Latest news with #colorectalCancer
CNN
an hour ago
- Business
- CNN
New research presents promising findings on colorectal cancer treatment and prevention
Colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of cancer deaths in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society. This year, the organization estimates that more than 150,000 Americans will be diagnosed with it and nearly 53,000 will die from it. New studies presented at the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, or ASCO, in the last few days offer promising findings for both pharmaceutical and lifestyle interventions, including the impact of diet and exercise. Diagnoses of colorectal cancer have been decreasing overall for decades, the American Cancer Society says, thanks in large part to better screening. But case rates are rising among younger adults, and research estimates that colorectal cancer will become the leading cause of cancer death among adults ages 20 to 49 by 2030. Earlier research has suggested that regular exercise can improve survival rates for colorectal cancer patients, and a new study – published in the New England Journal of Medicine and presented at the ASCO conference on Sunday – confirmed those findings with robust clinical trial data. Between 2009 and 2024, researchers followed nearly 900 colon cancer patients who had completed chemotherapy – half of whom received an informational booklet that encouraged them to adopt a healthy lifestyle with good nutrition and exercise the other half of whom were also matched with a physical activity consultant for three years. They found that there was a 28% reduction in the risk of recurrence or new cancer for patients on the exercise program, with a five-year disease-free survival rate of 80% for the group with an exercise consultant compared with 74% for the group who just received the booklet. In other words, the exercise program was found to prevent 1 out of every 16 patients from developing recurrent or new cancer. 'That magnitude is comparable to – and in many cases exceeds – the magnitude of benefit offered by a lot of our very good standard cancer drugs,' said Dr. Christopher Booth, a professor of oncology with Queen's University and co-author of the new study. 'Exercise really should be considered an essential component of treatment of colon cancer.' Work is still being done to understand why exercise can help reduce the risk of cancer, but experts say that it may have something to do with the ways exercise helps reduce inflammation in the body. Another new study presented at the ASCO conference on Sunday found that anti-inflammatory diets also helped improve survival rates for people with stage 3 colon cancer. Patients who consumed more anti-inflammatory diets – including coffee, tea and vegetables such as leafy greens – and engaged in higher levels of physical activity had a 63% lower risk of death compared to patients who consumed the most inflammatory diets – including things like red meat, processed meat, refined grains and sugar-sweetened beverages – and engaged in lower levels of physical activity, the study found. 'Actively, as a field, we're learning about the role of the immune system in cancer development, and inflammation is an immune response,' said Dr. Sara Char, a clinical fellow in Hematology and Oncology at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and lead author of the study, and the rise of colorectal cancer cases in younger people suggests it's a critical piece of the puzzle. 'When we look at the incidence of colon cancer in younger individuals … that really suggests to us that there is something in the environment – either in the foods we eat, our lifestyles, the chemicals that could be in our foods, all sorts of different things – that are outside of just genetics alone that could be driving these rates,' she said. 'So it is incredibly important for us, as a field, to be thinking about how our diet and lifestyle impacts not just our risk of developing this cancer, but then how people fare after it.' Both Booth and Char said that colorectal cancer patients are often seeking ways to proactively manage their risk. 'I think that's it's very empowering for patients,' Booth said. 'It's also achievable for patients. This is a commitment, but it's something that patients can achieve.' In his study, an 'exercise prescription' was developed based on each individual's starting point. Most people were able to reach their target increase if they went for a brisk walk for about an hour three or four days per week, Booth said. Lifestyle interventions like exercise and diet are also 'sustainable for health systems,' he said, but it's key that the system helps support patients in accessing the resources needed for behavioral interventions. Another new study showed promising results that might represent a new standard-of-care for certain patients with advanced colon cancer. On Friday, drugmaker Pfizer presented data on a colorectal cancer drug, Braftovi, used in combination with a standard chemotherapy and an antibody drug. During the trial, the drug combo was shown to double the length of time patients with an aggressive form of colorectal cancer lived with treatment: an average of 30 months compared with 15 months using currently available treatments. Braftovi targets a mutation in a specific protein that can lead to abnormal cell growth, and it's already approved by the US Food and Drug Administration to treat some forms of cancer. The study, which was funded by Pfizer, published Friday in the New England Journal of Medicine. 'It's a targeted cancer therapy that really depends on knowing what's driving patients' cancer,' Pfizer CEO Dr. Albert Bourla told CNN. These targeted therapies are one of the biggest advancements in cancer treatment over the past two decades, he said, and it's easy to diagnose whether cancer patients have the specific mutation that Braftovi can treat. The latest data on treatment for colorectal cancer a 'very, very important finding,' Bourla said, and the drugmaker plans to seek additional approval to add the new indication to the drug's label.
Forbes
24-05-2025
- Health
- Forbes
Office Of Inspector General Critical Of Federal Prison Medical Care
The Office of the Inspector General issued a report on the lack of preventative care for colorectal ... More cancer of inmates in the Federal Bureau of Prisons This month, the Department of Justice (DOJ) Inspector General Michael E. Horowitz announced the release of an evaluation assessing the Federal Bureau of Prisons' (BOP) practices regarding colorectal cancer (screenings for inmates and the follow-up care provided after positive screenings. The DOJ's Office of the Inspector General (OIG) identified significant operational and managerial shortcomings that the BOP must address to ensure inmates receive appropriate screening and treatment for CRC. The failure to conduct annual CRC screenings, as outlined by BOP clinical guidelines, raises risks and could lead to worse clinical outcomes for inmates, potentially resulting in significantly higher healthcare costs for the BOP. This evaluation was prompted by issues identified in previous unannounced inspections of BOP facilities, as well as the deaths of two BOP inmates, Robert Hanssen and Frederick Bardell, from colorectal cancer. Early screening for colorectal cancer offers life-saving benefits, including early detection, more effective treatment, and improved survival rates. It plays a crucial role in reducing the incidence of advanced-stage cancer, improving patients' quality of life, and lowering long-term healthcare costs. Screening allows for the detection of precancerous polyps and early-stage cancers that might not yet show symptoms. This early detection is crucial because colorectal cancer often develops slowly over several years. Identifying precancerous growths early enables healthcare providers to remove them before they develop into cancer, significantly lowering the risk of cancer. With early detection, treatment is more likely to be effective and may involve less extensive procedures, leading to a better overall prognosis and quicker recovery. I reached out to Dr. Charles Howard who is the CEO of MedAvise Consultants, LLC doing Prison Medical Consulting for individuals with serious medical issues who may be pre-trial, pre-sentence or incarcerated. Dr. Howard told me "the BOP has a poor record of following through on those screenings because of staffing and budgetary issues." The BOP has its own policy on preventative treatment and included in that is colorectal screening, prostate cancer and cervical cancer. However, staff shortages and funding has been a hurdle for care. Dr. Howard retired as Medical Director at the Miami Detention Center, a BOP facility, said 'If a person over 50 years old arrives in prison with a family history of colorectal cancer or a history of colon polyps on a prior colonoscopy they should have a repeat colonoscopy, but the BOP has a poor record of following through on those screenings because of staffing and budgetary issues.' The OIG concluded that despite the BOP's guidance for screening inmates at increased risk for colorectal cancer, that the BOP does not have a way to accurately and comprehensively identify the entire increased-risk population due to limitations within the BOP's Electronic Medical Records System (BEMR). As a result, the BOP's ability to ensure that increased-risk inmates receive appropriate screening is limited. Those limitations have long term implications for inmates once they leave prison. The OIG looked specifically at two cases, that of Robert Hanssen and Frederick Bardell. In June 2023, Hanssen died of metastatic colon cancer. Hanssen had multiple positive test results indicating the possibility of cancer while incarcerated at Administrative Maximum Facility Florence, yet he never received a colorectal diagnosis or even a colonoscopy. OIG's report revealed that about 10 percent of inmates (33 of 327) in their sample with a positive colorectal screening result did not have any documented follow-up with any BOP clinical provider. While at FCI Seagoville, Bardell reported seeing blood in his stool but did not complete a successful colonoscopy for over 6 months. During that period, Bardell had a precolonoscopy evaluation appointment, an unsuccessful colonoscopy, and then a successful colonoscopy that led to his colorectal diagnosis. These appointments occurred weeks to months later than the BOP's target dates for them. In February 2021, 9 days after being released from FCI Seagoville following a compassionate release order, Bardell died of metastatic colon cancer. Timely follow-up after a positive screening result is an important aspect of ensuring positive health outcomes. OIG found that the BOP does not have any established metrics for appropriate colonoscopy wait times, in part because each facility primarily depends on community provider availability. A BOP Central Office official responsible for oversight of Health Services Division programs said that community practice generally aims to complete a colonoscopy within 90 days of a positive screening result. However, BOP Facility Health Services interviewees estimated that the average time between a positive screening result and colonoscopy was 4–8 months. The OIG was able to conduct a timeliness analysis for 133 of the 145 inmates in their sample who had completed a colonoscopy by the time they concluded their data collection and validation in August 2024. OIG found that for those 133 inmates the average wait time between the positive screening result and colonoscopy was 8 months, with a median of 7 months. The BOPf recently announced a new Director, William Marshall III who has a monumental job in front of him. Among the priorities for Marshall and the BOP is to reduce costs while also assuring safety of both staff and inmates. This seems to be another instance where the BOP policy is sound but the execution of that policy is lacking. Even the BOP understands that and BOP Office of Public Affairs reacted to the report by providing a statement, 'The Bureau of Prisons (BOP) has taken immediate action to address the concerns in the report. We appreciate the work of the Office of Inspector General (OIG) in this important area.' 'I'm not surprised by the report's findings,' Dr. Howard said, 'the BOP has good health care program statements, but in real life they fall short as reported in the OIG's report.'
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Gastroenterology Industry Analysis, Competitive Intelligence and Strategic Business Report 2025 with Insights on 41 Market Players
Dublin, May 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Gastroenterology - Global Strategic Business Report" has been added to global market for Gastroenterology was valued at US$34.1 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach US$45.7 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 5.0% from 2024 to 2030. This comprehensive report provides an in-depth analysis of market trends, drivers, and forecasts, helping you make informed business decisions. The report includes the most recent global tariff developments and how they impact the Gastroenterology market. The growth of the gastroenterology market is driven by several factors that combine advancements in technology, increasing disease prevalence, and a focus on patient-centered care. A key driver is the rising global prevalence of gastrointestinal diseases, particularly conditions like IBD, colorectal cancer, and NAFLD, which are more common due to modern lifestyle factors such as poor diets, smoking, and sedentary lifestyles. As these diseases become more prevalent, there is a greater demand for gastroenterology specialists, diagnostics, and treatments to manage these conditions. Additionally, technological innovations in diagnostics and treatments, such as AI-assisted endoscopy and minimally invasive surgeries, are improving the accuracy, speed, and patient outcomes associated with gastroenterology procedures. The integration of genomics into gastroenterology is also driving growth, as the field moves toward personalized medicine and targeted therapies for gastrointestinal diseases. The increasing focus on preventive care is another significant growth driver. With improved access to screenings for colorectal cancer, hepatitis, and other gastrointestinal diseases, healthcare systems can catch these conditions at earlier stages, leading to more effective treatment and improved survival rates. Moreover, the expanding middle class in emerging markets is contributing to the global growth of gastroenterology services, as more people seek specialized care for digestive disorders. Public health campaigns, government initiatives, and international efforts to raise awareness of gastrointestinal diseases are further fueling the demand for gastroenterology services. Finally, the growing interest in gut microbiota and its role in gastrointestinal health and overall well-being is sparking new research and treatment options, positioning gastroenterology at the forefront of medical innovation. Together, these factors are driving the expansion of the gastroenterology market and enhancing the quality of care for patients with digestive diseases ScopeThe report analyzes the Gastroenterology market, presented in terms of market value (US$ Thousand). The analysis covers the key segments and geographic regions outlined Drug Type (Biologics / Biosimilars, Antacids, Laxatives, Antidiarrheal Agents, Antiemetics, Antiulcer Agents, Other Drug Types); Disease Type (Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, Crohn's Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, Liver Diseases, Colorectal Cancer, Other Disease Types); Distribution Channel (Hospital Pharmacies, Retail Pharmacies, Online Pharmacies).Geographic Regions/Countries: World; United States; Canada; Japan; China; Europe (France; Germany; Italy; United Kingdom; Spain; Russia; and Rest of Europe); Asia-Pacific (Australia; India; South Korea; and Rest of Asia-Pacific); Latin America (Argentina; Brazil; Mexico; and Rest of Latin America); Middle East (Iran; Israel; Saudi Arabia; United Arab Emirates; and Rest of Middle East); and Insights: Market Growth: Understand the significant growth trajectory of the Biologics / Biosimilars segment, which is expected to reach US$11.3 Billion by 2030 with a CAGR of a 3.8%. The Antacids segment is also set to grow at 4.8% CAGR over the analysis period. Regional Analysis: Gain insights into the U.S. market, valued at $9.3 Billion in 2024, and China, forecasted to grow at an impressive 7.7% CAGR to reach $8.9 Billion by 2030. Discover growth trends in other key regions, including Japan, Canada, Germany, and the Asia-Pacific. Key Questions Answered: How is the Global Gastroenterology Market expected to evolve by 2030? What are the main drivers and restraints affecting the market? Which market segments will grow the most over the forecast period? How will market shares for different regions and segments change by 2030? Who are the leading players in the market, and what are their prospects? Report Features: Comprehensive Market Data: Independent analysis of annual sales and market forecasts in US$ Million from 2024 to 2030. In-Depth Regional Analysis: Detailed insights into key markets, including the U.S., China, Japan, Canada, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East, and Africa. Company Profiles: Coverage of players such as AbbVie Inc., Abbott Laboratories, AstraZeneca plc, Bayer AG, Bausch Health Companies Inc. and more. Complimentary Updates: Receive free report updates for one year to keep you informed of the latest market developments. Some of the 41 companies featured in this Gastroenterology market report include: AbbVie Inc. Abbott Laboratories AstraZeneca plc Bayer AG Bausch Health Companies Inc. Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH Boston Scientific Corporation Cipla Ltd. Ferring Pharmaceuticals GI Alliance GlaxoSmithKline plc Johnson & Johnson Medtronic plc Novartis AG Olympus Corporation Pfizer Inc. Salix Pharmaceuticals Sanofi S.A. Sebela Pharmaceuticals Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Tariff Impact Analysis: Key Insights for 2025Global tariff negotiations across 180+ countries are reshaping supply chains, costs, and competitiveness. This report reflects the latest developments as of April 2025 and incorporates forward-looking insights into the market analysts continuously track trade developments worldwide, drawing insights from leading global economists and over 200 industry and policy institutions, including think tanks, trade organizations, and national economic advisory bodies. This intelligence is integrated into forecasting models to provide timely, data-driven analysis of emerging risks and Included in This Edition: Tariff-adjusted market forecasts by region and segment Analysis of cost and supply chain implications by sourcing and trade exposure Strategic insights into geographic shifts Buyers receive a free July 2025 update with: Finalized tariff impacts and new trade agreement effects Updated projections reflecting global sourcing and cost shifts Expanded country-specific coverage across the industry Key Attributes Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 401 Forecast Period 2024-2030 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2024 $34.1 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2030 $45.7 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 5% Regions Covered Global MARKET OVERVIEW Influencer Market Insights World Market Trajectories Impact of COVID-19 and a Looming Global Recession Gastroenterology - Global Key Competitors Percentage Market Share in 2025 (E) Competitive Market Presence - Strong/Active/Niche/Trivial for Players Worldwide in 2025 (E) MARKET TRENDS & DRIVERS Increasing Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Disorders Drives Demand for Gastroenterology Services and Treatments Here's the Story: How Advancements in Endoscopic Technology Are Revolutionizing Gastroenterology Diagnostics Rising Awareness of Digestive Health and Wellness Fuels Growth in Preventive and Diagnostic Gastroenterology Services Technological Innovations in Minimally Invasive Procedures Expand Treatment Options for Gastrointestinal Disorders Surge in Aging Populations Globally Increases the Need for Gastroenterology Care and Disease Management Here's How the Growing Focus on Personalized Medicine is Shaping the Future of Gastroenterology Treatments Rising Incidence of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) and Celiac Disease Strengthens the Business Case for Specialized Care Expanding Role of Telemedicine and Remote Monitoring Drives Access to Gastroenterology Services in Underserved Areas Increasing Research and Clinical Trials in Microbiome and Gut Health Create New Opportunities for Therapeutic Advancements Here's How Advances in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning are Revolutionizing Gastroenterology Diagnostics Growing Demand for Targeted Therapies and Biologics in Treating Gastrointestinal Disorders Expands Treatment Options Global Increase in Obesity and Lifestyle-Related Disorders Drives Growth in Gastroenterology-Based Disease Prevention For more information about this report visit About is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. CONTACT: CONTACT: Laura Wood,Senior Press Manager press@ For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900
Washington Post
20-05-2025
- Health
- Washington Post
Prisons bureau failed to screen inmates for colorectal cancer, watchdog says
The Federal Bureau of Prisons has failed to adequately screen thousands of older inmates in its custody for colorectal cancer, raising the risk that inmates with the disease might miss potentially lifesaving diagnoses and treatment, a government watchdog said in a report released Tuesday. The report by the inspector general for the Justice Department, the bureau's parent agency, reviewed screening rates from January 2020 through April 2024, finding what it called 'serious operational and managerial deficiencies that the BOP must address' in screening and treating the disease, which is a leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States.
Reuters
20-05-2025
- Health
- Reuters
Watchdog faults Bureau of Prisons for failing to screen inmates for colorectal cancer
WASHINGTON, May 20 (Reuters) - The U.S. Bureau of Prisons is failing to routinely screen older inmates for colorectal cancer, and has in some cases failed to follow up with proper medical care after inmates tested positive in cancer screening, a new report has found. The report from Justice Department Inspector General Michael Horowitz comes after one of the government's most high-profile inmates, former FBI Agent Robert Hanssen, died of colon cancer in June 2023. Hanssen was serving a life sentence after he pleaded guilty to spying for the Soviet Union and later for Russia. According to Horowitz's report, Hanssen had multiple positive results on a stool test commonly used to screen for colorectal cancer, but was never given a diagnosis or offered a follow-up colonoscopy. Tuesday's report from Horowitz also cited concerns about a second inmate - Frederick Bardell - who also died of colon cancer in June 2023 shortly after leaving prison on compassionate release. A judge previously scolded the BOP for repeatedly rejecting his requests for release due to his cancer diagnosis, and Horowitz's report found that Bardell faced a 6-month delay in getting a colonoscopy after he first noticed blood in his stool. "Our evaluation identified several serious operational and managerial deficiencies that the BOP must address to ensure that inmates receive proper screening and treatment for colorectal cancer," Horowitz wrote. Based on his review, he said his office found that less than two-thirds of average risk inmates between ages 45 and 74 received a colorectal cancer screening as of April 2024. The review also found that about 10% of a sampling of 327 inmates had no documented medical follow-up after receiving a positive result in colorectal cancer screening. In a written response to Horowitz's report, BOP Director William Marshall said he concurred with the report's recommendations for improving cancer screenings for inmates, and blamed "longstanding staffing issues" for compromising efforts to screen inmates for colorectal cancer in certain facilities. "If detected early, colorectal cancer has a 5-year survival rate of 90%, with survival declining steeply the later it is caught," he wrote. "The Bureau is fully committed to its ongoing efforts to improve in these areas."
