Private MD News - Colon

People who have a family history of cancer should regularly get blood tests and lab tests to help make sure they are healthy. These individuals should closely follow any scientific studies that point to simple lifestyle changes they can make to help reduce their risk of developing cancer. For example, researchers from the University of Colorado Cancer Center recently discovered that consuming more resistant starch may help people lower their chances of colorectal cancer.

Resistant starch can't be digested, so it ends up in the bowel in more or less the same form it was in when it is first consumed. Researchers set out to determine if the fact that these foods stay whole in the bowel has an effect on colorectal cancer risk.

Eat more starch ... Full Story

When it comes to cancer, early detection is key, a fact that underscores the need for regular blood tests and lab tests. Catching cancer early saves lives, especially since many forms of cancer are treatable in their early stages. Recently, researchers from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania confirmed what most medical professionals already believe - colonoscopy screenings significantly reduce an individual's risk of developing end-stage colorectal cancer.

The scientists stated that in the past few years, the colonoscopy has been replacing the sigmoidoscopy, which was a procedure used to detect abnormalities in the rectum and left side of the colon, even though many people questioned the efficacy and high cost of a colonoscopy. Now, researchers are stating that colonoscopy screening does, indeed, help save people from dying of colon cancer.

A serious issue... Full Story

Thanks to modern technology, lab tests can now detect cancer at earlier stages than ever before. While blood tests allow for doctors to diagnose cancer earlier, it's important for people to not only get regular lab tests, but also do everything they can to avoid developing cancer in the first place. According to recent research from Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital, individuals who are concerned about their colorectal cancer risk may want to monitor their sleeping habits.

The scientists discovered that overweight individuals or those who snored regularly and reported sleeping 9 hours or more each night had an increased risk of colorectal cancer than individuals who slept less.

Is it sleep apnea?... Full Story

A new study has found that sitting for a large part of the day as part of a sedentary lifestyle may increase the risk of getting colon cancer later in life. The study found that, even with exercise, those who spend an extended amount of time sitting each day may be more likely to get colon cancer, so those who sit often may want to consider getting lab tests to check their status.

Sitting and colon cancer... Full Story

For many diagnosed with colorectal cancer through lab tests, bevacizumab is a commonly prescribed medication. However, this medication can sometimes be ineffective at stopping tumor growth, and a group of researchers from the University of Colorado Cancer Center may have come a few steps closer to understanding why.

How the medication works... Full Story