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PACT Act Assists Veterans at Risk for Colon Cancer

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Veterans Day (Nov. 11) honors the more than 19 million men and women who have served in the US military. For their dedication, service and sacrifice, it is important to recognize service members’ health and well-being.

Many in our armed forces have served in locations where they were exposed to burn pits and other toxic substances. This exposure resulted in health issues affecting their lives and livelihood.

In August, Congress passed the bipartisan Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act. This new law expands Veterans Affairs (VA) health care and benefits for veterans exposed to toxic substances during their years of service. Robinson, a decorated combat medic, died from a rare form of lung cancer after exposure to toxins.

The PACT Act includes an expansion of the types of cancers that are now presumed to be service-connected disabilities. Among these is colorectal cancer.

“Sometimes military service can result in increased health risks for our veterans, and some injuries and illnesses like asthma, cancer and others can take years to manifest,” the White House said in a statement. “These realities can make it difficult for veterans to establish a direct connection between their service and disabilities resulting from military environmental exposures such as burn pits — a necessary step to ensure they receive the health care they earned.

Toxin-exposed Military Personnel May Need Screening Before 45

Within the last 30 years, there has been a rise in colorectal cancer in younger patients. According to statistics, the number of cases has been increasing since the mid-1990s in adults ages 40-54. A diagnosis before age 50 is considered young-onset or early onset cancer.

As a result, leading health agencies now recommend all average-risk individuals start colon cancer screenings at age 45.

Veterans exposed to toxins may be at higher risk of developing colorectal cancer and may need to be screened earlier than age 45.

“Because a significant number of veterans … develop colorectal cancer before reaching the recommended screening age of 45, medical specialists are inclined to overlook the possibility that these patients could, in fact, suffer from this disease,” according to a Fight CRC advocacy blog post.

Don’t Delay Colon Cancer Screening

Veterans or anyone age 45 or older should not delay colorectal cancer screening.

The disease is preventable through timely screenings. Generally, colorectal cancer evolves slowly over a period of years — beginning as a polyp in the large intestine or rectum.

Colon cancer can cause symptoms like abdominal pain, blood in the stool or a change in bowel habits. Other medical conditions can cause similar symptoms, so it is important to consult your healthcare provider if you develop digestive complaints.

A quality colonoscopy is the only screening that can both detect and prevent colorectal cancer. Colonoscopy allows your doctor to see the entire length of the colon to examine for polyps and remove them before they become cancerous.

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

Veterans, their family members and caregivers can apply for PACT Act benefits. To apply, file a claim with the US Department of Veterans Affairs at the VA’s website or call 1.800.MyVA411.

When it is time for colon cancer screening, service members should consider scheduling a quality colonoscopy. Our fellowship-trained gastroenterologists perform colonoscopy screenings at surgery centers around the country. Locate one of our GI specialists near you.

A routine colonoscopy for those not impacted by the PACT Act should be covered by health insurance without out-of-pocket costs. Plans vary, so check with your provider to verify coverage.

Disparities Impact Hispanic CRC Survival Rates

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As the United States celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15-Oct. 15), it is important to recognize the health and well-being of our Hispanic population.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second-deadliest cancer among Hispanic males and the third-deadliest cancer among Hispanic females. These statistics are according to the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Facts & Figures for Hispanic/Latino People 2021-2023.

It is estimated that colon cancer causes 2,700 cancer deaths among Hispanic males. Colon cancer causes about 2,000 cancer deaths among Hispanic females, according to ACS data.

Research Targets Early-onset CRC

CRC is not just a disease of the elderly. Early-onset or young-onset cancer means a patient is diagnosed before they turn 50. People diagnosed younger than 50 are more likely to have advanced disease at diagnosis.

A recent study found that racial and ethnic disparities exist in early-onset CRC survival rates.

According to the analysis, the five-year survival rate for Hispanics, Blacks or Asians with early-onset CRC did not improve between 1992 and 2013. The only survival rate improvement noted was in white patients.

Researchers identified more than 33,700 individuals newly diagnosed with early-onset CRC between Jan. 1, 1992, and Dec. 31, 2013. Of these, 58.5 percent were white, 14.5 percent were Hispanic, 14 percent were Black and 13 percent were Asian. Statistics came from the National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) program of cancer registries.

“Our study’s identification of disparities among younger Hispanic and Asian adults adds to existing literature,” Timothy A. Zaki, MD, the study’s lead author, told MedicalXpress. “However, we lack information, such as what treatment these individuals received, that could help explain the disparities, so we are still left with the question of why they exist.”

Data also revealed “Blacks had not caught up to whites in surviving early-onset CRC” over a 20-year span.

“Survival for Blacks diagnosed from 2003 to 2013 remained even lower than for whites diagnosed a decade earlier,” said Dr. Zaki.

Scientists believe there are reasons for racial and ethnic healthcare disparities. These reasons may include “employment, insurance status, income and education level, behaviors (e.g., tobacco, alcohol, diet), environment (e.g., rural or urban), social support and cultural factors.”

“With recommendations now that CRC screening start at age 45 versus 50, one concern is whether health disparities will worsen as a result,” Dr. Zaki told MedicalXpress. “If more are screened who have the means and inclination to do so — but we fail to make progress in other populations — we could see these gaps widening.”

Don’t Delay Colon Cancer Screening

Healthcare agencies recommend CRC screenings begin at age 45 for those at average risk for the disease. Individuals should be screened even if they don’t have symptoms. The five-year survival rate for CRC is about 90 percent when it is found at an early stage before it has spread.

In 2018, colon cancer screening prevalence was 9 percent lower among Hispanics than non-Hispanic white adults 45 years of age and older, according to the ACS.

Colonoscopy is the preferred method for screening because colon cancer can be both detected and removed during the same procedure. Other screenings can detect the presence of cancer cells or hidden blood in the stool, but a positive test result means a patient will need a follow-up colonoscopy.

Health insurance plans within the Affordable Care Act provide no-cost coverage for preventive and follow-up colonoscopy screenings. Contact your provider to determine your coverage.

If you do not have insurance, there are resources to learn about a low-cost or free colonoscopy. Some resources include the Colorectal Cancer Alliance Helpline, ColonoscopyAssist or your state’s health and human services or department of health.

Patients who are at high risk for colon cancer may need to be screened before age 45. In addition, patients with digestive symptoms should seek medical attention regardless of age. Colonoscopy should always be the screening test of choice for those who have any of the following:

  • Previous CRC diagnosis
  • History of adenomas
  • Inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
  • Family history of colon cancer or certain types of polyps
  • Inherited colon cancer syndrome (e.g., Lynch Syndrome)

It is important to discuss CRC risks and symptoms with your family and doctor. It is also important to get screened. Both may save your life or the life of a loved one. If you have a family history of colon cancer, or you are experiencing digestive symptoms, call a GI specialist today. Search for a gastroenterologist in your area.

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.

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.

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.

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.

New Research Suggests Statins Can Lower Colon Cancer Risk

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Using statins can significantly reduce colorectal cancer risk, especially for patients who have inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

What are Statins?

Statins are a group of drugs that reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) production in the liver, lowering blood cholesterol levels. LDL is the “bad” cholesterol that can increase the risk for a heart attack or stroke. More than 35 million Americans take statins, making them one of the most commonly prescribed drugs in the United States.

Patients with IBD Experience Best Results with Statins

Kevin N. Singh, M.D., from NYU Langone Medical Center, presented an analysis on statin use and colon cancer risk at ACG Virtual, the American College of Gastroenterology’s annual scientific meeting.

Dr. Singh and a group of colleagues reviewed 52 studies, including randomized clinical trials, case-control studies and cohort studies that included more than 11 million patients. The analysis revealed statin use among the general population lowered colon cancer risk by 20 percent. Statin use among IBD patients decreased the colorectal cancer risk by 60 percent.

Research must continue in this subject, and Dr. Singh’s analysis only prompts further studies. Previous research found aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can help lower colorectal cancer risk, but they have side effects such as increased bleeding risk.

Statins could be a viable option for colon cancer prevention because most patients can tolerate statins and are generally considered safe. However, regardless of whether they have IBD, all patients should talk to their doctor to determine whether statins are appropriate for their health. Dr. Singh said the colon cancer risk reduction of statins could even be higher than previously reported, so he plans to conduct more research (American College of Gastroenterology).

Colonoscopy Screenings Prevent Colorectal Cancer

The best way to prevent colon cancer is by scheduling a colonoscopy or a different colon cancer screening method. A colonoscopy offers the best protection against colon cancer because a doctor can remove a precancerous polyp before it develops into cancer. No other colon screening provides the same protective benefits.

When should you begin colon cancer screenings? Talk to your doctor. The American Cancer Society recommends all adults at average risk for colon cancer begin screening at age 45. If you have a family history of the disease, you may need to get screened earlier.

Colon cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in the United States, but most cases are preventable with routine colonoscopies. Click here to find a fellowship-trained gastroenterologist in your area and schedule your colon cancer screening.

Drinking Coffee Could Increase Colon Cancer Survival Rate

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There’s basically an unspoken rule in my house that no one is allowed to talk to me until I’ve had my morning cup of coffee. Let me assure you, it’s in everyone’s best interest. You see, it doesn’t matter how much sleep I get, how rested I feel or what’s on the agenda for the day – I’m just not a morning person. I need at least 30 minutes of solitude and a good jolt of caffeine in my system before I’m ready to take on the world – or at least put on my happy face and say “good morning.”

Whether you consider yourself a morning person or not, there’s a pretty good chance you’re still a fan of coffee. According to a market research study by the National Coffee Association, a whopping 83 percent of Americans are coffee drinkers. Approximately 63 percent report that they have a daily java habit and 75 percent say they drink coffee at least once per week. Coffee is the beverage that fuels our nation, and we love it to the very last drop!

Coffee can have a number of health benefits when consumed in moderation, but experts say there’s one golden rule you should always obey: never drink coffee on an empty stomach. It doesn’t matter whether you enjoy your coffee hot or iced, light roast or dark, caffeinated or decaf, the effect is the same. Drinking coffee without consuming any food can have some negative health consequences.

Digestive problems

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Our stomachs contain hydrochloric acid which helps to efficiently digest food. Drinking coffee on an empty stomach increases acidity, and without food to act as a buffer, this can quickly result in digestive problems. Consistently having too much acid in your stomach can cause damage to the digestive tract and lead to other issues including heartburn, ulcers and irritable bowel syndrome.

Hormone fluctuations

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Drinking coffee on an empty stomach decreases the brain’s ability to produce serotonin, the neurotransmitter responsible for feelings of happiness, calmness and well-being. In some individuals, this may contribute to anxiety and depression. Coffee is also known to boost levels of cortisol (the body’s stress hormone), epinephrine and norepinephrine which can leave you feeling jittery and nervous.

Nutritional deficiencies

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There’s a good reason why morning coffee usually leads to morning bathroom breaks. A study conducted at Yokohama City University School of Medicine in Japan found that coffee promotes “gastric emptying,” meaning it moves food out of the digestive system faster than it would on its own. This ultimately means that food spends less time in the intestines where vitamins and minerals are absorbed (Source: The Good Men Project).

Dehydration

Some experts believe that drinking coffee on an empty stomach increases the amount of fluids released by your body, which can lead to dehydration. This problem compounds if you continue to quench your thirst with additional cups of coffee throughout the day.

Loss of appetite

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Coffee can stave off those afternoon hunger pains to help you avoid senseless snacking after lunch, but you don’t want to use this tactic first thing in the morning. Many individuals choose a morning cup of coffee over a nutritious breakfast, and by lunchtime they feel like they’re running on fumes. While coffee does have some health benefits, it has virtually no nutritional value and should not take the place of a well-balanced meal (Source: David Wolfe).

A hot cup of coffee can be the perfect way to start your morning, but be sure to make it part of a healthy breakfast. Try pairing it with one of our delicious fiber-rich recipes like strawberry banana quinoa bake or carrot and zucchini muffins with nut crumble topping. Powering your body with the right kind of fuel will provide the energy you need to make it through the day – even if you’re not a morning person.

Drugs like Viagra May Decrease Colon Cancer Risk

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A recent study from Region Skåne and Lund University in Sweden discovered potency-enhancing drugs like sildenafil, commonly known as Viagra, can prevent colon cancer in men, as well as improve the prognosis of patients with the disease.

Viagra is one of many potency-enhancing PDE5 inhibitor drugs that have anti-cancer properties. Wuqing Huang, a Ph.D. student at Lund University, and his research colleagues studied data on how PDE5 inhibitors affect mice with colon tumors. They wanted to conduct a study on how the drug affected colon growth in humans.

Dr. Huang used national registers to identify Swedish males with colon cancer who also used PDE5 inhibitors. He found the risk of colon cancer death was reduced by 18 percent among patients who used potency-enhancing drugs. Furthermore, he found colon cancer was less likely to metastasize, or spread to other parts of the body, in patients who used PDE5 inhibitors.

How do potency-enhancing drugs help prevent cancer growth and spreading? It seems that surgery can cause immune suppression, but Viagra and similar drugs have a protective effect on the immune system. PDEF inhibitors Dr. Huang explains, “The results of our study suggest that the anti-cancer ability of PDE5 inhibitors might be related to regulating immunosuppressive effects. However, randomized clinical trials are needed to confirm our research findings before PDE5 inhibitors can be used as an adjuvant drug for men with colorectal cancer, as well as experiments that explore the underlying biological mechanisms.”

Know Your Colon Cancer Risk

Heredity is responsible for only a small percentage of colon cancer, so it is important to understand the multiple risk factors of the disease. Experts are unsure about what causes colon cancer, but some risk factors include:

  • Age
  • Family history of colon cancer or colon polyps
  • Polyps (growths inside the colon and rectum) that may become cancerous
  • Diabetes
  • A high-fat diet
  • Inflammatory bowel diseases involving the colon
  • Sedentary lifestyle
  • Smoking
  • Alcohol
  • Obesity
  • Radiation therapy for cancer

Schedule Your Colonoscopy

The best way to prevent colon cancer is to schedule regular colonoscopies. During a colonoscopy, your gastroenterologist will examine the colon for precancerous growths called colon polyps. Your doctor can remove any suspicious colon polyp during the exam, thus preventing you from developing colon cancer.

Click here to get a list of GI centers in your area. Our fellowship-trained gastroenterologists are accepting new patients and look forward to serving you.