Family Medical History
.........and some free medical advice
Colorectal cancer and colon polyps
In the Kaimowitz-Kaye family there is a family history which suggests that there is a higher incidence of colorectal cancer and colon polyps.
Two Kaimowitz males had documented colon cancer before the age of 62. At least 3 males are known to have had adenomatous polyps removed at the time of screening colonoscopic examinations. These are the kind of polyps than can become malignant if not removed. We presume that this may be from the Katz side of the family. Bella died in her 60's of heart disease. Morris died at age 87 of stomach (gastric) cancer which is not familial.
It is strongly recommended that any of you who are descendents of the Kaimowitz-Kaye-Katz families have a screening colonoscopic examination at age forty (40), instead of the usually recommended age of fifty (50). If no polyps are found then the study should be repeated every five (5) years. If polyps are found then the study should be repeated every three (3) years.
Other Risk Factors for Colorectal Cancer
Other risk factors that may influence the development of adenomatous polyps and colorectal cancer risk include diet, use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs], postmenopausal hormone use, cigarette smoking, colonoscopy with removal of adenomatous polyps, and physical activity.
Coronary Artery Disease and cholesterol related issues
In the Kaimowitz-Kaye family there is a family history which suggests that there is a higher incidence of colorectal cancer and colon polyps.
Two Kaimowitz males had documented colon cancer before the age of 62. At least 3 males are known to have had adenomatous polyps removed at the time of screening colonoscopic examinations. These are the kind of polyps than can become malignant if not removed. We presume that this may be from the Katz side of the family. Bella died in her 60's of heart disease. Morris died at age 87 of stomach (gastric) cancer which is not familial.
It is strongly recommended that any of you who are descendents of the Kaimowitz-Kaye-Katz families have a screening colonoscopic examination at age forty (40), instead of the usually recommended age of fifty (50). If no polyps are found then the study should be repeated every five (5) years. If polyps are found then the study should be repeated every three (3) years.
Other Risk Factors for Colorectal Cancer
Other risk factors that may influence the development of adenomatous polyps and colorectal cancer risk include diet, use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs], postmenopausal hormone use, cigarette smoking, colonoscopy with removal of adenomatous polyps, and physical activity.
- Dietary factors that appear to be associated with developing adenomatous polyps and an increased incidence of colorectal cancer risk include a diet high in total fat, and meat (both red and white meat). Despite initial optimism, there is no proven benefit to eating a diet rich in fiber and reducing your risk of developing colon cancer.
- Studies have reported an association between aspirin use and decreased adenomatous polyp development and colon cancer (by 21%) incidence. In addition, studies have suggested a decreased risk of colon cancer among users of postmenopausal female hormone supplements.
- Cigarette smoking is associated with an increased tendency to form adenomas and develop into colorectal cancer.
- Colonoscopy with removal of adenomatous polyps may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer.
- A sedentary lifestyle has been associated in some, but not all, studies with an increased risk of colorectal cancer.
Coronary Artery Disease and cholesterol related issues
- There is a slightly increased risk of coronary artery disease in the Kaimowitz males. Two males had fatal heart attacks in their 70’s. There is no history of premature or early heart attacks, although their mother Bella died in her 60's of "heart related" illness.
- There appears to be a tendency to run moderately high cholesterol levels, with elevated triglyceride levels and low HDL (protective or good) cholesterol levels. This is called a mixed hyperlipidemia. It can be controlled by diet, regular exercise and the cholesterol lowering “statin” medications. Niacin will help raise HDL levels, but can slightly increase blood sugar and uric acid levels. The latter is important because high uric acid levels can cause gouty arthritis.
- I know of at least two Kaimowitz males who have gouty arthritis caused by elevated blood levels of uric acid.
- The good news is that there does not appear to be a family history of diabetes, prostate cancer and breast cancer............at this point in time!
- Because high blood pressure is common as one gets older, it is important to try to eat a low salt diet. So don't add extra salt to your food!
Remember to get the following vaccinations as adults:
- Influenza annually in the fall/autumn
- Tetanus-diphtheria-whooping cough (Tdap) every 10 years. Get booster if you are pregnant or come into contact with an child under the age of one year.
- Shingles vaccine anytime after age 50. Shingrix vaccine: two shots 2-6 months apart.
- Pneumonia vaccine : Prevnar 13 at age 64 and Pneumovax-23 at age 65, but if you are a smoker, asthmatic or prone to chest infections then you should get them earlier..