Proteomic profiling of tear fluid as a promising non-invasive screening test for colon cancer.

Background: Current screening options for colorectal cancer (CRC) are either invasive (colonoscopy) or have lower sensitivity to identify pre-malignant lesions (fecal immunochemical test). We proposed to identify protein profiles in tears of patients with both pre-malignant polyps and CRC; these profiles could have potential as a noninvasive screening test.

Method: Colonoscopy patients were divided into "high risk" group (CRC and tubular adenomatous polyp) and "low risk" (normal and hyperplastic polyps).

Long-term glucose control and risk of perioperative complications.

Background: The impact of long-term preoperative glucose control on short-term surgical complications is unclear. We investigated whether preoperative hemoglobin A1c (HA(1c)) levels correlated with the risk of postoperative complications.

Methods: A database of 38,989 patients undergoing major surgical procedures from October 1996 to May 2007 was reviewed.

Association of tobacco and alcohol use with earlier development of colorectal cancer: should we modify screening guidelines?

Background: Current guidelines recommend initial colorectal cancer screening at age 50 years for average-risk patients. Alcohol and tobacco use can be associated with earlier onset of colorectal cancer. We hypothesized an earlier age at diagnosis and/or more advanced stage in patients with these habits.