Update on the SELECT Ancillary Study – ACP (Adenomatous Colorectal Polyps)

The purpose of the Adenomatous Colorectal Polyp (ACP) ancillary study is to determine if treatment with nutritional supplements of selenium and vitamin E alone or in combination will significantly reduce the prevalence of precancerous colorectal polyps (abnormal growths in the large intestine) and colorectal cancers. Participants who reported having a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy exam after registering to SELECT may have agreed to take part in this ancillary study. The goal was to enroll 8,000 men. We are delighted to report that SELECT participants helped us achieve our goal of 8,097 participants for the ACP study. Thank you!

With your written permission, ACP successfully received more than 10,000 medical records for approximately 7,000 men (some of you had multiple colon exams) from the physician or hospital where the colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy was performed. Information is now being extracted to determine how many participants had precancerous colorectal polyps (adenomas) removed as compared to participants who had no polyps. ACP staff are almost done reviewing all of the medical records and anticipate analyzing the data later this summer. Stay tuned because we plan to share the results with you.

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that men and women be screened starting at age 50. Screening tests may include stool tests, sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy or double contrast barium enema. New methods, such as the genetic testing of stool samples are under study. Screening can find precancerous polyps in the large intestine, so they can be removed before they turn into cancer. Screening also finds colorectal cancer early, when treatment works best.

The data for this study are being collected and analyzed at the Arizona Cancer Center, University of Arizona. Peter Lance, MD, Principal Investigator.

June is Men’s Health Month

Men’s Health Month is celebrated across the country with screenings, health fairs, media appearances, and other health education and outreach activities. The purpose of Men’s Health Month is to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys. This month gives health care providers, public policy makers, the media, and individuals an opportunity to encourage men and boys to seek regular medical advice and early treatment for disease and injury.

Men's Health Month is a chance for both men and women to increase their awareness of the potentially significant health problems that men face, as well as what steps they can take to prevent such problems. Taking care of yourself is part of being the best man you can be.

This is a link to Checkup and Screening Guidelines for Men from the Men’s Health Network: http://www.menshealthnetwork.org/library/getitcheckedpostermen.pdf. Men's Health Network (MHN) is a national non-profit organization whose mission is to reach men, boys, and their families where they live, work, play, and pray with health prevention messages and tools, screening programs, educational materials, advocacy opportunities, and patient navigation.

Here is a link to a Check-Up Checklist for men and women from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that you might find helpful http://www.cdc.gov/family/checkuplist/index.htm.

This page was last updated on 6/12/2013.