Interesting article on colon cancer/C-reactive protein

[floridafam]

Thought this would of interest to someone. I had one brother die of colon cancer and the other died of a heart attack. I know neither of them ever had their C-reactive protein checked.

I asked my Dr. for this to be added onto my blood work that is a part of my yearly physical-I asked for the heart disease issue. She knew exactly what I was talking about and checked it off on the form. If my levels are high, then I will find out what I can do to bring them down.

Here is the link.

http://www.wftv.com/health/2815503/detail.html

 

[Dan Murphy]

Interesting, thanks. I have had two colonoscopies, diagnostic.

 

[floridafam]

Good for you. Colonoscopy is the best tool we have to diagnose anything that might be wrong.

 

[Magix]

Interesting that this new discovery is indicative of colon cancer, but not rectal cancer (which is what my mom had). Still, this is an important development in early detection of cancer. Hope we have more news like this in coming years.

 

[floridafam]

Yes, this is pretty interesting.

I hope they keep finding tests and other things that can help us fight this horrible disease.

 

[dumboiu]

Originally posted by floridafam
If my levels are high, then I will find out what I can do to bring them down.
QUOTE]

From the article:

The substance, C-reactive protein, or CRP, is produced in the liver in response to infection or inflammation anywhere in the body. Doctors believe that high levels of CRP in the bloodstream raise the risk of a heart attack by damaging blood vessel walls.

But what if you can't identify the source of the infection or inflammation, which (as the article states) may be *anywhere* in the body? How do you go about bringing the CRP levels down when you don't know what is elevating them in the first place? I believe that this is a vague marker at best (until scientists understand more).

 

[floridafam]

I guess if my levels are high then I will just adjust my lifestyle accordingly.

I am having the test to determine my risk for heart disease.

I will just be glad to have the info so that I can try my hardest to prevent heart disease or colon cancer.

 

[dumboiu]

All I am trying to point out is that this is a vague marker........and just because you may have elevated levels of CRP, it could mean many things, not just heart disease, perhaps it could mean ovarian cancer, or maybe it could point to autoimmune diseases, etc. So, if your levels are elevated, then you will need to have more tests to narrow the cause(s) and determine *why* the CRP is elevated.

 

[floridafam]

Just talked to him.

He doesn't know if he will be coming home today. They put a cast on his arm and they had to cut his wedding ring off.

It sounds like everything will be okay.

Thanks.

dumboiu,

I know it could mean anything. I guess it couldn't hurt me just to know what my levels are. I try to stay on top of being tested for certain things since my brother's died. Two of my aunts were recently diagnosed with ovarian cancer so I also would take that into consideration. I try and do as much preventative testing that I can. I want to live to be 100.