Eggs? No Thank You!

What did you have for breakfast today?  Eggs?  You aren't the only one.  On average, over 76.5 billion eggs are consumed by Americans each year!

But, according to research, this might be increasing our risk of cancer and other chronic diseases!

We know that eggs have gotten a bad rap for having high cholesterol, which could ultimately lead to heart disease.  But, now researchers are finding eggs could also dramatically increase your risk for cancers, especially prostate and colon cancers.

Eggs contain cholesterol and choline, both of which have been linked to increased cancer tumor development and other chronic diseases.  Those with diabetes, heart disease, and cancer - or those with risk factors - should avoid or limit egg consumption.  However, check with your doctor or healthcare provider prior to making any significant changes to your diet.

For more information, please check out Dr. Furman's article on our website about eggs and the research that has been done.

To find out more about colon cancer prevention, visit our prevention page.


Disclaimer: The information presented on the Susan Cohan Colon Cancer web site and blog 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 by Susan Cohan Colon Cancer Foundation is intended to replace or in any way modify the advice of your health care professional.

Are Clinical Trials Right For Me?

After being diagnosed with colon cancer, or any type of cancer, you might be wondering if a clinical trial is right for you.  But, exactly what are clinical trials?  Who pays for them? Are they safe? What questions should you ask your doctor?


What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that involves people as test subjects.  It is the last step in a long process of testing that began, sometimes years ago, in a lab setting.  In fact, most of the treatments available today are the results of a clinical trial.  There are several types of clinical trials.  These can be testing ways to treat cancer, diagnose cancer, prevent cancer, manage symptoms of cancer, or even manage side effects from cancer treatment.

Clinical trials are just one option to consider after a cancer diagnosis.  Clinical trials are available for all types and stages of cancer.  Clinical trials are critical in developing new techniques to prevent, detect and treat cancer.  Researchers and doctors can determine if new treatments are safe and effective and if they work better than what is available currently.  Taking part in a clinical trial helps improve cancer care and increases the knowledge that might one day be used for a cure.

A clinical trial usually has a doctor in charge of the study.  This individual is called the principal investigator.  They prepare a plan, or protocol, for the trial.  The plan explains what is being done during the trial and includes information such as:

• Reason for trial
• Eligibility requirements, or who can join the trial
• How many people are needed
• Drugs that will be given, how, the dose, and how often
• Medical tests that will be done and how often
• Types of information that will be collected about the participants

Some clinical trials do not involve anything more than your information, and possible samples, being sent to the testing facility.  

Who pays for clinical trials?

There are two types of costs related to clinical trials - patient care costs and research costs.  Patient care costs are related to treating the cancer and include doctor visits, hospital stays, lab tests, and other diagnostic tests.  These are usually covered by your health insurance.  However, check with your health insurance provider about coverage.

The second type of costs, research costs, are related to taking part in the clinical trial.  These are not covered by health insurance, but are normally covered by the trial's sponsor.  (Check the information in the protocol for specifics.)  These types of costs can include study drugs, lab tests specific for the research, and additional diagnostic testing associated with the trial.

Also, you might have additional doctor visits because of the clinical trial, this could also affect other expenses, such as transportation, gas, and/or child care.

Are clinical trials safe?

There are federal laws in place to ensure the safety and ethics of clinical trials.  There are several safeguards that are followed, including informed consent, review and approval of the clinical trial protocol, and ongoing monitoring of the trial by several organizations.


What types of trials are available?

• Phase 1 - a new drug or treatment is given to a small group of individuals to evaluate its safety, safe dosage, and possible side effects
• Phase 2 - drug or treatment is given to a larger group of individuals to tests its effectiveness and to evaluate its safety more
• Phase 3 - drug or treatment is given to large groups of people to confirm its effectiveness, monitor side effects, compare to common treatments, and collect other information to allow the drug or treatment to be used by the public safely
• Phase 4 - drug or treatment is given after the drug has been released to the public to test the results in various population demographics and to monitor for side effects from long-term use

What questions should I ask my doctor?

Deciding to participate in a clinical trial is a decision that should be made with your doctor.  If he or she suggests a trial, you should ask the following questions:

• What is the purpose of the trial?
• How long will I be involved in the trial?
• What phase of the trial is this?
• What kinds of tests and treatments are involved?
• Will I be told of the trial's results?
• Who will be in charge of my care?
• What are the possible side effects or risks of the new treatment?
• What are the benefits?
• Will I have to pay for any of the treatments or tests?
• What costs will my health insurance cover?
• How will this effect my daily life?
• Will I have to stay in the hospital during the trial?  How often and how long?
• Will I have to travel long distances?
• Will I have checkups after the trial?
• What other treatment choices are available?
• How does this new treatment compare with current treatments?
• What will happen to my cancer without treatment?

Deciding to participate in a clinical trial for cancer is a personal decision and should be discussed with your doctor before making a decision.  

Please see our Clinical Trials page for more information, as well as an in-depth list of questions to ask your doctor before making a decision.

Disclaimer: The information presented on the Susan Cohan Colon Cancer web site and blog 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 by Susan Cohan Colon Cancer Foundation is intended to replace or in any way modify the advice of your health care professional.

Buyer Beware - Cancer Treatment Fraud

While investigating cancer treatments, you might come across claims by a person or company that say they can cure or treat cancer.  Currently, the FDA has 187 fake cancer "cures" listed on their website - and that is only the ones they have identified.

While, complimentary and alternative medicine might be an option for your situation, you should discuss any treatment options with your doctor.

Buyer Beware
The most important thing to find out when investigating a new treatment is if the product is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).  Treatments that have been approved by the FDA have gone through testing and are considered to be safe and effective.

The FDA and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) offer these tips to identify fraudulent products:

• Claims that the product cures any type of cancer
• Personal testimonies from patients
• Money back guarantees
• Advertisement is filled with jargon in an attempt to "impress" you
• Ad states that it is a "natural" remedy
• Supplies are limited

The FDA and FTC also warn to watch out for phrases like:

• Scientific breakthrough
• Miracle cure
• Secret ingredient(s)
• Ancient remedy

Any treatments should be discussed with your doctor.  Not only can these products be harmful to your health, they can also react dangerously with your current treatments.  

For more information about cancer treatment fraud, please visit www.cancer.net.  Check out the FDA's list of fake cancer cures.  And, for information about prevention, screening, and treatment visit the Susan Cohan Colon Cancer Foundation website.

Disclaimer: The information presented on the Susan Cohan Colon Cancer web site and blog 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 by the Susan Cohan Colon Cancer Foundation is intended to replace or in any way modify the advice of your health care professional.

Reference: http://www.cancer.net/blog/2014-04/dont-be-fooled-how-protect-yourself-cancer-treatment-fraud?et_cid=33572510&et_rid=463565407&linkid=Learn+some+red+flags

March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month

Happy Colon Cancer Awareness Month!

Colon cancer is the most preventable and treatable cancer, if detected early.  Have you made your appointment to talk to your physician about your risk factors?

How can you reduce your risk of colon cancer?

1. Get screened regularly.  Talk to your health care provider today to discuss your risk factors, such as health conditions, family history, or other factors.
2. See a doctor if you have any symptoms.  Check out our symptoms page here.
3. Maintain a healthy diet that is low in fat and high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
4. Be active.  Regular exercise, of at least 30 minutes on 4-5 days a week, can reduce your risk of colon cancer.
5. Don't smoke or stop smoking.
6. Drink alcohol in moderation.

Want to know more about colon cancer prevention?  Check out our website!  And, make sure you subscribe to our newsletter to keep current with the latest news!  

What's Going On?

We have a lot of fun things going on over on the website!  Our new mascot, SOAR, is available for purchase.  He is a super-cute and cuddly white tiger that is available for purchase in our online shop. All proceeds go to the Colon Cancer Foundation programs for screening awareness and colon cancer research.  Plus, shipping is free!

On March 15, 2014 from 12:30 to 4:40 P.M., the Susie's Cause Colon Cancer Health Festival, in conjunction with Bon Secours Baltimore Health System, will be going on at the Mondawmin Mall!  There will be literature, educational lectures, mock colonoscopy demonstrations, free colonoscopies for qualified individuals (at local hospitals), discussions, music and giveaways!  Come out and join us!

March 29th brings the Blue Ribbon Run in Wilmington, NC.  We are excited to be affiliated with the Blue Ribbon Run this year and to help raise colon cancer awareness and the need for screening.   Check out the Blue Ribbon Run website for more information!  We hope to see you there!

Disclaimer: The information presented on the Susan Cohan Kasdas Colon Cancer web site and blog 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 by CRPF is intended to replace or in any way modify the advice of your health care professional.

At-Home Testing for Colon Cancer

Researchers have just released a report in the February 4th issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine Journal, that an at-home stool test has been shown to identify most colon cancers.  According to reports, an at-home stool test checks for hidden blood in stool, which can be a precursor to colon cancer.

Researchers studied 19 previous studies and discovered the fecal immunochemical test (FIT) is able to detect 79% of colon cancer tumors.  It is also effective at ruling out colon cancers, without more invasive testing.

Doctors researched medical studies from 1996 to 2013 to study the effectiveness of FIT.  A total of 19 studies were examined, and each study included between 100 and 28,000 people with no colon cancer symptoms.  According to their findings, among people who did not have colon cancer, 94% tested negative.

This is great news for colon cancer testing.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 132,000 people were diagnosed with colon cancer in 2010.  About 52,000 people died from colon cancer in the same year.  Colon cancer is considered the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States.

Doctors recommend individuals, with average risk factors, begin colon cancer screening at age 50.  Several options are available, including a yearly FIT stool test in conjunction with your annual physical.  If results are positive, a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy is scheduled.  During the colonoscopy, if anything is found amiss, it can be dealt with immediately.

However, speak with your doctor about your personal risk factors and which test is your best choice.  Remember, you CAN get a second opinion if your doctor disregards your concerns.  You have the right to demand proper care.  Your life could depend on it.

Why don't you pick up the phone and schedule a physical right now?

Check out our colon cancer screening page for more information about the various tests available.  For more information on what happens during a colonoscopy, check out our blog post.


Sign up for our newsletter and get our top 10 tips for colon cancer prevention!  Visit our website and subscribe now!

source: http://www.universityherald.com/articles/7271/20140203/less-invasive-stool-test-can-identify-most-colon-cancers.htm

What Happens During a Colonscopy?

The fear of the unknown is a very scary thing.  You know you should have a colonoscopy, but you just can't make yourself pick up the phone and schedule the procedure.  Why?  Fear.  The fear of the unknown.  The fear of not being sure exactly what happens during the procedure.

It is perfectly okay to be afraid of having a colonoscopy.  But, please don't let that stop you from making the appointment.  Today, we are going to share exactly what happens during a colonoscopy.  As always, if you have questions, please talk to your doctor.

What is a Colonoscopy?

A colonoscopy is a procedure that is performed by a gastroenterologist.  A long, flexible, narrow tube with a light and tiny camera on one end is used to look inside the colon and rectum.  During a colonoscopy, the doctor can identify ulcers, polyps, or irritated and swollen tissue in your intestine.

Preparing for a Colonoscopy

• Talk to your gastroenterologist about what medications - both over the counter and prescription - that you are taking prior to the procedure
• Arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure
• Follow the doctor's instructions involving the prep prior to surgery

This is probably the part that most people fear.  You hear horror stories from friends and family about the bowel cleanse.  The purpose of cleansing the bowl is to remove all (or most of) the stool from your intestines to ensure the doctor is able to see everything clearly.  Your doctor will give you specific, written instructions on how to accomplish this for your situation.  However, most colonoscopy preps can involve:

• Clear diet 1-3 days prior to procedure
• Laxatives or enemas the day prior to the procedure
• Laxatives can be in pill or powder form.  Powdered form usually requires drinking large amounts of the mixture several times a day.

What Happens During the Procedure?

Colonoscopies are usually performed at a hospital or outpatient center.  Usually, the patient is given light anesthesia and pain medication to relax.  Medical staff will be on hand to monitor your vital signs and to help make you as comfortable as possible.  An IV will be placed in your arm to administer anesthesia prior to the procedure.

The patient will lie on a table as the doctor inserts the scope into your body and slowly looks at your rectum and colon.  The scope can inflate the large intestine with air enabling the doctor to see better.  The camera projects onto a computer screen, allowing the gastroenterologist to examine the tissue closely.  When the scope reaches the small intestine, the doctor slowly removes it while examining the large intestine again.

During the colonoscopy, the doctor can remove polyps to be sent for testing.  Polyps are common and usually harmless, but most colon cancers begin as a polyp.  Removing polyps early is a way to prevent cancer.  The doctor might also perform a biopsy.  This involves taking a small piece of tissue for further examination.  You will not feel the polyp removal or biopsy.

Colonoscopies usually take 30-60 minutes.  Often, patients ask "when do we start?" when the procedure has already been completed!

What Happens After the Procedure?

• 1-2 hour stay might be required after the procedure
• Cramping or bloating may occur 1-2 hours after the test
• Anesthesia takes awhile to wear off
• Full recovery is expected by the day following the procedure
• Normal diet can be resumed the day following the procedure
• Instructions will be given prior to discharge
• A friend or family member should drive the patient home
• If polyps or a biopsy was performed, light bleeding is normal
• Some results are available immediately after the procedure
• Biopsies usually take a few days to come back with results

Your doctor will go over these items and how to take care of yourself after the procedure.  Remember to call your doctor with any questions or concerns.  Your doctor will indicate signs of complications, and tell you what to do in those situations.

Isn't a 20 minute nap worth your life?

What are you waiting for? There is nothing to fear.  Pick up the phone and make the appointment today.  It could save your life.

For more information on screening, visit our colon cancer screening page.

Source: http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/colonoscopy/

Colonoscopies and the Affordable Care Act

On March 23, 2010, President Obama signed the Affordable Care Act.  The Affordable Care Act, or ACA, implements comprehensive health insurance reform that will roll out over the next few years.

By 2014, all Americans will have access to affordable health insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace.  With these changes and improvements, you might have questions concerning coverage of colonoscopies under the ACA.

Check with your insurance provider for specific information for your health plan, but for a general overview on colonoscopies under the ACA, please visit our FAQs on Colonoscopies and the Affordable Care Act.

Also, make sure you visit the Susan Cohan Colon Cancer Foundation for more information about colon cancer prevention and diagnosis.