Dr. Edward D. Gorham, from the Naval Health Research Center in San Diego, California, and colleagues found that as blood levels of vitamin D rose, the risk of colorectal cancer fell. Risk was reduced by 54 percent in groups with the highest vitamin D levels relative to those with the lowest levels.

Vitamin D may cut risk of colorectal cancer

For several months now, I have experienced a deep ache in my lower abdomen that worsens when I stand or walk. My doctors are working to pinpoint the source. Is it the result of new tumor growth, a stent that was placed in my ureter or some unrelated cause? I pray for them to find out soon and fix it whether it takes surgery, radiation or being held upside down and shaken.

Check out her column for more of her writing: The Patient Person

In a study of more than 1,400 patients, those who took the drug Avastin in addition to standard chemotherapy remained alive without worsening of their disease about six weeks longer than those with chemotherapy alone, says researcher Leonard B. Saltz, M.D.

Drug May Slow Colon Cancer