what is colonoscopy?

The standard procedure for detecting colon cancer is colonoscopy, but much of the population has little understanding of what one is and what it involves. These questions and many more are effectively addressed through videos provided by numerous treatment centers and support organizations. Those displayed above were prepared by MD Anderson (see YouTube MD Anderson playlist for "colonoscopy" videos).

Confronting Colon Cancer documentary

This informative documentary produced by PBS-affiliate WVIZ explores in step-by-step detail causes, symptoms, and surgical treatment of colorectal cancer. Uses case studies of patients to examine colonoscopy preparation and procedure, laparoscopic resection, and pathological findings. Chemotherapy is not addressed. Provides interviews with practitioners, patients, and family members. WVIZ website includes related coverage of colon cancer issues. Highly recommended for beginning students and patient education.

The New York Times cancer-related multimedia

The New York Times clearly stands out among news media in its multimedia coverage of cancer. In the above video, cancer effects are demonstrated to extend beyond the patient to other family members in many ways. The clip is from the series, Life Interrupted: A Video Portrait of Cancer in Young Adulthood, created by Suleika Jaouad, a 23 year-old writer now chronicling her experiences with leukemia.

Relevant multimedia may be located and accessed through search by media type (see "cancer videos" playlists). Searching by cancer type provides lists of articles, videos, and graphics (click here for colon cancer media).

The online paper allows for 10 free visits per month.

online news video

It is good that instructors and practitioners keep abreast of news stories on cancer-related matters. In this recent ABC report, breaking news is provided about MD Anderson research findings on the therapeutic effects of Metformin (glucophage) in treating various cancers. Such stories can be forwarded to inform relevant target populations of developments. But they are also at times quite incomplete in important details or seriously flawed, and therefore can be used as objects for critique.



One of the best sources of news stories in the sense of giving more than a sound-bite approach is the PBS NewsHour (see playlist search of stories involving cancer). In the above clip, Ray Suarez recently talked to Dr. Andrew Chan about research findings suggesting that a daily dose of aspirin can be an effective prophylactic against various cancers.

NCCN.com video collection

National Comprehensive Cancer Network, NCCN, is a significant resource for patients, caregivers, and family. Collections of  cancer-patient education videos, many of which are also highly relevant for practitioners, are available at its video center and YouTube channel. In the above clip, an oncologist draws on his own experience as a cancer patient in stressing the importance of the first interview with a new patient.

a critique of cancer and positive thinking

Barbara Ehrenreich does not agree with the conventional wisdom holding that cancer patients must think positively about their condition. For a fuller treatment of her critique, watch this video. Barbara's detailed ideas originally appeared in a 2001 article she wrote for Harper's, Welcome to Cancerland.

what is cancer?

This tutorial, provided through Cancer Research UK, introduces the topic "What is cancer?" in clear, concise terms. It includes various user-driven slideshows and graphics, and serves as a solid introduction for students beginning to study cancer, as well as patients.

patient education through MD Anderson

Multimedia provides a great way for health-care practitioners to educate patients about what they can expect to encounter as they go through testing and subsequent treatment, if necessary. For example, MD Anderson has produced materials on what patients can expect with a colonoscopy (top video) and what comes after discovery of a polyp (bottom video).

cartoon animations via xtranormal

Animated cartoons can be generated fairly easily through cloud software applications. In the top video, the creator employs xtranormal to discuss the importance of colonoscopy for cancer screening. In the bottom video, I provide an animated version of the dialog I had with my surgeon before my colon cancer resection.  Cartoons can promote cancer education in general, as well as serving to facilitate patient voice.

on colon cancer: Sal Khan interviews Andy Connolly

Andy Connolly of Stanford Medical School walks the viewer through the process of colon cancer development with the assistance of Sal Khan, creator of the Khan Academy.  Video 1 overviews normal colon tissue, video 2 relates to dysplasia, video 3 focuses on hyperplasia, and video 4, shown above, addresses cancerous colon tissue.  Along the way, Khan's questions to Connolly serve to clarify terminology and muddy points for students and the lay public.

X-Plain interactive tutorials

The National Library of Medicine has created a large body of interactive tutorials to help educate patients about disease and health issues.  Their inventory includes tutorials on leukemia and colon, brain, breast, liver, ovarian, non-melanoma skin, and prostate cancers.  The tutorials provide clear information about the disease and the course of treatment, allow users to advance at their own pace, and give feedback about information retention through self-tests.