Christine Traxler, MD, Editor

March is National Colon Cancer Awareness Month so be prepared to hear a lot about colon cancer screening. Doctors want to get colon cancer off the number two cancer killer status.

COLONOSCOPIES BY NON-GASTROENTEROLOGISTS MISS MORE CANCER

Recent studies have shown that when it comes to colonoscopies, practice does make perfect. Gastroenterologists do colonoscopies all the time and therefore miss fewer colon polyps that would ultimately lead to cancer down the line. Non-gastroenterologists have less experience and miss more colon polyps. These polyps could possibly lead to cancer. So the next time you need to get screened colonoscopy, who will you see?

Read Full Article Here:Study: Colonoscopy by Non-Gastroenterologists
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MARCH IS COLON CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

This would be the month to assess your colon health. Are you older than fifty? Do you have a strong family history of polyps? When was your last colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy? Do you have bowel changes you’ve been holding off seeing the doctor for? If you are in need of colon screening, March is the time to put some effort into getting medical help. Colon cancer screening can save lives and the next life it saves may be your own.

Read Full Article Here: Colon Cancer Awareness
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MARCH FIFTH IS "DRESS IN BLUE DAY"

In honor of colon cancer awareness, March 5th is National Dress in Blue Day. This day is in honor of those who have passed from colon cancer as well as a reminder to all of those out there who are wondering whether or not it’s time to be screened for colon cancer. Colon cancer screening is available year round but, during Colon Cancer Awareness Month, you definitely need to consider your position on the matter and get your screening test scheduled.

Read Full Article Here: Day set to promote...
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Also See Colon Cancer Warning Signs

GENE SIGNATURE COULD HELP IN COLON CANCER TREATMENT

Researchers have found a “gene signature”—a cluster of genes that, when expressed indicate whether or not a person would benefit from having chemotherapy for their colon cancer. Studies show that 25 percent of colon cancer patients in Stage II will advance to metastatic disease. In addition, 40 percent of all Stage III patients won’t have metastases at all, even if they don’t have chemotherapy. It’s hoped that through this research, doctors will be able to tell who, among these groups of people, are likely to metastasize and would need chemotherapy. Those without the gene signature can have surgery alone.

Read Full Article Here: Gene signature may help spot...
Also See Genetic Testing for colon Cancer
Also See Colonoscopy and Polyps

REPRESENTATIVE KATHY DAHLKEMPER INTRODUCES RESOLUTION TO HELP WOMEN UNDERSTAND COLO RECTAL CANCER

A new resolution has been introduced to the House regarding the situation between women and colon cancer. In spite of the fact that colon cancer is the second biggest killer of cancer patients in the US, there is still a myth out there that only men get colon cancer. In fact, the rates of colon cancer are the same, regardless of one’s gender. Nearly 25,000 women will die of the disease. This is basically the same rate as men. When diagnosed at an early stage, 90 percent are still alive after five years. The resolution will serve as a reminder to women to get tested, too.

Read Full Article Here: Representative Kathy Dahlkemper Introduces...
Also See Women Colon Cancer Patients
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COLON CANCER SCREENING STILL TOO LOW BUT RISING

A State of the Science Panel out of Bethesda Maryland declared that, while screening for colon cancer is increasing, the rates are still much lower than they should be. Factors cited were costs of screening test, a lack of awareness of the effectiveness of the tests, and embarrassment over having a colonoscopy. The panel recommended decreasing financial barriers over having the test done, using patient reminder slips to remind patients they need a colonoscopy and identifying which screening tests are more palatable to patients and which ones are not. Doctors, they say, need to push for screening tests.

Read Full Article Here:Colorectal cancer screening rates rising but still low
Also See Polyps in Colon
Also See Colon Cancer Prevention

PROTECT YOURSELF FROM THE HIGH COST OF CANCER

According to the recent studies, American men have a 44% chance of developing cancer while the chances for women are about 37%. The general risk of developing colon cancer in the United States is about 6%. For this reason, it's important for everyone, particularly people above the age of 50 years, to go for routine screening.

Whether discovered early or late, cancer is a debilitating disease due to the care, costs and the mental and physical trauma involved. Many times the cost of treatment leaves the patient in heavy financial distress. Most insurance plans do not cover the total cost of the treatment, which leaves the patient and their family in a lurch. These days people have started purchasing supplemental cancer insurance that can help in covering otherwise uninsured expenses related to cancer illness. If you would like to learn more about supplemental cancer insurance you can click here.

DO YOU HAVE A PERSONAL STORY ABOUT COLON CANCER?

It is our heartfelt desire that you become a part of the Colon Cancer Resource website and contribute your personal experience and stories regarding colon cancer so that others may benefit. Your story may help inspire someone in their fight against colon cancer. Your tips, experiences and advice are all welcome and will be published here. You can remain anonymous if you choose. It's easy to contribute. After you post your story, other visitors can comment and contribute to your story and if you choose, you will be notified by email when this happens. You can submit your own story and read about other peoples experience by selecting one of the following links:

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