Lead a Fit and Healthy Life
Posts tagged colon cancer
Fiber helps Cut Colon Cancer Risk
01 month ago
I read this article yesterday and as you all know — I gave up whole wheat/gluten a while back and have never felt or looked better — so I am very skeptical about this report. I realize they also mentioned that in the study “didn’t find that getting extra fiber from vegetables or fruits was linked with the decreased colorectal cancer risk”. I gotta say that I call foul on this one — and studies like this should be looked at much more carefully.
There are many sources of fiber — I found a list of gluten-free sources of fiber from Livestrong.com.
I do find the fact that “researchers reviewed the results of 25 studies that included nearly 2 million people. They found that for each additional 10 grams of total dietary fiber and cereal fiber consumed a day, the person’s colorectal cancer risk decreased by 10 percent.” very encouraging!
Fiber From Whole Grains Could Cut Colorectal Cancer Risk: Study
Getting your fill of fiber from whole grains could help ward off colorectal cancer, according to a new review of studies.
Researchers from Britain and the Netherlands found that the more total dietary fiber and cereal fiber people consumed, the lower their colorectal cancer risk. For example, people who consumed an extra 90 grams of whole grains a day also had a 20 percent lower risk of colorectal cancer, according to the British Medical Journal review.
However, these researchers didn’t find that getting extra fiber from vegetables or fruits was linked with the decreased colorectal cancer risk, which means that there might be something else in the whole grains at work, too.
Researchers reviewed the results of 25 studies that included nearly 2 million people. They found that for each additional 10 grams of total dietary fiber and cereal fiber consumed a day, the person’s colorectal cancer risk decreased by 10 percent.
Study researcher Dagfinn Aune, of Imperial College London, told WebMD that even if a person starts off with a low level of fiber consumption — say, 5 grams a day — and increase it by 10 grams — to 15 grams a day — that could still be beneficial at lowering colorectal cancer risk.
“This study highlights the importance of a diet rich in fiber,” Dr. Anthony Starpoli, a gastroenterologist at Lenox Hill Hospital who was not involved with the study, told USA Today. “We know that soluble is most helpful in improving colon transit times. As the contents of the colon move at a better rate, there is thought to be less toxic exposure to the interior of the colon thereby reducing risk of developing colon cancer.”
Men may need colon cancer screening earlier than women do
04 months ago
Study: Men may need colon cancer screening earlier than women do
Men may need to begin colon cancer screening earlier than women, new research suggests.
The study found that men were far more likely to have potentially precancerous lesions (also called polyps or adenomas) in their colon — 24.9 percent of men compared to 14.8 percent of women — and to have them at an earlier age.
“In our study, analysis of age- and sex-specific prevalence of adenomas, advanced adenomas and colorectal cancers indicates a significantly higher rate of these lesions among men compared with women in all age groups, suggesting that male sex constitutes an independent risk factor for colorectal carcinoma and their precursor lesions, and indicating new sex-specific age recommendations for screening colonoscopy,” said study author Dr. Monika Ferlitsch, an associate professor of medicine at the Medical University of Vienna in Austria.
But, at least one U.S. expert says that screening guidelines don’t need to be changed based on these findings alone.
“This is a very interesting, very well-done study that included a lot of people. But, I have a lot of concerns about making changes to currently accepted screening guidelines that are well thought-out,” said Dr. David Bernstein, chief of the division of gastroenterology at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, N.Y.
“There were very few people under 50 in this study, and all of those were referred because they have a high risk of colon cancer,” noted Bernstein, who said all of these people would have been referred for screening in the United States because of their higher risk anyway. He added that while the issue might warrant further investigation, he doesn’t see any need to make gender-based screening recommendations for colorectal cancer.
Marriage helps Colon Cancer Survival Rate
07 months ago
Marriage Improves Odds of Surviving Colon Cancer
ScienceDaily (June 21, 2011) — A new study shows that being married boosts survival odds for both men and women with colon cancer at every stage of the disease. Married patients had a 14 percent lower risk of death according to researchers at Penn State’s College of Medicine and Brigham Young University. That estimate is based on analysis of 127,753 patient records.
Similar to studies of other types of cancers, the researchers did find that married people were diagnosed at earlier stages of colon cancer and sought more aggressive treatment. The researchers took those and other factors into account before calculating the benefit of marriage on survival odds.
“Controlling for the stage that the cancer was detected is key,” said Sven Wilson, a study coauthor and professor at Brigham Young University. “Without that, it’s hard to know whether the analysis is just picking up a diagnosis effect.”
Colon cancer is the fourth most common type of cancer in the United States for both men and women. Curiously, the marriage benefit seen in the new study was nearly identical for both men and women.
Cancer Patients – What NOT to say to them.
09 months ago
What not to say to a cancer patient
Have any experiences or any to add?
Three little words kept me from sharing my feelings with family and friends until long after my cancer treatment was done:
“You’ll be fine.”
Though well-intended, the words were conversation-enders, and made me feel guilty for being sad and frightened.
“Cancer is the boogeyman,” says Walter Baile, a professor at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston and director of their ICare program, an online resource aimed at helping improve communication between cancer patients, their families and their medical team.
“More than any other disease the word cancer scares us to death and evokes thoughts of death,” Baile says. Our reaction to such frightening or bad news, is almost like a reflex. “We try to counteract our fears by reassuring others and saying things such as, ‘you’ll be fine.’”
Talking about cancer can be painful and awkward for both the patient and the well-wisher. Here’s advice from cancer survivors and medical professionals on what not to say to someone with cancer, as well as helpful alternatives.
“My friend died of cancer”
Dr. Wendy Harpham, 56, doctor of internal medicine and mother of three from Dallas, learned she had non-Hodgkins lymphoma in 1990. As both a patient and a physician, cancer tales have been the narrative of her life for the last 21 years.
“Patients don’t want to hear other people’s bad cancer stories — and sometimes not even good stories — because they’re focused on themselves. It can make them feel badly if you set the bar too high with stories about how well someone did during treatment.”
Skip Rogers, 50, of Plano, learned he had prostate cancer in 2008. His theory about why people tell these stories? “I think maybe they’re trying to connect with you. In some way they’re saying they’re sorry but don’t know how to do it.”
Mevelyn Mendoza, 63, of Garland, has survived several cancers. They all began in 2002, with her diagnosis of colon cancer. “Someone told me a friend had colon cancer and it came back and she passed away. I said, ‘Oh I wish you hadn’t told me that!’ They seemed shocked at my response, said they were sorry. I had to tell them it really hurts to say something like that when I am in the middle of this.”
Colon Cancer Sucks
010 months ago
I keep reading about these young people being taken away from all of us from cancer. So many of us live our lives worrying about some pretty insignificant things — cancer is the reality in so many people’s lives and it doesn’t go away. Take a moment every day to realize how much you have in life and how much you are blessed …
Ty Lewis dedicated his life to coaching and mentoring youth in the game he loves, Soccer. He strives to develop attitudes of perseverence, dedication and hard work. Through fitness he strives to support those in need. Coach Ty Lewis died Saturday April 2, 2011 at the age of 44 from stage IV colon cancer.
- Ty Lewis
- Reston Soccer Coach Fights On and Off the Field
- The Ty Lewis Cancer Foundation
- Celebrating the Life of Ty Lewis
Erica Paul: Her own words: But, here I am, 2 years since my diagnosis, and although still fighting to beat cancer each and every day, I feel happy, healthy, and determined to help others by sharing my story and increasing awareness of cancer in young-adults.
This experience has taught me not to take life for granted, and to thank God for each and every day He gives me. I try not to stress about silly, petty things anymore because it’s just not worth it. Life is just too short and precious. Getting healthy and spending time with my family and friends is my top priority. I know something positive will come from this, and so much has already. I am hopeful that more than just my life is changed from this experience. Erica died March 7, 2011 at the age of 29 from colon cancer.
Eric Olsen: Olsen taught history and served as Freedom’s cross country and boy’s lacrosse coach in Loudoun County, VA since the high school’s opening in 2005. He lost a prolonged battle against colon cancer on January 25th 2009 at the age of 38. I remember reading about Eric’s passing and thinking –holy crap, this could have been my family. I think of them often.
- Freedom High School Dedicates Eric J. Olsen Memorial Stadium
- Freedom High Mourns Death Of 38-Year-Old Teacher, Coach
It’s a Wrap! Scope It Out – Colon Cancer 5K
010 months ago
A great day for a 5k for a great cause!
Top 20% finisher!
Age Category Results : 16 Stephanie Hoaglund 40 Ashburn VA 30:24 29:26 9:29
Race Overall: 240 91/488 1670 Stephanie Hoaglund 40 Ashburn VA 30:24 29:26 9:29
Make That Call to Prevent Colon Cancer
010 months ago
In honor of National Colon Cancer Awareness Month, SU2C co-founder Katie Couric speaks at The Jay Monahan Center for Gastrointestinal Health to announce the launch of the “Make That Call” a colon cancer prevention and screening campaign.
Highly preventable if detected early…
Nate Dogg – R.I.P.
010 months ago
Today is my rest day — I have workouts planned for the rest of the week including a 5K in DC the Chris4Life Scope It Out 5K for Colon Cancer Awareness! It’s my first race of the season so I am pretty excited! It’s not too late to join me or donate to the cause under Team Ashburn CrossFit Impavidus!
Thanks to those that have already committed to run and/or have donated to the cause!
I woke up this morning to hear Rapper Nate Dogg died. Very sad and another reminder how short life can be. I call my son Nate Dogg all the time in homage to the original.
My Colon Cancer Coach
010 months ago
March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month
There is new tool called My Colon Cancer Coach to help patients become more in the know about what’s happening to them. It’s the first patient-focused online tool for those newly diagnosed with colon cancer. I will never forget how scary it is to be told you have a certain kind of cancer — and have no clue where to go so that you can get some clarity and information about what’s going on –
The Cancer Coach asks you to answer some questions and then returns an individualized treatment report that addresses your specific diagnosis –ultimately leading to a more informed dialogue between patients and their healthcare providers. An informed patient is the best kind of patient in my opinion!
I never understood how people who find out they have some ailment hand over all their trust and power to their healthcare provider. Yes they will do their best – but you have the absolute right to ask questions, suggest other options, and give your opinion. This is your life– they are working for you! And tools like this help you make the right decisions for your or your family’s care!
Half of colon cancer deaths can be prevented
010 months ago
Researchers: Half of colon cancer deaths can be prevented
The American Cancer Society estimates that this year alone doctors will diagnose more than 140,000 new cases of colon cancer nationwide and 50,000 people will die from the disease. Meanwhile, researchers say more than half of those could be prevented with regular screenings. March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month.
On 52-year-old Ileana Mendoza’s first routine colonoscopy doctor’s found a polyp, an abnormal growth of tissue in her colon. If left undetected.. it could have caused problems down the road.
“i have a history with my family, so I don’t want to be waiting until the last minute and not being able to do anything for myself,” said Mendoza. “Let’s not forget we have kids and grandkids we want to see growing.”
Mendoza’s doctor says she frequently sees patients with symptoms that indicate they already have a serious problem.
“Patients come to us with symptoms, alarm symptoms, we call them,” said Dr. Andrea Culligord, a gastroenterologist. “Things like weight loss that’s unintentional, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain. And when they have these symptoms, it’s really something we need to investigate by doing a diagnostic test called a colonoscopy.”
Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among adults nationwide. By catching polyps or cancer early, more than half of those lives could be saved. Guidelines shows screenings should start at age 50, then every 10 years if results are normal, and age 40 if you have a family history.
In addition to screenings, diet makes a difference. “You really want to eat a high fiber diet,” said Culligord. “Fresh fruits and vegetables and 25 grams of fiber a day. The link there is mainly with high cholesterol, obesity, and high fat diets.”
Doctors say working on the factors we can control will help keep us healthy.
