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Clinical Trial Offers Hope for Rectal Cancer Patients

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Breakthrough results in a recent phase II clinical trial offer patients with rectal cancer hope for a cure.

The small study was conducted at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City.

A dozen patients were given the checkpoint inhibitor dostarlimab (Jemperli) intravenously every three weeks for six months.

The clinical trial investigated “if immunotherapy alone could beat rectal cancer that had not spread to other tissues.”

Researchers report 100 percent of the patients experienced remission of rectal cancer.

“In every case, the rectal cancer disappeared after immunotherapy … and the cancer has not returned in any of the patients, who have been cancer-free for up to two years,” according to the center’s online post.

None of the patients underwent standard treatment options — radiation, surgery or chemotherapy.

Their tumors were closely tracked, “using imaging, visualization such as endoscopy, as well other methods,” said researcher Luis Alberto Diaz, MD.

The study participants had unique criteria. All patients in the trial were required to have stage two or stage three rectal tumors that contained a specific genetic mutation. This mutation is known as mismatch repair-deficient (MMRd) or microsatellite instability (MSI).

These criteria made their cancer particularly sensitive to immunotherapy, according to the center.

About 45,000 Americans are diagnosed each year with rectal cancer. Between 5 and 10 percent of all rectal cancer patients are thought to have MMRd tumors, according to the center.

Results of the trial were published in the New England Journal of Medicine in June.

Cancer Immunotherapy Effective in Study

“Our first duty is to save our patient’s life,” said researcher Andrea Cerek, MD, in the center’s report.

A second goal was to preserve patients’ quality of life. Rectal cancer patients who undergo surgery, radiation and chemotherapy can have severe side effects. They can suffer bowel and bladder dysfunction, incontinence, infertility and sexual dysfunction.

As an alternative cancer treatment, “immunotherapy harnesses the body’s own immune system as an ally against cancer,” according to the center.

Follow-up will be needed to determine if these results are long lasting.

“This approach, if the results are confirmed, holds out the hope of cure without the need for potentially toxic therapy and the need to tolerate long-term negative treatment consequences in order to achieve a cure,” said Dr. Diaz at the 2022 American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting.

The cancer center plans to continue the research study — ultimately enrolling 30 patients.

Hanna K. Sanoff, MD, MPH, at the University of North Carolina Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, commented on the results: “These initial findings of the remarkable benefit with the use of dostarlimab are very encouraging but also need to be viewed with caution until the results can be replicated in a larger and more diverse population” (Medical Xpress).

Don’t Delay Colorectal Cancer Screening

In the United States, colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second-leading cause of cancer death.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates more than 150,000 individuals will be diagnosed with colon and rectal cancer in 2022. More than 52,000 will die from the disease this year, according to the ACS.

CRC is one of the most preventable cancers through timely screenings. The disease often begins as a growth, called a polyp, inside the colon or rectum, according to the National Cancer Institute.

Many screening methods are available for CRC, but a colonoscopy is the gold standard. It is the only screening that can both detect and even prevent CRC. During a colonoscopy, a doctor can find and remove polyps in the colon (large intestine) or rectum before they become cancerous.

Leading health agencies now recommend screenings starting at age 45, not 50, for all individuals at average risk. People at high risk or a family history of CRC should be screened earlier.

Most health insurance plans cover colonoscopy as a preventive screening. Many plans now also cover colonoscopy as a follow-up screening to evaluate a positive stool-based test. Patients should check with their insurance company about this coverage.

If you have a positive stool-based test result, a follow-up colonoscopy is critical for your health.

The five-year survival rate is about 90 percent when CRC is found at an early stage before it has spread. Our doctors perform colonoscopy screenings at outpatient surgery centers around the country. Use our Locator Tool to find a GI specialist in your area.

Some People Living With Obesity Avoid Cancer Screenings

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Quality cancer screenings save the lives of millions of patients every year. Colonoscopy is the gold standard of colon cancer screening tests. It is the only procedure that can both detect and prevent colon cancer.

Because they fear their doctors’ judgment, some people who are overweight or obese skip life-saving cancer screening tests. They may avoid care or switch healthcare providers because of “stigmatizing experiences and poor communication with doctors.

British researchers published the report online in Obesity Science and Practice.

Delaying or avoiding cancer screenings like colonoscopy may be detrimental to a person’s health.

“The fear of being stigmatized may prevent people living with obesity from accessing cancer screening services, which are vital to early diagnosis and favorable outcomes,” said lead researcher Yitka Graham in MedicalXpress.

Excess Weight Increases Colon Cancer Risk

Excess weight increases the risk of developing 12 types of cancer, including colon cancer. So, timely screenings are crucial for early diagnosis and prevention.

“Getting recommended cancer screenings is critically important for people with obesity, who may be at a higher risk for some cancers,” Kristen Sullivan told Medical Xpress. Sullivan is the director of nutrition and physical activity at the American Cancer Society (ACS).

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 650 million adults worldwide are obese. If you weigh more than what is considered healthy for a given height, you are considered overweight or obese. Body Mass Index is a person’s weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters. A high BMI can indicate being overweight (BMI 25-<30) or obese (BMI >30).

In the report, women with higher BMIs were less likely to be screened for cervical cancer. Men who were overweight or obese were less likely to be screened for colon cancer, according to the report.

Reasons given for not getting screened included “embarrassment, negative body image and trouble with imaging equipment.

Graham said doctors need to encourage people to access cancer screening services without fear of stigma or judgment. Graham is head of the Helen McArdle Nursing and Care Research Institute at the University of Sunderland in the United Kingdom.

“This has implications for early clinical interventions needed to diagnose, assess and treat common cancers, with the consequence of potential adverse outcomes and increased cancer mortality for those living with obesity,” Graham told MedicalXpress.

Don’t Delay Colon Cancer Screening

Individuals who are overweight or living with obesity risk their health when they avoid recommended colon cancer screenings.

The number of colorectal cancer cases has been increasing in adults ages 40-54 since the 1990s. Recently, healthcare agencies recommended that screenings begin at age 45 for people at average risk for the disease. Anyone with a family history of colon cancer or polyps should be screened earlier. People with digestive symptoms should consult their physician regardless of age.

In 2020, about 12 percent of all cases of colorectal cancer occurred in individuals younger than 50, according to the ACS. Patients diagnosed before age 50 were more likely to have advanced disease at diagnosis.

By 2030, it is estimated that 10.9 percent of all colon cancers and 22.9 percent of all rectal cancers will affect patients younger than 50.

Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in the United States. With screenings starting at 45, the ACS reports that 60 percent of colon cancer fatalities could be prevented.

No matter your weight, if you are 45 or older, don’t delay colon cancer screening. Be proactive and take the first step by finding a doctor at one of our centers.

Being Taller May Increase the Risk of Colon Cancer

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Did you know that factors like height could influence your colon cancer risk? According to a meta-analysis by Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, taller people are more likely than shorter people to develop colon cancer or colon polyps.

This is not the first study investigating a possible association between taller height and colon cancer. However, previous studies produced inconsistent results and did not include the risk of precancerous polyps called adenomas.

Body Organ Size May Influence Colon Cancer Risk

What is it about height that can make an individual more susceptible to colon cancer? It seems that taller stature means body organs tend to be larger.

“More active proliferation in organs of taller people could increase the possibility of mutations leading to malignant transformation,” said Elinor Zhou, MD, co-first author of the study.

How Much Difference Does Height Make in Colon Cancer Risk?

The Johns Hopkins study found that individuals in the highest percentile of height had a 24 percent higher risk of developing colon cancer than individuals in the lowest percentile for height.Individuals increased their risk for colon cancer by 14 percent for every four-inch increase in height.

To put these statistics in more understandable terms, the average American male is five feet, nine inches tall, and the average American female is five feet, four inches tall (CDC). Men who are six feet, one inch tall and women who are five feet, eight inches tall are 14 percent more likely to develop colon cancer and 6 percent more likely to develop adenomas.

What Are Common Risk Factors for Colon Cancer?

Height is only one of many variables in whether an individual will develop colon cancer. There are two categories of risk factors for colon cancer: modifiable and non-modifiable. Non-modifiable risk factors are risk factors that you cannot change, such as the following:

 

  • Age
  • Family history of colon polyps or colon cancer
  • Personal history of inflammatory bowel disease

 

Modifiable risk factors are risk factors that you can control through lifestyle choices. These include the following:

 

  • Unhealthy eating habits
  • High consumption of red meat and processed meat
  • Sedentary lifestyle
  • Smoking and alcohol usage

 

Gastroenterologists look at non-modifiable risk factors when recommending colon cancer screenings. However, it is important to consider lifestyle choices when assessing colon cancer risk.

Begin Colonoscopy Screenings at Age 45

Colon cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in the United States, and family history causes only about 20 percent of diagnoses. Your lifetime risk for colon cancer is about 5 percent (or one in 20). The good news is that most cases of colon cancer are preventable with routine colonoscopies beginning at age 45. It is also important to report any digestive symptoms that may signal colon cancer to your doctor, regardless of age.

A colonoscopy allows your doctor to inspect the entire colon and remove precancerous polyps before they develop into cancer. It’s the only colon cancer screening that can prevent colon cancer, and that’s why it’s known as the gold standard.

Find a Gastroenterologist in Your Area

Have you been putting off scheduling a colonoscopy? Life is busy, but nothing is more important than good health. Simply enter your zip code here to locate a center near you. Then, call today to make an appointment for a colon cancer screening.

IBD Patients Could Benefit From More Frequent Colonoscopy Screenings

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Everyone is at risk for colon cancer, but certain risk factors and conditions can increase the likelihood of developing the disease. One condition that can increase the risk of colon cancer is inflammatory bowel disease.

What Is Inflammatory Bowel Disease?

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a general term that describes chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. There are two types of IBD:

  • Ulcerative colitis — a chronic condition that causes inflammation of the colon
  • Crohn’s disease — a chronic condition that affects the digestive tract lining. Patients with Crohn’s disease may have healthy parts of the intestine as well as inflamed regions in both the small and large bowel.

Patients with IBD experience an increased risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) than those who do not have IBD. For example, patients with IBD have a seven percent increase in colorectal cancer risk after 30 years of disease (Crohns and Colitis Foundation).

How Often Should IBD Patients Have a Colonoscopy?

A new study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology evaluated how varying colonoscopy intervals affected colon cancer outcomes in patients with IBD. The study examined how different colonoscopy intervals affected outcomes such as:

  • Stage at the time of detection
  • Colon cancer treatment
  • Reducing mortality

The study results found patients with IBD who had a colonoscopy every one to three years were less likely to be diagnosed with advanced colon cancer.

“Colonoscopy within three years prior to colon cancer diagnosis compared with no colonoscopy was less likely to be diagnosed with late tumor stage,” said Hun-seok Kim, MD, MPH, of Baylor College of Medicine. “Colonoscopy within one year was associated with lower all-cause mortality than no colonoscopy. Our findings support the use of surveillance colonoscopy to improve CRC outcomes in IBD patients” (Healio).

Colonoscopy Protects Against Colon Cancer

Although there are many screenings for colon cancer, colonoscopy is the gold standard. It is the only test that allows a doctor to detect and remove pre-cancerous polyps in the same procedure. Because IBD increases colon cancer risk, patients with IBD need to schedule a colonoscopy at recommended intervals.

Experts estimate that 60 to 90 percent of colon cancer deaths could be prevented if everyone 45 years of age and older had a routine colonoscopy.

Schedule a Colonoscopy at Age 45

Did you know that the recommended age for colon cancer screening was recently lowered from age 50 to 45? Many people believe that colonoscopy is expensive, painful or time-consuming, but these assumptions are myths. Thanks to new technology and state-of-the-art equipment, your screening can be affordable and pain free, and you only need to miss one day of work.

Find a Gastroenterologist in Your Area

Don’t delay in scheduling your colonoscopy. We can help you find a fellowship-trained gastroenterologist in your local area. Simply enter your zip code here to locate a GI doctor near you.  Colonoscopies are life-saving procedures, so call today and make an appointment for a screening.

New Guidance Benefits Patients

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In the United States, colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer death and one of the most preventable through timely screenings.

Many screening methods are available for CRC, but a colonoscopy is the gold standard because it is the only one that can both detect and even prevent colon cancer.

After consulting with their physicians, however, some people at average risk choose a stool-based test to screen for colon cancer. Stool-based tests include the fecal immunochemical test (FIT) and stool-DNA test (Cologuard).

It is important to note that if you have a positive stool-based test result, a follow-up colonoscopy is critical for your health. You are twice as likely to develop advanced colon cancer if you skip your follow-up colonoscopy. During this procedure, the doctor will examine your entire colon and remove precancerous polyps.

In the past, many patients were required to pay out of pocket for this follow-up procedure. However, new federal guidance will soon require health insurance to fully cover the cost of a follow-up colonoscopy to evaluate a positive stool-based test.

“This guidance will help ensure that patients can choose the test that is best for them without worrying about out-of-pocket costs,” Anjee Davis, MPPA, president of Fight Colorectal Cancer told MedicalXpress. “Ultimately, this will save lives and support early detection of colorectal cancer.”

This new coverage is for plan or policy years beginning on or after May 31, 2022. Patients should check with their policyholder about this coverage.

“Ensuring individuals have access to this lifesaving screening will significantly reduce suffering and death from this disease,” Lisa Lacasse, president of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), told MedicalXpress.

45 Is the New 50 for Colon Cancer Screening

In 2020, the American Cancer Society (ACS) reported that about 12 percent of all cases of CRC occurred in individuals younger than 50. Patients diagnosed prior to age 50 were more likely to have advanced disease at diagnosis.

Because of this increase in young-onset colon cancer, leading health organizations now recommend screenings starting at age 45, not 50, for all average-risk individuals.

About 60 percent of all colon cancer fatalities in the United States could be prevented if every man and woman 45 or older chose to be screened for colon cancer, according to the ACS.

Prioritize Your Colon Cancer Screening

If you are 45 or older, don’t delay your colorectal cancer diagnosis. When CRC is found at an early stage before it has spread, the five-year survival rate is about 90 percent.

Most health insurance plans under the Affordable Care Act now cover colonoscopy as a preventive screening test for CRC in patients 45 and older.

“This year alone, the American Cancer Society estimates more than 150,000 individuals will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer and more than 52,000 will die from the disease. But colorectal cancer is preventable when precancerous polyps are found and removed through a colonoscopy,” Lacasse told MedicalXpress.

Our gastroenterologists perform colonoscopy screenings at ambulatory surgery centers around the country. Click here to enter your zip code and locate a GI specialist near you.

Incidence of CRC Increasing in Younger Patients

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A rise in early-onset colorectal cancer (CRC) in patients younger than 50 prompted leading health organizations to recommend CRC screening starting at age 45 for all average-risk individuals.

A study published Jan. 7 in “Gastroenterology” supports the lowered CRC screening age. The study was conducted by AMSURG and researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

“We have known for many years that rates of colorectal cancer are rising in individuals younger than 50, prompting several medical organizations to recommend lowering the screening age from 50 to 45. What has been missing until now is confirmatory data of the prevalence of precancerous polyps in younger individuals,” said lead author Steven H. Itzkowitz, MD, FACP, FACG, AGAF, Professor of Medicine (Gastroenterology), Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, in Medical Xpress. “Our study provides an important piece of the puzzle and supports the recommendation changing the screening age to 45.”

Study Finds ‘45 is the New 50’

According to statistics, the number of colorectal cases has been increasing since the mid-1990s in adults ages 40-54. These cases are often misdiagnosed or diagnosed later in the course of the disease — a younger individual’s CRC risk factors and symptoms can be easily overlooked.

In this first large-scale study to look at precancerous polyps in this age group, researchers analyzed data collected between Jan. 1, 2014, and Feb. 5, 2021. The study focused on approximately 131,000 patients aged 40-49 from 123 AMSURG (a division of Envision Healthcare) ambulatory endoscopy centers across 29 states that report their results to the GI Quality Improvement Consortium (GIQuIC) Registry.

Several factors were associated with higher odds of finding advanced premalignant lesions (APLs) and colorectal cancer, including age, family history of CRC, sex (male), race (white) and examinations performed for evaluation of rectal bleeding or screening.

In this study, entitled “Prevalence and Predictors of Young-Onset Colorectal Neoplasia: Insights from a Nationally Representative Colonoscopy Registry,” results were reported among patients aged 45-49. Some of the study’s findings regarding this age group are listed below:

  • 32 percent had neoplasia (precancerous or cancerous lesions considered precursors of colorectal cancer)
  • Nearly 8 percent had APLs
  • 0.58 percent had CRC
  • Prevalence of neoplasia and APLs were almost as high as those of 50-54 year olds, and the rates of CRC were even higher.

Additionally, among 40-44 year olds, rates of APLs were almost as high as for those aged 45-49, and colorectal cancer rates were comparably high, according to the study.

Dr. Itzkowitz told Healio that the data confirmed that “45 is now the new 50” for CRC.

“Colon cancer used to be considered a disease of old age and that is no longer true,” Dr. Itzkowitz told Healio. “Our data also suggest that clinically important lesions occur about five years earlier in individuals with a family history of colorectal cancer compared to those without a family history. That is why it is very important to take a good family history.”

Study co-author, Jay Popp, MD, Medical Director for AMSURG, told Medical Xpress that “the team’s findings reiterate the importance of colorectal cancer awareness — both among patients and clinicians.”

“Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States, but it is one of the most preventable cancers,” Dr. Popp said. “The more patients know about their bodies and risk for colorectal cancer and the more clinicians can do to help patients receive routine and timely screenings, the more lives we can save. Everyone can play a role in helping a loved one or neighbor prevent colorectal cancer.”

New Law Changes Follow-up Screening Cost

March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month. According to the ACS, about 60 percent of all colon cancer fatalities in the United States could be prevented if every man and woman 45 years or older would choose to be screened for colon cancer.

If you have a positive stool-based test, a follow-up colonoscopy is critical. In fact, if you delay a colonoscopy for nine months or more after a positive stool-based test, you are much more likely to have an advanced cancer.

In the past, most patients were required to pay the deductible for a follow-up colonoscopy to evaluate a positive stool-based test. Stool-based tests include the fecal immunochemical test (FIT) and stool-DNA test (Cologuard). A new law changes the requirement for patients to share in the cost. Health insurance plans within the Affordable Care Act will be required to provide no-cost coverage of this follow-up procedure. This coverage is for plan or policy years beginning on or after May 31, 2022.

To avoid confusion, contact your healthcare provider first and then schedule an appointment.

Colonoscopy Is Gold Standard for CRC Screening

If you are 45 or older, get screened for colorectal cancer.

In 2020, about 12 percent of all cases of CRC occurred in individuals under 50, according to the American Cancer Society. Patients diagnosed prior to age 50 were more likely to have advanced disease at diagnosis.

When colorectal cancer is found at an early stage before it has spread, the five-year survival rate is about 90 percent.

Many screening methods are available, but colonoscopy is the gold standard procedure because it allows your doctor to see the entire length of the colon to examine for polyps, lesions and abnormalities. A quality colonoscopy is the only screening that can both detect and prevent colon cancer.

Call Your Gastroenterologist to Schedule a Colonoscopy

Our fellowship-trained gastroenterologists perform colonoscopy screenings at ambulatory surgery centers around the country. Click here to enter your zip code and locate a GI specialist near you.

Eating More Whole Grains Could Prevent Colon Cancer

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Red meat and processed meat can be highly inflammatory and are linked to a greater risk of colon cancer. A plant-based diet is more globally sustainable and can help prevent chronic disease. Research shows that eating a high intake of whole grains can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease and colon cancer.

Replacing Animal Protein with Plant Protein

A collective group of researchers from Nordic universities and institutions proposed to reduce red meat consumption in Europe and replace it with whole-grain foods.

“Both scientists and (the) public seem to have missed the yet untapped potential that grains can contribute towards a more sustainable food system and a healthier population,” said Professor Rikard Landberg from Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden. “Even small changes in dietary patterns could make a large difference both to environment and health and grains could represent one of these possibilities” (Medical Xpress).

It is a fact that whole grains are an essential part of a healthy diet. The American Association of Cereal Chemists defines whole grains as consisting of the “intact, ground, cracked or flaked caryopsis (grain), whose principal anatomical components—the starchy endosperm, germ and bran—are present in the same relative proportions as they exist in the intact [grain].”

Refined grains have some or all of the bran layers removed during processing, reducing fiber and micronutrients. A high-fiber diet is important for colon cancer prevention because fiber:

  • increases stool bulk
  • dilutes fecal carcinogens
  • decreases the transit time of digested food in the intestines, thus reducing the contact between carcinogens and the colon’s lining (NCBI).

How to Add More Whole Grains to Your Diet

You can make small, daily changes to your diet to increase your whole grain intake. Here are a few ways to get started:

  1. Choose whole-grain pasta, bread, tortillas, bagels and buns. Look at the grams of dietary fiber per serving. The higher the fiber, the fuller you will feel.
  2. Eat a high-fiber, whole-grain breakfast cereal or oatmeal. Choose whole grains over refined items when selecting bread, buns, bagels, tortillas, pasta and other grains.
  3. Try new grains like quinoa, barley, buckwheat, millet and whole rye. Buy large amounts in bulk and add them to salads and soups.
  4. Eat whole grain snacks. Popcorn is a whole grain and contains 3.5 grams of dietary fiber in a three-cup serving (Eat Right).

Schedule a Colonoscopy to Prevent Colon Cancer

Eating more high-fiber foods can help prevent colon cancer, but the best way to lower your risk is to get a colon cancer screening. A colonoscopy is the gold standard for colon screening because your doctor can view your entire colon and remove any polyps or abnormal tissue during the exam.

The American Cancer Society now recommends that all adults at average risk for colon cancer begin screening at age 45 instead of 50. However, some individuals at high risk may need to get screened earlier. In addition, individuals with digestive symptoms should consult with their physician, since colonoscopy might be appropriate for further evaluation.

Are you looking for a fellowship-trained gastroenterologist? Use our Locator Tool to find a GI specialist in your area.

New Study Says Gender and Diet Influences Colon Cancer Risk

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Colon cancer is the third-leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Even though incidence is decreasing among older adults, colon cancer mortality among Americans under 55 is steadily increasing. Why are younger people dying from colon cancer? Perhaps examining the risk factors and preventive measures can provide a better understanding of why colon cancer is no longer a disease of the elderly.

Some of the main risk factors for colon cancer include obesity, a low-fiber/ high-fat diet and a sedentary lifestyle. New research suggests that gender can also be a factor. For example, recent data found that males who eat a high-fat diet can develop harmful gut inflammation, making them more susceptible to colon cancer.

Inflammation and Colon Cancer Risk in Mice

A multi-institutional research team studied male and female mice to compare the levels of an inflammatory marker associated with colon cancer risk. When the mice ate a control diet, males had higher levels of inflammation.

When the research team fed all mice a high-fat diet, both genders experienced increased inflammation. However, only females had lower inflammation when the team combined exercise with a high-fat diet.

“Taken together, these findings suggest that males respond poorly to a high-fat diet, causing inflammation and increased cell proliferation, making them at greater risk for colon cancer,” the research team wrote (Medical Xpress).

How to Eat a Low-Inflammation Diet for Colon Health

Although the study suggests males may be at heightened risk for colon cancer, it’s important to remember that this disease can affect anyone. The American Cancer Society estimates that 53,200 people died from colorectal cancer in 2020, and 3,640 were adults younger than 50.

Preventing inflammation begins with your fridge and not with ibuprofen. Some of the foods that produce inflammation include:

  • Refined carbohydrates like white bread, pasta, cereal, pastries and cookies
  • Fried foods, prepared foods, processed foods and foods with preservatives
  • Soft drinks and beverages sweetened with sugar
  • Red meat and processed meat like sausage and hot dogs
  • Shortening, lard and margarine

To reduce inflammation, one of the healthiest eating plans is the Mediterranean diet, which includes lots of whole grains, vegetables, fruits, nuts, fish and healthy oils like olive oil and avocado oil. As you shop at the grocery store, look for anti-inflammatory foods such as:

  • Leafy green vegetables like kale, spinach, and mustard and collard greens
  • Fatty fish like salmon, tuna, sardines and mackerel which are high in omega-3 fatty acids
  • Tomatoes
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Almonds, walnuts and other nuts (Harvard Health)

Schedule a Colonoscopy to Prevent Colon Cancer

While a low-inflammation diet can help prevent colon cancer, the best way to lower your risk is a colon cancer screening. There are many methods of screening, but the gold standard is colonoscopy. Unlike a stool test, a colonoscopy allows your doctor to inspect the entire colon and remove any precancerous growths called polyps.

The American Cancer Society recommends that all adults at average risk for colon cancer begin screening at age 45. However, if you are at high risk for colon cancer (history of colon polyps, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s Disease and certain genetic conditions), or if you have digestive symptoms, you should get screened earlier. Use our Locator Tool to find a fellowship-trained gastroenterologist in your area.

Pandemic Lockdown Restrictions Results in Poor Colon Cancer Diagnosis

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Recently published data documents that patients diagnosed with metastatic colorectal cancer after last year’s COVID-19 lockdown had poorer results than others.

Study: Delaying CRC Diagnosis Increased Tumor Burden

According to research published Sept. 8 in JAMA Network Open, patients diagnosed with metastatic colorectal cancer after the country’s first COVID-19 lockdown in spring 2020 had a higher burden of tumor cells compared to those diagnosed before the lockdown.

In the analysis, 40 people were screened before and 40 people were screened after the first COVID-19 lockdown in France.

“To our knowledge, this study was the first to assess the association between COVID-19 restrictions and delayed treatment and diagnostic services for a specific cancer,” the researchers noted in an article published in Becker’s Hospital Review.

The study analyzed data collected during the enrollment phase for a phase 2 clinical trial.

Researchers found that individuals diagnosed with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) after the lockdown exhibited a burden of tumor tissue cells nearly seven times higher than those diagnosed before the pandemic.

In addition, the median survival decreased from 20 months to just less than 15 months in patients with a higher tumor burden.

“The tumor burden of colorectal cancer varied and appeared to be associated with poor survival for those who received a post lockdown diagnosis, suggesting that this cancer is a major area for intervention to minimize COVID-19-associated diagnostic delay,” researchers said in Medscape.

Don’t Delay Colon Cancer Screening

Delaying treatment and diagnostic services, like colonoscopy, can lead to poor outcomes for colorectal cancer patients.

“Delayed screening very likely leads to advanced cancers, and it is highly likely that the pandemic raised the threshold that patients would seek medical care for subacute symptoms,” said Theodore S. Hong, MD, director of gastrointestinal services at Mass General Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts in Medscape. “This is leading to many patients presenting with advanced gastrointestinal cancers.”

Colon cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in the United States. The American Cancer Society’s recommendation for baseline colon cancer screenings is 45 for all adults at average risk for colon cancer, so you may be due for a screening. Patients with digestive symptoms which might be due to colon cancer should be promptly evaluated, regardless of age.

Colonoscopy is the gold standard for colorectal cancer screening because the procedure can both detect and remove precancerous polyps before they become cancer.

Prevention Begins With an Expert GI Doctor

To schedule a colonoscopy or colon cancer screening, we can help. Our fellowship-trained gastroenterologists are accepting new patients. Click here to find a gastroenterologist in your area.

Vitamin D May Lower Risk for Colon Cancer in Younger Adults

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Vitamin D is an essential nutrient for building healthy bones, supporting immune health and maintaining muscle and brain cell function. A new study published in Gastroenterology suggests increased levels of vitamin D could help prevent colon cancer.

New Research Regarding Vitamin D and Colorectal Cancer

Colon cancer incidence is reportedly declining in many countries, but the incidence is increasing in younger adults. Family history and heredity only account for a small percentage of colon cancer among early-onset cases, so experts suspect lifestyle patterns and dietary habits play a significant role.

Scientists from the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, and other institutions analyzed the Nurses’ Health Study II data. They were particularly interested in finding an association between vitamin D intake and young-onset colon cancer, diagnosed before 50 years of age.

Kimmie Ng is the Director of the Young-Onset Colon Cancer Center at Dana-Farber. “Vitamin D has known activity against colorectal cancer in laboratory studies,” Ng said. “Because vitamin D deficiency has been steadily increasing over the past few years, we wondered whether this could be contributing to the rising rates of colorectal cancer in young individuals” (The Harvard Gazette).

Ng and colleagues found that a daily intake of 300 IU or more of vitamin D per day was associated with a 50 percent lower risk of colon cancer among women under 50. That is equal to three eight-ounce glasses of milk.

Dietary vitamin D displayed more favorable results than vitamin D supplements, suggesting that vitamin D offers more protective benefits when ingested in food sources. Good sources of vitamin D include:

  • Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, sardines and herring
  • Egg yolks
  • Red meat
  • Liver
  • Fortified foods like breakfast cereal, milk and orange juice
  • Mushrooms

Ng says the study results underscore the importance of vitamin D in young adults’ health and possibly preventing colon cancer. “It is critical to understand the risk factors that are associated with young-onset colorectal cancer so that we can make informed recommendations about diet and lifestyle, as well as identify high-risk individuals to target for earlier screening,” said Ng.

How You Can Lower Your Risk for Colon Cancer

While diet and exercise are essential for health and cancer prevention, the best way to lower your risk for colon cancer is a colon cancer screening. The gold standard is colonoscopy because it allows your doctor to examine the entire colon for precancerous growths called polyps and remove any suspicious lesions. Colonoscopy offers not only the ability to diagnose colon cancer, but to treat and prevent it, all in a single exam.

Schedule Your Colonoscopy Before Your Deductible Resets

When was your last colonoscopy? The recommended age for colon cancer screening is now 45, so it may be time for you to schedule an appointment.

If you have a family history of colon cancer or are experiencing symptoms that may be due to colon cancer, you should consult your physician. Colonoscopy may be recommended regardless of age.

It’s hard to believe that we are approaching the end of the calendar year. Colonoscopy is considered preventive care, so your procedure could be very low-cost or even free. Your deductible will reset in January, so contact your insurance company to verify your deductible status.

Find a Gastroenterologist in Your Area

If you are looking for a fellowship-trained gastroenterologist, we can help. Enter your zip code here to locate a GI doctor in your area. Don’t wait until December to schedule your colonoscopy. Call today.