|
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
|
|
Virtual Colonoscopy Being Heard Again
|
After Medicare opted out of paying for virtual colonoscopy procedures a few months ago, the industry seemed to have faded slightly. But now reports are coming out saying that the scans are still a viable option and wise choice for quick, easy colon check-ups and cancer prevention. Regardless of the screening method you choose, colon cancer is known to a treatable cancer if caught at it's early stages. For some traditional methods are chosen because they feel it is more comprehensive, while other patients prefer virtual screenings to eliminate the embarrassment and pain involved in traditional forms of removal.
Reuters reported saying, "Computed tomographic colonography has been shown to be better accepted than colonoscopy and has a negligible risk of serious adverse events; thus, it may help increase the low adherence reported for individuals who are candidates for screening, which is the main negative factor affecting its efficacy in reducing mortality from colorectal cancer," Regge's team wrote."
The decision for colon cancer screening should be based on the patients decision and physicians recommendation, because for some both economically and time-wise non-invasive procedures may be the best option, whereas other more high-risk patients prefer the old-fashioned way to check the colon even more in depth.
|
|
|
Friday, May 15, 2009
|
|
Colon Cancer Test
|
A new gene test is said to predict whether certain forms of colon cancer are
likely to return in former patients. A large number of colon cancer
patients have the cancer removed via chemotherapy, but often times there may
a chance of round two in the future. This would shed great light onto the
prevention and early detection of cancer coupled with virtual colonoscopy
scans.
According to Reuters, "Molecular diagnostics company Genomic Health Inc said
last month that a pivotal trial of its OncoType DX colon cancer assay showed
that it could predict cancer recurrence risk but did not meet a secondary
goal of predicting a patient's response to standard chemotherapy after
surgery."
The test may be available and FDA approved by 2010 researchers say, and the
findings will be made available at a conference soon.
|
|
|
Thursday, May 14, 2009
|
|
Another "No" Means Another Blow
|
On Tuesday, Medicare and Medicaid went to revisit their former decision about
not paying for non-invasive virtual colonoscopy scans. But the verdict has
come in and it seems to stand still as a "No". The healthcare organizations
claim that there is not insufficient evidence about the benefits of virtual
scans preventing colon cancer as opposed to traditional invasive
methods. There have been mixed feelings amongst the medical industry, some physicians are
in favor of the decision while others are staunch advocates of the traditional technique.
Forbes said this of the recent stir, "Supporters of the procedure weren't pleased
by the move. Dr. J. Leonard Lichtenfeld, deputy chief medical officer for
the American Cancer Society, believes that a less-invasive method such as
virtual colonoscopy might encourage more Americans to get screened for colon
cancer the country's second-leading cancer killers."
Many elements were taken into consideration when the decision was made: from
price of procedures, radiation effects, time, and post-care treatment. Industry observers however say this may not adversely affect the colonography industry, as many people nationwide are still advocates of virtual scans and early detection.
|
|
|
Monday, April 20, 2009
|
|
Strict Scrutiny
|
Over the course of the past month or two virtual colonoscopies have been
subject to strict scrutiny from the government and health insurers like
Medicare and Medicaid. Much of the disputes have been over the
effectiveness of the virtual scans in preventing colon cancer and if the
healthcare providers should pay for the procedure. But this may be in
indicator of failed policies and government spending.
The Los Angeles Times said, "The procedure is cheaper and more comfortable
than the traditional method. Proponents say the noninvasive approach will
save lives by increasing the number of people who get screened. Around
50,000 people die every year from colorectal cancer, many because they
avoided a traditional colonoscopy. Federal officials are now deciding if
Medicare should cover virtual colonoscopy for millions of senior citizens, a
determination that could have consequences for all consumers, as well as
doctors, hospitals and medical equipment makers. The decision is expected
next month."
For some patients this style of screening suits brilliantly: it requires no
post-recovery time, takes minutes to perform and is non-invasive. It lacks
the hassles and pains of traditional screening methods. So hopefully within
the next month we will know more definitively if healthcare companies will
pay for scans.
|
|
|
Thursday, April 16, 2009
|
|
Coffee and Colon Cancer
|
Previous studies had shown that coffee consumption may have been linked to decreased colon cancer rates among women. However, new studies are showing that the results are not consistent and correlated.
Reuters reported saying, "An inverse association between coffee consumption and the risk of colorectal cancer has been found in several case-control studies," but the association was not consistent in prospective cohort studies, which are designed differently, Dr. Youjin Je, of Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, and colleagues note. "
The most important link to treating, beating and preventing colorectal cancer is regular colonoscopy checks. And in recent years with the advent of virtual colonoscopy doing so is not only effective but also less-invasive and more efficient.
|
|
|
Monday, April 06, 2009
|
|
Virtual Colonoscopy Still Vying for Medicare Coverage
|
Virtual colonoscopy advocates are still trying to convince Medicare to cover
the procedure. With over 50,000 deaths annually and over 5,000 new cases
every year of Colorectal Cancer, some physicians are pushing preventive
imaging.
Houston Chronicle article about virtual colonoscopies said, "One surefire
way to reduce deaths is by screening to identify CRC when it is curable.
Colorectal cancer often arises from mushroomlike growths inside the colon
known as polyps, and removal of polyps can prevent a cancer from developing
into a more lethal form. Although several tests exist today, less than half
of eligible adults have undergone any of these, and the screening rates are
even lower in minorities, where the disease exacts an even greater toll."
The article interviewed the University of Texas doctor who invented the
virtual colonoscopy in 1993. The decision by Medicare to opt out paying for
procedures has caused the notion of preventative imaging to make headlines,
so it may actually bring good coverage for the industry even if Medicare
isn't paying for it. After all awareness and education is key to
prevention.
|
|
|
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
|
|
Medicare not stopping Virtual Colonoscopy Popularity
|
Even though the new Medicare health care reform has ended the coverage of virtual colonoscopies the scans are still considered by many physicians and patients as vital to preventing colon cancer. A Daytona Beach, Florida digestive health clinic is hoping to make colonoscopies easier to stomach for their patients. While traditional methods have always been used at the clinic, this scan will be the first of its kind in the area.
The local paper reported about the new services, "DSI invested $2 million to install the virtual colonoscopy machine at its new Springboro ambulatory center at 77 W. Eleanor Drive: $1 million for the machine itself, software and set-up; and another $1 million to house it. DSI currently does about 20 such procedures each month."
Digestive Specialists Inc (DSI) will be charging a special of $799 this month for patients in honor of colon cancer awareness month. The following months the rate will increase to the normal fixture of $1200.
|
|
|
Monday, March 02, 2009
|
|
Grants and Awareness for Colon Cancer
|
In a recent wave of awareness for colorectal cancer and preventive screening, the University of Rochester has been given a grant for colon cancer research. The scientist at the University will begin cutting edge research and experiments on forms of prevention and early diagnosis. This also comes on the wake of a recent blow to the virtual colonoscopy industry, with Medicare forgoing paying for the scans.
MSNBC reported on the recent influx of awareness surrounding colon cancer, "Scientists will study how certain bacteria cause tumors to grow. The money was raised by the cancer society's "Relay for Life." dozens of volunteers were there today to see their hard work pay off."
With increased funding and popularity colon cancer is emerging onto the spotlight of physicians and people. Colon cancer is one of the most common cancer causing deaths, which is why getting grants and educating the public is key to catching the disease early enough to treat it.
|
|
|
Friday, February 27, 2009
|
|
Calcium and Colon Cancer
|
The AFP has reported that consumption of calcium may decrease chances of developing colon cancer or tumors in the digestive system. Colon cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide, so early detection is key to survival. If you couple prevention virtual colonoscopy screening with at-home prevention methods like consuming daily doses of calcium, your chances of developing colon cancer are significantly decreased.
The AFP said, "In both men and women, dairy food and calcium intakes were inversely associated with cancers of the digestive system,' the authors of the study in the Archives of Internal Medicine wrote, 'Women who consumed the most calcium, some 1,881 milligrammes a day, cut their cancer risk by 23 percent over those who had the lowest calcium intake of around 494 milligrammes a day."
The study was shown to be consistent amongst men and women. It has long been known that women should continuously and regularly take calcium for their bone density, so by taking calcium daily both colon cancer and osteoporosis may be prevented.
|
|
|
Friday, February 20, 2009
|
|
Colon Cancer Awareness Soars
|
There has been much buzz circulating around colon cancer, especially with the recent Medicare pull-out. The awareness is spreading nationwide, in Kalamazoo, Michigan a Colorectal Cancer Awareness Health Fair is being held to promote and promulgate the importance of early detection, prevention tips, symptoms, and treatments. Educating people is key to better awareness which is why health fairs like this are so vital to better living.
A local Kalamazoo paper said, "The event, hosted by Gastroenterology of Southwest Michigan, will feature the Super Colon, an inflatable, interactive colon that teaches people about the risks, symptoms and detection of colon cancer; a mock colonoscopy room where guests can view a virtual colonoscopy; and insurance providers who can talk about coverage options."
The event is free and will hopefully be one of a series of health fairs done around the nation.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
