A new risk score calculator can help identify men and women under the age of 50 who are most likely to develop colorectal cancer. The score can range between 0 and 1 and takes into account a number of genetic variants that are often associated with colorectal cancer, as well as various lifestyle factors that have been shown to play a role in the development of colorectal cancer. The ultimate goal is to provide physicians with a tool with which to determine when their patients should begin screening based on their individualized health and lifestyle factors.

 

Find more information here.

In our busy lives, it is often all too easy to turn to processed foods for a quick meal. In moderation, some processed foods are not necessarily immediately harmful. However, new research has shown that for individuals suffering from inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn's or ulcerative colitis, too much processed food, particularly processed meat, can be deadly; this study has shown that higher intake of processed meats is associated with a higher risk of mortality. Limiting intake of processed meats and instead focusing on unprocessed red meat, chicken, and fish is an important step in optimizing long-term health for IBD patients.

 

Find more details on the study here.

Early onset colorectal cancer has become more and more prevalent over recent years. Twelve percent of all colon cancers are diagnosed in people younger than 50, with 6% occurring in individuals under the age of 45. The recommended colorectal cancer screening age in the United States was recently dropped to from 50 to 45 years, a recommendation that is supported by real-world data collected across the country (find more details here). Currently, Cancer Care Ontario (CCO) has not yet followed suit, and the recommended age for colorectal cancer screening in average risk Ontarians remains at 50. However, with new and continued accumulation of data, that recommendation may change in the future. 

One of the byproducts of the digestions of certain foods, such as some legumes and cruciferous vegetables, is gas. This can cause bloating and flatulence, which may be embarrassing and painful. While excessive gas and bloating can sometimes be a symptom of an underlying problem, more often it is related to the types of foods that are consumed and is not a cause for concern.

 

Learn more. 

A study published earlier this year suggests that antibiotic use may be associated with an increased risk of developing colon cancer. Researchers suggest that this effect may be due to a disruption in the gut's microbiome as a result of the antibiotics. While antibiotics are sometimes necessary and should be prescribed when needed, careful and sensible use of antibiotics should be strongly encouraged in order to minimize the risks.

 

Find more information here and here.

The incidence of colon cancer in younger adults has increased in the recent past. This increase may be partially attributed to lifestyle and dietary habits, such as increased intake of highly processed foods and a decreased intake of fresh fruits and vegetables. However, recent research has shown that vitamin D may play a role as well, as higher total daily intake of vitamin D seems to be linked to a lower risk of developing colon cancer. More research needs to be completed before a definitive conclusion can be drawn, but vitamin D may offer an inexpensive, low-risk protective effect.

 

Tri-City Colonoscopy Clinic (TCC) is excited to announce a new partnership with Cambridge Memorial Hospital (CMH) that will help expand and expedite community access to endoscopy services. 

 

"COVID-19 disrupted our health care system and we were put in a position to find unique ways to help address the wait lists”, said Dr. Augustin Nguyen, gastroenterologist and TCC Medical Director. "As of July 2021, the hospital had a backlog of over 1600 endoscopy cases, which is much more than what it normally has in any given year. By transferring medically appropriate, low-complexity cases to TCC, we can expect to help the hospital offset as many as 500 cases on that list.”

 

The partnership goes into effect today, August 24, 2021.

 

Read the full media release here.