#bowel cancer treatment

[kaizenhospitals]

What is Colorectal Cancer?

Colorectal cancer is a neoplastic disease of the large intestine from Ileo-cecal junction till the rectum. Unregulated growth of their cell lining lead to polyps and cancers.

The exact cause of colorectal cancer is not known, but several factors can increase risk of developing colorectal cancer.

Age: Elderly people are at risk of colorectal cancer. It is most common in people over 50 years of age.

Family history: People with history of colorectal cancer in family (first degree relatives) are at increased risk. 

Genetic factors: They are associated with some hereditary syndromes like lynch syndrome, familial Adenomatous polyposis, etc.

Lifestyle factors: A diet rich in red and processed meats and low in fibres or lacking fruits and vegetables can increase risk of colon cancer. Obesity, reduced physical activity, alcohol consumption or smoking also increase risk of colorectal cancer.

Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis) can increase the risk of colorectal cancer.

It is important to note that having one or more risk factors does not mean that a person will develop cancer. Regular screening tests such as stool occult blood and colonoscopy, can help to detect as well as prevent it at the early stage. 

[kaizengastrocare]

Are you experiencing blood in stool or black stools, changes in bowel movements, abdominal pain or cramping, unexplained weight loss, or fatigue and weakness? Don't wait! Consult Kaizen Gastro Care's experts.https://www.kaizengastrocare.com/

[drnishargpatel]

What is irritable bowel syndrome, what are the symptoms, and how is it treated?

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common digestive illness affecting millions of people throughout the world. It is a disorder that affects the large intestine and can cause various symptoms such as stomach pain, bloating, and bowel habit changes.IBS can be difficult to treat, but understanding the symptoms and treatment choices can help people find relief and improve their quality of life.

Get Knowledge about IBS Being a functional gastrointestinal disorder, irritable bowel syndrome affects how the gut works as opposed to creating structural harm. Although the precise causation of IBS is unknown, some factors are thought to be involved.  These include abnormal muscle contractions in the intestine, inflammation, and changes in the gut microbiome.  Stress and certain foods can also trigger or exacerbate IBS symptoms. 

Diet Tips for Dealing with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) can be particularly helpful in managing this condition. While IBS varies from person to person, some common triggers include dairy products, high-fat foods, caffeine, and alcohol.  Identifying and avoiding these triggers is crucial for effective IBS treatment. 

Symptoms of IBS

The symptoms of IBS can vary widely but typically include:

Abdominal Pain and Cramping: This is often relieved by bowel movements and can range from mild to severe.

Bloating: Many people with IBS experience a feeling of fullness or swelling in the abdomen. 

Bowel Habits Changes: IBS can result in constipation, diarrhea, or a combination of the two.

Gas: Increased flatulence is another common symptom. 

Mucus in Stool: Some people notice mucus in their stool, which is not usually present in healthy bowel movements. 

It’s important to note that while IBS can be uncomfortable and disruptive, it does not cause permanent damage to the intestines or increase the risk of serious conditions like cancer.

IBS Treatment Options

Managing IBS effectively involves a combination of lifestyle changes, dietary adjustments, and sometimes medication. Here’s a comprehensive look at the various approaches to IBS treatment:

1. Dietary Changes

One of the most effective ways to manage IBS is by modifying your diet. Here are some dietary tips that can help alleviate symptoms:

Low-FODMAPS Diet: Less consumption of foods high in fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols is recommended when following the Low-FODMAP diet. This diet has been shown to significantly improve IBS symptoms for many people. Foods for IBS and IBS-friendly recipes are key components of this approach.

Increase Fiber Intake: For those with IBS-C (constipation-predominant), increasing dietary fiber can help improve bowel movements. Foods like oats, fruits, and vegetables are excellent sources of fiber. High-fiber foods and a fiber-rich diet can aid in managing IBS-C.

Limit Trigger Foods: Identifying and avoiding foods that trigger symptoms is crucial. Common triggers include dairy products, fatty foods, and caffeine.

Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help with digestion and prevent constipation.

2. Medications

Several medications can be used to manage IBS symptoms, depending on whether you experience IBS-D (diarrhea-predominant), IBS-C (constipation-predominant), or a mix of both. Some options include:

Antispasmodics: The medicines work to relax the muscles in the stomach to reduce pain and cramping in the abdomen.

Laxatives: For IBS-C, laxatives can help promote regular bowel movements.

Anti-Diarrheal Medications: For IBS-D, medications like loperamide can help reduce diarrhea.

Fiber Supplements: Adding fiber supplements can help manage symptoms of IBS-C by providing additional bulk to stool.

3. Probiotics

Probiotics are good bacteria that can aid in reestablishing the gut microbiome's equilibrium. Some studies suggest that certain strains of probiotics can improve IBS symptoms by reducing bloating and pain. Probiotic foods like yogurt, kefir, and probiotic supplements are good sources of these beneficial bacteria.

4. Psychological Therapies

Since stress and anxiety can exacerbate IBS symptoms, psychological therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and stress management techniques can be beneficial. These therapies help individuals cope with stress and can improve their overall quality of life.

5. Lifestyle Modifications

A few lifestyle modifications, together with food and medication therapies, can help control IBS:

Daily Workout: Regular exercise can help control bowel movements and lower stress levels.  Exercise for gut health is an excellent way to support digestion.

Adequate Sleep: Ensuring you get enough sleep is essential for overall health and can help manage IBS symptoms. Sleep and gut health are closely linked.

Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Practices such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises can help reduce stress and improve gut health.

Tips for Managing IBS

Managing IBS requires a personalized approach, as what works for one person may not work for another. Here are some more suggestions for dealing with IBS:

Keep a Food Diary: Tracking your food intake and symptoms can help identify specific triggers and patterns.

Consult with a Dietitian: A registered dietitian can help you develop a personalized eating plan and guide you through the Low FODMAP diet if necessary.

Stay Consistent: Consistency in dietary and lifestyle changes is key to managing IBS effectively.

Communicate with Your Healthcare Provider: Regular consultations with your healthcare provider can help adjust your treatment plan as needed.

Conclusion

Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a manageable condition that can significantly impact the quality of life if left untreated. Understanding the symptoms and exploring various IBS treatment options can help you find relief and improve your well-being. By making informed dietary choices, considering medications and probiotics, and adopting lifestyle changes, you can manage IBS more effectively and lead a healthier life.

Remember, if you suspect you have IBS or are struggling to manage your symptoms, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and treatment. You may take charge of your digestive health and improve your quality of life with the appropriate strategy.

[badolmen]

This post was (rightfully) addressing a US-centric focus on height and weight but I do want to point something out:

To my understanding weight checks aren’t explicitly for the purpose of calculating BMI (a bullshit eugenics metric that shouldn’t be used by medical professionals but is, unfortunately); they’re to make sure your weight remains relatively stable. Sudden major changes in weight (up or, of more immediate concern, down) can be indicative of serious health problems from digestive issues to cancer. I’m not doubting that some doctors are fatphobic and purposefully distressing their patients about their weights, but there is a reason to regularly check your patient’s weight for drastic fluctuations during a basic check up - especially because many serious digestive issues aren’t openly discussed or brought up by patients who feel embarrassed about it.

[caffeineandcatnip]

I wonfer if the other cats get upset with how much the husband and I praise DC for eating all her food or if they sideeye us for not complaining or scolding her when we clean up her poop off the floor.

[hopkinrx]

Colorectal Cancer: Important Types, Risk Factors, Treatment, And Prevention

Colorectal Cancer: Important Types, Risk Factors, Treatment, And PreventionIntroductionWhat is Colorectal Cancer?Types of Colorectal Cancer Adenocarcinomas Carcinoid Tumors Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GISTs) Lymphomas SarcomasRisk Factors for Colorectal Cancer Age and Gender Family History Personal Medical History Lifestyle Factors Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)Symptoms and Early Detection…

[organicmarketresearch]

Global Small Bowel Cancer Treatment Market Size & share Forecast 2031.

Global Small Bowel Cancer Treatment Market Size, Share & Trend Analysis- By Treatment Type, By Cancer Type, By End-user, By Drug Class, Regional Outlook, Competitive Tactics, and Segment Forecast to 2031

[cannabiscomrade]

February 6-10 is Feeding Tube Awareness Week!

The beginning of February was selected because of its proximity to Valentine’s Day, because we love our feeding tubes. This is my first year as a tubie and I’m looking forward to learning more about feeding tubes and the conditions that necessitate them! I do love my tube, it saved my life!

I am an adult with a feeding tube, and a lot of the awareness and attention surrounding these medical devices is child focused. A lot of children depend on tube feeding to thrive, but there are plenty of disabled adults that depend on tube feeding as well! In 2017 there were approximately 438,000 people with feeding tubes in the US, and 60% of them are adults.

I have gastroparesis, which directly translates to paralysis of the stomach. My stomach doesn’t grind food the way it’s supposed to, and my pylorus sphincter at the bottom of my stomach doesn’t open well to pass food and liquids through. While gastroparesis has a range of impact and severity, I have a very severe case, and I am no longer able to eat or drink by mouth for nutrition. I am 100% tube fed. I went into starvation ketoacidosis prior to my placement.

Tube feeding, or enteral nutrition, has several different forms. There are nasal tubes and there are surgical tubes. Nasal tubes can go into your stomach (NG), duodenum (ND), or your jejunum (NJ) and are typically for short-term use. They can be used for acute illness and malnutrition, or to trial tolerance of enteral feeding. Surgical tubes go into your stomach (gastrostomy/G) jejunum (jejunostomy/J) or both (gastrojejunostomy/GJ) and they’re for chronic conditions and/or long-term use. I have a GJ tube and it looks like this:

I have a GJ tube so that I can bypass my paralyzed stomach and feed directly into my intestine. I can also drain stomach contents from the gastric port, which allows me to drink liquids and drain them out before they make me sick. Different people will have different tubes depending on their diagnosis and prognosis! Some people have one form of tube, and others have separate G and J tubes.

There are over 400 conditions that can require tube feeding. Some of those include

Gastroparesis

Intestinal dysmotility

Cancer

Intestinal failure

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative Colitis)

Cerebral Palsy

Congenital/chromosomal conditions

Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

Several trisomy conditions

Prematurity

Other conditions not mentioned in the link above include

Hyperemesis gravadarium, severe nausea/vomiting during pregnancy to the point of significant weight loss and electrolyte imbalance

Acute trauma requiring bowel rest

Eating disorders

This week, I want to promote visibility for disabled adults with feeding tubes. I didn’t know anything about enteral nutrition until I got sick. Once I had a confirmed diagnosis of gastroparesis, the reality that I was facing forced me to learn and adapt quickly to a completely life changing treatment. I know there are other adults like me, as well as tubie adults that used to be a child with a tube!

[scientia-rex]

Good morning! I have a question. When I look up info about vitamin D, I come across many claims that people generally don't get enough of it. In a recent episode of Maintenance Phase, however, the hosts called it a "scam" or overblown, at least (I don't remember the exact wording). So, like, what's the deal with vitamin D? Do Americans get enough of it?

Probably, mostly. At the very least, people should be tested before starting repletion. It probably has a role in osteoporosis treatment and prevention, BUT how much to take and what form and when is HOTLY debated and frequently conclusions are changing.

Just to take you on a spin through the most recent Cochrane reviews (THESE ARE NOT SINGLE STUDIES, in case any of the research-naive out there want to get pissy about them; look up what a Cochrane review actually is before trying to shit on it; also note that I did NOT say this will cover every fucking person and every hypothetical they can come up with, jesus CHRIST):

No role for vitamin D in asthma

Insufficient evidence to recommend it in sickle cell

Raising vitamin D levels in cystic fibrosis patients is not beneficial

No evidence of benefit of vitamin D in MS

Supplementing vitamin D in pregnancy may have small benefits but also risk of harms

No clinically significant benefit from vitamin D supplementation in chronic pain

Insufficient data on vitamin D in inflammatory bowel disease, but no evidence of benefit

No evidence of benefit of vitamin D supplementation in liver disease

Vitamin D does not appear to prevent cancer in general population

No evidence for benefit in supplementation of vitamin D in premenopausal women to prevent bone density loss

Possible small mortality benefit of D3, but not D2, in elderly patients, but also increased risk of kidney stones and hypercalcemia

Vitamin D alone ineffective, but combined with calcium may be effective, in preventing bone fractures in older adults

Insufficient evidence for vitamin D improving COVID-19 outcomes

Now, vitamin D plus calcium in people who have post-menopausal bone density loss does seem to prevent fractures. This is why doctors routinely recommend it. However, dosage and formulation are still debated as data are insufficient, and uncertainty still large.

So, do you need to supplement? Probably not. There is some fairly weak evidence that vitamin D supplementation may help with depression, but I would argue that it's going to be most relevant in people with pre-existing deficiencies, which Medicare is just hellbent on not letting me test for anymore. They've narrowed the coverage codes for testing so now even know vitamin D deficiency isn't considered a good enough reason to test. So Medicare has very clearly decided it's not relevant, for whatever that's worth, I spit on their graves, etc. Of course, then you get into the question of what counts as a deficiency, which we also really don't know.

And to be clear, I wasn't looking through the Cochrane review results with an angle--those are most of the first page of search results on their site, with the only one skipped being similar to another one I mentioned, and I stopped when I got bored. These should not be paywalled, as I am not logged into anything and I can read it all, so try clicking the side menu on the right if you have trouble getting into the weeds.

If anything, running through this little exercise has made me less likely to recommend vitamin D supplementation, so do with that what you will.

[thechthonicherbalist]

Okay, this will sound ridiculous to anyone who doesn't know my situation or what it's like to not be able to eat anything for long periods of time, due to illness. BUT:

I just had the most delicious broth. Just brown watery stuff with lots of flavours from meat and bones and vegetables, salt and spices. And just... that feeling of something so delicious filling my mouth, sinking into my tongue, warming my throat and settling into my stomach, without causing severe pain or upheaval is the best best feeling in the whole wide world. 😭

POV: I've had chronic inflammatory bowel disease with such bad ulcers and inflammations throughout my digestive system, which turned cancerous, that I lost my ability to digest anything almost entirely last year and was only fed parenternally via an intravenous port for 15 months and now I'm on chemo and after the second treatment and cauterized ulcers I'm extremely tired and aching, but digestive tract has deswelled enough to reliably absorb watery liquids again. :'3

[mindblowingscience]

In a medical first, scientists have hindered the growth of bowel cancers in mice by harnessing immune cells in the large intestine. One of the most exciting new cancer treatments is immunotherapy, which works by training the body's immune system to identify and destroy cancer cells. However, most current immunotherapies only benefit a small minority of patients with bowel cancer – fewer than 10 percent. "We have discovered that an important group of immune cells in the large bowel – gamma delta T cells – are crucial to preventing bowel cancer," says immunologist Lisa Mielke from the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute at La Trobe University in Australia.

Continue Reading.

[camisoledadparis]

PROSTATE CANCER AWARENESS

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men, but detecting it early is a game changer.

I'll explain all you need to know about this condition in simple terms, I try to answer some famous questions you may have..

What is Prostate cancer?

It is a type of cancer that begins in the prostate gland The prostate gland is part of the male reproductive system.

It is located below the bladder. This gland is responsible for producing the fluid that nourishes and transports sperm.

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers as they age.

What are the risk factors?

The exact cause of prostate cancer is unknown, but the risk factors are certain, they include:

- Age is a major risk factor for prostate cancer, with most cases occurring in men over 50.

- family history; as men with close relatives who had prostate cancer are at a higher risk. Having a father or brother with prostate cancer more than doubles a man’s risk of developing this disease.

- there are changes that could occur in your genes that can also increase your risk.

- men of African descent face an even greater risk and are more likely to be diagnosed at an advanced stage

A study showed that 1 in 4 black men will have prostate cancer in their lifetime, scary

Stages of Prostate cancer

Based on how far it has spread, it is classified into stages from stage I to IV

- Stage I is early and confined to the prostate, while Stage IV indicates the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, like the bones

Knowing the stage of cancer helps your doctor determine the best way to treat

Can regular sexual intercourse prevent prostate cancer, or prostate issues?

Important to state that “regular ejaculation alone is not a guaranteed preventive measure for prostate cancer”

Some studies suggested that regular ejaculation, whether through sex, masturbation, or nocturnal emissions, may reduce the risk of prostate cancer.

Research, including a notable study by Harvard University, found that men who ejaculated 21 or more times per month had a 20% lower risk of prostate cancer than those who ejaculated less frequently. The reasons are not fully understood, possibly that frequent ejaculation might help clear potential toxins or reduce inflammation in the prostate.

However, while this association exists, it’s still under investigation.

More evidence is needed… for example, a study in 2008 revealed that frequent sex in younger men increases prostate cancer risk compared to older men…

Stay active and monitor your health with Inspire 3, a tracker that supports prostate health by encouraging regular activity, reducing stress, improving sleep, and tracking key wellness metrics.

~~~~

Treatment Options

It depends on the stage of cancer and overall health. Options include:

- monitoring the cancer (active surveillance) - surgery to remove the prostate - radiation to destroy cancer cells - hormone therapy to reduce hormones that fuel cancer growth, and chemotherapy.

Treatments for prostate cancer can lead to side effects like difficulty controlling urine, erectile dysfunction, and bowel issues.

They must be communicated to patients beforehand

[amalgamasreal]

SOURCE

Elliot Pfebve, 55, is the first patient in England treated with a personalized vaccine for bowel cancer at Birmingham’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

Thousands more patients will receive the experimental vaccine, not as a cure but to target remaining cancer cells after treatment.

The NHS will match patients to clinical trials for their specific tumors via the Cancer Vaccine Launch Pad, using mRNA technology to train immune systems to combat cancer cells.

[thydungeongal]

Hello, I am Israa, I have two children (Nasser and In'am). In'am was born two months ago in the midst of this war and genocide. She needs milk, some treatment, and healthy food. I hope that you and your loved ones are well. We are not well. We live in difficult circumstances in the war after I lost my entire family except for my father, and my house was completely destroyed. My father suffers from the spread of cancer in his body and needs urgent surgery. I need your support and donations. I hope you can do so. Recently, I have been suffering from severe pain in my irritable bowel syndrome and my health has deteriorated. No one supports my father and children except me. We have no one. Today, the army informed us that we are in a dangerous area and we must evacuate the area immediately. We do not know where to go and how to go. I am a woman who cannot carry my father and children. I am alone. This is too much for me, and they are targeting us directly. I need you here. I am struggling to get milk and healthy water. I need diapers for my children and father, and they cost ($50). Everything is bad, and I do the simplest things with difficulty. Here, they are killing us slowly. I feel like I've lost hope and there's no hope of survival and I'm going to lose the rest of my family, please help me save what's left for me. 💔🙏

Vetted.

[wolvzephyr]

Hello, I am Israa, I have two children (Nasser and In'am). In'am was born two months ago in the midst of this war and genocide. She needs milk, some treatment, and healthy food. I hope that you and your loved ones are well. We are not well. We live in difficult circumstances in the war after I lost my entire family except for my father, and my house was completely destroyed. My father suffers from the spread of cancer in his body and needs urgent surgery. I need your support and donations. I hope you can do so. Recently, I have been suffering from severe pain in my irritable bowel syndrome and my health has deteriorated. No one supports my father and children except me. We have no one. Today, the army informed us that we are in a dangerous area and we must evacuate the area immediately. We do not know where to go and how to go. I am a woman who cannot carry my father and children. I am alone. This is too much for me, and they are targeting us directly. I need you here. I am struggling to get milk and healthy water. I need diapers for my children and father, and they cost ($50). Everything is bad, and I do the simplest things with difficulty. Here, they are killing us slowly. I feel like I've lost hope and there's no hope of survival and I'm going to lose the rest of my family, please help me save what's left for me. 💔🙏

Sharing this one as well (link to fundraiser) - It's vetted by association!

[madlori]

Hey! Get a camera up your butt! IT’S GOOD FOR YOU

One of my personal quests is to get everybody to get colonoscopies.

A colonoscopy has an insanely high benefit-to-inconvenience ratio. It’s not just diagnostic, it’s preventative. If they find polyps (which are basically little fleshy growths in your colon), they remove them with a quick little snip snip right there during the exam. Polyps can become cancerous if left in there, so this is actually preventing you from getting colon cancer, which is the FOURTH most common type of cancer after breast, lung and prostate. 

It can also find actual cancer present, but if you’re getting regular exams, they’ll find it early, and treatment is very effective and often pretty easy. My dad had a lil bit of colon cancer but they literally just snipped it out, no radiation or chemo needed, and he’s good to go. If he hadn’t gotten a colonoscopy, he’d probably be dead right now, or he’d have had to go through much more radical treatments.

A regular colonoscopy is one of the most powerful tools in our medical arsenal to prevent a serious illness.

BUT LORI, ISN’T THIS UNCOMFORTABLE, IT’S LITERALLY A CAMERA UP YOUR BUTT.

Yes. Yes, it is. But you won’t care because you’ll be OUT COLD. They knock you out for a colonscopy with a quick-acting and quick-recovery sedative. I am talking about this right now because I had this procedure TODAY. My appointment was at 1030. I think they actually wheeled me into the scoping room at around 1100, and I walked out of the clinic just before noon. I woke up from the sedation and was totally alert within ten minutes. Had a nice lil nap.

Most gastroenterologists recommend now beginning colonoscopies starting at age 45, and getting one every 5 years, or more often depending on the results. But if you have family history, your PCP could refer you for one much earlier. I know a guy who started getting them at 25 because his uncle died of colon cancer, and based on the degree of polyp growth the doctors estimated they started forming in his late teens.

BUT LORI I HEAR THE PREPARATION IS NO FUN.

You’re...not wrong. But it’s really just annoying.

Naturally, to scope your colon, it has to be free of...the substance that usually fills it. So you have to do bowel prep for this. Bowel prep is something you have to do for a variety of procedures but they’re pretty severe about it for this because if your colon isn’t clear they literally can’t see anything, so.

It involves at least 24 hours of no solid food (broth and jello (except red jello) is allowed) and having to drink a prep solution. There are various kinds of these the time frame required is different. My prep was a 4 liter (yes, four LITERS) of a polyethylene glycol salt solution. It’s basically (puts chemistry hat on) a deliquescent solution that pulls water from your body into your intestines which is like turning on a firehose in there. Osmosis FTW. Liquidation sale, everything must go. Don’t go more than twenty feet from a toilet. Lay in some baby wipes. You also have to hydrate like a maniac because you’re shedding water much more than usual and you’ll shrivel up like a mummy if you don’t aggressively hydrate. The solution tastes...not great. I mix Crystal Light into it and it’s better. Mixing in a can of LaCroix was also helpful.

Not all preps are like this. Every clinic has their preferred method. I don’t ask questions. I do what I’m told. Then it’s nothing by mouth at all for 2 hours pre-procedure.

Honestly? The weirdest part is afterwards when you can eat again, and your whole guts have to kind of...fill back up. SO MUCH rumbling and noisemaking and squeaking.

The fun part? My clinic gave me a prinout of various photos of the inside of my colon, all squeaky clean like it hardly ever is. I might frame them.

The take home lesson here is that a colonscopy is super important, can save your life, isn’t uncomfortable at all, and you get to look at the inside of your guts. Win all around.