Medically underserved residents of three Georgia counties will be able to get a free screening colonoscopy thanks to a collaborative effort developed by the Magnolia Foundation and the Northwest Georgia Regional Cancer Coalition.

Financially eligible people from 50 to 69 in Chattooga, Floyd, Gordon and Polk counties without insurance coverage to pay for screening can apply through their local county health department.  Younger people at higher risk for colorectal cancer because of a family or personal medical history are also included. Read the rest of this entry »

In studies reported this week  fewer specialists managing colorectal cancer were found in US counties with large African American populations, older adults with cancer had significantly worse physical and mental health, and palliative sedation at the end of life did not hasten death.

In other headlines, colorectal cancer screening for the uninsured will begin on July 1 in Minnesota, and if screening reveals cancer, treatment will be covered under the Minnesota Medical Assistance program.  The FDA warned consumers not to use Zicam nasal gel or swabs to avoid loss of smell, and doctors advised patients on long-term Xeloda therapy to carry a letter from their oncologist explaining possible loss of fingerprints if they travel internationally. Read the rest of this entry »

A reminder that free colonoscopies for Connecticut residents without insurance or whose insurance doesn’t pay for colonoscopy screening ends on June 29.

The program is a collaboration between the Connecticut Department of Health, the Community Health Center Association of Connecticut, and participating gastroenterologists.

Connecticut residents between the ages of 50 and 64 can contact one of the participating community health centers to schedule a test.

A new type of drug was successful in helping patients with cancer cachexia regain muscle and strength, and counting circulating tumor cells helped predict survival for people with advanced colorectal cancer.

Free colonoscopies are available through a Connecticut program, the FDA and FTC warn the public to be wary of websites or ads promising treatments for 2009 H1N1 influenza, and people in remote areas of Arizona were able to have CT colonoscopy screening with teleradiology. Read the rest of this entry »

Dylan Cappel

The Strides for Life Colon Cancer Foundation is planning their Sixth Annual Cocktail Party and Silent Auction on Friday, May 8, 2009 from 7 pm to 11 pm at the Kohl Mansion in Burlingame, CA.

Dancing will feature Martini Straight Up.

Funds raised during the evening support the Bottoms Up Colonoscopy Program which provides colonoscopy screening, follow-up, and colon cancer treatment for uninsured people in the San Francisco Bay area. Read the rest of this entry »