Physicians with More Training Perform More Effective Colonoscopies
A recent trial conducted at 15 different medical centers in Korea indicates that a physician must perform at least 150 colonoscopies to be considered competent at the procedure. Details of the study were recently published in the journal Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. read more

Celebrex® Reduces Colon Adenomas
The COX2-inhibitor Celebrex® (celecoxib) reduces the rate of colon adenomas at five years and appears safe, even among patients with cardiovascular disease. These results were recently presented as a late-breaking abstract at the 2008 annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research. read more

Drug Combination Decreases Recurrence Rate of Colon Polyps
The combination of the difluoromethylornithine (DFMO) and sulindac reduces the rate of colon adenomas (growths or polyps) by up to 95% among patients who have had prior colon polyps. These results were presented as a late-breaking abstract at the 2008 annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research. read more

Combination of Erbitux® and Camptosar® Improves Outcome in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
The combination of Erbitux® (cetuximab) and Camptosar® (irinotecan) may be more effective than Camptosar alone for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer that is positive for the epidermal growth factor receptor. This study was recently published online in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. read more

Colon Cancer Patients: Understanding Peripheral Neuropathy
If you’ve received chemotherapy as part of your colon cancer treatment, one of the side effects you may experience is numbness and tingling in your extremities, also known as peripheral neuropathy. The following guidelines explain how to recognize and manage this condition. read more

May Is National Skin Cancer Awareness Month
As the month of May brings skin cancer into focus, it’s a great time to increase public understanding of the disease, including its prevalence, approaches to screening and prevention, treatment options, and resources that offer updated skin cancer information throughout the year. read more

Getting to Know Your Oncology Nurse
If you’ve been recently diagnosed with cancer, you’re probably meeting many healthcare providers. The following is an introduction to an especially important member of this team—your oncology nurse. read more

Tips for Making the Right Food Choices
When to buy organic? What kinds are fish are most healthful? In addition to considering which varieties of foods are most nutritious, questions like these may pop up as you make your grocery list. To make these decisions easier, keep the following tips on mind. read more

Learning About Financial Solutions for Cancer Patients
Understanding the many financial issues that accompany a cancer diagnosis is an important part of managing your cancer and experiencing the best outcomes—in terms of both health and general well-being. read more