Colon Cancer Links

Colon Cancer and Chemotherapy

2008-11-30T10:43:00.000-08:00

Eloxatin is the brand name for oxaliplatin, a chemotherapy drug that kills cancer cells. It's used to treat colorectal cancer and can be administered by itself or with other chemotherapy drugs.For more detailed information about Eloxatin, please visit the Eloxatin information page.
If you'd like basic information about each type of drug used in the treatment of colon and rectal cancer, please take a look at the Colorectal Cancer Drug Index.
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Leucovorin is a vitamin complex used to treat advanced colon cancer. By itself, leucovorin isn't able to fight cancer at all. Rather, it helps patients by increasing the effectiveness of another drug, fluorouracil. Leucovorin is sold under the brand name Wellcovorin.For more detailed information about leucovorin, please visit the leucovorin information page.
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Xeloda is the brand name for capecitabine, a chemotherapy drug that decreases the size of tumors. It comes in tablet form and is used to treat breast and colorectal cancer.For more detailed information about Xeloda, please visit the Xeloda information page.
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http://coloncancer.about.com/od/chemotherapy/

Laproscopic Surgery for Colon Cancer

2008-11-26T11:35:00.000-08:00

Minimally Invasive (Laparoscopic) Surgery for Colon Cancer --> -->
Physicians at Mayo Clinic have been at the forefront of the study and use of minimally invasive (laparoscopic) surgery for colon cancer since the technique was introduced in 1991. Mayo Clinic surgeons have performed more than 1,000 minimally invasive surgeries to remove cancerous portions of the colon.
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Physicians at Mayo Clinic in Minnesota have reported extensively in the medical literature about the results of their research involving this technique. A study published in the May 14, 2004 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine reported that when performed by experienced surgeons, minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery is a safe and effective alternative to standard open surgery for most patients with cancer that is confined to the colon.
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Surgeons use a tiny camera inserted through a half-inch-long hole in the skin to see harmful growths in the colon. The images from the camera are displayed on a monitor in the operating room. Other tools, inserted through other small holes in the skin, are used to remove diseased sections of the colon and to sew together the remaining tissue.
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Sometimes the diseased sections are removed (resected) and the healthy sections reconnected outside the body (as illustrated). Sometimes only one of these steps (resection and reconnection) is done outside the body.
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Advantages of Minimally Invasive Surgery for Colon Cancer
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Smaller incisions — two inches or less, compared with several inches for traditional surgery
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Shorter hospital stay — four to five days versus five to eight days
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Less post-operative pain
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Quicker overall recovery — one month versus six to eight weeks

http://www.mayoclinic.org/colon-cancer/minimallyinvasivesurgery.html

Surgery for Colon Cancer

2008-11-26T11:32:00.000-08:00

Surgery for Colon Cancer
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The treatment that a patient and doctor choose to pursue will be based on the extent, or stage, of the cancer. For removing tumors due to colon cancer, resection surgery (sometimes called a partial or hemicolectomy) is the most common treatment.

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A resection is major surgery where the surgeon enters the abdomen through a large incision in the abdominal wall. The diseased section of the colon or rectum is removed along with lymph nodes and part of the healthy colon. Next, the two healthy ends are reattached. The surgeon's goal will be for the patient to return to the most normal bowel function possible.

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Some of the tissue removed from the lymph nodes is taken to a pathology lab and examined under a microscope. Lymph nodes conduct a fluid called "lymph" to cells in the body. Cancer cells tend to gather in the lymph nodes, so they are a good indicator for determining how far the cancer has spread. The removal of lymph nodes also reduces the risk of cancer reoccurring.

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In some cases where a significant amount of the colon or rectum is diseased, a reconnection (also called anastomosis) may not be possible. In these cases, a colostomy may be necessary.

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A colostomy is created when part of the large intestine is inserted through an opening in the abdominal wall. The part of the colon that is on the outside of the body is called a stoma (Greek for 'mouth'). The stoma is pink, like gum tissue, and does not feel pain. An external bag which is worn on the abdomen is then necessary to collect waste. The bag is emptied several times a day and changed on a regular basis.
Most colostomies are temporary and are only necessary to allow the colon to heal properly after surgery. During a second surgery the colon is reattached together and the stoma is removed. A permanent colostomy is only necessary about 15 percent of the time.

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Other treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation may be used in conjunction with surgery. After surgery regular check ups will be necessary to ensure that the cancer has not reoccurred.

http://ibdcrohns.about.com/cs/colorecalcancer/a/ccancersurg.htm

Mayo Clinic: Colon Cancer

2008-11-26T11:15:00.000-08:00

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/colon-cancer/CO99999

FAQ's: Top Colon Cancer Questions

2008-11-26T11:11:00.000-08:00

Can Inflammatory Bowel Disease Cause Colon Cancer?People who suffer from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at increased risk for colon cancer because the tissue of the colon is inflamed for a long period of time.
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Do Ethnicity, Race, and Social Status Impact Colon Cancer Risk?Some groups of people more likely to be diagnosed with colon cancer than others. The reasons are varied, but ethnicity, race, and social status all play a part.
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Does Exercise Help Prevent Colon Cancer?There's no denying that exercise is good for you. The couch potato in me would like to see a study every once in a while declaring otherwise, but that just doesn't happen. Exercise helps keep us healthy and yes, it helps prevent colon cancer.
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Do Polyps Increase Colon Cancer Risk?The short answer is yes. Your risk of developing colon cancer increases when you have polyps and even if your parent, sibling, or child has polyps.
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Does a Family History of Colon Cancer Increase My Risk?Most colon cancer occurs in people with no family history of the disease. But, colon cancer can run in the family. Whether you're at increased risk depends on which family member was diagnosed and at what age.
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Does Alcohol Increase Colon Cancer Risk?Research has indicated that alcohol increases colon cancer risk. Research has also shown that it lowers it, or that it has no effect at all. So which is right? All of it may be. The key appears to be what kind of alcohol you're drinking.
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Does Breast Cancer Increase Colon Cancer Risk?That's a good question and one the medical community is still asking itself. Some studies indicate that breast cancer increases colon cancer risk and others say it doesn't.
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Does Environment Impact Colon Cancer Risk?Research has shown that environment can play a big part in colon cancer development. Where you live, who's around you, your occupation, and even when you work may all influence your risk of developing colon cancer.
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Does Gender Influence Colon Cancer RiskYou may have heard that men are more likely to get colon cancer than women. You may have heard it the other way around, too. Both statements can be true depending on the context.
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Does Obesity Increase Colon Cancer Risk?Nobody likes to have the word obese thrown at them. I prefer overweight. But, obesity is a medical term that indicates someone exceeds their recommended weight, one step beyond simply being overweight. And the answer to the question is yes, obesity does increase colon cancer risk.
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Does Ovarian Cancer Increase Colon Cancer Risk?Whether a woman with a history of ovarian cancer is at increased risk for colon cancer depends on why she (or her family member) developed ovarian cancer in the first place.
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Does Uterine Cancer Increase Colon Cancer Risk?Women with a personal (or family) history of uterine cancer may have a greater risk of developing colon cancer. If the uterine cancer was caused by a particular genetic mutation, women are considered at high risk for colon cancer.
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How Do Genes Influence Colon Cancer Risk?For most people, the impact of genes is minimal. About 75% of colon cancer occurs in people with no (or very little) family history of the disease. However, the other 25% of cases have a genetic component.
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How Does Smoking Increase Colon Cancer Risk?Tobacco smoke transports carcinogens to the colon and tobacco use increases the size of polyps.
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What's My Risk of Developing Colon Cancer?Most people have about a six percent chance of developing colon cancer at some point in their lives. Some things, like a personal or family history of cancer, may increase your risk. Other things, like following colon cancer screening guidelines, decrease your risk.
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What Are Some Signs of Colon Cancer?When signs of colon cancer appear, it's often an indication that the disease is in later stages. If you are experiencing any of these signs of colon cancer, please seek medical care.
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What Effect Does Diabetes Have on Colon Cancer?People with diabetes have a greater chance of developing colon cancer. They also tend to have lower survival rates and higher recurrence rates.
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What Is a Risk Factor?A risk factor is something that is likely to increase the chances that a particular event will occur. Sometimes, this risk comes from something you do. Other times, there's nothing you can do about the risk. It just exists.
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What Is the Colon?The colon is about six feet long and is the part of the body's digestive system that moves waste material from the small intestine to the rectum.
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What Is the Rectum?The rectum is about eight inches long and serves, basically, as a warehouse for poop. It receives waste material from the colon and stores it until you defecate.
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Why Is Chemotherapy Given in Schedules?Chemotherapy is given in schedules to maximize the damage to cancer cells while minimizing the damage to the healthy tissues in your body

http://coloncancer.about.com/od/faqs/FAQs.htm

Soy and Colon Cancer

2008-11-26T11:07:00.000-08:00

School of Soy: Colon Cancer Prevention

It is no secret that cancer is one of the leading killers in America; in fact, next to cardiovascular disease, cancer is a dreaded second accounting for approximately twenty-three percent of all deaths in the United States. One cancer which is prominent in both men and women is cancer of the colon. Colon cancer is the third most frequent type of cancer in the United States. One interesting fact regarding colon cancer is the relationship between lifestyle and diet, both of which play a major role in the prevention of this cancer. In an article written by W.C. Willett, "Diet, Nutrition, and Avoidable Cancer," it was noted that an estimated seventy percent of all colon cancer in the United States could have been avoided by dietary changes. Currently, studies are being conducted on the relationship between soy intake and lab animals. Studies show that the intake of soy protein and different soy flours significantly reduces the chemically induced colon cancers in these animals. It is believed the cancerous tumors in the colon are reduced in growth and formation due to the phytochemical found in soy known as glucosylceramide. In fact, there are a variety of compounds found in soy foods that may reduce cancer risks. Some studies show that the isoflavones, the estrogen-like compounds, found in soy foods may hold the key. This link may prove that there is a relationship between hormone levels and colon cancer. Another such finding provides evidence that fiber in the diet may reduce a person's risk of developing colon cancer.Soy products are known for their high amounts of fiber. In fact, soybeans pack more fiber than any other legume and many other plants. Fiber keeps the digestive system working well, cleaning out and regulating the intestinal track. Studies have shown that people who eat a high fiber diet are more likely to avoid colon cancer as well as other cancers and even heart disease.Although many studies are still in the works, preliminary lab studies are positive regarding the link between colon cancer and soy intake. Currently, research is being conducted on the isoflavones found in soy as it relates to colon cancer, prostate cancer, and breast cancer, all of which are associated with hormone related conditions. But when comparing Eastern and Western eating habits, soy seems to be the link that has proven to be the diet choice for health benefits. The Journal of Nutrition and the United States Food and Drug Administration both suggest that Americans do need to eat more soy products for the long-term health benefits, as well as their non-fattening and cholesterol free soy proteins.In addition, The American Heart Association recognizes the many benefits of eating soy to maintain low cholesterol levels among men and women in the States.

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http://www.articlesbase.com/cancer-articles/school-of-soy-colon-cancer-prevention-563447.html

Folc Acid and Colon Cancer

2008-11-26T11:05:00.000-08:00

New Evidence On Folic Acid In Diet And Colon Cancer
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Foods containing high levels of folate, such an assortment of fruits and vegetables, are an important part of a healthy diet. Researchers report new details on the link between low folate intake and an increased risk for colon cancer. (Credit: USDA Agricultural Research Service)
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ScienceDaily (Sep. 5, 2008) — Researchers in the United Kingdom and Texas are reporting a new, more detailed explanation for the link between low folate intake and an increased risk for colon cancer, the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States.
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Their study reinforces the importance of folate in a healthy diet.
Susan Duthie and colleagues note that researchers have known for years that a deficiency of folate, one of the B vitamins commonly called folic acid, increases the risk of birth defects. As a result, manufacturers enrich some foods with folate.
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Scientists also have found that low folate in the diet increases the risk of developing colon cancer in adults. However, scientists lack an adequate explanation of how folate depletion affects the genes, proteins, and cells involved in cancer.
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In this new research, scientists grew human colon cells in folate-depleted and folate-enriched tissue culture. They found that folate depletion caused increased DNA damage and a cascade of other biological changes linked to an increased cancer risk.
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http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/561538

Diet and Colon Cancer

2008-11-26T11:02:00.000-08:00

Diet Appears to Influence Colon Cancer Outcomes
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August 17, 2007 — A provocative study suggests what many have suspected — an unhealthy diet affects colon cancer outcomes. Reporting in the August 15, 2007, issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, researchers show that patients with the highest intake of a Western-pattern diet, characterized by high intakes of red meat, sugar desserts, high fat, and refined grains, have a 3-fold increase in cancer recurrences and mortality.
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"Colon cancer patients often ask their oncologists, 'What should I be eating?' And this is the first study to begin to answer that question," lead author Jeffrey A. Meyerhardt, MD, MPH, from the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, Massachusetts, told Medscape. "The challenge will be what best to advise patients," he noted.
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In contrast to the link between an unhealthy diet and colon cancer outcomes, the researchers did not observe an association between prudent eating and survival outcomes after curative resection of stage III colon cancer.
"What we found was an avoidance of a certain dietary pattern, rather than a recommendation to increase certain foods," Dr. Meyerhardt said. "However, this is still important to be able to advise avoiding certain foods that may worsen outcome. I think clinicians will likely need to work with their nutritionists to help patients."
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May Affect Recurrence and Survival
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Previous research has shown that diet and other lifestyle factors have a significant influence on the risk of developing colon cancer, the researchers explain. However, the influence of diet and other lifestyle factors on the outcome of patients with established colon cancer is largely unknown. And few studies have assessed the influence of diet on colon cancer recurrence and survival.
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To study this question, Dr. Meyerhardt and his team conducted a prospective observational study of 1009 patients with stage III colon cancer who had surgical resection. Patients were enrolled in a National Cancer Institute–sponsored randomized adjuvant chemotherapy trial known as Cancer and Leukemia Group B (CALGB 89803). The trial compared therapy with weekly fluorouracil and leucovorin vs therapy with weekly irinotecan, fluorouracil, and leucovorin.
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As part of the trial presented in this latest issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, patients reported on dietary intake using a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire during and 6 months after adjuvant chemotherapy. "We identified 2 major dietary patterns," the investigators explain, "prudent and Western pattern." The prudent diet was characterized by high intake of fruits and vegetables, poultry, and fish.
During a median follow-up of 5.3 years for the overall cohort, 324 patients had cancer recurrence. A total of 223 patients died after recurrence, and 28 died without documented recurrence. A higher intake of a Western-pattern diet after cancer diagnosis was associated with a significantly worse disease-free survival, including colon cancer recurrences or death.
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Compared with patients in the lowest quintile of Western diet, those in the highest quintile had an adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for disease-free survival of 3.25 (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.04 - 5.19; P for trend < .001). Comparing highest to lowest quintiles, the Western diet was associated with a similar recurrence-free survival (adjusted HR, 2.85; 95% CI, 1.75 - 4.63) and overall survival (adjusted HR, 2.32; 95% CI, 1.36 - 3.96; P for trend for both < .001).
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Cause Cannot Be Determined From These Data
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"This is the first study, to our knowledge, in a potentially cured population of colon cancer survivors to address the effect of diet," the researchers explain. "Because this was an observational study, causality cannot and should not be drawn from these data. Nonetheless, the data suggest that a diet characterized by higher intakes of red and processed meats, sweets and desserts, french fries, and refined grains increases the risk of cancer recurrence and decreases survival."
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The investigators point out the reduction in disease-free survival with a Western diet was not significantly affected by sex, age, nodal stage, body mass index, physical activity level, baseline performance status, or treatment group. In contrast, the prudent dietary pattern was not significantly associated with cancer recurrence or mortality.
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"There are several advantages to this cohort of stage III colon cancer patients treated within a NCI [National Cancer Institute]–sponsored clinical trial," they add. "First, all patients had lymph node–positive cancer, reducing the impact of heterogeneity by disease stage. Second, treatment and follow-up care were standardized, and the date and nature of recurrence were prospectively recorded. Detailed information on other prognostic variables was all routinely collected at study entry." And finally, the investigators updated dietary data to reflect changes in diet that may occur after patients completed adjuvant therapy and have recovered from treatment effects.
"The data are observational and this is the first study of its kind," Dr. Meyerhardt told Medscape. "Clearly, more observational and possibly randomized studies will be important to study such dietary patterns."
The authors have disclosed no relevant financial relationships.\

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/561538

Vitamin D and Colon Cancer

2008-11-26T10:56:00.000-08:00

Vitamin D and Colon Cancer

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Colorectal cancer is the second most common form of cancer in the western world. About 150,000 Americans will be told they have colon cancer this year and 50,000 will die. Your chance of developing colon cancer, sometime in your life, is about 1 in 15.
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Blacks are particularly affected by colorectal cancer, as well as other cancers, with both a higher incidence and mortality from colon cancer than non-blacks. We believe this is due to a widespread vitamin D deficiency within the black community.
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Many factors contribute to causing colon cancer (it is multifactorial) but diet is probably the most important factor. Certain diets promote colon cancer, such as diets high in fat and red meat. Other diets help prevent colon cancer, especially diets high in fiber, calcium, fruits, and vegetables.
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If you have colon cancer, please remember that vitamin D is not a cure-all and should never be used as a main treatment for cancer. Your oncologist will prescribe treatment that has proven efficacy and you should carefully follow their advice as the mainstay of treatment. At the same time, you should know that evidence suggests that the proper amount of vitamin D will help you in your fight against colon cancer.
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Vitamin D In the Fight Against Colon Cancer
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Scientists first discovered the possible importance of vitamin D in preventing colon cancer more than 20 years ago. Let's review some selected studies from the scientific literature to see what clues exist about the role vitamin D may play in preventing, and treating, colon cancer.
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Sunlight Exposure Lowers Cancer Risk
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In 1980, Cedric Garland and Frank Garland, while at Johns Hopkins University, reported that death from colon cancer was significantly less likely in those who lived in sunny areas. The Garland brothers believed vitamin D best explained this observation. Garland CF, Garland FC. Do sunlight and vitamin D reduce the likelihood of colon cancer? Int J Epidemiol. 1980 Sep;9(3):227–31.
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In 1985, scientists studied 2100 men for 19 years. They discovered that colon cancer was more than twice as likely in the men that consumed the least amount of vitamin D and calcium. As about 90% of the average persons' vitamin D comes from the sun, it was comforting to know that even small amounts of vitamin D in the diet helped prevent colon cancer. Garland C, Shekelle RB, Barrett-Connor E, Criqui MH, Rossof AH, Paul O. Dietary vitamin D and calcium and risk of colorectal cancer: a 19-year prospective study in men. Lancet. 1985 Feb 9;1(8424):307–9.
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In 1989, the Garland brothers presented further evidence that vitamin D deficiency played a key role in colon cancer. They analyzed air pollution data from 20 Canadian cities finding that the cities where polluted air obscured vitamin D-producing sunlight had higher death rates from both colon and breast cancer. Furthermore, they pointed out that colon cancer rates were 4–6 times higher in North America and Northern Europe when compared to the incidence of colon cancer in countries close to the equator. Gorham ED, Garland CF, Garland FC. Acid haze air pollution and breast and colon cancer mortality in 20 Canadian cities. Can J Public Health. 1989 Mar–Apr;80(2):96–100.
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Blood Calcidiol Level and Cancer Risk
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Later that same year the Garlands presented even stronger evidence, this time in the prestigious British journal, The Lancet. For the first time, researchers linked blood vitamin D levels to risk of developing colon cancer. They found an amazingly strong correlation which revealed that a person was 5 times less likely to develop colon cancer if that person's blood calcidiol level was between 33–41 ng/mL. For the first time, a direct correlation was shown between vitamin D blood levels and the risk of getting colon cancer. As cancer is a dynamic process, with normal cells turning cancerous as time progresses, this study strongly suggested that vitamin D may have an important role in treating colon cancer. Garland CF, Comstock GW, Garland FC, Helsing KJ, Shaw EK, Gorham ED. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D and colon cancer: eight-year prospective study. Lancet. 1989 Nov 18;2(8673):1176–8.
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In 1992, researchers at the University of Washington independently confirmed the Garland brothers' work. They analyzed cancer registries in the United States and found that people who live in cloudy northern areas (Michigan, Connecticut, western Washington, etc.) were up to 80% more likely to develop colon cancer than those who lived in sunny areas (Utah, New Mexico, etc.). Emerson JC, Weiss NS. Colorectal cancer and solar radiation. Cancer Causes Control. 1992 Jan;3(1):95–9.
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Vitamin D Obtained Through Diet Helpful
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In 1993, researchers from the University of Minnesota, analyzing the data of more than 35,000 women from the Iowa Womens Health Study, found that vitamin D and calcium in the diet significantly reduced the risk of colon cancer. Women with the lowest vitamin D intake were twice as likely to develop colon cancer. Remember, diet supplies only 10% of vitamin D as most people get almost all their vitamin D from sun exposure. Even so, this study confirmed earlier findings and showed that even small amounts of vitamin D in the diet were helpful. Bostick RM, Potter JD, Sellers TA, McKenzie DR, Kushi LH, Folsom AR. Relation of calcium, vitamin D, and dairy food intake to incidence of colon cancer among older women. The Iowa Women's Health Study. Am J Epidemiol. 1993 Jun 15;137(12):1302–17.
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Supplemental Vitamin D Even More Important
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In 1996, researchers at Harvard confirmed that vitamin D obtained from diet or supplements reduced the risk of colon cancer. Furthermore, they found supplemental vitamin D was more important than vitamin D from diet. It is important to remember that little vitamin D is obtained from either diet or supplements, compared to the enormous quantities available from sunlight. Even so, the men with the highest total vitamin D intake were about 50% as likely to develop colon cancer compared to men with the lowest total intake. Martínez ME, Giovannucci EL, Colditz GA, Stampfer MJ, Hunter DJ, Speizer FE, Wing A, Willett WC. Calcium, vitamin D, and dairy foods and the occurrence of colon cancer in men. Am J Epidemiol. 1996 May 1;143(9):907–17.
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Later in 1996, researchers at Harvard reported results for women. They followed 89,000 nurses over 12 years and found the nurses' risk of developing colon cancer was reduced by vitamin D, similar to men. In fact, they found the relative risk for women with the highest total vitamin D intake was 0.42, meaning those women with the lowest vitamin D intake were more than 2 times as likely to develop colon cancer. Martínez ME, Giovannucci EL, Colditz GA, Stampfer MJ, Hunter DJ, Speizer FE, Wing A, Willett WC. Calcium, vitamin D, and the occurrence of colorectal cancer among women. J Natl Cancer Inst. 1996 Oct 2;88(19):1375–82.
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In 1997, researchers in Finland confirmed the Garland brothers' original findings on vitamin D blood levels and colon cancer. Again, they found that the risk of colorectal cancer was highest in those with the lowest blood levels. Perhaps more ominous for the people of Finland (which is very far north and gets little sunlight) was the very low blood levels of vitamin D they were found to have. The average person in Finland had blood levels of only 13 ng/mL, a level now known to be associated with numerous serious illnesses, not just cancer. Tangrea J, Helzlsouer K, Pietinen P, Taylor P, Hollis B, Virtamo J, Albanes D. Serum levels of vitamin D metabolites and the subsequent risk of colon and rectal cancer in Finnish men. Cancer Causes Control. 1997 Jul;8(4):615–25.
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Calcitriol—Nature's "Defense Strategy" Against Cancer
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Finally, in 1997, researchers at the University of Vienna first suggested that vitamin D may help treat colon cancer. They discovered that colon cancer cells, when grown in a test tube, retain the ability to make calcitriol, the active form of vitamin D that has multiple anticancer properties. They further proposed that calcitriol in the tissues may be nature's "defense strategy" to fight cancer. Cross HS, Peterlik M, Reddy GS, Schuster I. Vitamin D metabolism in human colon adenocarcinoma-derived Caco-2 cells: expression of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3-1alpha-hydroxylase activity and regulation of side-chain metabolism. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol. 1997 May;62(1):21–8.
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In 1999, researchers in Israel, found that calcitriol levels were twice as high in patients with less-aggressive colon cancer but were quite low in those with advanced metastatic disease. They concluded that higher calcitriol levels may prevent "further transformation of the cells or may induce cell differentiation, growth inhibition, or apoptosis." That is, they suggested that higher serum calcitriol levels prevented the cancer from progressing, implying it might be useful in treatment, especially in early stages. However, it is important to remember that, although tissue calcitriol levels are most important in fighting cancer, they can not be measured. Colon tissue can make large amounts of tissue calcitriol, if and only if, enough calcidiol is available in the blood. Blood calcidiol levels can easily be increased by taking the correct amount of vitamin D3 supplements. Niv Y, Sperber AD, Figer A, Igael D, Shany S, Fraser G, Schwartz B. In colorectal carcinoma patients, serum vitamin D levels vary according to stage of the carcinoma. Cancer. 1999 Aug 1;86(3):391–7.
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Colon Cancer Cells Activate Vitamin D
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In 2001, researchers at Boston University found that colon cancer cells can activate vitamin D, turning calcidiol into calcitriol. Their findings clearly implied that patients with colon cancer might be helped by optimizing the amount of calcidiol in their blood. The authors even warned that "vitamin D deficiency could accelerate colon cancer growth." That is, the cancer cells themselves can make calcitriol, if enough calcidiol is available for them to do so. Remember, every molecule of calcitriol in your tissues comes from a molecule of calcidiol in your blood. Tangpricha V, Flanagan JN, Whitlatch LW, Tseng CC, Chen TC, Holt PR, Lipkin MS, Holick MF. 25-hydroxyvitamin D-1alpha-hydroxylase in normal and malignant colon tissue. Lancet. 2001 May 26;357(9269):1673–4.
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Later in 2001, researchers at the University of Vienna confirmed that colon cancer cells can make calcitriol but noted their ability may be lost as the cancer progresses or in highly aggressive, poorly-differentiated tumors. Furthermore, they warned that one of the metabolites of calcitriol is increased in poorly-differentiated tumors and that the metabolite may be stimulating tumor growth. Bareis P, Bises G, Bischof MG, Cross HS, Peterlik M. 25-hydroxy-vitamin d metabolism in human colon cancer cells during tumor progression. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2001 Jul 27;b
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In 2002, researchers at St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital in New York were the first to administer vitamin D to humans to see if it reduced precancerous cellular changes in the colon. Rectal biopsies were performed before and after the administration of vitamin D and calcium. One group got only calcium, the second group got calcium and vitamin D (only 800 units) and the third group took calcitriol twice a day. The researchers found no improvement between groups, but, much to their surprise, they found strong correlations between calcidiol blood levels and precancerous lesions. As blood calcidiol levels increased, precancerous cellular changes decreased, especially when combined with calcium. The fewest precancerous changes were in a patient with a calcidiol level of 60 ng/mL. Holt PR, Arber N, Halmos B, Forde K, Kissileff H, McGlynn KA, Moss SF, Kurihara N, Fan K, Yang K, Lipkin M. Colonic epithelial cell proliferation decreases with increasing levels of serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2002 Jan;11(1):113–9.
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In 2002, researchers from the University of Helsinki showed that soy extracts significantly increase the amount of calcitriol in mouse colon both by increasing its production and by decreasing its degradation. This discovery explained the well-known fact that populations that consume high amounts of soy products have lower cancer rates. Kállay E, Adlercreutz H, Farhan H, Lechner D, Bajna E, Gerdenitsch W, Campbell M, Cross HS. Phytoestrogens regulate vitamin D metabolism in the mouse colon: relevance for colon tumor prevention and therapy. J Nutr. 2002 Nov;132(11 Suppl):3490S–3493S.
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Later in 2002, researchers from the National Cancer Institute confirmed the Garland brothers' finding from 20 years earlier. Sun exposure significantly reduced one's risk of dying from colon cancer. Freedman DM, Dosemeci M, McGlynn K. Sunlight and mortality from breast, ovarian, colon, prostate, and non-melanoma skin cancer: a composite death certificate based case-control study. Occup Environ Med. 2002 Apr;59(4):257–62.
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Vitamin D and Calcium Work Together
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In 2003, researchers at Dartmouth confirmed that deficiencies of both vitamin D and calcium were involved in the reoccurrence of colon polyps, a condition known to lead to colon cancer. It turns out both calcium and vitamin D work together to prevent colon cancer. Grau MV, Baron JA, Sandler RS, Haile RW, Beach ML, Church TR, Heber D. Vitamin D, calcium supplementation, and colorectal adenomas: results of a randomized trial. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2003 Dec 3;95(23):1765–71.
More Vitamin D Benefits To Learn
Since then numerous studies on the protective effects of vitamin D in regards to several different cancers, including colon cancer, have been successful in demonstrating that vitamin D3 is indeed a viable weapon in the fight against cancer. There is still so much we have yet to discover about vitamin D, we anticipate even more good news to come.
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http://www.vitamindcouncil.org/cancerColon.shtml

Colon Cancer Foundation

2008-11-26T10:54:00.000-08:00

http://www.coloncancerfoundation.org/

Detailed Guide: Chemotherapy for Colon and Rectal Cancer

2008-11-26T10:47:00.000-08:00

Detailed Guide: Colon and Rectum Cancer
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Chemotherapy
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Chemotherapy (chemo) is treatment with anti-cancer drugs. Systemic chemotherapy uses drugs that are injected into a vein or given by mouth. These drugs enter the bloodstream and reach all areas of the body. This treatment is useful for cancers that have metastasized (spread) beyond the organ they started in.
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In regional chemotherapy, drugs are injected directly into an artery leading to a part of the body containing a tumor. This approach concentrates the dose of chemotherapy reaching the cancer cells. It reduces side effects by limiting the amount reaching the rest of the body. Hepatic artery infusion, where chemotherapy is given directly into the hepatic artery, is an example of regional chemotherapy sometimes used for colon cancer that has spread to the liver.
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There are several situations in which chemotherapy may be used to treat colon or rectal cancers.
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Adjuvant chemotherapy: The use of chemotherapy after surgery, known as adjuvant chemotherapy, can increase the survival rate for patients with some stages of colon cancer and rectal cancer. It is given when there is no evidence of cancer but there is a chance that it might come back. The theory behind adjuvant therapy is that a small number of cancer cells may not have been removed by surgery or may have escaped from the primary tumor and settled in other parts of the body. The hope is that the chemotherapy can kill these cells, wherever they may be.
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Neoadjuvant chemotherapy: For some rectal cancers, chemotherapy is given (along with radiation) before surgery to try to shrink the cancer and make surgery easier. This is known as neoadjuvant treatment.
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Chemotherapy for advanced cancers: Chemotherapy can also be used to help shrink tumors and relieve symptoms for more advanced cancers. While it is very unlikely to be curative in such situations, it may greatly extend survival time in some people. .
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Drugs used to treat colorectal cancer
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Several drugs can be used to treat colorectal cancer. Often, 2 or more of these drugs are combined to try to make them more effective.
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Fluorouracil (5-FU): This drug had been around for several decades, and it is part of most chemotherapy regimens for colorectal cancer. It is often given together with another drug called leucovorin (or folinic acid), which increases its effectiveness.
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There are several different schedules for using this drug. It may be given as an infusion over 2 hours, or (more commonly) as a quick injection followed by continuous infusion over 1 or 2 days. For continuous infusions, the patient wears a small battery-operated pump that infuses 5-FU into an intravenous (IV) catheter.
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For most chemotherapy regimens, treatment with 5-FU is repeated every 2 weeks, over a period of 6 months to a year.
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The possible side effects of this drug include nausea, loss of appetite, mouth sores, diarrhea, low blood cell counts, sensitivity to sunlight, and a syndrome of hand and foot redness that is sometimes accompanied by blistering or skin peeling.
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Capecitabine (Xeloda): This is a chemotherapy drug in pill form. It is usually taken twice a day for 2 weeks, followed by a week off. Once in the body, it is changed to 5-FU when it gets to the tumor site. This drug seems to be about as effective as giving continuous intravenous 5-FU.
While this drug may be taken at home as a pill, it is still a strong chemotherapy medicine. The possible side effects that are similar to those listed for 5-FU. Although most of the side effects seem to be less common with this drug than with 5-FU, problems with the hands and feet are more common.
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Irinotecan (Camptosar): This drug is often combined with 5-FU and leucovorin (known as the FOLFIRI regimen) as a first-line treatment for advanced colorectal cancer. In some cases it may be tried by itself as a second-line treatment if other chemotherapy drugs are no longer effective. It is given as an IV infusion over 30 minutes to 2 hours.
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One problem with irinotecan is that some people are unable to break down the drug so it stays in the body and causes severe side effects. This is due to an inherited genetic variation that can be tested for. The simplest test is to measure the blood level of bilirubin, a substance made in the liver. If it is slightly elevated, this can be a sign of the genetic variation that makes people sensitive to irinotecan. So far, most doctors aren't routinely testing for the genetic variant itself.
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The major possible side effects of irinotecan are severe diarrhea and low blood counts, although other effects such as nausea are possible as well. Your doctor will likely give you medicine to take before treatment to help prevent diarrhea. You need to tell your doctor right away if you develop diarrhea or any other side effects. Your doctor may not advise irinotecan if you are elderly or have serious health problems. In rare cases, severe side effects can even be fatal.
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Oxaliplatin (Eloxatin): This drug is usually combined with 5-FU and leucovorin (known as the FOLFOX regimen) or with capecitabine (known as the CapeOX regimen) as a first- or second-line treatment for advanced colorectal cancer. It may also be used as adjuvant therapy after surgery for earlier stage cancers. Oxaliplatin is given as an IV infusion over 2 hours, usually once every 2 or 3 weeks. '\
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Oxaliplatin can affect peripheral nerves, which can cause numbness, tingling, and intense sensitivity to temperature in the extremities, especially the hands and feet. This goes away after treatment has stopped in most patients, but in some cases it can cause long-lasting nerve damage. If you are going to be getting oxaliplatin, talk with your doctor about side effects beforehand, and let him or her know as soon as you develop numbness and tingling or other side effects.
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Side effects of chemotherapy
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Chemotherapy drugs work by attacking cells that are dividing quickly, which is why they work against cancer cells. But other cells in the body, such as those in the bone marrow, the lining of the mouth and intestines, and the hair follicles, also divide quickly. These cells are also likely to be affected by chemotherapy, which can lead to side effects.
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The side effects of chemotherapy depend on the type and dose of drugs given and the length of time they are taken. General side effects of chemotherapy drugs can include:
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hair loss
mouth sores
loss of appetite
nausea and vomiting
increased chance of infections (due to low white blood cell counts)
easy bruising or bleeding (due to low blood platelet counts)
fatigue (due to low red blood cell counts)
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Along with these, some side effects are specific to certain medicines. These are discussed above in the descriptions of the individual drugs.
Most side effects are short-term and tend to go away after treatment is finished. There are often ways to lessen these side effects. For example, drugs can be given to help prevent or reduce nausea and vomiting. Do not hesitate to discuss any questions about side effects with the cancer care team.
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You should report any side effects or changes you notice while getting chemotherapy to your medical team so that they can be treated promptly. In some cases, the doses of the chemotherapy drugs may need to be reduced or treatment may need to be delayed or stopped to prevent the effects from getting worse.
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Elderly people seem to be able to tolerate chemotherapy for colorectal cancer fairly well. There is no reason to withhold treatment in otherwise healthy people simply because of age.
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Targeted therapies
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As researchers have learned more about the gene and protein changes in cells that cause cancer, they have been able develop newer drugs that specifically target these changes. These targeted drugs work differently than standard chemotherapy drugs. They often have different (and less severe) side effects. At this time, they are most often used either along with chemotherapy or by themselves if chemotherapy is no longer working.
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Bevacizumab (Avastin): Bevacizumab is a manmade version of an immune system protein called a monoclonal antibody. This antibody targets vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a protein that helps tumors form new blood vessels to get nutrients (a process known as angiogenesis). Bevacizumab is most often used along with chemotherapy drugs as a first- or second-line treatment for metastatic colorectal cancer.
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Bevacizumab is given by intravenous (IV) infusion, usually once every 2 or 3 weeks. While it has been shown to help improve survival when added to chemotherapy, it can also add to the side effects. Rare but possibly serious side effects include blood clots, holes forming in the colon (requiring surgery to correct), heart problems, and slow wound healing. More common side effects include high blood pressure, tiredness, bleeding, low white blood cell counts, headaches, mouth sores, loss of appetite, and diarrhea.
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Cetuximab (Erbitux): This is a monoclonal antibody that specifically attacks the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), a molecule that often appears in high amounts on the surface of cancer cells and helps them grow.
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Cetuximab is used in metastatic colorectal cancer, usually after other treatments have been tried. It can be used either with irinotecan or by itself in those who can't take irinotecan or whose cancer is no longer responding to it.
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Cetuximab is given by IV infusion, usually once a week. A rare but serious side effect of cetuximab is an allergic reaction during the first infusion, which could cause problems with breathing and low blood pressure. You may be given medicine before treatment to help prevent this. Other, less serious side effects may include an acne-like rash, headache, tiredness, fever, and diarrhea.
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Panitumumab (Vectibix): Panitumumab is another monoclonal antibody that attacks colorectal cancer cells. Like cetuximab, it targets the EGFR protein. It is used by itself to treat metastatic colorectal cancer after other treatments have been tried.
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Panitumumab is given by IV infusion, usually once every 2 weeks. Most people develop skin problems such as a rash during treatment, which in some cases can lead to infections. Other possible serious side effects are lung scarring and allergic reactions to the drug. Sensitivity to sunlight, fatigue, diarrhea, and changes in fingernails and toenails are also possible.

http://coloncancer.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ&sdn=coloncancer&zu=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cancer.org%2Fdocroot%2FCRI%2Fcontent%2FCRI_2_4_4x_Chemotherapy_10.asp%3Fsitearea%3D

Colon Cancer Survival Rates

2008-11-26T10:40:00.000-08:00

Colon Cancer Survival Rates

When faced with the uncertainty of cancer, it's human nature to learn as much as we can about it and try to figure out how it's all going to play out. Of course we can't really know, but that's not the point. We just need something to grab on to. Something that gives us some general idea of where this bus is headed. So, here you are.
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The purpose of the colon cancer survival rates presented here is to help settle your mind, to give you a number. It's important to remember that the colon cancer survival rates presented here are generalizations and your individual chances of survival may be quite different.
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Colon Cancer Survival Rate and Tumor Location
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According to an article published in the European Journal of Cancer, tumor location impacts colon cancer survival rate. In the United States for example, the five-year survival rate for tumors in the ascending colon (closest to the small intestine) is about 63%. In the transverse colon, the survival rate is about 59%, and in the descending colon, it's about 66%. (The five-year survival rate represents the percentage of patients alive five years after their initial diagnosis.)
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Colon Cancer Survival Rates in Different Countries
According to the same study, colon cancer survival rates also vary by country. While the overall five-year survival for colon cancer in America is 62%, it's 43% in Europe. Quality of care may be one reason, but another could be colon cancer screening programs. In general, the earlier colon cancer is detected, the easier it is to treat.
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Colon Cancer Survival Rate and Stage at Diagnosis
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Stage at diagnosis also greatly impacts colon cancer survival rates. Research published in the ANZ Journal of Surgery found that In Australia, the five-year survival for stage 1 colon cancer is 93%, but it drops to 59% for stage 3 colon cancer. For more information about colon cancer stages in general,
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Colon Cancer Survival Rate and Exercise
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Most of the factors I've mentioned are out of your control. You live where you live and you didn't choose to have colon cancer, so you didn't get to pick which kind to get or where to get it. So, what can you do to improve your chances of survival now that you have it? Researchers at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston conducted two studies, both of which revealed that moderate exercise can signficantly increase the survival rate of colon cancer patients. Another study, published in the journal Gut, shed some light on why exercise may increase colon cancer survival rates.
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http://coloncancer.about.com/od/stagesandsurvivalrate1/a/ColonCancerSurv.htm

Stages of Colon Cancer

2008-11-26T10:37:00.000-08:00

Doctors describe colorectal cancer by the following stages:
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Stage 0: The cancer is found only in the innermost lining of the colon or rectum. Carcinoma in situ is another name for Stage 0 colorectal cancer.
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Stage I: The tumor has grown into the inner wall of the colon or rectum. The tumor has not grown through the wall.
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Stage II: The tumor extends more deeply into or through the wall of the colon or rectum. It may have invaded nearby tissue, but cancer cells have not spread to the lymph nodes.
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Stage III: The cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes, but not to other parts of the body.
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Stage IV: The cancer has spread to other parts of the body, such as the liver or lungs.

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/wyntk/colon-and-rectal/page8

What you need to know about Cancer of the Colon and Rectum

2008-11-26T10:35:00.001-08:00

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/colon-and-rectal

Colon and Rectal Cancer: National Cancer Institute

2008-11-26T10:31:00.000-08:00

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/colon-and-rectal

Plenty of sleep and exercise may lower cancer risk

2008-11-26T10:28:00.000-08:00

Published Date: 18 November 2008
By John von Radowitz
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EXERCISE and sleep work together to reduce the risk of cancer, research has shown.
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A ten-year study of almost 6,000 women found that significantly fewer cancers occurred in those who were physically active. But sleeping less than seven hours a night wiped out the benefits of exercise and increased the risk of cancer."
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Current findings suggest that sleep duration modifies the relationship between physical activity and all-site cancer risk among young and middle-aged women," said research leader Dr James McClain, of the US National Cancer Institute.
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Dr McClain's team assessed the effect of physical activity energy expenditure (PAEE) on the overall incidence of cancer, as well as their likelihood of developing breast or colon cancers.All the women were aged over 18 and had no previous history of cancer. A total of 604 experienced a first incidence of cancer during the study period.Women judged to be in the top 50 per cent PAEE bracket showed a significantly reduced overall risk of cancer. But for women aged under 65, getting less than seven hours sleep cancelled out much of the protective effect of physical activity.The findings were presented yesterday at an American Association for Cancer Research international conference in Washington DC.Dr McClain said the next step would be to investigate the link underlying the anti-cancer interaction between sleep and exercise.Experts are not sure how exercise reduces cancer risk but believe hormone levels, immune function and body weight may all be involved.
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http://news.scotsman.com/health/Plenty-of-sleep-and-exercise.4702877.jp

Shedding Light on Colon Cancer

2008-11-26T10:20:00.000-08:00

Shedding Light On Colon Cancer

Gastroenterologists Use Optics To Detect Early Stages Of Colon Cancer

January 1, 2008 — Biomedical engineers have developed a new technique to detect colon cancer. A thin optical fiber shines light onto the interior of the colon. Computer analysis of the backscattered light indicates if the colon is a breeding ground for polyps. This technique can detect changes in the cells very early in the development of polyps. The technique is also used to detect
See also:
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When colon cancer symptoms appear, the cancer is often already at an advanced stage. To catch it early, regular screening is a must. Soon, screening for colon cancer may not only be a whole lot easier -- but could also detect it earlier than ever before.
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"Over 150,000 Americans will be diagnosed with colon cancer." Hemant Roy, M.D., gastroenterologist at Evanston Northwestern Health Care in Evanston, Ill., told Ivanhoe.
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It's a statistic that worries gastroenterologist Dr. Roy -- only half the people who need a colonoscopy will get one.
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While colonoscopies are effective, they're also invasive. Now, Dr. Roy says this tiny light could be the next best defense. This technique is sensitive to things 10 to 20 times smaller than can be seen with a conventional microscope. The light scattering probe spots danger before polyps ever form.
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"Since this will be minimally intrusive, maybe we can get more of the people screened," Dr. Roy said.
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The probe is tiny compared to a standard colonoscope and it lights up rectal tissue with no need to go through the whole colon. Computer analysis of the backscattered light shows if the colon is a breeding ground for polyps. In studies, the probe is 90 percent accurate at telling if cancerous polyps will form.
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Twenty-seven year old Reid Foster knows he has the colon cancer gene. "Starting at age 25, I started getting colonoscopies," said Foster.
He's had the new light probe too and says the difference is night and day.
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"You just look at the diameter, I mean, it's an optical fiber versus something the diameter of a drumstick. I mean, you just tell that to somebody, most people would choose fiber!" said Foster.
It's an obvious benefit, but be patient. The probe is about five years away from FDA approval.
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WHAT ARE COLONOSCOPIES? Colonoscopies are viewed as the "gold standard" for catching colorectal cancer before it has a chance to take root and spread. Gastroenterologists recommend that men and women over the age of 50, without a risk of colon cancer, get a colonoscopy every ten years, while those at high risk should receive one earlier and more frequently. In colonoscopies, physicians visually examine the lining of the colon and rectum. Upper endoscopies are used to examine the esophagus, stomach and the upper part of the small intestine (the duodenum). .

The colonoscope is a thin flexible instrument measuring between 48 inches to 72 inches long. It has a small video camera attached to the end so it can record images of the large intestine. The "scope" is passed through the rectum and into the colon to directly examine the lining of the lower digestive tract -- a full five feet of twists and turns.
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http://www.sciencedaily.com/videos/2008/0111-shedding_light_on_colon_cancer.htm

Mechanical Pressure Accelerates Early Stages Of Colon Cancer

2008-11-26T10:17:00.000-08:00

Mechanical Pressure Accelerates Early Stages Of Colon Cancer
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ScienceDaily (Oct. 22, 2008) — Genes are not the be all and end all of carcinogenesis. At the Institut Curie, the team of Emmanuel Farge, Inserm Director of Research (UMR 168 CNRS/Institut Curie), has just shown, in collaboration with the Sylvie Robine and her group (UMR144 CNRS/Institut Curie), that mechanical pressure can alter gene expression, and in particular activate the oncogenes(1) Myc and Twist, which are implicated in the early stages of colon cancer.
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Although inactivation of the APC gene remains the genetic precondition for the development of this type of cancer, mechanical pressure on the colon speeds up carcinogenesis in animal models. And what if the increase if tumor mass were itself the cause of this pressure? This discovery reported in Human Science Frontier Journal opens up new horizons in research into the mechanical sensitivity of tumors.
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Cancer stems from alteration in a cell’s genetic material. Yet a single event is not enough to transform a health cell into a cancer cell. Rather, cancer results from a succession of accidents. The APC (adenomatous polyposis coli) gene is mutated in 80% cases of colon cancer. This alteration is often described as the initiator of carcinogenesis. Although the loss of APC is necessary for development of a colon tumor, it is not sufficient. Other perturbations are needed.
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At the Institut Curie, the Mechanics and Genetics of Embryo and Tumor Development team headed by Emmanuel Farge(2) is studying the effect of mechanical stress on gene expression during tumor and embryo development. Farge and colleagues recently demonstrated that morphogenetic movements, which occur in early development of Drosophila embryo, trigger expression of the Twist gene, which controls the differentiation of gastric tissues. They have studied the changes induced by mechanical pressure on the expression of the protein ß-catenin and of two oncogenes controlled by it: Myc, which is involved in tumor growth, and Twist, which contributes to the invasiveness of tumors. The deregulation of ß-catenin is often described as being correlated with loss of the APC gene, in development of colon cancer.
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What happens when pressure is applied to the colon of a mouse that has already “lost” a copy of the APC gene? Farge and colleagues observed a relocalization of ß-catenin from the cytoplasm towards the nucleus of the cells, followed by activation of the expression of the oncogenes Myc and Twist, which can then play their full part in carcinogenesis. In the absence of one copy of the APC gene, mechanical pressure of the order of magnitude equivalent to that exerted by intestinal transit would therefore stimulate tumor development.
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Mechanical stress is therefore likely to affect the gene expression profile in colon cells already carrying an APC mutation. The events leading to formation of a cancer are not only, therefore, the prerogative of genetics: perturbations in the tumor environment can also participate. Mechanical sensitivity thus becomes a player in carcinogenesis.
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So, while the mutation of the APC gene initiates tumor development, growth in tumor mass could accelerate development by compressing neighboring tissues.
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Not all then is purely “genetic” or “cellular” in the development of the colon cancer and certain stages could result from mechanical effects. This discovery should prompt reassessment of preventive and therapeutic approaches, at least in colon cancer, and even in oncology in general.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081017082011.htm

Guided Imagery or Visualization

2008-11-02T11:38:00.000-08:00

Guided Imagery

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This treatment modality is thought to promote wellness and optimize overall health. Guided imagery should be used with, not in place of, standard cancer therapy.

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What does guided imagery involve?

Guided imagery is a visualization technique, referred to as a "focused daydream" by some practitioners, which helps patients to focus on positive images to heal their bodies. Guided imagery practitioners will teach patients general relaxation exercises and help them build detailed images in their minds.

Patients are encouraged to picture their tumors shrinking in one local area or their whole body freeing itself of cancer. The Simonton method of guided imagery, developed by oncologist O. Carl Simonton and his wife, was designed to help patients undergoing standard treatments for cancer. This method teaches cancer patients to picture their immune system cells "gobbling up" cancer cells like "Pac Man," and destroying them.
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How is guided imagery thought to promote wellness and optimize overall health?

Guided imagery is based on the idea that the mind can affect the functions of the body. Proponents suggest that stimulating the brain through imagery can have a direct effect on both the endocrine and nervous systems, which lead to changes in immune system function. Guided imagery is used to promote relaxation, reduce stress and help the mind influence the body in positive ways.

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What has been proven about the benefit of guided imagery?

A review of 46 studies conducted from 1966 to 1998 by the American Cancer Society found that guided imagery was effective in managing stress, anxiety, depression, pain and the side effects of chemotherapy. A recent randomized clinical trial involving women with early stage breast cancer found guided imagery was also useful for easing anxiety related to radiation therapy, including fears about the equipment, surgical pain, and recurrence of cancer. Although one uncontrolled, exploratory study suggested that guided imagery can increase survival rates for people with cancer, there is no scientific evidence these techniques can cure cancer or any other disease.

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What is the potential risk or harm of guided imagery?

There are no known side effects or risks of guided imagery.
How much does guided imagery cost? Guided imagery is taught in small classes or in one-on-one sessions. Costs will vary depending on class size and practitioner. Patients may also try to learn guided imagery from books and audiotapes, an inexpensive alternative to classes.

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For additional information:

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Academy for Guided ImageryP.O. Box 2070Mill Valley, CA 94942Telephone: (800) 726-2070

.Web site:

http://www.healthy.net/agi/index_explorer.html

http://cancer.ucsd.edu/Outreach/PublicEducation/CAMs/guidedimagery.asp

11 Alternative Cancer Treatments: Mayo Clinic

2008-11-01T11:47:00.000-07:00

Which alternative cancer treatments are worth trying?
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These 11 alternative cancer treatments have shown some promise in helping people with cancer. Talk to your doctor if you're interested in trying:
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Acupuncture.
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During acupuncture treatment, a practitioner inserts tiny needles into your skin at precise points. Studies show acupuncture may be helpful in relieving nausea caused by chemotherapy. Acupuncture may also help relieve pain in people with cancer.
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Acupuncture is safe if it's performed by a licensed practitioner using sterile needles. Ask your doctor for names of trusted practitioners. Acupuncture isn't safe if you're taking blood thinners or if you have low blood counts, so check with your doctor first.
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Aromatherapy
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Aromatherapy uses fragrant oils to provide a calming sensation. Oils, infused with scents such as lavender, can be applied to your skin during a massage or the oils can be added to bath water. Fragrant oils also can be heated to release their scents into the air. Aromatherapy may be helpful in relieving nausea, pain and stress.
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Aromatherapy can be performed by a practitioner, or you can use aromatherapy on your own. Aromatherapy is safe, though oils applied to your skin can cause allergic reactions.
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Biofeedback.
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You use your mind to control various body functions, such as heart rate and blood flow, during biofeedback therapy. A biofeedback therapist uses an electronic device to monitor a specific body function, such as muscle tension or your heart rate. The device uses a beeping sound or a flashing light as cues, for instance to tell you that your heart rate is slowing down or your muscles are becoming more relaxed. Working with the biofeedback therapist, you learn to control these functions by paying attention to the cues.
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Biofeedback may be helpful in relieving pain in people with cancer.
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Biofeedback is safe when you work with a certified biofeedback therapist. With practice, you can learn to do biofeedback on your own.
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Exercise.
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Exercise may help you manage signs and symptoms during and after cancer treatment. Gentle exercise such as walking or swimming may help relieve fatigue and stress and help you sleep better.
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If you haven't already been exercising regularly, check with your doctor before you begin an exercise program. Start slowly, adding more exercise as you go. Aim to work your way up to at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week.
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Hypnosis.
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Hypnosis is a deep state of concentration. During a hypnotherapy session, a therapist may hypnotize you by talking in a gentle voice and helping your relax. He or she will then help you focus on goals, such as controlling your pain and reducing your stress.
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Hypnosis may be helpful for people with cancer who are experiencing anxiety, pain and stress. It may also help prevent anticipatory nausea and vomiting that can occur if chemotherapy has made you sick in the past.
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When performed by a certified therapist, hypnosis is safe. But tell your therapist if you have a history of mental illness.
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Massage therapy.
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During a massage, your practitioner kneads your skin, muscles and tendons in an effort to relieve muscle tension and stress and promote relaxation. Several massage methods exist. Massage can be light and gentle, or it can be deep with more pressure. Studies have found massage can be helpful in relieving pain in people with cancer. It may also help relieve anxiety, fatigue and stress.
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Massage can be safe if you work with an understanding massage therapist. Many cancer centers have massage therapists on staff, or your doctor can refer you to a massage therapist who regularly works with people who have cancer.
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Don't have a massage if your blood counts are low. Ask the massage therapist to avoid massaging near surgical scars, radiation treatment areas or tumors. If you have cancer in your bones or other bone diseases, such as osteoporosis, ask the massage therapist to use light pressure, rather than deep massage.
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Meditation.
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Meditation is a state of deep concentration when you focus your mind on one image, sound or idea, such as a positive thought. When .meditating, you might also do deep-breathing or relaxation exercises.
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Meditation may help people with cancer by relieving anxiety, pain and stress.
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Meditation is generally safe. You can meditate on your own for a few minutes once or twice a day or you can take a class with an instructor.
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Music therapy.
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During music therapy sessions, you might listen to music, play instruments, sing songs or write lyrics. A trained music therapist may lead you through activities designed to meet your specific needs, or you may participate in music therapy in a group setting. Music therapy may help relieve pain and control nausea and vomiting.
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Music therapy is safe and doesn't require any musical talent to participate.
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Many medical centers have certified music therapists on staff.
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Relaxation techniques.
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Relaxation techniques are ways of focusing your attention on calming your mind and relaxing your muscles. Relaxation techniques might include activities such as visualization exercises or progressive muscle relaxation.
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Relaxation techniques may be helpful in relieving anxiety and fatigue. They may also help people with cancer sleep better.
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Relaxation techniques are safe. Typically a therapist leads you through these exercises and eventually you may be able to do them on your own.
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Tai chi.
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Tai chi is a form of exercise that incorporates gentle movements and deep-breathing. Tai chi can be led by an instructor, or you can learn tai chi on your own following books or videos. Practicing tai chi may help relieve stress. It may also be helpful if you're having difficulty sleeping at night.
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Tai chi is generally safe. The slow movements of tai chi don't require great physical strength, and the exercises can be easily adapted to your own abilities. Still, talk to your doctor before beginning tai chi. Don't do any tai chi moves that cause pain.
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Yoga.
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Yoga combines stretching exercises with deep breathing. During a yoga session, you position your body in various poses that require bending, twisting and stretching. There are many types of yoga, each with its own variations. Yoga may provide some stress relief for people with cancer. Yoga has also been shown to improve sleep and reduce fatigue.
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Before beginning a yoga class, ask your doctor to recommend an instructor who regularly works with people with health concerns, such as cancer.
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Avoid yoga poses that cause pain. A good instructor can give you alternate poses that are safe for you.
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You may find some alternative treatments work well together. For instance, deep breathing during a massage may provide further stress relief.
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http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/cancer-treatment/CM00002