Did you know that today is World Cancer Day? This year's theme is prevention, with a focus on lifestyle changes like eating a healthy diet, quitting smoking and exercising regularly. The World Health Organization has issued a report indicating that around 40% of cancers worldwide are potentially preventable. WHO also warned that without changes, global cancer deaths could jump from an estimated 7.6 million this year to 17 million in 2030. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/02/03/AR2010020301299.html
You don't hear a lot of good news about hormone replacement therapy (HRT) these days, but a new study suggests that menopausal women using HRT may have a lower risk of developing colon cancer. This news, reported in the American Journal of Epidemiology, must be taken with a very large grain of salt, as HRT has repeatedly been proven to come with hefty health risks, including an increased chance of developing breast cancer. However, the findings do support the theory that estrogen offers some protection against colon cancer, and point to a need for further study into the effects of HRT on different organs, the researchers say. http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE6134XJ20100204
Yowza. New research in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention indicates that soft drinks may be worse for your health than you ever knew. In a study of over 60,000 men and women in Singapore who were followed for 14 years, researchers found that those who consumed two or more soft drinks a week had an 87% higher risk of developing pancreatic cancer, possibly because of elevated insulin levels in the body. However, the study's senior author does add that those who consumed the drinks on a regular basis tended to have a "poor behavioral profile" in general, which may have contributed to their increased risk. http://www.examiner.com/x-12568-Indianapolis-Health-Examiner~y2010m2d4-Two-or-more-soft-drinks-a-day-raise-pancreatic-cancer-risk-82
A recent study from the journal Nanomedicine shows that magnetic nanoparticles have the ability to selectively remove ovarian cancer cells from human ascites fluid, potentially preventing the spread of the disease. "Circulating tumor cells can implant at distant sites and give rise to secondary tumors. Our technique is designed to filter the peritoneal fluid or blood and remove these free floating cancer cells, which should increase longevity by preventing the continued metastatic spread of the cancer," noted one of the study's authors. http://www.healthimaging.com/index.php?option=com_articles&view=article&id=20475:magnetic-nanoparticles-might-prevent-spread-of-the-cancer
Finally, a little dispatch from the personal finance department: the Wall Street Journal reports on a new study indicating that discussing treatment costs with health providers as early as possible after a cancer diagnosis helps patients budget better for the payments to come. Don't be uncomfortable raising these issues with doctors and office staff, advises the director of the ACS' Patient Navigator Program: "When you do get sick you have so much on your plate, so at least having a general understanding of what insurance covers relieves some of that stress," she says. http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20100204-711888.html?mod=WSJ_latestheadlines
That's all for this week, but I'll be back next Thursday with more!
Really is there a better way to underscore the idea it takes everyone to end cancer- than to have a catchy jingle and one really good actor run the gamut of crazy characters from "creepy hairy guy at the bar" to "plastic surgery lady" to "guys in banana hammocks on vacation?" We think not. That's why we made this video-- Up2 You + Me. We grew up on frightening PSAs like "This is your brain on drugs." And we haven't eaten eggs since. We're excited to have an opportunity to move away from the scary-rigid-grave-serious-dare we say, boring, messages found in most PSAs and do something kind of fun. And we thought it was really cool of SU2C to embrace this idea and our kooky little song. We were really fortunate to have the hilarious and versatile Jim Parsons play 30 characters and wear all these crazy outfits. We kept throwing stuff at Jim, and he would just roll with it. He was such a sport keeping his energy up for the 12 hour shoot.
Beginning today, and thanks to the donation from Microsoft and Xbox LIVE, this spot is available to a huge audience of gamers (there are a lot of us). So in between a killer solo on Guitar Hero 5 and some tough hits on Madden 09, we hope you find a message that's relatable and inspiring enough for you to get up off the couch and do your part to "make the whole world cancer free."
Six-year-old Jasmina and her family documented her fight against leukemia on Twitter, making her a "torch of hope" for others facing a cancer battle and drawing the attention of Oprah Winfrey, Rihanna and President Obama. Last week, Jasmina passed away. Her family kept her growing audience up to date during the last two months, including sharing a message she got from the President: "President Obama wrote me the most encouraging message: 'Jasmina, DREAM BIG DREAMS' AND THAT IS WHAT I AM GOING TO DO IN THE NEW YEAR." http://www.limelife.com/blog-entry/Jasmina-Anema-6-Dies-After-Inspiring-Cancer-Battle/33023.html
Linda May Hill
This article out of Utah looks at the efforts of Linda May Hill, a three-time cancer survivor who sells t-shirts with humorous messages to raise money for cancer research: "Of course they're fake . . . the real ones tried to kill me," "I lost my colon, but I'm still full of crap," and many more. (Her website, where the shirts are available, is somuchmoreonline.com.) "It doesn't matter if you have three months or three years, have a blast," Hill says. "If my kids want me to play 'Mario Brothers' instead of doing the dishes, I can tell you right now I'm playing 'Mario Brothers.' Cancer does not define us. We're so much more." http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700006116/Humor-best-Rx-for-cancer-survivor.html
Phil Brabbs
Brabbs was diagnosed with multiple myeloma the day after his 28th birthday. He and his wife, Cassie, began doing extensive research on the disease, starting with advice from a friend in medical school and moving to the internet as a resource. Eventually the two started a blog, "Multiple Myeloma for Dummies," to share everything they had learned. Brabbs, who is now participating in a clinical trial at the University of Michigan, passed along this advice to others in the fight: "Be real with your emotions. When you're sad, be sad. When you're angry, be angry. When you're furious, be furious. When you're happy, be happy. When you want to laugh, laugh. Whatever you're feeling, it's okay." http://www.myelomabeacon.com/news/2010/02/01/personal-perspective-former-football-star-and-young-father-%E2%80%9Cdominates%E2%80%9D-cancer-with-optimism-information-and-support/
Debbie Stallings
Stallings, a breast cancer survivor from Texas, carried the same bag to dozens of appointments, biopsies and surgeries during treatment for the disease. Now she makes Journey Bags for other women facing cancer diagnoses. The bags contain a small blanket, a reusable water bottle, a pocket journal and more, and can be personalized to fit the person's needs. "As a survivor, I came across a lot of people who wanted to do something, but didn't know what to give to help me through the process," she says. "I wanted to use my experience to create a Journey Bag for other survivors."The bags are available online at www.journeybags.com. http://www.scntx.com/articles/2010/01/28/news_update/257.txt
As always, we invite you to share your stories with us in the comments below!
On January 28, CBS Evening News Anchor Katie Couric - who is also one of SU2C's co-founders - reported on cancer research and treatment in a segment entitled Where America Stands: Cancer. While great strides have been made in cancer research, the disease still claims more than 500,000 lives annually. In this compelling piece, Katie looks at the current state of America's fight against cancer, and the types of new, highly targeted treatments being developed that draw on discoveries made as scientists map the cancer genome. Katie traveled to the renowned Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, speaking with a patient, researchers, doctors; NIH Director Francis Collins is interviewed as well.
A new study out of the University of Washington indicates that pelvic symptoms are unlikely to work as an accurate predictor of ovarian cancer. Researchers found that only one in 100 women with the usual symptoms, including persistent bloating and pelvic pain, actually had the disease. Further, among women with ovarian cancer, only 6% had persistent symptoms. "We'd all like to find ways to diagnose this cancer earlier," said the study's lead investigator. "What this suggests is that it's going to be hard to move the diagnosis of ovarian cancer forward." http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE60R79H20100128
Elsewhere, research shows that surgery to treat severe heartburn doesn't do much to reduce patients' chances of developing esophageal cancer. Patients who undergo the procedure continue to have a high risk of developing the disease even after 15 years or more have gone by, according to a report in the journal Gastroenterology. Now the researchers are delving deeper into the data, evaluating other risk factors such as obesity and the recurrence of reflux. http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE60R5SA20100128
A report in the most recent issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute adds to a growing wealth of data showing that some survivors of childhood cancer tend to experience difficulties in school. Researchers found that only survivors of central nervous system cancers and leukemia survivors had a statistically significant deficit in educational attainment; therapy for these diseases often involves radiation treatment to the head. "These results provide grounds for concern for survivors of CNS neoplasms and those with leukemia who were cranially irradiated, as well as reassurance regarding educational attainment among all other survivors," the study's authors write. http://www.businessweek.com/lifestyle/content/healthday/635417.html
In cheerier news, some results are in from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition, and they indicate that higher levels of vitamin D can help protect both men and women against colorectal cancers. The researchers caution that little is known about the association of vitamin D with the risk of other cancers, making it ill-advised at this juncture to rush out and invest in vitamin D supplements, but add that people can achieve average levels "with a balanced diet combined with regular and moderate exposure to outdoor sunlight." http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE60Q56820100127
Finally, a new poll indicates that a majority of Americans are optimistic about the possibility of a cure for cancer being discovered within their lifetimes. The survey of 1048 adults from around the country reveals that Americans over 65 are the most pessimistic about finding a cure, while 70% of those under 30 believe a cure is at least somewhat likely to be found. Twenty-seven percent of those polled said they watched their diet to reduce their cancer risk, and 12% cited their decision not to smoke. Interestingly, only 7% gave America an "A" grade when it comes to making progress toward a cure. http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2010/01/28/politics/politicalhotsheet/entry6152020.shtml
That's all for this week, but check back next Thursday for more!
Six-year-old Braeden is the twelfth person in the world to fight a rare form of cancer that usually starts in the brain, but in his case appeared on his spinal cord. Doctors recently removed 95% of the tumor; the rest had to be left behind or Braeden would run the risk of paralysis. Twenty-eight radiation treatments followed, and Braeden has had a remarkably quick recovery. "He loves life, and one of the phrases he uses a lot is 'I can do it myself,'" says his grandmother. "When you see him, you would never know he has cancer." http://www.fdlreporter.com/article/20100121/FON0101/100120125/1985/FONnews/Boy-with-rare-form-of-cancer-rallies
Susan White
This incredible piece from journalist Susan White recounts her experiences undergoing chemotherapy for lung cancer. Two years in, the chemo seems to be working, but it's incredibly difficult to endure: "When I was first diagnosed, I learned of three other nonsmokers in the Omaha area who had lung cancer," she writes. "I never met any of them, and yet I have wept when each died -- for what they went through, for the families they left behind, for the terrible sense of foreboding their deaths give me. But I'm not giving in. I have scores of people praying for me. And we press on with the chemo." http://www.omaha.com/article/20100125/LIVING/701259957
Lee March Grayson
Grayson, an attorney and 13-year-survivor of chronic myelogenous leukemia, urges cancer patients to take an active role in their own treatment. He learned from experience: when he was fighting the disease, he and his family questioned his doctor routinely to make sure he was getting to best possible care. Now the founder of Marrow Power, which organizes counselors to help patients and families deal with the challenges of cancer, he tells cancer patients, "It's not being disrespectful . . . you are trying to save your life. You're allowed to question your doctor, you're allowed to fire your doctor." http://www.nj.com/news/local/index.ssf/2010/01/randolph_attorney_advises_canc.html
John H
In a comment on a recent "With You, We Stand" entry, John H wrote: "On November 17th, 2008 I was diagnosed with testicular cancer. It was totally out of the blue, and I will never forget that day . . . I am happy to say there is no detectable sign of cancer in my body today. I am thankful and blessed. But more importantly, I like to think I also became "aware." Aware of cancer, its symptoms, treatments, detection and impacts. I have become a vocal proponent of self-exams. I have become so much more sensitive of the friends near me who since have also been diagnosed with various forms of cancer; sensitive to what they are feeling, and what lies ahead for them . . . But human spirit and resolve is unyielding, and cancer will be defeated. Keep up the site and keep the encouraging posts coming . . . and let's all STAND UP when we need to."
As always, we invite you to share your stories in the comments as well.
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal forms of the disease, in part because it's not easy to detect in an early, more treatable stage. Now a new test could change all that. A simple test for the protein PAM4, which is present in 90% of cancerous and precancerous lesions, was found to detect 81% of pancreatic cancers. Currently, only 7% of pancreatic cancers are detected before they have metastasized. "If validated in larger studies, [this] would be a promising tool for detecting this disease in its earlier, more treatable stages, before it spreads to other organs," said one of the researchers involved. http://www.businessweek.com/lifestyle/content/healthday/635220.html
In other detecting-cancer-early-by-testing-for-a-certain-protein news (sorry, couldn't resist), a new study indicates that measuring levels of the protein CD24 could aid in the detection of colon cancer. The protein is produced early in colorectal cancer development and may help tumor cells spread. Even better: researchers think the test may also be useful in identifying patients who would benefit most from colonoscopy screening, because CD24 is present in high-risk precancerous growths. Best of all: find those growths, remove 'em, and you've just stopped the disease before it even started. http://www.webmd.com/colorectal-cancer/news/20100120/new-blood-test-may-spot-early-colon-cancer
The FDA is considering issuing stricter guidelines for tanning beds, which were shown last year to be directly linked to skin cancer. Among the provisions the agency is considering: explicit, prominently displayed warning labels on tanning beds and guidelines recommending against their use. "We don't recommend using them at all," says Sharon Miller, UV radiation specialist for the FDA, "but we know people do use them so we want to make them as low-risk as possible." http://www.nydailynews.com/lifestyle/health/2010/01/20/2010-01-20_fda_to_discuss_stricter_guidelines_for_tanning_beds_due_to_skin_cancer_and_other.html
It's not breaking news, but here's a helpful reminder to get your home tested for radon in honor of National Radon Action Month (it's January: who knew?). Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive substance that comes from the breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water; unfortunately, when trapped inside closed spaces like your home, it reaches dangerous levels - in fact, it's the number-one cause of lung cancer in nonsmokers. Home improvement stores sell cheap radon test kits, so if you haven't recently, pick one up and set your mind at ease! http://www.mlive.com/living/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2010/01/cancer-causing_radon_may_be_in.html
Finally, some promising news on brain cancer: new research indicates that the most common form of brain cancer in adults, glioblastoma multiforme, is probably a set of diseases rather than a single disease. Sounds scary, but what this actually means is that scientists can narrow down which of four types of glioblastoma multiforme a patient has, opening the door for targeted therapies. "It would be as if you'd never known the difference between a car and a pickup truck and all of a sudden you realized that they're different," one of the researchers said. http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE60I4VU20100119
That's all for this week, but check back next Thursday for more news you can use!
The star of "Dexter," who recently won a Golden Globe for his role, also recently revealed that he has finished treatment for Hodgkin's lymphoma and is doing "fine." At the Golden Globes, he joked about having a good excuse to wear a hat but didn't mention his illness in his acceptance speech. Later, he said, "When it's a matter of health, it is very much a personal matter," he said. "It was also nice to assure people that I was really on the road to recovery." http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv/2010/01/18/2010-01-18_michael_c_hall_globes_winner_for_dexter_doing_fine_in_his_battle_with_cancer.html
Tatyana Abrams
While being treated for Acute Mylogenous Leukemia at the age of 11, Abrams made a video about her experiences in the hospital for her friends so they could see what she was going through. The 13-year-old is now facing a recurrence of the disease and will probably need a bone marrow transplant. Of her experiences with cancer so far, she said, "I wore a hat because I didn't want anybody to see my baldness. I was very worried that my friends were going to treat me different. Then, once I took the hat off, I realized that they were fine with it. They didn't really care and so . . . if they didn't care, why should I?" http://www.wickedlocal.com/avon/fun/entertainment/x532579831/Avon-youth-shares-cancer-story-with-Nick-News
Jen Bickel
Bickel was 36 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in December of 2008. In a column in the Centre Daily Times out of Pennsylvania, the former oncology nurse writes about her experiences facing the disease. "When I was diagnosed, sheer panic consumed me," she writes. "Questions flooded my mind. 'What am I going to do?' 'Am I going to die?' 'What about my family?' 'Do I carry the breast cancer gene?' 'Where would I seek treatment?' . . . I knew my treatment would be a long and sometimes painful journey, but a journey nonetheless." http://www.centredaily.com/news/local/story/1733774.html
Teddy Pendergrass
R&B legend Teddy Pendergrass passed away this past week from colon cancer at the age of 59. Pendergrass' long career began when he rose to fame in the seventies as the lead singer for Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes and continued even after a car accident in 1982 left him paralyzed from the chest down. "Mr. Pendergrass's romantic approach was a touchstone for younger generations of R&B Romeos," writes the NYT. "Ahmir Thompson, from the hip-hop group the Roots, responded to news of Mr. Pendergrass's death on Twitter declaring, "Soul will never be the same." http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/15/arts/music/15pendergrass.html?pagewanted=2
As always, we encourage you to share your stories with us in the comments below.
New research in the journal Science sheds light on how cells in the body flatten out as they adhere to internal bodily surfaces, which is the first step in processes included clot formation and the spread of cancer cells. Cell receptors called integrins spread the signal to flatten along the extracellular matrix of fibers, which is key to cell movement. The breakthrough could lead to the development of drugs to treat thrombosis, stroke, heart attack and the migration of cancer cells, said the study's lead researcher. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100114143319.htm
A new state agreement in Florida guarantees that major insurers in that state will continue to cover routine care for cancer patients who enter into clinical trials. Lack of insurance can be an impediment to participating in the trials, which are essential to the development of new cancer treatments. State Senator Don Gaetz was able to negotiate the deal with 90% of Florida's group insurance market, including Humana, BCBS, Aetna, Cigna, United and more. http://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics/florida/story/1424009.html
A study out of Yale indicates that stress signals in the body can contribute to the growth of cancer cells. Research published in the journal Nature shows that emotional of physical trauma can create the stress signals, which can behave as a "pathway" between cancerous mutations. "A lot of different conditions can trigger stress signaling - physical stress, emotional stress, infections, inflammation - all these things. Reducing stress or avoiding stress conditions is always good advice," said Professor Tian Xu, a geneticist who led the study. http://topnews.us/content/29867-stress-another-cause-cancer
Analysis of the human genome has uncovered a genetic variant associated with the aggressiveness of prostate cancer, according to a study in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Because a large percentage of prostate cancers grow so slowly that they're never life-threatening, being able to predict the aggressiveness of a given cancer is crucial to determining the optimum course of treatment. "Our work is too early to say whether it will have a clinical impact," said a member of the research team. "But this demonstrates that such markers do exist, and by studying them we may be able to understand the biological pathways that contribute to making prostate cancer more aggressive." http://www.businessweek.com/lifestyle/content/healthday/634781.html
Finally, researchers out of New Zealand have presented their findings on a promising new lung cancer drug. The drug works by disrupting the blood vessels within the tumor to inhibit blood flow, and when added to traditional chemotherapy has been shown to extend patient survival time from a median of 8.8 months to 14 months. Some think the drug could be on the market by 2012. http://www.nzherald.co.nz/health/news/article.cfm?c_id=204&objectid=10620327
That's all for this week, but check back next Thursday for more news you can use!
McQuestion was 25 when he found out he had Ewing's sarcoma. Eight months of chemotherapy and five cancer-free years later, the 31-year-old now fundraises for the Lance Armstrong Foundation and other events that support cancer research. One of McQuestion's biggest events is the "Endure for a Cure" bike ride, which raised $25,000 in its first year. "I don't consider myself a hero, I am just raising money to fight cancer," he says. "Ultimately, cancer is treatable and research is critical to help save lives -- without research, treatments would not be found." http://www.timesleader.com/features/25-year-old_cancer_survivor_rides_on__gives_back_01-05-2010.html
Alyssa Lewandowski and Kori Brown
Kori Brown, age 12, has a congenital blood disease; during trips to a local hospital for treatment she became friends with Alyssa Lewandowski, who was undergoing treatment for leukemia. Kori has gone on to raise tens of thousands of dollars for the American Cancer Society in honor of her friend, and her family was recently featured on "Extreme Home Makeover"; they donated $50,000 of their winnings to help Kori launch her iroK Foundation, which helps families burdened by medical bills take care of day-to-day costs. http://www.theheraldbulletin.com/local/local_story_010232250.html?start:int=0
Doug Oxendine
Oxendine, an endurance sports enthusiast, recently learned he's facing a whole new kind of battle: he has blood cancer and is scheduled for a bone marrow transplant this spring. The 38-year-old Floridian has hiked 10 miles of the Grand Canyon, completed two triathlons and taken two 100-mile bike rides in the past two years. Now he's approaching his cancer treatment with the same endurance and temerity: "People would always ask me, 'how do you do it?' and I'd tell them that you just got to put one foot in front of the other," he says. "I can't slow down at this point; I have to keep going." http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/os-disney-marathon-advance-0109-20100108,0,3055963.story
Melanie Bone
In this fantastic blog post on the Palm Beach Post's website, Dr. Melanie Bone, a cancer survivor, talks about her New Year's resolutions. "Cancer makes us preciously aware of our own mortality. Many survivors 'over-live' and try to do everything 'right' to guarantee longevity. Certainly, living a healthier lifestyle will help . . . For cancer survivors and for the rest of the world, may you live each day in 2010 in a way that makes you proud. Taking it one day at a time is a respected time-honored approach." http://blogs.palmbeachpost.com/askalocaldoctor/2010/01/resolutions-and-reminders-same-for-cancer-survivors/
As always, we welcome you to share your stories with us in the comments below.
