Stand Up To Cancer

Roger Ebert
After receiving hundreds of comments for a blog post he wrote in 2008 about rice cookers, famed film critic Roger Ebert is now publishing a cookbook dedicated to the subject. For the past eight years, Ebert has battled thyroid and salivary gland cancers and had surgery four years ago, leaving him without the ability to eat or speak. "To be sure, health problems have prevented me from eating," Ebert writes in the book. "That did not discourage my cooking. It became an exercise more pure, freed of biological compulsion."
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iCGPgljeM3WrvZ368oQFsfkfs-HgD9GL793O0

Bayler Teal
7-year-old Bayler Teal lost his two-year battle with neuroblastoma last Thursday. A committed fan of the South Carolina Gamecocks, Teal inspired the ballplayers with his passion for baseball and his courage to fight cancer. "I don't think the team could begin to understand how much it means,'' his father Rob Teal said of their support of his son. "This is such a tough time for all of us, and it is uplifting to know how much they cared about Bayler."
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/baseball/mlb/wires/06/29/2060.ap.bbc.cws.notebook.1006/

Shonda Schilling
In 2001, Schonda Schilling was diagnosed with stage 2 malignant melanoma, underwent five surgeries and suffered more than 25 scars on her back, arms, legs and chest. A former "sun worshipper," Schilling is now cancer-free and has traveled all over the United States promoting sun-safety awareness. She urges people to never sunburn, cover up, seek shade, conduct monthly skin exams and use sunscreen with at least SPF 15.
http://www.boston.com/yourtown/news/dedham/2010/06/cancer-survivor_schilling_in_d.html

Susan Snow
Four years ago, Susan Snow was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer and was given two months to live. Beating the odds, she opened the Orchard Barn Wellness Centre on her own property last week in hopes of helping others who face a cancer diagnosis. "One of the things you do when your life is threatened is make promises," she said. "My promise was to help others with cancer."
http://www.crestonvalleyadvance.ca/article/20100628/CRESTON0101/306289993/0/CRESTON11/cancer-survivor-shares-experience-at-wellness-centre

Posted on July 1, 2010 10:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

A study from the Cancer Prevention Research journal reveals that the consumption of green vegetables like broccoli and brussels sprouts may block the growth of certain cancer cells. There is a substance produced when a person eats these vegetables and that substance destroys molecules that make the division of certain cancer cells possible.
http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/health&id=7530277

A new tax raises tanning bed prices by 10% in an effort to raise awareness of the risks of exposure to UVA and UVB rays. New research finds that indoor tanning before the age of 35 increases melanoma risk by 75 percent. Similar to the tax on tobacco, the money raised will help fund the U.S. government's $940 billion health care overhaul. "If you get a basic skin cancer in your 20s or 30s, your chance of getting melanoma within the next 10 years are actually much higher," said dermatologist Dr. Ellen Marmur. "That's a very scary way to live your youth to be constantly worried about lethal skin cancer."
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/06/30/eveningnews/main6635131.shtml

Findings from a recent placebo-controlled research study suggest that the combination of isoflavones from soy-based foods and curcumin (found in the spice turmeric) may aid in prostate cancer prevention. Both have anti-inflammatory properties and have resulted in significant reduction of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) production by malignant cells, presumably through a reduction in prostate gland inflammation.
http://mensnewsdaily.com/2010/06/29/soy-curcumin-prostate-cancer-risk/

Researchers analyzed data from 424,500 adults in Asia, Australia and New Zealand, finding that those who were overweight had a significantly increased risk of dying from cancer than those of normal weight. The study which appears in The Lancet Oncology called for, "effective strategies to prevent the increasing proportions of overweight and obese people in Asian populations ... to reduce the burden of cancer that can be expected if the obesity epidemic continues."
http://www.businessweek.com/lifestyle/content/healthday/640656.html

A clinical trial at Johns Hopkins Medical Center is attempting to teach a patient's immune system to recognize and fight pancreatic cancer. "The idea is that, once the immune system now recognizes cancer cells as being foreign, they have potentially the ability to recognize cancer at any time point and kill them before they have the chance to spread," said Dr. Dan Laheru, SU2C scientist and Dream Team member. While the trial is in its early stages, Laheru hopes that the vaccine will become an effective tool in the treatment of pancreatic cancer.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/06/30/earlyshow/health/main6633634.shtml

Please check back next week for more helpful news and links.

Posted on July 2, 2010 8:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Why am I running?

Because when I see a "bad guy" that has hurt my friends and family, I want to chase that villain down.

I'm running because cancer isn't going to slow down on its own. Cancer doesn't take vacations or go to the movies. Cancer doesn't care that you are getting married next week, or that you just landed a promotion at work, or that you were accepted into your top choice for college. Cancer doesn't care that your wife just had a baby. Hell, it doesn't even care if you're human...I'm running for my eight-pound dog who, believe it or not, is a breast cancer survivor. I'm running for my 90-year-old grandmother who is also a breast cancer survivor and still bakes the best lemon cake in the world. I'm running in support of the SU2C researchers who, in their own way, are running as fast as they can in their labs to find treatments that work.

I'm running because we can't sit on the sidelines and wait for someone else to run for us, because we can't let another minute go by without doing something, anything. I consider myself very lucky; cancer hasn't claimed the life of a best friend or close family member of mine...yet. And I know all too well that it is a game of numbers. If I don't run now to help fight cancer, then one day I will lose someone I love. It could even be me.

By Mary Pomerantz

Who will you run for on July 11th? Register now for the MLB All Star 5K and Fun Run.

Posted on July 2, 2010 11:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Paul Johnson
Southern California traffic reporter and weatherman Paul Johnson retired from his 22-year career this past January, and passed away last week after a battle with brain cancer. An avid and accomplished golfer, he often appeared in charity tournaments benefiting children with disabilities. His wife of eight years, Nancy Johnson, says she first fell in love with him by watching him on the television. "He was on camera who he was in person," said Nancy. "A kind, gentle soul, sincere and trustworthy."
http://www.ocregister.com/news/johnson-255675-years-traffic.html

Annie Yokom
Last year, Annie Yokom attended the Tony Awards at Radio City Music Hall, courtesy of the Make-A-Wish Foundation after her diagnosis with lymphoma. Two weeks ago, at the age of 17, she returned to New York after successfully beating the disease. She performed at Feinstein's at the Regency on Park Avenue through the Michael Feinstein Foundation Great American Songbook high school competition. "Like a lot of 15-year-olds, I was pretty self-centered," said Yokom. "I am definitely more wise and a more empathetic person now. It was awful, but I am grateful for that change. I am a lucky girl."
http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/music/2010/07/04/2010-07-04_teen_queen_of_cabaret_illinois_girl_makes_nyc_debut_after_beating_cancer.html

Suzi Lee
After a routine dental check up in 1989, Suzie Lee's dentist discovered a small bump on the roof of her mouth. A biopsy later diagnosed her with adenoid cystic carcinoma, a type of cancer. After successful surgery and a promising diagnosis, the tumor returned 18 years later. Dedicated to her job as a mother and her work in the community as well as with her husband on their farm, Suzi refuses to live her life in fear. "...We do what we need to do to monitor it and live life the rest of the time. I believe God has a plan for me, and I don't want to stand in the way of it," Suzi said. "The support of your friends and family is so huge. I couldn't have done it by myself."
http://www.willistonherald.com/articles/2010/07/03/news/doc4c2fc0f397874189380350.txt

Joey Beauregard
Florida-resident Joey Beauregard recently attempted to climb Mount Shasta, California's fifth-highest mountain and the Cascade Range's second-highest peak. Joined by two-dozen climbers, she participated in an event called "Climb Against the Odds," hosted by the Breast Cancer Fund. At the age of 44, Joey was diagnosed with breast cancer, but has been free and clear since receiving a mastectomy in 2006. Due to harsh weather conditions, the group was unfortunately unable to reach the top of the mountain. While Joey is not ruling out the possibility of trying it again, she admits that raising awareness for the cause is her top priority. "I feel hopeful that this group is truly doing something about finding a way to eliminate the environmental causes of breast cancer," she said.
http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2010-07-02/news/os-lk-breast-cancer-survivor-mountain20100702_1_breast-cancer-breast-cancer-fund-climb

Posted on July 6, 2010 9:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Scientists at the Stanford University School of Medicine have identified a cancer-initiating cell in human melanomas. While it has been comparatively easy to bring a patient into remission, this finding may be able to explain why current immunotherapies have had difficulty preventing the cancer from returning. Alexander Boilo, PhD said, "These cells lack the traditional melanoma cell surface markers targeted by these treatments. Without wiping out the cells at the root of the cancer, the treatment will fail."
http://www.healthcare-digital.com/news/melanoma/scientists-stanford-recognize-melanoma-causing-cell

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that thousands of deaths could have been prevented last year if more U.S. citizens had received screenings for breast and colorectal cancers (two of the country's deadliest cancers). Adults with health insurance had higher screening rates than the uninsured, and many racial and ethnic minorities had low screening rates. The CDC report suggests that the recently passed Affordable Care Act may allow more citizens to be screened through expanding insurance coverage.
http://pagingdrgupta.blogs.cnn.com/2010/07/06/cdc-millions-more-cancer-screenings-could-save-thousands-of-lives/

A study from the Journal of Medical Genetics has found that men with the BRCA2 gene have a one in 12 chance of developing breast cancer before the age of 80. Researchers from St. Mary's Hospital in Manchester said, "These risks are sufficient to increase awareness of breast cancer among men in BRCA2 families and to stress the importance of early presentation with breast symptoms." This study reveals that the existence of this gene variation increases the risk for breast cancer in both women and men.
http://www.businessweek.com/lifestyle/content/healthday/640824.html

Citizens in developing countries account for 88% of the 274,000 annual cervical cancer deaths caused by the humanpapilloma virus (HPV). While rich nations currently have a vaccine to prevent against HPV, few resources exist for women in the world's poorest countries. However, a new test that detects the DNA of HPV fairly quickly has been approved by the European Union. The short time frame for testing and detection may increase the chances for women in developing countries to receive early diagnoses and treatments, potentially saving millions of lives throughout Africa and Asia.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/sarah-boseley-global-health/2010/jul/06/cervical-cancer-test

Posted on July 8, 2010 4:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Now is your chance to directly contribute to cancer research. Register today for this year's Major League Baseball All-Star Game Charity 5K and Fun Run, taking place Sunday, July 11 in Anaheim, Calif. Thanks to MLB, one of our incredible founding partners, proceeds from the All-Star Weekend will benefit Stand Up To Cancer for the second year in a row.

This year's race will be especially exciting, with baseball legends and mascots joining participants on a course that finishes with a lap around Angel Stadium. America's wellness coach, Jillian Michaels (star of The Biggest Loser and Losing It With Jillian), will also be in attendance as our SU2C ambassador.

If you can't make it to Anaheim on July 11, you can still help! When you purchase the video game "MLB 10 The Show" before July 10, $10 will be donated to Stand Up To Cancer.

Thanks for your support. We hope to see you there!

Posted on July 8, 2010 4:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Harvey Pekar
Comic book author and cancer survivor Harvey Pekar passed away on July 12 from unknown causes. Pekar wrote his first comic strip in 1972 and published a graphic novel, "Our Cancer Year," in 1994 detailing his personal battle with lymphoma. His autobiographical series "American Splendor" was made into a film in 2003 and received an Oscar nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay. "Harvey was one of the most compassionate and empathetic human beings I've ever met," said actor Paul Giamatti, who played him in the film. "He had a huge brain and an even bigger soul. And he was hilarious. He was a great artist, a true American poet, and there is no one to replace him."
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504763_162-20010313-10391704.html

Jennifer Saunders
English actress and star of "Absolutely Fabulous" Jennifer Saunders has completed treatment for breast cancer and is now in remission. After her diagnosis in 2009, she decided to keep her condition private. "We're all thrilled for her, and very proud of her, for having won the battle..." said friend and fellow actress Joanna Lumley.
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-31749_162-20010090-10391698.html

Walter Hawkins
Grammy Award-winning gospel singer, composer and pastor Walter Hawkins has passed away at the age of 61 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. "Today, I lost my brother, my pastor, and my best friend," said Edwin Hawkins. "Bishop Hawkins suffered bravely but now he will suffer no more and he will be greatly missed."
http://www.ktla.com/news/landing/ktla-walter-hawkins-obit,0,1874446.story

Neal Benson
Prostate cancer survivor Neal Benson is encouraging others to receive the PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) test after the age of 50. He participated in this year's Pros8K run in Eugene, Oregon, and hopes the members of his community will take advantage of free screenings being offered at a local clinic. "Everyone has a family - wife, children, brothers, sisters. Why should you deprive them of spending time with you? It doesn't make sense to me," said Benson. "I want to see my daughter get married next year. I want to see my grandchildren. Why would I want to deprive myself and my family of that?"
http://kezi.com/news/local/181031

Posted on July 13, 2010 8:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)

Last Sunday a sea of runners gathered at Angel Stadium to participate in MLB's All-Star Charity 5K & Fun Run. With 10,000 registrants, the 2nd annual race was a huge success! Gabrielle Union and Jillian Michaels kicked off the race by rallying runners at the start line. The race route ran through Angels Stadium and participants had a chance to view the park as the players see it right from the field.

Back at our Stand Up To Cancer booth, we greeted a steady stream of runners and supporters who stopped in to share their stories, buy SU2C tee shirts, and sign the dedication wall. We had incredible volunteers from the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network OC Affiliate and Team in Training who came to support SU2C in the spirit of collaboration. Overall it was a perfect day and we're already looking forward to next year in Phoenix!

-- Mary Pomerantz

Posted on July 15, 2010 4:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

A new study from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, Washington suggests that fish oil supplements may help women lower their risk of breast cancer. "People should try to achieve nutrients through a healthy diet, so eating fish is a better recommendation than fish oil," said Dr. Emily White, Ph.D, an epidemiologist and the study's lead author. "We think that fish oil is promising in terms of disease prevention, but it's not proven."
http://www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/07/07/fish.oil.lower.risk/index.html

British researchers have reported a study that found childhood cancer survivors have 11 times the number of premature deaths than the rest of the general public. "These findings confirm the importance of very long-term outcome data and that survivors should be able to access health care programs even decades after treatment," said the leader of the study, Raoul Reulen of Birmingham University. The study also showed that 7 percent of the deaths were due to a recurrence of their original disease while 77 percent was attributed to new cancers, heart disease and cerebrovascular disease.
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE66C65120100713

Miami dermatologist Flor Mayoral warns that while a risk of skin cancer is lowered in a person with darker skin, the risk is not eliminated. A recent study of 41,702 melanoma patients in Florida found advanced cases in 12% of whites, 18% of Hispanics and 26% of blacks. "This is a tragedy because it's preventable," says Claudia Hernandez, a dermatologist in Chicago. "Unlike a lot of cancers that are internal and cannot be seen, these are cancers that can be caught at an early stage."
http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/painter/2010-07-12-yourhealth12_ST_N.htm

A new study called the Indiana Cancer Pain and Depression (INCPAD) trial includes home-based automated symptom monitoring and telephone-based care management for cancer patients. The INCPAD reports that their patients (from 16 community-based urban and rural cancer practices) had an improved ability to cope with pain and depression after participating in the program. "The fact that INCPAD was beneficial for the most common physical and psychological symptoms in cancer patients demonstrates that a collaborative care intervention can cover several conditions, both physical and psychological," the researchers concluded.
http://www.businessweek.com/lifestyle/content/healthday/641029.html

Posted on July 16, 2010 8:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Due to popular demand, the "Up2 You Video Challenge" contest dates have been extended! Enter today! Qualify for amazing prizes including a Takamine guitar and a chance for your video to air on TV September 10, 2010! Sing your own version of the Dave Stewart song, "Stand Up To Cancer," or create a personalized photo slide show. Enter before August 13th. It's Up 2 You!

Like this example? This is your chance to tell the world your story! Submit your video today.

Posted on July 16, 2010 5:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Rene Syler
Breast cancer survivor and former Early Show anchor Rene Syler is encouraging others to be vigilant with their health through testing and early detection. "A stage one breast cancer found on a mammogram is 97 percent curable," she said. "It is a disease that can be curable when caught early." Both of Syler's parents suffered from breast cancer, prompting her to have a preventive mastectomy after her own diagnosis. "The fear of having breast cancer was trumped by the fear of dying," said Syler. "I wanted to live. And the thing that I tell people all the time is, that it's not enough to say, 'I don't want to know,' because what you should really be afraid of is not knowing you have breast cancer."
http://www.wltx.com/news/story.aspx?storyid=90712&catid=291

Stephen Schneider
On July 19, at the age of 65, Cancer survivor and Biology professor Stephen Schneider passed away after suffering a heart attack. A world-renowned climatologist, Schneider battled mantle cell lymphoma in recent years and published a book about his medical journey. Of both cancer and the climate, he said, "In both cases, there was no room to be wrong."
http://www.stanforddaily.com/2010/07/19/stephen-schneider-biology-professor-dies-at-65/

Annelise Woitulewicz
Nine years ago, Annelise Woitulewicz was fighting breast cancer, preceding a myriad of other serious medical problems. Over the following years, she gained weight as a result of inactivity. But today, she is 90 pounds lighter than she was six months ago and is embarking on her first triathlon in Monroe, Michigan. "I can do anything I put my mind to do," said Woitulewicz. "I know that and I preach that and I tell everyone I won't ever let myself say I can't do anything." As for healthy-eating she says, "I just make it count. I eat whole real foods, and stay away from processed. It's portion control."
http://www.freep.com/article/20100718/COL26/7180337/1025/Features/From-cancer-patient-to-triathlete

Bill McPherson
After growing 25 inches of hair in six years, Bill McPherson donated it all to the non-profit organization "Locks of Love," which benefits children suffering from a variety of conditions that cause hair loss. He began growing his hair in 2004 after his cancer went into remission, and was more than happy to let it go, particularly as he raised more than $500 in ticket sales for the hair-cutting event which went towards a Relay for Life fundraiser.
http://www.daily-times.com/ci_15537614

Posted on July 20, 2010 8:19 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Christina Applegate
Cancer survivor and actress Christina Applegate is launching a charity to help at-risk women who can't afford proper preventative care. In 2008, Applegate received a double mastectomy after being diagnosed with breast cancer, detected through an MRI. "It's unfortunate that insurance companies (in America) don't cover the cost of that," said Applegate. "It's such an incredible device because you can find it at an early detection stage." Her charity, "Right Action For Women" will offer MRIs in addition to genetic and nutritional counseling. Applegate and her fiancé Martyn Lenoble are also expecting their first child.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/07/26/christina-applegate-launc_n_659592.html

Kaye Cowher
On July 23 at the age of 54, Kaye Cowher died after a battle with skin cancer. "Kaye was such a loving and compassionate person and she was the foundation of our family," said her husband and former Pittsburgh Steelers coach Bill Cowher. "Kaye was always at my side throughout my career as a player, coach, NFL analyst and, most importantly, as a parent to our three daughters Meagan, Lauren and Lindsay. They will miss their mother dearly."
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=5406440

Elizabeth "Ella" Myers
Three-year-old Elizabeth "Ella" Myers can now call herself a cancer survivor after being diagnosed at just 10 months. During a routine check up, her doctor discovered that 80 percent of her bone marrow was already damaged from leukemia. While Ella is now living a healthy life, cancer free, her mother Leah said, "It's hard to go back to normal. Normal is never the same."
http://www.galesburg.com/topstories/x1953792483/Cancer-survivors-gather-to-remember-hope

Joey Mongalier
Diagnosed with stage II Hodgkin's lymphoma in February, 14-year-old Joey Mongalier is now cancer-free after four months of treatment. "One of Joey's doctors told him early on that with his attitude, he had it beat," said his father Randy. "He's just been going with the flow. If it were me, I'd be asking, 'Why me?' You never heard any of that from him."
http://blog.cleveland.com/parmasunpost/2010/07/14-year-old_parma_cancer_survi.html

Posted on July 27, 2010 9:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Own a virtual piece of your favorite ballpark and help strike out cancer! When you make a donation as small as $5 to Stand Up To Cancer through the MLB.com Stand Up Stadiums, you're contributing to groundbreaking cancer research. Seats, suites, bases and pitching mounds are now up for grabs and can be dedicated to
someone you love. Visit mlb.com/standupstadiums to learn more.

Posted on July 27, 2010 1:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

One in five Americans will develop skin cancer, making it the most common form of cancer in the U.S., according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. It is also the most curable when caught early. One of the most important ways to protect oneself, according to experts, is to regularly check the skin and learn to differentiate harmless moles from potentially deadly cancers. They also recommend wearing sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher), wearing protective clothing, and avoiding direct sun exposure between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504763_162-20011930-10391704.html

Results from a recent study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology reveal that, "the more time you spend sitting, the less total energy expended and you can have consequences such as weight gain and increased obesity," said the study's lead author Dr. Alpa Patel. This in turn affects an individual's metabolism and increases risk factors for various diseases including cancer. Study participants were followed for 14 years (from 1993 to 2006). Even small amounts of exercise per day tended to lower the mortality risk tied to sitting and inactivity.
http://health.usnews.com/health-news/family-health/heart/articles/2010/07/22/the-longer-you-sit-the-shorter-your-life-span-study.html

Drug companies are in the final stages of testing viruses that could stabilize or shrink tumors. A Phase III trial utilizing the new drug has already been given the go-ahead in the U.S., U.K. and Canada. Preliminary data from the U.S. will be available within a year, with final data expected in 2012. The Wall Street Journal reports, "The reovirus, from which Reolysin is made, only replicates in cells with an activated Ras pathway, rare in normal cells. About two-thirds of cancer cells have mutations that allow the injected virus to replicate until it eventually begins to destroy the cancerous cells. Because the drug targets mainly cancer cells, the main side effect is a mild fever."
http://online.wsj.com/article/NA_WSJ_PUB:BT-CO-20100726-707662.html

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) hopes to improve the care of patients with "cancer of unknown primary" (CUP). More than 10,000 people are diagnosed each year in England and Wales, reports the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). "This is a very neglected type of cancer - patients generally have a poor prognosis and little is known about which types of treatment work best for them," said NICE clinical and public health director, Peter Littlejohns. "They also tend to miss out on medical and other benefits that are given to patients with a specific type of cancer."
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-10762420

Posted on July 29, 2010 11:05 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)