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Donna Feldman
Denver Health ExaminerDonna Feldman grew up in New Jersey with a nutrition-obsessed mother who put wheat
germ in everything. She rebelled, but during a college all-nighter, she picked up a copy
of a popular nutrition paperback, eventually earning a Master of Science in Nutrition at Cornell University. She now has a private practice in nutrition counseling in
Boulder County. Contact her at health.examiner@mindspring.com.
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Colon cancer FYI
Donna Feldman - Denver Health Examiner
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Cancerous growths are more common in the right (ascending) colon (MS ClipArt)
- Colon cancer is the one cancer that can actually be prevented by screening. Other cancer screenings, such as mammography, are limited to early detection. Colonoscopy can find precancerous lesions, which are then removed during the procedure.
- While the recommended age for routine screening is 50, 10-15% of the population should have screen at age 40. That group includes anyone with a 1st degree relative who had colorectal cancer.
- Men are 25% more likely to have colon cancer, and African American men have an earlier age of onset.
- Despite all the dire news, incidence has actually been declining since the 1950’s, particularly for women. Why? Some experts postulate that use of hormone replacement therapy helped prevent colon cancer more in women. Whatever the reason, this cancer is declining in the population in both genders.
- A recent Behavioral Risk Factor survey indicated that 60% of people in the target age groups are getting screened with stool testing or endoscopy.
What about prevention strategies? Dr. Ahne pointed out that research into chemoprevention got its start in Colorado. Dr. William Waddell, who was chairman of surgery at CU Med School in the 1970’s, investigated the effect of different medications on colon polyps. He found that the anti-inflammatory Sulindac was quite effective at reversing polyp growth. Other NSAIDs, like aspirin and Advil, also inhibit polyps. Some of Dr. Ahnen’s research continues the focus on Sulindac and NSAIDs for chemoprevention.
But meanwhile, the first line of defense is colonoscopy. Isn’t there something less embarrassing and unpleasant available? CT colonoscopy facts:
- You have to do the same prep, meaning various medications and drinks that clean out your digestive system.
- A tube must still be inserted into the rectum to inflate the colon with air.
- One plus: you aren’t sedated during this procedure.
- One minus: if polyps are found, you have to go through the prep all over again to have a regular colonoscopy to remove the polyps.
- CT is best for patients with a low risk of lesions.
The good news about regular colonoscopy? If no polyps are found, you don’t have to repeat the procedure for 10 years. By then, other less inconvenient methods for detection may be in use.
Investigation of effect of calcium and vitamin D supplements on colon polyps: Dr. Ahnen is conducting a study on possible benefits of calcium and vitamin D for colon health. Study candidates are men and women who have had ademonas removed in the last 6 months, and who are willing to take either a supplement or placebo for 3-5 years before the next colonoscopy. For more information, contact Dr. Ahnen at 303-399-8020 X 3127.
Topics: colon cancer , colonoscopy , Tony Snow
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