We are what we eat, and that isn’t always a good thing. Some pesticides used on fruits and vegetables have been linked to breast cancer. And exposure to estrogen-like hormones used in raising livestock may increase your risk for the disease. Read labels, ask your grocer to stock organic produce and hormone-free meats and dairy products, and look for organic food at your local farmers’ market.
GO ORGANIC:
* Organic produce is grown without harmful man-made chemicals.
* Some organochlorines, chemicals made of chlorine and carbon, are estrogen mimics that cause breast cancer. Organochlorine chemicals are found in pesticides and plastics.
PICK ANTIOXIDANT-RICH FOOD:
* Antioxidants, such as Vitamin E, Vitamin C and Beta-Carotene protect our cells’ DNA against damage by free radicals—harmful chemicals that are found in car exhaust, tobacco smoke, x-rays and sunlight. Free radicals can attack cell membranes and damage the DNA of cells, which ultimately causes cancer.
* Studies suggest that many women’s cancers can be prevented by eating foods rich in antioxidants, high in fiber and low in fat.
CHOOSE HORMONE-FREE MEATS AND DAIRY:
* When we eat meat, poultry, fish and dairy products, we’re also eating the residue of what those animals ate, including pesticides, growth hormones, and contaminants.
* Hormone-free beef or dairy eliminates those traces of hormones that can enter our bodies and contribute to an increased risk of breast cancer.
FILL UP ON FIBER:
* A women’s lifetime risk of breast cancer is directly related to her lifetime exposure to estrogen. Fiber helps the body get rid of excessive estrogen.
* There are two types of fiber, and both are equally beneficial. Soluble fiber can be found in rice bran, oatmeal and barley. Insoluble fiber can be found in wheat bran and woody stems of vegetables and fruit.
Source:http://www.pureprevention.org/act_eatsmart.php
Friday, September 28, 2007
Prevent Cancer in Your Home
Your home is your sanctuary. But many household items, including paper products and cleaning supplies, contain cancer-causing chemicals. These products can be replaced with safer, non-toxic alternatives available at your local supermarkets and health food stores. Plus, by making smart purchases you let manufacturers and retailers know that you won’t stand for toxic products.
CLEAN WITHOUT BLEACH AND CHLORINE:
* Paper products are often bleached to make them whiter, and scientific evidence indicates that exposure to the chlorine used in many bleaching processes increases your risk of breast cancer. Choose toilet paper, tissue and office paper labeled “Processed Chlorine Free” (PCF).
* Replace harmful household cleaners containing bleach with cheaper, non-toxic alternatives like baking soda, borax soap and vinegar.
FIGHT HOUSEHOLD PESTS SAFELY:
* Studies have found potential links between pesticides and breast cancer risk. Look for natural alternatives to chemical weed and bug killers and take preventative measures such as mulching for weeds and using traps, barriers, fabric row covers, or plant-based repellants to get rid of pests.
BE CAREFUL WITH PLASTICS:
* Some plastics leach chemicals into the substances they touch, so you should try to choose non-plastic alternatives when possible.
o Avoid microwaving your food in plastic containers or in plastic wrap. Choose ceramic or glass containers instead.
o Swap plastic water bottles for stainless steel or aluminum options.
o Choose non-toxic baby toys and shower curtains instead of PVC (polyvinyl chloride), plastic or vinyl.
source http://www.pureprevention.org/act_healthyhome.php?msource=pure0907&tr=y&auid=3039015
CLEAN WITHOUT BLEACH AND CHLORINE:
* Paper products are often bleached to make them whiter, and scientific evidence indicates that exposure to the chlorine used in many bleaching processes increases your risk of breast cancer. Choose toilet paper, tissue and office paper labeled “Processed Chlorine Free” (PCF).
* Replace harmful household cleaners containing bleach with cheaper, non-toxic alternatives like baking soda, borax soap and vinegar.
FIGHT HOUSEHOLD PESTS SAFELY:
* Studies have found potential links between pesticides and breast cancer risk. Look for natural alternatives to chemical weed and bug killers and take preventative measures such as mulching for weeds and using traps, barriers, fabric row covers, or plant-based repellants to get rid of pests.
BE CAREFUL WITH PLASTICS:
* Some plastics leach chemicals into the substances they touch, so you should try to choose non-plastic alternatives when possible.
o Avoid microwaving your food in plastic containers or in plastic wrap. Choose ceramic or glass containers instead.
o Swap plastic water bottles for stainless steel or aluminum options.
o Choose non-toxic baby toys and shower curtains instead of PVC (polyvinyl chloride), plastic or vinyl.
source http://www.pureprevention.org/act_healthyhome.php?msource=pure0907&tr=y&auid=3039015
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
These boots are made for walking
I laced up my new hiking boots as my friends watched me and then shook their heads. Two weeks before departure for Kauai, I finally bought hiking boots.
“How do your new boots feel?” Lior asked as she waited patiently with our hiking team. I jammed a water bottle in my pack and locked my car.
“Great. I got my poles too.” I replied proudly.
Lior and Laura inspected my hiking poles and then they gave advice on how to make pole adjustments for our hike. I missed the hiking pole workshop for some reason. They both filled me in on what they learned so far on how to use hiking poles. I am wobbly on steep trails so these poles are going to help me.
Off we go on our training hike in the Oakland hills. The sun will set soon so we better get moving. My boots fit perfectly. Better support for my ankles than my old pair of boots.
These boots are made for hiking and that’s just what I’ll do.
One of these days these boots are going to walk all over Kauai.
Ready boots?
Start walking.
On October 5, 2007 thirty hikers flew to Kauai and hiked the Wiamea Canyon. Our boots were made for walking. We raised $400,000 for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. This means that our team has been able to fund 3 research grants and provided financial aid to 52 families!
After four months of training with Hike for Discovery I was able to complete an eight hour hike in the Wiamea Canyon in the on narrow slippery slopes. Probably the hardest hike of my entire life. I believe I no longer have a fear of heights!
Go Team!
“How do your new boots feel?” Lior asked as she waited patiently with our hiking team. I jammed a water bottle in my pack and locked my car.
“Great. I got my poles too.” I replied proudly.
Lior and Laura inspected my hiking poles and then they gave advice on how to make pole adjustments for our hike. I missed the hiking pole workshop for some reason. They both filled me in on what they learned so far on how to use hiking poles. I am wobbly on steep trails so these poles are going to help me.
Off we go on our training hike in the Oakland hills. The sun will set soon so we better get moving. My boots fit perfectly. Better support for my ankles than my old pair of boots.
These boots are made for hiking and that’s just what I’ll do.
One of these days these boots are going to walk all over Kauai.
Ready boots?
Start walking.
On October 5, 2007 thirty hikers flew to Kauai and hiked the Wiamea Canyon. Our boots were made for walking. We raised $400,000 for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. This means that our team has been able to fund 3 research grants and provided financial aid to 52 families!
After four months of training with Hike for Discovery I was able to complete an eight hour hike in the Wiamea Canyon in the on narrow slippery slopes. Probably the hardest hike of my entire life. I believe I no longer have a fear of heights!
Go Team!
Four Genes That Cause Colorectal Cancer
Four Genes That Cause Colorectal Cancer
Johns Hopkins professor Ross C. Donehower, M.D., F.A.C.P. discusses four newly-identified genes for colorectal cancer.
Scientists are identifying specific genes that confer a high risk of developing some cancers, including colorectal cancer. If you happen to carry one of these specific genes, your risk of colorectal cancer is increased considerably. Your doctor may recommend genetic testing if cancer seems to run in your family or if a close relative has been found to carry one of these genes.
* Colorectal Cancer Gene 1: Hereditary Nonpolyposis Colorectal Cancer (HNPCC) -- Also called Lynch syndrome, this inherited tendency to develop colorectal cancer represents between 2% and 7% of all colorectal cancers. Not all people who inherit this genetic disorder will develop colorectal cancer, but they do inherit a significantly increased risk as well as a risk of developing other related cancers. Cancer tends to show up during puberty or the early twenties.
* Colorectal Cancer Gene 2: Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP) -- This rare form of inherited cancer causes a massive overgrowth of polyps in the colon and rectum, often among people who are in their teens. Less than 1% of all colorectal cancers are due to FAP, which is also known as Gardner’s syndrome, familial polyposis, or hereditary polyposis of the colorectum.
* Colorectal Cancer Gene 3: APC I1307K Mutation -- This is a genetic variant of FAP found in about 6% of Ashkenazi Jews whose ancestors came from eastern Europe. The mutation increases the risk of developing colorectal cancer by as much as 30%. (The risk among the general population is about 5–6%.) Compared with FAP, the number of polyps in the colon is much lower, as is the risk of cancer.
* Colorectal Cancer Gene 4: MYH Polyposis Syndrome -- This form of colon cancer is a recently discovered recessive syndrome. Those who develop the disease must have inherited a particular mutated gene from both parents. Those who inherit only one affected gene are not at special risk for cancer but may pass the gene to their offspring. Affected individuals typically develop 10–100 polyps at around 40 years of age and are at high risk for developing colon cancer.
Johns Hopkins professor Ross C. Donehower, M.D., F.A.C.P. discusses four newly-identified genes for colorectal cancer.
Scientists are identifying specific genes that confer a high risk of developing some cancers, including colorectal cancer. If you happen to carry one of these specific genes, your risk of colorectal cancer is increased considerably. Your doctor may recommend genetic testing if cancer seems to run in your family or if a close relative has been found to carry one of these genes.
* Colorectal Cancer Gene 1: Hereditary Nonpolyposis Colorectal Cancer (HNPCC) -- Also called Lynch syndrome, this inherited tendency to develop colorectal cancer represents between 2% and 7% of all colorectal cancers. Not all people who inherit this genetic disorder will develop colorectal cancer, but they do inherit a significantly increased risk as well as a risk of developing other related cancers. Cancer tends to show up during puberty or the early twenties.
* Colorectal Cancer Gene 2: Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP) -- This rare form of inherited cancer causes a massive overgrowth of polyps in the colon and rectum, often among people who are in their teens. Less than 1% of all colorectal cancers are due to FAP, which is also known as Gardner’s syndrome, familial polyposis, or hereditary polyposis of the colorectum.
* Colorectal Cancer Gene 3: APC I1307K Mutation -- This is a genetic variant of FAP found in about 6% of Ashkenazi Jews whose ancestors came from eastern Europe. The mutation increases the risk of developing colorectal cancer by as much as 30%. (The risk among the general population is about 5–6%.) Compared with FAP, the number of polyps in the colon is much lower, as is the risk of cancer.
* Colorectal Cancer Gene 4: MYH Polyposis Syndrome -- This form of colon cancer is a recently discovered recessive syndrome. Those who develop the disease must have inherited a particular mutated gene from both parents. Those who inherit only one affected gene are not at special risk for cancer but may pass the gene to their offspring. Affected individuals typically develop 10–100 polyps at around 40 years of age and are at high risk for developing colon cancer.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Safe Water Bottles
Plastic generates more questions to the Breast Cancer Fund about safety and health than any other household product. We can tell you how to choose wisely (avoid #3 and #7 plastics) and reduce leaching (don’t microwave in plastic), but it would be better for all of our health if toxic plastics weren’t sold in the first place.
Nalgene, maker of the clear, plastic water bottles that come in a rainbow of colors and appeal to adventurers and urbanites alike, has based its business on environmental sustainability. Most recent, Nalgene teamed up with Brita on a new campaign to reduce the use of disposable plastic water bottles.
We sincerely applaud the efforts of these companies to look for ways to reduce plastic from the environment. We are troubled, however, that Nalgene still makes and sells water bottles that contain a chemical called bisphenol A (identified as #7 plastic), despite overwhelming evidence showing health harm from even very small exposures to BPA.
Bisphenol A is a known hormone disruptor and several studies have shown that exposure to BPA in utero can cause breast cancer later in life. As Pete Myers, founder and CEO of Environmental Health Sciences, has noted:
“Since 1997, well over 200 articles have been published in the peer-reviewed scientific literature showing that BPA (bisphenol A) has a biological impact on cells and animals beneath the current federal standards, which were based on data gathered in the early 1980s… Significantly, all of the reports of major effects come from government or academic studies, while none of the 12 studies funded by industry has reported harm.”
Clearly under pressure from consumers, Nalgene touts the safety of BPA on the company’s Web site—largely citing “sources” supported by industry, including the American Chemistry Council’s Plastics Division (motto: “Better living with plastics”) and Polycarbonate/BPA Business Group.
It’s time for Nalgene, a subsidiary of ThermoFisher Scientific, to focus its sustainability efforts on our environment and our health.
Ask Nalgene to remove BPA from their products.
http://www.breastcancerfund.org/siteapps/advocacy/ActionItem.aspx?c=kwKXLdPaE&b=3374453&msource=news0907&auid=2987417
Nalgene, maker of the clear, plastic water bottles that come in a rainbow of colors and appeal to adventurers and urbanites alike, has based its business on environmental sustainability. Most recent, Nalgene teamed up with Brita on a new campaign to reduce the use of disposable plastic water bottles.
We sincerely applaud the efforts of these companies to look for ways to reduce plastic from the environment. We are troubled, however, that Nalgene still makes and sells water bottles that contain a chemical called bisphenol A (identified as #7 plastic), despite overwhelming evidence showing health harm from even very small exposures to BPA.
Bisphenol A is a known hormone disruptor and several studies have shown that exposure to BPA in utero can cause breast cancer later in life. As Pete Myers, founder and CEO of Environmental Health Sciences, has noted:
“Since 1997, well over 200 articles have been published in the peer-reviewed scientific literature showing that BPA (bisphenol A) has a biological impact on cells and animals beneath the current federal standards, which were based on data gathered in the early 1980s… Significantly, all of the reports of major effects come from government or academic studies, while none of the 12 studies funded by industry has reported harm.”
Clearly under pressure from consumers, Nalgene touts the safety of BPA on the company’s Web site—largely citing “sources” supported by industry, including the American Chemistry Council’s Plastics Division (motto: “Better living with plastics”) and Polycarbonate/BPA Business Group.
It’s time for Nalgene, a subsidiary of ThermoFisher Scientific, to focus its sustainability efforts on our environment and our health.
Ask Nalgene to remove BPA from their products.
http://www.breastcancerfund.org/siteapps/advocacy/ActionItem.aspx?c=kwKXLdPaE&b=3374453&msource=news0907&auid=2987417
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Diet and the risk of Colon Cancer
A number of studies have confirmed a link between diet and the risk of colorectal cancer. In one study of 150,000 adults reported in the Journal of the American Medical Association, people who ate the most red and processed meat over a 20-year period had a 50% greater risk of developing colorectal cancer than those who consumed little meat.
Individuals who ate more poultry and fish than meat had a 70% lower risk of colon cancer. Likewise, a large European study of close to half a million people found that those who ate the most red and processed meat had the highest risk of colorectal cancer, while those who ate the most fish had the lowest risk of colorectal cancer. Eating poultry neither increased nor decreased the risk of colorectal cancer.
Finally, a third study, performed in Japan, found that women who followed a traditional Japanese diet (high in salted fish, rice, miso soup, and pickled vegetables) or a typical Western diet (high in meat and cheese) had a higher risk of colon cancer than those who consumed a healthy diet (high in vegetables, fruits, and soy). Men did not have a higher risk of colorectal cancer as a result of eating a Japanese or Western diet.
Women who consume a diet with a high glycemic load—one that includes lots of simple and complex sugars—may be more likely to develop colorectal cancer than those who eat low-glycemic diets. Dietary factors have been strongly linked to colorectal cancer, but the long-term effects of a high-glycemic load have remained unclear.
In their study, which was reported in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, researchers followed more than 38,000 women for an average of almost eight years. Participants were asked to record all the food they ate at the study’s onset. By the end of the study, 174 women had developed colorectal cancer. Women with the highest glycemic load were almost three times as likely to develop cancer as those who ate a low-glycemic diet.
High total carbohydrate and fructose intakes were also associated with an elevated risk of colon cancer. The study authors remark that trying to establish a link between diet and disease is difficult because dietary factors are interrelated and complex. Although a high glycemic load may be associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer, other variables such as body weight, level of physical activity, smoking, alcohol use, and nutrient intake probably play a role as well.
Johns Hopkins Health Alerts February 27, 2007
Individuals who ate more poultry and fish than meat had a 70% lower risk of colon cancer. Likewise, a large European study of close to half a million people found that those who ate the most red and processed meat had the highest risk of colorectal cancer, while those who ate the most fish had the lowest risk of colorectal cancer. Eating poultry neither increased nor decreased the risk of colorectal cancer.
Finally, a third study, performed in Japan, found that women who followed a traditional Japanese diet (high in salted fish, rice, miso soup, and pickled vegetables) or a typical Western diet (high in meat and cheese) had a higher risk of colon cancer than those who consumed a healthy diet (high in vegetables, fruits, and soy). Men did not have a higher risk of colorectal cancer as a result of eating a Japanese or Western diet.
Women who consume a diet with a high glycemic load—one that includes lots of simple and complex sugars—may be more likely to develop colorectal cancer than those who eat low-glycemic diets. Dietary factors have been strongly linked to colorectal cancer, but the long-term effects of a high-glycemic load have remained unclear.
In their study, which was reported in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, researchers followed more than 38,000 women for an average of almost eight years. Participants were asked to record all the food they ate at the study’s onset. By the end of the study, 174 women had developed colorectal cancer. Women with the highest glycemic load were almost three times as likely to develop cancer as those who ate a low-glycemic diet.
High total carbohydrate and fructose intakes were also associated with an elevated risk of colon cancer. The study authors remark that trying to establish a link between diet and disease is difficult because dietary factors are interrelated and complex. Although a high glycemic load may be associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer, other variables such as body weight, level of physical activity, smoking, alcohol use, and nutrient intake probably play a role as well.
Johns Hopkins Health Alerts February 27, 2007
New Tests Ease the Colorectal Screening Process
Colorectal cancer screening tests may not be all that much fun … but new options now make these necessary tests more comfortable.
More than half of people who should be screened for colorectal cancer are not. Reasons vary, but the primary reason seems to be the inconvenience, followed by trepidation about discomfort or pain.
New colorectal screening tests and preps can help solve some of these problems and improve screening rates. However, some are not widely available, and none is good enough –- yet -- to replace the traditional colonoscopy.
Colorectal screening with FIT:
The most simple colorectal test -- one that doctors recommend be done yearly -- is the take-home fecal occult blood test (FOBT), for which you take a tiny swab from your feces for three bowel movements in a row. Yet studies show that nearly half of people who are offered this test never complete the FOBT or don’t turn it in.
Although it is not the most pleasant of chores, the reason most people give for failing to follow up on this colorectal screening test is the six days of drug and diet restrictions beforehand. These seem daunting, especially to health conscious people who follow diets high in prohibited foods such as raw fruits, vegetables, and vitamin C. Many said they found the dietary restrictions confusing or believed they had invalidated the test by not following the diet instructions.
A newer colorectal test, the fecal immunochemical test (FIT), doesn’t require any diet or drug restrictions. FIT is like FOBT without the hassle. You can skip dietary restrictions because it only detects human blood. It’s covered by Medicare and some insurers but is not offered everywhere, as it is somewhat more costly than the FOTB. Ask if it is available to you.
Colorectal screening with PreGen-Plus:
An even more promising new colorectal screening test can detect tiny bits of DNA shed from cancerous tumors or polyps into feces. Preliminary studies show this test to be much more accurate than the fecal blood tests in finding colon cancer, and it requires no dietary changes or other preparations. However, it does require an entire bowel movement to be captured, packaged, and shipped to a lab within 24 hours inside a cooler. At $500 a test, it is much more expensive than fecal blood tests, and is not covered by Medicare or most insurance carriers. This test has great promise, once the price and kinks are worked out. If you want to try it and pay for it yourself, ask your doctor about the PreGen-Plus test.
Colorectal screening with OsmoPrep:
A complete emptying of the colon is essential for a colonoscopy or other colorectal imaging tests, and many people find that one of the most unpleasant aspects of the procedure is the preparation: drinking a gallon of salty laxative, glass by glass, every 15 minutes for four hours. The salty fluid can be nauseating, even when it is flavored.
A new tablet preparation approved in March 2006 offers some improvement, because any clear liquid can be used and because it takes less time and less fluid.
A sodium phosphate laxative called OsmoPrep is given in 32 tablets, taken with a half gallon of any clear liquid in two sessions totaling two hours. Some tablets are taken the night before, and the rest three to five hours before the procedure. The pills are not yet available everywhere.
Colorectal screening with a virtual colonoscopy:
At first glance, the concept of a CT scan instead of one that involves internal scoping has great appeal, as there is no invasive procedure involved -- just a high-tech imaging procedure. However, most people don’t realize that it would still require the unpleasant preparation -- the purging of the bowels with laxatives after a period of eating a limited diet.
So far, the imaging test is not as accurate as a colonoscopy, and if polyps are found, a regular colonoscopy will be required, which doubles the cost and inconvenience of testing. One advantage: The test is noninvasive and thus removes the very small risk of a perforation during the exam. Colorectal cancer experts haven’t given this test their complete approval yet. It is still being studied.
Colorectal screening with robotic colonoscopy:
In development now is a self-propelled and self-navigating colonoscopy tool, which uses gentle air pressure to travel though the colon. An Israeli medical team that researched the device says it does not require sedation, is less likely to cause damage to the walls of the colon, and takes less expertise to operate. The device includes pressure regulators to ensure that air pressure stays within safe limits. However, the device doesn’t have the capacity to carry any instruments. So if a biopsy or polypectomy is necessary, a regular colonoscopy will have to be performed anyway.
Source: Johns Hopkins Medical Alerts 9/4/07
More than half of people who should be screened for colorectal cancer are not. Reasons vary, but the primary reason seems to be the inconvenience, followed by trepidation about discomfort or pain.
New colorectal screening tests and preps can help solve some of these problems and improve screening rates. However, some are not widely available, and none is good enough –- yet -- to replace the traditional colonoscopy.
Colorectal screening with FIT:
The most simple colorectal test -- one that doctors recommend be done yearly -- is the take-home fecal occult blood test (FOBT), for which you take a tiny swab from your feces for three bowel movements in a row. Yet studies show that nearly half of people who are offered this test never complete the FOBT or don’t turn it in.
Although it is not the most pleasant of chores, the reason most people give for failing to follow up on this colorectal screening test is the six days of drug and diet restrictions beforehand. These seem daunting, especially to health conscious people who follow diets high in prohibited foods such as raw fruits, vegetables, and vitamin C. Many said they found the dietary restrictions confusing or believed they had invalidated the test by not following the diet instructions.
A newer colorectal test, the fecal immunochemical test (FIT), doesn’t require any diet or drug restrictions. FIT is like FOBT without the hassle. You can skip dietary restrictions because it only detects human blood. It’s covered by Medicare and some insurers but is not offered everywhere, as it is somewhat more costly than the FOTB. Ask if it is available to you.
Colorectal screening with PreGen-Plus:
An even more promising new colorectal screening test can detect tiny bits of DNA shed from cancerous tumors or polyps into feces. Preliminary studies show this test to be much more accurate than the fecal blood tests in finding colon cancer, and it requires no dietary changes or other preparations. However, it does require an entire bowel movement to be captured, packaged, and shipped to a lab within 24 hours inside a cooler. At $500 a test, it is much more expensive than fecal blood tests, and is not covered by Medicare or most insurance carriers. This test has great promise, once the price and kinks are worked out. If you want to try it and pay for it yourself, ask your doctor about the PreGen-Plus test.
Colorectal screening with OsmoPrep:
A complete emptying of the colon is essential for a colonoscopy or other colorectal imaging tests, and many people find that one of the most unpleasant aspects of the procedure is the preparation: drinking a gallon of salty laxative, glass by glass, every 15 minutes for four hours. The salty fluid can be nauseating, even when it is flavored.
A new tablet preparation approved in March 2006 offers some improvement, because any clear liquid can be used and because it takes less time and less fluid.
A sodium phosphate laxative called OsmoPrep is given in 32 tablets, taken with a half gallon of any clear liquid in two sessions totaling two hours. Some tablets are taken the night before, and the rest three to five hours before the procedure. The pills are not yet available everywhere.
Colorectal screening with a virtual colonoscopy:
At first glance, the concept of a CT scan instead of one that involves internal scoping has great appeal, as there is no invasive procedure involved -- just a high-tech imaging procedure. However, most people don’t realize that it would still require the unpleasant preparation -- the purging of the bowels with laxatives after a period of eating a limited diet.
So far, the imaging test is not as accurate as a colonoscopy, and if polyps are found, a regular colonoscopy will be required, which doubles the cost and inconvenience of testing. One advantage: The test is noninvasive and thus removes the very small risk of a perforation during the exam. Colorectal cancer experts haven’t given this test their complete approval yet. It is still being studied.
Colorectal screening with robotic colonoscopy:
In development now is a self-propelled and self-navigating colonoscopy tool, which uses gentle air pressure to travel though the colon. An Israeli medical team that researched the device says it does not require sedation, is less likely to cause damage to the walls of the colon, and takes less expertise to operate. The device includes pressure regulators to ensure that air pressure stays within safe limits. However, the device doesn’t have the capacity to carry any instruments. So if a biopsy or polypectomy is necessary, a regular colonoscopy will have to be performed anyway.
Source: Johns Hopkins Medical Alerts 9/4/07
Diet Joke from God
In the beginning, God created the Heavens and the Earth and populated the Earth with broccoli, cauliflower and spinach, green and yellow and red vegetables of all kinds, so Man and Woman would live long and healthy lives.
Then using God's great gifts, Satan created Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream and Krispy Creme Donuts. And Satan said, 'You want chocolate with that?'
And Man said, 'Yes!' and Woman said, 'and as long as you're at it, add some sprinkles.' And they gained 10 pounds. And Satan smiled.
And God created the healthful yogurt that Woman might keep the figure that Man found so fair. And Satan brought forth white flour from the wheat, and sugar from the cane and combined them. And Woman went from size 6 to size 14.
So God said, 'Try my fresh green salad.' And Satan presented Thousand-Island Dressing, buttery croutons and garlic toast on the side. And Man and Woman unfastened their belts following the repast.
God then said, 'I have sent you heart healthy vegetables and olive oil in which to cook them.' And Satan brought forth deep fried fish and chicken-fried steak so big it needed its own platter. And Man gained more weight and his cholesterol went through the roof.
God then created a light, fluffy white cake, named it 'Angel Food Cake,' and said, 'It is good.' Satan then created chocolate cake and named it 'Devil's Food.'
God then brought forth running shoes so that His children might lose those extra pounds. And Satan gave cable TV with a remote control so Man would not have to toil changing the channels. And Man and Woman laughed and cried before the flickering blue light and gained pounds.
Then God brought forth the potato, naturally low in fat and brimming with nutrition. And Satan peeled off the healthful skin and sliced the starchy center into chips and deep-fried them. And Man gained pounds.
God then gave lean beef so that Man might consume fewer calories and still satisfy his appetite. And Satan created McDonald's and its 99-cent double cheeseburger. Then said, 'You want fries with that?' And Man replied, 'Yes! And super size them!' And Satan said, 'It is good.' And Man went into cardiac arrest.
God sighed and created quadruple bypass surgery.
Then Satan created HMOs.
Then using God's great gifts, Satan created Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream and Krispy Creme Donuts. And Satan said, 'You want chocolate with that?'
And Man said, 'Yes!' and Woman said, 'and as long as you're at it, add some sprinkles.' And they gained 10 pounds. And Satan smiled.
And God created the healthful yogurt that Woman might keep the figure that Man found so fair. And Satan brought forth white flour from the wheat, and sugar from the cane and combined them. And Woman went from size 6 to size 14.
So God said, 'Try my fresh green salad.' And Satan presented Thousand-Island Dressing, buttery croutons and garlic toast on the side. And Man and Woman unfastened their belts following the repast.
God then said, 'I have sent you heart healthy vegetables and olive oil in which to cook them.' And Satan brought forth deep fried fish and chicken-fried steak so big it needed its own platter. And Man gained more weight and his cholesterol went through the roof.
God then created a light, fluffy white cake, named it 'Angel Food Cake,' and said, 'It is good.' Satan then created chocolate cake and named it 'Devil's Food.'
God then brought forth running shoes so that His children might lose those extra pounds. And Satan gave cable TV with a remote control so Man would not have to toil changing the channels. And Man and Woman laughed and cried before the flickering blue light and gained pounds.
Then God brought forth the potato, naturally low in fat and brimming with nutrition. And Satan peeled off the healthful skin and sliced the starchy center into chips and deep-fried them. And Man gained pounds.
God then gave lean beef so that Man might consume fewer calories and still satisfy his appetite. And Satan created McDonald's and its 99-cent double cheeseburger. Then said, 'You want fries with that?' And Man replied, 'Yes! And super size them!' And Satan said, 'It is good.' And Man went into cardiac arrest.
God sighed and created quadruple bypass surgery.
Then Satan created HMOs.
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