U.S. Flu Shows Resistance to Flu Drug

December 19, 2008 (Reuters)

A common strain of influenza circulating in the United States this winter is resistant to Tamiflu, the most popular drug used to treat it, federal health officials said on Friday.


Colonoscopies Miss Many Cancers, Study Finds

December 16, 2008 (New York Times)

For years, many doctors and patients thought colonoscopies, the popular screening test for colorectal cancer, were all but infallible. Have a colonoscopy, get any precancerous polyps removed, and you should almost never get colon cancer.


Cancer Organizations Team Up For Global Cancer Fight

December 09, 2008 (American Cancer Society)

The global cancer burden is growing and could nearly triple by 2030, according to a new report. In an effort to reverse that course, several leading cancer organizations joined forces today, harnessing their collective resources to make global cancer control a priority.


Colorectal Cancer Treatment Costs Vary Widely

November 20, 2008 (HealthDay News)

Chemotherapy figures alone may differ by almost $37,000 per patient, study finds. The cost of treating colorectal cancer can vary by tens of thousands of dollars per patient.


12 Reasons to Really Quit Smoking

November 14, 2008 (U.S. News and World Report)

We'll spare you the lecture. (Seriously, though. Stamp out that butt and flush the pack, already.) Tobacco use, namely cigarette smoking, is the chief cause of preventable death in the United States. Left unbridled, smoking could kill more than a billion people this century, according to the World Health Organization.


What If Your Health Insurer Won't Pay?

November 7, 2008 (U.S. News and World Report)

The smartest tactic might be to hire a "medical billing advocate" to do battle for you. Timothy Stewart's health insurance nightmare began in June of last year, when Tom, his 17-year-old stepson, complained of pain in his left leg. Doctors found a chondromyxoid fibroma, a rare benign tumor, on a bone of his lower leg. At the physicians' urging, Stewart, who manages an RV park near Grand Teton National Park, took Tom from their home in Thayne, Wyo., to Primary Children's Medical Center in Salt Lake City for care. Treatment was successful, generating a bill of roughly $13,000 for surgery and a one-night stay.


Five Steps to Getting a Second Opinion Online

November 6, 2008 (CNN)

In August, just days before her daughter was to start her sophomore year of college, Dr. Lucy Sauer faced a troubling choice: Should her daughter have a device surgically implanted in her chest to control her heart rhythm?


In Sour Economy, Some Scale Back on Medications

October 22, 2008 (New York Times)

For the first time in at least a decade, the nation’s consumers are trying to get by on fewer prescription drugs.


New Cancer Patients Retain Little Medical Information

October 22, 2008 (HealthDay News)

Those with poorest prognosis remember the least, study finds. People hearing the devastating news that they have cancer have trouble remembering the details of the conversation with their doctor.


Getting a Second Opinion When a Loved One is Critically

October 13, 2008 (By Louis Dilts)

My friends and family have laid in intensive care, while their families experience fear, having a feeling of hopelessness, and panic. Why don't the families take steps to get the very best care for their loved ones versus accepting the misnomer that "everything is being done" for them and go along with "I know how to treat your family member, other physicians would do the same thing"?


You're Sick. Now What? Knowledge Is Power.

September 30, 2008 (New York Times)

Are Patients Swimming in a Sea of Health Information? Or Are They Drowning in it? The rise of the Internet, along with thousands of health-oriented Web sites, medical blogs and even doctor-based television and radio programs, means that today's patients have more opportunities than ever to take charge of their medical care.


Cancer: When Do You Need a Second Opinion, and Why

September 24, 2008 (WebMD)

Getting a second opinion is your right as a cancer patient. After you’ve been diagnosed with cancer and your doctor has outlined your treatment, you may still have a nagging doubt: what if my doctor is wrong? No matter how much you like or trust your oncologist, it’s natural to wonder if something was missed or if a new treatment is available. If you have any doubts, get a second opinion.


Pancreatic Cancer: New Options When An Old Enemy Returns

September 22, 2008 (ScienceDaily)

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most challenging malignancies to treat, and recurrence is common, even after initial treatment with surgery and radiation. When the cancer does return, treatment options are often limited to chemotherapy, but researchers at Georgetown's Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center are utilizing the precision allowed by CyberKnife® to see if radiosurgery is a viable treatment option in select patients.


Breast Cancer Survivors Report High Quality of Life After Treatment

September 21, 2008 (HealthDay News)

Even 15 years after lumpectomy, radiation, less than 5% complain of pain, survey finds. Women who had a lumpectomy and radiation to combat breast cancer have an overall quality of life several years after treatment that's on par with most adult American women, a new report says.


Study Quantifies Risk of Breast Cancer Recurrence

September 17, 2008 (American Cancer Society)

About 1 in 5 breast cancer survivors who have completed 5 years of adjuvant therapy suffer a recurrence within the 10 years after their treatment, according to a recent study in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.


Chemo Nausea Patch Approved

September 15, 2008 (WebMD)

5-Day Sancuso Patch Fights Nausea From Cancer Chemotherapy. The FDA has approved Sancuso, a five-day patch that fights nausea from cancer chemotherapy. Sancuso continuously delivers a steady dose of a drug called granisetron, which blocks serotonin receptors and helps prevent nausea.


What 9 Types of Men Should Do About Prostate Cancer Screening

August 29, 2008 (US News and World Report

A public health group comes out against PSA screening in older men. How to decide for yourself. Screening for early signs of cancer may seem like a no-brainer. Screening can catch tumors at an early stage, but research also shows that screening doesn't consistently extend life span, and it can lead to aggressive and unnecessary follow-up tests or treatments that can leave men incontinent and impotent.


Cancer Test for Women Raises Hope, and Concern

August 26, 2008 (The New York Times)

A new blood test aimed at detecting ovarian cancer at an early, still treatable stage is stirring hopes among women and their physicians. But the Food and Drug Administration and some experts say the test has not been proved to work.


Throat cancer increasing among white Americans

August 26, 2008 (Reuters Health)

The rate of throat cancer, or adenocarcinoma of the esophagus, has risen steadily among white Americans over the past 3 decades, according to a new report.


Does Skin Cancer Lead to Other Cancers?

August 26, 2008 (WebMD)

Study Shows Link Between Skin Cancer and Higher Incidence of Other Cancers Not Related to the Skin. If you have skin cancer, are your chances of getting another type of cancer greater? A new study seems to support that. It looked at people who had been diagnosed with nonmelanoma skin cancer and whether they developed other cancers.


For Kids With Cancer, It’s Always Back-to-School Season

August 12, 2008 (American Cancer Society)

It’s that time of year again. It begins with the sudden appearance of loose-leaf paper and three-ring binders, then multipacks of underwear and socks. When shoe-shopping gets under way, it’s all over but the bus ride: It’s back-to-school time, boys and girls!


Unraveling Brain Tumors - Molecular Biologists Devise Strategy To Starve Brain Tumors

July 24, 2008 (Science Daily)

Brain tumor researchers have found that brain tumors arise from cancer stem cells living within tiny protective areas formed by blood vessels in the brain. Killing those cells is a promising strategy to eliminate tumors and prevents them from re-growing. The researchers have found that drugs that block new blood vessel formation can destroy the protected areas and stop cancer from developing.


Hormone Therapy Not Shown to Benefit Older Patients with Early Prostate Cancer

July 16, 2008 (American Cancer Society)

A study of nearly 20,000 men aged 66 and older with early-stage prostate cancer found that those who were prescribed androgen deprivation hormone therapy instead of other treatments were no better off than their counterparts who adopted a "wait and see" approach. However, younger men who aren't good candidates for surgery or radiation should still consider the therapy, which reduces androgen levels and often makes prostate cancers shrink or grow more slowly.


A Threat in a Grassy Stroll: Lyme Disease

July 15, 2008 (The New York Times)

My friend Anne and her husband, Richard, spend summers at a resort in Westchester County that has a swimming lake, tennis courts, gardens and beautiful grounds surrounded by woods. But Anne never sets foot on the grass.


Breast Cancer: 3 Ways to Lower the Risk of Recurrence

July 6, 2008 (U.S. News & World Report)

A new study indicates that lower estrogen levels can help keep cancer from coming back. Many women diagnosed with breast cancer find the hardest thing about treatment is facing its end. After the harrowing chemotherapy, the radiation burns, and the hot flashes from anti-estrogen medications like tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors, patients then are told there's nothing else they can do to prevent a recurrence; they just have to sit back, wait, and pray for no new breast lumps or painful twinges in their bones.


Symptoms Plus Blood Test Boost Ovarian Cancer Detection

June 23, 2008 (HealthDay News)

The combo uncovered 80% of early-stage tumors, researchers say. U.S. researchers boosted the level of early-stage ovarian cancer detection by 20 percent through use of a blood test to detect a tumor marker as well as a woman's report of new-onset symptoms.


Many Americans May Benefit From Eating A Higher-Protein Diet

June 18, 2008 (Medical News Today)

Current protein recommendations were established with the goal of preventing deficiency, but newer research indicates that many adults may benefit from eating more than the minimum requirement. These findings are presented in a supplement in the May issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition1 describing the conclusions of a Protein Summit held last spring, which brought together the world's leading scientists in protein research.


Coffee Drinkers Might Live Longer

June 17, 2008 (US News and World Report)

I'm sure the folks at Starbucks are rejoicing at yesterday's headlines announcing that "coffee drinkers might live longer." Women who drank more than six cups of coffee a day were found to have a 17 percent lower risk of dying from heart disease, cancer, and other illnesses over 24 years of follow-up compared with those who drank less than one cup a month.


Skin Cancer, Why You Should Be Concerned

June 17, 2008 (Cleveland Clinic)

Skin cancer is the most prevalent form of all cancers in the United States, and is on the rise. This year, an estimated one million Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer, and 9,000 will die from the disease. Fortunately, skin cancer almost always can be cured when detected and treated early. Seeking medical attention at the first suspicion of skin cancer is critical to successful treatment.


Research Examines Links Between Family History and Colon Cancer Survival

June 10, 2008 (American Cancer Society, Inc.)

Numerous studies have shown your risk of getting colon cancer is higher if you have a first-degree family member who had the disease. New research shows that your chances of surviving the disease may be influenced in part by your family ties, too.


Lifestyle Changes Can Keep Diabetes at Bay for 14 Years

May 22, 2008 (HealthDay News)

Among people at high risk, healthy eating and exercise can delay disease, researchers say. Diet and exercise programs for people at high risk for developing diabetes, when followed for six years, can actually delay the development of diabetes for 14 years after the programs end, a new report finds.


Some Statins May Protect Against Cancer

May 15, 2008 (Reuters Health)

High-doses of cholesterol-lowering statins that are "lipophilic" -- meaning they are soluble in fats -- may offer protection against cancer, according to a new study that found a significant reduction in the incidence of cancer in users of these statins.


Eating Your Way to a Sturdy Heart

May 13, 2008 (New York Times)

Most people think heart-healthy living involves sacrifice. Give up your favorite foods. Break a sweat. Lose weight. But some of the best things you can do for your heart do not involve deprivation or medication. Simple and even pleasurable changes in the foods you eat can rival medication in terms of the benefit to your heart.


New Advice for Surgery on the Knees

May 13, 2008 (New York Times)

For years, people with worn-out knees were told to wait as long as possible before opting for replacement. Wait until you are older, the thinking went, so the joint will outlive you.


Cutting Cholesterol, an Uphill Battle

May 12, 2008 (New York Times)

Cholesterol can rise suddenly for unknown reasons, as it did for one Times reporter. Dozens of measures, individually or together, can help to lower cholesterol, including exercise, weight loss, yoga and diet.


Study Better Defines Risks of Smoking, Benefits of Quitting for Women

May 5, 2008 (American Cancer Society)

Women who quit smoking see significant health benefits within 5 years of their last cigarette, but it can take up to 20 years or more for their risk of death to drop to the level of those who never smoked, according to a new study published this week in the Journal of the American Medical Association.


Mammography Benefits May Have No Age Limit

April 22, 2008 (Reuters Health)

Women aged 80 and older who have regular mammograms significantly reduce their chances of being diagnosed with late-stage breast cancer, according to a new study. Yet only about 20 percent of women in this age group get mammograms regularly.


Chemotherapy's Damage To The Brain Detailed

April 22, 2008 (ScienceDaily)

A commonly used chemotherapy drug causes healthy brain cells to die off long after treatment has ended and may be one of the underlying biological causes of the cognitive side effects -- or "chemo brain" -- that many cancer patients experience. That is the conclusion of a study published today in the Journal of Biology.


Surviving Cancer Doesn’t Lead to Healthier Lifestyle

April 21, 2008 (The New York Times)

Most cancer survivors are just as overweight and inactive as everyone else, a new study shows.


Answers to Questions About Heart Disease

April 17, 2008 (The New York Times)

Dr. Elizabeth Nabel, a practicing cardiologist and researcher studying the genesis of plaque in coronary arteries, became director of the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute on Feb. 1, 2005. Her answers to readers’ questions about heart disease.


Alcohol May Raise Breast Cancer Risk

April 14, 2008 (WebMD Medical News)

Researchers See Possible Link Between Drinking and Breast Cancer Fueled by Hormones. Even a drink or two a day of alcohol may raise the risk of the most common type of breast tumors -- those fueled by the hormones estrogen and progesterone, according to one of the largest studies if its kind.


Mounting Evidence Shows Red Wine Antioxidant Kills Cancer

March 28, 2008 (ScienceDaily)

Rochester researchers showed for the first time that a natural antioxidant found in grape skins and red wine can help destroy pancreatic cancer cells by reaching to the cell's core energy source, or mitochondria, and crippling its function.


Everyday Steps that Can Lower Colon Cancer Risk. Eating Right, Exercising Have an Impact

March 28, 2008 (American Cancer Society)

Colon cancer is the third most common cancer in both men and women in the US. Yet it is also one of the most preventable. Screening is the best way to protect yourself, of course. Some tests can find colon growths so they can be removed before they turn into cancerous tumors. That's why the American Cancer Society recommends regular screening for all adults 50 and older.


Skin Cancer, Non Melanoma Guide

March 28, 2008 (WebMD)

Nonmelanoma skin cancer is almost always cured when it is found early and treated. So it is important to see your doctor if you think you may have it.


Preventing Ovarian Cancer

March 28, 2008 (Healthguidance.org)

There are ways to reduce your risk factors for ovarian cancer. You may want to consider looking into the research and finding a good strategy that works for you. The following are a few ideas on prevention tactics you might want to add to your life so you can reduce your risk of developing ovarian cancer.


When the Best Tests Fail

March 28, 2008 (prevention.com)

Health screenings can save your life--if they work right. What you do can make all the difference. When it comes to protecting your health, few advances pack the oomph of a good screening test.


Frying Tumors Can Boost Lung Cancer Survival

March 17, 2008 (Health Day News)

And a similar needle-based freezing technology can help fight kidney cancer, studies find. Needle-delivered frying or freezing technologies can be useful weapons against both lung and kidney cancers, new research shows.


Some With MS Put Their Hopes in a Diet

March 11, 2008 (The New York Times)

What you are about to read is not an endorsement of any particular diet as a therapy for multiple sclerosis. Nor is it a suggestion to forgo established medical treatments.


Breast Cancer: 3 Ways to Lower the Risk of Recurrence

March 6, 2008 (US News)

A new study indicates that lower estrogen levels can help keep cancer from coming back. Many women diagnosed with breast cancer find the hardest thing about treatment is facing its end.


Obesity Raises Cancer Risk

February 15, 2008 (HealthDay News)

British study details differences between genders, ethnic groups. The more weight you carry on your body, the greater your odds of developing cancer, British researchers report.


Skin Cancer, Colon Cancer Syndrome May be Linked

Februrary 13, 2008 (Reuters Health)

A syndrome that increases the risk of some skin cancers may be a subset of a syndrome that increases the risk of colon cancer, report researchers from The Ohio State University, Columbus.


Ovarian Cancer Blood Test in the Works

February 13, 2008 (WebMD)

Study Shows Test Can Detect Cancer in Early Stages. Yale researchers have developed a simple blood test for ovarian cancer that may do what no current test can -- reliably detect the disease in its early stages while it is still highly curable.


Second Opinions, Through a Patient’s Eyes

February 12, 2008 (New York Times)

"When I went for a second opinion, my internist got mad,” a physician with lymphoma recently told me. "As if I were his lover and had cheated on him."


Birth Control Pill Use Cuts Ovarian Cancer Risk

January 28, 2008 (American Cancer Society)

Previous studies have shown that taking birth control pills reduces ovarian cancer risk. A comprehensive study published in The Lancet shows just how much.


The Cancer That Shouldn't Be

January 28, 2008 (Forbes Health)

Cervical cancer is almost entirely preventable with a new genetic test. Yet doctors still cling to the highly unreliable Pap smear. Something is very wrong here.


Determine What Tests You Need to Find Cancer Early with the Great American Health Check

January 17, 2008 (American Cancer Society)

The American Cancer Society Great American Health Check Provides a Personalized Action Plan to Find Specific Cancers Earl


Vitamin C May Play Role in Stroke Prevention

January 11, 2008 (HealthDay News)

Experts suspect that healthy diet and lifestyle are at root of reduced risk. Having higher levels of vitamin C in your blood may reduce your risk of stroke, new research suggests.


Fast-Acting Alzheimer's Therapy Excites Researchers

January 11, 2008 (Consumer News)

New therapy gets results within minutes, study claims. It is one of those claims that immediately sounds too good to be true. But researchers say a new therapy, currently used to treat arthritis, appears to reverse the effects of Alzheimer's disease within minutes.


Could Statins Prevent Cancer?

January 10, 2008 (American Cancer Society)

According to a study published this week in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, statin users are less likely to develop cancer compared to those who don't take the cholesterol-lowering drugs. Experts caution, however, that this single study is not strong enough to be considered evidence of the drug's preventive properties.


4 Steps to Living 14 Years Longer

January 8, 2008 (WebMD)

People With These 4 Healthy Lifestyle Habits Outlive Those Who Sit on the Sidelines. Want to shed 14 years off your age? Don't smoke, get at least half an hour of daily physical activity, drink moderately, and eat five or more daily servings of fruits and vegetables.


6 Serious Medical Symptoms

December 22, 2008 (WebMD)

Some medical symptoms are warnings that you need immediate care. Learn to recognize these six.


Eating Less Red And Processed Meat Likely Reduces Cancer Risk, Study

December 13, 2007 (Medical News Today)

A new study by researchers in the US suggests that people who eat the least red and processed meat are the least likely to develop cancer compared to people who eat the most.


Skin-sparing Mastectomy Carries Low Risk for Breast Cancer Recurrence

December 12, 2007 (Breast Cancer Source)

Women who undergo skin-sparing mastectomy (SSM) followed by immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) have a 2.7% chance of developing local recurrence after 4 years, study findings indicate.


Many Medicare Beneficiaries Not Receiving Colorectal Cancer Screening

December 10, 2007 (American Cancer Society)

A new study finds significant underuse of colorectal cancer screening procedures among Medicare beneficiaries. The study, published in the January 15, 2008 issue of CANCER, a peer-reviewed journal of the American Cancer Society, show that only 25 percent of Medicare patients received recommended screening during the study period.


Heart Attack Symptoms: Sex Difference?

December 10, 2007 (WebMD)

Symptoms of Heart Attack Don't Always Include Chest Pain -- for Men or Women. Researchers today announced that they see no need to draft a different list of heart attack symptoms in women than in men. While women are less likely than men to report chest pain or discomfort during a heart attack, that difference doesn't warrant a sex-specific rewrite of heart attack symptoms, according to a report published today in the Archives of Internal Medicine.


Avoiding Cancer: Your Nine-Point Action Plan

December 1, 2007 (U.S. News and World Report)

The gist of a long-awaited analysis of cancer-prevention studies out this week: Be slim, very slim. The report by the World Cancer Research Fund and the American Institute for Cancer Research states in no uncertain terms that the more pounds you're packing, the greater your risk of developing a number of cancers, everywhere from the colon and the breast to the kidney and the pancreas. And it gave detailed advice on avoidance.


Many Prostate Cancer Patients Receive Improper or "Mismatched" Therapies

November 26, 2007 (American Cancer Society)

Prostate cancer patients often receive treatment that is contraindicated by pre-existing conditions, like urinary or bowel dysfunction, according to a new study. Dr. James Talcott of the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston and co-investigators found that patients with certain pretreatment dysfunctions often receive contraindicated or "mismatched" therapies, which can lead to worse outcomes.


Mini Strokes: Major Health Threats

November 18, 2007 (HealthDay)

90% of people miss out on critical early treatment period, study finds. Doctors call them transient ischemic attacks, but they're more commonly known as "mini-strokes."


Chemotherapy And Radiation Together Extend Lung Cancer Patients' Lives

November 12, 2007 (ScienceDaily)

Chemotherapy given at the same time as radiation therapy can help patients with a certain type of lung cancer live nearly 50 percent longer than they might have otherwise if the same treatment was given differently, according to an international team's analysis of several trial results


New Drug Option for Late-Stage Breast Cancer Patients

November 08, 2007 (American Cancer Society)

There's good news for advanced breast cancer patients who haven't responded to current chemotherapy drugs.


New Ways to Diagnose Colon Cancer

November 02, 2007 (WebMD)

New advances in colonoscopy promise faster and easier screenings. If you've been putting off having a colonoscopy out of fear or dread, take heart: New advances are helping make this test faster and much easier to endure.


Cancer: When Do You Need a Second Opinion, and Why?

November 01, 2007 (WebMD)

After you've been diagnosed with cancer and your doctor has outlined your treatment, you may still have a nagging doubt: what if my doctor is wrong? No matter how much you like or trust your oncologist, it's natural to wonder if something was missed or if a new treatment is available. If you have any doubts, get a second opinion.


Reduced Risk Of Ovarian Cancer Linked To Low Fat Diet

October 10, 2007 (Medical News Today)

A new US study has suggested that reduced risk of ovarian cancer in postmenopausal women could be linked to a low fat diet high in fruit and vegetables and grains. The 8 year study also suggested the risk probably gets lower the longer the diet is sustained. However, the study found no significant link between a low fat diet and reduction in overall cancer risk.


Prompt Treatment Of Minor Stroke Protects From Subsequent Major Stroke

October 10, 2007 (Medical News Today)

If you have a minor stroke or a transient-ischemic attack* (TIA) your chances of having a subsequent major stroke are hugely reduced if you are assessed and treated quickly, according to two articles published in The Lancet.


Any Type of Alcohol Drink Raises Breast Cancer Risk, New Study

September 28, 2007 (Medical News Today)

A large US study suggests that it did not matter whether women drank beer, wine or spirits, they all raised the risk of breast cancer to the same extent. And more than three alcoholic drinks a day raised breast cancer risk by 30 per cent, compared to women who had less than one drink a day, said the researchers.


Heart disease, Colon Cancer Linked in Study

September 25, 2007 (Reuters)

Patients showing signs of heart disease are at nearly double the risk of also having colon cancer, perhaps because unhealthy habits and inflammation are at the root of both, researchers said on Tuesday.


Diet and Medications May Assist Prevention of Prostate Cancer

September 24, 2007 (American Cancer Society)

Recent investigations of medications, diet and the molecular understanding of prostate cancer are defining potential prevention strategies for the disease, and herald a new stage in the management of this cancer, according to a new review.


Chemotherapy May Be Culprit for Fatigue in Breast Cancer Survivors

September 10, 2007 (American Cancer Society)

A new study finds that, compared to healthy women, breast cancer survivors reported more days of fatigue and more severe fatigue symptoms. The study, published in the October 15, 2007 issue of CANCER, a peer-reviewed journal of the American Cancer Society, found women who received both chemotherapy and radiotherapy reported the most severe and prolonged fatigue.


Experts Offer Tips on Lung Cancer Prevention

September 10, 2007 (forbes.com)

People, especially smokers, should not rely on vitamin and mineral supplements to prevent lung cancer, say members of the American College of Chest Physicians in their second annual guide to lung cancer prevention, care and treatment.


Studies Shed New Light on Breast Cancer, Treatment

September 6, 2007 (forbes.com)

New studies from the first annual Breast Cancer Symposium shed light on racial differences in breast cancer, how not sticking with treatment can affect survival, and how nagging side effects cause people to stop their therapies.


Five Diagnoses that Call for a Second Opinion

August 30, 2007 (CNN)

After Marci Smith was told she had a malignant brain tumor, she had surgery and then made an appointment with an oncologist to receive chemotherapy and radiation.


Smoking Increases Risk for Head and Neck Cancers

August 27, 2007 (American Cancer Society)

Smoking significantly increases the risk for head and neck cancers for both men and women, regardless of the anatomic site. Published in the October 1, 2007 issue of CANCER, a peer-reviewed journal of the American Cancer Society, a large, prospective study confirmed strong associations between current and past cigarette smoking and malignancies of the head and neck in both genders.


What You Eat May Influence Colon Cancer Relapse - Diet High in Meats, Sweets Linked to Higher Risk

August 21, 2007 (American Cancer Society)

People treated for colon cancer may want to watch what they eat. A diet heavy with red meat, fatty foods, and desserts may put these survivors at greater risk of having their disease return, a new study suggests.


Healthy Lifestyle Key To Cancer Prevention

August 21, 2007 (forbes.com)

While the number of deaths from cancer have been declining, many malignancies could be prevented by exercising, eating right, maintaining a healthy weight and not smoking, a new federal report finds.
The President's Cancer Panel issues a report every year that focuses on one aspect of what is happening in the United States in terms of cancer.


"Western" Diet Tied to Colon Cancer

August 14, 2007 (WebMD)

Higher Death Risk and Recurrence Link Must Be Confirmed, Researchers Say. The typical Western diet may be more than just hazardous to the health of patients treated for colon cancer. New research suggests it may be deadly.


MRI Scans Better at Detecting Breast Cancer, Research Finds

August 10, 2007 (The Irish Times)

MRI scans may provide a far more sensitive method for detecting early breast cancers than conventional mammography, according to new research.


Latest Drug Crisis: People Not Taking Their Medicine

August 10, 2007 (Associated Press)

Consider it the other drug problem: Millions of people don't take their medicine correctly - or quit taking it altogether - and the consequences can be deadly.


New Technique May Detect Early Pancreatic Cancer

August 8, 2007 (cancerfacts.com)

A new technology coupled with endoscopy may enable doctors to detect subtle changes in cells caused by early pancreatic cancer, a new study shows.


Experience Counts for Prostate Surgery Success

August 3, 2007 (American Cancer Society)

Fewer Recurrences When Surgery Done By Seasoned Doctors. Men who need surgery for prostate cancer should seek out a surgeon with a lot of experience, a new study suggests. Researchers from 3 major cancer centers have found that men treated by seasoned surgeons are much less likely to have a recurrence of their prostate cancer than those operated on by less experienced doctors.


What You Should Know - Push Hard for the Answers You Require

July 29, 2007 (The New York Times)

How can people with cancer make sure they are receiving the best treatment? "The advice I would give every patient is to take the time to find help," said Dr. Richard C. Wender, president of the American Cancer Society and chairman of the department of family and community medicine at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia. "Get more than one opinion."


Second Opinions... They Can Ease Your Mind, Maybe Even Save Your Life

July 19, 2007 (Sun-Times News Group)

Getting a second opinion about a drastic and troubling medical procedure is not a modern idea. "In ancient Greece, it was common to travel to a temple of Asclepius for a procedure known as incubation, where the god would come in a dream and indicate a cure or a prognosis," said Daniel Garrison, a classics professor at Northwestern University.


Diet Does Not Improve Breast Cancer Survival

July 17, 2007 (Reuters)

Among breast cancer survivors, adopting a low-fat diet high in vegetables, fruit and fiber does not prevent the cancer from returning or prolong survival, according to a paper in the Journal of the American Medical Association.


More Research Confirms Danger Of HRT For Older Women

July 12, 2007 (Medical News Today)

A new study from the UK, Australia and New Zealand confirms the findings of American research, that women who start on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) many years after the menopause increase their risk of major heart problems and blood clots.


Ontario-led Study Finds Cancer Marker

July 9, 2007 (TheStar.com)

Discovery paves way for new colorectal test to prevent disease that kills 5,000 annually. An Ontario-led team of international scientists has helped find the first genetic predictor for colorectal cancer, a discovery that heralds a new era of screening for the second deadliest form of cancer in the country.


Breast Cancer Survival May Run in Families

June 28, 2007 (HealthDay News)

Women can look to their mothers and sisters to help determine their chances of survival from breast cancer, new research suggests.


Symptoms Found for Early Check on Ovary Cancer

June 13, 2007 (The New York Times)

Cancer experts have identified a set of health problems that may be symptoms of ovarian cancer, and they are urging women who have the symptoms for more than a few weeks to see their doctors.


Vitamin D Cuts Cancer Risk: Study

June 8, 2007 (Forbes)

Vitamin D Cuts Cancer Risk: Study. Boosting your vitamin D intake can dramatically reduce your risk of breast and other cancers, a new study found. The research adds to growing evidence that vitamin D can help protect against many forms of cancer as well as other diseases, Creighton University researchers said.


Growth Of Prostate Tumors Stunted By Flaxseed

June 7, 2007 (Medical News Today)

Flaxseed, an edible seed that is rich in omega 3-fatty acids and fiber-related compounds known as lignans, is effective in halting prostate tumor growth, according to a study led by Duke University Medical Center researchers. The seed, which is similar to a sesame seed, may be able to interrupt the chain of events that leads cells to divide irregularly and become cancerous.


Aspirin's Colorectal Cancer Prevention Mechanism Revealed By Study

May 30, 2007 (Medical News Today)

Aspirin therapy's ability to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer, an association seen in a large number of studies, appears to depend on the drug's inhibition of the COX-2 enzyme, the action that also underlies aspirin's usefulness for treating pain and inflammation.


Check and Protect Your Skin

April 30, 2007 (American Cancer Society, Inc.)

Update Your Sun Safety Habits. The vast majority of skin cancers are preventable by routinely shielding your skin from the sun's damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays. Yet most Americans aren't doing enough to protect themselves. They only use sunscreen at the pool, or forget to reapply, or forget about hats, long-sleeved shirts, and the cool relief of shade.


Don't keep this secret: Oral Cancer is a Killer

April 30, 2007 (The Centre Daily Times)

Which cancer has a higher rate of lives lost than cervical cancer, Hodgkin's disease, brain cancer, liver, testes or skin cancer?


Prostate Test Could be More Accurate

April 26, 2007 (The Baltimore Sun)

Hopkins Scientists Say Screening Might Spare Many Biopsies


American Cancer Society Launches Major New Study

April 25, 2007 (American Cancer Society)

The American Cancer Society is launching a major new cancer research study that may be the ‘last best chance’ to do large-scale population research in the United States to discover the genetic and environmental factors that cause and prevent cancer.


Breast Cancer Drop Tied To Less Hormone Use

April 19, 2007 (Washington Post)

New federal statistics provide powerful evidence that the sharp drop in hormone use by menopausal women that began in 2002 caused a dramatic decline in breast cancer cases, according to an analysis being published today.


Cancer Control: Second Opinions Remain Important in Cancer Diagnosis

April 17, 2007 (The Advertiser)

I had symptoms of breast cancer, such as an inverted nipple. My surgeon, recommended by my physician, relied on mammograms and all of them were negative. How long should one wait before seeking a second opinion?


Seven for 2007: Seven Things You Should Know About Breast Cancer Risk

April 2007 (Harvard Health Publications)

There's no one big way to reduce your risk for breast cancer, but a combination of approaches could make a difference.


MRI Detects Nearly All Contralateral Breast Cancers

April 3, 2007 (National Cancer Institute)

A new study has demonstrated a significant benefit of adding a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study to the standard diagnostic workup following a new diagnosis of breast cancer in one breast.


Uphill Fight for a Second Opinion

March 27, 2007 (Washington Post)

'Wait and See' Was Not Her Plan After a Worrisome Mammogram. I have a lump in my breast. I know this because I had a mammogram, and there it was. . . a white spot where it was not supposed to be. A white spot that did not appear on my mammogram two years earlier. The radiologist advised me to wait four to six months and have another mammogram.


Lymph Nodes Crucial to Colon Cancer Care

March 21, 2007 (Washington Post)

The more lymph nodes that colon cancer patients have removed and examined, the longer they will live after surgery, new research shows.


Doctors Recommend Patients Get Second Opinions

March 14, 2007 (ABC Channel 7 - Denver)

Advances In Thyroid Cancer Include New Technology. Like many people with cancer, Kristina Stevens trusted her doctor to give her the best treatment and offer her the best options.


Fighting Back with Fitness - Exercise Plays Important Role for Breast Cancer Survivors

March 12, 2007 (The Vancouver Province)

At 53, Ann Tellier made some big changes in her life. She joined a gym, hired a personal trainer and a dietitian and lost 50 pounds. Exercising three times a week and with 10 pounds still left to lose, at this time last year Tellier was in the best shape of her life. That is until she got a call from her doctor. A routine mammogram detected something suspicious. A follow-up exam left little doubt. It was breast cancer.


Innovative Cancer Treatment: Destroying Tumors With Heat

March 11, 2007 (Medical News Today)

"In radio frequency ablation, the heat is generated by a multi-pronged probe placed into the tumor tissue in a procedure monitored by ultrasound or computer tomography. You could say the tumor is 'boiled away' on the spot," explained Professor Riccardo Lencioni from the Radiology Department at the University of Pisa, Italy, at the kick-off press conference for the European Congress of Radiology (ECR) 2007, held at Austria Center Vienna from March 9 to 13 and attended by some 16,000 participants from 92 countries.


Why is Thyroid Cancer Rate Up?

March 11, 2007 (The Morning Call)

One research group thinks it knows the answer: fallout from nuclear power plants.


Traditional Chemo Faces Competition

March 9, 2007 (Imprint Newspaper)

Currently, cancer is a disease with so few effective treatments that standard procedures to fight it include literally poisoning the subject. This process is called chemotherapy, and is currently our best line of defence against many forms of cancer.


Aspirin Regimen won't cut Colon Cancer Risk

March 9, 2007 (Baltimore Sun)

People at average risk for colon cancer shouldn't take aspirin or painkillers such as ibuprofen to try to prevent the disease, a federal task force advises, because of the risk of bleeding and other potential health problems.


Non Invasive Acupressure Bands Reduce Sickness In Chemo Patients

February 21, 2007 (San Gerardo Hospital)

More evidence that acupressure wrist bands ‘Sea-Band’ may relieve chemotherapy-induced nausea for cancer patients


A New Line of Treatment Discovered For Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

February 13, 2007 (Medical News Today)

A study undertaken by a group of Spanish scientists, amongst which were members of the University Clinic of the University of Navarra and the Centre for Applied Medical Research (CIMA) of the same university, have recently discovered a new line of treatment for patients with acute lymphoblastic leucemia.


Lung Cancer in Nonsmokers More Common in Women

February 13, 2007 (Reuters Health)

The findings of a new study confirm that lung cancer among nonsmokers is more common in women than in men.


Mammography Rates Inch Downward.

January 1, 2007 (American Cancer Society)

Fewer Mammograms Could Mean More Breast Cancer Deaths


Brain Tumor Researchers Find Their "Niche"

January 19, 2007 (Medical News Today)

Brain tumors appear to arise from cancer stem cells (CSCs) that live within microscopic protective "niches" formed by blood vessels in the brain; and disrupting these niches is a promising strategy for eliminating the tumors and preventing them from re-growing, according to results of a study by investigators at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.


Some Men with Low PSAs Have Prostate Cancer

January 19, 2007 (National Cancer Institute)

Most Cancers Found Are Not Likely to Be Clinically Significant. Men with low PSA (prostate specific antigen) levels on screening tests can still have prostate cancer, according to a study* released today by scientists from the National Cancer Institute (NCI), part of the National Institutes of Health, and the Southwest Oncology Group, an NCI-funded network of researchers. In this study, prostate cancers were detected by biopsy in men with normal PSA levels.


Dense Breast Tissue an Overlooked Risk Factor for Cancer, Study Finds

January 18, 2007 (Associated Press)

Cancer turns up five times more often in women with extremely dense breasts than in those with mostly fatty tissue, a study shows, signaling the importance of a risk factor rarely discussed with patients.


Aggressive Cancer Protein Isolated

January 16, 2007 (Newsday)

A protein that signals the onset of the deadliest form of breast cancer has been isolated by a team of New Hampshire scientists who say their discovery paves the way for screening and better therapies.


Study Detects a Gene Linked to Alzheimer's

January 15, 2007 (The New York Times)

A variant gene involved in Alzheimer's disease has been detected through study of Dominican families living in Manhattan, scientists are reporting today.


Ultrasound Escalates Prevalence of Congenital Heart Defects

January 9, 2007 (MedPage Today)

There's been a sharp rise in the observed prevalence of congenital heart defects in the past 20 years, according to an analysis of Canadian medical databases.