Cure Research for Colorectal cancer
Research discussion: Researchers are looking at two new screening tests for colorectal cancer, both of which detect polyps and cancers early. One test is called a virtual colonoscopy. A small tube is placed inside the rectum for less than 5 minutes (with a traditional colonoscopy, this process takes longer). Images are recorded and put into a computer using computerized axial tomography (CAT or CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI or MR). The technician then looks at these recorded images to explore the rectum and colon for polyps and cancers. The other test is a stool test (like the FOBT), that looks for DNA, or genetic material, in the stool. Early data suggest that this stool test may be very accurate in picking up any problems, polyps, and cancers.1
A large-scale study, known as the PLCO (Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian) Cancer Screening Trial, is currently evaluating the usefulness of a blood test for the tumor marker known as CA-125 and a test called transvaginal ultrasound for ovarian cancer screening. 2
Medical research for Colorectal cancer: medical news summaries: The following medical news items are relevant to medical research for Colorectal cancer:
- Cancer deaths take over deaths caused by heart disease
- Cancer screening tests have a high rate of false positive results
- Chemical signals involved in cancer causes found
- Colon cancer gene identified
- Colon cancer linked to physical activity
- Colorectal cancer risk reduced in women through calcium consumption
- Combination drug therapy for treating colorectal cancer challenged
- Diabetes and sugar level linked to risk of cancer death
- Ethnicity, socio-economic status and education all affect the risk of death from cancer
- Fecal DNA test more effective than standard test for detecting colorectal cancer
- Good patient-doctor communication and awareness of colon cancer ensures greater participation in colon cancer screening programs
- How much is really known about the safety of statins
- Many promising new cancer drugs are in late-stage trials
- New bowel cancer screening anticipates greater participation
- Promising drugs raise dilemma of whether benefits outweigh the risks
- Researchers aim to develop a blood test to determine presence of cancer
- Selenium may have preventative benefits against certain cancers
- Studies provide more information about relationship between diet and cancer
Footnotes:
1. excerpt from Colorectal Cancer: NWHIC
2. excerpt from What You Need To Know About Ovarian Cancer: NCI
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