The Healthy Colon

Good and bad news on aspirin and colon cancer: study

WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 6 2017

 

 

Daily aspirin use — known to reduce the risk of colon cancer — could also make the disease harder to treat if it does occur, researchers reported Wednesday. PHOTO| AFP 

 

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  Daily aspirin use — known to reduce the risk of colon cancer — could also make the disease harder to treat if it does occur, researchers reported Wednesday.

  The new findings based on mathematical modelling, If confirmed statistically and in the lab, would mean that aspirin's ability to ward off colon cancer may come at an unacceptably high cost, they cautioned.

POTENTIAL TRADE-OFF

  Taking aspirin regularly "has been shown to reduce the incidence (of) a variety of cancers," including of the colon, noted the authors of a study in the Journal of the Royal Society Interface.

  But at the same time, the drug may render the cancer "more difficult to manage therapeutically," they added.

  "This indicates a potential trade-off."

  A growing body of research has shown that daily micro-doses of aspirin taken for at least five years can slash the risk of cancer later in life.

  Rates of prostate, throat and non-small-cell lung cancer all drop off significantly, with the incidence of colon cancer cut by up to half.

  Other studies, meanwhile, have tested the impact of aspirin directly on cancer cells in the laboratory, showing that the common painkiller can slow the rate of cell division and boost cell death.

  But scientists do not yet understand the mechanism at work, or know whether aspirin might have as-yet-undiscovered effects on cancer spread.

  To find out more, researchers led by Dominik Wodarz of the University of California at Irvine — who conducted these earlier experiments — investigated whether the drug may cause dangerous cancer mutations.

LASTING BENEFITS

  Indeed, aspirin did boost the cancer's ability to produce aggressive, mutant cells that are drug-resistant, they found.

  The results could challenge the protocol for aspirin use in cancer prevention.

  It is now critical to ensure that aspirin delays "the onset of colourectal cancer by a sufficient amount of time to avoid the negative effects of this trade-off," the study authors said.

  People who take the drug, especially in middle age, should be regularly screened for cancer, they added.

  Roughly half of adults in the United States take small doses — 80 to 325 milligrammes — of aspirin to ward off cardiovascular disease. In Britain the figure is about 40 percent.

  The general public has not yet recognised the potential benefits for cancer prevention, notes Peter Rothwell, a professor at the Centre for Prevention of Stroke and Dementia at the University of Oxford.

  "It takes a while, and more replication studies, to convince people that the benefits are real," he told AFP.
Rothwell published a study earlier this year showing an increased risk of internal bleeding in people over 75 who take aspirin regularly.

  "You might want to take it in your 50s and 60s, but then stop," he told AFP.

  "The benefits you get from cancer prevention carries on for another 10 years or so."

  In Summary

• Taking aspirin regularly "has been shown to reduce the incidence (of) a variety of cancers," including of the colon, noted the authors of a study in the Journal of the Royal Society Interface.
• The results could challenge the protocol for aspirin use in cancer prevention.
• The general public has not yet recognised the potential benefits for cancer prevention, notes Peter Rothwell, a professor at the Centre for Prevention of Stroke and Dementia at the University of Oxford.

 

Research discovers potential new Rx target for colon cancer

September 12, 2017

Credit: Louisiana State University

 

  Genetic research conducted at LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine and Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center demonstrated for the first time that a novel protein can cause normal cells in the lining of the colon to become malignant, grow and spread, as well as take on the characteristics of stem cells. The work, which details the process, is published online in Nature Research's Scientific Reports.

  SATB2 is a novel "transcription factor" - a protein "switch" that controls which genes are turned on or off inside a cancer cell. Drs. Rakesh Srivastava and Sharmila Shankar identified it in the so-called "cancer stem cells" - cancer cells that behave like stem cells. Cancer stem cells are a small subset of immortal cells in tumors that are not only capable of renewing themselves, but also giving rise to other cells needed by the tumors to survive and grow. These cells are more resistant than typical cancer cells to standard chemotherapeutic agents and can persist in the body even after treatment. The cancer stem cells are thought to be a major cause of treatment failure, disease relapse and metastasis. Certain signals can turn a regular cancer cell into a cancer stem cell, making it resistant to treatment. SATB2 appears to be a master regulator of that process, controlling several of the mechanisms involved.

  When Drs. Srivastava and Shankar compared normal human colorectal epithelial cells and tissue with human colorectal cancer cell lines and primary colorectal tissues, they found that while SATB2 is not active in normal colorectal tissue, it is highly active in colorectal cancer cells.

  To study SATB2's role in colorectal cancer, the researchers forced the SATB2 gene to make extra copies of the SATB2 protein in normal cells. The cells changed, displaying enhanced cell growth, motility, migration and invasion. Further analysis revealed markers and a master cell ability - the cells could produce any kind of cell needed just like other stem cells. They became cancer stem cells. The researchers also found these cells had a much greater ability to survive and proliferate.

  Silencing SATB2 in the colorectal cancer cells not only suppressed cell growth, motility and colony formation, but the characteristics of cancer stem cells were absent. This means that if agents are identified that can block SATB2, they may be used, along with standard of care, to prevent cancer relapses and metastasis.

"Since the SATB2 protein is highly expressed in the colorectal cell lines and tissues, it can be an attractive target for therapy, diagnosis and prognosis," notes Dr. Rakesh Srivastava, Professor of Genetics at LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine and Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center.

  "Importantly, SATB2 is present not only in colon cancer, but in other cancers as well," adds Dr. Sharmila Shankar, PhD, Associate Professor of Genetics at LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine and Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center.

 Explore further: ONC201 may inhibit cancer stem cell self-renewals by altering their gene expression

More information: Wei Yu et al, SATB2/β-catenin/TCF-LEF pathway induces cellular transformation by generating cancer stem cells in colorectal cancer, Scientific Reports (2017). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-05458-y 

Journal reference: Scientific Reports  

Provided by: Louisiana State University  

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Let's Talk Constipation

  For quit a few of us, every once and a while we might experience constipation, but if it happens too frequently there is something inheriently wrong with the digestive system.  So let's find out what's going on here.  Ok, you eat the food, the food goes down your esophagus into the stomach where it is worked over by peptic acid then empties into the small intestine via the pyloric sphincter where the nutrients and fluid is absorbed, then into the large intestine where it is made into a solid and down to the rectum where it awaits the call of nature.   Assuming that the process works without a hitch, you're fine.  But, what if, lets say- you start to have infrequent bowel movements, straining or painful movements or have a bloated feeling. Then mainly two things are happening: 1. The bowel is taking out too much fluid and is leaving feces dry and hard making it more difficult to move through the track.  2. The muscles in the colon tighten and relax too slowly so that the stool can move normally.  There may be other causes so if symptoms present themselves worst than the two I've mentioned, it's time for primary care.  (Scheduled visits to your Doc. should be apart of your plan anyway.)

  The layman solutions to constipation?

    Laxatives; 

         There is a lot of this stuff around,  some work differently than others.  Consulting with your doctor is the best avenue for selection.

 

    Fiber Supplements;

         These draw water into the stool and cause the bowl to contract  moving the stool along.  You've gotta drink plenty of water with this one.  (I do this one myself 2 or 3 times a week.)  I ain't tak'in no chances at my age!

 

    Stimulant Laxatives;

          This stuff triggers muscle contractions to move stool along.  This is another one that should be doctor recommended.

 

    Lubricants;

           Coats the stool making it easier to move the stool along.

 

 So there you have it, some causes some solutions and the next time that you talk to your primary care giver you'll have a reasonable response to questions your problems and concerns, at least about your digestive system.

 It's time for a lifestyle change.   You can do so much to improve your health if you'd just change to a healthy diet, exercise and some preventive maintenance.  Do it!                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

Colon Cleansing: uhh, Sounds A Little Radical To Me!

 

 

 

 

COLON CLEANSING: IS IT HELPFUL OR HARMFULL

  If you are experiencing any digestive health problems like constipation, gas trouble, diarrhea or heartburn, you might be considering colon cleansing. But, before getting this done, just get the facts behind this procedure. So, you can decide whether colon cleansing is” helpful or harmful”. Although colon cleansing is a popular procedure, it’s not considered as completely safe. There are more safe and natural ways to cleanse your colon. Anyway let’s find out the benefits and harm caused by colon cleansing.

Is it helpful or harmful?
  Many people consider colon cleansing as a solution for constipation and other digestive health problems. Some also thinks that it helps reducing the risk of colon cancer. But, there is no scientific evidence or report to prove the benefits of colon cleansing. According to the opinion of a gastroenterologist, Francisco J. Marrero, Ohio, “there are no large, randomized trials that show any benefits of colon cleansing and few studies on the effects of colon cleansing overall. Dr. Marrero has also noted that, colon cleansing is not the true, complete cleansing that many people may think. It is because the procedure only flushes out the colon and not the small bowel. The only way to clean out the small bowel is by eating a healthy diet of fruits and vegetables.

  According to a study by Georgetown university researchers, they found little evidence to show the benefits of colon cleansing. Instead, a number of their studies reported side effects such as vomiting, cramping, bloating, kidney failures and electrolyte imbalance.

  In the procedure of colon cleansing, large amount of water with chemicals are flushed into the colon through a tube inserted in the rectum. There can be complications while flushing a large amount of water into the colon. They include;

 

• Worsening any existing hemorrhoids.
• Creating a puncture wound in the rectum.
• Electrolyte imbalances.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Heart problems including abnormal heart beats and even death.
• Coma.
• Fluid in the lungs.
• Gastrointestinal perforations due to improper insertion.
• Amoebic infection from poorly sterilized equipments.
• Dehydration and salt depletion.
• Repeated cleansing process may result in anemia and malnutrition.

  Human body removes the waste materials naturally. The body carefully controls the balance of water and electrolytes in the blood and tissues. Colon cleansing can disrupt this balance. It may also disrupt the balance between bacteria and natural chemicals in the bowels, and may interfere with the colons ability to shed dead cells. The frequent use of enemas or other colon cleansing methods may lead to dependence and inability to defecate without the assistance of others.

  Some people who practice alternative medicine suggest colon cleansing. They say these products cure many diseases and prevent colon cancer. They believe that a bowel, not working properly causes many problems and they recommend colon cleansing to correct them. There are no scientific evidences to support this claim and there is no evidence to prove that colon cleansing cures various health problems, prevents cancer, removes toxins or boosts the immune system. Colon cleansing can be highly harmful and will lead to various health problems and even death. Some herbs that are used in colon cleansing as an oral preparation, may also interfere with drug absorption and effectiveness of prescription drugs.

  Another big problem regarding colon cleansing is that, this practice is not well monitored or regulated and most practitioners are not well trained or knowledgeable, which increases the risk. Even if the equipments used in this process are not clean and sterile, it will introduce infectious disease into the body.

  In my opinion, colon cleansing is not good to use and are unsafe. There are other simple and natural ways that does the similar function as colon cleansing. Eating the right food and following a healthy lifestyle can accomplish the goal of colon cleansing. If you want to remove the dietary toxins from your body, then it will be better to improve your dietary habits. You will be able to find few guides here on this site which advises you to follow a particular dietary habit. 

Q&A: Options for colon cancer screening

 

 

Health

Q&A: Options for colon cancer screening

Updated: SEPTEMBER 16, 2017 — 3:01 AM EDT

  

 

 ISTOCK

 

The human colon. Colorectal cancer occurs in the colon or rectum when abnormal growths, called polyps, form and become cancerous over time.

by Steven Lichtenstein, D.O, For The Inquirer

 

Question: Is the fecal smear test my best colorectal-cancer-screening option?

 

  Answer: Being screened for colorectal cancer is crucial. Of cancers that affect both men and women, colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second- leading cancer killer in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

  CRC occurs in the colon or rectum when abnormal growths, called polyps, form and become cancerous over time.

 

Symptoms of CRC can include weight loss, abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, and anemia.

 

  However, the beginning stages of CRC may not show symptoms. Therefore, being screened is the best preventive method.

    There are several screening options available, including:

• Colonoscopy.
• Fecal immunochemical test (FIT).
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy with FIT.

 

  The “gold standard” of colon screening is a colonoscopy. Patients prepare for a colonoscopy by drinking special “prep” liquids to clean the bowels. During the procedure, patients are sedated as a flexible colonoscope is inserted into the rectum. A gastroenterologist will look for polyps and other abnormalities. This screening test should be performed every 10 years after the age of 50, according to the American Cancer Society.

  FIT is a stool-based test that can be done at your home. A tiny amount of stool is placed into a vial, which you mail to a laboratory for analysis. There is no preparation needed for this test. If lab results show a positive result for abnormalities, the next step is to schedule a colonoscopy. FIT is good for early detection and should be performed every year.

  Flexible sigmoidoscopy with FIT is an alternative to both the colonoscopy and FIT tests. Flexible sigmoidoscope does not require a “prep” drink, but the patient does require several enemas to clean out the lower part of the colon. There is also no need for IV sedation, but you can opt to have it. For this test, a flexible tube is placed into the rectum and examines only the lower colon. This is similar to a colonoscopy, but it doesn’t scan the entire colon. If the lab results come back positive, schedule a colonoscopy. This test should be performed every five years along with a FIT test every year.

  Each colorectal-screening test has its advantages and disadvantages. Talk to your doctor to decide which test is the right choice for you.

Steven Lichtenstein, D.O., is the chief of the division of gastroenterology at Mercy Health System.

Published: September 16, 2017 — 3:01 AM EDT