‘Good’ cholesterol may reduce the risk of bowel cancer

Total Health | March 8th, 2011

Research suggests that high levels of ‘good’ HDL cholesterolA substance present in many tissues and an important constituent of cell membranes although high concentrations of a certain type of cholesterol in the blood are unhealthy. (High Density Lipoprotein) may reduce the risk of bowelA common name for the large and/or small intestines. cancerAbnormal, uncontrolled cell division resulting in a malignant tumour that may invade surrounding tissues or spread to distant parts of the body.. 

The research findings, which were published in Gut, the international journal of gastroenterology and hepatology, focused on the long term impact of diet on the development of cancer in more than half a million people from 10 European countries, including the UK. It included 1,200 people who had developed bowel and rectalRelating to the rectum, the lowest part of the bowel leading to the anus. cancers (779 bowel cancer and 459 rectal cancer) and these participants were matched with 1,200 people of the same age, gender and nationality. Blood samples were taken and dietary questionnaires were completed to identify any distinct differences between the two groups. Findings showed that those who had the highest levels of HDL cholesterol, and another bloodA fluid that transports oxygen and other substances through the body, made up of blood cells suspended in a liquid. fatOne of the three main food constituents (with carbohydrate and protein), and the main form in which energy is stored in the body. called apolipoproteinThe protein part of lipoproteins, compounds that function to transport lipids in the bloodstream. A, or apoA, which is also a component of HDL cholesterol, had the lowest risk of developing bowel cancer. 

After taking account of diet, lifestyle and weight; a rise of 16.6 mg/dl in HDL and of 32 mg/dl in apoA reduced the risk of bowel cancer by 22% and 18% respectively. However they had no impact on reducing the risk of rectal cancer. 

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Expert articles

Bowel Cancer Screening

By Mr Austin Obichere, Consultant Laparoscopic & Colorectal SurgeonContact
University College Hospital London, The Harley Street Clinic

As the most common cause of death from cancerAbnormal, uncontrolled cell division resulting in a malignant tumour that may invade surrounding tissues or spread to distant parts of the body., this article is essential reading for anyone who wants to know more about improving the outcome. In particular, it answers questions such as:

  • Do I have symptoms of bowelA common name for the large and/or small intestines. cancer?
  • What are the symptoms of bowel cancer?
  • Should I be tested for bowel cancer?
  • What’s involved in getting tested?
  • What has been learned from bowel cancer screeningA way to identify people who may have a certain condition, among a group of people who may or may not seem to trials?
  • Does inflammatory bowel diseaseA group of inflammatory conditions of the intestine. The two major forms are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. increase risk of cancer?
  • Does the new bloodA fluid that transports oxygen and other substances through the body, made up of blood cells suspended in a liquid. test for bowel cancer work?

High cholesterol is inevitable for some

By Dr Devaki Nair, Consultant Lipidologist and Chemical PathologistContact
The Royal Free Hampstead NHS Trust

If you have very high cholesterolA substance present in many tissues and an important constituent of cell membranes although high concentrations of a certain type of cholesterol in the blood are unhealthy. levels in your bloodA fluid that transports oxygen and other substances through the body, made up of blood cells suspended in a liquid. it may be due to a geneThe basic unit of genetic material carried on chromosomes. defect. This form of inherited high cholesterol is called familial hypercholesterolaemiaHigh levels of cholesterol in the blood. (FH). This problem affects 1 in 500 people and can cause cholesterol levels higher than 7.5mmol/L (desired level is less than 5mmol/L) in an adult and can lead to early heart disease in the form of anginaA central chest pain caused by insufficient oxygen supply to the heart. or heart attackThe death of a section of heart muscle caused by an interruption in its blood supply. Also called a myocardial infarction..

Identification of new gene variants linked to Bowel Cancer

By totalhealth, Authoritative medical information

CANCER RESEARCH UK funded scientists have discovered four new geneticRelating to the genes, the basic units of genetic material. variants linked to bowelA common name for the large and/or small intestines. cancerAbnormal, uncontrolled cell division resulting in a malignant tumour that may invade surrounding tissues or spread to distant parts of the body. by combining data from three major genome studies, reveals a study published in Nature Genetics*. Pooling the data in this way created the largest study of its kind, involving over 45,000 volunteers with and without bowel cancer, allowing previously undetected genetic sites to be pinpointed.

Liver Metastases: What can be done when bowel cancer has spread to the liver

By Mr Giuseppe Kito Fusai, Consultant Liver SurgeonContact
The Royal Free Hampstead NHS Trust, The Royal Free Private Patients Unit

Bowel cancerAbnormal, uncontrolled cell division resulting in a malignant tumour that may invade surrounding tissues or spread to distant parts of the body. can spread (metastasise) to various other organs, most commonly to the liverA large abdominal organ that has many important roles including the production of bile and clotting factors, detoxification, and the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates and fats.. Liver metastasesSecondary tumours’ that result from the spread of a malignant tumour to other parts of the body. occur in more than half of patients with bowelA common name for the large and/or small intestines. cancer and can often be treated surgically, or in combination with other treatment modalities. This article describes how this can be accomplished safely, and highlights the importance of multidisciplinaryRelating to a group of healthcare professionals with different areas of specialisation. management for patients.

Understanding the results from your Path Lab report

By Dr Hervey Wilcox, Consultant Chemical PathologistContact
Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust

Introduction

To most people a standard pathology laboratory list of results is more akin to an Egyptian obelisk than anything actually meaningful or useful i.e. four columns of hieroglyphics! It is therefore useful to have our own plain English equivalent of the Rosetta Stone in order to translate some of the pathological hieroglyphs, and that is the purpose of this article.

Treatment strategies for colorectal cancer

By Mr Austin Obichere, Consultant Laparoscopic & Colorectal SurgeonContact
University College Hospital London, The Harley Street Clinic

Bowel cancerAbnormal, uncontrolled cell division resulting in a malignant tumour that may invade surrounding tissues or spread to distant parts of the body. is a major health problem in the United Kingdom. Men and women are equally affected by the disease and improved survival is dependent on the diagnosisThe process of determining which condition a patient may have. and surgical treatment of early stage disease (no cancerousMalignant, a tumour that may invade surrounding tissues or spread to distant parts of the body. spread to the lymphA watery or milky bodily fluid containing lymphocytes, proteins and fats. Lymph accumulates outside the blood vessels in the intercellular spaces of the body tiisues and is collected by the vessels of the lymphatic system. glands or distant organs). It is now widely accepted that most bowelA common name for the large and/or small intestines. cancers arise from pre-cancerous polypsGrowths on the surface of a mucous membrane (a surface that secretes mucous), lining any body cavity that opens to the outside of the body., and that early detection of these polyps (screeningA way to identify people who may have a certain condition, among a group of people who may or may not seem to) offers the opportunity to prevent bowel cancer developing and to treat the condition before it progresses to an advanced stage. A smaller proportion of bowel cancers are inherited and a detailed family history by the specialist is required to identify those who may be at risk of the disease.

An early diagnosis of bowel cancer is critical.

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Total Health | May 17th, 2012

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