Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Surgery for Colon and Rectal Cancer

Dr. Haas and his research team were recently invited to give a symposium on Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Surgery for Colon and Rectal Cancer. This symposium was given in Minneapolis at the 2010 American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons annual meeting in May.

Facts about current state of colon cancer:

• Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States, with only lung cancer being more deadly.
• It also the third most common type of cancer for both men and women.
• The CDC states that about 41.8 million average-risk people aged 50 or older have not been screened for colorectal cancer according to national guidelines.
• Scheduling regular screenings after the age of 50 will greatly reduce your odds of fatality from colon cancer. It is estimated that 50-60% of colon cancer-related deaths could be avoided by regular screenings.
• Some suggestions for improving colon health and diminishing cancer risk:
  • Increase physical activity, aiming for at least 30 minutes of exercise daily
  • Reduce alcohol consumption
  • Refrain from smoking
  • Improve diet by incorporating more fruits and vegetables into the daily intake
  • Increasing fiber in the diet will also be beneficial
  • Limit fat to 30% or less of daily intake

Dr. Haas presenting his clinical research at the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeon Annual meeting in Minnesota.