I usually catch "Sunday House Call" and this week they discussed colon cancer and IBD's. They said anyone with IBD is at risk for colon cancer. In my research online, I've read that UC and Chron's cause a risk, but never read all IBD's.
They mentioned how important colonoscopies are, but that some people are opposed to them and in that case they said the Cologuard DNA stool test is 92% accurate.
They suggested that you add anti-inflammatory agents such as: tumeric, garlic, green tea......and how important it is to have your vitamin D level checked. They said there have been studies that an aspirin a day has shown success as a preventative for colon cancer.....but they do not recommend it specifically for this.
Just curious, are we at a greater risk for colon cancer? I searched, but did not find a discussion on this topic (but it may be there).
Thanks,
Terre
PS:In regard to diet, they did not mention anything except that people do not get enough fruits and veggies and that we should only be eating red meat a few times a month.
IBD and Colon Cancer
Moderators: Rosie, Stanz, Jean, CAMary, moremuscle, JFR, Dee, xet, Peggy, Matthew, Gabes-Apg, grannyh, Gloria, Mars, starfire, Polly, Joefnh
Many years ago I sat down with my GI doctor asking him about bowel cancer concerns. A family friend with UC had recently developed colon cancer so it was on my mind. I wanted to know if regular screening at an early age would be of benefit. The doctor said he had not seen an increase in cancer risks verses the general population for those with MC. He recommended against early colonoscopies for me. ( My doctor at that time apparently did not prescribe medications for patients with MC - at least I never was in a big way.)
Later I read on another doctors web sight, the doctor specializes in treating IBD conditions, that a small study found patients needing immune lowering medications such as steroids or biologics raised their chances of developing different cancers. Patients that are able to control their IBD with diet had lower cancer risks, the same risk for developing colon cancer as the general public.
The doctor's sight with that mention can be seen here:
http://www.crohns.org.uk/professor_hunter/blog
Later I read on another doctors web sight, the doctor specializes in treating IBD conditions, that a small study found patients needing immune lowering medications such as steroids or biologics raised their chances of developing different cancers. Patients that are able to control their IBD with diet had lower cancer risks, the same risk for developing colon cancer as the general public.
The doctor's sight with that mention can be seen here:
http://www.crohns.org.uk/professor_hunter/blog
Thanks Blueberry....for some reason the link would not load. After my post, I did some reading on MC and it appears that it does not pose a higher probability of colon cancer.....as UC and CD do. I never read anything about different therapies increasing the risk, but your link may have mentioned that (if I could get it to load).
Also, I never read that aspirin therapy be utilized for MC...quite the opposite. The segment of the show never mentioned any specific IBD, so I assume MC was not on their radar.
It was good to hear that they thought it was important to have your vitamin D level checked.....but no mention of B-12 or magnesium. I am so THANKFUL for this site and the experiences of others with MC. I will continue on my journey with the help of these wonderful people. Thank you Potty People!
Thanks again Blueberry!
Terre
Also, I never read that aspirin therapy be utilized for MC...quite the opposite. The segment of the show never mentioned any specific IBD, so I assume MC was not on their radar.
It was good to hear that they thought it was important to have your vitamin D level checked.....but no mention of B-12 or magnesium. I am so THANKFUL for this site and the experiences of others with MC. I will continue on my journey with the help of these wonderful people. Thank you Potty People!
Thanks again Blueberry!
Terre
You are welcome Terre and thanks for the confirmation information you searched for and found. The web sight link that isn't working for you is Dr. John Hunter's. Doing a google search for Dr. Hunter, Crohns UK should bring it up. I saw the latest article posted is on the benefits of turmeric. Agree, nice to hear that vitamin D was mentioned as potentially helping prevent cancer. It is one of the reasons why I began taking D3, and will get some sensible sun UV exposure from time to time.
Last week I read an interesting article about the reported problem with cleaning colonoscopy equipment. It was mentioning how it was believed common that the hose isn't clean properly leading to infections. I forget the names being mentioned but the article was recommending a particular cleaning agent be used. A patient should request that cleaner before the exam the article went on to say. I didn't know how to take the article. I disagreed with some of what it mentioned. The last colonoscopy was difficult for me to recover from though, and thought possibly I caught an infection from it. Hard to say of course.
Last week I read an interesting article about the reported problem with cleaning colonoscopy equipment. It was mentioning how it was believed common that the hose isn't clean properly leading to infections. I forget the names being mentioned but the article was recommending a particular cleaning agent be used. A patient should request that cleaner before the exam the article went on to say. I didn't know how to take the article. I disagreed with some of what it mentioned. The last colonoscopy was difficult for me to recover from though, and thought possibly I caught an infection from it. Hard to say of course.
Terre,
Since MC triggers gluten sensitivity, theoretically we have the same increased risk of developing non-Hodgkins lymphoma as celiacs. However, since the risk is so low in the general population, in this case "increased risk" is still a very low risk. And the risk applies only to untreated gluten sensitivity. Research shows that after celiacs change their diets to exclude gluten, after a few years the increase in the risk slowly fades away as the gut heals.
There are a couple of reasons why Crohn's disease and UC carry an increased risk of colon cancer:
1. If not controlled, they cause lesions (and inflammation) that can affect not only the epithelial lining of the intestines, but also the middle layers of the intestinal wall, and in the case of Crohn's disease, the lesions can penetrate all the way through the intestinal wall in severe cases. By comparison, MC does not cause lesions, and the inflammation is restricted to the epithelial lining of the colon, consisting of the mucosa and the lamina propria.
2. Dietary changes typically recommended for Crohn's and UC patients do not include avoiding gluten, casein, etc., so most Crohn's and UC patients continue to eat an inflammatory diet. Those who alter their diet to stop the inflammation are often able to control their disease without any medications, just as we do. In fact, we have a couple of members who have UC (only — they do not have MC), and the last I heard they were still successfully controlling their disease by diet alone. If you would like to read the story behind one of these cases, here's a link. Scroll down and read NJ's post (post number 5) in the thread at this link. Note that this was posted over 6 years ago.
http://www.perskyfarms.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=10248
And Lonewolf's response (post number 11 in that thread) describes a good response to the diet changes.
Tex
Since MC triggers gluten sensitivity, theoretically we have the same increased risk of developing non-Hodgkins lymphoma as celiacs. However, since the risk is so low in the general population, in this case "increased risk" is still a very low risk. And the risk applies only to untreated gluten sensitivity. Research shows that after celiacs change their diets to exclude gluten, after a few years the increase in the risk slowly fades away as the gut heals.
There are a couple of reasons why Crohn's disease and UC carry an increased risk of colon cancer:
1. If not controlled, they cause lesions (and inflammation) that can affect not only the epithelial lining of the intestines, but also the middle layers of the intestinal wall, and in the case of Crohn's disease, the lesions can penetrate all the way through the intestinal wall in severe cases. By comparison, MC does not cause lesions, and the inflammation is restricted to the epithelial lining of the colon, consisting of the mucosa and the lamina propria.
2. Dietary changes typically recommended for Crohn's and UC patients do not include avoiding gluten, casein, etc., so most Crohn's and UC patients continue to eat an inflammatory diet. Those who alter their diet to stop the inflammation are often able to control their disease without any medications, just as we do. In fact, we have a couple of members who have UC (only — they do not have MC), and the last I heard they were still successfully controlling their disease by diet alone. If you would like to read the story behind one of these cases, here's a link. Scroll down and read NJ's post (post number 5) in the thread at this link. Note that this was posted over 6 years ago.
http://www.perskyfarms.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=10248
And Lonewolf's response (post number 11 in that thread) describes a good response to the diet changes.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
Tex,
Just to mention since it is kind of humorous, our family friend with UC who developed cancer, was and likely remains very much against alternative dietary health ideas. He is a bit on the ornery bossy side. Also he a former professor, that I think it is fare to say is a communist. Before the Seinfeld episode, I used to joke that he is a successful communist. I've heard the medications for UC can sometimes causes orneriness and combativeness, and figured that was the case with him. His wife on the other hand is one of the most pleasant, enjoyable people to be around.
One day the wife went to her doctor, and an item mentioned by the doctor was that she should begin taking fish oil for heart health. She went home and told her husband of the appointment. He disagreed greatly with the doctors advice. Don't take fish oil he said, it will give you prostate cancer. As she told us, she bought the fish oil, she was willing to take the chance.
Just to mention since it is kind of humorous, our family friend with UC who developed cancer, was and likely remains very much against alternative dietary health ideas. He is a bit on the ornery bossy side. Also he a former professor, that I think it is fare to say is a communist. Before the Seinfeld episode, I used to joke that he is a successful communist. I've heard the medications for UC can sometimes causes orneriness and combativeness, and figured that was the case with him. His wife on the other hand is one of the most pleasant, enjoyable people to be around.
One day the wife went to her doctor, and an item mentioned by the doctor was that she should begin taking fish oil for heart health. She went home and told her husband of the appointment. He disagreed greatly with the doctors advice. Don't take fish oil he said, it will give you prostate cancer. As she told us, she bought the fish oil, she was willing to take the chance.
Yep, I agree that she's probably home free on that risk. 
I'll tell you something else that will make some people world-class irritable, belligerent, and generally ornery — a potassium deficiency. My mother had that problem several times over the years (after her celiac symptoms began) and each time we practically had to drag her to the ER.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
I am on the three year plan for colonoscopies. I've has three colonoscopies since 2007 and each time I've had pre- cancerous polyps. Not anything I look forward to but Only makes sense to have them.
My son has UC and he has to have annual colonoscopies now. He does nothing diet related which totally makes me want to shake him- hard. He has been witness to my never-ending commentaries about food and all my issues. I am careful not to be overbearing. He does talk about how he should be eating quite often but admits he doesn't. He is away at college and will now be staying there with his fiance so I have no control over what's in the fridge. I do send goodies with him when he visits but now find I just cannot buy him any junk. What used to be cookies, candy, and treats has now changed to olive oil, GF pasta, and fresh fruits and veggies. I still make him an Easter basket even though he is 20 (who doesn't like a reason to get treats?). I couldn't give him a basket of sugared goodies this year. It sticks in my head about cancer thriving on high sugar diets and we've already gone through cancer scares with him. I decided instead, to give him an Italian dinner themed basket instead. GF pasta, marinara sauce, minced garlic, etc..... I may be a bit goofy but that voice in my head keeps telling me not to contribute to his poor diet habits. He just laughs because he knows how I feel. He is a poor college student so he appreciates anything I send
My son has UC and he has to have annual colonoscopies now. He does nothing diet related which totally makes me want to shake him- hard. He has been witness to my never-ending commentaries about food and all my issues. I am careful not to be overbearing. He does talk about how he should be eating quite often but admits he doesn't. He is away at college and will now be staying there with his fiance so I have no control over what's in the fridge. I do send goodies with him when he visits but now find I just cannot buy him any junk. What used to be cookies, candy, and treats has now changed to olive oil, GF pasta, and fresh fruits and veggies. I still make him an Easter basket even though he is 20 (who doesn't like a reason to get treats?). I couldn't give him a basket of sugared goodies this year. It sticks in my head about cancer thriving on high sugar diets and we've already gone through cancer scares with him. I decided instead, to give him an Italian dinner themed basket instead. GF pasta, marinara sauce, minced garlic, etc..... I may be a bit goofy but that voice in my head keeps telling me not to contribute to his poor diet habits. He just laughs because he knows how I feel. He is a poor college student so he appreciates anything I send
Deb
"Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead, where there is no path, and leave a trail.
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
2007 CC
2013 thyroid cancer- total thyroidectomy
2013 Hashimoto's - numbers always "normal"
2017 Lyme's Disease
"Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead, where there is no path, and leave a trail.
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
2007 CC
2013 thyroid cancer- total thyroidectomy
2013 Hashimoto's - numbers always "normal"
2017 Lyme's Disease