Continuing Research for a Colon Cancer Vaccine

Everyone reading this likely has received a vaccine of some kind, such as one for polio, flu or measles. For those affected by colon cancer, a vaccine for the disease may seem like a far-fetched dream, but maybe it isn’t. News from the world of cancer vaccine research is very encouraging—colon cancer vaccines are being studied at several major research centers and the early results look promising.

Cancer vaccines, in general, are nothing new, of course. They typically fall into one of two categories: preventive and treatment.  Preventive vaccines prevent cancer from developing in healthy people. These are similar to the traditional vaccines most of us have had.

Two preventive cancer vaccines that have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are Gardasil® and Cervarix®, which protect against infection from the virus that can cause cervical cancer. You have likely seen advertisements for these vaccines. Another preventive vaccine protects against hepatitis B (HBV) infection, which can lead to liver cancer. Most children in the United States receive this vaccine shortly after birth.

Treatment vaccines treat an existing cancer by strengthening the body’s natural defenses against the cancer. Only one cancer treatment vaccine has been approved by the FDA. Provenge® is used to treat some men who have metastatic prostate cancer (cancer that has spread to other parts of the body).

In September, Susie’s Cause made a donation to the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins to fund research for a colon cancer vaccine. The team at Hopkins recently completed a phase 1 clinical trial of a vaccine. Their new study will test a combination vaccine therapy in advanced colorectal cancer patients who have completed chemotherapy. If successful, this treatment would give patients a way to keep their disease stable after treatment and could prove to be helpful in earlier stages of the disease as well. 

Other colon cancer vaccine studies are taking place at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia and Georgetown University Medical Center in Washington, D.C. The University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute announced initial success of their colon cancer vaccine in human trials earlier this year. Their study, published in the January 2013 edition of Cancer Prevention Research, showed that their vaccine is safe and produced the immune response they expected.

These are exciting times in cancer research! The Susan Cohan Colon Cancer Foundation will be watching to see how these studies unfold. Be sure to check our website (www.coloncancerfoundation.org) and like our page on Facebook for the latest developments.

Thank You for Supporting Susie's Cause and Honoring Loved Ones

Memorial Day is a time to enjoy having fun with family and friends. Thank you for being a friend to Susie's Cause and for helping us spread awareness about life-saving colon cancer screening and prevention.

Just in case you haven't heard them all, we want to share with you some of the great ways our supporters have given their time and money to support Susie's Cause in 2012. It's inspiring to see all the ideas everyone came up with to get out the word about preventing colon cancer with screenings and a healthy lifestyle.

So many of you:

• held galas
• volunteered
• cooked chili
• ran and walked in races
• grew mustaches and beards
• paddled canoes
• ice skated
• shared your stories
• contributed articles
• hosted dinners and dances
• lifted weight
• donated money

You all contributed in so many ways that you really made it clear - no matter what you are interested in, you can use your skills, hobbies, and talents to help fight to eliminate colon cancer as a
life-threatening disease.

Were any of these ideas from your event? Do you have other ideas for events?

Share them with us!

Your grassroots events are a great way to honor and remember family members as well as support Susie's Cause. Is there something you would like to do to support Susie's Cause in 2013?
If so, please contact us at (410) 244-1778.

 

Female Smokers May be at Greater Risk for Colon Cancer

Still haven’t kicked the nicotine habit? Here’s another reason to put down the cigarettes for good, especially if you are a woman: female smokers may be more susceptible to colon cancer than male smokers, according to a study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention on April 30.

The study included more than 600,000 men and women who were aged 19 to 67 when they enrolled in the study. Over 14 years, almost 4,000 people in the study developed colon cancer.

Women who had ever smoked had a 19% higher risk of colon cancer and men who had ever smoked had an 8% increased risk of developing the disease than those who have never smoked.

Read More>

Charlotte's Story - Cancer was not in this Mom's Plans

On September 14, 2011, at the age of 35, I  was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer. At the time of my diagnosis, my son Jack had just turned 4, my daughter Eleanor was 10 months old and my husband Rick and I had recently celebrated our six-year wedding anniversary. The surgery to remove the tumor that penetrated my colon wall occurred on October 7, 2011 and chemotherapy began right after Thanksgiving. It took a little over seven months to complete my 12 rounds of chemo. I completed the last round on July 17, 2012. All these dates will forever be a part of me and as memorable as the dates of my children's births and my wedding anniversary. 

But I have children.

From the moment I was told the results of my colonoscopy on September 14th, my thoughts went immediately to my children. In fact, when my GI doctor told me what he saw in my colon my response was, "But I have children."

My friends, neighbors and co-workers many times remarked  how hard it must be to have two small children to take care of while going through chemo. Honestly, I don't think I could have done it without them. They made me laugh, they distracted me, they kept me on track with the normal every-day happenings of life. They loved me and I fiercely loved them back. What more did I need, really?

In fact, without the birth of Eleanor, I may have ignored my symptoms. Eleanor was a big baby (almost 9 lbs). I attributed her  size and position as the cause of the blood in my stool.  After Eleanor's birth, the blood didn't go away. I attributed it to post-pregnancy issues.

I didn't have any pain.

When the symptoms didn't go away but started to get worse, I went to see my GI doctor. In April of 2011, I was  examined and it turned out I had hemorrhoids. I remember thinking that made sense because so many women have hemorrhoids post-pregnancy. But I thought it strange that I didn't have any pain. It was the absence of pain that kept me from seeking medical help. 

I didn't call my GI doctor.

When the hemorrhoid medicine didn't treat my symptoms, I didn't call my GI doctor to tell him because I figured that this was just normal for my body. I otherwise felt great and happily went along for a few more months until the GI symptoms became stranger and more worrisome - and yet I still had no pain.

In September of 2011, I finally went back to my GI doctor who immediately ordered a colonoscopy. My doctor said as soon as he inserted the scope, the tumor was right there - in the sigmoid colon. The sigmoid colon links the descending colon with the rectum. Since the tumor had penetrated the colon wall and positive lymph nodes were removed during surgery, chemo was inevitable and in my opinion, welcome. I wanted my body rid of all traces of cancer.

Cancer Free!

I am now a year and a half cancer free and feel like I am in the best shape of my life! Having been diagnosed with the deadly disease opened my eyes to the very real fact that I only get one chance to live. I only get this one body for this one life and I should take care of it the best way possible.

As soon as I regained my strength after finishing chemo, I went back to the gym. I proudly walked with my family in the Susan Cohan 8th Annual 5k Run and Family Walk in September of 2012. Currently I am in a running group with other survivors called Cancer to 5K with the Ulman Cancer Fund which will end with my running a 5k in June. I am also training for an Olympic Triathlon to be held in October of 2013. These are things I never would have dreamed of doing, but now I just can't wait to see what my body is capable of!

Memories Gala 2013 Highlights

Donated by Marie Cardona

What’s not to love about the Fifth Annual Susie’s Cause National Colon Cancer Screening Month dinner dance at Martin's Valley Mansion!

Colon cancer survivors and several hundred guests networked, danced, bid on silent auction items, and sampled lots of delicious buffet items  to support this important annual Susie’s Cause fundraiser.

The Cohan family created the National Colon Cancer Foundation to honor the wishes of their beloved daughter Susan who was stricken by this terrible disease. It is always so inspiring to hear Foundation President David R. Cohan and his dedicated family members speak about their passion to get the word out to as many people as possible about the importance of screening and prevention.

Donated by Marie Cardona

Shout Out to Marie Cardona

The Cohan story resonates with so many brave men and women who have been touched by colon cancer or have a loved one who has.  Folks like Marie Cardona, whose mom died of colon cancer, is now the West Coast affiliate founder. In addition to hosting fundraisers on the West coast, this year Marie provided several of her beautiful photographs for the silent auction.

Click Shop to browse Marie's photographs

Read more on Memories Gala Highlights


If you would be interested in hosting a gala in your city, please contact Foundation Director and Event Planner Kim Cohan at kim@coloncancerfoundation.org or 410.244.1778

Reducing Your Risk of Cancer






Posted by Barbara Armstrong Green

What would you be willing to give up eating if it could reduce your risk of cancer? What about red and processed meats? Could you live without grilling or frying your meat at high temperatures?

According to Joel Fuhrman, MD, New York Times bestselling author of Eat to Live and The End of Diabetes:

"There is convincing evidence that these dangerous foods are a cause of colon cancer. In addition, cooking any meat at high temperatures forms carcinogenic compounds…which contribute to cancer risk.”

Dr. Fuhrman also warns us that non-fat dairy products, egg whites, and fish increase our risk of cancer because they are high in animal protein.

What can you do to protect yourself and your family?

Read More:Animal Protein and Colon Cancer

You Gotta Love Berries


I was so excited to see that Dr. Fuhrman’s latest article published on the Susie’s Cause web site is all about my favorite food – berries – especially blueberries. 

My husband and I have been sprinkling them on our morning cereal for several years because we heard that they were very healthy to eat.   I even keep a bag of  berries in the freezer just in case we run out of the fresh ones.

What I didn’t know was that Dr. Fuhrman, the #1 New York Times best-selling author of Eat to Live and Super Immunity lists berries as disease-protective super foods, along with greens, beans, onions, mushrooms, and seeds.

Berries and their kissing cousins - the pomegranate - are full of health benefits. 

Dr. Fuhrman's advice: "Include berries in your diet as often as possible to enjoy these numerous health benefits. Berries and pomegranate have the highest nutrient to calorie ratio of all fruits, and they protect against not only cancer, but heart disease, hypertension and diabetes as well."

Click here to learn more about how these superstars can help to keep you healthy.
How Can Berries Protect You?

April is Colorectal Cancer Screening Month – Why You Should Care

You probably  saw lots of messages about colon cancer during March colon cancer awareness month.

Now it’s time to schedule your  screening. And bug your loved ones to do the same.

Almost all of the information you will read and the commercials you will see urge everyone to be screened at 50 years of age.

But younger folks can also get colon cancer. 

For African Americans screening is recommended at age 45 - perhaps, even a few years earlier if you have a history of colon cancer in your family.

About 13,000 young men and women will be diagnosed with colon cancer this year. That represents almost 10% of all new cases in the United States alone. So talk with your doctor about when it’s your turn to get screened.

Why is Screening so Important?

The good news is that colon cancer is one of the easiest cancers to prevent and treat if caught early. So don’t procrastinate. It’s your life we’re talking about.

Screening tests help your doctor find polyps or cancer before you have symptoms. Finding and removing polyps may prevent colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer is more likely to be effective when the disease is found early. Anyone over 50 or at higher-than-average risk of colorectal cancer should talk with their doctor about whether to have screening tests before age 50, what tests to have, the benefits and risk of each test, and how to schedule an appointment for the screening.

Screening Tests

• Fecal occult blood test (FOBT)
• Sigmoidoscopy
• Colonoscopy
• Double-contrast barium enema
• Digital rectal exam
• Virtual colonoscopy (This screening is under study.)

Here are a few questions that the National Cancer Institute recommends asking your doctor:

• Which tests do you recommend for me? Why?
• How much do the tests cost?
• Will my health insurance plan pay for screening tests?
• Are the tests painful?
• How soon after the tests will I learn the results.

What if You Don't Have Insurance?

Don't be shy about about asking difficult questions like whether or not your insurance will cover the procedure. If you don't have your own health insurance, you may want to start at the local health department in the city or county where you live to see if they provide the tests you need
For More Information:

National Cancer Institute and  
Susan Cohan Colon Cancer Foundation

Could You or a Loved One have Risk Factors for Colorectal Cancer?

The National Cancer Institute estimates that 143,000 people will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer (cancer of the colon and rectum) in 2013. Dont' be one of the statistics. Find out if you or a loved one may be at risk.

It’s hard to know why one person gets the disease while another doesn’t.  But research studies have identified the following risk factors that may increase the chance of developing colon cancer:

Risk Factors:

•  Age over 50: More than 90 percent of people with this disease are diagnosed after age 50. But young people can and do get colorectal cancer too.
•  Colorectal polyps: Polyps are growths on the inner wall of the colon or rectum. The good news is that finding and removing polyps may reduce your risk of colorectal cancer.
•  Family history of colorectal cancer: Close relatives of a person with a history of colorectal cancer may be at higher risk of developing this disease.
•  Genetic alterations: Changes in certain genes increase the risk of colorectal cancer. Genetic testing can check for specific genetic changes.
•  Personal history of cancer: If you or a loved one has already had colorectal cancer, they could develop it a second time. Women with a history of cancer of the ovary, uterus, or breast are at somewhat higher risk of developing colorectal cancer.
•  Ulcerative colitis or Crohn disease: People who have had a condition like Crohn’s disease for many years is at increased risk of developing colorectal cancer.
•  Diet: Studies suggest that diets high in fat (especially animal fat) and low in calcium, folate, and fiber may increase the risk of colorectal cancer.
•  Cigarette smoking: Cigarette smoking may increase the risk of developing polyps and colorectal cancer.

The Good News

We now have better weapons for fighting the disease: more options for diagnosis and treatment, improved therapies and new technologies for early detection. We also now know that people can take steps to protect themselves against cancer. You may be able to lower your overall cancer risk by being active and eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables.

If you think you or a loved one may be at risk, check with your doctor about getting screened as soon as possible.

Sources
National Cancer Institute [Risk Factors]
Susan Cohan Colon Cancer Foundation [Prevention]

Medical Disclaimer
The information presented on the Susan Cohan Colon Cancer web site is solely intended to provide you with information that will help educate you on the importance of diet, exercise and regular cancer screening in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Adopting these habits is an individual choice and one that should only be made after consultation with your health care professional. No information provided on this Web site is intended to replace or in any way modify the advice of your health care professional.

Can Excess Weight Increase Your Risk of Colon Cancer?



Posted by Barbara Armstrong Green

I don’t know about you, but the more I read about the benefits of losing those pounds, the more I am amazed by the damage love handles can do to your life and mine.

I’ve just finished reading an eye-opening article by healthy lifestyle guru, Joel Fuhrman M.D., about the dangerous connection between excess weight and cancer, including colon cancer and a long list of other cancers. 

According to the American Institute for Cancer Research, excess body fat alone causes over 100,000 cancers in the United States each year.

Take colon cancer, for example. It’s estimated that obesity is responsible for about 35 percent of colon cancer cases. But we can reverse that statistic if we get moving, lose those love handles, and eat lots of   health promoting fruits and vegetables.

And don't forget to get a colon cancer screening. It could save your life.

Learn More>  Colon Cancer and Obesity



Can You Recognize Possible Colon Cancer Symptoms?

Posted by Barbara Armstrong Green

March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month.

Last year alone, more than 50,000 people died of colon cancer – enough to fill an entire stadium. Colorectal cancer (which can start in either the colon or rectum) is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths of men and women. Yet, if caught early, it is one of the most curable cancers.

My vibrant sister had no idea that something deadly was brewing in her colon when she was 55. She thought she was having lower back pain and was planning to visit a doctor. Before she had a chance to keep that appointment, she found herself in terrible pain and after emergency surgery, was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer. She died four years later at the age of 59.

If I only knew then what I know now, my sister might still be alive.

Recognize Possible Symptoms:
•  Having diarrhea or constipation or other bowel changes
•  Feeling that your bowel does not empty completely
•  Finding blood (either bright red or very dark) in your stool
•  Finding your stools are narrower than usual
•  Frequently having gas pains or cramps, or feeling full or bloated
•  Losing weight with no known reason
•  Feeling very tired all the time
•  Having nausea or vomiting

Here's the tricky part: Just because you have one or more of these symptoms doesn't necessarily mean that you have cancer.  Other health problems can cause the same symptoms. But that's no reason to ignore the symptoms. Usually, early cancer does not cause pain. It is important not to wait to feel pain before seeing a doctor. Anyone with any of these symptoms should see a doctor to be diagnosed and treated as early as possible. 

Get Screened. It could save your life or someone you love!
 
Sources:
Susan Cohan Colon Cancer Foundation [Prevention]
National Cancer Institute [Symptoms]

Medical Disclaimer
The information presented on the Susan Cohan Colon Cancer web site is solely intended to provide you with information that will help educate you on the importance of diet, exercise and regular cancer screening in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Adopting these habits is an individual choice and one that should only be made after consultation with your health care professional. No information provided on this Web site is intended to replace or in any way modify the advice of your health care professional.

Mark Your Calendar for Memories Gala 2013



Save April 26, 2013 to join us at our 5th Annual Memories Gala at Valley Mansion, 524 Cranbrook Ave. Cockeysville, MD 21031 

The folks at Susie's Cause are so excited to have as our special guest this year Dr. Joel Fuhrman, a board-certified family physician, NY Times best-selling author and nutritional researcher who specializes in preventing and reversing disease through nutritional and other natural methods. We are honored that Dr. Fuhrman will join us so we can thank him for his contributions to cancer prevention over the years.
 
This year's Gala will have dinner, dancing, and a short presentation from Dr. Fuhrman. Of course the Gala will feature plenty of healthy and delicious gourmet Maryland specialties, deluxe open bar and live music featuring Hero, a high energy Baltimore & DC dance band.

Last year's silent auction featured some fabulous items and this year will feature much more to attract your bidding interest!

You may be interested in the following books by Dr. Fuhrman.
These books have much to teach us about how eating healthy foods can reverse disease and help protect us from cancer and other diseases:

·Super Immunity: The Essential Nutrition Guide for Boosting Your Body’s Defenses to Live Longer, Stronger, and Disease Free

· Eat to Live: The Amazing Nutrient-Rich Program for Fast and Sustained Weight Loss

· The End of Diabetes
 

Let’s Celebrate!
We have worked so hard to share knowledge and spread awareness about colon cancer and once a year, during Susie’s Cause Colon Cancer Screening Month, we like to kick up our heels and celebrate with all the wonderful people who join us.

The gala gives people the opportunity to connect with others while enjoying a lively evening and awesome music and dancing. Over the past eight years, the Foundation has grown to become the National Voice for the prevention of colon cancer.

For ticket information, please contact Foundation Director and Event Coordinator Kim Cohan at 410.244.1778 or email kim@coloncancerfoundation.org


If you are unable to attend, please consider making a donation to Susie's Cause. DONATE

How Will You Say "I Love You" this Valentine's Day?

 It’s Valentine’s Day!  How are you planning to show your loved ones how much you care?

Have you considered:

   •flowers?
   •candy?
   •cards?
   •dinner?

What about giving them the gift of peace of mind this year by scheduling your colon cancer screening? It might not be as much  fun as a romantic evening out.  But it might  just save your life.  And what a gift that would be!

Break the silence about colon cancer, learn more about screening.    

Did You Know?

Last year alone, over 50,000 people died of colon cancer. It is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths of men and women. This is due in part to the lack of comfort about discussion of the disease and proper screening efforts. The encouraging truth is that this disease is over 90% curable when detected and treated early.

www.coloncancerfoundation.org/donate

FDA Approves New Use of Avastin for Some Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Patients

If you or a loved one is battling colon cancer, you may be interested in reading about a new option for some Avastin therapy users.

On January 23, 2013, The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Avastin, (Genentech U.S., Inc.) for use in combination with fluoropyrimidine-irinotecan or fluoropyrimidine-oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy for people with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) whose disease has progressed.

“The majority of people diagnosed with mCRC receive Avastin plus chemotherapy as their initial treatment,” said Hal Barron, M.D., chief medical officer and head of Global Product Development. “These people now have the option to continue with Avastin plus a new chemotherapy after their cancer worsens, which may help them live longer than changing to the new chemotherapy alone,” he added.

The FDA approval is based on positive results from the Phase III ML18147 study, which was presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology annual meeting and showed that people who continued to receive an Avastin-based regimen after their cancer worsened lived longer than people who switched to chemotherapy alone. Median overall survival was 11.2 months compared to 9.8 months.

Screening Saves Lives

Think about it. One out of 20 U.S. citizens will experience colon cancer in their lifetime. Last year alone, over 50,000 people died of colon cancer. How can that be when this disease is over 90% curable when detected and treated early? Still, colon cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths of men and women. People are dying because they are not finding the cancer soon enough. This is due, in part, to the lack awareness about screening and the difficulty that some find in discussing the disease and reporting symptoms. But what can you do? You can help Susie's Cause in their effort to increase awareness, not only about colon cancer, but also about how screening works and how it can save lives.
 
Looking for Information on Treatment Options?

Check our treatment page for a breakdown of information on several colon cancer treatment types.
[Treatment Types]  

Sources:

http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/InformationOnDrugs/ApprovedDrugs/ucm336763.htm  [FDA]

 http://www.gene.com/media/press-releases/14307/2013-01-23/fda-approves-new-use-of-avastin-plus-che/Genentech   [Genentech: A Member of the Roche Group]

Medical Disclaimer:

The information presented on the Susan Cohan Colon Cancer web site is solely intended to provide you with information that will help educate you on the importance of diet, exercise and regular cancer screening in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Adopting these habits is an individual choice and one that should only be made after consultation with your health care professional. No information provided on this Web site or otherwise is intended to replace or in any way modify the advice of your health care professional.

An Important Message from Our Founder

Please take a few minutes to read the following letter from David Rodman Cohan, Foundation President. We hope you will be inspired by how a young woman named Heather was able to save her own life after hearing about Susie’s Cause.

Dear Friend,

My gratitude to all those who make Susie’s Cause possible grows and grows with each New Year. Thank you for being a friend to Susie’s Cause and for helping us remove the silence surrounding colon cancer. Thank you for spreading awareness about life-saving screening and prevention. Together we are making Susan’s hopes and dreams for this foundation a reality.

As you may know, my beloved daughter Susan was diagnosed with colon cancer the year she turned 40 and died two years later after a heroic battle. The Foundation was created and named in honor of Susan’s faith, her courage, and her adamant desire to prevent unnecessary deaths and suffering from colon cancer.

Recently, a young woman named Heather contacted me to explain how hearing about Susie’s Cause helped save her life.  At age 39, she experienced her first symptoms of colon cancer and as most of us would do, she self-diagnosed through the internet where she first read Susan’s Story.  She dismissed the possibility that colon cancer could be her ailment, but the life similarities between her and Susan stuck in her head; both around the same age, Heather was also the mother of two young children, she was from Florida, but now living in Maryland. Although she dismissed the symptoms and moved on, Susan’s life story continued to remain in her head.  A few months later, the symptoms resurfaced and she discussed it with her Internist who also dismissed her symptoms.

However, on her 40th birthday, (same age as Susan was diagnosed), the symptoms returned and she decided to see a GI doctor. He suggested a colonoscopy, just to be sure, which led to the diagnosis of stage 2A colon cancer.  Today, she remains cancer free. 

Heather and daughters

In her letter, Heather said: “I wanted to share this with you, as you may not realize the ways in which your foundation is able to reach people and help save lives. Thank you, for continuing her cause and helping to prevent others from suffering.”

Thankfully, Heather is one of many that Susie’s Cause was able to reach.  The events and awareness programs that you support are bringing our goal of eradicating colon cancer as a life threatening illness that much closer.

Because of Susan’s enduring wish to help others, The Susan Cohan Colon Cancer Foundation exists today but it is only because of help from people like you that the Foundation is becoming the international leader in colon cancer prevention, support and treatment that she dreamed it would be.

Those facing colon cancer, their families and friends, and anyone searching for ways to more successfully treat this dreadful disease find networks of possibilities in our organization. Together our efforts to educate and support people of all ages will prevent unnecessary suffering and deaths from colon cancer.

What can I do to help Susie’s Cause reach more people in 2013?

Since its founding in 2004, Susie’s Cause has spread awareness about life-saving colon cancer screening and prevention. We want to share with you some of the great ways our supporters around the country gave their time, money, and creativity to support Susie’s Cause in 2012. It’s inspiring to see all the creative ideas people had to get out the word about how screenings and healthy lifestyle can prevent colon cancer.

Some of the events and activities that our supporters did in 2012 included:
Hosting Dinners and Galas, Ice Skating, Swim-a-thons, Volunteering, Sharing their Stories, Cooking Chili, Contributing Articles, Running and Walking in Races, Growing Mustaches and Beards, Lifting Weights, and Paddling Canoes.

Each of these events brought new friends to the cause and raised awareness about screening and prevention. Every time we can speak out about colon cancer prevention is a chance for someone like Heather to hear us and get diagnosed early, in time to save her life.

Were any of these ideas yours? Do you have other ideas for events? Share them with us on our blog and Facebook. You can read more about past and upcoming events on our website[link]. Is there something you would like to do to support Susie’s Cause in 2013?

Grassroots events are also great ways to honor and remember family members while bringing your community together.

COMMUNITY FUNDRAISERS AND AFFILIATES

Susie’s Cause has had many inquiries from compassionate followers across the nation seeking to establish an Affiliated Division of Susie’s Cause in their area.  In response to these inquiries, Susie’s Cause is now accepting applications by individuals who would like to form an Affiliated Division.  If accepted by Susie’s Cause, the applicant would be guided and assisted by the Susie’s Cause’s team to organize an event or events in the applicants’ area such as mentioned above. When these initial events are concluded, if both Susie’s Cause and the applicant mutually desire to establish an Affiliated Division in the geographical location of the applicant, then Susie’s Cause will officially designate the selected applicant as the Volunteer Executive Director in his or her geographical area.

For more information on how to plan a successful event or become a Susie’s Cause Affiliate please contact Foundation Director and Event Coordinator Kim Cohan at kim@coloncancerfoundation.org or call (410) 244-1778

Want to act now to help? Donations of all sizes help Susie's Cause grow their healthy lifestyle, awareness, and prevention programs and are welcome at any time so donate today [Donate today]

Visit our website for more ways to get involved today [Get Involved!]

Happy New Year,
David Rodman Cohan
Foundation President (Volunteer)
Susan Cohan Colon Cancer Foundation, Inc.

201 North Charles Street
Suite 2404
Baltimore, Maryland 21201

website

How Can Cruciferous Vegetables Help You?

Posted by Barbara Armstrong Green

Could the mythical fountain of youth, that famed explorer Juan Ponce de Leon searched for more than 500 years ago, be as close as the produce section of your local grocery store or farmers’ market?

There is a growing body of evidence that eating a lot of plant food may protect you from getting cancer, according to nutritional expert and best-selling author, Dr. Joel Fuhrman. He points out that some vegetable families offer more cancer protection than others.

Meet the Cruciferous Family

If you are not familiar with the cruciferous family of vegetables, you should be because this is one of those powerful vegetable families that Dr. Fuhrman refers to as “full of super foods with powerful anti-cancer effects”.  They include arugula, bok choy, broccoli, cabbage, kale, and radish, to name a few.

What Do Observational Studies Say?

• Eating a lot of cruciferous vegetables could reduce the risk of colorectal cancers by 18%.
• One serving per day of these vegetables reduced the risk of breast cancer by more than 50%.

Read more>



Can Aspirin Protect Us from Colon Cancer?



Posted by Barbara Armstrong Green

Aspirin – that tiny pill with a growing list of reasons to take one – has the cancer research community wondering if it’s time to recommend widespread use of aspirin to prevent colon cancer. A number of studies suggest that aspirin may prevent and possibly reduce the risk of dying from some cancers including colon cancer.

At the 2012 European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Congress in Vienna, members debated whether the evidence is strong enough to outweigh the risks of prescribing aspirin to millions of healthy people.

There is a growing body of evidence suggesting that taking aspirin (NSAID) may reduce an individual’s chances of developing colorectal cancer and perhaps other malignancies. A recent meta-analysis that focused on the effect of aspirin use on colorectal cancer showed large and statistically significant reductions in both incidence and death from the disease. The finding, the study team pointed out, is consistent with results from numerous studies that have shown that regular (NSAID) use reduces or prevents precancerous growths in the colon from increasing.

Pros and Cons

Dr. Peter Rothwell of the University of Oxford argued that the mounting evidence of aspirin’s strong anticancer effect is hard to ignore. He suggested that “at a minimum, in combination with the appropriate screening, the data indicate that aspirin would be highly effective in preventing colon cancer.”

However, other medical experts argue that it is premature to recommend that people start taking aspirin specifically to prevent cancer. Even low-dose aspirin may trigger gastrointestinal bleeding. Dr. John Baron of the University of North Carolina said he is not ready to endorse aspirin's widespread use for cancer prevention. "We need to consider all of the benefits and harms that can accrue from aspirin use," said Dr. Baron.

A recent edition of the NCI Cancer Bulletin, reported that the strongest data for supporting the use of aspirin (NSAID) to reduce cancer is in colorectal cancer. But unanswered questions remain, such as dosage, how long to take aspirin for the optimum effect, and when to start taking it.

So stay tuned. And, as always, check with your medical team before making any changes to your medications.

Medical Disclaimer

The information presented on the Susan Cohan Colon Cancer web site is solely intended to provide you with information that will help educate you on the importance of diet, exercise and regular cancer screening in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Adopting these habits is an individual choice and one that should only be made after consultation with your health care professional. No information provided on this Web site or otherwise is intended to replace or in any way modify the advice of your health care professional.

Source: National Cancer Institute



Another Important Reason to Get Moving in 2013

 

Posted by Barbara Armstrong Green

The holidays might seem like a dream to you now, but for those of us who overindulged on those delicious cookies, it may feel more like a nightmare as we take that first dreaded step onto the bathroom scale.

I don't know about the rest of you, but it sure feels good to get back into my exercise routine. As the mother of three athletic sons, my husband and I spent most of our weekends watching our kids play everything from baseball to wrestling. It wasn't until our youngest son graduated from college and emptied our nest that I got serious about getting back into shape.


What's the Big Deal about Exercise?

My initial goal was to drop a few jean sizes. But the more I read about the dangers of obesity, the more I realize that exercise is an important key to health and longevity. And I plan to be around – and in good health – for a long time.

In his book, Super Immunity, Joel Fuhrman, M.D., has this to say about the importance of exercise: “Exercise not only helps your immune system fight off simple bacterial and viral infections; it also decreases your chances of developing heart disease, osteoporosis, and cancer. The key to the longevity-promoting effects of exercise is maintaining a high degree of exercise tolerance and fitness.”

Try to break a sweat. Dr. Fuhrman reported that middle-aged men followed for 26 years by researchers found that those who exercised vigorously lived the longest. According to Dr. Fuhrman, “It truly is survival of the fittest!” In other words, “It is not sufficient just to take walks. Adding on more exerting exercise, where the heart rate is elevated, and sustaining that elevation for at least five minutes has additional benefits.” To elevate your heart-rate jog or jump in place and exercise at least three times a week. You don't need to do extreme events such as marathons, which may put too much stress on the body.

Colorectal Cancer and the Benefits of Exercise

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, colorectal cancer is the second most common cancer affecting both men and in women and the second cause of cancer death in men and in women in the United States. The National Institutes of Health estimates that 143,460 Americans will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer, and 51,690 will die from the disease in 2012.

Colorectal cancer has been one of the most extensively studied cancers in relation to physical activity, with more than 50 studies examining this association. According to the National Cancer Institute (NIH), “Many studies in the United States and around the world consistently found that adults who increase their physical activity, either in intensity, duration or frequency, can reduce their risk of developing colon cancer by 30 to 40 percent relative to those who are sedentary regardless of body mass index (BMI), with the greatest risk reduction seen among those who are most active.

”The magnitude of the protective effect appears greatest with high-intensity activity, although the optimal levels and duration of exercise are still difficult to determine due to differences between studies. NIH estimates that 30 to 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per day is needed to protect against colon cancer.

I enjoy taking Pilates and Yoga classes at our local gym and walk with friends on the weekend. Working out on a regular basis has been one of the highlights of my year. I took it slow at first and didn’t know if I would be able to keep up. But I soon realized that everyone else was in the same boat. And just showing up is half the battle. Little by little, I got stronger and increased by stamina. I love the camaraderie and feel healthier and more energized than ever. I don’t know why it took me so long to get started. But I don’t intend to quit any time soon.

Your Turn: Share some of the ways you plan to get in better shape in 2013 and beyond.

Sources: National Cancer Institute and Super Immunity: The Essential Nutrition Guide for Boosting Your Body’s Defenses to Live Longer, Stronger, and Disease, Author: Joel Fuhrman, M.D.

 Comment below.



A dance aerobic session at our recent health fair

Young people join in the fun at our health fair



Eighth Annual 5K Run and Family Walk

Eighth Annual 5K Run and Family Walk



Eighth Annual 5K Run and Family Walk





Medical Disclaimer

The information presented on the Susan Cohan Colon Cancer web site is solely intended to provide you with information that will help educate you on the importance of diet, exercise and regular cancer screening in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Adopting these habits is an individual choice and one that should only be made after consultation with your health care professional. No information provided on this Web site or otherwise offered is intended to replace or in any way modify the advice of your health care professional.