A study just published in the American Journal of Epidemiology this March found that Vitamin D and calcium are protective against the development of colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer is the number two cause of cancer related deaths in the US. Both men and women are advised to have routine screening for colorectal cancer after the age of 50, even with no known risk factors. If detected early the cancer is easily curable, but late detection...
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Dr. Christina Gutierrez on
April 5, 2007 03:46 PM
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According to a recent Japanese study, compounds in soy may help to prevent early stages of prostate cancer. However, the study also found a positive effect on growth of advanced cancer, prompting the authors to call for additional research. The study involved dietary data and prostate specific health monitoring in more than 43,000 Japanese men over a 9 year period. Men were asked about dietary intake, specifically about the regular consumption of soy products. Soy...
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Dr. Christina Gutierrez on
April 5, 2007 03:18 PM
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Previous studies suggest that a diet high in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage and watercress may reduce the risk of several cancers. Watercress is rich in lutein and beta-carotene antioxidants, as well as rutin phenolics. Now research reports that watercress supplementation lowers DNA damage, which reduces the risk of cancer. The study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, investigated whether watercress supplementation is associated with the risk of cancer. Researchers at the...
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Elaine Gavalas on
March 28, 2007 02:46 PM
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Scientists have discovered that an extract from the South American Hevea tree can prevent replication of a rare, but deadly cancer of the eye. Retinoblastoma is a cancer of the eye that affects 1 in 15,000 children. It is most often diagnosed before the age of 6. The cancer is treated using a combination of chemotherapy and radiation, both of which carry many side effects. The cancer is more deadly in developing countries were access...
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Dr. Christina Gutierrez on
March 19, 2007 05:28 PM
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A large scale study published in the March issue of the International Journal of Cancer found that men who have diets rich in Vitamin C have a lower risk of developing oral premalignant lesions (OPLs). OPLs are classified by biopsy and include leukoplakia, erythroplakia, and lichen planus. However, any lesion in the mouth that persists for greater than 14 days should be investigated for premalignancy. OPLs can lead to oral cancer, the most common of...
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Dr. Christina Gutierrez on
March 19, 2007 04:25 PM
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It is well understood that high blood sugar and the development of Type 2 diabetes increases a persons risk for cardiovascular disease. Now a new study from Sweden has found a positive relationship between blood sugar levels and cancer risk. The study, published in the March issue of Diabetes Care, involved information from more than 65,000 men and women. Persons with previously diagnosed diabetes were not excluded from the study. Analysis of all the data...
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Dr. Christina Gutierrez on
March 16, 2007 02:38 PM
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Approximately 30,000 Americans die each year from pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer has a high mortality rate, often because it is not detected until late stages of the disease. Previous studies suggest that hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and hyperinsulinemia (excessive insulin) may raise the risk of pancreatic cancer. Insulin is produced by the pancreas and helps regulate blood sugar. High blood sugar is known to increase insulin demand and decrease insulin sensitivity. Now research reports that...
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Elaine Gavalas on
March 14, 2007 02:12 PM
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Olives and olive oil are an important part of the Mediterranean diet. Previous research suggests that olive oil can help prevent the risk of heart disease and certain cancers. Now research reports that olive fruit extract may protect against colon cancer. The cell study, published in the Journal of Nutrition, examined the effect of olive fruit extract on human colon cancer cells. Researchers at Universitat de Barcelona in Spain used various methods to measure the...
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Elaine Gavalas on
February 27, 2007 03:42 PM
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Vitamin A, retinol (preformed vitamin A), and provitamin A carotenoids play an important role in cell proliferation, differentiation and immune response. Vitamin A has also been found to have a beneficial effect on stomach ulcers, which are associated with an increased risk of stomach cancer. Now research reports that vitamin A intake from supplements and food can decrease the risk of stomach cancer. The study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, investigated the...
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Elaine Gavalas on
February 26, 2007 03:40 PM
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Previous studies suggest that olive oil may have heart-healthy benefits and reduce the risk of chronic disease such as rheumatoid arthritis and breast cancer. The phenolic compounds found in olive oil have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-clotting effects. Now research reports that olive oil consumption may help reduce DNA oxidative damage, a precursor of cancer. The researchers suggest that the greater consumption of olive oil in southern Europe may account for their lower cancer rate, in...
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Elaine Gavalas on
February 9, 2007 03:59 PM
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A study in the Archives of Internal Medicine published December 2006 offered positive information to women who suffer from ovulatory disorders. According to findings based on information from more than 116,000 women in the Nurse's Health Study women who suffer from anovulation or another ovulatory disorder have a lower risk of developing breast cancer. The results are positive in many ways for women who suffer from anovulation, and whom may also be infertile. It...
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Dr. Christina Gutierrez on
January 22, 2007 04:16 PM
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It is generally understood that the foods you eat can either help or harm your health. High fat, low nutrient foods have been labeled 'dangerous to one's health' and fruits and vegetables are 'protective'. A recent study comparing dietary habits of person's with liver cancer to healthy controls discovered that diet can also matter in this case. Researchers at the National Tumor Insitute in Aviano compared the diets of 185 men and women with liver...
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Dr. Christina Gutierrez on
January 10, 2007 04:36 PM
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Aspirin is a common drug that is used to relieve pain and inflammation. Studies also suggest that aspirin may help prevent certain cancers. This is thought to be due to its cyclooxygenase (Cox) enzyme inhibiting ability in tumor cells. Now research reports that aspirin prevents new blood vessel growth (angiogenesis). Since angiogenesis is essential for tumor growth, aspirin also prevents tumor growth. The cell study, published in The FASEB Journal (Federation of American Societies for...
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Elaine Gavalas on
December 28, 2006 09:40 AM
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The debate over the use of marijauna as a medicine has been going on for decades. But most recently medical marijauna has gained momentum as a virtuous treatment. Now many pharmacuetical companies are in heavy research and development to create pills that respond in the body similarly to the active component in marijuana, THC. New research was presented this month supporting the use of pharmaceutical cannabinoids as an adjunctive cancer treatment. Patients with cancer who...
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Dr. Christina Gutierrez on
December 27, 2006 03:36 PM
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A new study from the University of Pennsylvania found that regular exercise can help protect women against lung cancer. The study was published in the December issue of Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers and Prevention. Lung cancer is the number three cause of cancer related deaths in men and women. Both sexes can develop lung cancer regardless of a history of cigarette smoke exposure. Lung cancer can also develop due to metastasis from cancer in other parts...
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Dr. Christina Gutierrez on
December 27, 2006 03:08 PM
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Previous studies suggest that vitamin D supplementation can lower the risk of breast, colon, ovarian and prostate cancers. Approximately 50 percent of Americans are vitamin D deficient, increasing their risk of cancer. The widespread use of sunscreens, reduced sun exposure, residence in northeastern US, and having more skin pigmentation, contributes to the high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency. Pancreatic cancer has a high mortality rate, often because it is not detected until late stages of...
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Elaine Gavalas on
December 24, 2006 12:56 PM
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According to a report presented at the American Association of Cancer Research a diet rich in soy during childhood may help to prevent breast cancer. The study, conducted in Hawaii in conjunction with the National Cancer Institute analyzed dietary habits of more than 1500 women of Asian descent with respect to soy intake during their childhood. About 2/5 of the women had been diagnosed with breast cancer, while the others were cancer free. The researchers...
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Dr. Christina Gutierrez on
December 12, 2006 02:58 PM
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Curcumin, the yellow pigment derived from the Indian spice, turmeric (Curcuma longa), is known to have anti-inflammatory, antitumor and antioxidant effects. Now for the first time, research reports that a combination of curcumin and quercetin (an antioxidant) may help prevent precancerous polyps in the intestines. If precancerous polyps are left untreated, they increase the risk for colon cancer. The study, published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, investigated whether curcumin with quercetin supplementation would help prevent...
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Elaine Gavalas on
December 9, 2006 03:40 PM
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Young women who eat more red meat appear to be more at risk for developing certain types of breast cancer according to findings published in the Archives of Internal Medicine. The findings were concluded after looking at information from more than 90,000 women enrolled in a nurses study. The women included in this study were followed for an average of 12 years and were cancer free and premenopausal at time of enrollment. Dietary habits were...
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Dr. Christina Gutierrez on
November 20, 2006 04:53 PM
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Grape seed extract contains powerful antioxidants called proanthocyanidins. The antioxidant power of proanthocyanidins is many times stronger than vitamin C and vitamin E. Antioxidants neutralize harmful radicals (toxic byproducts of metabolic functions) and protect against inflammation, cancer, and age-related diseases. Now research reports that grape seed extract has antitumor effects against colorectal cancer cells. The study, published in Clinical Cancer Research, investigated the in vitro effects of grapeseed extract on human colorectal cancer cell cultures...
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Elaine Gavalas on
November 15, 2006 12:43 PM
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A popular belief is that you can safely tan when wearing the highest-number sunscreen at the beach. However, wearing sunblock doesn't guarantee protection from skin cancer if you're in the sun a lot. Being exposed to the sun for longer periods of time increases the risk of skin cancer, even while wearing sunblock. The American Cancer Society estimates there will be 62,000 cases of melanoma skin cancer and 7,900 deaths this year. There will also...
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Elaine Gavalas on
November 14, 2006 03:34 PM
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Ovarian cancer has a higher death rate than other women's reproductive system cancers including ovarian and uterine cancers. Research suggests that obesity is associated with breast, colon, esophagus, kidney, and endometrial cancers. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that over two-thirds of American adults are overweight, and about half of those people are fully obese. Now research reports that overweight and obese women with advanced ovarian cancer have shorter survival rates....
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Elaine Gavalas on
November 12, 2006 02:46 PM
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Pancreatic cancer is one of the most deadly. Once diagnosed individuals live an average of 6 months. One of the main causes of pancreatic cancer is alcoholism, another is a high fat diet. For some individuals there are no known causes or risk factors. A new study from Sweden found that a diet high in sugar was associated with a dramatic increase in pancreatic cancer. The results from this study were published in the American...
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Dr. Christina Gutierrez on
November 9, 2006 04:22 PM
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According to a new study released in the November issue of American Journal of Epidemiology metabolic syndrome may be linked to prostate cancer risk. The study was based on information from about 16,000 men in Norway over more than 25 years. The study was started in the 1970's, and enrolled men in their forties who had no previous diagnosis of prostate cancer or metabolic syndrome. Prostate cancer is the number 3 cause of cancer related...
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Dr. Christina Gutierrez on
November 7, 2006 03:54 PM
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The rate of breast cancer varies among women with different ethnic backgrounds. Women of Polynesian and Japanese descent have higher rates of breast cancer compared to African American and Caucasian women. And according to a new study in the journal Cancer, Epidemiology, Biomarkers, and Prevention estrogen may be the cause. In the study blood levels of estrogen and androgens were measured in more than 700 post menopausal women. Information about their ethnicity was gathered and...
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Dr. Christina Gutierrez on
October 30, 2006 03:47 PM
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Approximately 60,000 Americans had lymphomas in 2004, with more than 20,000 deaths from the disease. For unknown reasons, the number of people with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (an immune system cancer) have increased in the past 20 years. Now researchers report that people with a higher consumption of vegetables and the antioxidant nutrients lutein, zeaxanthin, and zinc have a lower risk of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). The study, published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, investigated the...
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Elaine Gavalas on
October 30, 2006 03:16 PM
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According to a new study published in the Journal of Clinical Pathology women with more advanced stages of breast cancer have lower levels of Vitamin D in their blood. The study was conducted in London. Researchers measured the levels of Vitamin D in 279 women with various stages of breast cancer. They wanted to determine if any coorelation existed between the vitamin and advanced disease. Earlier research had shown that Vitamin D had a role...
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Dr. Christina Gutierrez on
October 30, 2006 03:06 PM
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Healthcare providers have recommended that women who are pregnant or could become pregnant take a multi-vitamin with folic acid for decades. Now that most of these women have had children epidemiological studies can look at the effects of vitamin supplemenation on a variety of factors. In a new report researchers found offspring born to women who regularly took a prenatal vitamin are less likely to develop a brain tumor. The study, published in the September...
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Dr. Christina Gutierrez on
October 27, 2006 02:51 PM
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Previous studies have suggested that the rheumatoid arthritis drugs, Humira and Remicade, are associated with an increased risk of lymphoma, a type of cancer of the lymphatic system. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation in the joints, leading to chronic pain, deformities and disability. Humira and Remicade are drugs which block the production of Tumor necrosis factor (TNF), a protein linked with inflammation. Now research reports that Humira and Remicade also...
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Posted by
Elaine Gavalas on
October 27, 2006 02:04 PM
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Another report supports the wide range of benefits exercise offers to those diagnosed with cancer. In a small study of women undergoing radiation treatment for breast cancer regular exercise reduced the occurance of anemia, a common side effect. Radiation treatment can cause anemia by damaging or destroying red blood cells and also by affecting the production of new cells. Women with severe anemia can suffer more severe fatigue and depression and also lose the ability...
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Dr. Christina Gutierrez on
October 15, 2006 11:57 AM
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A new study published in the September issue of American Journal of Epidemiology found a protective effect of high citrus diets in men. The study looked at dietary intake of more than 42,000 men in the US over a 16 year period. Dietary intake was assessed a total of 4 times over the study period. Intake of fruits and vegetables was assessed to determine any effect on the occurance of pre-malignant oral lesions such as...
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Dr. Christina Gutierrez on
October 6, 2006 04:54 PM
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Certainly people take prescription medications to improve their health. However, a recent review of available scientific evidence suggests two popular medications may actually increase the risk of developing cancer. In an article appearing in the May 17th, 2006 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, patients with rheumatoid arthritis who were taking the frequently advertised drug, Humira (infliximab), or Remicade (adalimumab) were found to be subject to a three-fold higher risk of developing...
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Dr. Jennifer Stagg on
September 29, 2006 11:56 AM
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Pancreatic cancer has a high mortality rate, often because it is not detected until late stages of the disease. During later stages, the cancer spreads outside the pancreas, making surgical removal not possible. Now research reports that pancreatic cancer is linked to a diet high in red meat. However, the study also found that eating poultry may reduce pancreatic cancer risk. The study, published in the International Journal of Cancer, investigated the association of meat,...
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Posted by
Elaine Gavalas on
September 25, 2006 02:03 PM
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This is the first year the National Prostate Cancer Coalition (NPCC) has issued state-by-state report cards evaluating each state's health care efforts to reduce prostate cancer deaths. The NPCC, celebrating its 10th year in operation, aims to educate every American about the risk of prostate cancer, the importance of early detection and the research funding needed to beat the disease. The good news is that many states are making significant strides in expanding awareness about...
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Dr. Jennifer Stagg on
September 17, 2006 07:34 PM
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Smoking is still the leading cause of death in the United States mostly due to its cancer causing effects and cardiovascular disease. Tobacco accounts for 1 in 5 cancer deaths in the world. Lung cancer, specifically bronchogenic carcinoma, is the leading cause of cancer death among men and women in the United States, with tobacco accounting for 87% of lung cancer. Tobacco use is associated with at least 15 types of cancer, including acute leukemia,...
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Dr. Jennifer Stagg on
September 17, 2006 08:17 AM
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A diagnosis of breast cancer can seem fatal, but it does not have to be. To date little evidence for lifestyle modifications as preventative means have been found for breast cancer. Now a study to be released next month in the journal Cancer finds that women with active lifestyles prior to diagnosis with breast cancer have improved survival compared to women who are less active. The study was conducted in conjuction with the Fred Hutchinson...
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Dr. Christina Gutierrez on
September 15, 2006 11:02 AM
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Regular physical activity is a fundamental component of maintaining optimal health. Routine aerobic exercise can reduce the incidence of type 2 diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, high cholesterol and mood disorders. For years, researchers have questioned the effects of exercise on the development of cancer. The May 2006 issue of Carcinogenesis may shed some light on the picture. Preliminary evidence displayed in animals suggests that exercise can reduce the risk of skin tumors and pre-cancerous...
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Dr. Jennifer Stagg on
September 14, 2006 07:17 PM
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Cigarette smoking and cigarete smoke has been linked to various cancers including throat, lung, mouth, bladder, and uterine. However, it has not been linked to breast cancer. But new research from the University of Florida in Gainsville found a mechansim by which cigarette smoke condensate damages healthy breast epithelial cells. Cigarette smoke condensate, better known as tar, contains all of the chemicals in cigarette smoke, and can be used to better assess the effects of...
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Dr. Christina Gutierrez on
September 14, 2006 03:42 PM
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Vitamin D is an essential nutrient for the body. It is involved in numerous processes, the most important of these is bone metabolism. But the most recent talk of Vitamin D is its potential to help prevent various cancers. In previous studies people with a greater intake of Vitamin D, or more sun exposure, have lower risk of developing colon, prostate, and breast cancer. Now a new study from Harvard University finds that Vitamin D...
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Posted by
Dr. Christina Gutierrez on
September 13, 2006 04:05 PM
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Finally public health officials have taken the message from irrefutable evidence regarding the toxic effects of second hand smoke. U.S. Surgeon General Richard H. Carmona issued a comprehensive scientific report in late June concluding that there is no risk-free level of exposure to secondhand smoke. Smoking bans in public places, including restaurants and many bars have taken effect to protect public health. In Calabasas, California, a smoking ban has been placed on all public outdoor...
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Posted by
Dr. Jennifer Stagg on
September 3, 2006 08:17 AM
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For years, researchers have known that breast cancer risk is reduced in women who have children and are not genetically predisposed to developing the disease. In fact, normal-risk women who deliver their first child before the age of 20 have a two fold reduction in risk compared to women who wait until after age 35. For women who have a family history of breast cancer and are carriers of the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations,...
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Dr. Jennifer Stagg on
September 1, 2006 01:31 PM
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Gliomas can be an aggressive type of brain tumor. According to statistics, only 8 percent of patients with glioma survive two years and 3 percent survive five years after diagnosis. Current treatment methods, iincluding surgery and chemotherapy, have not significantly lengthened survival for glioma patients. Now research reports that a synthetic version of the yellow Israeli scorpion venom has been successfully used to improve glioma treatment. The study, published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology,...
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Posted by
Elaine Gavalas on
August 20, 2006 02:50 PM
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Previous studies have found that bladder cancer screening significantly reduces the risk of death from bladder cancer. Regular screening allows bladder cancers to be found early. Cytoscopy (a visual exam of the bladder) is considered the gold standard for diagnosing bladder cancer. However, cytoscopy can miss some bladder cancers. Now research reports that a home urine test can detect bladder cancer at an early stage and reduce the risk of bladder cancer deaths. A combination...
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Posted by
Elaine Gavalas on
August 19, 2006 02:22 PM
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The American Cancer Society estimates that about 1.4 million Americans will be diagnosed with cancer in 2006. Many cancer patients experience nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy. The marijuana drug Cesamet treats nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy in cancer patients who don't effectively respond to conventional anti-nausea treatments. In 1985 the FDA first approved Cesamet, made by Eli Lilly and Company, but the drug was discontinued in 1989. Valeant Pharmaceuticals International bought Cesamet from...
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Posted by
Elaine Gavalas on
August 17, 2006 02:18 PM
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A 45 to 65 percent lifetime risk for developing breast cancer is associated with inheritance of the two breast cancer susceptibility genes, BRCA1 and BRCA2. Unfortunately, annual mammograms often miss breast cancer in women with dense breast tissue. Although magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is more sensitive, it increases costs and the rate of false-positive results. Now research reports that annual MRI plus mammography is cost-effective for women at a high risk for breast cancer. The...
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Posted by
Elaine Gavalas on
August 16, 2006 01:46 PM
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A large clinical trial sponsored by the National Cancer Institute will tell whether women with breast cancer will benefit from chemotherapy prior to initiating the grueling series of treatments. The study, referred to as TAILORx (Trial Assigning Individualized Options for Treatment), will enroll 10,000 women with breast cancer at more than 900 institutions across the United States and Canada. OncotypeDXTM (a diagnostic test developed by Genomic Health, Inc., in Redwood, Calif., in collaboration with the...
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Dr. Jennifer Stagg on
August 13, 2006 07:27 AM
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