"Any cancer patient out there who thinks they can go through all of this alone is completely wrong"
Ivan Cruser wants cancer patients like himself to never give up hope. The 61-year-old Sauk Rapids man had some of his stem cells removed briefly in order to receive higher-than-average doses of chemotherapy, ... via St. Cloud Times
Filed under: Cancer Survivors, Today, I Am Grateful
The following post is one of a series of posts appearing Monday through Friday on The Cancer Blog. This feature -- Today, I am grateful -- allows me to share with readers my appreciation for all the treasures in my life, both big and small. In my post-cancer world, I find It healing for my soul to be mindful of the good in my life. It is my pleasure to share my gratitude with you. My cancer had not spread. My lymph nodes were clean; my margins clear. I still had to endure chemotherapy, radiation, and a year-long Herceptin therapy. But I didn't have to worry that my cancer was knowingly gaining momentum, only to land elsewhere.
For almost three years, my cancer has not returned.
Today, I am grateful my breast cancer did not spread.
Filed under: Daily news
According to an article in the Chicago Tribune, until recently, medical mistakes were rarely discussed and almost never admitted to patients due to physicians' pride and fear of malpractice lawsuits. However, that mindset may be beginning to change, as leading patient safety organizations call for full disclosure of medical errors and some hospitals change to an "honesty is best" policy.Filed under: Breast Cancer, Research
Studies are showing that low-dose radiation treatments may increase the risk of breast cancer. This may include diagnostic chest x-rays, as well as other treatments like radiotherapy for skin conditions. The findings aren't conclusive thus far but they warrant further investigation, according to this article. Filed under: Leukemia
Researchers from Ohio State University, Columbus, led by Daniolo Perrotti, have shown that a drug known as FTY720 prevents disease in a mouse model of many leukemias caused by BCR-ABL. Nearly all cases of chronic myeloid leukemia [CML-BC] and some cases of acute lymphocytic leukemia [ALL] are caused by changes to BCR-ABL. The drug also caused cells from human cell lines to die in vitro.
FTY720 does not directly target the BCR-ABL kinase, but instead activates phosphatase 2A (PP2A) which is a tumor suppressor that is inactivated by BCR-ABL. There were no adverse effects seen in the mice and no adverse effects in clinical trials for multiple sclerosis.
The authors believe that this study shows strong support for the use of FTY720 as a novel therapeutic for CML and ALL that is not responsive to current treatments with kinase inhibitors.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | CommentsFiled under: Research
An asbestos-related cancer called mesothelioma is a particularly deadly cancer that has little help these days from the global medical community (probably due to not being a highly popular cancer).Filed under: Bladder Cancer, Prevention
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), especially aspirin, may decrease the risk of bladder cancer according to a new study led by Dr. Margaret Karagas of Dartmouth Medical School.Filed under: Prevention, All Cancers, Diets, Cancer prevention foods
David L. Katz, MD, responds to a reader in the September 2007 issue of The Oprah Magazine about the merits of eating soy in relation to preventing cancer. His response causes me to pause even more about jumping on any diet bandwagon.National Cancer Institute experts say we just don't now enough about soy to recommend it for cancer prevention. Seems it's best to stick with what we already know works -- like weight control, exercise, eating fruits and vegetables, avoiding alcohol, and swearing off smoking.
Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | CommentsFiled under: Lung Cancer, Research
If you used to smoke but do no any longer, did you know that genes that have been 'activated' by your past smoking habit remain on even long after you quit?Filed under: Recipe Healthy Living
I've always loved BBQ beef. I'm not a red-meat eater anymore, though, so BBQ chicken will be my new love. Here's a recipe for either option. My mouth is watering already.Makes six servings, each containing approximately 181 calories, 10 grams carbohydrates, 5 grams fat, 60 mg. cholesterol, 23 grams protein, 205 mg. sodium, and a trace of fiber.
Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | CommentsFiled under: Cancer Survivors, Today, I Am Grateful
The following post is one of a series of posts appearing Monday through Friday on The Cancer Blog. This feature -- Today, I am grateful -- allows me to share with readers my appreciation for all the treasures in my life, both big and small. In my post-cancer world, I find It healing for my soul to be mindful of the good in my life. It is my pleasure to share my gratitude with you.Filed under: Breast Cancer
If you've had breast cancer surgery, you may have heard of being hypnotized beforehand to alleviate the need for more-than-needed anesthesia. Sounds weird, but a clinical trial of 200 cancer patients showed that hypnosis was more effective than counseling in this area.Filed under: Chemotherapy
A new study in mice suggests that a way of starving tumors of their blood supply may cause heart attacks and strokes. This study raises concerns about this type of cancer therapy according to the researchers at UCLA.Filed under: Breast Cancer, Cancer events, Fundraisers, Products, Celebrity news
Breast cancer survivor and rocker Sheryl Crow says she conquered cancer in part due to the type of research funded by "FFANY Shoes on Sale." This Fashion Footwear Association of New York shoe sale features thousands of beautiful shoes sold at half the manufacturer's suggested retail price. All net proceeds are donated to the breast cancer cause.Filed under: Daily news
It seems these days like killer toxins are lurking in every corner of your home, office or school. Here's another finding to fuel your paranoia -- a fire retardant used in many couches called PBDE has been linked to lots of problems, including cancer and autism in children. While PBDEs aren't used in sofas any more, chances are you have an older sofa in your house -- I know I do. What's more, a different fire retardant chemical, called Tris, is replacing PBDEs in furniture, and it's been shown to be just as deadly. Filed under: Kidney Cancer
According to a study from the Karolinkska Institute in Sweden, alcohol consumption may lower the risk of kidney cancer. The researchers found that the odds of developing kidney cell cancer was 40 percent lower among those who consumed 620 g of ethanol per month versus those who did not drink at all. Filed under: All Cancers, Politics, Opinion
With next year's presidential election still over a year away, candidate hopefuls are cranking up the heat on health issues and the stances being taken. Seeing as cancer is the second-leading cause of death in the U.S., it is sure to take front stage quite a bit between now and late next year.Filed under: Cancer by the Numbers, Unknown Primary
Cancer is named from the place it originates. This makes a difference on what type of treatments will be effective. Being diagnosed with cancer of the unknown primary (CUP) means that cancer has been found in the body but the place of origin is unknown.
If later, the place of origin is found then the type of cancer diagnosis changes from an unknown primary to the specific organ or body area that the disease first began.
Some cases of cancer of the unknown primary are unfortunately never found. Physicians will then decide on the best course of treatment based on two factors: The way the cells look under the microscope and which organs are currently involved.
Statistics and Prognosis:
The exact number of cases of this disease is not known. It may be about 2% to 5% of all cancers in the United States. It is found more often among men than among women. The average age of people with this cancer is about 60 years.
This is a very dangerous cancer. Only half of patients will live 9 to 12 months after their cancer is found. There are several reasons why this cancer is so serious. First, most of these are fast-spreading cancers. Second, because the exact type is not known, it is harder for doctors to know what treatment is best. Also, the cancer is often widespread, making it harder to cure.
In recent years, microscopic and other diagnostic techniques have improved dramatically. For this reason, doctors can now determine the primary site in about four out of five cases.
Groupings:
After looking at the results of all the tests, the doctor will place the patient's disease in one of these 3 groups:
Based on this grouping, and on the place where the cancer was found, the doctor will decide what other tests may need to be done in order to further classify the cancer and decide on the best treatment plan for you.
Staging:
Cancer of the unknown primary is hard to stage. It is found at advanced stages, if not then it would not be an unknown primary diagnosis. So, this type of cancer is at least Stage II or higher.
Treatment:
Treatment could include surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. It depends on that patient's grouping and staging and also other factors. You can read in depth here about the treatment options available.
The Future:
Because many patients with cancer of unknown primary face a serious prognosis, the need for advances in treatment is obvious. Clinical trials of new treatments are essential if progress is to occur. Some of these trials are testing new chemotherapy drugs, new drug combinations, and new ways to administer these drugs. Other clinical trials are studying new approaches to treatment, such as biological therapy, immunotherapy, and gene therapy. Because CUP is a very diverse category of many types of cancers, progress against CUP is likely to depend on continued progress toward understanding the molecular basis of all cancers.
I read a blog about a girl named Lori who has cancer of the unknown primary. Her blog is called Too Sexy for My Hair. She is an amazing woman and has a very inspirational story to share. Last I read she was in remission!
Some further resources about cancer of the unknown primary:
American Cancer Society
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Filed under: Pancreatic Cancer
University of Georgia Cancer Center researchers are studying glycans, the sugars that are on the outside of proteins, to determine if changes in glycans can indicate the presence of cancerous or precancerous pancreatic cells. Filed under: All Cancers, Diets, Obesity
As time flies by, more and more progress is made in the fight against cancer. Over the years, new and better screening methods have emerged, cutting-edge technologies have surfaced, successful treatments have saved lives that may have otherwise been lost, and awareness has been raised about all sorts of cancer-related issues. It's amazing really, because in so many areas, we are not making progress.Filed under: Thought for the Day
Here's an interesting story: Women in the Canadian province of Quebec are less likely than women elsewhere to take preventative action after learning that they have a certain gene linked to breast and ovarian cancers. Women who carry the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations have a higher risk of developing cancer, prompting many women to either have their breast or ovaries removed. Two thirds of women in Quebec took no preventative actions after learning of their risk, while only one third failed to take preventative steps in the rest of the country. First off, anyone who can find a funny way to raise money for a charity, especially one dealing with hairblz , is awesome . via UltraNormal
If you're wondering what this is all about, I'll go ahead and fill you in. Contestants joining agree to shave off all facial hair by September 1. They'll remain clean-shaven until October 31, except for their ... via Mashable
"At Revolve, we feel it's important to be part of events like Nuts4Ribs that aim to educate and entertain our communities"
HALIFAX, Aug. 23 /CNW/ - Grab your meat and come out to Atlantic Canada's first-ever ribfest fundraiser for testicular cancer awareness. via Canada NewsWire
Filed under: Research
According to a study of Swedish workers, working the night shift does not increase the risk of cancer. This study was led by Judith Schwartzbaum at Ohio State. Schwartzbaum and her team analyzed over twenty years of data.Filed under: Childhood Cancers, Hospice
According to a group of experts and a recent review in The Lancet, more research is needed into pediatric palliative care.Filed under: Obesity
Scientists at Louisiana State University report that infection with a common virus may be a contributing factor to the increase in obesity rates across the United States and other countries. Filed under: Lung Cancer, Magazines, Smoking
Did you know the number one symptom of lung cancer is a persistent cough? Other symptoms include bouts of wheezing, shortness of breath, trouble swallowing, blood-streaked sputum, and a hoarse voice.Filed under: Throat Cancer
In an odd news item for today, a new piece of research has concluded that the Human papillomavirus (HPV), generally connected with various cancers in and around the genital area, is now thought to be the cause of throat and neck cancer in some patients.
