Using profanity has been proven to increase pain tolerance

One of the most difficult aspects of fitness training is learning to tolerate discomfort. While some leisure activities such as a walk or easy bike ride might be pleasant, the tough workouts that make a real difference require that you push past your comfort zone. Sports psychologists teach athletes to use visualization and other psychological techniques to manage pain. But these can take years to master. Wouldn’t it be great if there was a quick one-shot step to pain tolerance? Well, there might be.

Recently, researchers at Keele University in England found that swearing increases our ability to tolerate pain. As part of a study, 64 subjects were required to submerge their hand in ice cold water for as long as possible while repeating a swear word of their choice. A control group submerged their hands while repeating a more benign word. The subjects who were allowed to swear kept their hands submerged for a longer period of time. The researchers believe that an “increase in pain tolerance occurs because swearing triggers the body’s natural “fight-or-flight” response.” They also suggest that “swearing may increase aggression (seen in accelerated heart rates), which downplays weakness to appear stronger or more macho.”

While this technique may have its merits, I wouldn’t recommend it at the gym. One uncensored expletive in the weight room might prompt gym staff to move your workout to a more private spot in the parking lot.

Photo source: Timsamoff on Flickr!

The New York Times research page summarized the findings of the study.

“The improvements in outcomes were striking. Patients with colorectal cancer who regularly used aspirin before and after a diagnosis were almost one-third less likely to die of the disease than non-users. Patients who initiated aspirin use only after a diagnosis did even better and had half the risk of dying from the cancer, possibly because of differences in their tumors.”

The study found that results were most significant in patients with tumors that overexpress COX-2. COX-2 is an enzyme that is responsible for inflammation and pain. Aspirin is a COX-2 inhibitor.

The KRAS gene mutation is present in 35- 40% of patients diagnosed with metastatic colon cancer.  KRAS, which is short for V-Ki-ras2 Kirsten rat sarcoma, is a protein which is encoded by the KRAS gene.  The KRAS gene is a powerful oncogene which, when mutated, turns normal cells into cancer cells.

“Our study underscores the importance of KRAS status in identifying the appropriate patient population to be treated with Vectibix, consistent with worldwide labeling,” said Roger M. Perlmutter, M.D., Ph.D., executive vice president of Research and Development at Amgen in a press release. “We believe Vectibix should not be used in patients with tumors containing activating KRAS mutations” According to a Reuters report, The Food and Drug Administration decided in July 2009 that Vectibex could could include in their labels information about the KRAS biomarker.

A CT scan uses a series of images taken in a short period of time to create a picture of a particular part of the body.  The imaging is considered to be more sophisticated than a typical x-ray.  But since 1980, the average American’s radiation exposure has nearly doubled raising concern over it’s impact on a patient’s cancer risk.    According to a recent MSNBC report, “In a few decades, as many as 2 percent of all cancers in the United States might be due to radiation from CT scans.”  It is important to note however that currently no instances of cancer in a person have ever been linked directly to CT scans.

Experts agree that, regardless of risk, there are important benefits to the use of CT scans including the fact that the scans helps detect tumors, guide a biopsy, determine the stage of cancer and whether cancer has spread, and monitor the effectiveness of cancer treatment.  In an article which reviews the risks and benefits of CT scans, CancerNet.com reminds readers that  “a person diagnosed with cancer or suspected of having cancer can safely receive a CT scan because the benefits always outweigh the risks.”  The site offers useful information about CT scans including a list of questions to ask your physician when a CT scan is recommended.

Questions to ask when a CT scan is recommended

* Why do I need a CT scan? (Why does my child need a CT scan?)

* Are there risks of having a CT scan?

* What are the risks of not having the test?

* Is a CT scan the best diagnostic examination for me (my child)? Or are there others we can substitute?

* Is the radiation dose of the CT scan the lowest possible dose that produces diagnostic images?

* Is the radiation dose based on my (my child’s) weight?

* Does the benefit of a CT scan outweigh its risks?

* Does this CT scan duplicate any previous tests?

Watch Dennis Douda’s full report about Mayo’s  low radiation CT scanner on WCCO-TV

As part of his research, Ahlquist also screened stool samples for signs of cancer higher up in the digestive system including the esophagus, pancreas, stomach and other organs.  In an interview for Minnesota Public Radio he explained why. “What’s common to all of these cancers is that they shed cells into the GI passageway that are ultimately excreted with stool, so by doing a stool DNA test, one has the potential to detect all of these cancers.”

According to MPR, Ahlquist’s researchers analyzed 140 samples, 70 from people with known GI cancers, and 70 from people without cancer. Of those, 100 percent of the stomach and colon cancers were detected. But only 62 percent of pancreatic cancers were detected. Early-stage cancers were as likely to be found as late stage.

Some caution, however, that while the test offers promise, it still does not offer enough accuracy to be dependable. Dr. Selwyn Vickers, Associate Director of the Masonic Cancer Center at the University of Minnesota was also interviewed by MPR for the report.  He said, “there is still a long way to go before we can say its application is going to bring value. It does bring hope, and those are two different things.”

To read or listen to the full Minnesota Public Radio interview with Dr. Ahlquist about screening for cancers above the colon, click here.
To read “New DNA Stool Testing Spots More Colon Cancers” on MedicineNet, click here.

Get Your Rear In Gear 5K promotes colon cancer awareness

CBS News reported last week that an analysis of data released by the American Cancer Society reveals a “large disparity in funding for different types of cancer.”  The report goes on to say that cancers of the cervix and breast receive the most federal funds.  “One reason for the disparity, says the report, is that ” some advocacy groups, like those for breast cancer, are more adept at raising awareness. And with awareness comes cash.”

Raising awareness has been the sole mission of Colon Cancer Coalition president Kristin Tabor.  In 2005, Tabor organized the inaugural Get Your Rear in Gear 5K Run/Walk in Minneapolis, Minnesota which brought out over 1600 supporters.  Since that first event, the Coalition has expanded and now organizes or partners with 17 events across the country.  The Twin Cities Get Your Rear in Gear 5K set a new record in 2009 with over 5000 participants.  These events not only provide a platform for community involvement, but they have also prompted significant media coverage of colon cancer related issues.  In a recent interview, Tabor talked about the impact that her efforts have had and the continued fight to raise awareness.  “The race is our largest awareness opportunity, however, the work never stops.  How far can we take it?  Within 3-5 years the “Get Your Rear effect” could help save 25,000 to 30,000 lives. I hope that this is the impact the Coalition has.”

To get a compete list of Get Your Rear in Gear events, go the Events page of the Colon Cancer Coalition website.

Screening tools help guide patients to physicians who can find cancer in it's early stages

In an effort to improve colon cancer awareness and education, Rush Health Associates in Chicago has developed an online Colon Cancer Screening Tool.  The online survey evaluates key factors such as lifestyle habits and family history to provide an immediate assessment and recommendation for screening.  The screening tool is anonymous, easy to use and takes only minutes to complete.

In addition to providing users with a screening assessment, the online tool is full of educational information about colon cancer, screening costs and insurance information, national colon cancer screening guidelines and a glossary of related terms and definitions.  For anyone who is on the fence about getting screened or is hesitant about making the call to get more information, this tool is a perfect first step.

According to information provided by the organization, Rush Health Associates is a not for profit organization whose members include Rush University Medical Center, Rush Oak Park Hospital and approximately 700 physicians who are on the medical staff of its hospital members.  The goals of RHA health improvement programs are to encourage patients to be actively involved in their personal health and to give providers additional tools to manage their patient’s care. Primary care physicians are monitored on how many of their eligible patients have been screened for colon cancer. Feedback provided by primary care physicians within the RHA system indicated that since the actual screening guidelines vary based on individual characteristics such as family history and symptoms, many patients were unclear about whether or not a colon cancer screening procedure was necessary. The Colon Cancer Screening Tool was developed in cooperation with gastroenterology physicians so that patients could take the test and get a more specific action plan.

The Colon Cancer Screening Tool was developed several years ago solely for Rush Health Associates patients but recently has been made available on their public website so that anyone can take advantage of it.  Theresa Burkhart, senior director at Rush Health Associates, encourages Colon Cancer Coalition readers to take the assessment.  “The more people who take it the better!”  she says.

Rush Health Associates Colon Cancer Screening Tool

At least 50% of the Western population develops a colorectal tumor by the age of 70, and about 1 in 10 of these individuals, progress to malignancy. As a result, colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States and first when smoking-related cancers are excluded (1).

It is estimated that more than half of all new cancers and cancer deaths worldwide are potentially preventable by altering lifestyle. Of course excessive alcohol, smoking, and obesity are the most common causes but certain cancers are also related to infectious agents, such as hepatitis B (HBV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), human papilloma virus (HPV), and helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). They could be prevented through known interventions such as vaccines, antibiotics, improved sanitation, and education. Some cancers (colorectal and cervix) can be avoided by detection and removal of pre-cancerous lesions through regular screening examinations by a health care professional.

Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable. There are several things you can do to avoid this type of cancer:

• Avoid high levels of animal fats, eating more fish, chicken and vegetables (2).
• Try to eat 40% of your diet as vegetables and no, fries and ketchup are not included. Particularly, stop eating preserved meats; bacon, sausages and ham are at the top of the list of things to avoid. Also don’t burn your steak.
• Cut back on simple carbohydrates, high simple sugar like sucrose and high fructose corn syrup as well as refined white flour. Rough and tough carbohydrates or low GI are the best (3). The roughage from the box many foods come in is better than the refines foods within.
• Keeping your blood sugar down is a key to avoiding colorectal cancers (4).
• Lastly, many experts suggest vegetables high in certain compounds are helpful, try eating more cruciferous vegetables and more sulphur containing vegetables like garlic and onions (5). Loosening weight and being fit will benefit you in a number of ways, including lower tumor rates (6).

While much has been written about the genetics of cancer, genes are not destiny; at most it’s only 15% of all colorectal cancers are attributable to genes (1). Its what is turned on or off that counts, its what you do with your genes not what your genes do to you.

Some herbs are also found useful. Natural anti-inflammatory compounds abound in the herbal world and are found in green tea, the spices turmeric and rosemary, feverfew and others (7).

References:
1) Cell, Vol. 87, 159–170, October 18, 1996
2) American Journal of Epidemiology Vol. 109, No. 2: 132-144
3) International Journal of Cancer. Volume 32 Issue 1, Pages 1 – 5
4) JNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute 1999 91(13):1147-115
5) Cancer Causes and Control. Volume 2, Number 6 / November, 1991
6) Journal of the National Cancer Institute, Vol. 82, No. 11, 915-926, June 6, 1990
7) J. Nutr. 131:3034S-3036S, November 2001

Colorectal cancer advocates from around the country joined together tonight for three days of trainings and strategizing that will culminate in meetings with their Members of Congress on Capitol Hill.

Advocates from every corner of the country traveled to Washington, DC, in support of legislation that will create a National Colorectal Cancer Screening Program – something that is desperately needed if we are to make colorectal cancer a disease that is no more deadly than the common cold.

“I’m so excited to be here again – this is my third Call-on Congress!” stated Marilia Sardinha, a C3 advocate from Maine. “It is wonderful to see this many people who are so committed and passionate about this disease that they would fly cross-country to join the fight.”

The advocates have two long days ahead of them. Tomorrow, March 23rd, they will receive training from professionals in grassroots advocacy and colorectal cancer policy. They will also hear from Representative Jim Moran (D-VA), who will speak to them about the importance of elected officials hearing from their constituents on issues that are important to them.

From Left, Mandy Nelson, Amy Klobuchar, Lisa Sanderson, Cindy Iverson & Brenda Elsagher.

On Tuesday, March 24th, they will take what they have learned to meetings with their own legislators – their two senators and representative – to make the case for the passage of HR 1189, the Colorectal Cancer Prevention, Early Detection and Treatment Act, as well as legislation that would create a colorectal cancer research program at the Department of Defense.

Stay tuned for updates from Call-on Congress 2009, or follow the Call-on Congress fun on Twitter!

-Written by Joe Arite

Carlea Bauman, Patrick Kennedy, and Kate Murphy

“Women who got the most calcium from food and supplements had a lower risk of all cancer and a 23% lower risk of cancers of the digestive system than those who got the least.”

The recommended daily allowance of calcium increases for adults as they age.  The National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements recommends 1200 mg/day for adults over the age of 51 and 1000 mg/day for those between 19 and 50 years of age.  While  supplements have become increasingly popular, “most Americans should consider their intake of calcium from all foods including fortified ones before adding supplements to their diet to help avoid the risk of reaching levels at or near the tolerable upper limit for calcium (2500 mg)”, according to the agency.

Calcium rich foods can be found in almost any aisle of the grocery store.  If dairy products rich in calcium are not your favorite foods, consider adding green leafy vegetables to your diet.  One cup of cooked spinach provides 300 mg of calcium, the same amount provided by an 8 oz glass of skim milk.  Ready-to-eat cereals are another great source.  Fortified cereals can provide anywhere from 236 to 1043 milligrams of calcium.  A more complete list of calcium rich foods, along with tips for improving the body’s ability to absorb this important nutrient can be found on the Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet provided by the National Institutes of Health.