Filed under: Colon and Rectal Cancer , Politics , Daily news President Bush is keeping up with his colon cancer screenings. Good thing -- because five small growths were found and removed during his latest scan on Saturday. The polyps found inside his large intestine were all less than one centimeter in size and did not appear suspicious. Still, they were sent to the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., to be microscopically examined for signs of cancer. Polyps can turn into cancer, so finding them early is the best way to prevent the disease and improve the odds of surviving it. It takes 48 to 72 hours for pathology reports to come back, but the majority of polyps this size are unlikely to be cancerous. Bush is no stranger to polyps. In 1998, after a similar scan, two polyps were found. In 1999, two more surfaced. And while none were found during his 2002 screening, he has become a prime candidate for regular examinations. For the general population, colonoscopy tests are recommended every 10 years. An estimated 112,340 new cases of colon cancer and 41,420 new cases of rectal cancer will be reported this year, according to the National Cancer Institute . About 52,000 people in the United States will die this year of colon and rectal cancer.

Filed under: Colon and Rectal Cancer , Prevention , Research According to the findings of a study done by researchers from Indiana University, five years after a colonoscopy which detected no precancerous growths or polyps, the risk of having a potential cancer is very low.

Filed under: Colon and Rectal Cancer , Prevention , Products Virtual colonoscopies, using a three-dimensional computed tomography colonography, is a non-invasive procedure for colorectal cancer screening and as accurate as the traditional very invasive procedure, according to the conclusion of a study conducted by University of Wisconsin researchers. "Virtual colonoscopy produces precise and detailed 3-D fly-through images of the entire colon's interior without having to insert a scope -- there is essentially no risk of bleeding or of perforating the colon," stated Dr. Perry J. Pickhardt. Virtual colonoscopies take an estimated ten minutes to perform, as the patient passes through a scanning machine. The researchers suggest that this new way of testing might bring more reluctant patients -- who avoid the invasive and uncomfortable colonoscopies available now -- in to be screened. Oh, ya think? Virtual colonoscopy is the screening test I would choose. Who wouldn't? Of course, if polyps or cancers are found, they must be removed by optical colonoscopy. I cannot imagine anyone who would forego a colonoscopy if they can be offered the virtual colonoscopy screening. I certainly hope this becomes a standard in every part of the country. To learn more about virtual colonoscopies, visit Viatronix . Read     Permalink     Email this     Linking Blogs     Comments

Filed under: Colon and Rectal Cancer , Prevention , All Cancers , Research Red wine consumption is associated with a reduced risk of various forms of cancer--leukemia, breast and prostate, in animal studies and in real life. A new study found that drinking more than three glasses of red wine a week reduced the incidence of abnormal growths and cancers of the intestinal tract by two-thirds.

Filed under: Colon and Rectal Cancer , Prevention , Clinical Trials , Research , Non-toxic alternatives , Cancer prevention foods

Filed under: Colon and Rectal Cancer , Prevention , Daily news Screenings for colorectal cancer offer more than a chance for early treatment -- they offer the chance to avoid cancer completely. The disease usually starts with growths called polyps that can take a decade to turn cancerous. If polyps are found and removed, cancer can be avoided altogether. Yet many are avoiding the screening. And polyps that go undetected can turn to a cancer that can lurk silently in anyone -- especially during middle age and beyond. And black Americans are especially at risk. Almost 42 million Americans over the age of 50 are not getting checked for colorectal cancer -- the nation's No. 2 cancer killer. Perhaps it's the financial burden that comes with the life-saving procedure. Now in five states, a government-funded program is offering free testing for the poor. But still, many will fall through the cracks in many states. And while Medicare pays for screenings, this federal program is for people 65 and older -- a long wait for someone at age 50 who needs the test but does not have insurance. Perhaps it's the part of the body under study that steers people away. Perhaps it's the manner in which the test is performed -- a long, flexible tube is used to visually inspect the colon -- that turns heads in the wrong direction. While the financial burden is a valid deterrent, other worries or fears should be put to rest. The test is not all that bad, says one doctor who had a colonoscopy himself. The worst part of the whole experience may be the liquid mixture that is consumed prior to the test that cleans out the system -- minor discomfort really in the scope of the alternative. Cancer. Colonocopies are recommended just once every 10 years. And nearly 60 percent of deaths from colorectal cancer can be prevented if each person over the age of 50 finds some way to make this screening happen. And if not this screening, there are other options -- like a fecal test that is done annually but is more more affordable and can be quite effective too. So consider your options. And make a choice. Read     Permalink     Email this     Linking Blogs     Comments

Filed under: Colon and Rectal Cancer , Prevention , Blogs We received an alert from friends of Lynne Smith about important news regarding the cost of a colonoscopy. While it does not make much sense that the same diagnostic procedure could differ in cost by thousands of dollars, depending on the insurance company and institution, that appears to be the case. Having a colonoscopy is without a doubt one of the best strategies a person can choose to take in cancer prevention or early detection of cancer -- but unless you are aware ahead of time of having a colonoscopy scheduled how the billing system works, you might find yourself needlessly owing thousands of dollars. This is what happened to two of Lynne Smith's siblings. One owed nothing -- the other owed $2,600 dollars. At the Lynne Smith Fund blog, you will find valuable tips on how to keep the costs at a minimum . According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) colorectal cancer is the second leading cancer killer in the U.S. For men, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer after prostate cancer and lung cancer. For women, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer after breast cancer and lung cancer. The CDC has published Basic Facts on Screening available as a PDF document that includes a chart explaining the different screening procedures and estimated cost for each. But first, visit the Lynne Smith Fund for advice on becoming an informed patient. Read     Permalink     Email this     Linking Blogs     Comments