The Benefits Of Colon Cancer Research
There are several Research Foundations for colon cancer and cancer in general that provide information on the various diseases. Some of the better known research foundations are the National Colorectal Cancer Research Alliance and the Cancer Research and Prevention Foundation. The Cancer Research and Prevention Foundation do research to help detect cancer earlier. It does so with the help of research, education and community outreach to the population. CRPF is one the leading foundations and health organizations that has brought the importance of cancer prevention to the forefront. The National Colorectal Cancer Research Alliance continuously funds studies in order to discover better ways of prevention cancer and detecting it earlier. In 2002, one of its sponsored studies led to the discovery of a highly reliable method of screening for colon cancer. The results were published in The January 31st edition of the New England Journal of Medicine. The team comprised of Bert Vogelstein, MD and Bernard Levin, MD. They discovered a method of testing genetic material from stool samples that determined whether a person had colorectal cancer or the pre-malignant lesions that later develop into colon cancer. The test has definitely made it easier to spot the disease in a much earlier stage and has helped to prevent thousands of deaths. The NCCRA has the ability to push science forward in order to accomplish their mission. The disease is at least 90% curable if caught by this screening method. The screening test which will soon become available to the public on a larger scale will be done so after proper validation. The test has its advantages over others because it is simpler to administer and does not have dietary restrictions before performing the test and its results are highly reliable. The NCCRA deserves credit for bringing the important of preventing colon cancer into prominence. The foundation has raised more than $13 million for science and education. In 2000, the foundation held the first run/walk for colon cancer awareness in Washington D.C. It has also generated more than 4000 videos on colon cancer and placed millions of dollars worth of ads on TV and advertising space. With groundbreaking research taking place because of active interest in promoting the prevention of colon cancer, permanent cure may not be too far in the future. Foundations such as the Cancer Research and Prevention Foundation and the NCCRA are helping society to move a step ahead of the deadly disease. Sources used: http://www.aetna.com/news/2002/pr_20020130.htm http://www.preventcancer.org/ |
