{"id":137650,"date":"2021-03-24T09:00:49","date_gmt":"2021-03-24T19:00:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/?p=137650"},"modified":"2021-03-23T11:05:05","modified_gmt":"2021-03-23T21:05:05","slug":"hawaii-colorectal-cancer-cohort","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/2021\/03\/24\/hawaii-colorectal-cancer-cohort\/","title":{"rendered":"Local families contribute to international colorectal cancer research"},"content":{"rendered":"Reading time: <\/span> 2<\/span> minutes<\/span><\/span>
\"colon
A microscopic image of a colon polyp taken at the UH<\/abbr> Cancer Center.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Colorectal cancer, a cancer of the colon or rectum, is the third most frequently diagnosed cancer in the state of Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span>, according to the University of Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span> Cancer Center\u2019s Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span> Tumor Registry<\/a>. Approximately 717 new cases are diagnosed each year in the islands. Researchers at the UH<\/abbr> Cancer Center<\/a> have undertaken a number of initiatives that seek to decrease these alarming rates of colorectal cancer incidence and mortality. One of these initiatives is the UH<\/abbr> Cancer Center\u2019s participation in an international study on colon cancer.<\/p>\n

In 1997, the National Cancer Institute established the Colon Cancer Family Registry<\/a> (CCFR<\/abbr>) and is composed of six institutes throughout the U.S.<\/abbr>, Canada and Australia. The registry follows those diagnosed with colorectal cancer and their affected and unaffected family members to learn more about the impact of genetics and lifestyle factors on colorectal cancer risk. <\/p>\n

Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span>\u2019s colorectal cancer cohort<\/h2>\n
\"exterior
UH<\/abbr> Cancer Center<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The CCFR<\/abbr> site in Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span>, located at the UH<\/abbr> Cancer Center, is also known as the Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span> Colorectal Cancer Family Registry Cohort (HCCFRC<\/abbr>). HCCFRC<\/abbr> researchers and coordinators have recruited more than 600 families in Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span> for a total of 2,266 participants, who donate blood and tumor samples which are tested for genetic variants. These samples help to better predict participants\u2019 risk for cancers of the colon and rectum, and may be used to find the best ways to prevent them. <\/p>\n

“The UH<\/abbr> Cancer Center\u2019s participation in this international colorectal cancer study is significant because Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span>\u2019s population is unlike any other,” said Randall Holcombe<\/strong>, UH<\/abbr> Cancer Center director. “Data from the HCCFRC<\/abbr> has the ability to help families\u2014not only within our own community, but throughout the rest of the world as well.” <\/p>\n

Due to Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span>\u2019s unique racial and ethnic population, information from the HCCFRC<\/abbr> is especially important in guiding research on colorectal cancer risk, treatment and prevention for racial and ethnic minorities. Since it was established in 1997, the CCFR<\/abbr> site in Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span> has sought to identify those at high risk of colorectal cancer and to improve health outcomes.<\/p>\n

Recommended screenings<\/h2>\n

Although the study is not enrolling new participants at this time, there are a number of measures that you can take to reduce your risk for colorectal cancer. Since the majority of new colorectal cancer cases occur in people who are 50 years of age and older, the U.S.<\/abbr> Preventive Services Task Force recommends that those between the ages of 50 and 65 get regular screenings.<\/p>\n

Individuals with an increased risk for colorectal cancer are advised to talk to their doctor about when to begin screening, which test is right for them, and how often they should get tested. Screenings are the key to cancer prevention and early detection. Those with a strong family history of cancer may also ask their physician if genetic counseling is advisable. <\/p>\n

Other studies on colorectal cancer<\/p>\n