33 MD for December 29, 2008

Colonoscopy, the gold for detecting colon cancer, may not be pure gold after all. A new study says this traditional scope of the colon may not be as effective as previously thought.

The new study shows the traditional colonoscopy is effective in evaluating the left side of the colon, but may not do so well for the right side.

Dr. David Ransohoff, an Oncologist, says, "The main message is that we need to think hard about what the effectiveness of colonoscopy screening is. It's probably not 90% and is more likely to be 60 to 70%."

That's still good. But the American College of Physicians says doctors now need to advise patients about the limitations of a colonoscopy.

Why are some things missed? The colonoscopy eye may simply not see it all. Bowel preparation or the cleansing prior to the scoping may not do as well on the right colon.

Dr. Brent Christensen, a surgeon, says, "Maybe colon cancer acts differently on the right side than it does on the left side, or progresses more rapidly even if it is the same stage of cancer."

Dr. Brent Christensen says the study begs for more follow up. And technology is improving. Some researchers are experimenting with supplemental tools like a laser, to throw more light on underlying tissue, while the colonoscopy is in progress.

Again, while the traditional colonoscopy may not be quite what everyone had envisioned, it's still better than to having one at all. Even the authors of the study admit it still remains a major screening tool to prevent colon cancer.

Researchers have identified a gene that appears to increase the risk for high blood pressure. Scientists at the University of Maryland studied gene samples taken from over 500 Amish adults. They say what you eat and how often you exercise contributes to an increased risk for Hypertension, but believe the gene may also play a role. Experts estimate about 20 % of Caucasians have this gene.