Patient's page.New Screening Techniques for Colon Cancer colon cancer, cancer of any part of the colon (often called the large intestine). Colon cancer is the second most common cancer diagnosed in the United States. "Virtual colonoscopy virtual colonoscopy n. A screening examination of the colon in which x-rays obtained by CAT scan are used to generate computerized three-dimensional images of the colonic mucosa. " CT colonography, often referred to as "virtual colonoscopy," provides 3-dimensional images of the colon via CT scanning CT scanning Computer tomography scanning is a diagnostic imaging tool that uses x rays sent through the body at different angles. Mentioned in: Apraxia . While this procedure does not utilize traditional scopes, the standard colonic purge and bowel inflation are still required. This procedure takes less time than a normal colonoscopy and there is no risk of perforation per·fo·ra·tion n. 1. The act of perforating or the state of being perforated. 2. An abnormal opening in a hollow organ or viscus, as one made by rupture or injury. Perforation A hole. . As it is performed without sedation, the patient can return to his or her normal activities immediately after the procedure. Fecal DNA Analysis DNA analysis Any technique used to analyze genes and DNA. See Chromosome walking, DNA fingerprinting, Footprinting, In situ hybridization, Jeffries' probe, Jumping libraries, PCR, RFLP analysis, Southern blot hybridization. The fecal DNA analysis analyzes stool for abnormal cells from polyps Polyps A tumor with a small flap that attaches itself to the wall of various vascular organs such as the nose, uterus and rectum. Polyps bleed easily, and if they are suspected to be cancerous they should be surgically removed. or cancers, and checks for genetic mutations as well. Overall, it has a greater sensitivity for detecting cancer than the fecal occult blood test Fecal Occult Blood Test Definition The fecal occult blood test (FOBT) is performed as part of the routine physical examination during the examination of the rectum. , and therefore, may be a useful screening tool for patients with an average colorectal cancer colorectal cancer Malignant tumour of the large intestine (colon) or rectum. Risk factors include age (after age 50), family history of colorectal cancer, chronic inflammatory bowel diseases, benign polyps, physical inactivity, and a diet high in fat. risk. For more information, please see "Colorectal Cancer Screening: Today and Tomorrow " by Drs. Kenneth E. Hung and Daniel C. Chung, in the March 2006 issue of the Southern Medical Journal. Is Bed Sharing Safe? Bed sharing, or "co-sleeping," has long been a topic of great controversy but recently has become a popular practice among new parents. Rather than use the traditional sleeping arrangement of solitary crib sleeping, many parents are now opting to share a bed with their newborn infant. Within the past 15 years, bed sharing has more than doubled, a statistic which alarms some medical professionals. While bed sharing can be a positive experience for both parent and infant, some studies suggest that the risks involved with bed sharing might outweigh the benefits. The American Academy of Pediatrics The American Academy of Pediatrics ("AAP") is an organization of pediatricians, physicians trained to deal with the medical care of infants, children, and adolescents. Its motto is: "Dedicated to the Health of All Children. (AAP AAP - Association of American Publishers ) does not condone bed sharing and does not offer safety guidelines for those who choose to ignore this stance. They do, however, suggest "room-sharing" as an alternative, especially for breastfeeding mothers. This recommendation has prompted new products which encourage room sharing, such as attachable cribs, which fit snugly against the parents' bed. James McKenna, an expert from the Mother-Baby Behavioral Sleep Laboratory at the University of Notre Dame, disagrees with the AAP. McKenna, who has led the research surrounding bed sharing, advocates the practice, suggesting that the mother is more aware of her baby's condition. Of course, every baby is different, and as one recent study suggests, the baby's health must be considered in the decision-making process. The debate has often focused only on children with "normal" health conditions, with no consideration of children with special healthcare needs. Parents and physicians of these children are encouraged to spend time considering the particular risks and benefits of bed sharing as related to the special healthcare issues these children face. Ultimately, the choice must be made by die parent, and the best choice is always made by educating oneself with die facts. If you are a new parent or soon-to-be new parent, consider the following information when deciding on sleeping arrangements for your family: Benefits of Bed Sharing * Bed sharing promotes breastfeeding, the healthiest feeding option for most infants. Mothers who bed share breast feed twice as long as those mothers whose infants sleep in a crib. * Bed sharing mothers report a better quality night's sleep. * Breast fed babies reportedly grow up to be more self-reliant and confident, perform better in school, and handle stress more effectively. Risks Associated with Bed Sharing * There is an increased risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) or crib death, sudden, unexpected, and unexplained death of an apparently healthy infant under one year of age (usually between two weeks and eight months old). (SIDS SIDS sudden infant death syndrome. SIDS abbr. sudden infant death syndrome SIDS, n See syndrome, sudden infant death. ). * There is a greater chance of injury to the child associated with co-sleeping. * Many parents find that moving to a crib can be more difficult than if bed sharing was never introduced. Avoid the following if you decide to try bed sharing with your child: * Smoking * Sharing the bed with a heavy sleeper * Allowing a toddler or young child to also share the bed * Thick bedding * Drinking alcohol or taking illicit drugs * Taking medications that induce heavy sleep * Sharing the bed with someone who is obese Taken in part from "Bed Sharing: A Risk for Children with Special Health Care Needs" by Dr. Raphael C. Sneed. Southern Medical Journal. September 2006. The information on this page was compiled by the Editorial Office of the Southern Medical Journal, Johnson City, TN. Please feel free to photocopy this page and share it with your patients. Jennifer McKinney, MA and Bridget Garland, MA |
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