CHOLECYSTECTOMY/COLON CANCER
(The Lancet 2:379, August 22, 1981; The Lancet 2:381, August 22, 1981)
Two recent studies suggest that removal of the gallbladder may increase the risk of colon cancer. Cholecystectomy apparently almost doubled the risk of cancer of the right colon according to a University of Pittsburgh study.
The researchers feel that the higher concentrations of certain bile acids which reach the colon may induce the cancer.
These bile acids and their by-products induce cancer or serve as co-carcinogens in laboratory animals.
(The Lancet 2:379, August 22, 1981; The Lancet 2:381, August 22, 1981)