Category: Colon Cancer
New screening tool could increase the use of virtual colonoscopies
In a recent study, laxative-free virtual colonoscopy was nearly as effective as the optical colonoscopy at detecting larger polyps of at least 10 millimeters that are responsible for most colorectal cancers.
Swedish to open new Women’s Cancer Center
Seattle’s Swedish Medical Center will open a new cancer center that will provide services tailored specifically for women — next Tuesday, June 5th. The 23,600-square-foot True Family Women’s Cancer Center will occupy the fifth and sixth floor of the medical center’s Arnold Pavilion at 1221 Madison on Swedish’s First Hill campus. The goal is to [...]
Higher cost of cancer care in the U.S. may be ‘worth it’ — study
Higher U.S. spending for cancer care pays off in almost two years of additional life for American cancer patients on average compared to their European counterparts — a value that offsets our higher costs.
U.S. cancer deaths continue steady decline
Deaths from cancer in the U.S. declined from 1999 to 2008, maintaining a trend seen since the early 1990s. Mortality fell for most cancer types, including the four most common types of cancer in the United States — lung, colorectal, breast, and prostate –, although the rate of decline varied by cancer type and across racial and ethnic groups.
New cancer drugs offer hope — but at an often staggering cost
Julie Grabow, an oncologist at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle, recently prescribed an exciting new therapy for a 60-year-old woman with metastatic breast cancer — Afinitor made by Novartis. There was a catch, though. Novartis is charging $10,000 per month for the drug
Do the elderly get too many medical tests?
Are older patients being over tested? There is little evidence the elderly benefit from colon, breast and prostate cancer screening — and considerable risk.
Answers to readers’ insurance questions
If you’re injured after drinking, can your insurer refuse to pay? Do privacy rules keep insurers from talking to you about your spouse’s coverage? Does colonoscopy coverage include polyp removal? Yes, no and maybe.
U.S. colorectal cancer death rates continue to drop, but not equally
Death rates from colorectal cancer in the U.S. continue to fall, a trend that began more than two decades ago. But the decline has been greater in some regions.
Under health law, colonoscopies are free—but it doesn’t always work that way
Under the new health law, insurers must cover screening colonoscopies with no out-of-pocket cost. But if doctors find and remove a polyp, you might get hit with a big bill.
Colon cancer screening can save your life – Health tips from The Polyclinic
Colon cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death, but death rates have been falling since the mid-80s, in large part due to increased screening. What’s involved?
Health law expands Medicare coverage of preventive care
Covered services include mammograms and colorectal cancer screening, bone mass measurement and nutritional counseling.
Adventures in Colonoscopy
Video by Ken Westermann of Seattle. For more videos from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center’s “Get Screened!” video contest click here.
Fred Hutch Cancer Research Center announces winners of its “Get Screened!” video contest
Seattle’s Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center has announced the winners of it’s “Get Screened!” video contest. The purpose of the competition was to promote colorectal-cancer screening. Colorectal cancer is the fourth most common cause of cancer death in the U.S., but is curable if detected early. Zach Smith of Spokane, Washington won first prize with [...]
Need help deciding to get your colonoscopy?
The Puget Sound Health Alliance has posted a short video of Diane from West Seattle who talks about going for a colonoscopy. The preparation is worse than the procedure, she says, and catching colon cancer when its easier to cure or just knowing you’re OK is worth it. The Puget Sound Health Alliance is a [...]
Sound Health: Colon Cancer Screening
People put it off, but colorectal cancer screening should top your list of things to do when you turn 50, writes Dr. Lori Whittaker in this month’s Sound Health column. It seems to be one of the most popular tests to put off to another day. If you’re 50 you probably know what I’m talking [...]
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