Information on Colon and Rectal Cancer from the National Cancer Institute
Definition of colon cancer: Cancer that forms in the tissues of the colon (the longest part of the large intestine). Most colon cancers are adenocarcinomas (cancers that begin in cells that make and release mucus and other fluids). Definition of rectal cancer: Cancer that forms in the tissues of the rectum (the last several inches of the large intestine closest to the anus).
Read more at the National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health.
Information on Colorectal Cancer at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
First, take a deep breath. And another. It's not unusual to feel shock or denial, and it may take a few days, or even longer, to accept that this is actually happening. For some people, it's hardest to feel so out of control of life. It might help you to know that...More from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
Information on Colon Cancer at MD Anderson Cancer Center
One in 19 Americans will be diagnosed with colon cancer in their lifetime, for an overall risk of 5.4%. Although colon cancer affects men and women equally, rectal cancer is more common in men. When colon and rectal cancers are found early, there is nearly a 90% chance for cure. Read more at MD Anderson Cancer Center.
Colon and rectal cancer: Essentials at Consumer Reports
What is it? What are the symptoms? How common is it? What will happen? Questions to ask. Key points about treatments and more at Consumer Reports.
Chinese medical herbs for chemotherapy side effects in colorectal cancer patients
Chinese herbal medicines are widely used to counteract the side-effects of chemotherapy in patients being treated for cancer. As yet, there is no clear evidence that herbal medicines are effective in this role. We have performed a systematic review of the potential benefits of Chinese herbal medicines in patients being treated with chemotherapy for colorectal cancer. We identified four relevant studies, which included a total of 342 patients, with adequately reported data...Read more at the Cochrane Collaboration
Tutorial: Colon cancer
Before a true cancer develops, it usually begins as a non-cancerous growth called a polyp. This animation at HealthCentral shows where and how this cancer grows.
Interactive tool: Colorectal Cancer Nomogram- A Tool for Doctors & Patients
This tool, known as a nomogram, can be used to predict the probability of being disease-free from colon cancer five to ten years following complete resection (surgical removal of all cancerous tissue). It is designed to help patients and physicians make decisions on further treatment and plan long-term follow-up.Access the tool at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
NCNN Treatment Summary: Colon Cancer – Stage 0, I, II and III
National Comprehensive Cancer Network Treatment Summary for People with Cancer
NCNN Treatment Summary: Colon and Rectal Cancer - Stage IV
National Comprehensive Cancer Network Treatment Summary for People with Cancer
Video: The Colon Cancer Puzzle
Through the combined efforts of Thomas Jefferson University and Genentech BioOncology, this video was developed to educate African-Americans about reducing their risk of colorectal cancer. "The Colon Cancer Puzzle" is an award winning video that features an African-American cast of physicians, colorectal cancer patients, colorectal cancer survivors and their families, and discusses colorectal cancer by addressing prevention of colorectal cancer and dietary lifestyle, screening for colorectal cancer and treatment of colorectal cancer. View the video at the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group.
Video: Colonoscopy - What Patients Can Expect Before, During and After a Procedure
The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy doctors walk viewers through a colonoscopy with a real patient from preparation instructions to what happens during the procedure and what to expect after the exam. View the video at screen4coloncancer.org.
Video: A PSA on Colon Cancer
View a Colorectal Cancer Public Service Announcement from the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
Podcast: Colon Cancer - The Diagnosis
In this colon cancer podcast, Dr. Brenda Hoffman, a colonoscopist, defines the diagnosis of colon cancer based on what stage the cancer is in and what treatment or medications can be used. Listen at the Medical University of South Carolina Podcast Library.
Podcast: Colon Cancer Screening
Francis Giardiello, M.D., professor of gastroenterology at Johns Hopkins, discusses options for colon cancer screening in this podcast at Johns Hopkins Medicine.
Podcast: Regular Screening Prevents Colorectal Cancer
Listen to the podcast from the Center for Disease Control.
Screening for colorectal cancer: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendation statement.
To summarize the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendations and supporting evidence on screening for colorectal cancer; To update the 2002 USPSTF recommendations on screening for colorectal cancer. See major recommendations at the National Guideline Clearinghouse.
Abstract: trans-Fatty acid consumption and its association with distal colorectal cancer in the North Carolina Colon Cancer Study II.
Recently, the potential health effects of trans-fatty acid consumption have raised concerns. A few studies have examined the risk of colorectal cancer with increasing consumption of trans-fatty acids, but none investigated the risk of rectal cancer, which may have different risk factors than colon cancer. Our objective was to explore the relationship between trans-fatty acid consumption and distal colorectal (sigmoid, rectosigmoid, and rectal) cancer using a case-control study of Whites (n = 1,516) and African Americans (n = 392) in North Carolina from 2001 to 2006. See Abstract at PubMed.
Update and review of the multidisciplinary management of stage IV colorectal cancer with liver metastases
The management of stage IV colorectal cancer with liver metastases has historically involved a multidisciplinary approach. In the last several decades, there have been great strides made in the therapeutic options available to treat these patients with advancements in medical, surgical, locoregional and adjunctive therapies available to patients with colorectal liver metastases(CLM). As a result, there have been improvements in patient care and survival. Naturally, the management of CLM has become increasingly complex in coordinating the various aspects of care in order to optimize patient outcomes. Full text available free through PubMed.
Abstract: Long-term survivors of metastatic colorectal cancer treated with systemic chemotherapy alone: a North Central Cancer Treatment Group review of 3811 patients, N0144
BACKGROUND: Although systemic chemotherapy in patients with unresectable metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) is palliative in nature, some patients experience long-term remission beyond 5 years consequent to treatment with chemotherapy alone. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We reviewed clinical data from 32 prospective North Central Cancer Treatment Group chemotherapy trials in mCRC that enrolled patients from 1972 to 1995. See Abstract at PubMed.
Looking Ahead: What Will Change in Colorectal Cancer Treatment?
Since the mid 1990s, colorectal cancer treatment has undergone substantial changes and improvements. In 1996, 5-fluorouracil was the only drug available for treatment of this disease. At the time of this writing, six additional agents, plus the biomodulator leucovorin, have been approved for use in metastatic colorectal cancer. The overall progress, however, has been modest, and colorectal cancer remains the number two cause of cancer death in the United States. New drugs, new paradigms, and new patient selection criteria are needed in order to make the necessary further improvements in the management of this disease. Full text available free through PubMed.
Abstract: Fewer polyps detected by colonoscopy as the day progresses at a Veteran's Administration teaching hospital.
BACKGROUND & AIMS: One objective of colonoscopy is to identify and remove polyps-this process requires attention to detail and prolonged concentration. Providers are predisposed to cognitive errors because the procedure is often performed repetitively throughout the day. We measured the adjusted relationship between colonoscopy start time and polyp yield. Abstract at PubMed.
Glycosylated Hemoglobin and Risk of Colorectal Cancer in Men and Women, the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition
Although large-scale prospective cohort studies have related hyperglycemia to increased risk of cancer overall, studies specifically on colorectal cancer have been generally small. We investigated the association between prediagnostic levels of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), a marker for average glucose level in blood, and colorectal cancer risk in a case-control study nested within the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition cohort. Full text available free through PubMed.
Looking for a Top-Rated
Gastroenterologist, Surgeon, or Medical Oncologist?
Consumers' Guide to Top Doctors finds the Doctors Rated Best by other Doctors
To find out who the top doctors are around the country, nonprofit Consumers' CHECKBOOK surveyed roughly 340,000 physicians to tell us which specialists they would want to care for a loved one. The Top Doctors database contains the names of over 23,000 doctors who were mentioned most often. Find top-rated doctors in the fifty largest metropolitan areas, in over thirty-five specialties, and more.
Source: Wikimedia
A Public Service Announcement from Terrence Howard
Source: CDC
Consumers' Guide to Top Doctors finds the Doctors Rated Best by other Doctors in over 30 specialties.
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Colorectal cancer patients - their stories.
Source: Prevent Cancer Foundation
Consumers' Guide to Hospitals
Which Hospital Should You Choose
"What makes the Consumers' Guide to Hospitals so special?
We've got 30 million answers to that question. That's how many hospital records Consumers' CHECKBOOK sifted through to calculate risk-adjusted death rates and adverse-outcome rates, and that's just part of the data used to rate the hospitals. The organization also sent out more than 280,000 questionnaires to physicians in 53 major metropolitan areas in the United States, asking them to rate their local hospitals; checked ratings of the hospitals by surveyed consumers; checked which hospitals were providing recommended tests and procedures for patients with specified medical problems; and more."
AARP The Magazine
