Friday, August 31, 2007

New treatments, new hope

"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



Read More...

[Source: Testicular Cancer News]

Thursday, August 30, 2007

Today, I am grateful

Filed under: ,

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.

The night before my lumpectomy, way back in December 2005, I was consumed with fear, worry, and panic. Since I'd found it, the lump in my left breast had been sitting untouched for nearly two weeks. I imagined the mass spreading with each day and believed I could detect its growth each time I felt for it. A doctor told me if it was growing like I thought it was, my tiny pea-sized tumor would be the size of an apple within days.

My fears were unfounded and irrational. I know that now. But during the moments of uncertainty that filled my days between diagnosis and prognosis, I had no direction. I had only my wandering mind for company. The waiting really is the hardest part. Once faced with the specifics of our diseases, we can take action.

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.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments



Read More...

[Source: The Cancer Blog]

Doctors urged to apologize when they make a mistake

Filed under:

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.

Such organizations working for this change include the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations and the National Quality Forum.

According to a study cited in the article, although all doctors say they want to be honest, fewer than half actually reveal serious errors that they have made. One of the biggest obstacles to disclosure is the fear of lawsuits and more than 30 states have passed 'apology laws' that bar apologies by physicians being used against physicians in court.

However, according to the article, most lawyers and doctors remain fearful and insurance companies usually insist that doctors break off all direct communications with patients after medical mistakes happen.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments



Read More...

[Source: The Cancer Blog]

Low doses of radiation and breast cancer: A connection

Filed under: ,

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.

Considering the prevalence of X-rays, I think this is fairly alarming. What do you think? Are these findings worrisome, or are the studies making a big deal out of something that's probably nothing?
Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments



Read More...

[Source: The Cancer Blog]

FTY720 could be a new weapon in the fight against leukemia

Filed under:

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 | Comments



Read More...

[Source: The Cancer Blog]

Asbestos-related cancer drug access becomes frustrating in Ireland

Filed under:

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).

That doesn't mean a possible treatment should be put on hold, but that is the way some Northern Ireland cancer sufferers are probably feeling right now. A new mesothlioma drug called Alimta will make it to Northern Ireland sometime in the near future (just no this year), as it'll be the last UK region to receive access to the drug.

What's worrisome is that Ireland has a high rate of incurable lung cancer due to its history as a shipbuilding country where workers were regularly exposed to dangerous airborne particles, with some causing mesothelioma cases.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments



Read More...

[Source: The Cancer Blog]

NSAIDs might lower the risk of bladder cancer

Filed under: ,

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.

The findings point to a decrease in risk for bladder cancer, especially advanced, high-grade tumors that contain alternations in the tumor suppressor protein TP53, with NSAID use. There was no correlation between the use of acetaminophen and risk of bladder cancer.

The study also showed an increased risk of cancer among users of phenacetin-containing analgesics, which were withdrawn in the 1980s.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments



Read More...

[Source: The Cancer Blog]

To soy or not to soy

Filed under: , , ,

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.

Katz says we should eat soy foods -- just not too much because the evidence linking soy to breast cancer, for example, is mixed.

In comparing soy-eating Japanese women with American women who eat very little soy, researchers find lower rates of breast cancer in the Japanese women. But in a test tube, soy's plant estrogens can speed cancer cell growth. Maybe soy behaves differently in the body than it does in a tube. Or maybe soy has both negative and positive effects on breast cancer. Perhaps it's not soy at all. It could be that the populations eating soy are benefiting from not eating something else, like meat -- the saturated fat found in red meat has been linked to higher cancer rates. Replacing steak with something else may be the protective key.

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 | Comments



Read More...

[Source: The Cancer Blog]

Cancer genes stay active in non-smokers, says study

Filed under: ,

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?

This conclusion comes from a new study that is being published today. Researchers analyzed gene activity in the respiratory tracts of 24 smokers, non-smokers and ex-smokers and came up with the suggestion that cancer-related genes just don't "reset" once a smoker stops smoking.

Although those quitters can breathe a sigh of relief (literally and figuratively), the propensity for lung cancer does not automatically diminish once you stop smoking, although it may decrease over time (years and years).

There are so many reasons to quit smoking these days, and this this is yet another good one, even though it may suggest otherwise.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments



Read More...

[Source: The Cancer Blog]

Recipe Health Living: BBQ Beef or Chicken

Filed under:

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.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pounds beef brisket (or other lean cut) or boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1 sliced onion
Instructions
  • Combine all ingredients in a crock pot
  • Cook on low heat all day
  • Before serving, shred the meat using two forks in opposing fashion across the grain of the meat
  • Serve on whole grain bread, buns, or tortillas

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 | Comments



Read More...

[Source: The Cancer Blog]

Today, I am grateful

Filed under: ,

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.

It's hot here in Florida -- steamy, sticky, humid, unbearable hot. The kind of hot that makes me sweat in an instant. The kind of hot that keeps me and my kids cooped up in the air-conditioned indoors for as long as we can stand it. The kind of hot that has me dreaming about cool, crisp, chilly days. I'd even take downright cold at the moment -- anything other than this treacherous heat.

It's only August, which in Florida means there's still a few months of blistering weather remaining. September will be hot, October could be hot -- last year's trick-or-treat extravaganza was pretty darn warm -- and then maybe in November, we'll get some relief. I don't prefer to wait this long for my favorite of all temperatures -- high 60s, low 70s -- but I'll make it. I might even enjoy the wait while I fantasize of wearing sweaters and jackets and long pants. There's something about anticipation that makes life exciting. The countdown is on.

Today, I am grateful for the promise of cooler temperatures.
Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments



Read More...

[Source: The Cancer Blog]

Hypnosis key to breast cancer pain management?

Filed under:

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.

Is this further proof that there is a strong link between mind and body? That link has always existed, contrary to main western medical practitioners (like pure scientists) who require proven evidence. The mind and body work in concert in almost every way. At least, they do in my opinion. Your mileage may vary.

In the study, 100 women underwent hypnosis for 15 minutes one hour before breast cancer surgery while a second group had counseling sessions for the same 15 minutes. Complications like more pain and more anesthesia were less prevalent in the hypnosis group.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments



Read More...

[Source: The Cancer Blog]

Starving tumors of blood supply may pose risks, says study

Filed under:

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.

Drugs that block blood vessel growth, such as Avastin, do so from the outside of the cell by blocking vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a signaling protein.

In the study, Luisa Irula-Arispe and her team bred mice that lacked VEGF in endothelial cells. The team did not use drugs to block the VEGF. More than half of the mice in their study suffered heart attacks and fatal strokes and even those that lived became ill. Irula-Arispe said that signaling inside the cell is different that signaling outside the cell. She said it is not clear if such drugs as Avastin are dangerous., although she believes that researchers should try to find a more targeted way of getting the drug to the tumor. Currently Avastin and other such drugs are infused, and therefore circulate through the patient's whole body.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments



Read More...

[Source: The Cancer Blog]

QVC sells shoes to save lives

Filed under: , , , ,

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.

If you love shoes and wish to help further the fight against breast cancer, tune in to QVC for a night of shopping on October 17 from 7:00 - 10:00 PM ET.

Over the past 10 years, "FFANY Shoes On Sale" has raised more than $16 million and sold over 950,000 pairs of shoes to benefit breast cancer research and education programs. Here's to another great year.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments



Read More...

[Source: The Cancer Blog]

Your couch might be killing you

Filed under:

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.

What can we do, aside from building our own furniture, to escape the onslaught of harmful toxins in our home? Or is it something we should even be concerned about in the first place?
Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments



Read More...

[Source: The Cancer Blog]

Alcohol may lower the risk of kidney cancer

Filed under:

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.

Drinking more than two glass of red wine per week was associated with a 40 percent reduction in kidney cell cancer risk compared with drinking no red wine and there were similar trends for white wine and strong beer. There was no correlation between kidney cell cancer risk and light beer, medium beer, strong wine or hard liquor.

The researchers write that the reduced risk associated with wine and beer might be due to the phenolics they contain, which possess antioxidant and antimutagenic properties. However, since the risk also seems to be correlated with ethanol intake overall, they speculate that the alcohol itself might also play a role.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments



Read More...

[Source: The Cancer Blog]

Presidential candidates differ on cancer strategies

Filed under: , ,

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.

In the latest edition, Kansas Senator Sam Brownback and former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee have joined Senator John Edwards in stating publicly that they intend to fight cancer with increased funding and research.

One of the largest and most viewable aspects of cancer topics -- cigarette smoking -- has these men taking different opinions on what steps should be taken to curb smoking. Huckabee supports a nationwide smoking ban, while Brownback supports control by local communities. Which is better in your opinion?
Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments



Read More...

[Source: The Cancer Blog]

Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Cancer by the Numbers: Cancer of the unknown primary

Filed under: ,

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:

  • squamous cell carcinoma
  • adenocarcinoma
  • poorly differentiated malignant neoplasm

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

National Cancer Institute

WebMD

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments



Read More...

[Source: The Cancer Blog]

U of Georgia researchers seek early detection of pancreatic cancer through the study of glycans

Filed under:

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.

According to the director of the center, Michael Pierce, there is evidence that when cells become cancerous they change their glycans in subtle ways.

Glycomics is the study of the types and amounts of glycans expressed by cells and their biological roles. According to Pierce, glycomics is the "wave of the future" of cancer diagnostics.

Pierce adds that the use of glycomics in cancer diagnostics is a relatively new field but has already led to the approval of an early diagnostic test for primary liver cancer. Pierce says that if there are such markers in pancreatic cancer, he and his team will find them.
Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments



Read More...

[Source: The Cancer Blog]

Making medical progress, against the odds

Filed under: , ,

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.

According to research published in the March/April 2007 issue of WebMD: the Magazine, the per capita consumption of corn sweeteners in 2004 was 78.1 pounds in the United States -- up from 35.3 pounds in 1980. In 2005, the per capita consumption of candy by Americans was 25.7 pounds. We are pumping our bodies full of junk -- our rates of obesity in this country prove it.

When I think about our trend of over-eating and over-indulging, I gain a better appreciation of how far we've come medically. Not only have researchers, scientists, and medical experts made strides in the prevention and treatment of disease, they've done it against the odds. Just think how much more progress we'd make if we all did a little better at living healthy lives. Why not start now?
Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments



Read More...

[Source: The Cancer Blog]

Thought for the Day: What would prevent you from taking preventative action?

Filed under:

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.

So, my thought for the day is: What would prevent someone from taking action against a disease that could kill them? Religious beliefs? Lack of knowledge about the disease? Lack of money? And if you found out you were at a high-than-normal risk for breast cancer, would you act right before it had the chance to get to you, or would you take your chances?
Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments



Read More...

[Source: The Cancer Blog]

A Couple Awesome Things

First off, anyone who can find a funny way to raise money for a charity, especially one dealing with hairblz , is awesome . via UltraNormal



Read More...

[Source: Testicular Cancer News]

Grow Your Mustache to Fight Cancer

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



Read More...

[Source: Testicular Cancer News]

Bedford to host Atlantic Canada's First-Ever Ribfest

"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



Read More...

[Source: Testicular Cancer News]

Working the night shift does not increase cancer risk

Filed under:

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.

Recent studies had found the opposite, that working the night shift may increase the risk of developing breast, prostate and colon cancers. Some researchers hypothesized that this may be due to a decrease in the hormone melatonin.

Schwartbaum addresses the fact that these results don't agree with a number of previous studies, however, she explains that those studies addressed specific groups of workers such as flight attendants and therefore it may have been difficult to decipher exactly what caused the elevated cancer risk in such groups.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments



Read More...

[Source: The Cancer Blog]

More research into pediatric palliative care needed

Filed under: ,

According to a group of experts and a recent review in The Lancet, more research is needed into pediatric palliative care.

The review looked at various challenges facing pediatric palliative care. The first was defining pediatric palliative care along working towards a better understanding of the needs of children receiving such care. Understanding the culture of the patient is a critical part of improving pediatric palliative care according to the review. For example, being honest about an impending death may go against culturally-prescribed roles of parents as protectors in some cultures.

The review also addressed health care provider burnout and lack of smooth integration of pediatric palliative care knowledge into training programs in medicine and nursing.
Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments



Read More...

[Source: The Cancer Blog]

Virus might be contributing to obesity epidemic

Filed under:

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.

The researchers shows that infection with human adenovirus-36 (Ad-36) changes adult stem cells obtained from fat tissue into fat cells. Stem cells not exposed to the virus were unchanged. The study also reported identification of a specific gene in the virus that appears to be involved in promoting this effect.

According to Magdelena Pasarica, M.D., Ph.D., "We're not saying that a virus is the only cause of obesity, but this study provides stronger evidence that some obesity cases may involve viral infections."


Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments



Read More...

[Source: The Cancer Blog]

Lung cancer: Did you know?

Filed under: , ,

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.

Did you know 28 percent of all cancer deaths are due to lung cancer and that it's the number one killer among both men and women?

Did you know that Hookahs -- used to inhale tobacco through a water pipe -- let in the same cancer-causing substances as cigarettes and are just as harmful as smoking, despite the fact that many people believe they are safer?

Now you know.

Source: WebMD: the Magazine, March/April 2007
Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments



Read More...

[Source: The Cancer Blog]

Some throat and neck cancers have an odd cause

Filed under:

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.

How is this possible? With smoking having declined in recent decades, something new has caused the incidence of cancer in the throat and neck areas to not decrease. How about orally transmitted HPV infections?

What does this mean? Yes, that's right - oral sex may be an underlying cause of transmitting HPV to the throat and neck areas, causing later cancerous growths and tumors.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments



Read More...

[Source: The Cancer Blog]