MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'cancer research'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 01:52:40 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5159669&cid=t_103884_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F08%2F24%2F30-day-mortality-associated-with-primary-cytoreductive-surgery-in-elderly-advanced-ovarian-cancer-patients-much-higher-than-previously-reported%2F Researchers affiliated with the University of Washington have determined that the 30-day mortality rate associated with primary cytoreductive surgery in elderly patients with advanced ovarian cancer is much higher than previously reported. Researchers affiliated with the University of Washington have determined that the 30-day mortality rate associated with primary cytoreductive surgery in elderly patients with [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5159669 Thu, 25 Aug 2011 00:28:52 +0100 5159669 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5140181&cid=t_103884_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F08%2F18%2Fu-k-researchers-launch-clinical-trial-of-mercaptopurine-6-mp-in-women-with-hereditary-breast-and-ovarian-cancer%2F A Cancer Research UK-funded clinical trial of a new drug for patients with advanced breast or ovarian cancer due to inherited BRCA gene mutations has been launched at the Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre at the University of Oxford. A Cancer Research UK-funded trial of a new drug for patients with advanced breast or ovarian cancer [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5140181 Thu, 18 Aug 2011 21:07:56 +0100 5140181 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5140183&cid=t_103884_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F08%2F17%2Fpenns-genetically-modified-t-cells-create-antitumor-effect-in-mice-with-folate-positive-ovarian-cancer-clinical-trial-pending%2F In a recent issue of Cancer Research, researchers from the University of Pennsylvania showed for the first time that engineered human T cells can eradicate deadly human ovarian cancer in immune-deficient mice. A clinical trial involving the modified T cells is expected to be announced within the next few months. In a recent issue of Cancer Research, Daniel [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5140183 Wed, 17 Aug 2011 22:50:23 +0100 5140183 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5140184&cid=t_103884_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F08%2F16%2Fadvanced-mri-scan-may-predict-chemotherapy-benefit-in-late-stage-ovarian-cancer-patients-after-just-one-cycle%2F Scientists at The Institute of Cancer Research and The Royal Marsden Hospital have developed an advanced type of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan that can detect whether late-stage ovarian cancers are responding to chemotherapy treatment after just one cycle. Scientists at The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) and The Royal Marsden Hospital have developed an [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5140184 Tue, 16 Aug 2011 19:34:49 +0100 5140184 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5130989&cid=t_103884_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fsupport-a-cure-send-your-bra-to-washington%2F The media coverage of the economic woes of the United States and the recent congressional battle over the deficit has been ad nauseam recently. Most of us have really had enough — and may even have become desensitized to the issues. This concerns me. The implication for women and especially breast cancer survivors is significant. If budget cuts for education, research, and health care continue, I worry that it will adversely affect any momentum gained over the past years in working towards a cure for breast cancer. Government’s involvement in finding a cure is paramount. Each of us needs to make an effort to keep breast cancer front and center, and I have a simple way that we can do it. I have sent e-mails to my representatives and senators about health care and breast cancer. Of... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5130989 Mon, 15 Aug 2011 16:46:28 +0100 5130989 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5118931&cid=t_103884_136_f&fid=39026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarolinemfr.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F08%2Fanother-hope-for-cure.html There was a small (and I mean really small - three person) study on a gene therapy which uses the patient's own blood to cure their leukemia. It was aptly written about by a reporter with the last name Nano... Okay, its progress. It sounds very promising. I think it could be a sign of the future - taking your own blood and turning it into T cells and then it gets beyond me. But please, its only on THREE people and they still don't have any long term results. As the article states, they need to look at the condition of the patients in one or two years. This is not a cure, it is another in a long series of potential breakthroughs. The problem is all these breakthroughs is that we hear about them now but we have to wait for years to find out if they will work for the general population wi... Caroline's Breast Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5118931 Thu, 11 Aug 2011 10:23:00 +0100 5118931 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5118646&cid=t_103884_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Findividualizing-the-fight-against-cancer%2F2011.08.10 You have heard it countless times, “The War on Cancer.” President Nixon announced it. The National Cancer Institute has spearheaded what TV and radio commercials always talk about as “the fight against cancer.” Singular. But we really need to start thinking about it as a plural.  Wars on cancer. Fights against cancer. Taking it one step further, we need to see each person’s fight as an individual battle.  Not just individualized to the patient’s spirit or age or sense of hope, but individualized to his or her particular biology, matched up with the specific cancer and available treatments. That is the nature of “personalized medicine” applied to cancer. We’ve been talking about it for a few years around here, but what’s exciting now is that even more super smart peopl... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5118646 Wed, 10 Aug 2011 18:00:06 +0100 5118646 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5107516&cid=t_103884_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fcolumbia-university-medical-center-to-hold-all-day-event-covering-pancreatic-cancer-research%2F2011.08.08 On Thursday, October 20, The Pancreas Center of NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center will be holding the 2011 Gigi Shaw Arledge Conference on Pancreatic Diseases. This all-day event is targeted for clinicians and scientists, covering pancreatic cancer research from basic, translational, clinical and epidemiological perspectives and will feature distinguished guest lecturers and leaders in the field of pancreatic diseases. The conference is being held due to the generous support of the Gigi Arledge Foundation. Giselle (Gigi) Arledge, the late wife of Columbia Trustee and benefactor Roone Arledge, passed away from pancreatic cancer in 2010. According to foundation President Catherine Shaw, ” Now is the time to move pancreatic cancer research forward. Dr. Chabot,... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5107516 Mon, 08 Aug 2011 21:00:05 +0100 5107516 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5107829&cid=t_103884_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F08%2F07%2Finherited-mutations-in-rad51d-gene-confer-susceptibility-to-ovarian-cancer%2F Cancer Research UK-funded scientists have discovered that women who carry a faulty copy of a gene called RAD51D have almost a 1-in-11 chance of developing ovarian cancer. The finding that inherited mutations in the RAD51D gene confer susceptibility to ovarian cancer was reported in a study published online in Nature Genetics on August 7, 2011. Cancer [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5107829 Mon, 08 Aug 2011 01:57:32 +0100 5107829 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5069750&cid=t_103884_136_f&fid=39212&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbahtocancer.com%2F2011%2F07%2Frebecca-ran%2F Oh yes she did. 10k. And look. Stevie is my nickname. So, that’s me on there! For those of you who aren’t dancing, haven’t danced, with cancer, it’s hard to express the feeling that being on a Race for Life back sign gives you. When Rebecca sent me this picture I felt honoured and humbled and a little bit overcome. I had a little cry, because there is so much support out there, not just for me, but for everyone with a cancer. There is such determination to find a cure, such relentless effort. It makes me feel tiny, and on top of the world, at the same time. The other thing that this back sign did, I must admit, was make me feel slightly surprised, because in spite of all of the drugs and needles and blogging and, y’know, writing a book about it and everything... Bah! to cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5069750 Tue, 26 Jul 2011 20:00:46 +0100 5069750 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5050578&cid=t_103884_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fthe-rise-in-cancer-rates-may-not-mean-more-cancer%2F2011.07.21 Several newspapers in the UK reported this week that cancer rates have risen over the past two decades. That set into motion an analysis by the excellent “Behind the Headlines” service offered by the NHS Choices website. They found this in newspapers: “Cancer rates in the middle-aged “have jumped by almost a fifth in a generation”, according to The Daily Telegraph, which says that the increase “is thought to be mainly due to better detection of cancers rather than people adopting more unhealthy lifestyles”. The Sun takes the alternate view, saying that doctors are “blaming the rise on obesity and home boozing”. The Daily Mail similarly suggests that lifestyle changes are to blame.” You don’t have to live in the UK to learn f... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5050578 Thu, 21 Jul 2011 16:00:13 +0100 5050578 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5051125&cid=t_103884_136_f&fid=39212&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbahtocancer.com%2F2011%2F07%2Frebecca-races-for-life%2F I wrote a couple of weeks ago about how I’m not doing a Race for Life this year. My friend Rebecca is though. She’s running 10k – the furthest she’s ever run – on Sunday, “in celebration and in memory of friends and family who have had dealings with cancer”. So, if you feel so inclined – maybe if you’d have sponsored me if I’d been running – I’d love you to sponsor her. The link to her fundraising page is here. I’ll be adding to it just as soon as I’ve remembered what my justgiving password is. (Which reminds me…. apparently ‘dragon’ is one of the top ten online passwords. Funny, eh?) Thank you, if you sponsor Rebecca. Thank you, if you sponsor anyone else who is fundraising. Thank you, i... Bah! to cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5051125 Wed, 20 Jul 2011 08:54:36 +0100 5051125 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5008550&cid=t_103884_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fthe-best-evidence-says-mammograms-should-begin-at-age-forty%2F There was much hoopla a few years ago over recommendations by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force to limit mammography screening to women ages 50 to 74 every other year. But there is less fanfare over new findings coming out of a study in Sweden, which suggests that regular mammograms in women ages 40 to 49 (the age group excluded by the new task force guidelines) prevented up to 30 percent of deaths from breast cancer. People, this is significant! The task force ignored studies like these ongoing in Sweden and Canada for their model, which was based on statistical data. The Swedish mammogram study spanned 29 years and included over 130,000 women. The task force’s answer to recent studies has been to recommend a baseline mammogram for women in their forties to look at breast density,... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5008550 Fri, 08 Jul 2011 14:39:24 +0100 5008550 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5008121&cid=t_103884_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FUSwXKw_51XA%2F The vast majority of breast cancer cases occur in women, so it’s only natural that the components of and context for public-health ads about the disease have a connection to that gender. A study recently published by the Journal of Marketing Research, however, questions whether that’s always the best way to go. A series of six experiments demonstrates, the authors say, that emphasizing gender in those ads might actually lower a woman’s perceived risk for breast cancer, make her give less to gender-specific cancer charities and even make her less likely to remember the ads. (Here’s the executive summary and here’s the abstract.) That would fly in the face of conventional wisdom, which holds that targeting women through ads that build on their gender primes them... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5008121 Thu, 07 Jul 2011 20:59:26 +0100 5008121 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5008576&cid=t_103884_136_f&fid=39212&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbahtocancer.com%2F2011%2F07%2Fin-which-i-am-a-little-bit-demanding%2F I’m not doing a Race for Life this year. Partly because my local Races seem determined to be where I am not – there’s one this weekend in Gateshead while I will be in Norfolk, there were two last weekend in Durham while I was on the train to London….. And partly because I feel as though I’ve harangued the bejesus out of everyone I know for sponsorship, for four events (two Races for Life, two Night Hikes) over the last two years. I’m giving you some time off. But fear not, I will be hitting you with more demands for sponsorship money and book-buying before too long. I do think the Race for Life is a great event for a great cause, and I urge you to take part if you can – details are here. Leave a comment to tell us all where and when, and you might ... Bah! to cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5008576 Thu, 07 Jul 2011 11:18:45 +0100 5008576 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4997778&cid=t_103884_136_f&fid=39026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarolinemfr.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F07%2Fmore-medicalcancer-news.html This article tries to explain it here: "For instance, in a general population of 1 million women, even a 1.6% absolute risk reduction amounts to 16,000 fewer cases of cancer. In contrast, a 3.2% reduction in a higher-risk group – postmenopausal women with a family history – amounts to only 2,560 fewer cases, according to the model." The first sentence gives me a clue but the second sentences confuses me. Brain overload. I think I need to ask my doctor to explain this as she would to a five year old.Maybe I can just say that cancer is confusing to all of us. (Source: Caroline's Breast Cancer Blog) Caroline's Breast Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4997778 Mon, 04 Jul 2011 10:57:00 +0100 4997778 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4968823&cid=t_103884_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F06%2F23%2Fcan-a-diet-low-in-carbs-high-on-protein-help-in-the-fight-against-cancer%2F Eating a low-carbohydrate, high-protein diet may reduce the risk of cancer and slow the growth of tumors already present, according to a study published in Cancer Research, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research. Eating a low-carbohydrate, high-protein diet may reduce the risk of cancer and slow the growth of tumors already present, [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4968823 Fri, 24 Jun 2011 05:21:02 +0100 4968823 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4960274&cid=t_103884_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F06%2F21%2Fharvard-scientists-image-beginning-stages-of-ovarian-cancer-metastasis-cancer-cells-bully-their-way-through-normal-tissue%2F According to a study reported in the Cancer Discovery journal, scientists at Harvard University imaged the beginning stages of ovarian cancer metastasis, and identified a mechanism used by cancer cells to bully their way through normal tissue. Scientists at Harvard University have created a laboratory model using time-lapse video microscopic technology that allows observation of early [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4960274 Tue, 21 Jun 2011 22:49:55 +0100 4960274 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4952786&cid=t_103884_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FP3UiqDtik8I%2F The American Cancer Society is out with its annual stats on how many people get and die from the disease in the U.S. Incidence and death rates are on the decline, though this year, the report estimates, there will still be almost 1,597,000 new cases of cancer and 571,950 deaths. But beyond the big-picture view, this year’s report digs into the disparities between the least- and most-educated. And they’re big. In 2007, cancer death rates for the least-educated were 2.6 times those of the most-educated. We asked one of the report’s authors, Ahmedin Jemal, ACS’s vice president of surveillance research, to help us understand why. The number of years spent in school isn’t important because there’s some mandatory course for college freshmen that explains how t... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4952786 Fri, 17 Jun 2011 16:17:01 +0100 4952786 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4911767&cid=t_103884_136_f&fid=35283&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cancer.org%2FAboutUs%2FDrLensBlog%2Fpost%2F2011%2F06%2F08%2FASCO-2011-Is-A-Wrap-Along-With-Redemption-Blisterwalks-And-Whether-I-Will-Remember-The-Hashtags.aspx I am on the plane home from the 2011 American Society of Clinical Oncology annual meeting trying to figure out the best way to write a "wrap up" blog about my sense of what I learned and saw in Chicago over the past 4 days.   I wish I could tell you all the highlights of all the new studies and all of the exciting breakthroughs, but I can't.  Realistically is it impossible to attend all the sessions, read all of the thousands of abstracts and view the additional thousands of posters that are presented at this meeting.  There is so much information that trying to get one's arms around even a fraction of what is available is a monstrous effort.   I will leave it to others to write the headlines and the stories about what they think the latest and greatest research and/or ... Dr. Len's Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4911767 Wed, 08 Jun 2011 10:48:00 +0100 4911767 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4902639&cid=t_103884_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fare-profits-driving-breast-cancer-clinical-studies%2F I got the bright idea this week that it would be great if now and then I could provide information about clinical studies being done on treatment or drugs for breast cancer. I am involved in a clinical study through Sister (the name I give to my younger sister in case you forgot) who is part of a study into the BRCA gene mutation carriers in Canada. Other than that, I have answered questionnaires for various studies. Now as a survivor I wonder if I could be helpful as a participant in drug research and trials. My investigation into this idea brought up a whole other issue however. Large pharmaceutical companies fund many of the studies looking for a wonder drug. The intent is to not only find effective and safe drugs, but profitable ones too. This actually limits the studies being done. Ta... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4902639 Mon, 06 Jun 2011 21:29:25 +0100 4902639 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4821099&cid=t_103884_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F05%2F13%2Flibby%25e2%2580%2599s-hope-women%25e2%2580%2599s-oncology-research-dialogue-launch-new-%25e2%2580%259cword-of-hope%25e2%2584%25a2%25e2%2580%259d-ovarian-cancer-educational-podcast-series%2F WORD OF HOPE™ Ovarian Cancer Podcast Now Available Through New Website, iTunes, YouTube, and Other Online Sources. A new ovarian cancer educational podcast series, entitled “WORD of HOPE™,” was launched during Women’s Health Awareness Week through a collaborative initiative of Libby’s H*O*P*E*™ (LH) and Women’s Oncology Research & Dialogue (WORD). The WORD of HOPE™ Ovarian [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4821099 Fri, 13 May 2011 18:03:11 +0100 4821099 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4813614&cid=t_103884_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fdo-we-need-a-longer-hospital-stay-after-a-mastectomy%2F Even though the scientific evidence shows that women recover just as well at home after a mastectomy, I don’t believe women should be sent home the day after surgery. In the late 1990s, the switch was made to sending women home quickly after surgery to remove a breast. The evidence suggested that women recover just as well at home as in the hospital. Prior to that decision, many women were in the hospital for several days — now it is up to doctors whether to keep a woman longer than the initial day of recovery. They need a medical reason for insurance to pay for the extended hospital stay. But the evidence doesn’t address the emotional impact that breast cancer and losing a breast has on a woman. We especially need time to assess our feelings about losing a breast before returni... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4813614 Tue, 10 May 2011 17:00:14 +0100 4813614 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4803030&cid=t_103884_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FE-TiJcSMHyU%2F A colonoscopy isn’t something you get just for giggles. Beyond the obvious unpleasantness, there’s the small but real risk of complications that in rare cases can lead to hospitalization or even death. That’s why the American Cancer Society and other groups recommend that people screened for colorectal cancer using a colonoscopy wait a decade in between tests if no polyps or other signs of potential cancer are found. Polyps are slow-growing, and the benefits of being screened more frequently than that don’t seem to outweigh the risks. A new study, however, suggests that a significant percentage of Medicare patients are having screening colonoscopies more frequently than that, for no apparent medical reason. Researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch found... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4803030 Mon, 09 May 2011 20:25:05 +0100 4803030 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4803453&cid=t_103884_136_f&fid=39026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarolinemfr.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F05%2Flessons-from-preschool-sharing-is-good.html Medical researchers who didn't learn sharing and playing well with others need to go back to preschool to try again. There is a new study on medical studies. (Just what we need - a study on studies. What's next - a study on a study on studies?)Anyway, it says that the proximity of people has a correlation with increased significant breakthroughs in research. I live outside Boston which is a pretty geeky city and full of medical research. It turns out more medical breakthroughs happen here than elsewhere because people are so close together. And when people share buildings there are more collaborations. And when they share floors and talk in hallways and elevators, there are even more. Back in January, I think I blogged about the Broad Institute and how it is a new place full of collaborati... Caroline's Breast Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4803453 Sun, 08 May 2011 11:21:00 +0100 4803453 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4780459&cid=t_103884_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fbreast-cancer-can-we-stop-it-with-a-vaccine%2F Osama bin Laden is gone — now let’s target breast cancer. Like a terrorist, breast cancer is merciless and unrelenting. We don’t know where it is hiding and when the next attack is going to come. Just as there was a concerted effort to bring down bin Laden, there are countless agents working diligently on eradicating breast cancer. It poses the same threat as terrorism — it strikes fear in families and kills the innocent. Breast cancer over the years has killed as many if not more people than terrorists. In 2010, there was a lot of talk about work on a vaccine for breast cancer. It has since died down, but I was reminded of it while listening to the radio a week ago. During a news program, there was a snippet about a vaccine showing promise for pancreatic cancer. It immedi... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4780459 Tue, 03 May 2011 18:14:29 +0100 4780459 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4720051&cid=t_103884_136_f&fid=39026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarolinemfr.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F04%2Fmore-on-estrogen-controversyconfusion.html All of us breast cancer people know about the estrogen controversy/confusion about if you have had estrogen positive breast cancer, should you avoid estrogen in the future? Based on yet another new study (of course, what would the world be without medical studies), the answer is sometimes its good and sometimes its bad. I saw this article and thought - maybe I can finally figure this out - and it left me more confused than I was before. I am keeping my stand of I am skipping estrogen because it allows me to avoid eating tofu which I hate. (Tofu and soy can mimic estrogen so supposedly it should be avoided by women with estrogen positive breast cancer - or so the last study said.) Anyhow this article only says that sometimes its good and sometimes its bad and since I have no way of knowing ... Caroline's Breast Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4720051 Sat, 16 Apr 2011 10:35:00 +0100 4720051 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4704616&cid=t_103884_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FneXEkQgP7ns%2F Kaposi’s sarcoma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma and invasive cervical cancer are considered “AIDS-defining cancers,” striking those infected with HIV at much higher rates than the general population and, except in the case of cervical cancer, associated with an impaired immune system. (Kaposi’s sarcoma was — inaccurately — known as the “gay cancer” back in the early 1980s.) But therapies used against HIV have gotten much more effective in the last 15 years or so. And those infected with the virus are living longer, which means more of them are developing the age-related cancers that afflict the general population, according to a new study by government researchers and published online in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. Between the period... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4704616 Mon, 11 Apr 2011 20:17:51 +0100 4704616 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4677040&cid=t_103884_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fnot-writing-much-longer-i-hope%2F I only learned tonight that Ann Romney, the wife of Mitt Romney, a presidential candidate wannabe, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008. I didn’t know that until now, but I was happy to learn that she was diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer — ductal carcinoma in situ DCIS. Technically, carcinoma in situ is a pre-cancer. My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in situ when she was 60; she survived that and then survived lung cancer later. Women diagnosed at that early age are often considered cancer-free after a lumpectomy to remove the tiny tumor. I was not so lucky. When I was diagnosed, the cancer was invasive and had spread to several lymph nodes. That was over six years ago. I survived and I have been writing about it for five years. I never figured that I would sti... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4677040 Mon, 04 Apr 2011 15:52:09 +0100 4677040 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4658583&cid=t_103884_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F03%2F30%2F2011-aacr-annual-meeting-select-ovarian-cancer-presentations-abstracts-available-online%2F The 102nd American Association For Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting will be held from Saturday, April 2 through Wednesday, April 6, 2011, at the Orange County Convention Center located in Orlando, Florida.  Select ovarian cancer presentations and abstracts are available online. The 102nd American Association For Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting will be held from [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4658583 Wed, 30 Mar 2011 20:23:54 +0100 4658583 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4610957&cid=t_103884_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fget-the-best-reconstructive-surgery-for-you%2F I am so grateful that Dr. Rebecca Studinger began her practice in Michigan. Yesterday I had another breast revision surgery and fat grafting. Fat grafting is actually liposuction; Dr. Studinger took fat from another part of my body — not hard to find — and put it into my breasts to get the right size. The best thing about this wonderful doctor is that she is not only highly trained, skilled, and talented, but is willing to work with me patiently to ensure I get the results I want. Her vision for women after breast cancer matches our own. We desire natural looking breasts as close to the real thing as possible and Dr. Studinger is one doctor who can make that happen. My surgeries with her have been like a spa experience — she is that good. My doctors at Johns Hopkins were... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4610957 Fri, 18 Mar 2011 16:48:02 +0100 4610957 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4592638&cid=t_103884_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fdont-be-bullied-into-treatment-youre-not-comfortable-with%2F .If you have ever been bullied, you know that you don’t realize it at first. Initially, people tend to blame themselves for how others treat them. I was bullied as a child by a group of girls, and I can tell you that your first instinct is to think it is your fault. As a new student in a new school, I was ostracized for the first few months. At eight years old, school was my whole life, so you can imagine how much the rejection of the other students affected me. It took me well into adulthood to find it easy to make new friends. Of course I am over it now, but it had a long-lasting effect. As adults we don’t call it bullying, we call it intimidating. Often we admire people who can intimidate others, regardless of the outcome. Perhaps that is why bullying has becoming epidemic among chi... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4592638 Mon, 14 Mar 2011 18:35:31 +0100 4592638 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4560519&cid=t_103884_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F03%2F07%2F2011-sgo-annual-meeting-ovarian-cancer-abstracts-selected-for-presentation%2F The March 2011 supplemental issue of Gynecologic Oncology sets forth the ovarian cancer and ovarian cancer-related medical abstracts selected by the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists for presentation at its 42nd Annual Meeting on Women’s Cancer™, which is being held in Orlando, Florida from March 6-9, 2011. The Society of Gynecologic Oncologists (SGO) is hosting its 42nd Annual [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4560519 Tue, 08 Mar 2011 05:39:54 +0100 4560519 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4552136&cid=t_103884_136_f&fid=39026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarolinemfr.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F03%2Fplease-choose-activism-vs-cancer.html If you had millions and billions of dollars, what would you spend it on? Lots of rich people like to spend money on getting things to go their way - whether its giving money to help elect the politicians who will make laws so they pay less in taxes or so their companies are subject to less restriction or whatever. They choose the activism route. Also rich people spend money to make their lives easier - the fancy car, the nice houses, the fancy vacations all over the world. How much money do they give to charity? Actually well off people do usually give money to charity. But how about $100 million to fund a cancer research center in Cambridge, MA which is a unique combination of oncologists, biologists and engineers, etc? How cool is that? I have heard about this research center for a while... Caroline's Breast Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4552136 Sat, 05 Mar 2011 12:03:00 +0100 4552136 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4544971&cid=t_103884_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fcancer-and-science-based-medicine-skepticism-vs-nihilism%2F2011.03.03 Last Friday, Mark Crislip posted an excellent deconstruction of a very disappointing article that appeared in the most recent issue of Skeptical Inquirer (SI), the flagship publication of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry (CSI). I say “disappointing,” because I was disappointed to see SI publish such a biased, poorly thought out article, apparently for the sake of controversy. I’m a subscriber myself, and in general enjoy reading the magazine, although of late I must admit that I don’t always read each issue cover to cover the way I used to do. Between work, grant writing, blogging, and other activities, my outside reading, even of publications I like, has declined. Perhaps SI will soon find itself off my reading list. Be that as it may, I couldn’t miss the article that so irr... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4544971 Thu, 03 Mar 2011 14:00:03 +0100 4544971 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4536062&cid=t_103884_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fdetecting-circulating-tumor-cells-with-gold-nanoparticles%2F2011.03.02 Our modern armamentarium for treating cancer is impressive, but sometimes, despite our best treatments, tumor cells continue to lurk in the bloodstream, seeding metastases throughout the body. Researchers at Emory have developed a way to monitor for these circulating tumor cells using gold nanoparticles. This technique has been used before, but difficulty was encountered because white blood cells are close to the same size as some tumor cells, so they would both be tagged, necessitating a laborious multi-antibody staining process. “The key technological advance here is our finding that polymer-coated gold nanoparticles that are conjugated with low molecular weight peptides such as EGF are much less sticky than particles conjugated to whole antibodies,” says Shuming Nie, Ph.D., a profes... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4536062 Wed, 02 Mar 2011 14:00:03 +0100 4536062 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4522083&cid=t_103884_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FoxusFVxmK2Y%2F It seems logical that if a man’s prostate-specific antigen levels are rising quickly enough, even if the PSA itself is within the normal range, he should be checked out for cancer. A new study, however, finds that the use of PSA velocity — which is recommended for use in early detection by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network and the American Urological Association, but not by the American Cancer Society — adds nothing to the host of other indicators already used to gauge whether a man should receive a biopsy. Andrew Vickers, lead author of the study and an associate attending research methodologist at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, uses a sports analogy to explain why. A coach picking a basketball team of 12-year-olds is better off going by height, rather t... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4522083 Fri, 25 Feb 2011 17:52:48 +0100 4522083 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4507280&cid=t_103884_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fselecting-targeted-therapies-online-the-future-of-personalized-cancer-treatment%2F2011.02.22 The word cancer comes from the greek word for crab “karkinos,” so named by Hippocrates who visualized the tumor and its surrounding vessels looking like a crab, dug stubbornly into the sand with its legs. We know far more about cancer today than the ancient Greeks, but the vision of an entrenched opponent, almost impossible to extract whole, appears to be vividly prescient. What we have realized over the last half century is that removal of the visible tumor is not enough. Even as we learned how to do bigger and more destructive surgeries, the cancer still managed to sneak back in, growing later at different locations. The crab’s legs are still embedded in the patient. Thus the discovery that certain chemicals could extinguish these rogue cells opened the modern era of cancer therapy... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4507280 Tue, 22 Feb 2011 20:00:25 +0100 4507280 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4495383&cid=t_103884_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fpreventing-lymphedema-prior-to-treatment%2F I am worried about lymphedema. This is a condition that can develop with breast cancer treatment and involves swelling in the arm or chest after lymph nodes are removed, which clogs the flow of lymph fluid from that area. It’s something that I have been concerned about every now and then, and as I wrote earlier this week, I am aware of things I can do to prevent it. Lately though, when reading about lymphedema, it appears that it’s something we should be thinking about when we first start discussing breast cancer treatment. Surgery and radiation therapy can cause lymphedema by removing or destroying lymph nodes and vessels draining lymph fluid from the arm and chest. Lumpectomies and mapping of lymph nodes are among the techniques that doctors are using to reduce the risk of t... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4495383 Fri, 18 Feb 2011 20:47:08 +0100 4495383 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4489697&cid=t_103884_94_f&fid=36906&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDoctorDavidsBlog%2F%7E3%2FgYWnKMa_NhE%2Fwhy-study-rare-diseases.html This article states that there are only 250 known people with Laron Syndrome worldwide. Photo Credit So why study such a rare disorder?  Well, interestingly, people with Laron Syndrome don’t get cancer (they also don’t get diabetes, but this is a blog about cancer, so we’ll focus on that).  This interesting observation raises a really obvious question:  Why not? At first blush, there could be a very simplistic answer:  IGF-1 makes your body grow.  For you to grow from the size of an infant to the size of an adult, your cells have to divide many, many times.  Each time a cell divides, it risks developing a mutation, and the accumulation of mutations leads to cancer.  If you don’t grow any larger than a 7-year old, there are fewer cell divisions.&n... Doctor David's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4489697 Fri, 18 Feb 2011 03:23:00 +0100 4489697 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4464661&cid=t_103884_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fa-new-way-to-help-protect-breast-cancer-survivors%2F During one of my classes, the instructor showed a slide of a woman’s arm afflicted with lymphedema. Until then I had never seen a picture of it. The slide showed the affected arm beside the woman’s unaffected arm, and it was pretty apparent that lymphedema had swollen the arm to more than twice its size. It was the first time I had really seen what lymphedema could do. It jolted me and rekindled my fears about this condition. Having had lymph nodes removed during my mastectomy makes me a candidate for lymphedema. I make sure I tell nurses and doctors to measure my blood pressure using my other arm. When I get fatigued, I notice that my arm feels a little numb, and it reminds me that something else has been affected by breast cancer. I asked my doctor if I should get a medical alert bra... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4464661 Fri, 11 Feb 2011 21:18:31 +0100 4464661 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4460149&cid=t_103884_136_f&fid=39026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarolinemfr.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F02%2Fin-case-you-didnt-udnerstand-yesterdays.html They had to explain the 'breaking news' from yesterday with another article. Basically, it only effects treatment for 20% of newly diagnosed cases each year. If your cancer had not spread and was in situ, it doesn't pertain to you (60%). If you cancer has already spread to other parts of the body (5%), it doesn't pertain to you. Then (using their crazy math), 33% of cases where cancer might have reached the lymph nodes. Where I went to school, 20+60+5+33=118%, not 100%. I guess the message is that it only affects some people. Maybe there will be an article explaining yet another new math we all have to learn. Or no, maybe this is a case of skewed statistics that I mentioned the other day.But last of all, from what I can figure out, I still would have needed the surgery I received. But I gu... Caroline's Breast Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4460149 Thu, 10 Feb 2011 11:28:00 +0100 4460149 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4455246&cid=t_103884_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FYtqFy9igU9s%2F A study author tells the NYT it's much easier for doctors and patients to accept a study indicating an increase in treatment than a decrease. (Source: WSJ.com: Health Blog) WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4455246 Wed, 09 Feb 2011 17:07:12 +0100 4455246 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4439003&cid=t_103884_136_f&fid=39212&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbahtocancer.com%2F2011%2F02%2Fone-in-eight%2F When I was first diagnosed with a breast cancer, I stumbled through leaflets, websites, and conversations about my new dance partner, horrified at my own ignorance about a disease that, it turned out, affected one in nine women in the UK. I remember thinking about that statistic as I walked to the hospital one day. I remember trying to work out how many women I knew, how many of those had had a breast cancer, what the likelihood was of more of my loved ones joining me on the dancefloor….. I soon stopped speculating, as I recognised it wasn’t a constructive way to think, but that ‘one in nine’ has stuck with me ever since. Yesterday morning, as usual, I was listening to the radio as I got dressed. As usual, I was surveying my poor beleaguered breast and wondering how... Bah! to cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4439003 Sat, 05 Feb 2011 06:44:08 +0100 4439003 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4428995&cid=t_103884_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FWrokSSwxc-I%2F A paper published this week in the journal Gut found a trained dog was able to detect even early-stage colorectal cancer in stool and breath samples. (Source: WSJ.com: Health Blog) WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4428995 Wed, 02 Feb 2011 18:51:45 +0100 4428995 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4424395&cid=t_103884_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F02%2F01%2Fnovel-cancer-targeting-cornell-dot-nanoparticle-approved-for-first-in-human-clinical-trial%2F “Cornell Dots” — brightly glowing nanoparticles — may soon be used to light up cancer cells to aid in diagnosing and treating cancer. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the first clinical trial in humans of the new technology. It is the first time the FDA has approved using an inorganic material [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4424395 Tue, 01 Feb 2011 23:26:35 +0100 4424395 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4424396&cid=t_103884_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F01%2F31%2Fyale-university-scientists-synthesize-long-sought-after-anticancer-agent%2F A team of Yale University scientists has synthesized for the first time a chemical compound  called “lomaiviticin aglycon, ” which led to the development of a new class of molecules that appear to target and destroy cancer stem cells. A team of Yale University scientists has synthesized for the first time a chemical compound called [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4424396 Tue, 01 Feb 2011 07:25:18 +0100 4424396 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4414572&cid=t_103884_117_f&fid=38856&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timemastermd.com%2F%3Fp%3D1938 SAVE YOUR SKIN – SAVE YOUR ASS! Blue or Green Eyed Blonds be careful – you are at the highest risk for skin cancers – www.finest.se/asavesterlund , http://www.aftonbladet.se/nojesbladet/article8464803.ab It’s the UVA and UVB rays that cause the problem, and a lot of sunscreens block only one of the two.  More importantly, the sunscreen must be applied often since sweat and water renders it ineffective as it leaves the surface of the skin.  Even “waterproof” blockers don’t stay on well. Chloe Sevigny and Marc Jacobs support melanoma research showing the biggest organ is indeed, your skin, and it needs to be protected!  Any volunteers to help protect Chloe protect her skin better? The Swedish Melanoma Study Group (SMSG) is a network of  Nordic... Timemaster MD blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4414572 Sun, 30 Jan 2011 13:49:26 +0100 4414572 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4399770&cid=t_103884_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F01%2F25%2Foutside-the-box-the-rogosin-institute-is-fighting-cancer-with-cancer-cells-in-clinical-trials%2F Researchers at the Rogosin Institute are using cancer “macrobeads” to fight cancer.  Cancer cells in the beads secrete proteins which researchers believe could signal a patient’s cancer to stop growing, shrink or even die. The treatment is currently being tested in human clinical trials. Two groundbreaking preclinical studies demonstrate for the first time that encapsulated [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4399770 Wed, 26 Jan 2011 05:36:17 +0100 4399770 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4377569&cid=t_103884_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fa-window-into-cancer-research%2F2011.01.20 Exciting Time with World Renowned Experts from Patient Power® on Vimeo. *This blog post was originally published at Andrew's Blog* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4377569 Thu, 20 Jan 2011 20:00:10 +0100 4377569 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4349513&cid=t_103884_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fwhen-patients-are-empowered-by-serious-diagnoses%2F2011.01.14 I am really excited about serving as the emcee for next week’s Personalized Medicine World Conference in Mountain View, California near San Francisco. I also will be the moderator of a panel discussion on patient empowerment. As I prepare, I am interviewing the panelists and their stories are very inspiring. One panelist is Bonnie Addario. Bonnie had been an oil company executive in the Bay Area. She began having chest pain. Was it her heart? No. Was it a nerve problem? No. Doctors were stumped. Bonnie was frustrated, but she was also a woman of action — a “powerful patient.” She went on her own for a full body scan. The news was not good. A lung cancer tumor was wrapped around her aorta and other vessels. It was inoperable. But, fortunately, chemotherapy and radiation shrunk t... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4349513 Fri, 14 Jan 2011 23:00:49 +0100 4349513 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4337936&cid=t_103884_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fkomen-cancer-and-colbert-lawsuits-for-the-cure%2F2011.01.12 Comedian Stephen Colbert, who says he is “a huge supporter of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation,” nonetheless took a sarcastic swing at the organization this week “for spending almost a million dollars a year in donor funds to sue…other groups” for using the phrase “for the Cure” in their promotions. We blogged, “Who owns pink ideas or cure slogans? Welcome to the Charity Brawl” back in August after the Wall Street Journal (to our knowledge) first reported the story. Then in December, the Huffington Post reported that “Komen has identified and filed legal trademark oppositions against more than a hundred of these Mom and Pop charities, including Kites for a Cure, Par for The Cure, Surfing for a Cure and Cupcakes for a Cur... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4337936 Wed, 12 Jan 2011 18:00:12 +0100 4337936 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4337901&cid=t_103884_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2Fy_kVY4aJyFk%2F After eight weeks, the average number of weekly incontinence episodes fell to 13 from 28 in the behavioral-therapy group. (Source: WSJ.com: Health Blog) WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4337901 Tue, 11 Jan 2011 22:20:29 +0100 4337901 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4331200&cid=t_103884_136_f&fid=39026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarolinemfr.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F01%2Fbreakthrough-without-out-purpose.html DNA Researchers have found that sometimes a shattered chromosome turns the entire cell into cancer. Aside from the fact that this represents the part of biology class I doodled through, they aren't quite sure what this breakthrough means - other than the fact that you can have a clean mammogram one month and the next month have a very aggressive tumor.Well, in wrapping my non-medical brain around this, I think:- This reinforces the fact that every cancer is different. Just because you have stage IIA cancer, doesn't mean someone else with the same diagnosis is the same. Every cancer is different. They put it into slots based on body part and characteristics they can identify - spread, tumor size, hormone receptors, agressiveness, etc - but there are a lot of other variations.- So they have ... Caroline's Breast Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4331200 Tue, 11 Jan 2011 11:32:00 +0100 4331200 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4305071&cid=t_103884_136_f&fid=39026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarolinemfr.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F01%2Fegad-another-partnership.html Can it be? Another partnership in the search for a cure, or in this case a significant cancer detection test? It cant be! It will be announced later today but we already know all sorts of things about it because they announced their announcement before it was announced to get more coverage. Anyway, I think its very interesting on several levels. Researchers at Mass General Hospital developed a prototype for a microchip which can detect single cancer cells in billions of blood cells. Now, Veridex, part of Johnson & Johnson, and Ortho Biotech Oncology R&D will work to make it commercially available. They are used to the regulatory stuff so can help speed it along. MGH and four other Boston research organizations received a $15 million grant from Stand Up 2 Cancer to test it. So lots of peopl... Caroline's Breast Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4305071 Mon, 03 Jan 2011 11:39:00 +0100 4305071 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4305072&cid=t_103884_136_f&fid=39026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarolinemfr.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F01%2Fis-broad-institute-new-face-of-medical.html Once again in Cambridge MA is a new research outpost - the Broad Institute. I live less than 10 miles from it, probably less than 5 miles (if I was energetic enough to measure it on Google maps). I have barely heard of them. Well, actually I had heard their name and didn't know what they did really. I just thought they were another one of those 'think-tank' places that seem to pop up all over the place around here. But now that I have read this article about them. Could this be the new face of medical research? Collaboration and cooperation under one roof with no egos involved? And looking at the the human genome and many other areas at the same time? In a place set up for scientists and not for the visiting public? They have floor to ceiling walls that can be written on and added to. I th... Caroline's Breast Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4305072 Sun, 02 Jan 2011 12:27:00 +0100 4305072 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4259133&cid=t_103884_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fcan-you-afford-to-find-out-if-you-are-at-high-risk-for-breast-cancer%2F Let’s face it: Women who test positive for either of the genetic mutations for breast cancer have an unenviable disadvantage. According to the National Cancer Institute, breast cancer risk among the general population is about 12 percent, while about 60 percent of women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 will develop breast cancer — that’s five times the risk. Also, the average age for the general population to develop breast cancer is 60, yet the average age of onset in those with a genetic predisposition to breast cancer is in the 40s. If you are in one of these groups, you need to know it. Genetic testing is the only way to determine if you are in either of these high-risk groups. I am a huge advocate for testing since it saved Sister’s life; she had an early hysterectomy that discovered s... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4259133 Tue, 14 Dec 2010 15:16:56 +0100 4259133 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4229203&cid=t_103884_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdoctorandpatient.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F12%2Fkeeping-in-touch-when-you-are-in.html " Keep people in touch and involved in times of need with our secure, confidential and FREE online service here at justvisiting.com - the sharing network for caring people. There's no catch, we're a not-for-profit organisation committed to helping you share the responsibility of caring for a loved one with your friends and family."This is such a clever idea ! Every hospital should offer this service to its patients ! (Source: The Patient's Doctor) The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4229203 Sat, 04 Dec 2010 07:10:00 +0100 4229203 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4225572&cid=t_103884_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fmy-deep-dark-femara-secret%2F Last January, my oncologist gave me a prescription for Femara because my five-year course with tamoxifen had finished. Research shows maximum benefits from hormonal treatment if tamoxifen is followed by an aromatase inhibitor like Arimidex or Femara for five years. I tried Arimidex in 2006 and wrote about how I had to stop because the side effects were so debilitating. So I initially put off taking it and then later blogged about the prescription still stuck to my fridge. Comments from many of you tried to ease my concerns and encouraged me to take it. So I agreed I would. I need to come clean. Until I had the bone cancer scare that I wrote about last week in my blog about pain and breast cancer, I wasn’t taking Femara. I had good intentions — really I did — mostly because of concern... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4225572 Fri, 03 Dec 2010 20:24:16 +0100 4225572 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4220429&cid=t_103884_136_f&fid=39026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarolinemfr.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F12%2Fcould-this-be-hint-of-future-success.html As we are in the long term war on cancer (that was started 40+ years ago - are we headed for another Hundred Years War?), they are finally figuring it out. To win a war, stop focusing on the soldiers and take out the generals who are in charge. Sounds kind of like a 'doh' situation to me.Basically generals are cancer stem cells, soldiers are regular cancer cells. Most commonly available cancer treatments go after the soldiers and don't kill off enough generals. Well now this is changing. I don't want to get in to a debate here about embryonic stem cells because this is not the place. Stem cells can come from umbilical cord blood or from adult bone marrow. I have several friends who have had stem cell transplants using bone marrow and one person who had a siblings umbilical cord cells. It s... Caroline's Breast Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4220429 Wed, 01 Dec 2010 11:37:00 +0100 4220429 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4175917&cid=t_103884_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fliquid-biopsy-a-breakthrough-for-breast-cancer%2F A new procedure to remove and study cancer cells is making headlines and causing lots of excitement. “Liquid biopsy” is a new and inventive way of biopsying cancer with only a blood test. The theory is that tiny fragments of a tumor break away and circulate in the blood — and it is these that the new test is trying to capture. Although similar technology currently exists, it is only able to trap a minute number of cells. But new technology is being developed that is aimed at capturing thousands and being able to detail treatment for that specific cancer right in the lab before subjecting a person to treatment. We are still not there yet, but initial discussions about cancer treatment using this new type of testing include words like “breakthrough” and “revolutionalize.�... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4175917 Wed, 17 Nov 2010 20:17:42 +0100 4175917 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4164676&cid=t_103884_136_f&fid=39026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarolinemfr.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F11%2Fso-what-does-all-that-pink-crap-really.html Pink was my favorite color. Along came breast cancer and its pink ribbons on everything - socks, t shirts, cars, food packaging, store windows, etc. Then the world is bathed in pepto bismol for the month of October (instead of orange and black). Millions wear a pink bracelet. Thousands wear little pink ribbon pins to declare their medical history.And what has changed? Not a hell of a lot. Some companies got rich making a lot of pink crap. Everyone knows what color ribbon stands for breast cancer. Everyone will say the words 'breast cancer' instead of whispering it as a death sentence. Teenage boys can say the word 'breast' with the word 'cancer' without snickering. The world is full of people who know about breast cancer but are sure they will not get it.We are aware of breast cancer thank... Caroline's Breast Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4164676 Sun, 14 Nov 2010 20:15:00 +0100 4164676 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4134144&cid=t_103884_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fcan-we-really-wait-10-years-for-a-breast-cancer-cure%2F I have been struggling with mixed emotions. The National Breast Cancer Coalition came out last month with a new initiative — to cure breast cancer by January 1, 2020. As exciting as it may seem to set a deadline for a cure, I am so terribly disappointed to think it may take another 10 years. That means that over two million more women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and a number of them will die from the disease. This to me is unacceptable. Millions and millions of dollars have been raised toward breast cancer awareness, treatment, and research just since I was diagnosed seven years ago. There has been real progress in finding better treatments and making inroads in new directions such as genetic testing. Yet, if we are prepared to wait 10 more years for a cure we can’t honestly ... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4134144 Wed, 03 Nov 2010 20:02:07 +0100 4134144 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4122023&cid=t_103884_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F10%2F31%2Festrogen-replacement-therapy-speeds-growth-of-er-ovarian-cancer-increases-risk-of-lymph-node-metastasis%2F Estrogen therapy used by menopausal women causes “estrogen receptor positive” (ER+) ovarian cancer to grow five times faster, according to a new study being published by researchers at the University of Colorado Cancer Center in the November 1 issue of Cancer Research. Estrogen therapy used by menopausal women causes so-called “estrogen receptor positive” (ER+) ovarian cancer to grow [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4122023 Mon, 01 Nov 2010 00:41:17 +0100 4122023 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4065554&cid=t_103884_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fback-to-basics-with-dr-kristi-funk%2F This week I had the opportunity to talk with Dr. Kristi Funk again. I previously interviewed Dr. Funk during last year’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Dr. Funk has been active in breast cancer awareness, surgery, and treatment since she was Director of Patient Education at Cedars-Sinai Breast Center in Los Angeles. In 2009, she left to open the Pink Lotus Breast Center. She is truly a treasure trove of knowledge and a dedicated warrior in the fight against breast cancer. I will include some of the great things I learned from talking with Dr. Funk over the next few blog entries. One of the important things we discussed was the role of diet and exercise in reducing the risk of breast cancer. More evidence continues to emerge to support findings that breast cancer is affected by a woma... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4065554 Wed, 13 Oct 2010 17:52:21 +0100 4065554 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4060565&cid=t_103884_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2F_8ysa0AP71M%2F The median survival of the advanced cancer patients in the study ranged from 4.3 months for those with pancreatic cancer to 16.2 months for those with breast cancer. (Source: WSJ.com: Health Blog) WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4060565 Tue, 12 Oct 2010 22:14:59 +0100 4060565 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4055923&cid=t_103884_136_f&fid=39026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarolinemfr.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F10%2Fneeded-not-awareness-but-research.html The world is bathed in peptobismol pink through the month of Pinktober - formerly known as October. We are all aware of breast cancer now. We don't need more awareness, we need research. We should stop spending money on pink paint, pink ink, pink fabric, pink dye, pink thread, pink silk screening, etc. Dr Susan Love, a respected breast surgeon and founder of the Dr. Susan B Love Research Foundation, explains it concisely. In the US, we give researchers funds and tell them go tell us what you find. What we need to do is give them funds and say 'find a cure'. We need to give them a goal to attain - some direction as it were. She says it for me. This is what I think of Pinktober. (Source: Caroline's Breast Cancer Blog) Caroline's Breast Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4055923 Mon, 11 Oct 2010 10:44:00 +0100 4055923 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4045093&cid=t_103884_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fbreaking-oncology-news-can-it-spread-socially%2F2010.10.08 I [recently] received a press release from a friend in the Bay Area. Investigators at UCSF have published a study in the New England Journal of Medicine showing that less chemotherapy can be effective at treating some childhood cancers. The paper was the result of an eight-year clinical study in children with neuroblastoma. In this particular population, researchers were able to reduce chemotherapy exposure by 40 percent while maintaining a 90 percent survival rate. You can read about it here. The press release sparked a brief email exchange between me and my friend: Who might be interested in writing about this study and is there any way to get it to spread?  What would make it sticky in the eyes of the public? Here are a few ideas: Figure out who cares. Sure it’s niche news, but t... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4045093 Fri, 08 Oct 2010 18:00:16 +0100 4045093 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4036649&cid=t_103884_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fhow-the-swedish-mammography-study-shouldve-been-analyzed%2F2010.10.05 We reviewed four stories on the Swedish mammography study that appeared in the journal Cancer last week. Three of the four stories gave a pretty clear indication that there were methodological concerns about the Swedish research (of the four reviewed, only HealthDay offered no such hint): • 4th paragraph of AP story: “The new study has major limitations and cannot account for possibly big differences in the groups of women it compares.” • 1st paragraph of LA Times blog story: “Critics charged that the study was poorly designed and potentially vastly misleading.” • 2nd sentence of NY Times story: “Results were greeted with skepticism by some experts who say they may have overestimated the benefit.” But none of the stories did a very complete job of ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4036649 Tue, 05 Oct 2010 20:00:34 +0100 4036649 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3993857&cid=t_103884_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FNx5D7U3A75A%2F The screening program was associated with a 10% decline in mortality, the researchers found. (Source: WSJ.com: Health Blog) WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3993857 Thu, 23 Sep 2010 14:18:39 +0100 3993857 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4013317&cid=t_103884_113_f&fid=39278&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogsite.mdbuyline.com%2F%3Fp%3D37 Similar to blood, just about everything in the body ends up in a patient’s breath, allowing it to be an excellent medium for quick noninvasive diagnostic testing.  Currently, there are several emerging breath tests for diagnosing asthma, H. pylori, and pharmaceutical levels in the body, and now, researchers are close to bringing a lung cancer application to market.  Lung cancer is a difficult form of cancer to detect in its early stages, so an accurate breath test could have enormous and exciting benefits.    ScienceDaily has published several articles on emerging breath tests for lung cancer, and according Dr. Michael Phillips, M.D., FACP clinical professor of medicine at New York Medical College, “The science behind biomarkers has been evolving for years.  This type of technolo... MD Buyline blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4013317 Tue, 21 Sep 2010 13:15:35 +0100 4013317 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3973085&cid=t_103884_136_f&fid=39212&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbahtocancer.com%2F2010%2F09%2Fnice-bags-boys%2F Go into any diagnostic clininc, oncology or radiotherapy waiting room and you’ll see a lot of sad, stressed, grey faces. There will be bald-concealing headwear ranging from the chic to the bizarre. There may be quiet crying, or forced cheerful chat. On the plus side, there may be knitting. (If I’m there.) Apart from the headwear (and the knitting), there’s something important to notice here. It’s not just the cancer patients who look drawn and anxious and weary. It’s the people sitting next to them, holding their hands,making conversation, smiling encouragingly. Yes, a dance with cancer is a hard, hard thing. But I really think that watching someone else dance with cancer has got to be just as bad, albeit in a different way. In my selfish moments over the last... Bah! to cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3973085 Thu, 16 Sep 2010 07:28:29 +0100 3973085 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3973075&cid=t_103884_136_f&fid=35283&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cancer.org%2FAboutUs%2FDrLensBlog%2Fpost%2F2010%2F09%2F15%2FWe-Can-Run-But-We-Cant-Hide-Less-%28Or-No%29-Insurance-Means-More-Advanced-Prostate-Cancer-At-Diagnosis.aspx An article published this week in the medical journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention and written by my colleagues at the American Cancer Society sends me a message that we can run but we can't hide.    The topic of the research is the relationship between whether or not a man has adequate (or any) health insurance and how far advanced and aggressive his prostate cancer is at the time of diagnosis.    The message we seem to be running from is that we continue to bury our heads in the sand at the sad truth that people without adequate health insurance are somehow less worthy of having some decent level of medical care that might save their lives, especially when viewed through the cancer lense.     Perhaps it was no surprise that the researchers... Dr. Len's Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3973075 Wed, 15 Sep 2010 23:46:00 +0100 3973075 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3969153&cid=t_103884_136_f&fid=39212&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbahtocancer.com%2F2010%2F09%2Frace-for-life-update%2F You may remember how pleased I was to be asked to model for Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life merchandise this year, and to be part of the Race for Life single. Best of all, of course, was taking part in Race for Life itself, something that I did with pride and in celebration and support of all those dancing with cancer. Earlier this week, I had an update from Cancer Research UK. It makes pretty exciting reading: “Over 690,000 women signed up for Race for Life this year, which is a fantastic achievement  making Race for Life 2010 the third largest series in the event’s 16-year-history. Sponsorship money is still pouring in and we very much hope to reach our fundraising target of £60 million. ‘Girls Just Want to Have Fun’ – the single has sold thousands of copies ... Bah! to cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3969153 Wed, 15 Sep 2010 06:15:53 +0100 3969153 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3961813&cid=t_103884_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fmammography-wars-an-important-discussion-to-keep-alive%2F2010.09.12 This is a thoughtful “sounding board” piece in the New England Journal of Medicine this week: Lessons from the Mammography Wars. It is so important to keep this discussion alive. The miscommunication that took place last November of what the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force tried to convey, and the complicity of some news organizations in adding to that confusion, provide lessons from which we simply must learn to do better. *This blog post was originally published at Gary Schwitzer's HealthNewsReview Blog* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3961813 Mon, 13 Sep 2010 03:26:23 +0100 3961813 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3946655&cid=t_103884_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.phsa.ca%2FNR%2Frdonlyres%2F825EDD83-D53B-433C-8012-C7737B89CA50%2F0%2FHuntsmanedit.mp3 British Columbian researchers discover that approximately one-half of clear-cell ovarian cancers and one-third of endometrioid ovarian cancers possess ARID1A gene mutations, as reported today in the New England Journal of Medicine. British Columbian researchers discover that approximately one-half of ovarian clear-cell cancers (OCCC) and one-third of endometrioid ovarian cancers possess ARID1A (AT-rich interactive domain 1A [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3946655 Thu, 09 Sep 2010 01:28:12 +0100 3946655 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3925054&cid=t_103884_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F09%2F01%2Fcall-to-action-protect-expand-u-s-federal-ovarian-cancer-research-funding%2F Do you live in AL, CA, HI, IL, IA, KS, KY, MD, MI, MO, NH, ND, PA, TX, UT, VT, WA or WI? If so, one of your Senators sits on the U.S. Senate Defense Appropriations subcommittee that determines how much funding is given to the Department of Defense Ovarian Cancer Research Program. Ask your [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3925054 Wed, 01 Sep 2010 17:42:46 +0100 3925054 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3925055&cid=t_103884_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F09%2F01%2Fu-s-president-barack-obama-proclaims-september-2010-as-national-ovarian-cancer-awareness-month%2F Yesterday, U.S. President Barack Obama designated September 2010 as National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.  During National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, we honor all those lost to and living with ovarian cancer, and we renew our commitment to developing effective screening methods, improving treatments, and ultimately defeating this disease. The White House Office of the Press [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3925055 Wed, 01 Sep 2010 15:36:36 +0100 3925055 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3921042&cid=t_103884_136_f&fid=39212&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbahtocancer.com%2F2010%2F09%2Fquack%2F To describe our house as chaos right now is deeply unfair to chaos. (Our house is in a state which would make chaos hit the smelling salts pretty hard.) We are packing, clearing, shredding, and sorting, in largely good-humoured fashion, although we’re taking it in turn to have our moments. We have found a company who can turn an empty room into our longed-for long library, and another to put up a craft studio/writing space for me in the garden. (I have an idea for the next book.) We are valiantly eating our way through the contents of the fridge and freezer. (That’s going rather well at the moment. Last night, beef and red wine casserole. The day before, chicken curry. By the time moving comes around, though, it’s going to be baked beans with frozen peas and preserved lem... Bah! to cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3921042 Wed, 01 Sep 2010 07:31:35 +0100 3921042 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3920814&cid=t_103884_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FWWC7Uh8JxlU%2F Mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes raise the lifetime risk of breast cancer to as much as 84% and of ovarian cancer to as much as 63%. (Source: WSJ.com: Health Blog) WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3920814 Tue, 31 Aug 2010 20:24:22 +0100 3920814 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3907760&cid=t_103884_136_f&fid=39212&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbahtocancer.com%2F2010%2F08%2Fi-can-fly%2F I like to keep on top of what’s what on Planet Cancer, and yesterday I found an article about some research about breast cancer survivors carried out by the University of Alberta. The study looked at the risk of lymphedema brought on by changes in cabin pressure when flying. (Lymphedema is chronic or permanent swelling caused because of a lack of, or damage to, lymph nodes, which help with draining fluid away. It’s a common problem for breast cancer survivors, as treatment almost always includes the removal of lymph nodes from the armpit to see whether the cancer has spread.) And the study found that the risk of lymphodema being brought on by flying is very, very low. Obviously this is an important, useful and reassuring piece of research. (I don’t think I’ve met a ... Bah! to cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3907760 Wed, 25 Aug 2010 07:04:03 +0100 3907760 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3885343&cid=t_103884_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Favastin-for-breast-cancer-will-the-fda-revoke-it%2F2010.08.19 Time to get back up on my soap box. Next month the FDA is supposed to consider taking the unique, first-time-ever step of revoking a drug’s indication not because it’s dangerous, but because it doesn’t work well enough to offset its risks. Never mind that it costs about $8,000 a month. The drug is Avastin (bevacizumab), a targeted monoclonal antibody that prevents tumors from creating and maintaining their own blood supply, a process called angiogenesis. Without oxygen and nutrients from blood, tumors can’t keep growing. Avastin is the world’s best-selling cancer drug, approved for use with chemotherapy to treat lung cancer and metastatic colorectal and breast cancer. It is also being investigated (and, likely, being prescribed off label) for numerous other c... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3885343 Thu, 19 Aug 2010 20:00:00 +0100 3885343 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3876598&cid=t_103884_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Ffeel%2F195447%2F Breast Cancer Research: On Monday, the National Institutes of Health created a committee to direct research into the genetic and environmental causes of breast cancer. (via Reuters) Post from: BlissTree (Source: Healthbolt) Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3876598 Tue, 17 Aug 2010 16:27:37 +0100 3876598 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3858345&cid=t_103884_136_f&fid=39212&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbahtocancer.com%2F2010%2F08%2Fgetting-better%2F I think this is more important and more interesting than anything I might have to say today: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-10944826 We are getting there. But there’s still a way to go. (Source: Bah! to cancer) Bah! to cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3858345 Thu, 12 Aug 2010 08:50:32 +0100 3858345 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3802360&cid=t_103884_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FvC560GAzavs%2F The study relies on computer simulations to gauge cost-effectiveness. (Source: WSJ.com: Health Blog) WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3802360 Thu, 29 Jul 2010 22:04:59 +0100 3802360 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3795022&cid=t_103884_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F07%2F28%2Fsmile-open-your-eyes-love-and-go-on%2F Today marks the 2nd anniversary of Libby’s death from ovarian cancer at the age of 26. Although the family healing process continues, we celebrate Libby’s life formally on this day to honor her memory, and remind ourselves that life is precious and should not be taken for granted. Today marks the 2nd anniversary of Libby’s [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3795022 Wed, 28 Jul 2010 08:00:47 +0100 3795022 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3816671&cid=t_103884_136_f&fid=39212&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbahtocancer.com%2F2010%2F07%2Fall-about-persephone-part-1%2F As I mentioned last week, the team running the Persephone trial have been good enough to answer some questions about Herceptin and the trial. Here they are. Even though I’m done with Herceptin, i found this really interesting. I hope you do too. * -Why is Herceptin such a wonder drug? Herceptin has proved to be a major advance as it helps to cure a certain type of aggressive breast cancer described as HER2 positive. This cancer is made of cells which contain HER2, a molecule involved in the rapid multiplication of cancer cells. - In layman’s terms, what is the Persephone trial and how did it come about? The PERSEPHONE trial is about finding the right dose of Herceptin for the patient. At the moment, Herceptin is given for a whole year based on evidence from an international t... Bah! to cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3816671 Tue, 27 Jul 2010 06:39:38 +0100 3816671 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3790886&cid=t_103884_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F07%2F26%2Fyale-identifies-kras-gene-variant-in-ovarian-cancer-patients-with-non-brca-family-history-of-breastovarian-cancer%2F A team of Yale researchers have identified a genetic marker that can help predict the risk of developing ovarian cancer, a hard to detect and often deadly form of cancer. A team of Yale researchers have identified a genetic marker that can help predict the risk of developing ovarian cancer, a hard to detect and [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3790886 Tue, 27 Jul 2010 05:00:00 +0100 3790886 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3790675&cid=t_103884_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FMxkasVqguUs%2F More than 75% of men with low-risk cancer received aggressive treatment. (Source: WSJ.com: Health Blog) WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3790675 Mon, 26 Jul 2010 22:12:20 +0100 3790675 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3784231&cid=t_103884_87_f&fid=36088&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ourbodiesourblog.org%2Fblog%2F2010%2F07%2Fbreast-cancer-early-detection-methods-prone-to-erro When the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) released new recommendations in 2009 calling for less frequent screening mammograms for women under age 50, the news caused quite a ruckus. Many women’s health organizations, such as Our Bodies Ourselves, National Women’s Health Network and Breast Cancer Action, applauded the new guidelines — and had, in fact, been recommending the same approach for pre-menopausal women for many years. But understanding the science behind the logical, if somewhat counter-intuitive, recommendations requires a nuanced analysis. Now, a New York Times examination of breast cancer cases explains, in very personal terms, the problems with diagnosing breast cancer — especially early detection methods, which are “prone to both outr... Our Bodies Our Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3784231 Fri, 23 Jul 2010 20:06:54 +0100 3784231 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3780355&cid=t_103884_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fbreast-cancer-diagnosis-and-treatment-can-women-trust-it%2F2010.07.22 The news wasn’t good this week for women concerned about breast cancer. First came the story that some women were diagnosed with breast cancer, very early stage, had treatment –- including disfiguring surgery -– and then found out they never had cancer in the first place. The pathologist goofed, maybe even a second pathologist also misread the biopsies. How does this happen? Not surprisingly it comes back to the clinical experience of the doctor. Properly diagnosing breast cancer, whether through radiology scans or pathology biopsies is not always easy. And in many communities the general radiologists and pathologists just don’t have enough specialized experience. This leads to mistakes, especially when the suggestions of possible cancer are subtle and minute. (more…) ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3780355 Thu, 22 Jul 2010 21:00:33 +0100 3780355 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3740785&cid=t_103884_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fbreast-cancer-hasnt-changed-my-love-of-lipstick%2F This week, NBC Nightly News reported on an expert panel in San Francisco looking into the connection between environment and breast cancer risk. Things like pesticides and chemicals in water bottles are a concern, but to date there is no concrete evidence linking the incidence of cancer to the environment. Fortunately, experts are not about to give up — they will continue to research all aspects of environmental risks and breast cancer development. The news report also included a brief discussion about the chemicals in makeup. I love wearing makeup. By age 14, my friends and I were really into makeup. My mom is one of those women who never left the house without her hair and face done, so it was inevitable that she would influence me to have a love of lipstick, blush, and eye shadow. Alm... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3740785 Fri, 09 Jul 2010 15:53:54 +0100 3740785 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3737221&cid=t_103884_136_f&fid=35302&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FWhitePebble%2F%7E3%2Fz8ff5VoMZqA%2F Now I’m going to have to re-arrange the furniture… Curiously, the cancer rate is 10 percent higher in the left breast than in the right. This left-side bias holds true for both men and women and it also applies to the skin cancer melanoma. via Guest Blog: Left-sided Cancer: Blame your bed and TV?. Filed under: Cancer Tagged: Cancer, research (Source: white pebble) white pebble blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3737221 Thu, 08 Jul 2010 16:40:37 +0100 3737221 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3726742&cid=t_103884_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F07%2F05%2Fucl-scientists-discover-how-to-switch-on-critical-ovarian-cancer-protector-gene-arrest-tumor-growth%2F A new University College London study reveals that a gene [EPB41L3] which normally protects against ovarian cancer is switched off in 66% of ovarian cancer cases and switching it back on arrests tumor growth. A new University College London study reveals that a gene which normally protects against ovarian cancer is switched off in 66% [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3726742 Tue, 06 Jul 2010 06:58:27 +0100 3726742 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3718373&cid=t_103884_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2Fi_u5N1NL1VQ%2F The accompanying editorial says that "current programs that raise awareness and provide balanced information about the pros and cons of screening seem to be the right way forward." (Source: WSJ.com: Health Blog) WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3718373 Thu, 01 Jul 2010 16:49:40 +0100 3718373 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3714395&cid=t_103884_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F06%2F30%2Fshielded-ovarian-cancer-cells-may-survive-chemotherapy%2F Cancer Research UK scientists have discovered certain ovarian tumor cells that are resistant to chemotherapy can survive a first round of treatment and go on to “re-grow” the cancer. Cancer Research UK scientists have discovered certain ovarian tumor cells that are resistant to chemotherapy can survive a first round of treatment and go on to [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3714395 Thu, 01 Jul 2010 02:08:57 +0100 3714395 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3710542&cid=t_103884_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FuewBAUPhFXA%2F An editorial accompanying the study notes some women may be "making an informed choice to not use an imperfect technology." (Source: WSJ.com: Health Blog) WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3710542 Tue, 29 Jun 2010 22:04:37 +0100 3710542 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3665936&cid=t_103884_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2Fuma-thurman-for-key-to-the-cure-daily-do-gooder%2F She killed Bill, and now Uma Thurman is helping to wipe out cancer as the new ambassador for Saks’ Key for The Cure Campaign. The actress will be taking over Gwyneth Paltrow’s role as spokesperson for the Saks Fifth Avenue fundraisers and promote special t-shirts to help raise money for the EIF’s Breast Cancer Research Fund. via Look To The Stars Post from: BlissTree Uma Thurman for Key to the Cure: Daily Do-Gooder (Source: Breastfeeding 1-2-3) Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3665936 Wed, 16 Jun 2010 12:30:51 +0100 3665936 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3665991&cid=t_103884_94_f&fid=36906&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDoctorDavidsBlog%2F%7E3%2F9ORXyM8Czfo%2Fyoga-not-just-for-skinny-pretty-women.html This study enrolled 410 cancer survivors (96% female, 75% had breast cancer) suffering from moderate or worse sleep disturbance. The participants were randomized to standard monitoring versus a 4 week yoga intervention. Participants in the yoga program had improvements in sleep quality, fatigue, and various measures of Quality of Life compared with the control arm (no intervention). The benefit was significant enough to be covered by mainstream media outlets like CNN as well as web-based media like Breastcancer.org. ASCO president Douglas Blayney, MD, stated that the results are “readily applicable” for a huge patient population. But wait. As we scientists often ask, do the results support the conclusions? I think the answer is a resounding “Maybe.” There is mounting evidence th... Doctor David's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3665991 Wed, 16 Jun 2010 03:10:00 +0100 3665991 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3665948&cid=t_103884_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FdI2H2IyvICM%2F A study published in JAMA finds that only 55% of eligible black patients had surgery, compared to 66% of white patients. (Source: WSJ.com: Health Blog) WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3665948 Tue, 15 Jun 2010 21:37:35 +0100 3665948 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3655758&cid=t_103884_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fmedical-bills-mean-bittersweet-victory-over-breast-cancer%2F The most heartbreaking stories I hear are from those who found a lump or have been diagnosed with breast cancer and don’t have insurance. Fear grips us the moment we notice a lump in our breasts; fear can overwhelm us when we are told it is breast cancer. There are no words, however, to describe the horror of realizing that you can’t afford treatment. I had good insurance when I was diagnosed with breast cancer, but I shared in previous entries the horror of finding we were without health insurance when my husband’s employment changed and his company didn’t offer us COBRA right away. The battle with breast cancer was bad enough, but knowing we had to pay over 1,100 dollars a month to continue coverage once we were given COBRA was like fighting the enemy on two fronts. Add in th... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3655758 Fri, 11 Jun 2010 16:17:50 +0100 3655758 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3648457&cid=t_103884_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2F182150%2F Get 25% off EBOOST Pink Lemonade and Fight Breast Cancer: For every box of EBOOST Pink Lemonade sold, EBOOST will donate $10 to the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. Plus, Blisstree readers get 25% off! Post from: BlissTree (Source: Breastfeeding 1-2-3) Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3648457 Thu, 10 Jun 2010 14:18:58 +0100 3648457 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3648751&cid=t_103884_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fnew-findings-about-stress-and-breast-cancer%2F This report found an astounding 59% reduction in mortality among women with recurrence who had earlier psychological intervention to prevent stress. Prior to being diagnosed with breast cancer, I had several stressful years that began with my father’s death. My marriage broke up a year later, followed by struggling as a single mother and adjusting to a new marriage and a move to a different country while trying to help my mother battle lung cancer. I felt that many people deal with more than this, and I really thought I was coping exceptionally well. With a BRCA gene mutation predisposing me to breast cancer, perhaps these difficult years were too much for my immune system after all. So what does this mean? Psychological therapy during and after breast cancer to help deal with fear, stre... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3648751 Wed, 09 Jun 2010 19:22:09 +0100 3648751 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3644741&cid=t_103884_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2Fblisstree-readers-get-25-off-eboost-energy-drink-and-help-support-breast-cancer-research%2F Are you or a loved one grappling with breast cancer? If so, EBOOST and Blisstree understand the long road and challenges ahead. That’s why for every box of pink lemonade that EBOOST sells, they’ll donate a full $10 of the proceeds to the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. Together, we can give hope to millions of women and their families – and help wipe out this terrible disease once and for all. The EBOOST Healthy Energy Drink contains a special blend of vitamins and minerals that activate the four vital elements of performance: ENERGY, IMMUNITY, RECOVERY, and FOCUS, delivering sustained energy that lasts. EBOOST has teamed up with Susan G. Komen for the Cure® to raise money for breast cancer awareness with an exclusive offer for Blisstree readers. A box of 20 EBOOST pink lemon... Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3644741 Tue, 08 Jun 2010 21:11:10 +0100 3644741 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3635983&cid=t_103884_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fbeing-proactive-about-a-healthier-environment%2F As part of my healthy life makeover, I am learning about potentially harmful toxins and chemicals in my home and my environment. I watched Dr. Sanjay Gupta’s special report Toxic America on CNN and was surprised to learn that there are over 80,000 chemicals in use in America, but only 200 have been tested. I was further shocked to hear that carcinogenic chemicals in mascara, nail polish, and other cosmetics that have banned from use in Europe are still being used in cosmetics sold in this country. Having the BRCA gene mutation means that the gene that stabilizes DNA and prevents cells from growing out of control is not functioning properly. Without this mechanism, there is a greater chance of developing a breast cancer tumor. This started me thinking that maybe there is something externa... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3635983 Mon, 07 Jun 2010 16:14:47 +0100 3635983 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3737216&cid=t_103884_136_f&fid=35283&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cancer.org%2FAboutUs%2FDrLensBlog%2Fpost%2F2010%2F06%2F07%2FHope-Meets-Reality-With-New-Lung-Cancer-Drug.aspx A paper presented at yesterday’s plenary session at the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology in Chicago underscores both the hopes and limitations of advances in cancer treatment linked to targeted therapies.   The drug used in the study is code named “PF-1066” was indeed very effective in a common form of lung cancer.  The problem—if you choose to call it a problem—is that only a very small number of patients with advanced lung cancer will benefit from the drug.   First, the basics of the study:   The researchers had identified a genetic change called ALK which they called a “powerful oncogenic driver” in yesterday’s presentation.  The drug (which is named crizotinib) was a powerful inhibitor o... Dr. Len's Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3737216 Mon, 07 Jun 2010 04:00:00 +0100 3737216 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3625729&cid=t_103884_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fis-a-breast-cancer-vaccine-on-the-horizon%2F The Cleveland Clinic in Ohio is vaccinating mice against breast cancer — and they are seeing some very promising results. This means that there may be a breast cancer vaccine in the foreseeable future; this is too wonderful to even hope for. The scientists working on the vaccine were able to prevent tumors from growing, but were also able to reduce the size of already growing tumors. They were able to target a protein found in most breast cancers and use it in the vaccine. Dr. Vincent Tuohy, an immunologist and the lead scientist, suggests that human studies could begin as early as next year. It will be a long process to work through FDA requirements and raise the funding for further studies in humans, but this is so promising. Dr. Tuohy was inspired by the vaccines that protect children... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3625729 Wed, 02 Jun 2010 20:37:07 +0100 3625729 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3590475&cid=t_103884_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F05%2F21%2Fasco-releases-studies-from-upcoming-2010-annual-meeting%2F Yesterday, the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) made available more than 4,000 medical abstracts which are publicly posted online at www.abstract.asco.org. A hyperlink to the 2010 ASCO Annual Meeting ovarian cancer abstracts is provided below.  The ASCO Annual Meeting will be held June 4-8, 2010 at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois. Yesterday, the American [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3590475 Sat, 22 May 2010 00:08:58 +0100 3590475 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3569785&cid=t_103884_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FivdkB0ViML4%2F Mattson says some experimental rodents should have their portions reduced and be given access to exercise wheels. (Source: WSJ.com: Health Blog) WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3569785 Mon, 17 May 2010 14:45:58 +0100 3569785 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3560443&cid=t_103884_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fsomething-is-missing-from-my-reconstructed-breasts%2F A breast without a nipple is like a car without an engine — it is beautiful to look at but you can’t turn it on! I miss my real nipples. Talking to several women at the BRCA conference I attended in Toronto, many of them had the same lament. Regardless of the reconstructive procedure, we all miss the sensation we used to get from our nipples. I can’t conjure up that same feeling, and I have to honestly say sex is not the same. It is still great, don’t get me wrong, but that special effect that came from sensitive breasts is — well, regretfully gone. I have tried to view all the new changes to my body and psyche that came from breast cancer with curiosity. It compels me to research and study the effects of surgery and the drugs on my body and mind. I find it interesting ... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3560443 Wed, 12 May 2010 19:14:34 +0100 3560443 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3552507&cid=t_103884_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fcancer-and-the-environment%2F My editor sent me an article titled: “Americans are bombarded with cancer sources.” Now there is a good wake-up call. The article, which talks about a new report issued by the President’s Cancer Panel, explains that while most researchers believe that two-thirds of cancers are caused by lifestyle (not my contention of course), other factors like radon from the ground, medical imaging, and pollution play a significant role in increasing cancer incidence in the United States. This means the environment we live in. It was President Nixon who declared a war against cancer nearly 40 years ago, and we have not won it yet. The two “soldiers” in this war who released this report, Dr. LaSalle Leffall and Margaret Kripke, were appointed by George W. Bush and have been investigating carcino... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3552507 Mon, 10 May 2010 18:27:32 +0100 3552507 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3545592&cid=t_103884_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Ffight-like-a-girl%2F At the BRCA conference I attended in Toronto this week, a young woman was sporting a great t-shirt with the pink-ribbon symbol and the words “fight like a girl.” Girls really are the best fighters. I don’t mean the kind of fighting with fists or weapons, nor do I mean the kind of bullying that sadly goes on in school playgrounds. I mean the kind of fighting that changes lives. Girls will stand their ground for their rights, go to war for their children, and fight for their lives when faced with breast cancer. This kind of fighting takes tenacity, willpower, and courage. This t-shirt brought to mind the times I advocated for loved ones and especially how I became a warrior for myself. I can honestly say breast cancer brought out the warrior in me. While the conference itself was beyon... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3545592 Fri, 07 May 2010 21:11:09 +0100 3545592 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3538091&cid=t_103884_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fa-science-based-view-of-the-complexity-of-cancer%2F2010.05.06 [Recently] I participated in a panel discussion at the Northeast Conference of Science and Skepticism (NECSS) with John Snyder, Kimball Atwood, and Steve Novella, who also reported on the conference. What I mentioned to some of the attendees is that I had managed to combine NECSS with a yearly ritual that I seldom miss, namely the yearly meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) meeting. There are two huge cancer meetings every year — AACR and the annual meeting of the American Society for Clinical Oncology (ASCO). AACR is the meeting dedicated to basic and translational research. ASCO, as the word “clinical” in its name implies, is devoted mainly to clinical research. Personally, being a translational researcher myself and a surgeon, I tend to prefer the ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3538091 Thu, 06 May 2010 12:00:09 +0100 3538091 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3538357&cid=t_103884_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fbreast-cancer-claims-georgy-girl-lynn-redgrave%2F This winter I wore a helmet while skiing. I was encouraged to do this because of the death last year of the beautiful actress Natasha Richardson. While taking ski lessons with her son at a resort in Montreal, she fell on the bunny hill and bumped her head; she died later from the effects of that bump. Richardson seemed so trim and in shape — I figured that it was just as easy for me to have a ski accident, since I am not so trim and in shape, and I’m a relatively new skier to boot. I thought of her a few times when I wore my helmet. My husband said I had the jazziest helmet on the hill, but that was probably because kids were the only other ones who were wearing helmets. Natasha Richardson was a member of the famous Redgrave family of actors, which included her mother Vanessa and ... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3538357 Wed, 05 May 2010 19:58:55 +0100 3538357 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3524092&cid=t_103884_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Ffeel%2Fbreast-cancer-and-multivitamins-%25e2%2580%2593-is-there-a-link%2F Wait a minute – we thought taking a daily multivitamin could only help, not hurt us. But according to a recent health article on Canada.com (via Reuters), that may not always be the case. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition conducted a study which found that women age 49 and over who take multivitamin supplements on a regular basis generally have a 19% higher risk of developing breast cancer. But on the flip side, other recent studies have shown that female multivitamin users are no more likely to die of cancer than non-users. And, of course, other issues can factor into a woman’s risk of breast cancer including family history, weight, exercise habits, and whether or not she smokes. The kicker? Many researchers and doctors – including Dr. Susanna C. Larsson of the Karolins... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3524092 Sat, 01 May 2010 16:20:50 +0100 3524092 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3515578&cid=t_103884_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fstaying-abreast-of-better-health-practices%2F Steven Narod, MD, is a foremost authority on BRCA cancers. I met him after my genetics team at the University of Michigan referred Sister to him in Canada. Dr. Narod is affiliated with the Women’s College Research Institute in Toronto and is what you would expect from a passionate researcher — quirky and optimistic. Sister has been proactive about her diagnosis and is involved in a study in Canada where she is tested twice yearly; she receives a mammogram in January and an MRI in May. Her goal is to keep her breasts, and aggressive monitoring will identify any sign of a breast tumor early. She also stays abreast (pun intended) of continuing research and findings regarding genetic breast cancers. A hysterectomy two years ago reduced Sister’s risk of both breast cancer and ovarian canc... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3515578 Wed, 28 Apr 2010 18:35:30 +0100 3515578 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3501683&cid=t_103884_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F04%2F23%2Fparp-inhibitor-olaparib-benefits-women-with-inherited-ovarian-cancer-based-upon-platinum-drug-sensitivity%2F Olaparib (AZD2281), a new type of cancer drug known as a “PARP inhibitor,” produced promising results in patients with platinum-refractory, platinum-resistant, and platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer linked to an inherited BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation. A new type of cancer drug — known as a “PARP inhibitor” — produced promising results in patients with ovarian cancer linked [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3501683 Sat, 24 Apr 2010 00:38:57 +0100 3501683 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3494471&cid=t_103884_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FztM2XqKIw_8%2F We’ve done away with plastic bottles, sworn off cigarettes, and vowed to eat produce that was grown without pesticides, but it turns out there’s yet another potentially cancer-causing substance in our midst: alcohol. More specifically, heavy drinking can cause premature aging and certain diseases. In recent findings out of the University of Milan, researchers studied the effect that heavy alcohol use can have on telomeres, structures at the ends of chromosomes that shorten as people age. The results: Telomere lengths were drastically shorter in participants who drank heavily (about a quarter of whom consumed at least four alcoholic drinks a day) – which means that drinkers show visible signs of aging much faster than teetotalers. Lead researcher Dr. Andrea Baccarelli stated t... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3494471 Wed, 21 Apr 2010 18:36:46 +0100 3494471 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3479857&cid=t_103884_136_f&fid=35294&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psa-rising.com%2Fblog%2F2010%2F04%2Fu-s-cancer-trials-in-crisis%2F The U.S. government’s cancer research network is in severe disarray according to a report by the Institute of Medicine. Waste and inefficiency cause 40% of all late-stage government funded cancer trials to be abandoned before completion, the report found. Shannon Pettypiece at Bloomberg.com and Liz Jones at FierceBiotech say the report paints a doomladen picture. [...] (Source: psa-rising.com/blog) psa-rising.com/blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3479857 Fri, 16 Apr 2010 21:04:47 +0100 3479857 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3456849&cid=t_103884_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fno-one-owns-the-breast-cancer-gene-anymore%2F About 10 years ago, a cousin of mine introduced me to the Human Genome Project. He was very excited about the science and process of identifying all the human genes and their sequences. The potential for scientific and medical breakthroughs was staggering. As I got interested in the research and began to follow the project, I was appalled by the business interests involved. Specific business groups began the process of patenting some of the genetic components and findings. It would be like you owning your home and property only to find that someone else owned and had the rights to all the earth on your lot. Although companies argued that by being able to profit from their findings they could continue research and development, it is pretty obvious that individuals and stock holders would b... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3456849 Fri, 09 Apr 2010 17:23:55 +0100 3456849 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3411264&cid=t_103884_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fcan-many-breast-cancers-be-avoided%2F The Internet was abuzz yesterday with this news out of Barcelona, Spain: Experts at a conference there claim that a third of all breast cancers in the western world can be avoided. This is really a shocking claim. We are all aware that lifestyle can affect breast cancer risk; this isn’t news to us in the US. What is new is that this announcement actually indicates that as many as one-third of all breast cancers can be avoided by eating less and exercising more. Researchers at the conference pointed to better screening and new treatments as working to decrease deaths from breast cancer, but now it is time for women to do their part by losing weight and choosing a healthier lifestyle. I truly have mixed emotions about this. On the one hand, I get that we need to take better care of ourselv... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3411264 Fri, 26 Mar 2010 18:50:49 +0100 3411264 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3395334&cid=t_103884_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fhealth-care-reform-a-breast-cancer-victory%2F I am sitting in my family room this Sunday evening listening to the final debate in the House of Representatives over health care reform. It is overwhelming to think that finally there will be a solution to the huge lack of accessible health care for millions of Americans. I am relieved to know that finally in America health care will be a right, and not a privilege. This is an important step in the quest for a cure for breast cancer. No matter what treatment researchers find, it won’t be a cure unless all women have access to it. Those of us that have fought and won our battle with breast cancer won’t be denied insurance for having a pre-existing condition. More women will survive breast cancer because they have screening at a critical early time; Ensuring that all women in America ca... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3395334 Mon, 22 Mar 2010 18:48:42 +0100 3395334 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3307045&cid=t_103884_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Ffight-breast-cancer-with-pomegranates%2F I love a lot of different fruits. Oranges are my favorite, but I love strawberries and blueberries too, but pomegranates are a special treat. When I was a little girl, every now and then my mom would buy one, which was a big deal when you consider we were living in a little tiny mining town in northern Ontario at the time.  She gave my sister and me each half and sat us outside to pick through the juicy seeds.  I’m sure part of her plan was to keep us occupied for a very long time. Since then I lost my patience for that delightful fruit until this fall. I couldn’t get enough pomegranates, I ate pretty much one a week until early this year when they went out of season. I also love pomegranate juice. I keep a little bottle in my fridge all year round. When I am out to dinner or a speci... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3307045 Wed, 24 Feb 2010 19:51:32 +0100 3307045 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3269852&cid=t_103884_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Ftoo-quiet-on-the-breast-cancer-front%2F I have been in the breast cancer business for six and a half years. I call it “the business” because of how it affects my life, not because of the science or medicine. In all that time I have held to the hope of a cure for breast cancer. Not a treatment, not just a drug to eliminate risk; a real cure. In the past four years I have read and written about research studies and findings and breakthroughs. I have even blogged about British scientists that said there would be a cure in two years – that was in 2009. Things are very quiet right now about breast cancer and the quiet is deafening. We are in a war. The war against cancer. Remember, Nixon declared war on cancer and no one to my knowledge has declared a truce. When you are in a war you need to know what is happening on the front ... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3269852 Fri, 12 Feb 2010 19:38:40 +0100 3269852 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3092892&cid=t_103884_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F12%2F15%2Fprinceton-scientists-find-way-to-catalog-all-that-goes-wrong-in-a-cancer-cell%2F A team of Princeton University scientists has produced a systematic listing of the ways a particular cancerous cell has “gone wrong,” giving researchers a powerful tool that eventually could make possible new, more targeted therapies for patients. A team of Princeton University scientists has produced a systematic listing of the ways a particular cancerous cell has [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3092892 Tue, 15 Dec 2009 22:53:24 +0100 3092892 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3071129&cid=t_103884_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FA16FrN1qL8w%2F As you get ready to sip your second or third cup of Joe today, here’s a bonus for guys in the group: Coffee drinking might help reduce your chances of developing aggressive prostate cancer. Researchers analyzed data from an NIH-funded study of 50,000 men who, among other things, documented their coffee intake every four years over a 20-year period through 2006. Men who drank six or more cups of coffee a day had a 60% lower chance of developing advanced cancer than those who didn’t drink any coffee. Those consuming four or five daily cups had a 25% lower chance of getting the cancer and those drinking up to three cups had a 20% lower risk. Overall, drinking more coffee did appear to be linked to a slightly lower risk of all forms of prostate cancer, but the magnitude of that ef... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3071129 Tue, 08 Dec 2009 18:26:18 +0100 3071129 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3061411&cid=t_103884_94_f&fid=36906&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDoctorDavidsBlog%2F%7E3%2Fdxr30CUTXo4%2Fmore-what-youd-call-guidelines-than.html Of course, Captain Barbossa was referring to The Pirate Code, but he could just as easily have been referring to documents released last month by the US Preventive Services Task Force or the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). In an unanticipated coincidence, these two groups, operating independently, reached similar conclusions about commonly utilized screening tests: mammograms and Pap smears. Both groups reviewed the data and concluded that routine use of these screening tests, as currently recommended, may not be warranted. Much newsprint has been expended since then discussing the political implications of these new recommendations. As this is not a political blog, I will leave that discussion to others. What I want to talk about is how guidelines ... Doctor David's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3061411 Sun, 06 Dec 2009 05:00:00 +0100 3061411 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3039813&cid=t_103884_94_f&fid=36906&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDoctorDavidsBlog%2F%7E3%2FC7Pq-cYuuK0%2Fsmarter-war-on-cancer.html The headline in the Washington Post caught my eye: “Fighting a smarter war on cancer,” [sorry, you must register to read the article] an opinion piece by Dr. John Marshall, a faculty member at the Lombardi Cancer Center in Georgetown. It is about the intersection between health care reform and cancer care - it seemed like just the thing to read while drinking my morning coffee. But halfway through the article I found myself feeling marginalized, and that got me thinking. Although Dr. Marshall makes some good points, I think he missed a golden opportunity to propose changes that could make a real difference in our lifetimes. How did Dr. Marshall make me feel marginalized? He wrote the following about chemotherapy: “The most common approach to treatment involves exposing larg... Doctor David's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3039813 Mon, 30 Nov 2009 02:36:00 +0100 3039813 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3012354&cid=t_103884_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2Fg0K3L5tBmnI%2F A big national gynecologists’ group has new guidelines out on when women should get a pap smear, the screening test that helps reduce the risk of cervical cancer. Guidelines like these come out all the time and go largely unnoticed by the public, but given the debate this week over the new mammogram guidelines, the pap test guidelines are getting some attention. The guidelines note that pap smears can lead to procedures that may increase the risk of premature delivery if a woman gets pregnant later in life. And, they note, cervical cancer is extremely rare in adolescents. So they advise waiting until age 21 to begin screening; earlier guidelines had recommended starting at 21 or three years after the start of sexual intercourse, whichever was earlier. Women in their 20s should be scr... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3012354 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:55:14 +0100 3012354 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2995746&cid=t_103884_94_f&fid=36906&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDoctorDavidsBlog%2F%7E3%2F5_8-ZxL4hQs%2Fwhen-bad-things-happen-to-famous-people.html In a press release issued earlier this week, former NBA star and actor Kareem Abdul-Jabbar announced that he has been diagnosed with leukemia. Specifically, he has chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Abdul-Jabbar went on to say that his disease can be managed by taking daily oral medication and he expects to live a long healthy life. With leukemia? How is that possible? Abdul-Jabbar has benefited from one of the first and most exciting applications of the translational research I have blogged about in the past. Before 2000, CML was treated with a combination of a chemotherapy drug called cytarabine and another drug called alpha-interferon. Patients treated with this combination usually responded well, but none were cured. The only curative treatment was a bone marrow transplant, and in adu... Doctor David's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2995746 Mon, 16 Nov 2009 04:13:00 +0100 2995746 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2984986&cid=t_103884_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F11%2F11%2Fnationwide-registry-to-match-study-volunteers-with-researchers%2F Individuals who want to participate in research studies can connect online with researchers nationwide through the first disease-neutral, volunteer recruitment registry.  ResearchMatch.org is a not-for-profit secure Web site, designed to provide people who are interested in participating in research the opportunity to be matched with studies that may be the right fit for them. NIH Announces [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2984986 Thu, 12 Nov 2009 06:32:15 +0100 2984986 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2939323&cid=t_103884_94_f&fid=36906&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDoctorDavidsBlog%2F%7E3%2FkM5yWSBypYw%2Fas-breast-cancer-awareness-month-draws.html As breast cancer awareness month draws to a close, I wanted to highlight a few breast cancer posts from other medical bloggers:Suture For a Living asks: "Is Breast Cancer Over-Diagnosed?"Bayblab writes about research on a diabetes medication killing breast cancer stem cells.Science Update Blog discusses claims that we are "Two years from breast cancer cure".Highlight Health's Allison Bland says "The Review is in: Lifestyle Changes Prevent Breast Cancerand Healthcare Hacks discuss the benefits of weightlifting in breast cancer survivors. If you've found any interesting breast cancer blogs or posts, link to them in the comments!Related posts:Does Vitamin D Help Prevent Breast Cancer?Breast Cancer Risk & AlcoholCancer Stem Cells and Familial Cancer Risk for Breast Cancer (Source: Doctor ... Doctor David's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2939323 Thu, 29 Oct 2009 02:01:00 +0100 2939323 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2927526&cid=t_103884_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fconnecting-women-to-breast-cancer-trials%2F I am continually amazed at the power people have – regular people like you and me – to affect the battle against breast cancer. Recently a wonderful organization and Web site was brought to my attention. BreastCancerTrials.org is a non-profit organization that was started by two women just like us that had been diagnosed with breast cancer. Joan Schreiner experienced how difficult it was to find a trial that could help her battle with the disease and envisioned a service that could help others find trials and research studies that could benefit them. Joanne Tyler shared her vision and together these women found sponsors to help them build an organization and develop the Web site. They came up with a wonderful Web site that is interactive and user friendly. It allows you to post your in... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2927526 Mon, 26 Oct 2009 16:18:06 +0100 2927526 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2923436&cid=t_103884_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F10%2F23%2Fovarian-cancer-research-funding-slashed-in-half-take-action-call-your-u-s-congressman-senators-today%2F As a result of a recent U.S. Senate mark-up, the funding for the Department of Defense Ovarian Cancer Research Program (DOD OCRP) has been slashed in half from $20 million to $10 million. Research conducted under the DOD OCRP program is critical because it is solely dedicated to ovarian cancer. … Please help us [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2923436 Fri, 23 Oct 2009 17:31:11 +0100 2923436 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2920446&cid=t_103884_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fdr-kristi-funk-on-breast-cancer-and-genetic-testing%2F I was so blessed to get some time to talk with Dr. Kristi Funk in a phone interview. In my last blog I shared the first part of our interview when I asked her about choosing a lumpectomy over a mastectomy. While she was willing to put forth her thoughts on my questions, Dr. Funk is very supportive of her profession as a whole, indicating that a woman needs to discuss all her options with her own surgeon. Genetic testing for the BRCA gene mutation is one of the biggest advancements recently that we have made in the battle against breast cancer in my mind. So this was definitely an issue I wanted to explore further with Dr. Funk. I know that genetic testing is now being examined by oncologists to help determine the types of treatment to prescribe for a patient with breast cancer, but I wante... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2920446 Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:49:29 +0100 2920446 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2912156&cid=t_103884_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FBgVsXjsRMnU%2F Catch cancers early and treat them before they become deadly. That’s the idea behind cancer screening, and that’s clearly how it works with pap smears for cervical cancer and colonoscopy for colon cancer. But in some cases screening can lead to aggressive treatment of slow-growing tumors that would never have caused a problem if left alone — and the treatment itself can carry serious side effects. Screening also doesn’t help if fast-growing cancers crop up after one screening and spread rapidly to become nearly untreatable before the patient’s next screening. As we’ve pointed out before, the jury is still out on PSA testing for prostate cancer, a disease that is deadly for some men but slow-growing and harmless for many others. A U.S. study of 77,000 me... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2912156 Wed, 21 Oct 2009 12:55:19 +0100 2912156 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2912502&cid=t_103884_136_f&fid=39025&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Feverythingchangesbook%2F%7E3%2FCggofyaw_v0%2Fcancer-donations Bigger isn’t always better.  More isn’t always better.  Louder, snazzier, cuter, more prolific isn’t always better.  But I think smarter IS always better. I was recently asked how I decide what organizations I donate to.  A few years back the head of the American Cancer Society blew me away.  He said increased access to health insurance could reduce cancer mortality rates just as much as scientific discoveries.  Who cares if we find cures that nobody can afford?  Hundreds of thousands of Americans die because they cannot afford proven cancer treatments. This doesn’t take complex microbiology to fix. All we need are better public policies. I’m only donating to organizations providing education and action in support of the public option.  Surprisingly, no cancer organizatio... Everything Changes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2912502 Wed, 21 Oct 2009 10:48:06 +0100 2912502 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2890613&cid=t_103884_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FSy7I5JiowWI%2F Boosted by a big marketing push from a company that sells high-tech equipment, many surgeons have recently shifted to a new technique for prostate cancer surgery. A study out in JAMA today suggests that the risks and benefits of the new style are a mixed bag. Researchers compared results for patients whose surgeons removed their prostate using a traditional method with those whose doctors used a minimally invasive technique that often (but not always) is performed with the assistance of a robot. They found that minimally invasive surgery was associated with lower rates of blood transfusions and certain complications, and shorter hospital stays. But two side effects — incontinence and erectile dysfunction — were diagnosed more often in men who had minimally invasive surgery. Th... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2890613 Tue, 13 Oct 2009 20:11:57 +0100 2890613 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2820551&cid=t_103884_136_f&fid=35294&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psa-rising.com%2Fblog%2F2009%2F09%2Fresearchers-link-multiple-new-snps-with-risk-of-prostate-cancer%2F Scientists have identified seven new genetic variants that appear to be linked with increase risk of prostate cancer. Among these are four new “single-letter” genetic variants on one particular chromosome, called 8q24. This chromosomal region has previously been associated with breast, colon, and bladder cancer. The discoveries identifying the four new genetic [...] (Source: psa-rising.com/blog) psa-rising.com/blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2820551 Mon, 21 Sep 2009 20:33:15 +0100 2820551 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2807838&cid=t_103884_136_f&fid=35294&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psa-rising.com%2Fblog%2F2009%2F09%2Furologists-huddle-with-drug-companies-in-montreal-canada-meeting%2F the 4th C2 Academic Retreat (C2R) being organized jointly by the Canadian Urologic Oncology Group (CUOG) and the Canadian Urology Research Consortium (CURC) is scheduled for the weekend of September 25 to 27, 2009 at the fashionable hotel called W in Montreal. According to UroToday, “this three-day educational event will include provocative ‘Town Hall’ sessions [...] (Source: psa-rising.com/blog) psa-rising.com/blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2807838 Fri, 18 Sep 2009 03:55:30 +0100 2807838 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2778510&cid=t_103884_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2FxCJXCNCZQPM%2F As you might know, September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. Today, we are giving you an opportunity to win a pretty piece of jewelry from the Angela Moore Ovarian Cancer Awareness Collection. Angela Moore creates beautiful bracelets, pendants, earrings, necklaces and more. Since 2004, Angela Moore has partnered with the Ovarian Cancer research Fund to raise awareness of ovarian cancer by creating a special collection of jewelry that symbolizes new beginnings. With the Ovarian Cancer Awareness Collection, 15% of the net proceeds are donated to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund all year long. The OCRF funds research to find a method of early detection and ultimately a cure for ovarian cancer. To learn more about ovarian cancer, please visit OCRF.org. Image: Angela Moore This beaded jewelr... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2778510 Wed, 09 Sep 2009 13:32:48 +0100 2778510 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2757720&cid=t_103884_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FRASrD0scRhA%2F My WSJ Numbers Guy column this week examines a spate of recent high-profile reports suggesting that the war on cancer hasn’t yielded much in the way of progress in reducing deaths. One such report appeared in the New York Times, kicking off a series assessing the war on cancer, 40 years after President Nixon declared it. The American Cancer Society responded to the article with a letter pointing out signs of progress. The society has also produced an estimate of hundreds of thousands of lives saved, by calculating how many people would have died if increases in death rates had continued apace. “I do use that chart regularly,” said J. Leonard Lichtenfeld, deputy chief medical officer for the society. “It’s very instructive for a lot of audiences.” Skeptics not... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2757720 Wed, 02 Sep 2009 12:49:29 +0100 2757720 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2758066&cid=t_103884_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fted-kennedy-another-casualty-of-the-war-on-cancer%2F This past August has proven to be the deadliest month in the entire war in Afghanistan, but still there is no comparison to the casualties from another war that America has been fighting for almost 40 years; the war on cancer. Since 1971 when president Nixon declared war on cancer we have seen better and more effective treatments, we have seen less people dying from the disease and others living longer than was initially expected. What we have not seen is a cure. We have even forgotten that we are still at war. We lost a champion for universal health care and a man who worked to initiate the war on cancer when Senator Ted Kennedy died last week. He especially understood how this war was continuing to rage and found himself in the midst of battle when he was diagnosed with an incurable brai... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2758066 Tue, 01 Sep 2009 21:38:04 +0100 2758066 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2737980&cid=t_103884_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fa-cure-for-breast-cancer-in-two-years%2F So here I am sitting and listening to the late night local news. The newscaster suddenly announces that a potential cure for cancer may be only two years away. At first I am stunned as he explains how researchers in Britain have isolated molecules that allow cancer cells to spread which could lead to drugs to turn off the process. Then I realize that he used the word “cure” and not “treatment.” This makes me cry, bawl in fact. A real cure for breast cancer could be imminent and I had no idea how emotional I would be about this possibility becoming a reality. I have been watching TV for most of the night and I should consider the night wasted, but instead I am elated. I was caught up with the show “America’s Got Talent” because of a young woman named Barbara Padilla. This ... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2737980 Wed, 26 Aug 2009 15:03:52 +0100 2737980 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2730323&cid=t_103884_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F08%2F24%2Fto-fight-cancer-know-the-enemy%2F An Op-Ed entitled “To Fight Cancer, Know the Enemy” was published in The New York Times on August 6, 2009.  The author of the Op-Ed was James D. Watson, Ph.D.  James Watson co-discovered the DNA double helix structure; a discovery for which he received the 1962 Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine. In the [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2730323 Mon, 24 Aug 2009 16:55:12 +0100 2730323 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2727384&cid=t_103884_136_f&fid=35294&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psa-rising.com%2Fblog%2F2009%2F08%2Fwedelia-shrinks-prostate-tumors-in-mice%2F A study published in Clinical Cancer Research August 18 2009 reports that an extract of the Chinese herb Wedelia (a member of the Asteraceae, or sunflower family of plants) shrinks the androgen receptor and prostate cancer in male mice. “Wedelia chinensis,” the authors write, “is a common ingredient of anti-inflammatory herbal medicines in Taiwan and [...] (Source: psa-rising.com/blog) psa-rising.com/blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2727384 Mon, 24 Aug 2009 04:50:17 +0100 2727384 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2727189&cid=t_103884_111_f&fid=36048&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAHeartyLife%2F%7E3%2F9QS27idY65Q%2F Although the population in the United States is aging, it seems that deaths due to cancer are dropping, say researchers. This decline has been occurring over the past 50 years. A study published recently in the journal Cancer Research said: Age-specific cancer mortality rates have been steadily declining in the United States since the early 1950s, beginning with children and young adults and now including all age groups. During the second half of the 20th century, each successive decade of births from 1925 to 1995 experienced a lower risk of cancer death than its predecessor at virtually every age for which such a comparison can be made. A major decline in cancer mortality has been occurring in the United States for the past 50 years, affecting birth cohorts born as long as 80 years ago. T... A Hearty Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2727189 Sun, 23 Aug 2009 15:46:07 +0100 2727189 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2719935&cid=t_103884_136_f&fid=35294&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psa-rising.com%2Fblog%2F2009%2F08%2F1439%2F Scientists have made a discovery about antibiotics that may advance cancer therapy. By studying the mechanisms at work in protein production, a Princeton-led team has discovered why certain kinds of antibiotics are so effective. The new discovery exposes how a specific protein protects against cell death. This may also shed light on the cancer-fighting [...] (Source: psa-rising.com/blog) psa-rising.com/blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2719935 Thu, 20 Aug 2009 16:17:40 +0100 2719935