Women who are obese have nearly double the risk of developing colorectal cancer at a young age than women with a normal body mass index, a recent study by investigators at Dana-Farber and other institutions has found. The study, prompted by concerns over recent increases in colorectal cancer rates in people under 50, is the … Continued
Medically reviewed by Jeffrey A. Meyerhardt, MD, MPH Colon cancer is the fourth most common cancer diagnosed in men and women in the United States. Colon and rectal cancers are often collectively referred to as colorectal cancer. Most colorectal cancers start as a growth on the inner lining of the colon or rectum. These growths … Continued
A diet high in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, along with exercise and maintaining a healthy body weight can improve the five-year survival rate for patients with stage III colorectal cancer, according to a new report from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute researchers.
Genetic testing provided a father and son with a proper diagnosis for their rare colon condition.
Research shows that consuming nuts reduces the risk of colon cancer recurrence and death, but scientists are still examining why.
Common infections, such as those that cause the common cold, do not cause cancer or make cancer more likely to occur. However, infections with specific types of viruses, bacteria, or parasites can increase an individual’s risk for certain kinds of cancer.
Gut microbes perform a variety of functions that are essential to health — and the relationship between gut microbes and cancer is just beginning to be explored scientifically.
There are a number of steps people can take to reduce their risk of colon cancer, including screening and adjustments in diet and lifestyle.
Colon polyps form on the lining of the colon or the rectum. A history of polyps is one of the main risk factors for colorectal cancer, a common but preventable disease.
Medically reviewed by Kimmie Ng, MD, MPH Nausea and cancer are often related in that nausea can be a side effect of treatment, but can nausea be a symptom of cancer itself? If there is a tumor that lives in the colon, esophagus, stomach, or somewhere else in the bowel, it can cause a bowel … Continued
In 1947, when Dana-Farber Cancer Institute founder Sidney Farber, MD, set out to find a drug treatment for childhood leukemia, cancer treatment took two forms – surgery to cut out cancerous masses, and radiation therapy to burn them out. Cancers that couldn’t be removed or irradiated – either because of their position in the body, because … Continued
Medically reviewed by Kimmie Ng, MD, MPH Vitamin D may prevent or slow some types of cancer, according to some intriguing studies. However, the evidence is not yet definitive, and no recommendations currently exist on taking extra vitamin D to prevent cancer. Vitamin D is a nutrient that helps the body use calcium and phosphorus … Continued
Treatment for colorectal cancer, the third most common cancer diagnosed in the United States, usually involves surgery to remove tumors, which sometimes leads to complications and long recovery times. One recent innovation in surgical treatment focuses on improving results by enhancing the care patients get before, during, and after their operation. Called “enhanced recovery after … Continued
Cancers of the colon and rectum haven’t yet been as effectively treated with immunotherapy as have melanoma and lung cancer, but researchers are increasingly identifying patients who do appear to benefit from the immunity-boosting drugs – and devising strategies they hope will expand the reach of immunotherapy in colorectal cancers. Read More: Can Coffee Affect … Continued
A new online assessment tool developed at Dana-Farber can help rapidly identify people who should undergo genetic testing for Lynch syndrome, an inherited disorder that greatly increases the lifetime risk of colorectal, endometrial, ovarian, stomach, and other cancers. An estimated 1 in 279 individuals – nearly a million people in the United States – carry … Continued
Jeff Sirlin seemed to experience every side effect imaginable when he was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2010. The active 37-year-old dad and business owner was fatigued, losing weight and strength, and dealing with the psychological effects of his disease. But he didn’t wait long to take action. “I’m the type of person who needs … Continued
Colorectal cancer forms in the tissues of the colon, which is part of the large intestine. Colon cancer incidence in the United States is declining rapidly overall, but is increasing among young adults, according to a new study from the American Cancer Society. Here are five things to know about colon cancer — from risk factors for … Continued
Christina Crespi experienced extreme fatigue, weakness, and bowel changes for two years before doctors determined the cause of her symptoms: colon cancer. At 27, after many doctors’ visits, she was diagnosed with stage II colon cancer. She found the diagnosis “mind-blowing.” For Kara Stoughton, it was constipation that brought her to the doctor. She was … Continued
As with many cancers, screening is a crucial step in preventing colorectal cancer. In fact, colorectal cancer is one of the most treatable forms of cancer if it is found early. “There are many different ways we can prevent colorectal cancer, ranging from medical tests to dietary and lifestyle behaviors, to taking certain medications,” says … Continued
Christine Jaworek-Lopes was moved when she believed her 9-year-old son, Zachary, was writing a school paper about her experiences as a stage IV colon cancer patient at Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women’s Cancer Center (DF/BWCC). Upon learning what he was really up to, she was stunned. Unbeknownst to his parents, the third-grader spent a month organizing a … Continued
