Dr Karen asked:


One of the major breakthroughs in the study of potential cancer treatments to date is the use of “everyday aspirin” to reduce the risk and spread of colon cancer. Researchers throughout the world quickly clung to the concept and the study has produced a variety of different results most of which appears “too good to be true”.

At the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, they studied the results of aspirin on over 800 stage three cancer patients. Each of which received standard chemotherapy and surgery, however, a selected few were also given 325mg of aspirin on a regular basis. At the end of the study they found that the group which had taken the aspirin doses showed over 50% reductions in recurrence over the group that only received chemotherapy after surgery. Amazing, right?

In 2003, the New England Journal of Medicine, printed a review of two separate studies and Ernest Hawk’s (chief of gastrointestinal cancer prevention research at the National Cancer Institute) response to them. One of the studies looked at persons who had already been diagnosed with colon cancer. Some of whom were given the standard adult dosage of aspirin (325mg) daily and the others given a placebo pill. They observed the patients for a year, after which they found that the aspirin group had thirty–seven percent (37%) fewer growths developed. The second study looked at persons who had a history of polyps; however, this time a lower dose of aspirin was administered. This produced a nineteen percent (19%) reduction in polyp risk; unfortunately, the regular dose had no benefit. Earnest Hawk reviewed both studies and concluded that there was no good explanation for the difference in dosages, but implored the public to focus on the fact that both studies proved that aspirin in fact has anti-cancerous effects.

Dr. John Baron of Dartmouth Medical School directed a similar study and the results recorded in Yahoo! news in April, of this year. His study was intended to see if aspirin would prevent the recurrence of polyps after the growths have been removed during routine colonoscopies. He found that 80-milligram baby aspirin size taken daily can reduce this risk by nineteen percent (19%); a similar result to the study above. He noted that the dose tested is the same dosage already being taken by millions of average Americans in an attempt to prevent heart attacks. These studies will just prove an additional benefit.

Federal health officials say that they are extremely close to recommending that daily doses of aspirin be considered for patients who have had polyps removed. This suggestion, however, can not be given until they are one hundred percent (100%) sure that aspirin does indeed reduce polyp development. With this in mind they have decided to wait until they receive the results of future studies.

And so the studies continue to prove that just a daily dose of “everyday” aspirin can reduce the development of colon cancer. In the words of researcher, Dr. John Baron, “[while] it’s clear aspirin will not be a magic bullet,” it might very well be the alternative treatment that you have been searching for.

We at Boomer Yearbook are excited and thrilled by the prospect of this type of cancer treatment and will continue to keep our members updated. We’d love to hear your thoughts.

www.boomeryearbook.com is a social networking site connecting the Baby Boomer generation. Share your thoughts, rediscover old friends, or expand your mind with brain games provided by clinical psychologist Dr. Karen Turner. Join today to discover the many ways we are helping Boomers connect for fun and profit.

For www.boomeryearbook.com



Richard

Jake asked:


In other words what does a person do everyday if they have colon cancer

June

Angie Ng asked:


The inevitable increase of cancer cases in the world today is mainly rooted from the advancement of technology and the industry. The different kinds of cancer suffered by some people include brain, lung, ****** and colon cancers and these are often inflicted by pollution and some harsh chemicals from factory emission.

Cancer would also be suffered by those who have bad diets and who opt for unhealthy foods. Yet, it can be noted that these bad habits can be prevented so as to refrain from attracting the disease to inflict a person.

The good news is there are significant scientific researches showed that omega-3 fatty acids supplement produced positive results on cancer prevention and cures.

Bad fats cause cancer.

Noted as the substances that encourage abnormalities in the cell division, the bad fats are the ones which often lead to some fatal disease of the heart, diabetes. The bad fats are also the substances body accumulate and give away poisonous free radicals. These free radicals cause damage and cancer when the natural defenses of the body get overwhelmed.

Fish oil as good inhibitor of cancer.

Prevention of cancer is very difficult especially when the products available in the market today are filled with so many carcinogens. However, it was found that the fish oil which contains long chain omega-3 fatty acids is a good nutrient in the blood which can prevent a person from suffering cancer. A lot of cancer patients were found to have poor nutritional level of the omega-3.

In one research study of 71 newly diagnosed, untreated cancer of esophageal, lung and pancreatic patients and 45 healthy subjects. Researchers measured and found that the levels of omega-3 fatty acids were reduced in pancreatic cancer and lung cancer, but not altered in esophageal cancer. Thus lung and pancreatic cancer patients would benefit from an omega-3 supplement to improve the omega-3 content of their blood.

In another study of 24 European countries, consumption of fish oil has shown to protect against the later promotional stages of colorectal cancer. Omega-3s were shown to decrease colon cancer at both the initiation and promotion stages in experiments with animals.

One of the most common types of cancer in North America is skin cancer. Research studies have shown Omega-3 fatty acids from fish have a protective effect on the skin; fish oil benefits the skin by producing prostaglandins that are anti-inflammatory, acting to reduce inflammatory components induced from ultraviolet light exposure.

Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil on animal studies have demonstrated positive results to slow the growth of cancer; increase the efficacy of chemotherapy and reduce the side effects of chemotherapy or of the cancer. Fish oil works on suppressing the proliferation (rapid growth) of cancer cells; allowing cancer cells to die; and reducing cancer-induced cachexia (extreme loss of weight and muscle mass).

Fish oils are also widely recognized for many other health benefits for both children and adults to improve brain function, mental illnesses, learning and behavior disorder, heart function and more. Visit www.keyfishoilbenefits.com.



Howard

Amin Sadak asked:


Cancer is one of the biggest killers around the world. In America alone, 25% of all deaths are related to cancer.

Many people think of cancer as a single problem but in fact, it is a number of problems spread throughout the body. Generally speaking, if cancer is caught in the early stages of development, it can be treated and cured.

Although there are several different types of cancer, the most common ones are Lung, Prostate, Breast, Testicular, Skin and Colon cancers.

Genes control the multiplication and growth of cells. If these genes are defective in the first place, then the cells will not be able to grow or divide properly. As a result of this abnormality, cancerous cells are born.

There are a number of factors which cause cancer. Factors which are controllable by humans are smoking, toxic elements and radiation. These can be controlled to some degree and therefore it would be wise to avoid them by changing lifestyle habits. However, there are certain elements which are outside our control.

These include mutation and inherited DNA.

As a result of studies conducted by the American Cancer Society, more than 180,000 people have died as a direct result of smoking. Another 200,000 people have died due to lack of changing lifestyle habits. Obesity, laziness and malnutrition can have an effect on the growth of cancer. Needless to say, cancer has risen by more than 50% since 1995.

Let’s take a look at some of these cancer causes in more detail.

Smoking: The most prevalent and easily avoidable type of cancer is the one caused by the use of tobacco. This includes the use of cigarettes, cigars and pipes. Even though smokers are addicted to nicotine, the fact that 200,000 people die every year due to smoking caused cancer should be enough motivation to quit. Some experts say that cessation of smoking can increase lifespan by up to 20 years.

Although nothing has been proven, studies indicate that stress may also be a contributing factor to cancer. Many cancer patients are also employed in stressful jobs. Some theologians believe that stress lowers the bodies immunity to cancer.

Exercise and Healthy Eating: Healthy eating and exercise is universally known to be beneficial in many aspects. But, many people don’t know that food full of nutrition can reduce the risk of cancer. Specific foods such as fruit and veg can help prevent cancer whilst fatty foods such as meat can increase the likelihood of cancer.

Skin cancer can easily be avoided by simply listening to good advice. Wear sunglasses, hats, sun cream and other sensible items of clothing to avoid the onset of this type of cancer. Although this may seem like common sense, more than one million people have been diagnosed with skin cancer in a single year.

In summary, some cancers can be avoided. New research and studies are being conducted all the time. So, rather than concentrating on how to treat cancer patients, maybe we should all be looking for more ways to prevent the cancer in the first place.



Yolanda

Jessica Cander asked:


Cancer of the colon is also called colorectal cancer as it can arise in both the colon (the lower part of the digestive tract) and in the very lowest section of the colon, which is known as the rectum. It is a serious condition that affects the colon, the rectum and the appendix. In this disease, which is often insidious in its development, malignant cells proliferate in the tissues of the colon.

One of the more obvious presentations of colon cancer is chronic blood loss in the stool, often dark blood or black patches in the stools themselves. Colon cancer is among the commonest cancers in the Western world, with more than 104000 new diagnoses being made every year.

The most important risk factor for colon cancer is getting older; it is most commonly diagnosed in people over the age of 50. Although many women complacently believe that bowel cancer is a man’s disease, the incidence of colon cancer is essentially the same among men and women.

Colon cancer is a killer, but this is because it is not caught by the medical profession at an early stage. When cancer of the colon is caught in its early stages (with little metastatic spread) it can be 100% curable. Colonic cancer is one of those unusual cancers where testing and screening can prevent the disease. Failure to do so is responsible for the high mortality rate associated with this condition. It may be assumed that patients may be partly to blame; due to the embarrassment factor many people are reluctant or afraid to have their bottoms examined, but this is not the full picture. Unfortunately, the most common symptom of colon polyps and colon cancer is no symptoms at all, so the patient can’t be blamed for that.

Whilst research on the genetic basis of colon cancer is ongoing, it is thought that diet plays a part. This type of cancer is encouraged by diets rich in animal fats and discouraged by diets full of vegetables. This is a reason why colon cancer is rarer in the Far East where there is less fat in the diet.

Most of the time, diagnosis of localized colon cancer is made via colonoscopy, where a flexible tube is placed into the colon with a tiny camera. This procedure can be done under sedation for more squeamish patients. Another diagnostic test which can be utilized is double contrast barium *****.

Once cancer has been found in the colon, staging tests are performed to find out whether the cancer has spread and, if so, to what degree. Colon cancer is staged (given a number, e.g. Stage 1, Stage 2, etc) according to the size of the tumor and if it has become invasive (spreading to surrounding tissues).

Experts theorize that colon cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer – if you take the right steps. Eat a healthy, fiber-rich diet and always visit the Doctor if you have any doubts at all. Pain or discomfort in the bowel, or blood in the stool, should all be indicators that you should be examined. If regular screening is available, conquer your embarrassment and get yourself checked out. Remember – catch it early and it’s 100% curable!



Patrick

Juliet Cohen asked:


Colon Cancer also known Colorectal cancer. Colon cancer 2nd most deaths for cancers in the US. Colon cancer is cancer that starts in the large intestine (colon) or the rectum (end of the colon). The colon is the part of the digestive system where the waste material is stored. The rectum is the end of the colon adjacent to the ****. Together, they form a long, muscular tube called the large intestine (also known as the large bowel). Tumors of the colon and rectum are growths arising from the inner wall of the large intestine. Benign tumors of the large intestine are called polyps. Cancer of the colon or rectum is also called colorectal cancer. In the United States, it is the fourth most common cancer in men and women. It is the third most common form of cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the Western world. Colorectal cancer causes 655,000 deaths worldwide per year.Many colorectal cancers are thought to arise from adenomatous polyps in the colon. These mushroom-like growths are usually benign, but some may develop into cancer over time.

Colon cancer often causes no symptoms until it has reached a relatively advanced stage. Thus, many organizations recommend periodic screening for the disease with fecal occult blood testing and colonoscopy. It is common in the Western world, and is rare in Asia and Africa. In countries where the people have adopted western diets, the incidence of colorectal cancer is increasing. Most cases of colon cancer begin as small, noncancerous (benign) clumps of cells called adenomatous polyps. Polyps of the colon and rectum are almost always benign and usually produce no symptoms. They may, however, cause painless rectal bleeding or bleeding not apparent to the ***** eye. There may be single or multiple polyps. Polyps greater than 1 centimeter have a greater cancer risk associated with them than polyps under 1 centimeter. Polyps with atypia or dysplasia are also more likely to progress on to colon cancer. The risk of cancer is much higher in sessile villous adenomas than in pedunculated tubular adenomas. Cancer is found in 40% of villous adenomas, as compared to 15% in tubular adenomas.

Chemotherapy is also used to treat patients with stage IV colon cancer. Surgery remains the primary treatment while chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy may be recommended depending on the individual patient’s staging. High-fiber foods help move waste through your digestive tract faster, so harmful substances don’t have much contact with the lining of the intestine. High-fiber foods are also rich in phytonutrients, which appear to protect against several forms of cancer. Calcium and vitamin D also seem to help protect against colorectal cancer. There is certainly just as much buzz about folate and colorectal cancer prevention as there has been about calcium. The jury is still out on antioxidants and the prevention of colorectal cancer. Taking antioxidants, such as vitamin C or carotenoids, may reduce cancer risk but other studies have failed to back up these results. Vegetables high in folate, like leafy greens, seem to offer particular protection from colon cancer, especially for those who drink alcohol. Cruciferous vegetables, like broccoli and cauliflower, also contain phytochemicals that may prevent damage to colon cells.

Colon Cancer Treatment and Nutrition Tips

1. Chemotherapy is also used to treat patients with stage IV colon cancer.

2. Radiotherapy may be recommended Treatment fot colon cancer.

3. High-fiber foods help move waste through your digestive tract faster.

4. Calcium and vitamin D also seem to help protect against colorectal cancer.

5. Taking antioxidants, such as vitamin C or carotenoids, may reduce cancer risk but other studies have failed to back up these results.

6. Vegetables high in folate, like leafy greens, seem to offer particular protection from colon cancer, especially for those who drink alcohol.

7. Cruciferous vegetables, like broccoli and cauliflower, also contain phytochemicals that may prevent damage to colon cells.



Shawn

Heather asked:


Yes,I don’t know if I really have colon cancer or not.And I am to embaressed to ask my doctor if I do,considering the fact that I would have to tell him that I have blood in my stools.

Gabriel