MedWorm: Bowel Cancer

Equity and Excellence for bowel cancer

NeLM - News — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

This report makes a number of recommendations about the actions required to translate this vision into reality for patients. (Source: NeLM - News)

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Equity and excellence for bowel cancer

NHS Networks — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

It calls for NHS hospitals that fail to offer bowel cancer patients a full range of clinically appropriate treatments to be hit with financial penalties. (Source: NHS Networks)

Government launches its first ever national bowel cancer campaign

NHS Networks — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Public awareness of the symptoms of bowel cancer is low. But spotting the signs early and getting medical advice could save people’s lives.Featuring real GPs, the Be Clear on Cancer bowel cancer campaign encourages people who have had blood in their faeces or loose stools for more than three weeks to see their doctor. The new adverts aim to make people aware of the symptoms of bowel cancer and make it easier for them to discuss this with their GP. (Source: NHS Networks)

Expect more consultations in cancer campaign, GPs told

Healthcare Republic News — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 11:33:00 +0100

The government has launched its bowel cancer awareness campaign on Monday, with practices told to expect an increase in patients presenting and to make more urgent referrals. (Source: Healthcare Republic News)

'Be clear' bowel cancer campaign launched by government

HSJ — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 09:58:00 +0100

A government campaign has been launched to raise awareness of the symptoms of bowel cancer. (Source: HSJ)

Bowel cancer awareness campaign launched

OnMedica Latest News — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

First ever national bowel cancer campaign aims to boost early diagnosisRelated items from OnMedicaFaecal blood testing best to spot cancer and cost-effectiveNational campaign to raise patient awareness of bowel cancerBenefits of aspirin to treat bowel cancerSmoking may worsen cancer painAudit of oesophago-gastric cancer calls for better staffing (Source: OnMedica Latest News)

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GP and Practice Team Bulletin - December 2011/January 2012

NeLM - News — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Source: Department of Health (DH) Area: News This edition for December 2011 and January 2012 includes the latest information from the NHS Future Forum and government response, an update on the development of clinical commissioning groups, and also information on the PiP implants, guidance on norovirus and resources for the 2012 Quit Kit campaign and bowel cancer awareness. (Source: NeLM - News)

Fine hospitals restricting bowel cancer care, charity says

HSJ — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 10:27:00 +0100

Hospitals that fail to offer bowel cancer patients a full range of appropriate treatments should be fined, a charity has said. (Source: HSJ)

GP and Practice Team Bulletin – December 2011/January 2012

NHS Networks — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Also included is the latest information available on the PiP implants, guidance on norovirus and resources for the 2012 Quit Kit campaign and bowel cancer awareness. (Source: NHS Networks)

Does fruit and veg chemical fight cancer?

NHS News Feed — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 17:15:00 +0100

Conclusion This research studied luteolin, which is a plant compound that can reduce growth and induce death of bowel cancer cells in the laboratory. The research seems to have pinpointed the specific signalling pathway through which this occurs. It did not, however, examine the impact of luteolin-rich diets on bowel cancer in people, and based on these results it cannot be assumed that eating vegetables containing this compound can prevent or slow cancer. Laboratory-based studies carried out in cells are a necessary first step in identifying a potential new disease treatment. The mechanism through which luteolin may prevent cancer cell growth has been identified, and the next step would be further studies in animals. If these animal studies suggest that luteolin is safe and beneficial, li...

Be Clear on Cancer: National campaign to promote earlier diagnosis of bowel cancer -

NeLM - News — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Source: Department of Health (DH) Area: News At the end of January, the Department of Health is launching the first NHS national campaign to raise awareness among the public of the symptoms of bowel cancer and to achieve earlier diagnosis. This letter provides details of the campaign and seeks to prepare healthcare for the launch of the campaign. To support pharmacists, the Department of Health has commissioned Cancer Research UK to produce some factsheets which will be available and sent out electronically in the next couple of weeks. A factsheet on how pharmacy teams can support the campaign is also available (see link). (Source: NeLM - News)

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The first 3 years of national bowel cancer screening at a single UK tertiary centre

Colorectal Disease — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 06:25:28 +0100

Conclusions At this bowel cancer screening single centre, colonoscopy completion rates were high (unadjusted caecal intubation rate of 96%) and complication rates were low. In contrast to other published data, the uptake and cancer‐detection rates were lower. (Source: Colorectal Disease)

Aspirin may be too risky for blanket primary prevention

OnMedica Latest News — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Study casts doubts over benefits of aspirin for primary prevention of CVDRelated items from OnMedicaAspirin for all over 45s?A daily dose of aspirin lowers cancer riskAspirin more than halves hereditary bowel cancer riskShould we reconsider aspirin? (Source: OnMedica Latest News)

Processed meat 'linked to pancreas cancer'

NHS News Feed — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 17:00:00 +0100

Conclusion This systematic review combined the results of 11 studies that looked at associations between red and processed meat consumption and the risk of pancreatic cancer. It has strength in its large size (featuring over 2 million participants) and the fact that all studies assessed the participants’ food consumption and looking at whether this was linked to later development of cancer. Systematic reviews often have inherent limitations because they must combine studies that may have very different methods, follow-up and observation of outcomes. However, in this case, we can have some confidence in that the individual studies generally gave similar types of results. However, there are some important points to note when drawing any conclusions from this study: The individual studie...

Groundbreaking cancer research receives massive funding boost

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Queen's University Belfast) Research into a ground-breaking treatment for bowel cancer at Queen's University Belfast has received a massive funding boost from Cancer Research UK. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Flexible sigmoidoscopy ‘appropriate’ triage for bowel cancer symptom investigations

MedWire News - Gastroenterology — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 17:29:57 +0100

Flexible sigmoidoscopy is an adequate investigation for patients presenting to their primary care practitioner with a change in bowel habit or rectal bleeding, UK researchers believe. (Source: MedWire News - Gastroenterology)

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Many 'healthy snacks' are high in calories

NHS News Feed — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 16:30:00 +0100

It is the time of year when research about diet and exercise makes a big splash in the headlines, but today the Daily Mail warned that dieters should steer clear of seemingly healthy dips and spreads that are actually high in calories. The newspaper highlighted warnings that hummus, which is widely thought to be healthy, has a surprisingly high calorie content. Despite its high fat and energy content, a recent survey of Britons showed that two-thirds of people underestimate the number of calories in the chickpea dip. The survey was commissioned by the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF), which says that people can still be confused about the calorie content of everyday foods, which can affect weight and therefore cancer risk. The WCRF says that the situation is not helped by the application ...

Can nurses help to promote earlier diagnosis of bowel cancer?

British Journal of Nursing — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Glasper A Abstract Professor Alan Glasper outlines the rationale for the Department of Health's 2012 Be Clear on Cancer campaign, discussing its aims and encouraging all nurses to cascade the message of the initiative to those in healthcare environments. PMID: 22240522 [PubMed - in process] (Source: British Journal of Nursing)

Behind the Headlines quiz of the year 2011

NHS News Feed — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 15:59:00 +0100

It's been a year in which great scientific minds have addressed many burning questions, asking – among many, many other things – should nuns take the Pill, is watching television bad for your heart, do hammocks aid sleep, and can a shed make a man healthy. In 2011 Behind the Headlines has covered more than 500 health stories that made it into the mainstream media. Just for fun, test your knowledge of the year with our month-by-month quiz. Answers are at the foot of the page. January Researchers in the US and Taiwan claimed faulty stem cells caused what? a) Vitamin B deficiency b) Baldness c) Memory loss February A systematic review of studies with more than a million participants concluded that heart disease risk was reduced by moderate intake of what? a) Aspirin b) Vitamin D c) Al...

Strangest health news stories of 2011

NHS News Feed — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 09:44:00 +0100

In this study, genetically engineered mice were fed a chemical produced from tangerines. No tangerines – or humans – were involved and the researchers simply found that mice fed the chemical produced and secreted less ‘bad fats’ from their livers. Beans and lentils. Although this claim used strong science that examined the effect of a vegetarian diet on bowel cancer, it did not directly link beans and lentils with bowel cancer. The study also drew its participants from Californian Seventh Day Adventists, who tend to avoid alcohol and smoking, and often limit their meat intake. This is likely to have contributed to their reduced risk compared to the general population. Crocuses. Hailed as a ‘smart bomb’ for cancer, these common-or-garden flowers were used to make a chemica...

Simple test for men over 50 that could save thousands from death

the Mail online | Health — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 01:52:28 +0100

The most common age group to be diagnosed with bowel cancer is the over-60s, and all men and women of this age are offered screening under a national programme in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. (Source: the Mail online | Health)

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Thousands Of Lives Could Be Saved By Simple Test To Help Diagnose Bowel And Pancreatic Cancer

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 08:00:00 +0100

A simple online calculator could offer family GPs a powerful new tool in tackling two of the most deadly forms of cancer, say researchers. Academics from The University of Nottingham and ClinRisk Ltd have developed two new QCancer algorithms, which cross-reference symptoms and risk factors of patients to red flag those most likely to have pancreatic and bowel cancer, which could help doctors to diagnose these illnesses more quickly and potentially save thousands of lives every year... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Gastric band complications warning

OnMedica Latest News — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Doctors should consider band problems in differential diagnosisRelated items from OnMedicaAntibiotic fails to improve lung function in children with CFBowel disease raises risk of blood clots threefoldShocking variation in diabetes care across UKPlacebo may not rely on deceptionBenefits of aspirin to treat bowel cancer (Source: OnMedica Latest News)

A comparative case study of bowel cancer screening in the UK and Australia: evidence lost in translation?

Journal of Medical Screening — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions Insufficient funding has forced programme administrators to make trade-offs that may undermine the potential net population benefits achieved in randomized controlled trials. Such policy compromise contravenes the principle of evidence-based practice which is dependent on adequate funding being made available. (Source: Journal of Medical Screening)

First results for English bowel cancer screening revealed

MedWire News - Gastroenterology — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 09:46:46 +0100

Information on the first million patients participating in the Bowel Cancer Screening Programme in England suggests that uptake of guaiac fecal occult blood tests and colonoscopy referrals is largely following predicted patterns. (Source: MedWire News - Gastroenterology)

Screening Finds More Left Sided Bowel Cancers

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 17:00:00 +0100

Bowel cancer is responsible for 16,000 deaths annually in the UK alone. Bowel cancer is the second leading cause of death in the UK and Europe after lung cancer. The chances of survival are only 50% in the UK, and even remarkably lower in other similar countries. According to an analysis of the first one million test results of the Bowel Cancer Screening Program in England that aims to cut bowel cancer deaths by 16%, the program is on target. The findings, published in Gut, also reveal that a significantly higher proportion of identified cancers are left-sided... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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January start for bowel cancer campaign

NHS Networks — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Be Clear on Cancer is part of the wider programme to improve cancer survival rates. Professor Sir Mike Richards, the national clinical director for cancer, has written to NHS trusts to help them prepare for the launch of the campaign. (Source: NHS Networks)

Good results for bowel cancer testing

NHS News Feed — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 17:30:00 +0100

Conclusion This analysis of a relatively new screening programme demonstrates that the programme has been effective in detecting bowel cancers at an early stage. This is extremely important in this disease, as in the absence of an effective screening programme most cases would not be diagnosed until they have progressed considerably. At this point treatment becomes more difficult, and survival is less likely than those cases diagnosed at an early stage. The researchers say that uptake of the programme outside of London was very good, and high by international standards. The study also revealed unexpected variations in participation across regions and socioeconomic levels. Knowledge of such variation is essential, as it allows programme administrators to alter their recruitment and invitat...

Bowel Cancer Screening Working Up To A Point, Results Of First Million Tests In England

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 12:00:00 +0100

The NHS bowel cancer screening programme in England is on track to cut bowel cancer deaths by 16%, according to an analysis of the first 1.08 million faecal occult blood tests, but there are concerns that the current method is not picking up diseases as well on the right side of the body as on the left. A paper on the analysis appeared online in the journal Gut on 7 December... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Mortality among Swedish chimney sweeps (1952-2006): an extended cohort study

Occupational and Environmental Medicine — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions Chimney sweeps are exposed to high levels of toxic substances in the occupation, but excess alcohol and smoking habits were also observed, and the results must be interpreted cautiously. However, group-level data on tobacco smoking indicated that the lung cancer excess only to some extent could be explained by smoking habits, and the increased mortality from oesophageal cancer and ischaemic heart disease among chimney sweeps employed >30 years is less likely to be caused by excess alcohol habits. (Source: Occupational and Environmental Medicine)

Bowel screening ‘does cut deaths’

BBC News | Health | UK Edition — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 03:24:51 +0100

A bowel cancer screening programme in England is on course to cut deaths by a sixth - but some tumours go undetected. (Source: BBC News | Health | UK Edition)

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Bowel screening 'does cut deaths'

BBC News | Health | UK Edition — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 03:24:51 +0100

A bowel cancer screening programme in England is on course to cut deaths by a sixth - but some tumours go undetected. (Source: BBC News | Health | UK Edition)

Improving picture of overall care for bowel cancer patients in England and Wales, says major audit

NHS Networks — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Achievement levels continue to rise against key care measures, such as the percentage of patients who survive following elective and scheduled surgery and the percentage having less invasive forms of surgery. The audit is commissioned by the Healthcare Quality Improvement Partnership on behalf of the Department of Health and published by the NHS Information Centre on behalf of the Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland. The report is based, for the first time, on submissions from 100% of trusts, and reports on the management of over 28,000 cases of bowel cancer during the 12 month period ending July 2010. (Source: NHS Networks)

Performance measures in three rounds of the English bowel cancer screening pilot

Gut — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions Performance measures are commensurate with expectations in a screening programme reaching its third round of screening, but a substantial ongoing effort is needed, particularly to address the effects of deprivation and ethnicity in relation to uptake. (Source: Gut)

Improving picture of bowel cancer care

NHS Networks — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Cancer in Australia: Actual incidence and mortality data from 1982 to 2007 and projections to 2010

Asia-Pacific Journal of Clinical Oncology — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractBackground: The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare and the Australasian Association of Cancer Registries collaborate every year to provide updated information on cancer occurrences and trends in Australia.Method: Actual number of cases and deaths is presented together with age‐standardised rates for all cancers combined and selected cancer sites from 1982 to 2007, with projections to 2010. Differences in incidence and mortality rates according to age, Indigenous status and remoteness areas are also provided. In addition, change over time in 5‐year relative survival estimates for those diagnosed with cancer is presented, as is information on the participation in Australia's national screening programs for breast, cervical and bowel cancer. The term ‘cancer’ is ...

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Clinicopathological correlates and prognostic significance of glutathione S‐transferase Pi expression in 468 patients after potentially curative resection of node‐positive colonic cancer

Histopathology — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: In patients with clinicopathological stage C colonic cancer, GST Pi expression is associated with features of tumour aggressiveness and with reduced overall survival. Further appropriately designed studies should aim to discover whether GST Pi can predict response to adjuvant chemotherapy. (Source: Histopathology)

NHS Information Centre publishes data on bowel cancer

NeLM - News — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Source: NHS Information Centre Area: News The NHS Information Centre has published the National Bowel Cancer Audit Report for 2011, containing data on patients with a diagnosis made between August 2009 and July 2010. The report is based on submissions from 100% of trusts, on the management of over 28,000 cases of bowel cancer. Although the findings show an overall improvement in care for patients with bowel cancer, urgent and emergency surgery continues to carry a higher mortality risk than elective procedures. Other main findings highlighted include the following: . Laparoscopic procedures are being used more widely (30% compared to 25% of cases in the previous 12 months) . Overall post-operative mortality fell to 3.7% overall, compare...

Bowel cancer patients dying due to lack of surgeons

Telegraph Health — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 16:14:24 +0100

Too many bowel cancer patients who turn up as emergency cases are dying due to a lack of available surgeons, experts say. (Source: Telegraph Health)

Books of the year 2011

Guardian Unlimited Science — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 18:27:56 +0100

A novel about a dinner-party guest who won't leave, a history of Henry VII, an inquiry into madness … Which books have most impressed our writers this year?• Join the debate and let us know which were your books of 2011 Chimamanda AdichieI admired the lovely sentences and moving story in Sebastian Barry's On Canaan's Side (Faber), about an Irish-American woman looking back at her life. Binyavanga Wainaina's One Day I Will Write About This Place (Granta) is a strange, allusive, tender memoir about growing up in middle-class Kenya. Tracy K Smith's poems in Life on Mars (Turnaround) are startling and exquisite.Tariq AliShifting alliances at home and abroad, ruthless accumulation of capital and endless court intrigues form the backdrop to Thomas Penn's Winter King: The Dawn of Tudor E...

National campaign to promote earlier diagnosis of bowel cancer

NHS Networks — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Over 90% of bowel cancer patients diagnosed with the earliest stage of disease survive five years. The aim of the Be Clear On Cancer campaign, which will start on 30 January 2012 and run to the end March, is to get people with appropriate symptoms is to come forward earlier and, where appropriate, to be referred promptly for investigation. A letter from Professor Sir Mike Richards CBE, National Cancer Director, provides more information on the campaign. (Source: NHS Networks)

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Bowel cancer wonder drug searches out and kills tumours without the side effects

the Mail online | Health — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 08:03:56 +0100

A two-in-one drug that seeks out and destroys tumours while being kind to the rest of the body has been developed by researchers. (Source: the Mail online | Health)

High fibre diet reduces risk of bowel cancer

OnMedica Latest News — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Study finds 10g of fibre a day is linked to 10% reduction in cancer riskRelated items from OnMedicaHalf of the nation got sunburnt this yearDeath rates from bowel cancer vary by postcodeCancer survivors need better diet adviceOne or two doses of HPV jab may be enoughNICE updates lung cancer guidance (Source: OnMedica Latest News)

High fibre diets CAN reduce the risk of bowel cancer

the Mail online | Health — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 12:21:31 +0100

By compiling existing research involving data from almost two million people, scientists found that a high-fibre diet offers significant protection against the disease, the third most common form of cancer in Britain. (Source: the Mail online | Health)

More evidence that fibre cuts bowel cancer risk

NHS News Feed — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 11:45:00 +0100

Conclusion A higher intake of fibre has long been thought to decrease risk of colorectal cancer, and this large and valuable review has helped to assess and analyse the existing body of evidence on the matter. It has found that higher intakes of total fibre, cereal fibre and whole grains are all linked to a decrease in the risk of colorectal cancer, a disease which currently kills around 16,000 people in England each year. The review has several strengths, including that it has searched for all available literature on the subject, and looked only at prospective studies that analysed intake prior to cancer development. Also, as the researchers say, they found no evidence of publication bias (where only studies finding a positive association had been published). There are some inherent limit...

Fibre 'lowers bowel cancer risk'

BBC News | Health | UK Edition — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 01:21:50 +0100

Eating more cereals and whole grains every day could reduce the risk of developing colorectal cancer, a study in the BMJ says. (Source: BBC News | Health | UK Edition)

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High-fibre diet cuts bowel cancer risk, analysis of 25 studies finds

Guardian Unlimited Science — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 23:30:01 +0100

Porridge, brown rice and cereals reduce danger but 'no significant evidence' that fruit and vegetables do the sameA diet high in fibre-rich foods such as porridge, brown rice and cereal cuts the risk of bowel cancer, according to an analysis of 25 studies.Experts said cereal fibre and whole grains in particular cut the risk but found "no significant evidence" of a reduction for fibre in fruit, vegetables and legumes such as lentils and beans.The study, published online in the British Medical Journal (BMJ), found that for every 10g increase in daily fibre intake, there was a 10% drop in risk of bowel cancer.So people who already had a diet containing 5g of fibre a day had a 10% reduction in risk if they ate 15g a day.There was also a 20% reduction in risk for every three servings a day (90g...

VIDEO: Bowel screening kits cut cancer

BBC News | Health | UK Edition — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 15:03:45 +0100

Screening for bowel cancer in Scotland appears to be reducing the number of people dying from the disease by nearly a third. (Source: BBC News | Health | UK Edition)

High-fibre diet cuts bowel cancer risk by a fifth

Telegraph Health — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 12:10:51 +0100

Eating enough fibre can cut the chance of developing bowel cancer by almost a fifth, a new study shows. (Source: Telegraph Health)

Politics is bad for our health | Jonathan Waxman

Guardian Unlimited Science — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 21:30:00 +0100

Cancer survival rates in the NHS are excellent. But without costly meddling they could be even betterA new piece of research linking survival rates from cancer with investment levels in treatment has shown that the NHS provides excellent value for money. Indeed, between 1979 and 2006, of the 10 countries assessed (which also included Germany, the US, France and Japan), survival rates in England and Wales were found to have improved the most, making this the most cost-efficient health service in reducing cancer mortality.So how come the health service has done so well, when all we seem to hear is bad news about cancer treatment? Why, when our politicians proclaim that the NHS is performing poorly, does the objective evidence suggest the opposite?In my 35 years' working as a clinician I have...

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Bowel cancer screening cuts deaths by a quarter

Nursing Times Breaking News — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 11:08:00 +0100

Routine screening can cut bowel cancer deaths by more than a quarter, new research has shown. (Source: Nursing Times Breaking News)

Aspirin 'blocks genetic bowel cancer'

NHS News Feed — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 17:45:00 +0100

Conclusion This was a well-designed long-term trial. It examined the effect of regular aspirin consumption on bowel cancer rates in a specific group of patients with a raised risk of developing bowel and other cancers. The results indicate that regular treatment with aspirin is an effective method of preventing bowel cancer in this group of high-risk patients. The study had several strengths, particularly related to design of the trial. For example, even at the end of the study neither the participants nor investigators were made aware of which individuals had received aspirin and which had received placebo. This helps ensure an unbiased analysis of long-term follow-up data, increasing the confidence we can have in the results. There are, however, several things to consider when interpreti...

VIDEO: Daily aspirin 'blocks bowel cancer'

BBC News | Health | UK Edition — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 12:55:06 +0100

A study, published in the Lancet, showed a dramatic fall in the number of tumours in "at risk" patients who a daily dose of aspirin (Source: BBC News | Health | UK Edition)

Aspirin 'reduces cancer rates'

Telegraph Health — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 10:49:25 +0100

Regular doses of aspirn can cut bowel cancer rates by nearly two thirds in people suffering with Lynch Syndrome, a study has found. (Source: Telegraph Health)

Aspirin slashes hereditary cancer risk in UK study

Reuters: Health — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 06:32:00 +0100

LONDON (Reuters) - Taking two aspirin a day for two years reduces the long-term risk of bowel cancer in people with a family history of the disease by around 60 percent, according to a British study published Friday. (Source: Reuters: Health)

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Strategy for power calculation for interactions: Application to a trial of interventions to improve uptake of bowel cancer screening

Contemporary Clinical Trials — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Abstract: Poorer postcodes within 5 regions in England have a lower response to bowel-cancer screening invitations than do richer postcodes. An extension of the sample-size formula for two proportions is used to determine that needed to detect an increase in response rate that varies by deprivation quintile. The proportions plugged into the formula are weighted averages based on the relationship between response and deprivation; the response rate is adjusted to be constant across deprivation quintiles. From a baseline period between October 2006 and January 2009, detection of an absolute or relative increase of at least 1,2,3,4 and 5% in response rate is required for the richest to poorest quintiles respectively because the interventions were chosen as those most likely to have an effect i...

Aspirin 'can block bowel cancer'

BBC News | Health | UK Edition — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 23:04:43 +0100

Taking a daily dose of aspirin can reduce the incidence of bowel cancer in people at high risk of the disease, scientists say. (Source: BBC News | Health | UK Edition)

Aspirin cuts bowel cancer risk by up to two-thirds

Telegraph Health — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 14:36:37 +0100

Taking just two pills of aspirin a day can cut the risk of bowel cancer by almost two-thirds for those at the highest risk, research has found. (Source: Telegraph Health)

pirin cuts bowel cancer risk by up to two-thirds

Telegraph Health — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 14:36:37 +0100

Taking just two pills of aspirin a day can cut the risk of bowel cancer by almost two-thirds for those at the highest risk, research has found. (Source: Telegraph Health)

Uncertainty over bacteria in bowel tumours

NHS News Feed — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 13:00:00 +0100

Conclusion This study reflects a growing focus among researchers on possible associations between inflammation and the development of gastrointestinal diseases including cancer. It has been made possible by the development of genetic analysis methods in the last decade that allow researchers to analyse the relationship between microorganisms and cancer. However, as the researchers note, it cannot show whether Fusobacterium nucleatum plays a causative role in the development of bowel cancer. Furthermore, the tissue examined was taken from patients with existing bowel cancer, so the study cannot tell us at what stage the bacteria were first prevalent in the bowel: before, during or after cancer had developed. To further explore the possible role of infection in the development of bowel can...

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Bowel Cancer Patients Need Erectile Dysfunction Advice

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 13:00:00 +0100

A study published on bmj.com shows that male bowel cancer patients have a high probability of suffering from erectile dysfunction (ED) after their treatment yet in spite of this, the majority of patients does not receive sufficient information about the condition. Approximately 38,000 people in the UK are diagnosed with bowel cancer each year, with half of these patients surviving longer than five years after treatment. According to the study these numbers are set to increase... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Can Taking Calcium With Other Minerals Help Prevent Bowel Cancer?

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 08:00:00 +0100

Bowel cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in developed countries but occurs much less frequently in the developing world. A high fat diet, particularly high in saturated fat, can increase a person's risk of developing bowel cancer. In addition to the high content of saturated fat, the 'typical' Western diet contains only low levels of calcium and other minerals... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Bowel cancer patients not warned about ED risk

OnMedica Latest News — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Study shows inadequate ED care for these patients Related items from OnMedicaProstate cancer therapy raises colorectal cancer riskCetuximab with chemo shrinks more secondariesBenefits of aspirin to treat bowel cancerSurgery after radiation therapy effective for rectal cancerNICE recommends Herceptin for gastric cancer (Source: OnMedica Latest News)

Can taking calcium with other minerals help prevent Bowel Cancer?

ScienceDaily Headlines — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 13:21:21 +0100

A team of scientists in the US is investigating the role of calcium with other trace minerals in preventing bowel cancer. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)

Bowel cancer: Antibiotics could protect against disease

the Mail online | Health — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 09:07:31 +0100

An infectious bug has for the first time been linked with bowel cancer. Scientists do not yet know whether the microbe, Fusobacterium, plays a role in causing the disease. Even if it does not, it could provide doctors with a useful new cancer marker. (Source: the Mail online | Health)

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Bacterium linked to bowel cancer

BBC News | Health | UK Edition — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 00:50:50 +0100

A type of bacterium known to cause dental decay and skin ulcers has been linked to bowel cancer. (Source: BBC News | Health | UK Edition)

Primary Bowel Cancer - FDG PET-CT Technology Use Not Cost Effective

Health News from Medical News Today — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 13:00:00 +0100

According to a study published in Health Technology Assessment, there is little evidence to support the use of PET-CT add-on imaging device in the pre-operative staging of bowel cancer. Over one million people are diagnosed with colorectal cancer worldwide each year, making it the third most common cancer in the UK after lung and breast cancer... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Little evidence found to support use of PET-CT in primary bowel cancer, study finds

ScienceDaily Headlines — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 12:00:00 +0100

New research has found little evidence to support the use of PET-CT add-on imaging device in the pre-operative staging of bowel cancer. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)

High resolution colonoscopy in a bowel cancer screening program improves polyp detection.

World Journal of Gastroenterology : WJG — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: Megapixel definition colonoscopes improve adenoma detection without compromising other measures of endoscope performance. Increased polyp detection rates may improve future outcomes in bowel cancer screening programs. PMID: 22090787 [PubMed - in process] (Source: World Journal of Gastroenterology : WJG)

Ginger could reduce bowel cancer risk

Telegraph Health — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 13:08:10 +0100

Stir-fried meals and other oriental dishes that contain ginger could reduce the chances of developing bowel cancer, a study suggests. (Source: Telegraph Health)

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The national bowel cancer screening programme (BSCP); do the findings of one local screening centre match the predicted national detection rates? – The results of the first 500 screening colonoscopies at Frimley Park Hospital, Surrey

International Journal of Surgery — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 22:52:32 +0100

Aim: To assess BCSP colonoscopy findings with predicted national screening detection rates for bowel cancers and polyps. Method: Frimley Park is a BCSP centres for colonoscopy following abnormal faecal occult blood results in Surrey. (Source: International Journal of Surgery)

Doctors who can't spot cancer are cleared to work by medical watchdog

the Mail online | Health — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 10:51:43 +0100

A survey uncovered a number of cases, including a family doctor who advised an undercover patient who listed clear signs of bowel cancer to eat mangoes and pears. (Source: the Mail online | Health)

Laparoscopic perforostomy for treating a delayed colonoscopic perforation: Novel approach

Journal of Minimal Access Surgery — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

We describe a novel approach of laparoscopic exteriorisation of a delayed colonoscopic perforation which resolved without any further intervention. Discussion: Laparoscopic perforostomy is an alternative minimally invasive laparoscopic approach which respects all the rules by allowing a single-stage procedure including thorough toilet with defunctioning and diversion. (Source: Journal of Minimal Access Surgery)

Bowel Cancer Prevention Screening In Men Advised From The Age Of 45 Onwards

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 08:00:00 +0100

Each year, around 5,000 people die from colorectal cancer in Austria, with the mortality rate being just under 50 per cent. A screening colonoscopy (bowel imaging) is recommended in Austria for people who turn 50, regardless of their gender. A current study by the Austrian Society for Gastroenterology and Hepatology, led by Monika Ferlitsch from the Medical University of Vienna, however, concludes that this screening procedure is advisable from the age of 45 in men... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

When is best to screen for bowel cancer?

NHS News Feed — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 17:00:00 +0100

Conclusion This study showed that the prevalence of adenoma, advanced adenoma and bowel cancer was significantly higher in men than in women of comparable age in Austrian adults taking part in a national colonoscopy screening programme. This difference was shown using a large group of individuals within the age range that is currently screened for in Austria and the US. While the study’s size is a strength, it is important to acknowledge that it also has some limitations. The study of prevalence only looked at differences in cancer prevalence between ages and sex. It did not look at whether other influences such as family history of bowel cancer, diet or ethnicity affected the age-sex relationship. Further studies with appropriate adjustment for these, and other potentially influencin...

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'Screen men at 50 for bowel cancer' and save thousands of lives

the Mail online | Health — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 10:28:19 +0100

Beating Bowel Cancer called on the Government to lower the current screening age from 60 to 50 after a major study found the disease is far more common in men in their early 50s than previously thought. (Source: the Mail online | Health)

Lower bowel cancer screening age for men, study suggests

Telegraph Health — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 17:28:56 +0100

The age at which men are screened for bowel cancer should be dropped by a decade to save lives, the head of a leading charity has said. (Source: Telegraph Health)

Eat your greens to reduce risk of bowel cancer

Scotsman.com News - Health — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0100

EATING Brussel sprouts and broccoli can reduce the risk of some types of bowel cancer - but drinking fruit juice can increase the chances of developing the disease, according (Source: Scotsman.com News - Health)

Bowel cancer awareness campaign to go national

NHS Networks — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

The “be clear on cancer” awareness ads will aim to make people aware of the early signs of bowel cancer and make it easier for them to discuss this with their GP. In England, bowel cancer is the third most common type of cancer. An estimated 38,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. An estimated 16,000 people die annually from bowel cancer. In men, bowel cancer is the third most common cancer after prostate and lung cancer. More ……. (Source: NHS Networks)

National campaign to raise patient awareness of bowel cancer

OnMedica Latest News — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

48% more patients went to see their GP with concerning symptoms Related items from OnMedicaBooklet cuts antibiotic use for respiratory infectionsLow-carb diet beats drug to lower blood pressureNICE updates lung cancer guidanceMortality higher with poor health literacyCancer survivors need better diet advice (Source: OnMedica Latest News)

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Pathology of polyps detected in the bowel cancer screening programme

Diagnostic Histopathology — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Abstract: The success of the UK Bowel Cancer Screening Programme (BCSP) is dependent on reliable diagnosis and effective clinical management of pre-invasive adenomatous polyps. As the malignant potential of colorectal adenomas is highly variable, the purpose of histological assessment is to identify patients who will require subsequent surgery or regular colonoscopic surveillance. Our review encompasses the histopathology and differential diagnosis of screen-detected polyps, focusing on features which discriminate lesions at highest risk of malignant transformation. We explore some of the diagnostic challenges confronting screening pathology, including the characterization of serrated lesions and common mimics of dysplasia and malignancy. (Source: Diagnostic Histopathology)

National bowel cancer ads backed by £8.5m

HealthcareRepublic Pharmacist News — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 09:58:00 +0100

A national awareness campaign to encourage patients to talk to their GP about possible signs of bowel cancer will be backed by £8.5m in funding, the DoH has announced. (Source: HealthcareRepublic Pharmacist News)

“Slipping through the bowel cancer screening programme”

Colorectal Disease — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Patients will present with colorectal cancer despite having been invited to participate in the BCSP, with many having received a negative FOB test. This could be considered a high false negative rate. (Source: Colorectal Disease)

Bowel Cancer Death Rates Vary Widely Across UK

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 18:00:00 +0100

The rate of deaths due to bowel cancer varies by as much as three times between the lowest and the highest rate areas of the UK, a fact that must not be ignored says the cancer charity Beating Bowel Cancer, which also considers that even the lowest death rate is still too high and over 5,000 lives could be saved every year if more people were screened and diagnosed earlier... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Research reveals disparity in UK bowel cancer survival rates

HSJ — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 10:43:00 +0100

Stark differences in bowel cancer mortality rates across the UK show that people in certain areas are three times more likely to die from the disease, research suggested today. (Source: HSJ)

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VIDEO: Bowel cancer death rates across UK

BBC News | Health | UK Edition — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 07:10:51 +0100

Your chances of surviving bowel cancer vary dramatically, depending on where you live in the UK, according to new figures. (Source: BBC News | Health | UK Edition)

Research shows variation in bowel cancer mortality across the UK

NeLM - News — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Source: BBC Health Area: News According to a BBC Health report, research from the charity Beating Bowel Cancer has found a large variation in bowel cancer mortality across the UK, from 9 out of every 100,000 (reported in Lancashire) to 31 in 100,000 (Glasgow). The average bowel cancer mortality rate across the UK is 17.6 per 100,000. The researchers suggest that the variation is likely to be due to a number of factors, including screening take-up, awareness of symptoms and unhealthy diets. The BBC Health report discusses the bowel cancer screening programme and the signs/symptoms that patients should be aware of. (Source: NeLM - News)

Scots bowel cancer risk higher than UK

Scotsman.com News - Health — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0100

PEOPLE living in parts of Scotland are three times more likely to die from bowel cancer than in any other part of the UK, according to new rankings published today. (Source: Scotsman.com News - Health)

Embarrassed patients 'putting lives at risk'

Scotsman.com News - Health — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0100

MEN and women in the Lothians are putting their lives at risk because of embarrassment, a bowel cancer charity has warned. (Source: Scotsman.com News - Health)

Bowel cancer rates 'vary widely'

BBC News | Health | UK Edition — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 23:53:25 +0100

There is a big variation in death rates from bowel cancer across the UK, according to research by a charity. (Source: BBC News | Health | UK Edition)

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Aspirin bleeding in perspective.

Quality in Primary Care — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 17:59:31 +0100

Authors: Morgan G, Elwood P Abstract Aspirin therapy should be an adjunct to the medical management of patients who have had a vascular event but the role of aspirin prophylaxis in the primary prevention of vascular events is less clear. This benefit-versus-risk balance may, however, be influenced by evidence that aspirin reduces bowel cancer risk. Wider aspirin use could lead to more advice being sought on its use from community pharmacists and general practitioners. Yet 10% of those taking aspirin experience symptoms that negatively affect their daily quality of life. These symptoms, such as heartburn, may discourage more individuals from taking aspirin than would the risk of bleeding. PMID: 21902904 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Quality in Primary Care)

Home bowel cancer tests save 150 lives

Scotsman.com News - Health — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0100

HOME testing kits for bowel cancer which were sent to tens of thousands of people could have saved up to 150 lives. (Source: Scotsman.com News - Health)

UK's NICE rejects three drugs for bowel cancer

Modern Medicine — Sun, 04 Sep 2011 23:00:00 +0100

LONDON (Reuters) - Britain's health costs watchdog has rejected three drugs for advanced bowel cancer saying the medicines' benefits are not clear enough to justify providing them on the country's state-funded National Health Service (NHS). (Source: Modern Medicine)

Researchers Link Bowel Cancer to Type 2 Diabetes in Men

Diabetes News from dLife.com — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 19:30:14 +0100

September 1, 2011 (The University of Western Australia) — Researchers at The University of Western Australia today released the results of a long-running study which has established a significant link between type 2 diabetes and the risk of potentially fatal bowel cancer in men. read more (Source: Diabetes News from dLife.com)

Colorectal cancer screening

Trends in Urology, Gynaecology and Sexual Health — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

AbstractColorectal cancer is theoretically a preventable disease and is ideally suited to a population screening programme, as there is a long premalignant phase, during which there is ample opportunity to intervene with a variety of different screening modalities. In this article, the authors review the alternative tests for colorectal cancer screening and discuss the rationale behind the Bowel Cancer Screening Programme in England. Copyright © 2011 Wiley Interface Ltd (Source: Trends in Urology, Gynaecology and Sexual Health)

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A preliminary analysis of the cost‐effectiveness of the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program – Demonstrating the potential value of comprehensive real world data

Internal Medicine Journal — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions This preliminary CEA based largely on contemporary real world data suggests population‐based FOBT screening for CRC is attractive. Planned ongoing data collection will enable repeated analyses over time, using the same methodology in the same patient populations, permitting an accurate analysis of the impact of new therapies and changing practice. Similar CEA using real world data related to other disease types and interventions appears desirable. (Source: Internal Medicine Journal)

'Miracle' technique cures grandfather of cancer

Telegraph Health — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 17:40:05 +0100

A grandfather given "a death sentence" after being diagnosed with advanced bowel cancer has been cured of the disease thanks to a pioneering new technique. (Source: Telegraph Health)

Bowel cancer: Only 54% take up screening offer

Scotsman.com News - Health — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 23:04:52 +0100

THE number of people being screened for bowel cancer is still falling short of government targets, new NHS statistics show. (Source: Scotsman.com News - Health)

Surgeons' skills key in bowel cancer surgery

The Irish Times - Health — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 23:34:39 +0100

NEVER MIND expensive, high-tech surgical robots. Real live surgeons must constantly improve their techniques in precision surgery to give bowel cancer patients the best possible chance of survival and good quality of life, a major surgical conference in Galway will hear this weekend. (Source: The Irish Times - Health)

Taking certain antidepressants could cut the risk of bowel and brain cancer

the Mail online | Health — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 14:32:08 +0100

A type of drug that treats depression and migraines could also cut the risk of bowel cancer by 21 per cent, say researchers from Lincoln University. (Source: the Mail online | Health)

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Antidepressants 'cut bowel and brain cancer risk'

Telegraph Health — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 12:59:37 +0100

A commonly-prescribed type of antidepressant cuts the risk of bowel cancer by up to a fifth, according to a study of 93,000 people. (Source: Telegraph Health)

Public ignorant of bowel cancer

OnMedica Latest News — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

More work needed to raise awareness of symptoms and risk factorsRelated items from OnMedicaSmoking may worsen cancer pain"Be Clear on Cancer" campaignObesity cancers predicted to rise in young peoplePlans set out to reduce cancer deaths in EnglandPatients unreliable on cancer history (Source: OnMedica Latest News)

VIDEO: How to spot signs of bowel cancer

BBC News | Health | UK Edition — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 06:54:09 +0100

More than 100 people are diagnosed with bowel cancer every day in the UK but awareness of symptoms is poor. (Source: BBC News | Health | UK Edition)

VIDEO: UK bowel cancer awareness low

BBC News | Health | UK Edition — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 05:55:00 +0100

Many people are unaware of the signs and symptoms of bowel cancer and do not know how lifestyle factors can contribute to risk, according to research. (Source: BBC News | Health | UK Edition)

Researchers find bowel cancer knowledge 'stubbornly low'

HealthcareRepublic Pharmacist News — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 00:01:00 +0100

Public knowledge of bowel cancer symptoms remains 'stubbornly low' despite campaigns to raise awareness of the disease, researchers have found. (Source: HealthcareRepublic Pharmacist News)

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Bowel cancer awareness 'very low'

BBC News | Health | UK Edition — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 23:44:15 +0100

Awareness about bowel cancer is still "stubbornly low" despite it being the second biggest cause of cancer deaths in the UK, a study suggests. (Source: BBC News | Health | UK Edition)

Ignorance is not bliss about signs of cancer

Scotsman.com News - Health — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 23:04:50 +0100

Awareness of the signs and symptoms of bowel cancer remains low in the UK, with few people knowing what they should watch out for, a study shows. (Source: Scotsman.com News - Health)

Dying patient plans move for drug

BBC News | Health | UK Edition — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 14:14:03 +0100

A Cardiff woman terminally ill with bowel cancer says she may move to England to receive potentially life-prolonging drugs on the NHS. (Source: BBC News | Health | UK Edition)

Faecal occult blood testing in areas of high incidence and mortality; the effect of screening the population aged 50 to 59

Colorectal Disease — Sat, 20 Aug 2011 16:39:50 +0100

Conclusion Screening individuals aged 50–59 can identify early cancers and significant adenomas, which may contribute to a reduction in the expected high mortality rate found in this geographical area. (Source: Colorectal Disease)

High yield of colorectal neoplasia detected by colonoscopy following a positive faecal occult blood test in the NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme

Journal of Medical Screening — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions The majority of colonoscopies were performed following ‘weak positive’ FOB results. Those with an ‘abnormal’ result were more likely to be diagnosed with cancer. The high yield of pathology in both the ‘abnormal’ and ‘weak positive’ groups justifies the need for colonoscopy in both. (Source: Journal of Medical Screening)

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Huge variation in reoperation rates for bowel cancer

HSJ — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 00:30:00 +0100

Researchers are calling for the reoperation rate to be used as a quality indicator after a study found some hospitals were up to five times more likely to reoperate after colorectal surgery than others. (Source: HSJ)

Study finds GP letter may increase uptake of bowel cancer screening

NeLM - News — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Source: NetDoctor, British Journal of Cancer Area: News A study conducted by researchers at the University of Oxford has found that including both an endorsement letter from each patient's GP and a more detailed procedural leaflet could increase participation in the English Bowel Cancer Screening Programme by approximately 10%, a relative improvement of 20% on current performance. The NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme (NHS BCSP) invites men and women in their sixties to be screened for bowel cancer every two years. Participants are sent a Faecal Occult Blood test (FOBt) kit which they complete at home and send to a laboratory for testing. Anyone with a positive result is referred for a colonoscopy and any necessary treatment. People aged 70 and over can request a kit. The researchers n...

GP letter 'boosts bowel cancer test use'

Nursing Times Breaking News — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 10:13:00 +0100

Bowel cancer home screening tests are more likely to be used by people if they have received an endorsement letter from their GP and a leaflet explaining how to carry out the test, a study has revealed. (Source: Nursing Times Breaking News)

GP letter boosts bowel cancer screening uptake, study finds

HealthcareRepublic Pharmacist News — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 00:01:00 +0100

Patients may be more likely to take part in screening for bowel cancer if they are sent a letter of endorsement signed by their GP, research suggests. (Source: HealthcareRepublic Pharmacist News)

GP endorsement increases uptake of bowel screening

OnMedica Latest News — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Letter from GP and information leaflet increase uptake by more than 10%Related items from OnMedicaOne in ten have negative attitude to bowel cancer screeningNine out of ten people survive early bowel cancerScreening for colorectal cancerFree prescriptions for cancer patients Three million people in UK affected by malnutrition (Source: OnMedica Latest News)

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My husband was 32 so how could he have bowel cancer?

Daily Express - Health — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

WHEN Carrie Coggins's husband Ric started needing the toilet at least 10 times a day he put it down to spicy foods he had been eating. (Source: Daily Express - Health)

Bowel cancer awareness campaign to launch in January

HealthcareRepublic Pharmacist News — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 15:11:00 +0100

GPs can expect an increase in people presenting with symptoms of bowel cancer when an awareness campaign is launched next year, the DoH has said. (Source: HealthcareRepublic Pharmacist News)

NHS Choices 'Behind the Headlines' assessment of press reports implying beans and lentils 'lower cancer risk'

NeLM - News — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Source: NHS Choices Area: News The 'Behind the Headlines' service from NHS Choices has featured a quality assessment of press reports that "Lentil-loving hippies have the right idea when it comes to beating bowel cancer," (Daily Express). The newspaper reported that a diet rich in beans, pulses and brown rice cuts the risk of developing bowel cancer by up to 40%. The report is based on a prospective cohort study which evaluated the relationship between specific foods and the risk of colorectal polyps among 2,818 participants over 26 years. The study found that diets high in cooked green vegetables, dried fruit and brown rice were associated with a significantly lower risk of colorectal polyps. Legumes such as beans and other pulses were also linked to a lower risk, although res...

Beans and lentils 'lower cancer risk''

NHS News Feed — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 17:00:00 +0100

Conclusion This study had several strengths. It had a long follow-up period and it was also “prospective” as it assessed diet and followed the participants over time, rather than asking them to recall what they had eaten years previously. The researchers also pointed out that the Adventist population has a “unique lifestyle”, with lower levels of alcohol consumption and smoking. This limits the effect these factors would have had on the participants’ risk of polyps and cancer. However, the study also some significant limitations: The study relied on people self-reporting their diets on only one occasion. It is possible, even probable, that people’s diets changed over the 26-year period. The researchers stated that about 80% of participants did not make changes in their di...

Lentils and kidney beans 'cut bowel cancer risk' by up to a third

the Mail online | Health — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 07:14:20 +0100

People who consume pulses at least three times a week reduce their risk of developing polyps, which are small growths in the lining of the bowel which can become cancerous. (Source: the Mail online | Health)

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Nicky Haslam on the best way to beat bowel cancer

the Mail online | Health — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 07:20:10 +0100

Each year 35,000 Britons are diagnosed with the disease, with 80 per cent of them over the age of 60. Here the socialite on how he beat cancer. (Source: the Mail online | Health)

Bowel cancer rate for men doubles due to bad diet and ageing population

the Mail online | Health — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 09:32:53 +0100

More than one in 15 men are at risk of developing the disease compared with one in 29 in 1975, while for women the risk has risen by more than a quarter to one in 19. (Source: the Mail online | Health)

Bowel cancer increase in men

Nursing in Practice — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 09:08:00 +0100

Men are more likely to develop bowel cancer now than they were 35 years ago, research shows (Source: Nursing in Practice)

Male bowel cancer risk doubles in 30 years

Scotsman.com News - Health — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 23:21:42 +0100

A MAN's chances of developing bowel cancer have doubled in the past 30 years, figures show. (Source: Scotsman.com News - Health)

Bowel cancer rates on the rise, research charity warns

Guardian Unlimited Science — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 23:01:00 +0100

Cancer Research UK says one man in about 15 is diagnosed with disease, up from one in 29 during mid-70sThe chances of a man getting bowel cancer have doubled since the 1970s, according to the UK's biggest cancer charity.In 1975 one in about 29 men was diagnosed with bowel cancer, but by 2008 that figure had risen to almost one in 15, says Cancer Research UK. The rate among women has also risen, although not so steeply, from one in 26 to one in 19.The statistics were published as a second charity voiced concern over what it called "startling variations" in diagnosis and treatment outcomes in ovarian cancer. The charity, correctOvacome, pointed out that women were more likely to survive if ovarian cancer was detected early on, yet more than a quarter of patients had had to see their GP twice...

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Bowel cancer risk doubles in a generation

Telegraph Health — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 12:02:00 +0100

A man's chance of getting bowel cancer has doubled since the mid-70s, according to new research. (Source: Telegraph Health)

Aflibercept Significantly Improves Survival In Previously Treated Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Patients

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 15:00:00 +0100

Sanofi-aventis and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced data on Saturday 25 June showing that the investigational agent aflibercept, also known as VEGF Trap, significantly improved survival in previously treated metastatic colorectal (bowel) cancer patients.1 These data were presented at the ESMO World Congress on Gastrointestinal Cancer in Barcelona, Spain. Patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) previously treated with oxaliplatin were randomized to receive aflibercept or placebo in combination with the FOLFIRI regimen (irinotecan-5-fluorouracil-leucovorin)... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Researchers Test Benefit Of Fish Oil In Bowel Cancer Spread

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 08:00:00 +0100

Researchers from the University of Leeds will carry out a series of experiments to see whether fish oil can prevent or treat the spread of bowel cancer to the liver. The cancer scientists will test the effectiveness of pure Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) - a naturally occurring omega-3 fish oil component which is widely available in mixed fish oil preparations in health stores and supermarkets nationwide... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Leeds researchers test benefit of fish oil in bowel cancer spread

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 04:00:00 +0100

(University of Leeds) Researchers from the University of Leeds will carry out a series of experiments to see whether fish oil can prevent or treat the spread of bowel cancer to the liver. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Donna Lamping obituary

Guardian Unlimited Science — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 17:38:39 +0100

My colleague Donna Lamping, who has died of cancer aged 58, was a leading exponent of how the health and quality of life of patients can be measured. Educated and trained in Canada and the US, she brought her cutting-edge knowledge to the UK in 1992.Donna grew up in Toronto, the daughter of Helen and Vincent Lamping, and after graduating in psychology from the University of Waterloo, she was awarded a doctoral fellowship from the Canadian Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council to study at Harvard University in the US. Her doctorate, looking at how patients with chronic illness adapt and adjust to stresses, took her from the university's psychology laboratories and into the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Boston to study the experiences of patients.A resear...

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Test performance of faecal occult blood testing for the detection of bowel cancer in people with chronic kidney disease (DETECT) protocol

BMC Public Health - Latest articles — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

DiscussionThe DETECT study will target the three major unknowns about early cancer detection in CKD. Findings from our study will provide accurate and definitive estimates of screening efficacy and efficiency for colorectal cancer, and will allow better service planning and budgeting for early cancer detection in this at-risk population.The DETECT study is also registered with the Australia New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12611000538943). (Source: BMC Public Health - Latest articles)

Shining a light on the latest Daily Express cancer story

Guardian Unlimited Science — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 10:56:00 +0100

Yet another breathtaking Daily Express exclusive today: "Sunlight stops breast cancer". But, as with all such scoops, it requires a giant health warning.The splash, by the paper's health correspondent Jo Willey, tells readers of a "new study" that "hails the benefits of vitamin D as a weapon in the fight against cancer."The study found that "exposure to sunlight for 21 hours a week between April and October significantly cuts the chances of developing a tumour."And, according to the researchers, "women who get less than an hour a day of sunlight are more at risk of breast cancer." Furthermore "laboratory tests suggest breast cells are capable of converting vitamin D to a hormone that has anti-cancer properties."This is culled, says the Express report, from a study published in the Americ...

Lindau Nobel Meeting--Beef Bug to Blame for Bowel Cancer?

Scientific American - Official RSS Feed — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 22:00:00 +0100

Even if you adore red meat, you'll put off your big juicy steak by hearing what Harald zur Hausen has to say about it. At the 61st Lindau meeting, the Nobel laureate spoke about his current hypothesis about why beef causes colorectal cancer. He thinks it might contain a nasty pathogen that infects us that then causes the disease but the source hasn't been discovered yet.Colorectal cancer has a high incidence among men and women worldwide, and cases are increasing . Researchers blame this on the 'Westernisation' of lifestyles, including eating more red meat, in economically transitioning countries, such as China. [More] (Source: Scientific American - Official RSS Feed)

Gastonbury's Michael Eavis beat bowel cancer thanks to Ray Charles and Van Morrison

the Mail online | Health — Sun, 26 Jun 2011 01:05:25 +0100

More than 37,500 people are diagnosed every year and at least 16,000 die. There is a survival rate of 80 per cent of at least five years if it is treated in time. (Source: the Mail online | Health)

More Rural Australians Urged To Take Home Bowel Cancer Test

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 11:00:00 +0100

Rural doctors are urging more rural Australians to undertake a painless, at-home bowel cancer test to help reduce deaths by cancer. The call follows recent Cancer Council research which shows that although more than 80% of people aged 50 and over are aware of the simple, at-home screening test for bowel cancer, less than half of those aware of the faecal occult blood test (FOBT) have actually done the test. Dr Peter Rischbieth, Vice President of the Rural Doctors Association of Australia (RDAA), said the research again highlights the importance of early testing... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Cancer is diagnosed later if you're old

the Mail online | Health — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 06:45:48 +0100

Patients with breast and bowel cancer in their 70s and 80s are twice as likely to be diagnosed with advanced-stage tumours, which are often terminal, according to a study at Cambridge University. (Source: the Mail online | Health)

Diffuse Cutaneous Metastases as the Only Sign of Extranodal Tumor Spread in a Patient with Adenocarcinoma of the Colon

International Journal of Biomedical Imaging — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 16:22:10 +0100

We report a 73-year-old woman in whom metastatic nodules from a poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma of the right colon developed throughout the skin (buttock, trunk, chest wall, arms, and neck) and remained the only sign of extranodal tumor spread until patient's death, seven months later. This unusual behaviour suggests that localization of neoplastic cells to the skin may be a site-specific process, determined by adhesion molecules and/or by growth factors found at that site. (Source: International Journal of Biomedical Imaging)

Less Than Half Take Home Bowel Cancer Test Despite High Awareness, Australia

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 08:00:00 +0100

New Cancer Council research released today (8/6) shows although more than 80% of people aged 50+ are aware of a simple, at-home screening test for bowel cancer, less than half of those aware of FOBT have actually done the test. The research, conducted in Victoria, also found that most respondents (75%) could not recall their GP ever mentioning the faecal occult blood test (FOBT) to them. FOBT is recommended for all Australians 50+ every two years. Under the government's National Bowel Cancer Screening Program, the test is provided free for people turning 50, 55 and 65... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Post operative death rates from bowel cancer fall

OnMedica Latest News — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Urgent/emergency surgery three times riskier for death over elective casesRelated items from OnMedicaCancer screening attendance is boosted around ChristmasCancer survivors most at risk are more likely to smokeFemale daily drinking raises cancer riskProstate cancer therapy raises colorectal cancer riskHeat treatment improves survival from sarcoma (Source: OnMedica Latest News)

Bowel Cancer Combo Fails to Improve Survival (CME/CE)

MedPage Today Gastroenterology — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 17:13:02 +0100

(MedPage Today) -- Adding the targeted therapy cetuximab (Erbitux) to a standard chemotherapy regimen in advanced colorectal cancer did not extend life, researchers reported. (Source: MedPage Today Gastroenterology)

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Link Between Blood Clotting And Bowel Cancer Risk

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 13:00:00 +0100

Back in the mid 19th century, a French doctor, Armand Trousseau, discovered a connection between cancer and thrombosis - the formation of often dangerous blood clots that can lead to venous occlusion. Today it is known that cancer and its treatment change blood flow properties and thus promote the formation of clots. However, clots do not only occur as a side effect and consequence of cancer, but, vice versa, an increased blood clotting tendency may also be associated with an elevated cancer risk... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Report appraises bowel cancer care in England and Wales

NeLM - News — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Source: NHS Information Centre Area: News The NHS Information centre has published a report containing a detailed appraisal of bowel cancer care in England and Wales, based on audit data collected from all but three NHS trusts, covering the management of over 23,000 cases of bowel cancer over the one year period from August 2008 to July 2009. The key findings of the report include the following: . Overall participation by trusts has increased to 98% as compared with 95% in 2009. . Case ascertainment continues to improve with an estimated 74.7% and 97.3% of cases from English and Welsh trusts respectively being submitted. . Overall post-operative mortality following major resection in elective cases was 2.6%, which is an improvemen...

Beware next wave of propaganda

BMJ Online First — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Flexible sigmoidoscopy is recommended to be added to the national bowel cancer screening programme.1 According to the director of programmes, "The recommendation to implement this new programme is... (Source: BMJ Online First)

Cetuximab Add-On Provides No Survival Benefit in Bowel Cancer

Medscape Today Headlines — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 20:11:09 +0100

The largest trial to date in advanced bowel cancer unexpectedly finds no benefit of adding cetuximab to standard chemotherapy and suggests that treatment holidays may be an option for some patients. Medscape Medical News (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

Blood clotting and bowel cancer risk

ScienceDaily Headlines — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 15:31:31 +0100

People whose blood clots more easily than normal are more often affected by cancer. Scientists have discovered that a number of variants of clotting factor genes have an influence on bowel cancer risk. They found out that carriers of a particular gene variant of clotting factor V have a bowel cancer risk that is six times higher than people who do not have this gene variant. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)

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ASCO 2011: New Analysis Further Reinforces Erbitux Benefits For Patients With Metastatic Bowel Cancer

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 11:00:00 +0100

At the start of this year's American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting, Merck Serono, a division of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, presented a retrospective analysis of the CRYSTAL and OPUS trials which demonstrated that, by treating a specific population of metastatic bowel cancer patients (KRAS wild-type) with Erbitux® (cetuximab) in combination with standard chemotherapy1: - Overall survival was significantly increased by more than five months, in patients treated with Erbitux + FOLFIRI compared with FOLFIRI alone, whose cancer had spre... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Blood clotting and bowel cancer risk

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 04:00:00 +0100

(Helmholtz Association of German Research Centres) People whose blood clots more easily than normal are more often affected by cancer. Scientists at the German Cancer Research Center have discovered that a number of variants of clotting factor genes have an influence on bowel cancer risk. They found out that carriers of a particular gene variant of clotting factor V have a bowel cancer risk that is six times higher than people who do not have this gene variant. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Study Shows Advanced Colorectal Cancer Patients Do Not Benefit From Adding Cetuximab To Standard Chemotherapy But Could Benefit From Treatment Breaks

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

The targeted therapy cetuximab does not improve progression-free survival (PFS) or overall survival (OS) when added to standard chemotherapy as a first-line treatment for advanced colorectal cancer, according to the largest trial to date in advanced bowel cancer. The unexpected results of the COIN trial, published Online First in The Lancet, show that even patients without KRAS mutations in their tumour (the sub-group that showed a benefit from this therapy in other trials) did not benefit from the addition of cetuximab... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Could community pharmacies offer an opportunity to improve outcomes for patients with bowel cancer?

Quality in Primary Care — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 21:30:03 +0100

Authors: Jiwa M, Sriram D, Khadaroo Z, Ping-Delfos WC Lower bowel symptoms are common. A significant number of patients seek to treat their symptoms by purchasing over the counter medication. PMID: 21575332 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Quality in Primary Care)