News Tagged ‘American Cancer Society

NCI report: new cases of colon, rectal cancer deaths declining

polip 150x150 NCI report: new cases of colon, rectal cancer deaths decliningThe rate of new colorectal cancer cases and deaths from colorectal cancers has declined, according to a report from leading health and cancer organizations. Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer among men and women, and the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States.

Read the rest of this entry »

Less invasive alternative to colonoscopy set for 2011 clinical trial

colorectal cancersA Madison, Wis., company is developing a less invasive way of screening for colon cancer that it hopes will take the place of uncomfortable colonoscopies and increase the number of people willing to be screened for colorectal cancers. Exact Sciences Corp., has developed a DNA-based test that can detect colorectal cancer through a stool sample. Even more convenient than a colonoscopy for the patient, the test can be administered at home and sent to a lab for analysis.

Read the rest of this entry »

Task force advises stopping colonoscopies for elderly

colonoscopy 4The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, a government-appointed, independent panel of doctors and scientists, raised quite a ruckus with its recommendations on the frequency of mammograms and pap smears, bucking the American Cancer Society’s recommendations by suggesting that fewer screenings were necessary for otherwise healthy women. But the task force’s opinions on colonoscopies mirror those of ACS with at least one small exception – limiting colorectal exams for patients 75 years and older.

Read the rest of this entry »

Colonoscopies beneficial for finding cancer early

colonoscopy 150x150 Colonoscopies beneficial for finding cancer earlyAn estimated 106,100 people will be diagnosed with colon cancer and 40,870 with rectal cancer this year, according to the American Cancer Society. It is the second leading cause of cancer-related death. But the good news is that the death rate is dropping. One reason is that regular screenings have allowed doctors to find more colorectal cancers sooner, thus making the disease easier to cure.

Read the rest of this entry »