The Elderly & Colon Cancer

This is interesting.  Please be share with your elderly friends and family. -- Dr. Dale

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Older Patients Fare Less Well After Colorectal Cancer Surgery

By David Douglas

April 15, 2014

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Although there's been a reduction in US colorectal cancer operations as well as improved outcome in recent years, the elderly still don't do as well as younger patients, according to California-based researchers.

As Dr. Michael J. Stamos told Reuters Health by email, "Although we were pleased to observe an overall decrease in the number of cases performed as well as a steady decrease in mortality, the risk adjusted mortality and morbidity of the elderly group remains substantially higher than the younger cohort."

In an April 9th online paper in JAMA Surgery, Dr. Stamos and colleagues at the University of California, Irvine note that an estimated 50% of all cancers and 70% of all cancer deaths occur in the elderly.

"With the 'graying' of the US population," continued Dr. Stamos, "more elderly patients can be expected to seek care, including for colorectal cancer. We therefore aimed to examine the trends and outcomes of colorectal cancer resection in the elderly by comparing patients over 65 years with patients between 45 and 64 years old."

The investigators used the Nationwide Inpatient Sample for the years 2001 to 2010. Over half (63.3%) of the more than 1 million patients estimated to have had colorectal cancer resection were more than 64 years old and 22.6% were 80 years old or older.

Elective laparoscopies were much more frequent in patients under 65 compared to those age 80 and above (46.0% vs 14.1%).

Patients age 80 and older were also 1.7 times more likely to undergo urgent admission than those younger than 65 years. Moreover, the older patients were more likely to stay at least 2.5 days and have hospital charges that were almost $9500 higher.

Over the study period, mortality decreased by a mean of 6.6%, with the most considerable decrease observed in the population 85 years old and older (9.1%).

Nevertheless, there was higher risk-adjusted in-hospital mortality with advancing age. The odds ratio ranged from 1.32 in patients aged 65 to 69 to 4.72 in those age 85 and older. Corresponding ratios for risk-adjusted morbidity were 1.25 and 1.96.

The researchers conclude that the data will help surgeons counsel patients and will "also reveal a demand for a reevaluation of current care patterns, reinforcing the need for future studies to account for the changing population landscape."

Coping with Colon Cancer: Emotional Support and Resources

A colon cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming and emotionally challenging for both patients and their loved ones. In addition to the physical demands of treatment, many people struggle with feelings of fear, anxiety, depression, and isolation as they navigate the complex journey of cancer care. However, it's important to remember that you are not alone, and there are many resources and support systems available to help you cope with the emotional impact of colon cancer. In this blog post, we'll explore some strategies for finding emotional support and resilience during your cancer journey.

Common Emotional Responses to Colon Cancer

Everyone responds differently to a cancer diagnosis, and there is no "right" or "wrong" way to feel. Some common emotional responses to colon cancer may include:

1. Shock and disbelief: It's normal to feel stunned or numb when you first receive a cancer diagnosis, and it may take time for the reality of the situation to sink in.

2. Fear and anxiety: Many people experience fear about the future, worry about treatment side effects, or anxiety about how cancer will impact their daily lives and relationships.

3. Sadness and grief: A cancer diagnosis can trigger feelings of sadness, loss, or grief, particularly if you have to make significant changes to your lifestyle or plans for the future.

4. Anger and frustration: Some people may feel angry or frustrated about the unfairness of their diagnosis, or about the challenges and limitations that cancer imposes on their lives.

5. Loneliness and isolation: Cancer can be an isolating experience, particularly if you feel like others don't understand what you're going through or if you have to limit your social activities due to treatment.

It's important to acknowledge and validate these emotions, and to seek support from loved ones, healthcare providers, or mental health professionals when needed.

Strategies for Coping with the Emotional Impact of Colon Cancer

While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to coping with the emotional challenges of colon cancer, there are several strategies that many people find helpful:

1. Educate yourself: Learning more about your diagnosis, treatment options, and what to expect can help you feel more in control and less anxious about the unknown. Be sure to get information from reputable sources and discuss any questions or concerns with your healthcare team.

2. Express your feelings: Find healthy ways to express and process your emotions, such as talking to a trusted friend or family member, writing in a journal, or engaging in creative activities like art or music.

3. Practice self-care: Taking care of your physical and emotional needs is essential during cancer treatment. This may include getting enough rest, eating a healthy diet, engaging in gentle exercise, and making time for activities that bring you joy and relaxation.

4. Connect with others: Joining a support group for people with colon cancer can provide a sense of community and understanding, and can be a valuable source of information and coping strategies. Many hospitals and cancer centers offer support groups, or you can find virtual groups online.

5. Seek professional help: If you are struggling with persistent or severe emotional distress, don't hesitate to seek help from a mental health professional who specializes in working with cancer patients. They can provide additional coping strategies and support tailored to your individual needs.

Emotional Support Resources for Colon Cancer Patients

In addition to the support of loved ones and healthcare providers, there are many organizations and resources available to provide emotional support and guidance for people with colon cancer:

1. American Cancer Society: Offers a wide range of information, support programs, and services for cancer patients and their families.

2. Colorectal Cancer Alliance: Provides support, education, and advocacy for people affected by colorectal cancer.

3. Cancer Support Community: Offers free support groups, educational workshops, and resources for cancer patients and their loved ones.

4. National Cancer Institute: Provides comprehensive information about colon cancer diagnosis, treatment, and coping strategies.

5. CancerCare: Offers free counseling, support groups, educational workshops, and financial assistance for cancer patients and their families.

YOU DON'T HAVE TO FACE COLON CANCER ALONE

Coping with the emotional impact of colon cancer can be a challenging and ongoing process, but it's important to remember that you don't have to face this journey alone. By reaching out for support, practicing self-care, and utilizing the many resources available, you can build resilience and find moments of joy and meaning even in the midst of difficult circumstances.

If you are struggling with the emotional aspects of colon cancer and need additional support, don't hesitate to contact me to schedule a consultation. As a healthcare provider with experience in supporting cancer patients and their families, I am here to listen, provide guidance, and connect you with the resources you need to thrive.

Remember, your emotional well-being is just as important as your physical health during cancer treatment and beyond. By prioritizing your mental health and seeking support when needed, you can cultivate the strength and resilience to face the challenges of colon cancer with courage and grace.

The Role of Exercise in Preventing Colon Cancer

Colon cancer is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide, but it is also one of the most preventable. While many factors can contribute to the development of colon cancer, including age, family history, and certain medical conditions, lifestyle choices play a significant role in reducing the risk. One of the most important lifestyle factors for preventing colon cancer is regular exercise. In this blog post, we'll explore the link between physical activity and colon cancer prevention, and provide some practical tips for incorporating exercise into your daily routine.

How Exercise Helps Prevent Colon Cancer

Exercise has been shown to have a protective effect against colon cancer through several different mechanisms:

1. Reducing inflammation: Chronic inflammation in the colon has been linked to an increased risk of colon cancer. Exercise has been shown to reduce levels of inflammatory markers in the body, which may help protect against the development of colon cancer.

2. Improving immune function: Regular exercise has been shown to boost the body's immune response, which can help the body identify and destroy cancer cells before they have a chance to grow and spread.

3. Regulating hormones: Exercise can help regulate levels of certain hormones in the body, such as insulin and estrogen, which have been linked to an increased risk of colon cancer when present in high levels.

4. Promoting a healthy weight: Obesity is a significant risk factor for colon cancer, and exercise can help maintain a healthy weight by burning excess calories and building lean muscle mass.

5. Improving digestion: Exercise has been shown to promote regular bowel movements and reduce the amount of time that waste products remain in contact with the lining of the colon, which may help reduce the risk of cancer-causing damage.

How Much Exercise Do You Need?

The American Cancer Society recommends that adults engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week to reduce their risk of colon cancer. This can be broken down into smaller increments, such as 30 minutes of moderate exercise five days per week.

Moderate-intensity exercise includes activities that raise your heart rate and make you break a sweat, such as:

1. Brisk walking

2. Cycling at a moderate pace

3. Dancing

4. Gardening or yard work

5. Playing sports like doubles tennis or recreational volleyball

Vigorous-intensity exercise includes activities that significantly raise your heart rate and breathing rate, such as:

1. Jogging or running

2. Swimming laps

3. Jumping rope

4. High-intensity interval training (HIIT)

5. Playing sports like singles tennis or basketball

It's important to note that any amount of exercise is better than none, and even small increases in physical activity can have a beneficial effect on colon cancer risk. If you're currently inactive, start with shorter periods of exercise and gradually work your way up to the recommended amounts.

Tips for Incorporating Exercise into Your Daily Routine

If you're not used to exercising regularly, the thought of adding 150 minutes of physical activity to your weekly schedule may seem daunting. However, there are many simple ways to incorporate more movement into your daily routine:

1. Take the stairs instead of the elevator

2. Park further away from your destination and walk the extra distance

3. Set a reminder to stand up and stretch or take a short walk every hour during the workday

4. Find an exercise buddy to help keep you motivated and accountable

5. Try a new class or activity that you enjoy, such as dancing, hiking, or yoga

Remember, the key to sticking with an exercise routine is to find activities that you enjoy and that fit into your lifestyle. Don't be afraid to experiment with different types of exercise until you find something that works for you.

MAKING EXERCISE A PRIORITY FOR COLON CANCER PREVENTION

Incorporating regular exercise into your daily routine is one of the most important steps you can take to reduce your risk of colon cancer. By making physical activity a priority, you can not only lower your cancer risk but also improve your overall health and well-being.

If you have questions about how to get started with an exercise routine or how to make physical activity a more consistent part of your life, contact me today to schedule a consultation. As a gastroenterologist with a focus on cancer prevention, I can provide personalized guidance and support to help you reach your health goals.

Remember, it's never too late to start making positive changes in your lifestyle. By taking small steps towards a more active and healthy way of life, you can greatly reduce your risk of colon cancer and enjoy many years of good health ahead.