The 1980’s
Doctors Rockefeller & Vogelstein
Ground breaking research by Drs. Rockefeller and Vogelstein in the 1980’s and countless other scientists since then have uncovered the genetics mutations that drive the development and growth of colon cancer. What has emerged from this research is the paradigm that colon polyps are the precursors to colon cancer.
The 1990’s
Removal of Polyps Reduces Cancer Risk
Several pivotal American trials conducted in the 1990’s, including the US National Polyp Study and the Veterans Affairs Cooperative Study, determined that if a gastroenterologist removes polyps during a colonoscopy, the risk of colon cancer drops considerably. This undertaking is important as polyps are generally asymptomatic, and if a patient has developed symptoms, they likely have already converted to colon cancer.
The 2000’s
Colon Cancer Awareness Month
A majority of the population sadly do not undergo screening colonoscopies. This is despite all efforts made to increase awareness, including former President Bill Clinton’s announcement that March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month and various public service announcements made by the CBS network and Katy Couric.
The 2010’s
Affordable Care Act
Current data indicates that colon cancer is the 3rd most common cancer and 2nd most common cause of cancer death in the US. There is a 6% lifetime risk of developing cancer and about a quarter of patients at the age of 50 years old have high-risk colon polyps. Given these astonishing statistics, the Affordable Care Act in March 2020 mandated that screening colonoscopies be covered at no cost to the patient.
The 2020’s
Dieting, Supplements & Medicines
Colorectal cancer is an active area of scientific research with goals in improving prevention, detection and treatment. Studies are looking to see which diets, supplements and medicines lower one’s risk. In those who unfortunately develop colorectal cancer, research is looking into improved surgical techniques, more effective and safer chemotherapy, and the use of immunotherapy which utilizes the body’s own immune system to fight cancer.
