In honor of May being National Cancer Research Month, I wanted to share with you some of the most recent studies and research being done in the field of colorectal cancer. 

Colorectal cancer is the second deadliest cancer, but it also has the highest likelihood of survival if detected early. The more preventative research that is done on this disease, the more lives will be saved.

Here are four recent studies that I find fascinating:

The study suggests that there has been a change in the distribution of colon cancer diagnoses over time. Specifically, there has been an increase in the number of people diagnosed with advanced-stage colon cancer, compared to the mid-1990s when screening was less common. 

Additionally, there has been a shift in the location of tumors, with more left-sided tumors being diagnosed than right-sided tumors, despite screening being more effective in preventing the latter. Although the reason for this shift in tumor location is currently unknown, it may be related to changes in disease risk factors. Overall, these trends suggest a need for continued research and development of screening and prevention strategies for colon cancer.

Given these concerning trends in colon cancer diagnoses outlined in this study, it is crucial that we take preventative action. If you’re over 50, make sure you’re getting regular colon cancer screenings, even if you feel healthy. Additionally, adopting a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise, a balanced diet, and not smoking can help lower your risk of developing colon cancer.

This study examined five systematic reviews and 10 randomized controlled trials to make recommendations for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Based on the results of previous studies, the authors made some recommendations for treatment.

  • They suggested giving chemotherapy and anti-vascular endothelial growth factor antibodies to people with advanced cancer that cannot be removed by surgery, either alone or in combination with other drugs. 
  • For people with certain types of genetic mutations, they recommended specific drugs. 
  • They also discussed different treatment options for people with cancer that has spread to the liver or abdomen and emphasized the importance of a team approach to cancer care. 

If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with metastatic colorectal cancer, it’s important to work closely with your healthcare provider to determine the best treatment options for your specific case. Be sure to ask your healthcare provider about the recommendations outlined in this study, and whether they might be appropriate for you. 

Additionally, taking steps to maintain a healthy lifestyle, such as regular exercise and a balanced diet, can help support your overall health and potentially improve treatment outcomes. Finally, staying informed about the latest research and treatment options can help you feel more empowered and informed as you navigate your metastatic cancer journey.

This study aimed to determine whether colonoscopy can reduce the risk of colorectal cancer and related deaths. Researchers conducted a randomized trial involving people aged 55 to 64 years from four countries. Participants were randomly assigned to either receive an invitation for a single screening colonoscopy or to receive no screening. 

During a follow-up period of 10 years, 259 cases of colorectal cancer were diagnosed in the invited group as compared to 622 cases in the non-screened group. The study found that the risk of colorectal cancer was 18% lower in the invited group than in the non-screened group. However, the study did not find a significant difference in the risk of death from colorectal cancer or from any cause between the two groups. These results suggest that screening colonoscopy can lower the risk of colorectal cancer and that people between the ages of 55-64 should discuss with their healthcare provider the benefits and risks of getting screened as getting regular colonoscopies is an important step in early detection and may improve outcomes for people who are at risk.

Colon cancer is a serious disease that affects both men and women and is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. This is why researchers are now looking for novel, less harmful pharmacological treatments to fight this disease.

This recent study explored the potential benefits of using medicinal herbs and natural compounds to fight colon cancer. Researchers found that many chemical compounds present in medicinal plants have anti-tumor and anti-apoptotic properties. This means that certain plants have chemical properties that may help fight against various cancers, including colon cancer. These compounds, which come from several phytochemical families, activate multiple signaling pathways within the body, providing a more holistic approach to cancer treatment to those looking for an alternative to chemotherapy.

While this study is in its early stages and is still being tested in a laboratory setting, the results have been promising and suggest that anti-colorectal cancer compounds may be produced from medicinal plants. This is exciting news for the cancer research community as it means that in the future there may be more natural remedies available to both treat people’s existing cancer and also lower others’ risk of developing it.

It is essential to point out that while natural remedies can have potential health benefits, but it is equally important to speak with your healthcare provider first before trying any new treatment method or supplement. This way you ensure that you are using a safe and effective treatment plan that works for you. 

In Summary:

I hope you found these recent studies as interesting as I did and that you learned something new! If you ever have any questions, would like to schedule an appointment, or discuss treatment options, please reach out to my office here.