12 things to know about alcohol and cancer
Spot It Early, Stop It Cold: Taking Charge Of Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is on the verge of becoming a manageable condition rather than a severe disease, thanks to early detection and intervention. "Our ultimate goal is to change colorectal cancer from a life-threatening illness into a manageable condition through widespread, early screening and intervention," stated Dr. Zhu Shida, Executive Dean of the Institute of Intelligent Medical Research (IIMR) at BGI Genomics (1✔ ✔Trusted SourceWill Colorectal Cancer Become a Chronic Disease?BGI InsightGo to source). To gain a deeper understanding of the global landscape of colorectal cancer and explore ways to improve awareness in the future, we consulted two experts: Prof. Varut Lohsiriwat from Mahidol University and Dr. Zhu Shida from BGI Genomics. They shared their insights after reviewing the BGI Genomics 2024 Global State of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Report. 'Early detection can turn colorectal cancer from a life-threatening disease into a manageable condition. #CRCawareness #EarlyDetection' With the improvement of detection precision and accuracy of molecular biotechnology, CRC can be identified and addressed at earlier stages, greatly improving survival rates and the quality of life for those affected.The COLOTECT Fecal Gene Methylation Detection is an example of a non-invasive fecal DNA test. It can provide early warnings of abnormal intestinal lesions through the use of sensitive molecular biology techniques. Unlike colonoscopy, it does not require preoperative preparation and fasting.
From the perspective of clinical medicine, colonoscopy is the gold standard for CRC detection. It can provide the most accurate results during the early stages of cancer development, yet it has limitations. Prof. Varut Lohsiriwat, a Professor of Surgery in the Division of General Surgery (Section of Colorectal Surgery), Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, highlights this challenge.
Professor Varut noted, "Colonoscopy requires an appointment and queuing, which can be a hassle for many patients due to limited hospital resources and long waiting times." As a result, patients frequently delay making an appointment until they experience symptoms. Early symptoms of CRC are often subtle and similar to common intestinal diseases such as enteritis and hemorrhoids; this similarity often leads to late-stage diagnoses. Data show that 20% of CRC patients have metastases at the time of diagnosis, with the liver, lungs, peritoneum, and local lymph nodes being common sites of spread. By the time symptoms appear, some cases are already in Stage IV, resulting in a drastic drop in the 5-year survival rate from 90% in Stage I-II to 14% in Stage IV.Advertisement
Non-invasive fecal DNA testing, which has higher accuracy and is widely accepted by patients according to the report, can be used as a first step before a colonoscopy. If the result is positive for biomarkers, a colonoscopy can be performed for a more detailed diagnosis. "The best screening method is the one that the patient accepts and adheres to because that's the method that will actually benefit them," Prof. Varut highlighted."In Thailand, everyone likes to draw prizes," Professor Varut suggests innovative promotional programs for CRC early screening. The government or medical institutions can promote early screening by organizing a lottery for those who receive the screening. "It's a win-win," he explains.
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The proposed approach blends local culture with public psychology to encourage early screening participation. By doing so, it holds the potential to significantly lower CRC incidence rates and ease long-term financial strains on the local healthcare system.While colorectal cancer remains a formidable health challenge, innovative approaches and technological advancements offer a promising future for improving early detection and reducing the global burden of this disease. "By continuously improving our methods and maintaining a patient-centric approach, we are committed to playing a pivotal role in the global fight against cancer," said Dr. Zhu.
Dr. Zhu envisions the future and concludes, "At BGI Genomics, we recognize that there is a gap [between acceptance and accessibility] and we focused our efforts on developing advanced molecular biology testing techniques to close the gap. The ultimate goal is to transform colorectal cancer from a life-threatening disease into a manageable condition through widespread, early screening and intervention."
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Living With Stage 4 Breast Cancer: What To Know About Survival
Facing stage 4 breast cancer can be challenging because it's the most serious and life threatening stage of breast cancer. However, treatment and lifestyle changes can help improve outcomes.
Stage 4 breast cancer is also called metastatic breast cancer or advanced breast cancer. At this stage, cancer that developed in your breast has spread to other areas of your body. Cancer cells might have traveled through your lymphatic system to your lungs, bones, liver, brain, or other organs.
Most often, stage 4 breast cancer develops long after you first receive a cancer diagnosis. But in rare cases, the cancer may already have progressed to stage 4 by the time of diagnosis.
Read on to learn about the outlook for stage 4 breast cancer and what may be done to improve outcomes.
Breast cancer is categorized into five stages from 0 to 4. Stage 4 is the most advanced. Using another staging system, it can also be referred to as distant breast cancer, which means the cancer has spread from its original location.
According to the National Cancer Institute, an estimated 31.9% of people who receive a diagnosis of distant-stage breast cancer live for at least 5 years after diagnosis. This percentage is lower than those in earlier stages because survival rates depend on the extent and location of metastasis (spread).
Is stage 4 breast cancer considered terminal?Stage 4 breast cancer is not curable and can be terminal. However, various factors and advancements in treatment can improve your outlook.
Can stage 4 breast cancer go into remission?As a result of developments in treatment, it's possible for stage 4 breast cancer to go into remission. This means the cancer will not be detected on tests. But in most cases, the cancer has a high risk of recurring later on.
Is long-term survival possible?While it's rare, there have been cases of people who survived for more than 10 years after a diagnosis of stage 4 breast cancer.
According to a 2016 study, about 13% of women who receive a diagnosis of primary stage 4 breast cancer live for 10 years after their diagnosis. "Primary" refers to someone's first cancer diagnosis. This means that this statistic does not apply to recurrences.
A 2019 study also found that 13% of people who received a diagnosis of the human epidermal growth receptor 2 (HER2)-positive subtype of stage 4 breast cancer reached and maintained remission by 10 years after diagnosis.
The 2016 study also found that women under the age of 50 years who received a stage 4 breast cancer diagnosis had a higher chance of surviving for 10 years than older women did.
Various factors can affect your longevity and quality of life with stage 4 breast cancer:
If you have stage 4 breast cancer, it's important to work with an oncologist to develop your treatment plan. This will involve medical treatment and lifestyle strategies.
Medical treatmentSince the cancer has spread to other areas of your body, systemic treatment will likely be necessary to stop tumor growth and spread.
Your specific breast cancer characteristics and medical history will determine which treatment options your oncologist recommends. Treatment may include:
DietWhen you have stage 4 breast cancer, you may experience periods of weight gain and weight loss. This can be caused by stress, a lack of energy for exercise, or a side effect of cancer treatment, such as nausea.
Although it may be hard, try to choose foods that provide enough nutrients to support your body. Consider foods such as lean meats, eggs, low fat dairy, nuts, beans, and fruits and vegetables. Keep high calorie options such as milkshakes on hand for days when you don't feel like eating. And do your best to stay hydrated.
When you do eat, opt for small, frequent meals and incorporate ginger into your diet to ward off nausea. If you experience symptoms such as diarrhea, switch to easy-to-digest foods like apples, toast, crackers, broth, and bananas. These foods can still provide you with some necessary nutrition.
When in doubt, ask your doctor about your nutritional needs. They might recommend increasing certain foods or drinks and limiting others.
ExerciseWhile more research is needed, a 2021 study suggests that getting regular exercise may be a factor in reducing breast cancer occurrence and mortality.
But it's important to talk with your doctor before starting an exercise program. If your blood counts are low or your levels of electrolytes (such as potassium and sodium) are imbalanced, most healthcare professionals won't recommend exercising because you could put yourself at risk for further harm.
Your doctor may also recommend that you avoid working out in public places because of the risk of exposure to germs.
Safety is also important, as treatments and fatigue can cause balance and numbness issues.
Ultimately, it's essential that you listen to your body and that you don't push yourself on the days when you aren't feeling up to working out.
Having stage 4 breast cancer presents unique challenges in comparison with earlier stages of the disease.
If you've already been through earlier stages of cancer, you're now gearing up for a new experience. Metastatic breast cancer can cause additional symptoms that you may not have dealt with before, as well as new or stronger side effects from treatment.
Here are a few coping strategies that can be helpful:
A diagnosis of stage 4 breast cancer, whether it's a first diagnosis or a recurrence, can bring up a range of emotions. You might feel angry or scared or even experience a numb feeling. There isn't a wrong or a right way to feel.
A diagnosis of stage 4 breast cancer can feel daunting because it's the most serious stage of the disease. But undergoing treatment and making necessary lifestyle changes can greatly improve your outlook.
Researchers are continuing to examine different treatment options for stage 4 breast cancer. You might consider participating in clinical trials to help researchers better understand breast cancer and develop potential cures.
Your healthcare team can help you assess the potential benefits and risks of experimental treatments.
Combo Therapy Boosts Survival For Advanced Colon Cancer
Key TakeawaysColon cancers are especially tough to treat in their advanced stages
A new trial finds the use of two immunotherapy drugs plus standard chemo nearly doubled survival times in patients with these tumors, compared to a widely used targeted therapy
The combo therapy also produced better shrinkage of tumors
WEDNESDAY, May 29, 2024 (HealthDay News) -- People battling advanced colon cancers might have a new treatment option that could extend their survival, a new trial finds.
A combination of two experimental immunotherapy drugs plus standard chemotherapy led to a median 19.7 month survival for patients, compared to the median 9.5 months observed among folks who only got a targeted therapy called regorafenib.
"These results pave the way for further exploration of this promising treatment approach," said study first author Dr. Zev Wainberg. He co-directs the UCLA Health GI Oncology Program, and is a researcher at the UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center.
The two experimental immunotherapy drugs were etrumadenant and zimberelimab, which activate the immune system to target cancer cells. Both are under development by Arcus Biosciences, which funded the new trial.
According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 106,590 new cases of colon cancer will be diagnosed among Americans in 2024, and around 53,010 people will die of the illness. It's the third-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men and the fourth leading cause in women.
Catching any cancer early is key to controlling it, because cancers that have spread are much tougher to treat.
The new trial involved 112 patients with metastatic colorectal cancers who'd already undergone chemotherapy (oxaliplatin and irinotecan-containing regimens).
These patients were randomly placed into two groups. Seventy-five received EZFB: "etrumadenant/zimberelimab plus a standard chemotherapy (what doctors call mFOLFOX-6 plus bevacizumab), while the other 37 received the targeted cancer therapy regorafenib alone.
According to Cancer Research UK, regorafenib is a type of targeted cancer drug called a cancer growth blocker. It works by interrupting signals cancer cells need to grow and also prevents those cells from forming new blood vessels.
In the study, the combo therapy nearly doubled overall patient survival times, compared to regorafenib alone, and it also greatly improved what's known as "progression-free survival," meaning time elapsing without any further cancer growth.
Progression-free survival with the combo treatment was 6.2 months compared to 2.1 months for those in the targeted therapy only group, the researchers reported.
Finally, "treatment with the novel combination therapy either partially or completely shrank tumors in 17.3% of patients," according to a UCLA news release. "For patients on regorafenib only, 2.7% had tumor shrinkage."
"The improvement in both progression-free survival and overall survival observed with the EZFB combination represents a significant advancement in the management of refractory metastatic colorectal cancer," Wahlberg said in a UCLA news release.
The combo regimen had "an acceptable safety profile," with side effects roughly equivalent to those experienced by patients who got standard chemotherapy, Wainberg and colleagues noted.
They plan to present the findings Sunday at the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology in Chicago. These findings should be considered preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal.
More information
Find out more about the treatment of colon cancer at the American Cancer Society.
SOURCE: UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, news release, May 28, 2024
What This Means For YouPatients battling advanced colon cancers might have a new option that extends their survival.
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