Author Archives: Robin

Young Patients Often Face Misdiagnoses When it Comes to Colon Cancer

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Many younger patients see more than one doctor and face misdiagnoses before being given a diagnosis of colorectal cancer (CRC), according to recent research presented during a webcast ahead of the 2019 AACR Annual Meeting.

Researchers reviewed 1195 online surveys completed by individuals who were diagnosed with CRC before the age of 50 and found that 57% were diagnosed between the ages of 40 and 49; 33% were diagnosed between 30 and 39; and only 10% were diagnosed before the age of 30. Thirty percent had a family history of CRC and 8% were diagnosed with Lynch syndrome, which can be a genetic predisposition to the disease.

The majority of these younger patients (70%) were diagnosed with stage III or stage IV disease – a contrast to their older counterparts, who are more likely to be diagnosed at stage I or II disease, according to the researchers.

The researchers attribute this difference to lack of awareness and misdiagnosis, as over 60% of these patients waited over a year to see a doctor, and 67% of these patients saw at least two doctors before their diagnosis.

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Learn more about how MSKCC is fighting colon cancer. The Infographic on this post is courtesy of the National Cancer Institute.

Three Questions for our Librarians – Kendra

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This month we spoke with Kendra Godwin, Research Informationist and Liaison for the Evidence-based Cancer Imaging Program. 

What areas can you help MSK users with?

I am part of a team that is working to support evidence-based practice at MSK. More specifically, my work surrounds the PAMA mandate, its establishing of the Appropriate Use Criteria Program, and future requirements for ordering advanced diagnostic imaging services.

What projects have you been working on recently?

The Evidence-based Cancer Imaging Program (ECIP) is MSK’s coordinated response to the PAMA mandate, and its purpose is to develop and implement appropriate use criteria (AUC) in pursuit of the best patient care. As the liaison for ECIP, I serve as the lead research informationist within AUC development, and as the MSK Library’s project manager for this program.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

The Voynich Manuscript combines all of the hits. Mysterious origins, coded text, and bizarre ink drawings of a possible medical nature? Yes! I was going to say wherever it is held, but after a quick search I see it’s only a few hours north of me in New Haven! Still, I encourage anyone to use the link above to learn more and view Yale’s beautiful digitization work. And, if I’m not fantasy traveling to Connecticut, I will be visiting my sister in Tokyo for the first time.

Why are Men More Prone to Brain Cancer?

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Glioblastoma, the aggressive form of brain cancer that killed Senator John McCain in August 2018, has been known for decades to affect men at rates almost twice as high as women. In a recent study, a team of researchers led Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have now identified distinct molecular signatures of Glioblastoma in both genders that may help us understand differences in patients’ response to treatment and survival. Check out the video below to learn more.