May 20, 2011
Cholesterol Drug May Prevent Colon Cancer
A new National Cancer Institute (NCI) sponsored study evaluates the cholesterol drug, Rosuvastatin, (Crestor) as a treatment to reduce the risk of colon cancer. Rosuvastatin is a statin, a class of drugs that lower cholesterol. The study, titled, “P-5: Statin Polyp Prevention Trial in Patients with Resected Colon Cancer,” is being conducted by a network of cancer research professionals, the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project (NSABP), at 200 medical centers located throughout North America.
The study was developed because laboratory research and studies conducted in large populations of patients taking a statin to reduce cholesterol suggest that taking the drug may, also, decrease the number of colon polyps. Colon polyps can lead to colon cancer if left untreated.
The study will involve 1,740 patients, who have recently been diagnosed with early stage colon cancer, and who were not already taking statins for high cholesterol. Patients will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. Each group will take one pill a day for five years. One group will receive Rosuvastatin, while the other group will receive a placebo.
“There will be an estimated 102,900 cases of colon cancer in the United States this year. In fact, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer found in men and women in this country. We hope this trial will be an important step in reducing these numbers,” said Norman Wolmark, M.D., NSABP’s Chairman.
People recently diagnosed with a Stage I or II colon cancer and interested in the study should contact Jan Wilson, Hinsdale Hematology Oncology Associates Nurse Manager and Clinical Research Nurse, at 630-654-1790. A list of other sites in North America that are participating in the study may be found at http://www.nsabp.pitt.edu/P5_Sites.asp.
Since its beginning more than 50 years ago, NSABP has enrolled more than 140,000 women and men in clinical trials in breast and colorectal cancer. NSABP has research sites at major medical centers, university hospitals, large oncology practice groups, and health maintenance organizations in the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, Australia and Ireland. At those sites and their satellites, more than 5,000 physicians, nurses and other medical professionals conduct NSABP treatment and prevention studies.
Hinsdale Hematology Oncology Associates (HHOA) is a medical specialty group of doctors and allied healthcare professionals concentrating on the care of patients with cancer or disorders of the blood. The physicians in this practice are on the staff of Adventist Hinsdale and Adventist Bolingbrook Hospitals. In addition, all participate in several national research consortiums including the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project (NSABP). Through these and other affiliations, HHOA is able to offer state of the art medical care and special services such as experimental chemotherapy, immunologic and biologic modifier therapy, and cancer genetic risk assessment. HHOA has two conveniently located community outpatient treatment centers located in Hinsdale, IL and Bolingbrook, IL. For more information, visit www.hhoaltd.com or call 630-654-1790.
March 10, 2011
Colorectal Cancer Screening Saves Lives
March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. It is important during this time to spread the word about getting screened. Getting a colorectal cancer screening test could save your life. According to the Colon Cancer Alliance, “By simply getting screened, more than 80 percent of colorectal cancer cases can be prevented.”
Polyps (an abnormal growth) in the colon or rectum can turn into cancer over time. Screening tests find polyps so they can be removed before this happens. If a polyp has already turned into cancer, finding it early can make the disease more easily treatable.
Screening should begin at age 50 unless you are at high risk. Your risk for colorectal cancer may be increased if:
- You have a family history of colorectal cancer
- You have a personal history of colorectal polyps or colorectal cancer
- You have a history of inflammatory bowel disease
- For a more detailed list of risk factors, visit the American Cancer Society website.
Colorectal cancer often does not have symptoms until it is in a more advanced stage. If you are at higher risk, talk to your doctor about when you should start screenings, and if you are age 50 or older…start now!
It is a good idea to compile your family history to share with your physician. Print out a Family Health Tree to help you keep track of information. (provided by the Colon Cancer Alliance/ www.ccalliance.org)
