospitals and another six hospitals in New York.
Overall, patient navigators have facilitated nearly 31,000 colonoscopies in the past five years. In their first year, the rates of no-shows for colonoscopies dropped from 67 percent to 10 percent and screening rates tripled.
Rates of people over 50 who have had a colonoscopy rose from 2007 to 2003 from:
The C5 goal is to have 80 percent of New York City residents over the age of 50 screened with a colonoscopy by 2011.
Information about colonoscopy improvement was announced on June 5, 2008 by Dr. Thomas R. Frieden, New York City Health Commissioner.
SOURCE: Dan Hurley, More People Undergoing Colonoscopy, The New York Times, June 6, 2008.
Evidence from the National Polyp Study has shown clear evidence that removing adenomas (polyps) during a colonoscopy reduces risk for colorectal cancer significantly. There were more than 1,400 patients in the study who had colonoscopies and all existing polyps removed. After an average of six years, only five people developed colorectal cancer, all at an early stage. None died.
A colonoscopy allows the doctor performing the test to see the entire colon from the anus to the cecum and remove polyps.
The colonoscope is a thin, long, flexible instrument with a lighted lens or video camera at its end. Instruments to remove polyps or take samples of tissues for biopsies can be introduced through the scope. During colonoscopy, the scope is inserted carefully through the rectum and guided through the colon. Mayoclinic.Com has a video of a colonoscopy that illustrates the procedure.
Physicians who perform colonoscopies are usually gastroenterologists, but may be surgeons or, sometimes, specially trained family physicians. Locate a gastroenterologist who is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology or a find a member of the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.
Before the colonoscopy begins, an IV needle will be put in your hand or arm for medicines to make you feel relaxed and sleepy. Most patients will have no pain during the procedure and will probably not remember the colonoscopy itself. If there is pain, additional medicine can be added to the IV. Patients with special needs may have an anesthesiologist present to administer deeper sedation. However, most colonoscopies are completed with moderate sedation administered by the endoscopist.
After your colonoscopy, you’ll need to rest for an hour or two in the recovery area until the sedatives have worn off. During this time, you will probably have to pass gas from air that was inserted during the procedure so the lining of the colon could be seen clearly. You will need someone to drive you home, but you’ll be able to return to your regular activities the next day.
Because the lining of the colon must be completely clean to provide the best view, bowel preparation the day before the colonoscopy is important. A clear liquid diet and strong laxatives will be prescribed for you. The laxatives will produce a great deal of watery diarrhea. Here’s more information on colonoscopy preps.
Depending on what is found during your colonoscopy, your doctor will recommend the right time for a follow-up colonoscopy. If cancer is discovered, you’ll be referred to a surgeon or medical oncologist for treatment.
Although it is rare, call your doctor immediately if you have severe abdominal pain, fever, bloody bowel movements, or dizziness or weakness after your colonoscopy.
Colonoscopy is not without risk. In a very,very small percentage of colonoscopies, the scope may make a hole (perforation) in the colon. There are also risks from sedation and from the preparation to consider.
Audio and Slide Presentation: Sidney J. Winawer, lead author for the National Polyp Study, discussed The Role of Colonoscopy and Polypectomy in the Prevention of Colorectal Cancer during the AACR Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research conference in December, 2007.
National Digestive Diseases Clearinghouse: Colonoscopy
Video of Katie Couric’s colonoscopy in 2000, credited for the “Couric Effect” that increased use of screening colonoscopy. Note: Katie is perhaps more awake and alert that most people would be. She says she wanted to be awake enough to ask questions during the taping.
American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy has answers to many patient questions about colonoscopy on their site Screen4ColonCancer.Org.
Have a friend whose reached a fiftieth birthday? Send an email greeting card reminding them that screening prevents colorectal cancer.
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