Dr. Starpoli's Blog

Colon cancer is now a pressing concern in the United States. However, unlike most cancer ailments, the good news is that colon cancer can be prevented and also cured if there is early detection. Emerging medical evidence relates to a possibility of transmission of mother to child in cases of an abnormal gene for colon polyps. The hereditary structures of these genes control the growth and multiplication of the cells surrounding the colon. In the absence of such controlling genes, uncontrolled polyps grow and turn into cancer.

Also referred to as colonic cancer, colon cancer has over the past couple of years grown to become a killer disease all over the world. Research shows that it is the 3rd most common form of cancer affecting both men and women and is estimated that 150,000 new cancer cases are reported every year in the United States. This is exactly the reason why early colon cancer detection is important.

In some respects, the U.S. is winning the war on cancer. Recent reports show an overall decline in the number of new cancer cases and fewer cancer deaths.

I came upon this post on the endonurse.com web site.  For those who will be having colon cancer screening with colonoscopy, this application may be of value.  If the colon is not cleaned well, the risk of poor visualization is high and, therefore,abnormalities such as polyps or cancerous growth can be missed.

As reported from Medscape (11/4, Canavan) reported, "Two new tests that examine the gene signatures of peripheral blood mononuclear cells have demonstrated high sensitivity in the identification of colorectal cancer (CRC) and adenomas larger than 1 cm." Researchers in Switzerland first zeroed in on "60 markers," and the "resulting panel highlighted the gene signatures of proteins involved in several different biologic functions, including those of cellular movement, cell signaling and interaction, tissue and cellular development, cancer, and cell growth and proliferation." Then, after using that "suite of biomarker candidates" to assess other patients with IBD or "non-CRC cancers," investigators decided on "a final selection of 24 genes [that] was used to create two separate assays. They were designated COLOX CRC for cancer detection, and COLOX POL (polyp) for adenomas."

Current methods for colon cancer screening include stool studies for blood, flexible sigmoidoscopy, barium enema, and colonoscopy. Virtual colonoscopy uses CAT scan technology with specialized software to reconstruct images of the colon.  This "virtual colonoscopy" is a fascinating technology, but can not properly image very small polyps and when there is a questionable finding, colonoscopy must be performed.  Therefore, colonoscopy remains the gold-standard for the prevention and diagnosis of colon cancer. Colonoscopy, unlike sigmoidoscopy, allows for examination of the entire colon and not just the left side.

        The reasons people shy away from the procedure vary, but many find the pre-procedure bowel preparation unpleasant, according to Reuters (10/29, Fox). Some also find the procedure itself embarrassing and uncomfortable, while others worry about the potential for injury.

Esophageal cancer rates have risen by 50% over the past 25 years in men in the United Kingdom, according to new figures released by Cancer Research UK.

If you are 50 or over or have a family history of colon cancer, you should be screened. African-Americans should be screened beginning at age 45. Colon cancer is one of the most preventable and curable types of cancer when detected early. Since the risk of colon cancer increases with age, getting screened is essential.

The American College of Gastroenterology, based on two recent studies, is recommending patients split their colonoscopy preparation into two parts, one the evening before and the other about six hours prior to the exam, as it leads to clearer colonoscopy views and better results. The presence of residual stool will make it harder for the colonoscopist to identify abnormal growths that could develop into cancer.

Have you ever wondered why some providers offices call so many times to remind you to schedule an appointment? Our office does this monthly, in order to ensure that our patients obtain the needed testing to diagnose and treat certain dangerous conditions, such as colon cancer. A recent article published in HealthDay bore out that this is an effective and essential way to encourage patients to keep on their treatment.