Study: Most respond well to genetic testing results
People at high risk for psychological distress respond positively to receiving results of personalized genetic testing, according to new research at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. More than 60 percent of subjects in the genetic study wanted information about their test results, and 95 percent said they appreciated receiving the information, regardless of whether the results were good or bad news.
Likely culprit in spread of colon cancer identified
New research at the School of Medicine and Vanderbilt University Medical Center has implicated a poorly understood protein called PLAC8 in the spread of colon cancer.
Matt Holliday and mom team with Siteman to promote colon cancer screening
St. Louis Cardinals left fielder Matt Holliday and his mom, Kathy, have teamed up with the Siteman Cancer Center to spread the word about the importance of colon cancer screening.
Photo project encourages family, friends to schedule colon cancer screenings
A recent display showcased photos taken by participants of the Photovoice project hosted by Siteman Cancer Center’s Program for the Elimination of Cancer Disparities. Participants used photos to remind people of the need for colon cancer screenings. Pictured is participant Ronald Rancher and the photo he submitted.
Less invasive alternative to colonoscopy reduces colon cancer deaths
A less invasive screening test for colorectal cancer reduces deaths from the disease but is probably not as effective as colonoscopy, the gold standard.
Poor colonoscopy prep hides pre-cancerous polyps
What happens on the day before a colonoscopy may be just as important as the colon-screening test itself. Gastroenterologists at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have found that when patients don’t adequately prep for the test by cleansing their colons, doctors often can’t see potentially dangerous pre-cancerous lesions.
Washington People: James W. Fleshman Jr.
James Fleshman, MD, is a highly regarded surgeon known for developing laparoscopic techniques for colorectal surgery. In a landmark clinical trial, his research helped to establish that laparoscopic surgery is as safe and effective as conventional surgery for removing colon tumors.
Consistent exercise associated with lower risk of colon cancer death
Consistent exercise is associated with a lower risk of dying from colon cancer, according to a new study led by Siteman Cancer Center researchers. The study is among the first to show that physical activity can make the disease less deadly.
Scientists identify cells in fruit fly gut that start tumors
Tumor growth can start from stem cells in the gut, say researchers studying fruit flies at the School of Medicine. They found that tumors can grow from adult stem cells that have lost a specific tumor-suppressor gene. The gene, Apc, has previously been implicated in human gastrointestinal cancers, including colon cancer.