Body Donation to Science Aids in the Fight Against Colon Cancer

Though colon cancer is 100% preventable, the American Cancer Society’s Statistics Center labels colorectal cancer as the third leading cause of cancer deaths in both men and women in the United States.

Science Care donors contribute year-round in assisting researchers, oncologists, and gastroenterologists in the fight against these debilitating and often deadly forms of cancer. 

Read on to see how the gift of body donation to science is aiding in the fight against colon cancer! 

Prevention of gastrointestinal disease 

In recent months, Science Care donors have provided researchers the means necessary to:

• Develop methods of detecting early indicators of gastrointestinal, bowel, and colon cancer during patient screening.
• Develop advanced methods of screening (such as immunohistochemistry) before the onset of disease. This paves the way for treatment aimed at preventing disease through deterring the development of cancer cells, rather than treating the cancer once it materializes. 

If you are over the age of 45 or have personal risk factors for disease of the gastrointestinal tract, the CDC recommends you consult your physician to see if a regular screening regimen might be right for you. See CDC prevention tips here.

Diagnosis and Treatments

Science Care body donors have aided in training medical professionals in the proper performance of:

• Gastrointestinal endoscopy procedures
• Virtual colonoscopy procedures facilitated using CT scanning
• Detailed investigation of the gastrointestinal tract through visualization of suspect regions of the anatomy
• More accurate diagnosis of disease 
• More targeted and effective treatments
• Better outcomes following treatment

Early detection and treatment are key to a healthier, longer life.

Colorectal Surgery Advances

When colorectal cancer has materialized, surgical removal of the affected region may be the best method to prevent further spreading of the cancer. 

Science Care donors have helped to revolutionize the performance of colorectal surgery by supporting:

• The development of new tools and instruments intended to reduce and mitigate risks associated with surgery (including postoperative leaking, bleeding, and surgical site infection)
• Research for better postoperative outcomes, such as the design and production of instruments more effective in ensuring total closure of incision sites (reducing postoperative leakage and bleeding); and the development of antibacterial sutures used in incision closure, mitigating the risk of surgical site infections.
• Surgeon training to develop performance of robot guides/assisted colorectal surgery.

Innovation thanks to donors

Members of our donor community are helping foster an era of innovation and change related to the ways colorectal cancer is detected and treated, leading us closer to a world where colorectal cancer will be referred to as 100% prevented rather than 100% preventable.

What a legacy these individuals are leaving! You can visit this page to see how body donation to science has impacted other areas of medical research and education.