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New Discoveries in Targeting Drug-Resistant Colon Cancer

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Recent vital discoveries have been made in colon cancer research. Scientists have discovered a link between retinoic acid (RA) and the Wingless-related integration site (WNT) signaling pathways, vital for tumors to grow. Abnormality in WNT signaling has been associated with the development of many cancers and is possibly a contributing factor in drug resistance and the reoccurrence of tumors. Dysregulation of RA and WNT signaling is vital to the development of colorectal cancer by scientists at the Cawley Center for Translational Cancer Research at the Graham Cancer Center.  The APC tumor suppressor gene regulates the renewal of stem cells and their numbers. Therefore, mutations or malfunctions in this or other normal genes lead to the development of tumors. Previous research had revealed that the RA signaling pathway spurred the maturation and differentiation of the colon stem cells. A more recent study linked the malformation and excessive growth of colon stem cells to deform

How Does Cancer Treatment Lead to Involuntary Weight Loss?

Involuntary weight loss is evident in most cancer patients. Unfortunately, cancer treatment and symptoms lead to weight loss . Also, nausea, difficulty in swallowing due to radiation therapy, mouth sores because of chemotherapy, and growing tumors all lead to involuntary weight loss.   Involuntary weight loss is common in pancreatic cancers, gastrointestinal cancers, and advanced cancers.   Low-Calorie Intake   The body releases tumor necrosis factor (TNF), which leads to a decline in appetite in cancer patients. Cancer patients have trouble swallowing, and the food develops a metallic taste. Therefore, they do not eat as well, and this affects their weight.   The body uses lots of energy to fight cancer. Considering that the patient doesn’t eat well and uses massive energy to fight the disease, it explains the involuntary weight loss. The high metabolism, pain, and low food intake contribute to unintended weight loss.   Also, patients experience anxiety, depression, and mood

How to Cope with Fear of Recurrence after Breast Cancer Treatment

The fear of your breast cancer recurring after treatment can impact yours and your loved ones' quality of life. Breakthroughs in breast cancer screening, early diagnosis, and treatment have helped to increase patient survival rates across the world. But still, survivors continue to worry about their disease recurrence. An interdisciplinary team of researchers are examining how the fear of breast cancer recurrence can affect the overall well-being and relationships between patients and their loved ones. The research focuses on three health behaviors influenced by breast cancer recurrence fears and how they can also protect the patient from any future recurrence. The behaviors include quality sleep, physical activity, and taking of therapeutic hormonal medicines. The team is also going to study the sleep quality and physical activity of the patient’s spouse since they are also affected when their loved ones have cancer. According to one of the researchers, the fea

Why the Risk of Colorectal Cancer is High among Millennials

A study has observed that many young people born in the 1990s are developing colorectal cancer at alarming rates. Furthermore, millennials are likely to develop the disease twice as much compared to the young adults born in the 1950s. As for older generations, it was found that colorectal cancer incidents have dropped tremendously.   The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations state that people to start screening for colorectal cancer at age 50. But with the new developments, this could change soon. What could really be the reason behind the increasing risks in millennials? Some oncologists attribute it to the rising cultural and lifestyle shifts that have taken place during the last century. Before, people had an active and healthy lifestyle. A diet full of freshly prepared foods from the farm. Today there is less activity and a more health-threatening sedentary lifestyle that leads to obesity in the younger generation. The rates of obesity keep increasing

7 Ways to Cope with Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy comes with side effects, mostly bad. But there are ways you can reduce this side effects with these helpful tips. 1. Listen to your body Your body before and after chemotherapy is different. You may experience the following symptoms after chemotherapy : • Nausea and vomiting • Fatigue • Hair loss • Skin changes, such as dryness or swelling • Loss of appetite • Weakened immune system The best treatment can be prescribed if you know exactly what you want to cure. 2. Slow Exercise I know this is a lot given that you have just come from chemo, but walking or swimming are great ways to curb such symptoms. Swimming especially relaxes the body and you sleep better. Just wading in water is enough. 3. Medication Medications can be prescribed to you to help you manage these symptoms better, especially nausea and vomiting. Although, avoid taking many at once as they may worsen your symptoms and general mood. 4. Stay Away from The Sun After chemo, y

Why Colorectal Cancer Cases Are High In Young Adults

New data from the National Cancer Institute shows that colorectal cancer cases are getting more prevalent in young adults today . Experts think it’s due to the modern sugary diet, sedentary lifestyles or gut microbiome changes. But these are just speculations. The causes of this rise are not clear yet. Digestive issues, feeling bloated, low energy levels, rectal bleeding, feeling nauseous and much more are all symptoms of colorectal cancer. According to statistics, more young adults are affected by rectal cancer than colon cancer. Rectal cancer requires complex treatment compared to colon cancer. Factors Contributing to the Rise ·          A few cases of colorectal cancer are caused by hereditary factors such as Lynch Syndrome, family history, sedentary lifestyles and gut microbiome changes. ·          General factors for colorectal cancer among young adults include heavy alcohol consumption, smoking, prolonged sitting watching television and more. ·          Bec

New Study Shows That Moderate Exercise Can Enhance Survival in Colorectal Cancer

Experts from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute carried out research to show how low-intensity exercises affect survivability among cancer patients. Published in the Journal of Oncology, the study shows that even low-intensity exercises like walking for at least four hours a week could lead to almost 20% reduction in the progression of cancer or death. Metastatic colorectal cancer patients who exercised moderately  while on going through chemotherapy had a delayed progression of the cancer. The treatment side effects were also less severe in such patients. About the Study ·           The study showed that physically active patients had better tolerance towards chemotherapy. ·           At least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity daily was associated with 27% decline in severe toxicities related to treatment. ·           Previous research has revealed that exercising regularly can lower the risk of colon cancer recurrence and death, especially when the cancer has n