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'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 01:47:25 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5181787&cid=t_91991_87_f&fid=38368&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDisruptiveWomenInHealthCare%2F%7E3%2F5nzekSZKljs%2F The following is a guest post by Karen Orloff Kaplan the CEO of the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance. TEAL is on trend this September. Not only is teal a top fashion color for fall 2011, it’s the color of ovarian cancer awareness—and September is national ovarian cancer awareness month. Here’s how you can help raise awareness of this disease. To support ovarian cancer awareness you can get involved in the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance’s United States of Teal campaign. The goal of the campaign is to have every state in America teal—which happens when state legislators pledge their support for ovarian cancer awareness. Twenty-four states are already teal—visit www.unitedstatesofteal.org to see if your state supports women with ovarian cancer. The website also shows how you can... Disruptive Women in Health Care blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5181787 Fri, 02 Sep 2011 13:15:09 +0100 5181787 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5181742&cid=t_91991_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FWtTkmF-1j1A%2F Cancer Among 9/11 Responders: Research published in the Lancet finds that firefighters who worked at Ground Zero after the 9/11 attacks were 19% more likely to later develop cancer than firefighters who didn’t work at the site, the WSJ reports. Still, experts and study authors said the study isn’t definitive and that it will take many years for data on cancer incidence to accumulate. In addition, the number of cases wasn’t large enough to draw conclusions about the rates of specific cancers, the paper says. Pulling “Firepot” Fuel: Reports of burns have led to the recall of gel fuel used in outdoor “firepot” decorations by nine companies, the Associated Press reports. The head of the Consumer Product Safety Commission says consumers should stop using the f... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5181742 Fri, 02 Sep 2011 12:25:31 +0100 5181742 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5182235&cid=t_91991_136_f&fid=39026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarolinemfr.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F09%2Fis-cancer-medical-condition.html I have gone back and forth on this in my mind several times. Is cancer a medical condition? When I was in treatment, I was happy to learn cancer is now treated as a chronic condition as opposed to a terminal one. That is a bit positive. Well, anything is more positive than terminal. But then is cancer a medical condition? I'm not sure I like having a medical condition (well I probably have several but I'm only talking about the cancer one here.)Wikipedia defines 'medical condition' as: 'A medical condition is a broad term that includes all diseases and disorders, but can also include injuries and normal health situations, such as pregnancy, that might affect a person's health, benefit from medical assistance, or have implications for medical treatments. While the term medical condition gen... Caroline's Breast Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5182235 Fri, 02 Sep 2011 10:37:00 +0100 5182235 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5182239&cid=t_91991_136_f&fid=39212&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbahtocancer.com%2F2011%2F09%2Fcancer-free-friday-progress%2F So, it turns out that the more you do stuff, the better you getat the stuff that you’re doing. Who knew? (Well, quite a lot of people, I guess. See the Carneigie Hall joke and ‘The more I practice, the luckier I get’, etc.) My first attempts at spinning were knotty and rough, but gradually, they’ve got better. I’ve been able to spin things that look like yarn in the end, but are too over-twisted to be any practical use. Then I’ve been able to spin yarn I can knit with. My Dad is the lucky recipient of my first homespun-knitted hat. Yes, he looks like a burglar.  (He doesn’t usually.) No, it’s not long enough. But it will keep him warm, and he and my Mum have agreed that he can wear it under a hood or in the dark. Which is about right, I t... Bah! to cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5182239 Fri, 02 Sep 2011 08:23:53 +0100 5182239 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5182218&cid=t_91991_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F09%2F01%2Fu-s-president-barack-obama-proclaims-september-2011-as-national-ovarian-cancer-awareness-month-what-should-you-know%2F Today, U.S. President Barack Obama designated September 2010 as National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. During National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, Libby’s H*O*P*E*™ will honor the women who have lost their lives to the disease, support those who are currently battling the disease, and celebrate with those who have beaten the disease.  Today, U.S. President Barack [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5182218 Thu, 01 Sep 2011 23:03:15 +0100 5182218 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5182210&cid=t_91991_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F09%2Fsmiling-cant-cheat-death.html I'm a reasonably happy person. And I believe that concentrating on the half full part of the glass has helped me to cope with many aspects of my life, including breast cancer. However, there have been times when a good wallow or a raging tantrum have been just as necessary and cathartic.And I don't, for even a second, think that people who worried too much, or got mad or who didn't have a positive attitude brought cancer or their own deaths upon themselves. Nor do I believe that temperament or attitude is what causes one person to go into remission and another to succumb to the illness. I find the belief system that blames the patient to be repugnant.In many ways, cancer is a crap shoot. It helps to have excellent medical care, good nutrition and the resources that help you cope with the d... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5182210 Thu, 01 Sep 2011 16:20:00 +0100 5182210 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5182233&cid=t_91991_136_f&fid=39025&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Feverythingchangesbook%2F%7E3%2FKHUrL5uVSuA%2Fsupport-group-tips By Kairol Rosenthal During my stint with cancer, I’ve attended both thyroid cancer and young adult cancer groups.  They ranged from excellent to abysmal.  Here are six tips I’ve come up with for making the most out of a support group experience. I’m curious if you’ve ever tried them: 1. Contact the leader first to see if it’s a good match for you. Ask if participants have a similar disease type or variation as you, what stage of their disease are they in, if the focus is emotional support or swapping practical medical coping strategies. If age, relationship status, race and ethnicity and other personal factors are important to you, ask about the demographics of the group. 2. Try a few meetings. Sometimes groups vary hugely from meeting to meeting depending on who is... Everything Changes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5182233 Thu, 01 Sep 2011 16:11:17 +0100 5182233 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5181800&cid=t_91991_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fhospital-ceo-is-diagnosed-with-cancer-while-building-a-new-cancer-center%2F2011.09.01 Pat Elliott, me and a HUGE cactus at Banner MD Anderson! I am just back from the Phoenix-metro area. It’s now the 5th largest in the United States and despite home foreclosures, there is still a feeling of growth in many areas. Gilbert, a nearby suburb, has expanded to over 200,000 people and a growing major medical center. I spent several days interviewing patients and staff about the soon-to-open, Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center. The hope is that by bringing MD Anderson’s world-renowned expertise, clinical trials and processes to this new center, cancer care around Phoenix and the southwest will be improved. Look for my video interviews coming soon. But, in the meantime, one interview stuck out for me; the one with the Banner Health President and CEO, Peter Fine. Peter is in his lat... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5181800 Thu, 01 Sep 2011 16:00:00 +0100 5181800 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5181802&cid=t_91991_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fmisdiagnosis-happens-all-the-time-tips-to-avoid-it%2F2011.09.01 Billionaire Teddy Forstmann has apparently been diagnosed with a serious form of brain cancer.  There’s a tragic twist to the story: according to Fox Business News, Forstmann believes that for more than a year, he had been misdiagnosed with meningitis. ABC News wonders: How could such a misfortune befall a billionaire —- a man able to afford the best doctors, best technology and the most sophisticated diagnostic tests? They’re missing the point.  Misdiagnosis happens with shocking regularity – as much as (more…) *This blog post was originally published at BestDoctors.com: See First Blog* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5181802 Thu, 01 Sep 2011 12:00:03 +0100 5181802 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5182231&cid=t_91991_136_f&fid=39023&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fbenjaminrubenstein%2F%7E3%2FPI7HMUYz1Xk%2Fpassed-away-resulting-from-cancer-poh.html Rita Mulcahy, PMP “What do you do?” “Project management,” I reply. “What is that?” “...I make spreadsheets.” And so goes the conversation any time I am asked about my profession. I don’t know what I do, so saying “spreadsheets” is easier than trying to explain project management. I do know that three letters added to the end of my name on LinkedIn make me more valuable—PMP, or Project Management Professional. PMP is a credential that demonstrates I know project management, even if I say "I make spreadsheets,” and even if I think all I do is make spreadsheets and only know how to make spreadsheets. My company invited me to take part in their PMP training program, along with nine others. I’d like to claim it’s because I’m a promising young professio... I've Still Got Both My Nuts: A True Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5182231 Thu, 01 Sep 2011 01:57:00 +0100 5182231 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5182219&cid=t_91991_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F08%2F31%2Fnocc-to-host-annual-walk-to-break-the-silence-on-ovarian-cancer-in-the-greater-washington-d-c-area%2F The National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC) Central Maryland Chapter announces its annual “Walk to Break the Silence on Ovarian Cancer” to be held on Sunday, September 18, 2011 at Quiet Waters Park, located in Annapolis, Maryland. The National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC) Central Maryland Chapter announces its 2nd Annual “Walk to Break the Silence on Ovarian Cancer” to be [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5182219 Wed, 31 Aug 2011 23:16:36 +0100 5182219 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5181804&cid=t_91991_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fthree-common-ailments-that-can-be-treated-with-regular-exercise%2F2011.08.31 It’s Wednesday, so I would like to tell you about some cool things I learned this past week about the science of how exercise can be used as a treatment for three common ailments. First, some background about exercise: The great thing about exercising every day that you eat is that this magic potion is not a shot or a pill. It does not involve a doctor burning or squishing anything in your body. There are no HIPAA forms, no insurance pre-certifications, and not even a co-pay. It’s as we say, easy and free. And drum roll please…exercise is active—not passive. Here’s the Mandrola take on how exercise might treat three specific medical conditions: (more…) *This blog post was originally published at Dr John M* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5181804 Wed, 31 Aug 2011 18:00:42 +0100 5181804 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5182237&cid=t_91991_136_f&fid=39026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarolinemfr.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F08%2Fdr-google-or-what.html So I have written about googlechondria recently. We are all victims of it. Our mind takes over our fingers and we google away until we are sure we have stage IV brain cancer or the bubonic plague. Then we go to our doctor and they look at our symptoms, listen to our complaints (whines), and give us a diagnosis and treatment plan. But what about if there needs to be a little more? What if the patient self educates and asks a panel of experts for their thoughts? Take a look at www.cancergrace.org. I know the video is long - 10 minutes - but at the end it directs you to CancerGrace where you can ask a panel of experts about your cancer questions. I think this is very cool. My problem is then to remember about this site so that if (when) I have cancer questions again, I can go ask them the... Caroline's Breast Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5182237 Wed, 31 Aug 2011 11:05:00 +0100 5182237 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5182205&cid=t_91991_136_f&fid=35283&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cancer.org%2FAboutUs%2FDrLensBlog%2Fpost%2F2011%2F08%2F30%2FCrizotinib-Approval-For-Lung-Cancer-Shows-Our-Miracles-Arent-Getting-Less-Expensive.aspx   Today I would like to share with you some thoughts on the topic of the costs of cancer treatments. It is the result of a moment on Saturday morning while, in the midst of listening to hurricane coverage on television, I was scanning the pages of my morning paper. There in the headlines was the comment that the Food and Drug Administration on Friday-presumably a bit later in the day, since the article was posted online at 8PM-approved a new drug called crizotinib (Xalkori®) for the treatment of lung cancer.   The news didn't get much attention, likely because it was overwhelmed by the hurricane. But at any other time, I suspect it would have been all over the media since this drug in fact represents a breakthrough treatment for some patients with lung cancer (more on th... Dr. Len's Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5182205 Tue, 30 Aug 2011 16:00:00 +0100 5182205 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5182234&cid=t_91991_136_f&fid=39025&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Feverythingchangesbook%2F%7E3%2FlpUQP0csuow%2Fthyroid-cancer-patients By Jackie B-F Thyroid cancer is referred to as the “good cancer” to have.  Treatment generally involves surgery followed by radioactive iodine, and cure rates for the disease are incredibly high.  After surgery, the only drugs I took were my daily hormones and a lonely round of radioactive iodine. Less than a month after learning I was in remission, I joined a young adult cancer support group where almost everyone but me had been treated with a stem cell transplant.  My week and a half of radioactive quarantine paled in comparison to their experiences, and I felt that I wasn’t part of “the cancer club.”  I was reminded both how lucky I was and how alone I still felt, even among other young adults with cancer. Since then, I have become active with a few young adult cancer advo... Everything Changes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5182234 Tue, 30 Aug 2011 10:05:20 +0100 5182234 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5174611&cid=t_91991_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fcancer-drug-demonstrates-no-survival-benefit-receives-fda-approval%2F2011.08.29 Recently, the FDA announced its approval, upon accelerated review, of a new drug, Adcetris (brentuximab) for patients with Hodgkin’s lymphoma that has relapsed after bone marrow transplant and for some patients with T-cell anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL). This interests me for a lot of reasons, among them that I used to work in the field of lymphoma immunology and spent some time in my life studying molecules like CD30, the protein to which the new antibody binds. First, a mini-primer on the disease and numbers of patients involved: (more…) *This blog post was originally published at Medical Lessons* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5174611 Mon, 29 Aug 2011 21:00:19 +0100 5174611 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5174824&cid=t_91991_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fdreaming-about-cancer%2F I sleep with a dog. Well, actually, I sleep with two dogs and a husband. So you would think that when Sister and I spent several days at her cottage this past week, just the two of us, I would relish the opportunity to sleep sprawled out and alone on a comfy queen-size bed. I will admit that I was kind of looking forward to it, so I was deeply disappointed when I found it difficult to fall asleep. Sleep is my thing, so it was surprising that sleeping without my companions didn’t provide the enjoyment I was expecting, especially in the peaceful atmosphere of Northern Ontario cottage country. The fact that I tossed and turned for long periods of time before falling asleep all three nights and had a horrible dream about cancer was very perplexing. I haven’t dreamed about having cancer ev... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5174824 Mon, 29 Aug 2011 18:34:38 +0100 5174824 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5174865&cid=t_91991_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FSbGm4lXB2Kw%2F Welcome back. This was a long weekend thanks to the hurricane that swept past the Pharmalot corporate campus and inundated the surrounding region. We are slowly returning to our usual form and reviving our spirits with a needed cup of stimulation. We hope those of you who suffered the storm are doing well. As the Morning Mayor used to say: Every brand new day should be unwrapped like a precious gift. Meanwhile, as we get into gear, here are a few items that should be of interest… Roche Sees Government Austerity Bolstering Diagnostics Unit (Bloomberg News) FDA Asks Novartis For More Data On Gout Drug (Reuters) Pfizer Wins FDA Approval For Targeted Lung Cancer Med (Bloomberg News) India’s Piramal Wants To Buy Ailing Biotechs (Financial Times) More Than Half Of CRO Sales Are Made ... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5174865 Mon, 29 Aug 2011 12:25:42 +0100 5174865 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5174832&cid=t_91991_136_f&fid=39026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarolinemfr.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F08%2Fwell-its-sort-of-important.html No change that, its very important. Do you know what your thyroid does? I think most people would say it does something with your endocrine system. (And what does your endocrine system do? Can you answer that part?) It actually does a lot more. There is a simplified version attached here but basically it controls a lot of your body. Its your largest endocrine gland. Wikipedia says "The thyroid gland controls how quickly the body uses energy, makes proteins, and controls how sensitive the body should be to other hormones." Or think of it this way it "stimulates body oxygen and energy consumption, thereby increasing the basal metabolic rate." So basically it runs your body. So I don't have one. I haven't had one for thirty years. I can tell you with low thyroid your fingernails are brittle... Caroline's Breast Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5174832 Mon, 29 Aug 2011 10:08:00 +0100 5174832 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5174835&cid=t_91991_136_f&fid=39213&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbeingcancer.net%2F2011%2F08%2F29%2Fcancer-boo-boo-guest-post%2F Seldom do I find posts reflected and focused through the eyes of a child.  Though written by Kayleigh, a breast cancer blogger, it was inspired b y the younger Daniel.  They write at Fashionably Later. A day to forget I’m having a hard time. There’s no way around it. I keep trying to turn the corner but I just can’t seem to do it. Sometimes it’s the big things, the obvious stuff that would keep anyone up at night…like, will the cancer come back, will I live a natural lifespan? That’s understandable…I can deal with all that long term, I think. But it’s actually the little things that hold me back from moving on…I’m finding the subtle stuff worse. All those countless reminders, the myriad ways that the aftermath of cancer infuses every nuance of my life. That’s what i... Being Cancer Network blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5174835 Mon, 29 Aug 2011 04:11:44 +0100 5174835 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5174618&cid=t_91991_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fplastic-surgeon-discusses-safety-and-effectiveness-of-new-anti-wrinkle-product%2F2011.08.28 The FDA has granted a license to the maker of laViv which is said to improve the appearance of smile lines without freezing the muscles of your face. Have you heard of this new drug? Does it work like it claims? Are there any side effects that are worrisome? Source: dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2028456/New-biological-wrinkle-cure-touted-alternative-Botox-frozen-face.html Maybe. As we have discussed before, FDA approval is not a stamp of approval that a drug is effective. It just means that as far as current studies show, it is not harmful. Some drugs are FDA approved for years until later the FDA reconsiders and removes them from the market. Look at the relatively recent removal of Darvocet from the market after many years of FDA approval. LaViv is an interesting concept. (more…) ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5174618 Sun, 28 Aug 2011 16:35:43 +0100 5174618 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5169686&cid=t_91991_136_f&fid=39212&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbahtocancer.com%2F2011%2F08%2Fbah-revisited-a-question-of-survival%2F I can’t believe that it’s more than a year since I published the post below; I suppose it feels more recent because it’s something I still think about, still am asked about, still don’t have an answer to. Your thoughts, as ever, are welcome. * Checking Twitter the other morning, I found this message from @joezybolsiano: I have to ask. You don’t think survival is just a matter of attitude, do you? How one copes, yes, but not actual survival? Now I love Twitter, but there are some questions I can’t answer in 140 characters. This is one of them. I thought it was a good question to make a blog post, though, because for all my Bah! attitude I din’t have an immediate answer, and I was a little bit surprised that I didn’t. So, this has been on... Bah! to cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5169686 Sat, 27 Aug 2011 08:25:21 +0100 5169686 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5169687&cid=t_91991_136_f&fid=39213&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbeingcancer.net%2F2011%2F08%2F26%2Fdont-waste-your-cancer-guest-blog%2F Libby Ryder writes at dontwasteyourcancer.  This is a quiet little meditation on the life of one cancer survivor as she moves, literally and metaphorical, along life’s peculiar journey, from one stepping stone to the next. Take care, Dennis blogs are funny because they really only display a small snippet of your life. as i look back on the past couple months i can not believe how many things went unwritten about. it was a lot. sadly the lack of blogging does not mean it was not super fun or real important there are just not enough hours in the day. but i do believe you make time for what is important. so with that said…i may or may not post about things that happened a month or so ago. but we will see. but for today i will share something pretty big. we just back from rockbrid... Being Cancer Network blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5169687 Fri, 26 Aug 2011 15:41:41 +0100 5169687 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5159692&cid=t_91991_136_f&fid=39212&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbahtocancer.com%2F2011%2F08%2Fcancer-free-friday-wishing-well%2F I’ve been working away this week, which has meant a lot of time in airports, on planes, in taxis, and generally hanging about. I don’t usually mind – there’s not really a bigger favour you can do for a knitter and reader than ask her to stick around in a place with seats and snacks and coffee for a couple of hours – but by 5.30pm yesterday, exactly 72 hours since the week’s travelling had begun, I was done with anything that needed me to do serious looking and thinking and keeping things in order in my head. My eyes were scratchy and tired. Actually, all of me was scratchy and tired. And it was still three hours until my flight took off, five hours until I’d be home. I was in Heathrow Terminal 5, which is busy busy busy, so I sat and I watched the ... Bah! to cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5159692 Fri, 26 Aug 2011 11:58:50 +0100 5159692 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5159872&cid=t_91991_155_f&fid=36522&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fpathtalk%2F%7E3%2FroNmybtSvOY%2F2301 www.oncopathology.info. Atrophy looks suspicious for adenocarcinoma at first glance. the nuclei are small and hyperchromatic. No prominent nucleoli are seen. Some glands are lined by obviously benign flattened atrophic epithelium. The immunostain for high molecular weight cytokeratin can be helpful in distinguishing between atrophy (fragmented basal cell layer) from atrophic variant of prostatic adenocarcinoma (no basal cell layer). Atypical adenomatous hyperplasia It may show the infiltrative architecture of cancer, lacks the cytologic features such as prominent nucleoli. The immunostain for high mol. wt. Cytokeratin will show fragmented basal cell layer in most cases. Post-Atrophic Hyperplasia Post-atrophic hyperplasia architecturally mimics adenocarcinoma lacks the cytolog... pathtalk.org blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5159872 Fri, 26 Aug 2011 03:06:39 +0100 5159872 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5159876&cid=t_91991_155_f&fid=38410&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FOncopathology%2F%7E3%2FYNXek_xhKYc%2Fmimics-of-prostate-cancer-atrophy-looks.html Mimics of Prostate Cancer – Atrophy looks suspicious for adenocarcinoma at first glance. the nuclei are small and hyperchromatic. No prominent nucleoli are seen. Some glands are lined by obviously benign flattened atrophic epithelium. The immunostain for high molecular weight cytokeratin can be helpful in distinguishing between atrophy (fragmented basal cell layer) from atrophic variant of prostatic adenocarcinoma (no basal cell layer).  Atypical adenomatous hyperplasia It may show the infiltrative architecture of cancer, lacks the cytologic features such as prominent nucleoli. The immunostain for high mol. wt. Cytokeratin will show fragmented basal cell layer in most cases. Post-Atrophic Hyperplasia Post-atrophic hyperplasia architecturally mimics adenocar... Oncopathology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5159876 Thu, 25 Aug 2011 21:32:00 +0100 5159876 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5159683&cid=t_91991_136_f&fid=39025&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Feverythingchangesbook%2F%7E3%2FccYjD7AR3SA%2Flife-is-too-short-cancer By Sarah J. I keep finding myself thinking: If my doctor gives me a few months to live, would I want to live them the way I have been? The answer of course is no. I’m sure I’m not the first cancer patient who thought about quitting their job, moving to a tropical island, and having a torrid affair with a cabana boy (or girl) after writing a memoir. Yet here I am today, back to the same old grind as before cancer with only a few changes. Why? Reality. Medical and credit card bills prevent any job quitting or island hopping. Since cancer entered my life, and especially during my transition from cancer patient back to an average Jolene, I have struggled to find balance between the reality of my life and that feeling that I should be out living it my way. I call this “Life’s Too Short... Everything Changes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5159683 Thu, 25 Aug 2011 15:05:35 +0100 5159683 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5159669&cid=t_91991_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=5159654&cid=t_91991_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fgood-character-or-great-body-what-are-we-teaching-our-kids%2F When I was a teenager, all the girls my age were concerned about the size of their breasts, their weight, and how they looked. Thirty years later, teenage girls are still obsessed with the same thing. How sad — if only young women were more interested in becoming intelligent, caring human beings! Not that these young women don’t care about both their bodies and global issues, it is just that body image has such an effect on how they feel about themselves and can even impact what they accomplish with their education and careers. Breast cancer has a dual effect on women who are diagnosed. On the one hand it affects our wellbeing and health, but on the other it impacts how we feel about ourselves as women especially because of the disfigurement of our breasts. I wonder if it would be ... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5159654 Wed, 24 Aug 2011 18:56:04 +0100 5159654 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5159698&cid=t_91991_136_f&fid=39213&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbeingcancer.net%2F2011%2F08%2F24%2Fstepping-stones-new-breast-blog%2F We are replacing windows in our house.  Consequently my office has been off-limits.  My desk and “publishing station” had to be partially disassembled with all furniture pushed together in the middle of the room.  The website’s publishing schedule was also interrupted. Last week I received word of a new blog by a breast cancer survivor just recently diagnosed.  As you can read below, her particular journey just began last month. Robyn Angel is really at the beginning stages.  I thought it would be interesting to give you a peek.  This is an opportunity to follow in real time one person’s experience from the beginning.  She writes with a certain energy and sense of humor.  I have excerpted here from two recent posts from Stepping Stones. What’s in a nam... Being Cancer Network blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5159698 Wed, 24 Aug 2011 17:17:42 +0100 5159698 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5159257&cid=t_91991_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.drmalpani.com%2F2011%2F08%2Fhow-antagon-and-other-gnrh-anatgonists.html In the past, most in-vitro fertilization (IVF) centres used pituitary down-regulation with gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists to prevent a premature LH surge and premature ovulation and luteinization. However, this required at least 7–14 days of GnRH agonist pretreatment. This is why researchers developed molecules which would cause an immediate blockage of the GnRH receptors on the pituitary gland, to stop the pituitary from producing gonadotropins instantly . This was felt to be a more rational approach , as these would induce instant downregulation , and prevent a spontaneous LH surge more effectively . Brand names of the GnRH antagonists include Antagon and Cetroride. Thus , treatment with the antagonist can be limited to only those 4-6 days when high oestradiol levels... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5159257 Wed, 24 Aug 2011 04:41:00 +0100 5159257 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5159878&cid=t_91991_155_f&fid=38412&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpathlabmed.typepad.com%2Fsurgical_pathology_and_la%2F2011%2F08%2Fwclc-2011-oral-presentations-more-genomics.html This study showed the potential for using DNA methylation profiles in targeted therapy profiles.  This seemed like a lot of fancy razzle-dazzle in this context and I'm unclear what it would really add in a practical sense; it seems to me most of the work on DNA methylation patterns in lung cancer has been focused on identifying markers for early diagnosis in serum. (Source: The Daily Sign-Out) The Daily Sign-Out blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5159878 Tue, 23 Aug 2011 20:12:54 +0100 5159878 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5159653&cid=t_91991_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F08%2Fgrateful-through-my-tears.html "My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we’ll change the world." - Hon. Jack Layton (1950-2011)If you are reading this post on a site other than Not Just About Cancer (besides Facebook or a feed reader), you are reading stolen content. (Source: Not just about cancer) Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5159653 Tue, 23 Aug 2011 16:20:00 +0100 5159653 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5159684&cid=t_91991_136_f&fid=39025&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Feverythingchangesbook%2F%7E3%2F4ayIcMmnxs4%2Fmedical-records-request-free By Jackie Blachman-Forshay and Kairol Rosenthal As a patient, you have the right to access your own medical records for a “reasonable” fee, according to federal HIPAA laws.  Most doctors’ offices and hospitals charge copying fees, which range widely in price, and add up if you have a thick chart. Here are a few ways to get your records for free or at reduced cost: 1. Make friends with the office staff. Receptionists and nurses deserve to be treated well for all the work they do for us and will often reciprocate our kindness.  Some may copy your records for free.  Be sure to say “thank you!” 2. Ask for your records a little at a time. Did your doc just read your lab report over the phone? Ask them to drop a copy in the mail.  Did they explain your pathology report during your ... Everything Changes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5159684 Tue, 23 Aug 2011 15:05:26 +0100 5159684 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5159002&cid=t_91991_87_f&fid=39261&url=http%3A%2F%2Fvactruth.com%2F2011%2F08%2F23%2Fvaccine-ingredients-non-ionic-surfactants-tween-80-triton-x-100-nonoxynol-9%2F In conclusion, treatment of human and nonhuman cells with detergent at concentrations below the level that causes cytolysis induced apoptotic death.”     Cancer and Tween-80 Injections Effects of repeated subcutaneous injection of Tween-80 in rats  http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/5914564 “In the rats injected with Tween-80, 1 subcutaneous sarcoma was found at the site of injection, and 2 similar sarcomas were also found in the rats injected with Tween-80 and small amounts of 3′-me-DAB. In mice 2 subcutaneous sarcomas were induced by injections of Tween-80 alone. These results raise the possibility that Tween-80 may be directly involved in carcinogenesis.” [Emphasis added]     Triton X-100 and Tween 80 Damage the Gut (Ciba-Geigy Corporation) Evaluation of... vactruth.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5159002 Tue, 23 Aug 2011 12:45:49 +0100 5159002 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5158934&cid=t_91991_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FzMYls8wdiwU%2F Men and Women, Sleeping: Men and women sleep differently, with women experiencing deeper sleep, waking up fewer times during the night, and tolerating a lack of shut-eye better than men — even as men report greater overall satisfaction with their sleeping patterns, the WSJ reports. Research into gender and sleep differences may help explain the generally better health status of women compared to men, the paper says. Hip Problems: Complaints about metal-on-metal hip implants have risen by more than 5,000 since January as some patients have experienced problems with the devices and had them removed, the New York Times reports. The implants can release small fragments of metal that can damage tissue and cause pain in some people, the paper says. Raising Good Cholesterol: Roche reported p... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5158934 Tue, 23 Aug 2011 12:26:44 +0100 5158934 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5159655&cid=t_91991_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fbattle-breast-cancer-with-the-best-research-medicine-and-doctors%2F In my family there are a number of people who are interested in and who have pursued alternative medicine. Sister knows a lot about it, and I have an aunt who has devoted her career and most of her life to exploring health food and alternative medicine and treatments. For my part, I research it extensively. While I am not professing to be an expert or even extremely knowledgeable, I am wary of any claims to curing or successfully treating cancer outside of conventional medicine. These methods are best considered as complementary treatments, and there may be excellent benefits to pursue healthful options during conventional treatment, but not by foregoing tried-and-true Western medicine. With regards to invasive breast cancer, I just do not know anyone who has been truly cured or successful... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5159655 Mon, 22 Aug 2011 20:11:25 +0100 5159655 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5159670&cid=t_91991_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F08%2F22%2Fparp-inhibitor-olaparib-has-activity-in-high-grade-serous-ovarian-cancer-without-inherited-brca1-or-brca2-gene-mutations%2F Researchers affiliated with the British Columbia Cancer Agency reported Phase 2 clinical study results indicating that advanced ovarian cancer, with and without germline (inherited) BRCA 1 or BRCA 2 gene mutations, responded to treatment with the PARP inhibitor olaparib. The Phase 2 study results were published online in the August 21 edition of The Lancet [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5159670 Mon, 22 Aug 2011 18:39:54 +0100 5159670 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5158860&cid=t_91991_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F08%2F22%2Fthe-future-of-cancer-networks-policy-recommendations-as-a-result-of-a-joint-seminar-held-at-the-kings-fund%2F Title: The future of cancer networks: Policy recommendations as a result of a joint seminar held at the Kings Fund Scan or click to download ‘The future of cancer networks: Policy recommendations as a result of a joint seminar held at the Kings Fund’ The Skinny: Report that recommends: Networks need to be strengthened by expanding and diversifying the mix of professionals involved, including primary care, community services, public health and social care Patients need to be involved through the creation of structures that are internal to the network A single clinical network (ie covering multiple clinical areas) is an option to meet the challenges posed by the current financial climate as it can generate efficiencies from sharing services and learning, and consistency ... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5158860 Mon, 22 Aug 2011 14:52:02 +0100 5158860 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5159696&cid=t_91991_136_f&fid=39212&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbahtocancer.com%2F2011%2F08%2Fguest-blogger-unique-pov-things-ive-learned-from-cancer%2F 3 – Cut yourself some slack and go take a nap. Several of my close friends are also cancer survivors – I will be forever grateful for their support – but they are geographically distant and their support during my treatment was via phone and computers only. A few months after my treatment ended, the friends who lived nearby began to say things like ‘I thought they got the cancer,’ and ‘Aren’t you cured now?’ One weekend afternoon, I was instant messaging with a survivor friend, bemoaning the fact that I was unable to do what I’d been able to pre-cancer, and that I felt like people around me were starting to get fed up with my inability to get myself sorted. In that moment, she gave me one of the best pieces of advice I have ever been given. ‘You’ve got cancer,’ ... Bah! to cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5159696 Mon, 22 Aug 2011 07:53:22 +0100 5159696 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5159656&cid=t_91991_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Flove-enough-to-find-a-cure-for-breast-cancer%2F My husband and I structured this vacation to be leisurely and unplanned. This gives us lazy mornings drinking coffee and exploring the view of the Blue Ridge Mountains off the deck of the condo we are staying in. It also means we didn’t get upset over the stormy weather that kept us inside a little longer Thursday morning. We got to watch “Good Morning America,” which I haven’t had the pleasure of seeing for months. I was wonderfully surprised when we tuned in to find host Robin Roberts introducing a music video that she appeared in for Martina McBride’s new song, “I’m Gonna Love You Through It.” Martina’s new song is about breast cancer and the people we love — or those who love us — who are going through it. It’s an emotional tribute to br... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5159656 Fri, 19 Aug 2011 13:54:04 +0100 5159656 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5140194&cid=t_91991_136_f&fid=39026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarolinemfr.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F08%2Fi-am-cat-person.html And how is that relevant to cancer you ask? Now it is proven that dogs can smell cancer. I had heard something about this earlier this year and boo hooed it but now more research has come out and dogs really can smell cancer. This was even brought up in 'The Big C' - Showtime's cancer comedy that I couldn't get through (and that's another blog post). But I am a cat person. Actually I used to be scared of dogs but since cancer is a bit scarier I am better at dealing with dogs now. But I am clearly a cat person. Growing up, we always had a cat. We occasionally took care of a neighbor's dog when they were away. My grandparents had ill behaved poodles who were allowed to clean the china dinner plates under the table after we were done eating. When there were guests they had to do their dish w... Caroline's Breast Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5140194 Fri, 19 Aug 2011 10:13:00 +0100 5140194 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5139918&cid=t_91991_112_f&fid=34971&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.drmalpani.com%2F2011%2F08%2Fusing-letrozole-for-ovulation-induction.html The standard medicine used for making women grow eggs ( a treatment called ovulation induction) for many years used to be clomid ( clomiphene citrate). A recent alternative to clomid is the new drug called letrozole( Femara). Letrozole, is an aromatase inhibitor, and is now being increasingly used as an alternative to clomid for inducing ovulation. The problem with clomid is that because of its antiestrogenic activity, it would cause the cervical mucus to dry up; or make the uterine lining thin. This effect would reduce fertility, so that even though ovulation induction was achieved, women would not get pregnant. Letrozole does not have the anti-estrogenic activity which clomid does, so that the uterine lining and cervical mucus with letrozole is often better than it is with clomid. The ... The Patient's Doctor blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5139918 Fri, 19 Aug 2011 03:32:00 +0100 5139918 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5139731&cid=t_91991_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fnew-cancer-treatment-gains-momentum%2F2011.08.18 You heard about it first on Patient Power when, a couple of years ago, we interviewed Dr. Andrew Lowy, oncology surgeon at UC San Diego Medical Center. He explained how some patients with advanced cancer spread in their abdomen could benefit from an open surgery – perhaps as much as nine hours long – where, after snipping out visible cancer – the organs are bathed in heated chemotherapy for 90 minutes. You may recall the story of Jennifer Ambrose, a young mom from suburban Chicago, who developed cancer of the appendix. She tracked down Dr. Lowy after spotting him on the Internet. She traveled to San Diego, had the “hot chemo” procedure, recovered and then went on to have a second child – her “miracle baby.” Today Jennifer remains fine and her story is featured in my book, T... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5139731 Thu, 18 Aug 2011 23:15:57 +0100 5139731 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5140181&cid=t_91991_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=5140182&cid=t_91991_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F08%2F18%2Fmesothelin-antibodies-occur-in-some-women-with-an-epidemiologic-risk-for-ovarian-cancer%2F Researchers at Rush University Medical Center discover mesothelin antibodies in the bloodstream of infertile women, who possess a higher risk of ovarian cancer. Using a new approach to developing biomarkers for the very early detection of ovarian cancer, researchers at Rush University Medical Center have identified a molecule in the bloodstream of infertile women, who [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5140182 Thu, 18 Aug 2011 16:32:48 +0100 5140182 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5139676&cid=t_91991_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FAME30H7R28I%2F Melanoma Treatment Option: The FDA approved vemurafenib, a treatment from Roche Holding and Daiichi Sankyo aimed at the half of metastatic melanoma patients whose cancer is driven by a specific genetic mutation, the WSJ reports. The treatment, to be sold under the brand name Zelboraf, will be taken for about six months and will cost about $56,400, according to Roche. Back Too Soon: Research published in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology suggests most physicians are screening women for cervical cancer too frequently, Reuters reports. CDC researchers found that physicians are bringing back women with negative Pap smears and HPV tests are to be re-screened annually, though guidelines from the American Cancer Society and other groups recommend a three-year-wait in between nor... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5139676 Thu, 18 Aug 2011 12:45:55 +0100 5139676 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5139624&cid=t_91991_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F08%2F18%2Fsarcoma-measures-for-the-manual-for-cancer-services%2F Title: Sarcoma: Measures for the Manual for Cancer Services Scan or click to download ‘Sarcoma Measures for the Manual for Cancer Services’ The Skinny: Dear collegue letter announcing that Sarcoma Measures are being issued today as part of the Manual for Cancer Services. A copy of the measures can be found in the Cancer Section on the Department of Health web-site or the CQuINS web-site www.cquins.nhs.uk. Publisher: DH Published: 09/08/11 Size: 2p Filed under: Ooops Missed Category! Tagged: Cancer, Clinical Governance, Commissioning, Grey Literature, Health Outcomes, Management control, Monitoring of standards, Neoplasms, NHS Circulars, Outcomes, Patient outcomes, Performance monitoring, Quality, Quality Assurance, Quality assurance in health services, Quality control, Sarc... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5139624 Thu, 18 Aug 2011 12:42:35 +0100 5139624 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5140183&cid=t_91991_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=5140176&cid=t_91991_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Flife-after-the-battle-with-breast-cancer%2F I am in North Carolina on vacation this week. My husband and I have been enjoying leisure time fishing, exploring, and watching the sun set over the mountains. Vacation time is important to me, and even though I am a full-time student and our income is drastically reduced, I would not go without it. I can’t tell you if this is because of having been threatened by breast cancer, or because of the change in attitude towards life I experienced when my dad died. It was after his death that I realized that life was for the living, that when it was over it was over, and all the things you wanted to do wouldn’t get done. My dad didn’t live for tomorrow. He enjoyed each day as it came. He was the most patient, content person you could ever meet. When he was in the hospital before his death... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5140176 Wed, 17 Aug 2011 15:05:27 +0100 5140176 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5140201&cid=t_91991_136_f&fid=39212&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbahtocancer.com%2F2011%2F08%2Fguest-blogger-debbie-carnell%2F 11th August 2011 Today was a good day but: It was raining and I wore suede shoes. I had to wait an hour before I was seen by my Consultant. There’s still scarring on the primary site. The secondary tumour hasn’t shrunk as much as it could have done which means surgery to remove it. I discussed my future sex life with my Stepmum in the room. My Dad cried. I realised cancer will always be a part of my life. Today was a bad day but: My suede shoes had 4 inch heels and I wore them with a confident wiggle for the first time in months. I spent an hour chatting to my family and my Specialist Nurse. The primary cancer has shrunk so much there’s only scarring left. The secondary tumour on my lymph node alerted me something was wrong and more than likely saved my life. My Stepm... Bah! to cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5140201 Wed, 17 Aug 2011 08:56:01 +0100 5140201 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5139639&cid=t_91991_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F08%2F17%2Fnational-cancer-patients%25e2%2580%2599-experience-survey-programme-2011%2F Title: National Cancer Patients’ Experience Survey programme 2011 Scan or click to download ‘National Cancer Patients’ Experience Survey programme 2011 ‘ The Skinny: Dear Colleague letter that announces the launch of the 2011 Cancer Patient Experience Survey, and informs that the Review of Central Returns steering committee has approved this survey in all trusts offering adult acute in-patient cancer services. This is a priority in Improving Outcomes: A Strategy for Cancer, and the NHS Operating Framework 2011/12 recognises the value of patient surveys for measuring performance and driving improvement in NHS services. Publisher: DH Published: 21/07/11 Size: 3p. Additional Document:  Annex A National Cancer Patients’ experience survey programme 2011 – survey ... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5139639 Wed, 17 Aug 2011 07:26:40 +0100 5139639 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5139581&cid=t_91991_83_f&fid=34856&url=http%3A%2F%2Finsidesurgery.com%2F2011%2F08%2Fcysview-technology-doctors-cancer-cells%2F A new technology dubbed cysview is being used at the Cleveland Clinic thats allows physicians to see cancerous cells in bladder tumors through the use of a novel combination of flourescent lighting and dye. (Source: Inside Surgery) Inside Surgery blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5139581 Wed, 17 Aug 2011 03:57:17 +0100 5139581 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5140184&cid=t_91991_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=5139682&cid=t_91991_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FhIvJL-wPiQ8%2F Hospitals are offering a new service to cancer patients: navigators to help them steer through the often-overwhelming maze of decisions, doctor visits and treatments, today’s Informed Patient Column reports. Researchers across the country have been studying patient navigator programs for several years in an attempt to determine how best they can help patients — and how exactly they should be designed and staffed. A new supplement to the journal Cancer is devoted to the issue. The National Consortium of Breast Centers offers a certification program for patient navigators focusing on the unique challenges faced by breast cancer patients, who may see several types of specialists and face multiple decisions on surgery, radiation and follow-up care. While many of the programs are dedicat... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5139682 Tue, 16 Aug 2011 12:53:29 +0100 5139682 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5140197&cid=t_91991_136_f&fid=39026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarolinemfr.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F08%2Fcancer-secrets.html I didn't know cancer has secrets but apparently it does and no one knows what they are (which is why they are called secrets). What is now important is that we know that cancer does have secrets - things we do not yet understand. In this article (which is very technical and discusses thinks like lincRNA, microRNA and psuedogenes so it requires more than one cup of coffee to completely decipher and leaves me at the end of reading it with the secrets to me start at what the heck are those) discusses some of the progress in deciphering the secrets of cancer and how they are now focusing on 2% of the genome. (Its lots of science and biology so read it if you are ready.) I think there are lots of secrets involved in cancer. Start with why did I get it? Why can't you make it go away for good? ... Caroline's Breast Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5140197 Tue, 16 Aug 2011 10:27:00 +0100 5140197 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5139658&cid=t_91991_87_f&fid=34902&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.futurepundit.com%2Farchives%2F008243.html Longer life thru genetic engineering. (PHILADELPHIA) -- In a cancer treatment breakthrough 20 years in the making, researchers from the University of Pennsylvania's Abramson Cancer Center and Perelman School of Medicine have shown sustained remissions of up to a year among a small group of advanced chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients treated with genetically engineered versions of their own T cells. The protocol, which involves removing patients' cells and modifying them in Penn's vaccine production facility, then infusing the new cells back into the patient's body following chemotherapy, provides a tumor-attack roadmap for the treatment of other cancers including those of the lung and ovaries and myeloma and melanoma. The findings, published simultaneously today in the New England... FuturePundit blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5139658 Mon, 15 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5139658 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5130633&cid=t_91991_85_f&fid=34587&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FKevinMd-MedicalWeblog%2F%7E3%2FekgPxluo0d4%2Ftime-answer-patient-questions.html I was working in the bone marrow transplant clinic of an internationally known cancer center.  When I looked into the patient’s faces,  I saw hope as they were being worked up for a possible transplant.I went into see a new patient.  She had leukemia and had relapsed after her remission.  Her sister would be the donor.Gretchen, age 19 came in with her mom for the appointment.  She was tall, youthful looking and had a twinkle in her eye.  Yet, I found  out, she rarely spoke.I introduced myself and explained to Gretchen this appointment was to answer her  questions she would have regarding her upcoming bone marrow transplant.Read the rest of Taking the time to answer patient questions on KevinMD.com.Category: Physician | Tags: Cancer, Patients, Specialist | 4 comments (Source: Kevi... Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5130633 Mon, 15 Aug 2011 19:00:06 +0100 5130633 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5130634&cid=t_91991_85_f&fid=34587&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FKevinMd-MedicalWeblog%2F%7E3%2Fp7JfxqgsGpw%2Fmindfulness-patient.html I had a “wow” experience recently when I accompanied my wife to interview a new doctor for her.   As some reader may know she is being seen by specialists at MD Anderson Medical Center in Houston for Stage IV lung cancer.   She has not had a local oncologist for the past 6 years, but she does now.   And we both love this guy!You need to understand that I have been very underwhelmed by the local oncologists I had met up till now.   I am sure they were clinically proficient, but as a group not a one could muster a smile or any sense of interest or curiosity in my wife’s medical condition.  I held out little hope that this new doctor would be any different.Read the rest of Think about mindfulness when seeing a new patient on KevinMD.com.Category: Patient | Tags: Cancer,... Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5130634 Mon, 15 Aug 2011 17:00:48 +0100 5130634 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5130989&cid=t_91991_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=5130656&cid=t_91991_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F08%2F15%2Fmanual-for-cancer-services-brain-and-cns-measures%2F Title:  Manual for Cancer Services: Brain and CNS measures  Scan or Click to download 'Manual for Cancer Services: Brain and CNS measures' The Skinny: Following a three month consultation period, the final Brain and CNS Measures are now published for inclusion in the Manual for Cancer Services. The measures can also be found on the CQUINS website at http://www.cquins.nhs.net/ Publisher: DH Published: 11/07/11 Size: 66p. Filed under: Ooops Missed Category! Tagged: Brain cancer, Cancer, Grey Literature, Health Outcomes, Neoplasms, Outcomes, Quality, Quality Assurance, Quality assurance in health services, Quality Improvement, Quality management (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5130656 Mon, 15 Aug 2011 14:10:18 +0100 5130656 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5130995&cid=t_91991_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F08%2F14%2Fovarian-cancer-awareness-through-social-media-technology-are-you-ready%2F The median age of a women at the time of initial ovarian cancer diagnosis is 63.  How important is social media technology to ovarian cancer awareness? Let us know what you think. The median age of a women at the time of initial ovarian cancer diagnosis is 63. In light of that fact, we are [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5130995 Sun, 14 Aug 2011 23:08:09 +0100 5130995 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5131008&cid=t_91991_136_f&fid=39213&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbeingcancer.net%2F2011%2F08%2F14%2Fcancer-warrior-wanted-guest-post%2F The State Fair will be closed today here in Indianapolis.  You have probably heard that 5 people were killed and 45 hospitalized last night when a freak wind collapsed a temporary stage just before the group Sugarland was to perform. Cancer is the same kind of disaster as that wind, coming out of nowhere, striking indescriminantly at innocent victims.  Long time blogger and cervical cancer survivor offers these reactions at the journey | Life as I know it! I am so angry at cancer right now! I hate it, it is pissing me off, and I just want it to go away! NOW! Yesterday, I received an email from the friend that I spoke of a couple of days ago – the one that I ran into at the lab on Thursday. In her email, she was letting me know that her Thursday morning appointment with the oncologist ... Being Cancer Network blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5131008 Sun, 14 Aug 2011 19:32:16 +0100 5131008 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5131004&cid=t_91991_136_f&fid=39026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarolinemfr.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F08%2Fmissing-big-picture.html A cancer friend was telling me the other day about a friend of her's who was just diagnosed with breast cancer and was refusing chemo - because she didn't want to lose her hair. I think she is missing the big picture. She can make a trade here - lose your hair and keep your life. Multiple doctors have recommended chemo to her and she still says no. I also think she is in that stage called 'denial'. She needs to move on to the anger, bargaining, depression and then acceptance stages. Its not an easy transition and it certainly doesn't happen over night. My friend was going to talk to her some more and find out about her cancer stage and other factors in her diagnosis. I have thought about this for a few days and think there is some fault of the doctors here (or maybe she just isn't heari... Caroline's Breast Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5131004 Sun, 14 Aug 2011 10:26:00 +0100 5131004 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5125923&cid=t_91991_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F08%2F12%2Ffda-approves-clinical-protocol-for-additional-phase-1-study-of-tkm-plk1-in-primary-liver-cancer-or-liver-metastases%2F The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approves the clinical protocol for an additional Phase 1 study of TKM-PLK1 in patients with either primary liver cancer or liver metastases associated with select cancers including ovarian. RNA Interference Nucleic acids are molecules that carry genetic information and include DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid). Together these [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5125923 Fri, 12 Aug 2011 19:03:27 +0100 5125923 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5125712&cid=t_91991_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FhIsW-y19vVc%2F More Victims: An estimated 107 people in 31 states have fallen ill from salmonella-tainted ground turkey, up from the previous total of 78 victims in 26 states, the WSJ reports, citing updated figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. One death has been linked to the turkey, which was produced by Cargill. The company has recalled 36 million pounds of ground turkey. Hot Bath?: Some hospitals are offering a so-called “hot chemo bath” to people with colon and ovarian cancers, despite what critics call a lack of solid evidence that the benefits of the procedure outweigh the risks for those patients, the New York Times reports. The procedure involves major abdominal surgery to remove any organs affected by cancer, followed by an infusion into the abdominal cavity ... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5125712 Fri, 12 Aug 2011 12:41:05 +0100 5125712 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5125976&cid=t_91991_155_f&fid=38412&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpathlabmed.typepad.com%2Fsurgical_pathology_and_la%2F2011%2F08%2Fwclc-2011-oral-presentations-squamous-cell-carcinoma.html This study involved a tissue microarray constructed from 568 patients with stage 1 NSCLC with detailed histopathological and clinical data.  SOX2 gene data was determined by FISH and SOX2 protein expression was assessed by IHC.  This data was correlated then with clinicopathological findings and OS and cancer-specific survival. Increased SOX2 gene amplification or polysomy was found in 4% of (17/429) evaluable samples but 16/17 (94%) were associated with non-ADC histology.  SOX2 protein expression was found in 48% of NSCLC and was associated with non-ADC histology (P<0.001): SOX2 expression was identified in 78% of SQC specimens (178/227) but only in 15% of ADC (29/191).  Further, SOX2 protein expression was significantly associated with high grade tumors, patien... The Daily Sign-Out blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5125976 Fri, 12 Aug 2011 12:05:00 +0100 5125976 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5125958&cid=t_91991_149_f&fid=35776&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpipeline.corante.com%2Farchives%2F2011%2F08%2F12%2Fa_startlingly_good_leukemia_trial.php You've probably seen the headlines about a new experimental treatment for leukemia. For once, the excitement seems justified - this is a remarkable and very promising result, and it's worth taking a close look at it. As reported in the New England Journal of Medicine, a patient in this study had been diagnosed with chronic lymphoid leukemia (CLL) since 1996. In this condition, B cells proliferate uncontrollably, piling up in the bone marrow and the lymph nodes. This patient had run through several courses of chemotherapy over the years. He would go for periods with no signs of disease, but it would always come back (in harder-to-treat form, naturally). By the time of this study, he was in bad shape and running out of options. Those, frankly, are the patients who are appropriate to enroll ... In the Pipeline blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5125958 Fri, 12 Aug 2011 11:46:13 +0100 5125958 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5125930&cid=t_91991_136_f&fid=39212&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbahtocancer.com%2F2011%2F08%2Fcancer-free-friday-hello-again%2F Remember this post, about how we shouldn’t let minor disagreements turn into major things? About how we should resolve things while we can? Well, here’s a bit of supporting evidence. That’s me and that’s Rachel Skye, reunited after eight years of not being in touch. We were just like we always were, with the added determination to make [...] (Source: Bah! to cancer) Bah! to cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5125930 Fri, 12 Aug 2011 06:53:57 +0100 5125930 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5118924&cid=t_91991_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F08%2F11%2Fgene-transfer-therapy-destroys-tumors-in-chronic-lymphocytic-leukemia-patients-holds-promise-for-ovarian-cancer%2F Penn researchers have shown sustained remissions of up to a year among a small group of advanced chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients treated with genetically engineered versions of their own T-cells. This genetically-modified “serial killer” T-cell approach could provide a tumor-attack roadmap for the treatment of lung and ovarian cancer, myeloma and melanoma as well. [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5118924 Fri, 12 Aug 2011 00:11:37 +0100 5118924 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5159029&cid=t_91991_90_f&fid=36413&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dcscience.net%2F%3Fp%3D4683%26utm_source%3Drss%26utm_medium%3Drss%26utm_campaign%3Dprofessor-geoffrey-petts-of-the-university-of-westminster-says-they-are-not-teaching-pseudo-science-the-facts-show-this-is-not-true Jump to follow-up On 23rd May 2008 a letter was sent to the vice-chancellor of the University of Westminster, Professor Geoffrey Petts Dear Professor Petts   You may be aware an article by Zoe Corbyn, published in Times Higher Education 24 April 2008, with the title Experts criticise ‘pseudo-scientific’ complementary medicine degrees.   The subtitle of the article was Vice-chancellors should re-examine courses, say campaigners.  In the light of that, we wondered whether you had anything to add to the comments made by David Peters in todays THE.  We are preparing a response to that, and it seems fair to ask your view before we proceed. (In order to save you time, copies of the two articles are attached.)   As an expert on... DC's goodscience blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5159029 Thu, 11 Aug 2011 15:37:57 +0100 5159029 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5118561&cid=t_91991_85_f&fid=34587&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FKevinMd-MedicalWeblog%2F%7E3%2Fae70SE52GAk%2Fproblem-heart-boobies-bracelets-worn-middle-school-students.html Many of you know that a judge in Pennsylvania has determined that the popular “I Heart Boobies” bracelets worn by middle school students are a form of free speech intended to raise awareness of breast cancer and cannot be restricted by schools.As much as I love a good double-entrendre, I find the entire situation to be sad, particularly the misinformed comments I’ve seen made by parents of teens.Read the rest of The problem with I Heart Boobies bracelets worn by middle school students on KevinMD.com.Category: Patient | Tags: Cancer, Patients | 4 comments (Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog) Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5118561 Thu, 11 Aug 2011 15:00:29 +0100 5118561 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5118890&cid=t_91991_131_f&fid=35008&url=http%3A%2F%2Fscienceroll.com%2F2011%2F08%2F11%2Fa-comic-shows-how-a-cancer-patient-can-choose-treaments%2F There is a very realistic comic on XKCD about how a cancer patient can find and choose a treatment. (Source: ScienceRoll) ScienceRoll blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5118890 Thu, 11 Aug 2011 13:01:13 +0100 5118890 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5118597&cid=t_91991_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2F-v7ZpnrS1Qc%2F Serial Killers: Genetically engineering certain immune-system cells to identify and then destroy a certain protein found on leukemia cells can put patients into sustained remission from their cancer, the WSJ reports. Research on three people published in the New England Journal of Medicine and Science Translational Medicine shows that the treatment has harsh side effects, however, and much larger studies are needed to prove that it works. The genetic immunotherapy will also be studied in other cancers. Identifying Variations: Scientists have published in the journal Nature an analysis of the genetics behind multiple sclerosis, finding 29 genetic variations associated with the disease and shoring up the notion that it is an autoimmune disorder, the Los Angeles Times’ Booster Shots blo... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5118597 Thu, 11 Aug 2011 12:49:11 +0100 5118597 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5119012&cid=t_91991_155_f&fid=38412&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpathlabmed.typepad.com%2Fsurgical_pathology_and_la%2F2011%2F08%2Flow-dose-spiral-ct-screening-for-lung-cancer.html Of course, the recently published study of the National Lung Cancer Screening Trial in NEJM on low-dose spiral CT for lung cancer screening in high-risk individuals received the spotlight at the commencement of the WCLC meeting.  Dr. John Field, Chair of IASLC CT Screening Task Force, hailed the results as transformative for the field of lung cancer and framed the discussion in terms of making a transition to implementation.  One of the study’s co-authors, Dr. Denise Aberle, noted that while the trial recorded 24% positive screens compared with 6.9% for chest radiographs, it also had a 95% false positive rate.  A panel discussing the study concurred that the opportunity for early detection outweighs the potential physical and psychological burden of a false result. &#01... The Daily Sign-Out blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5119012 Thu, 11 Aug 2011 11:15:00 +0100 5119012 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5118931&cid=t_91991_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=5119013&cid=t_91991_155_f&fid=38412&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpathlabmed.typepad.com%2Fsurgical_pathology_and_la%2F2011%2F08%2Fwclc-2011-summary-from-plenary-session.html There were three themes from the Monday, July 3 plenery session at the 2011 14th World Conference on Lung Cancer.  First, the effect of smoking cessation on lung cancer incidence was discussed in relation to a recent study showing that women who smoke 20 cigarettes a day have a risk of developing lung cancer 30 times higher than non-smokers.  However, the study also showed that quitting before age 50 reduced the risk to sic times higher and quitting before age 40 reduced it to 1.2 times higher almost completely eliminating the risk from smoking. The second major theme discussed the shift from squamous cell carcinoma (SQC) to adenocarcinoma (ADC) as the most prevalent histologic type of lung cancer.  The development of cigarette filters was discussed as one reason for this... The Daily Sign-Out blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5119013 Wed, 10 Aug 2011 20:30:00 +0100 5119013 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5118646&cid=t_91991_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=5118647&cid=t_91991_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fexpensive-medications-is-the-benefit-worth-the-cost%2F2011.08.10 The concept of cost-effectiveness in medicine is elastic. One’s view on this issue depends upon who is paying the cost. Of course, this is true in all spheres of life. When you’re in a fine restaurant, you order differently when the meal will be charged to someone else. Under these circumstances, the foie gras appetizer and the jumbo shrimp cocktail are no longer luxuries, but are considered as essential amino acids that are necessary to maintain life. In the marketplace, except in the medical universe, goods and services are priced according to what the market will bear. If an item is priced too high, then the seller will have fewer sales and a bloated inventory. Consumers will not pay absurd prices for common items, regardless of supernatural claims of quality. Would you pay $100 fo... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5118647 Wed, 10 Aug 2011 16:00:00 +0100 5118647 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5119014&cid=t_91991_155_f&fid=38412&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpathlabmed.typepad.com%2Fsurgical_pathology_and_la%2F2011%2F08%2Fwclc-2011-oral-presentations-genomics.html This study provides some preliminary benchmarking data to discuss with clinicians, although I would provide a caveat that there is likely to be a referral bias (since this is a single-institutional study from one of the world’s most reknown cancer centers) that overestimates the frequency of driver mutations in ADC. Finally, O016.06 is another presentation from the MSKCC that examined the prognostic impact of driver mutations in lung ADC with respect to smoking history.  There is important background that puts this study in context, namely, the demonstration of an independent dose-dependent relationship between smoking history and survival in patients with advanced stage NSCLC with never-smokers living 50% longer than smokers (Janjigian et al., Cancer 2010).  The authors revi... The Daily Sign-Out blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5119014 Wed, 10 Aug 2011 12:09:27 +0100 5119014 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5118936&cid=t_91991_136_f&fid=39212&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbahtocancer.com%2F2011%2F08%2Fchemotherapy-fantastic%2F I went to have my hair cut on Saturday. It was a new hairdresser. I took a picture of what I wanted along with me, because no matter how well I think I explain what I want, hairdressers always seem to hear, “Just do whatever you fancy, so long as you leave a funny bit that [...] (Source: Bah! to cancer) Bah! to cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5118936 Wed, 10 Aug 2011 07:30:42 +0100 5118936 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5107688&cid=t_91991_113_f&fid=39278&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblogsite.mdbuyline.com%2F%3Fp%3D322 Just when you think the rapid growth of nano technology has leveled off, scientists take another step with gold nanoshells as a therapeutic device.  Gold nanoshells are hollow structures that have been previously used for diagnostic tests.  Along with their small size, gold nanoshells have a unique characteristic that allows them to be used as a therapeutic tool for cancer.  The combination of a gold shell and hollow sphere gives them the ability to absorb near infrared light.  The light is then converted to heat energy, which selectively destroys cancer cells from within.  Currently, several companies are developing laser-activated drug delivery systems.  One early study using a 4 watt, 810-nm near infrared laser produced 93% tumor necrosis and regression in cancer cells.  A more r... MD Buyline blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5107688 Tue, 09 Aug 2011 13:43:49 +0100 5107688 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5107737&cid=t_91991_125_f&fid=38999&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbellevuedentist-cosmetic.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F08%2Fnormal-0-false-false-false-en-us-x-none.html Tooth Loss and Periodontal Disease Potentially Linked to Breast Cancer Bellevue Dentist saw an interesting article discussing the possible link between breast cancer and tooth loss as reported on the Dental News and Technology Blog by Dr Marty Jablow. I am reprinting his article without editing as written in his blog article. I found this interesting because of the apparent extremely high likely hood to develop breast cancer when women have missing teeth and periodontal disease. According to Dr Jablow’s blog post, whose information source was the British Dental Health Foundation, the study suggests that women may be over 11 times more likely to have breast cancer if they have periodontal disease and missing teeth. Bellevue Cosmetic Dentist has discussed the association of periodontal ... Bellevue Cosmetic Dentist Choosing the Best Dentistry blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5107737 Mon, 08 Aug 2011 23:07:00 +0100 5107737 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5107516&cid=t_91991_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=5107847&cid=t_91991_136_f&fid=39213&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbeingcancer.net%2F2011%2F08%2F08%2Fon-the-loss-of-a-cancer-blogger-guest-post%2F Since I began this blog, I have always wrestled with the question of how to handle Guest Posts of survivors that are not doing well.  Early on I even considered whether or not to publish the names and URL’s of blogs of folks that have passed away.  Last Wednesday I offered the difficult post by Alli, who was struggling with the inevitable issue of quality vs quantity of the time left us when our disease rises up and begins to beat down our last defenses. Now that I am working in a bone marrow transplant clinic and proudly wear my leukemia and transplant badges in order to give my patients hope, the editorial conflict is more acute.  I frequently had out Being Cancer Network business cards to my patients. But after all Death is what we fear when we first heard our doctor say the wo... Being Cancer Network blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5107847 Mon, 08 Aug 2011 19:16:06 +0100 5107847 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5107517&cid=t_91991_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fanonymous-blogger-reviews-the-lack-of-evidence-for-robotic-surgery%2F2011.08.08 The surgeon who blogs as Skeptical Scalpel writes that he (she?) is unable to contain him(her)self any longer and then lunges into a review of evidence (or lack thereof) for robotic surgery. You may disagree with Skeptical Scalpel’s decision to be anonymous, but he/she explains: “I’ve been a surgeon for almost 40 years and a surgical department chairman for over 23 of those years. During much of that time, conforming to the norms, rules and regulations of government agencies, accrediting bodies, hospitals, societies, and social convention was necessary for survival. I was always somewhat outspoken but in a controlled way most of the time. I now have a purely clinical surgery practice with no meetings, site visits or administrative hassles. I am free to speak my mind about... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5107517 Mon, 08 Aug 2011 18:00:07 +0100 5107517 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5107897&cid=t_91991_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FQaavhu47mq4%2F Earlier this year, a Dendreon investor named Brad Loncar took the maker of the Provenge prostate cancer vaccine to task for what he believes are basic managerial shortcomings and criticized the board for failing to provide sufficient oversight and advice. The sort of complaints he expressed (read here) are familiar to investors in many stocks - repeatedly missing forecasts, failing to disclose important info and ignoring worthwhile suggestions. Irked that his missive to the Dendreon board was ignored, he went public (see this) and generated some heat, but faded from view again after the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services endorsed reimbursement. But last week, his criticism seemed all the more relevant when Dendreon shocked investors by disclosing that sales were slower than plan... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5107897 Mon, 08 Aug 2011 14:13:15 +0100 5107897 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5107483&cid=t_91991_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FzI5sxWjKWVE%2F Reversal of Course: The federal government won’t try to force the resignation of Forest Laboratories CEO Howard Solomon after the company last year plead guilty to drug-marketing misdemeanors, the WSJ reports. Solomon wasn’t named in the criminal action but the government had sought to exclude him from doing business with the government under a clause of the Social Security Act. Bad Habit: New research shows that when it comes to lung-cancer risk, smoking within 30 minutes of waking up in the morning is worse than waiting at least an hour before lighting up, the BBC reports. It’s not clear why, but one possible explanation is that people suck in smoke more intensely when they smoke first thing in the morning, increasing exposure to chemicals. Unclear Effectiveness?: The U... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5107483 Mon, 08 Aug 2011 12:40:52 +0100 5107483 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5107841&cid=t_91991_136_f&fid=39026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarolinemfr.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F08%2Fanother-reason-to-exercise.html Perhaps I was actually doing something right. Before and during treatment, and even for a while after, I went for a daily walk. During treatment, I would drag my body outdoors to get some fresh air and exercise for a 30-45 minute walk. The only days I didn't go for a walk was when I was hospitalized. I may have been walking slower than before diagnosis, but I was moving. I was always encouraged to do so by the doctors and nurses. Other people in treatment would look at me like I grew two heads - you mean you didn't stay home and take a nap? At the time I was doing it because it was part of my daily routine to go for a walk and cancer wasn't going to upset my routines - even if it screwed up the rest of my life. In addition, it helped with that lovely treatment side effect - constipation -... Caroline's Breast Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5107841 Mon, 08 Aug 2011 11:57:00 +0100 5107841 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5107829&cid=t_91991_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=5103492&cid=t_91991_136_f&fid=39212&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbahtocancer.com%2F2011%2F08%2Fcancer-free-friday-its-not-fair%2F So, the cold isn’t being too coldy -it’s just a minor irritation, not a take-to-the-sofa job, which is good. I’ll tell you what is irritating though. I have a spot coming on my chin. I can feel it and it’s going to be HUGE. You know when you have that ache and you know that you’re doomed to walk around with a prominently-displayed red mound with a flashing white beacon of a head on it for days? That. What’s really annoying is that when I look in the mirror, I see the place where the spot is growing, waiting to burst forth…. and I also see wrinkles. This is just wrong. Surely when you are old enough to have wrinkles, you should no longer be eligible for spots? I think there should be rules about these things. Laws, even. Wouldn’t life be just ... Bah! to cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5103492 Sat, 06 Aug 2011 07:32:49 +0100 5103492 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5103482&cid=t_91991_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F08%2F05%2Fin-depth-review-the-cancer-genome-atlas-reports-on-landmark-analysis-of-high-grade-serous-ovarian-cancer%2F An analysis of genomic changes in high grade serous ovarian cancer provides the most comprehensive and integrated view of cancer genes for any cancer type to date. Ovarian serous adenocarcinoma tumors from 489 patients were examined by The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) Research Network and its analyses are reported in the June 30, 2011 issue [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5103482 Sat, 06 Aug 2011 00:24:26 +0100 5103482 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5096937&cid=t_91991_136_f&fid=39212&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbahtocancer.com%2F2011%2F08%2Fcancer-free-friday-words%2F I finished the second Bah! book towards the end of July, and I gave myself a month off before going to the next book. (I’ve yet to decide what the next book will be. Or rather, which of the books will be next. I have two begun novels and a not-at-all-begun not-about-cancer Bah! book jostling for position in my brain right now.) The month off was partly to give myself a break and partly a question of expediency: holidays are upon us, and we are either away, or have guests, or I am doing bits of actual work that require me to be in a particular place for a particular period of time, and pay attention while I’m there. But I am missing writing. Well, obviously I’m still writing, because I blog most days, but I miss Writing Books. I think it’s because writing books is th... Bah! to cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5096937 Fri, 05 Aug 2011 10:14:28 +0100 5096937 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5096940&cid=t_91991_136_f&fid=39213&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbeingcancer.net%2F2011%2F08%2F05%2Fi-cant-direct-the-wind-guest-post%2F A second post about Hodgkin’s lymphoma.  (see August 1 – “The Good Cancer”) this one by the mother of a very young survivor.  She writes at the very creatively and hopefully titled blog I Cant Direct The Wind But I Can Adjust The Sails Take care, Dennis Hello Blogger Friends! As you may have noticed I haven’t blogged in a little bit and there is a reason for that…. there isn’t much to blog about. Nick is now wrapping up his second week of radiation and so far (knock on wood) aside from a slight scratchy throat and some fatigue he hasn’t had the side effects that sometimes accompany this treatment. He now even has some uber soft peach fuzz growing atop his head…. the doctor said that this new baby soft hair is likely to fall out ... Being Cancer Network blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5096940 Fri, 05 Aug 2011 04:49:18 +0100 5096940 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5096203&cid=t_91991_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fnyt-reports-on-research-that-links-height-to-cancer-risk%2F2011.08.04 Female models may be tall and beautiful, but they are also at markedly increased risk of developing cancer. The New York Times reported on a fascinating research article regarding height of a women and risk of cancer. Specifically, for every four-inch increase in height over 5 feet 1 inch, the risk that a woman would develop cancer increased by about 16 percent, especially for: • Colon Cancer (RR per 10 cm increase in height 1.25, 95% CI 1.19—1.30) • Rectal Cancer (1.14, 1.07—1.22) • Malignant Melanoma (more…) *This blog post was originally published at Fauquier ENT Blog* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5096203 Thu, 04 Aug 2011 21:00:00 +0100 5096203 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5096151&cid=t_91991_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FmKAJato-F-Y%2F Shares of Dendreon are getting hammered today after the company reported yesterday that sales of Provenge, its $93,000 prostate cancer treatment, won’t meet forecasts despite expanded manufacturing capacity and recent favorable reimbursement decisions. The company’s CEO, Mitch Gold, says the problem is headwinds from a phenomenon he calls “cost density.” Here at the Health Blog, we’re always grateful for vocabulary-building exercises and it occurred to us when Gold dropped the term during an interview it was Dendreon-speak for “really expensive cancer drugs.” We wondered whether Provenge’s price tag was meeting resistance from patients concerned about the treatment’s cost-benefit equation: studies that led to FDA approval indicated Prov... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5096151 Thu, 04 Aug 2011 16:14:41 +0100 5096151 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5096093&cid=t_91991_85_f&fid=34587&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FKevinMd-MedicalWeblog%2F%7E3%2FU8008Vhlfcw%2Freceive-vaccines-prevent-cancer.html What disease do people fear most? It’s no contest: Cancer.At one time we fantasized about having a weapon against cancer that’s better than early detection. Now we do, and I’m not just talking about better treatment. We have vaccines to actually prevent some cancers by preventing the viral infections that lead to them.So why doesn’t everyone get these vaccines when they should?Read the rest of More should receive vaccines to prevent cancer on KevinMD.com.Category: Meds | Tags: Cancer, Medications | 1 comment (Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog) Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5096093 Thu, 04 Aug 2011 16:00:02 +0100 5096093 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5096282&cid=t_91991_106_f&fid=36682&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSutureForALiving%2F%7E3%2F00YvPBcMlds%2Ftiming-of-radiotherapy-in-implant-based.html This study demonstrated that a higher total failure rate affects breast reconstructions that undergo irradiation during tissue expansion. For this reason, we suggest that if tissue expansion can be performed during postoperative chemotherapy, chest wall irradiation should be delivered on permanent implants. The second surgical step can be scheduled 3 weeks after the end of chemotherapy, and the irradiation should not begin more than 3 weeks later. Patients whose need for radiotherapy is not known preoperatively can, in this way, improve their surgical outcome.         REFERENCES Outcome of Different Timings of Radiotherapy in Implant-Based Breast Reconstructions; Nava, Maurizio B.; Pennati, Angela E.; Lozza, Laura; Spano, Andrea; Zambetti, Milvia; Catanuto, Giuseppe; P... Suture for a Living blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5096282 Thu, 04 Aug 2011 11:15:00 +0100 5096282 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5096934&cid=t_91991_136_f&fid=39026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarolinemfr.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F08%2Fliving-double-life.html Some people who know me think I have a bad back, tennis elbow, shoulder problems, bad knees, am mildly accident prone, and have lots of doctor appointments. Other people who know me know that I have had cancer, bad back, tennis elbow, lymphedema shoulder/arm, bad knees, am mildly accident prone, and have a lot of doctor appointments...Am I leading a double life in that some people who know me don't know about the little bitty cancer issues? I really don't think so. I just think its none of their business. Do you know the entire medical history of everyone you know? I doubt it. Its none of your business either.So why do I find myself telling people about my cancer issues? I wonder about this. But it often comes to my job working at a cancer support center, it sometimes becomes pertinent and... Caroline's Breast Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5096934 Thu, 04 Aug 2011 10:32:00 +0100 5096934 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5096658&cid=t_91991_117_f&fid=37824&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.doctorkalitenko.com%2Fblog%2Fapproved-diabetes-med-deadly%2F Yet another medication, approved for years by the FDA, is now being questioned. The Food and Drug Administration is now warning that diabetes medication Actos may actually increase the risk of bladder cancer when used for over a year. Not again! What kinds of medicines are these that are being approved when the long-term results aren’t even known. We are supposed to trust the FDA to tell us how we can make ourselves better with the least possible risk. Germany and France have already pulled the drug , and another drug from the same family, Avandia, was pulled from US shelves earlier this year because it increased risk of heart attacks! Though the FDA won’t pull approval for the drug, they say they will issue a warning on the label. But what does that mean for those who suffer from dia... Doctor Kalitenko antiaging blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5096658 Wed, 03 Aug 2011 16:08:58 +0100 5096658 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5096941&cid=t_91991_136_f&fid=39213&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbeingcancer.net%2F2011%2F08%2F03%2Fcancer-quantity-or-quality-guest-post%2F NOTE: a reader notified me that he was unable to leave comments.  The “Register” option has disappeared from the “Meta” sidebar section.  I don’t know why.  No one can “Log In” because no one can register.  I changed my settings so that you do not have to login in order to comment. Hopefully this will work.  If we start getting hit by spammers and bots, I may have to look for another solution.  Currently we block hundreds of spam hits every week.   Dennis I sometimes think that we expect our cancer bloggers to lift us up, to make us feel more courageous, to point out the best parts of bad situations.  But anyone who has been through it, anyone who has battles the Beast knows that for every transformative moment, there are at least a dozen dismal and desparate ones. ... Being Cancer Network blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5096941 Wed, 03 Aug 2011 04:02:44 +0100 5096941 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5096899&cid=t_91991_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F08%2Fdogs-can-fly.html The day after I wrote the post about my friend Rebecca, I went to Take the Plunge, a fundraiser for local dog rescue organizations. It was a lot of fun. We had the chance to meet many different kinds of dogs and the people who love them. They came in all shapes and sizes, colours and temperaments. We also met a miniature horse and some ferrets. One woman was pushing a cat in a stroller. The cat wasn't strapped in and seemed quite relaxed amidst all the canine chaos.The central event of the afternoon was the dock diving competition. We watched all kinds of dogs leap after toys into the pool. Some of the dogs needed to be persuaded to get out of the water. Most seemed incredibly pleased with themselves. Everyone - spectators, dogs and their human handlers seemed to be having a wonderful time... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5096899 Tue, 02 Aug 2011 20:17:00 +0100 5096899 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5086570&cid=t_91991_155_f&fid=38412&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpathlabmed.typepad.com%2Fsurgical_pathology_and_la%2F2011%2F08%2Fwclc-2011-oral-presentations-tumor-microenvironment.html This study highlights the importance of localization of immune cell response but also underscores the challenge for future studies to use more refined quantitative assessments of immune cell subpopulations and relative expression of IHC staining intesity (such as utilizing digital imaging and image analysis).  MO 22.04, also from session VIII, presented interesting complementary data to the above presentation. This study examined 196 resected stage 1-3A NSCLC using IHC for infiltrating CD8+ and FOXP3+ cells.  They counted cells expressing these markers in tumor and stromal regions in five "randomly selected" high-power-fields and reported their data as the number of cells per mm2 for each region.  They used median cell count as the cutoff to define patient subgr... The Daily Sign-Out blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5086570 Tue, 02 Aug 2011 10:01:00 +0100 5086570 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5086233&cid=t_91991_106_f&fid=36682&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSutureForALiving%2F%7E3%2Fnif0Us-_iWY%2Fis-prophylactic-mastectomy-worth-it.html There is a recent article which asks this question (full reference below).  I think it is a question which must be answered on an individual basis.   For someone like me, the answer would be no.  I have no family history or personal history of breast cancer.  I have small, more dense than fatty breast, but have always had normal mammograms.  I have never had any lesions which needed biopsy. For an individual woman with a strong family history of breast cancer (especially genetically proven, BRCA1 and BRCA2) and a person history of breast cancer (ie right mastectomy for lobular carcinoma), then it is easy to say “Yes, a prophylactic left mastectomy would be worth it for you.” In between these two examples is the gray area, and this article doesn’t nece... Suture for a Living blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5086233 Mon, 01 Aug 2011 11:15:00 +0100 5086233 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5086594&cid=t_91991_180_f&fid=38619&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FALifeCoachsBlog%2F%7E3%2F9b0WtXKBUY0%2F The following is a guest post written by Susie Newday who runs the New Day New Lesson blog. I have been mulling over the idea of writing this post for a long time. As a nurse who worked in the ER for fifteen years before moving to outpatient oncology about eight months ago, I have seen a lot of disease. And like most people, I have had illness hit my Continue reading... (Source: Life Coach Blog: The Discomfort Zone :) Life Coach Blog: The Discomfort Zone : blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5086594 Mon, 01 Aug 2011 09:35:24 +0100 5086594 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5086493&cid=t_91991_136_f&fid=39213&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbeingcancer.net%2F2011%2F08%2F01%2Fmyth-of-the-good-cancer-guest-post%2F NOTE: a reader notified me that he was unable to leave comments.  The “Register” option has disappeared from the “Meta” sidebar section.  I don’t know why.  No one can “Log In” because no one can register.  I changed my settings so that you do not have to login in order to comment. Hopefully this will work.  If we start getting hit by spammers and bots, I may have to look for another solution.  Currently we block hundreds of spam hits every week.   Dennis I found myself talking with an older patient last week.  He was being treated for lymphoma, sometimes more precisely called non-Hodgkins lymphoma. This is, as one can see, a definition of exclusion.  As cancers go, the Hodgkin’s type or Hodgkin’s disease (Hodgkin’s lymp... Being Cancer Network blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5086493 Mon, 01 Aug 2011 04:39:09 +0100 5086493 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5086173&cid=t_91991_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fnew-technology-enables-doctors-to-diagnose-lung-nodules-without-surgery%2F2011.07.31 Every year, a half million bronchoscopies are performed in the U.S. in order to investigate lesions within patients’ lungs. Because conventional bronchoscopy cannot reach the distant regions of the lungs, more invasive surgical procedures are often needed to diagnose lung nodules that may be malignant. The General Thoracic Surgery Division at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia has begun using a new technology, superDimension Electromagnetic Navigation Bronchoscopy™ (ENB). ENB creates a computer-generated reconstruction of the lungs from a CT scan of the tracheobronchial tree, explains Lyall A. Gorenstein, MD, FRCS (C), FACS, Director, Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgery. Using these reconstructed images, the system creates a visual pathway so that surgeons can guide steerable catheters to w... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5086173 Sun, 31 Jul 2011 18:00:28 +0100 5086173 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5086370&cid=t_91991_127_f&fid=38260&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amacf.org%2F2011%2F07%2Fhuman-cancer-gene-gets-green-light-for-patent.html In a 2:1 decision handed down by Judge Lourie, the United States Court of appeals of the Federal Circuit ruled that “On the merits, we reverse the district court’s decision that Myriad’s composition claims to ‘isolated’ DNA molecules cover patent-ineligible products of nature under § 101 since molecules as claimed do not exist in nature”. (Source: Alternative Medicine Blog) Alternative Medicine Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5086370 Sat, 30 Jul 2011 17:42:05 +0100 5086370 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5077647&cid=t_91991_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FkY9S264Kuew%2F It’s Merck’s Turn: Merck reported a second-quarter profit increase in line with analysts’ expectations, affirmed its revenue guidance for the full year and said it would cut as many as 13,000 additional jobs by the end of 2015, Dow Jones Newswires reports. Profit rose to $2.02 billion, or 65 cents a share, up from $752.4 million, or 24 cents a share, a year earlier, helped by a $1.34 billion tax benefit. Excluding restructuring and other charges, earnings rose to 95 cents from 86 cents, in line with forecasts by analysts polled by Thomson Reuters. Ready to Sell: Pfizer is planning to begin the auction process for its baby-formula business in September by sending out information to potential bidders such as Nestle, Danone, Abbott Labs, Mead Johnson and Unilever, Bloomberg ... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5077647 Fri, 29 Jul 2011 12:38:35 +0100 5077647 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5077974&cid=t_91991_136_f&fid=39026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarolinemfr.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F07%2Fnewstory-flitted-on-by.html I was reading my email and 'listening' to the news on TV - multitasking early in the day again. A story flitted on by about how rates of ER negative breast cancer are down but rates of ER positive (like me) are up since 2003.Now I can't find more on this story online. I will do more looking. The ER/PR negative breast cancers are a bit harder to treat because there are no hormonal therapies, like Tamoxifen, available. The ER/PR/Her2 negative (a/k/a triple negative) is a very aggressive kind of breast cancer.It would be nice to find out more about this. I am sure there will be more some time soon, in a few months. Or the study will be refuted. But I am curious so I will look around. (Source: Caroline's Breast Cancer Blog) Caroline's Breast Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5077974 Fri, 29 Jul 2011 11:14:00 +0100 5077974 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5077968&cid=t_91991_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F07%2F28%2Fthe-mirror-what-is-the-meaning-of-life%2F Today marks the third anniversary of Libby’s passing, but we chose to celebrate her life instead. Today marks the third anniversary of Libby’s passing, but we chose to celebrate her life instead. As many of you know, the Libby’s H*O*P*E*™ website is dedicated to my 26-year old cousin, Elizabeth Remick, who lost her battle to [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5077968 Fri, 29 Jul 2011 01:39:00 +0100 5077968 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5077981&cid=t_91991_136_f&fid=39214&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.butdoctorihatepink.com%2F2011%2F07%2Fbig-day-is-coming.html (Source: Breast Cancer? But Doctor....I hate pink!) Breast Cancer? But Doctor....I hate pink! blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5077981 Fri, 29 Jul 2011 01:37:00 +0100 5077981 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5077689&cid=t_91991_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fthe-case-for-mammograms-friends-and-family-might-be-a-greater-influence-than-doctors%2F2011.07.28 Most women in their 40′s believe they should have annual mammograms, regardless of what screening regimen their doctor might recommend. So say researchers in Massachusetts who surveyed women (primarily white, highly educated) ages 39-49 presenting for annual checkups. They gave the women a fact sheet about the new USPSTF guidelines on mammogram screening in their age group, and asked them to read one of two articles either supporting or opposing the guidelines. The researchers then asked women about their beliefs, concerns and attitudes about breast cancer and mammogram screening. Here’s what they found - Women overwhelmingly want annual mammograms – Close to 90% of women surveyed felt they should have annual mammograms, regardless of what their doctor might recommend. Women... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5077689 Thu, 28 Jul 2011 21:00:16 +0100 5077689 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5077851&cid=t_91991_117_f&fid=37824&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.doctorkalitenko.com%2Fblog%2Fcancer-transmitted-disease%2F A recent article in the Wall Street Journal summarized something that isn’t recent news, but brings an important point to the forefront: cancer could be contagious. In the article, the author talks about two specific types of cancers, both transmitted between animals, but which opens a whole new possible way of thinking. It’s not the cancer itself that we know among humans to be contagious, but rather certain viruses that are known links to specific types of cancers. For example the HPV Virus, which is so incredibly common today. About half of the US men and women will have had HPV at some point in their lives. It is transmitted sexually, and now, HPV has been directly linked to cervical cancer. The same with the HIV virus. Though not as common as HPV, the HIV virus is a known... Doctor Kalitenko antiaging blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5077851 Thu, 28 Jul 2011 18:05:01 +0100 5077851 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5077690&cid=t_91991_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fthe-best-time-to-be-treated-for-a-dvt%2F2011.07.28 You know I am a cancer survivor – 15 years down the road from a leukemia diagnosis and enjoying a 10 year remission. So whenever something seems weird about my health it’s cancer coming back, right? Wrong! Just how wrong was proven last night. I am writing this from my hospital bed in Seattle. The first symptom of a possible problem came three days ago when I had soreness in my right calf. A pulled muscle? Maybe. But I had not noticed straining it. Back at the gym the next day I had soreness again but thought it was no big deal. Last night it was worse. It hurt some to walk. I got home and, after my wife and son were asleep, got ready for bed. I had a slight fever and then noticed the right calf was not only sore, but swollen and warm. Very strange. I’d never seen that before. Trying... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5077690 Thu, 28 Jul 2011 18:00:02 +0100 5077690 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5077966&cid=t_91991_136_f&fid=36032&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-breast-cancer%2Fyou-get-to-choose-your-doctors%2F I write often about how it is important to work with doctors you like and can trust. I was reminded of this last week when I had my four-month oncologist appointment. I love my oncologist, Dr. Khan. He has a gentle spirit, he is always cheerful, and he is always happy to see me. I spend much of the appointment asking about the chances of cancer returning and reviewing the effects of all the treatment I had. He in turn spends much of the appointment reassuring me and reminding me that although he can never say that breast cancer is completely cured, he is convinced that I will be around for a long, long time. He can be so confident because even his patients who have had cancer return or metastasize tend to live a long time with the chronic condition. Dr. Khan is very aggressive in treating ... Life with Breast Cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5077966 Thu, 28 Jul 2011 16:22:26 +0100 5077966 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5077649&cid=t_91991_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FyxCHcUtKQeo%2F This study covers 1.6 million mammograms done at 90 facilities — 25 of which adopted CAD, as the software is called — between 1998 and 2006. It follows up on a smaller, previously published study that also found CAD was flawed. The vision for the technology, which uses algorithms to pinpoint suspicious spots on a mammogram, was to provide a backup for a radiologist’s own reading,  study co-author Joshua Fenton, an assistant professor in the department of family and community medicine at the University of California, Davis, tells the Health Blog. Small studies suggested using CAD on top of a radiologist’s visual reading of a mammogram could find more cancers without unacceptably boosting false positive findings, leading to FDA approval. The technology is now used to... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5077649 Thu, 28 Jul 2011 15:29:35 +0100 5077649 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5077959&cid=t_91991_136_f&fid=35283&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cancer.org%2FAboutUs%2FDrLensBlog%2Fpost%2F2011%2F07%2F28%2FA-Walk-Down-A-Country-Road-A-Church-In-The-Woods-A-Lesson-About-Life.aspx It was a day not unlike other days my wife and I have spent at our home in North Georgia. It was a bit warm, sunny and otherwise reasonably comfortable. The day itself was a bit special, because we were there to take a quiet weekend interlude to celebrate our birthdays. We were glad to have some much needed time together to get away from all the tumult of our everyday lives and basically just relax, to do some of the things that we wanted to do.   We decided to take one of our favorite walks, down a gravel county road, much of it by a river that is near our home. In order to extend the walk to make it five miles when we have the time--like we did today--we took an extra "loop" which goes to a small wooden church tucked deep in the woods.   The sign outside the church says it was ... Dr. Len's Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5077959 Thu, 28 Jul 2011 13:55:00 +0100 5077959 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5077731&cid=t_91991_106_f&fid=36682&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSutureForALiving%2F%7E3%2Fj6kzAUAU-nY%2Fmore-on-implant-related-alcl-of-breast.html This article notes (as did the recent FDA report) most investigations performed to date suggest an association between breast implants and primary ALCL of the breast.  The specifics regarding this relationship remain poorly defined. A review of all reported cases of implant-related primary ALCL of the breast demonstrates no obvious correlation with implant fill type (silicone vs. saline), surface morphology (smooth vs. textured), implant position (subpectoral vs. subglandular), or indication for implant placement (cosmetic vs. reconstructive). The FDA notes (bold emphasis is mine): ALCL is a very rare condition; when it occurs, it has been most often identified in patients undergoing implant revision operations for late onset, persistent seroma. Because it is so rare and most often ... Suture for a Living blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5077731 Thu, 28 Jul 2011 11:15:00 +0100 5077731 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5077975&cid=t_91991_136_f&fid=39026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarolinemfr.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F07%2Fbalancing.html So you were told once you had _____ (fill in with any nasty ailment, top of the list is cancer). For the rest of your life you try to balance the fear that you could be told you have it again with the rationale that the odds are on your side. The diagnosis turned you into a pessimist - I'm gonna die mentality - instead of being a healthy optimist. There is some theory that if you think you have something long enough you can actually give yourself the condition - I think that's a load of crap. But I do think that its all about learning to cope with your fears.This woman writes about trying to cope - of course swollen lymph nodes, sore back, and cough mean her cancer came back everywhere. When she finally reluctantly gets to the doctor she is told she has the same virus that is going around.... Caroline's Breast Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5077975 Thu, 28 Jul 2011 10:27:00 +0100 5077975 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5077979&cid=t_91991_136_f&fid=39212&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbahtocancer.com%2F2011%2F07%2Ftalking-about-singing%2F One of the lovely things about the Westminster summer recess is that there’s room on the Today programme – Butland listening of choice of a morning – for lots of things that aren’t politics. Like Placido Domingo talking about singing, and cancer, and recovery. Listen here. I especially love his positive response to singing baritone rather than tenor these days. I  heard this in the car, and it made me smile all day long. I hope it does the same for you. (Source: Bah! to cancer) Bah! to cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5077979 Thu, 28 Jul 2011 06:46:40 +0100 5077979 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5069737&cid=t_91991_136_f&fid=35294&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psa-rising.com%2Fblog%2F2011%2F07%2Fnew-pathway-to-potential-therapies-for-advanced-prostate-cancer%2F PSA Rising /DALLAS/ – July 25, 2011 – UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers have narrowed the potential drug targets for advanced prostate cancer by demonstrating that late-stage tumors are driven by a different hormonal pathway than was thought previously. “We have recently discovered that castration resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) is unexpectedly driven by dihydrotestosterone synthesis [...] (Source: psa-rising.com/blog) psa-rising.com/blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5069737 Wed, 27 Jul 2011 19:47:24 +0100 5069737 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5069835&cid=t_91991_155_f&fid=38412&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpathlabmed.typepad.com%2Fsurgical_pathology_and_la%2F2011%2F07%2Falk-positive-lung-adenocarcinoma-nejm-case-records.html The July 14, 2011 issue of The New England Journal of Medicine features a nice case report as part of the weekly "Case Records of the MGH" series.  I thought those interested in lung cancer would benefit from reading this, especially in light of recent advances recognizing ALK translocations as driver mutations in about 5% of lung ADC--and the drug crizotinib to treat these particular tumors (my previous post on ALK inhibition in lung cancer). (Source: The Daily Sign-Out) The Daily Sign-Out blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5069835 Wed, 27 Jul 2011 14:04:46 +0100 5069835 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5069819&cid=t_91991_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FqTojLUiGbPw%2F Last week, a bit of a row erupted over the decision by the UK’s National Institute for Health and Clinical Evidence, or NICE, not to recommend the Halaven metastatic breast cancer from Eisai over concerns about side effects and cost effectiveness (read here). The agency claimed that the estimated cost per quality adjusted life year, or QALY, would exceed $110,000, which is above the threshold NICE typically prefers. In response, the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry trade group took the unusual step of issuing a disapproving statement. “There is serious concern in the research-based pharmaceutical industry about delay in new and innovative medicines reaching patients which potentially denies access to proven effective drugs for urgent clinical needs…The n... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5069819 Wed, 27 Jul 2011 13:54:46 +0100 5069819 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5069393&cid=t_91991_85_f&fid=34587&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FKevinMd-MedicalWeblog%2F%7E3%2Fw9GRXOSJWz8%2Fasco-making-evisits-work-cancer-patients.html In early February, my new patient was a middle-aged woman from here in Silicon Valley with a self-discovered 2 cm right breast mass. Her internist was all over this. She quickly had a core needle biopsy, was evaluated by one of our breast surgeons, and was referred to me for an opinion regarding pre-operative (neo-adjuvant) chemotherapy. I saw her and her husband on one of my non-clinic days to accommodate her schedule. I described the various options available to her — pre-op, post-op chemotherapy, surgery only with its various permutations — and used Adjuvant! Online to illustrate the potential benefits and risks of the various options.Since we didn’t know her lymph node status, and she, like most patients at this stage, was overwhelmed with information, I sent them off for a... Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5069393 Wed, 27 Jul 2011 11:00:24 +0100 5069393 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5069750&cid=t_91991_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=5069477&cid=t_91991_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Finstitute-of-medicine-suggests-8-new-preventive-services-to-improve-womens-health%2F2011.07.26 Eight preventive health services for women should be added to the services that health plans will cover at no cost to patients under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010, according to a report by the Institute of Medicine. The recommendations encompass diseases and conditions that are more common or more serious in women than in men. They are based on existing guidelines and an assessment of the evidence on the effectiveness of different preventive services. They include: 1) screening for gestational diabetes in pregnant women between 24 and 28 weeks and at the first prenatal visit for women at high risk for diabetes, 2) adding high-risk human papillomavirus DNA testing in addition to conventional cytology testing in women with normal cytology results starting at age 30, ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5069477 Tue, 26 Jul 2011 18:00:00 +0100 5069477 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5069826&cid=t_91991_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F51VWUJEh5j8%2F Earlier this month, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, a non-profit group of oncologists whose guidance is closely followed by leading treatment centers, voted overwhelmingly in favor of maintaining its recommendation that Avastin should be used to treat breast cancer. The vote came shortly after an FDA panel voted 6-to-0 to revoke the breast cancer indication for Avastin. The endorsement is important because oncologists will likely continue to use Avastin even if FDA commish Margaret Hamburg rescinds the breast cancer indication. Roche and its Genentech unit had appealed a decision last December by the agency to pull the indication for their best-selling med after new studies showed Avastin does not prolong overall survival in breast cancer patients or provide a sufficient benefi... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5069826 Tue, 26 Jul 2011 13:24:27 +0100 5069826 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5062455&cid=t_91991_136_f&fid=39213&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbeingcancer.net%2F2011%2F07%2F25%2Fdont-be-afraid-to-jump-guest-post%2F Finding content for this blog has been easy lately.  Survivors just send stuff to me.  That is great because my new job working as a nurse in a bone marrow transplant unit at a large university health care system continues to drain my energies while at the same time inspiring me to more.  That should make a a nice post of my own.  Maybe later this week… Today I received an email from Jen Luce.  She became an ovarian cancer survivor at the age of 29 in 2007.  She has been busy ever since.  She not only maintains her blog 2011: Don’t be afraid to jump , but also finds time to speak at conferences and write for other websites.  She says this about blogging.  “Cancer can be so very tragic, and it takes love, patience and support to get through it. Community became v... Being Cancer Network blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5062455 Mon, 25 Jul 2011 19:02:52 +0100 5062455 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5062453&cid=t_91991_136_f&fid=39212&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbahtocancer.com%2F2011%2F07%2Fbefore-its-too-late%2F The UK news has been full of death this weekend. The events in Norway, where more than 100 people have been grabbed out of their lives, are shocking and obscene. Chaotic, addicted Amy Winehouse’s death may seem less surprising, but for the people who loved her will be just as much of a shock. We never think it will happen today, do we? We understand, intellectually, that at some point the people around us will die: that we can’t all just go on forever. But – not today. Today we are well. Today, things will go on as normal, because we have stuff in our diary, there is food for the next week in the fridge, and, well, why would anything bad happen today? One of the great disservices cancer has done me is that it has made me think of death differently. Even though I am thrivi... Bah! to cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5062453 Mon, 25 Jul 2011 09:12:51 +0100 5062453 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5062452&cid=t_91991_136_f&fid=39026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarolinemfr.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F07%2Fso-whats-your-medical-history.html Do you even know your medical history? Could you write it down and give it to your doctor? I know the doctors always ask if you have had or if there is any family history of about twenty different things at one point or another when you first start seeing them. But then do they ever ask again? No.But you should tell them about significant health issues periodically. It is recommended this is done every five years. I am impatient. I tell my doctors more often. Every time I have aches and joint pain, I tell them how my mother has rheumatoid. Every time we talk about my bones and osteopenia, I tell them about the osteoporosis my mother, aunts, and grandmother had. If there is no medical history of a diagnosis in your family, it doesn't mean you can't get it. But if there is a medical history ... Caroline's Breast Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5062452 Sun, 24 Jul 2011 11:37:00 +0100 5062452 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5057891&cid=t_91991_136_f&fid=35316&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnotjustaboutcancer.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F07%2Fdo-me-favour-honour-my-friend-by-having.html My friend Rebecca died this week. She was all of 37 years old (if I've done the math right) and she had metastatic breast cancer. She was also one of the funniest people in my online community. She was also generous, straigtforward and honest. My heart goes out to her friends and family - the people she loved, wrote about and who knew her best.Rebecca left strict instructions that we were to shed no tears after her passing (I'm afraid I've let her down on that front but I've been doing my best) and that, instead of a funeral she wanted a celebration of her life. I'd love to join the party and to hear the stories that those closest to her would be bound to share. Because Rebecca took her fun seriously.I won't be able to attend the celebration (Rebecca lived in Cape Cod) but I would like to ... Not just about cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5057891 Sat, 23 Jul 2011 21:29:00 +0100 5057891 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5051123&cid=t_91991_136_f&fid=39212&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbahtocancer.com%2F2011%2F07%2Fcancer-free-friday-browsing-around%2F For your delight and delectation, some websites worth having a peek at. I was horribly fascinated by these pictures from China’s bee-wearing contest. Yes, bee-wearing. (Maybe don’t look if you don’t like bees.) One of my favourite birthday presents, my seashell necklace and earrings, was from The Silvery, who take all sorts of natural things and cover them in silver. Take a look here. Or if that’s not to your taste, another favourite was a brooch made from an antique spoon (yes, really) by The Hairy Growler. Alan has introduced me to RSA Animations – here’s one on what drives us. it’s business-orientated but I think is just as relevant to life outside work. And, I’m not sure whether they would let me in, what with the Blue Sky Club and ever... Bah! to cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5051123 Fri, 22 Jul 2011 10:11:16 +0100 5051123 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5051128&cid=t_91991_136_f&fid=39213&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbeingcancer.net%2F2011%2F07%2F22%2Fno-breasts-nice-shoulders-new-blog%2F Heat wave hitting the country.  Living in Canada sounds good right now.  But life has its challenges wherever you happen to live.  So we are informed by Jasmine from Montreal.  She is a breast cancer survivor and personal trainer who writes with unabashed determination at No breasts; nice shoulders Blog Cancer Dreams… The night following my first chemo session I had a dream that a very slow iridescent red snail was slowly moving in space and everything in its path turned to love, beauty, and health. I have no idea what it meant but it was vivid, colorful, and empowering since I knew the snail represented an ally and possibly my own body cells. The same night my next dream was of lightning-fast ninjas flying through the air thrashing their swords right and left – fighting hard! They... Being Cancer Network blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5051128 Fri, 22 Jul 2011 04:21:05 +0100 5051128 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5050441&cid=t_91991_85_f&fid=34587&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FKevinMd-MedicalWeblog%2F%7E3%2FCp_ipngDu6I%2Fbreast-cancer-screening-guidelines-confuse-doctors-patients.html The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recently released their recommendations for breast cancer screening.Previously, they had recommended a mammogram every 1 to 2 years for women between the ages of 40 to 49.Now, they recommend more intensive screening:Due to the high incidence of breast cancer in the US and the potential to reduce deaths from it when caught early, The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (The College) today issued new breast cancer screening guidelines that recommend mammography screening be offered annually to women beginning at age 40. Previous College guidelines recommended mammograms every one to two years starting at age 40 and annually beginning at age 50.This contradicts the 2009 recommendation from the USPSTF, which recomme... Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5050441 Thu, 21 Jul 2011 19:50:45 +0100 5050441 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5051241&cid=t_91991_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FNb6v9O_OLc8%2F Being blinded by science is something of a preoccupation these days and so less than a year after dueling studies reached differing conclusions that oral bisphosphonates are linked to esophageal cancer, the FDA has weighed in and - for now - declared that no such risk exists. However, the agency cautiously noted no risk was found “at this time” and its review is ongoing. In reaching its preliminary decision, the FDA reviewed two epidemiologic studies - one reviewed the UK General Practice Research Database and found no increase in the risk of esophageal cancer (see this). The second study found a doubling of the risk among patients who had 10 or more prescriptions of the drugs, or who had taken the drugs over three years (read more here and here). The drugs, by the way, are use... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5051241 Thu, 21 Jul 2011 17:48:39 +0100 5051241 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5051242&cid=t_91991_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2Fbj1UlOgA4Ic%2F Although France and Germany suspended use of the Actos diabetes pill, the European Medicines Agency has decided to take a more conservative approach and today recommended that Takeda Pharmaceuticals simply place new warnings about possible links to bladder cancer. In reaching its decision, the EMA’s Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use, or CHMP, decided that there are some patients who cannot be adequately treated by other drugs and who will benefit from continued treatment with Actos. “The CHMP agreed that it was not possible to further restrict the current indications of pioglitazone,” according to the EMA statement. Last week, the Agence Francaise de Securite Sanitaire des Produits de Sante (AFSSAPS) asked Takeda to withdraw Actos and based its decision by AF... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5051242 Thu, 21 Jul 2011 17:22:47 +0100 5051242 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5050578&cid=t_91991_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=5050914&cid=t_91991_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FO712DJOvAhQ%2F Very interesting new data reinforcing two main themes we have been analyzing for a while: 1) We better start paying serious attention (and R&D dollars) to lifestyle-based and non-invasive cognitive and emotional health interventions, which are mostly ignored in favor of invasive, drug-based options 2) Interventions will need to be personalized. The study below analyzes data at the country level, but the same logic applies to the individual level Many fear Alzheimer’s, want to be tested: survey (Reuters): - “The telephone survey of 2,678 adults aged 18 and older in the United States, France, Germany, Spain and Poland was conducted by researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health and Alzheimer Europe, with funding by Bayer AG” - “When asked to identify the most feared disea... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5050914 Thu, 21 Jul 2011 15:26:15 +0100 5050914 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5051120&cid=t_91991_136_f&fid=39026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarolinemfr.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F07%2Fcancer-chances.html Someone told me recently that I was an inspiration to people with cancer because I have lived with it so long. I don't feel like an inspiration. Its just a life. Also, sometimes I feel like a cheat. My cancers were early stage - Stage I and Stage IIA. But the Stage I would have been Stage III if I was older... a weird staging system. Maybe I'm proof that cancer doesn't have to be a killer. There are many people out there with cancer and living a long time.Betty Ford was one - she didn't die from her cancer. But in addition to famous people, normal people can get cancer and live. I have a friend who was diagnosed at Stage IV with breast cancer and now has been told, they can't find any signs of it. Can you undo stage IV? I have another friend who had Stage IV ovarian cancer, in 1980. She is... Caroline's Breast Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5051120 Thu, 21 Jul 2011 10:17:00 +0100 5051120 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5051124&cid=t_91991_136_f&fid=39212&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbahtocancer.com%2F2011%2F07%2Fthis-narrow-road%2F I’m having a busy July. A precis: birthday dinner, birthday party, working in Kent, working in London, home for 36 hours, weekend in Norfolk, working in Germany, three day knit heaven and lovely friend catch-up at Knit Nation, home on Sunday. Lots of lovely dinners, involving conversations, intense concentration, laughter, cake. So, I’ve been busy, but it’s not as though I’ve been eyeballs-out for a deadline or anything like that. Yet if I’d tried to do that lot six months ago, I’d have fallen apart at the end of it, tired, tearful and resentful that I can no longer do what I used to. What’s helped me to ’survive’ this three weeks of busy and delightful loveliness – even the work was lovely – is a way I have at looking at my... Bah! to cancer blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5051124 Thu, 21 Jul 2011 08:07:36 +0100 5051124 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5051095&cid=t_91991_136_f&fid=36162&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.myelomablog.com%2F2011%2F07%2F20%2Fdr-berenson-at-asco-in-june-2011%2F From patientpower.info.  Dr. Berenson talks about Zometa, Vitamin D, Calcium, Stem Cell Transplant and other treatments for multiple myeloma. Myeloma Update from ASCO from Patient Power® on Vimeo. (Source: beth's myeloma blog) beth's myeloma blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5051095 Wed, 20 Jul 2011 18:59:08 +0100 5051095 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5050582&cid=t_91991_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fwhy-are-humans-so-drawn-to-sunlight-despite-its-negative-consequences%2F2011.07.20 It doesn’t make sense: If sunlight causes cancer, why are human beings so drawn to it, flocking to sunny beaches for vacation time and hoping for sunshine after a rainy spell? One answer, says David Fisher, chief of dermatology at Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, may be that humans are literally addicted to sunshine so our skin can make vitamin D. New evidence suggests that we get the same kick out of being in the sun that we get from any addictive substance or behavior. It stimulates the so-called “pleasure center” in the brain and releases a rush of feel-good chemicals like endorphins. So there may be more than a desire to look good in a tan behind the urge to soak up the sun’s rays. This craving may be a survival mechanism that evolved over thousands ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5050582 Wed, 20 Jul 2011 18:00:34 +0100 5050582 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5051125&cid=t_91991_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=5051129&cid=t_91991_136_f&fid=39213&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbeingcancer.net%2F2011%2F07%2F20%2Fanother-cancerversary-guest-post%2F It is always great to hear from another allogeneic (donor cells from another person) transplant survivor, especially someone with a history of leukemia.  Julie Matthews works for the Side-Out Foundation, raising funds for breast cancer research.  She writes entertainingly at Julie’s Blog. Happy Thursday, everyone!  Remember me?  Well, here it is 10:52 PM and I’m exhausted, but I couldn’t let this day go by without writing something. Today is January 20th.  You’re thinking “Duh, Julie…we know that…so who cares?!”  Well, it happens to mark six years since I was first diagnosed.  While it’s not a day I celebrate necessarily, it is an anniversary of sorts.  When I was checking out in the grocery store tonight, I thought “Wow, it’s so nice to be in a grocery store.... Being Cancer Network blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5051129 Wed, 20 Jul 2011 04:34:41 +0100 5051129 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5050543&cid=t_91991_87_f&fid=36941&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mazecordblood.com%2Fblog%2F%3Fp%3D1441   An umbilical cord blood transplant is a procedure used to treat various forms of blood disease, such as leukemia, certain types of anemia, and other forms of cancer. The umbilical cord contains stem cells, which can develop into healthy blood cells. Cord blood for an umbilical cord blood transplant can be used from the patient’s own umbilical cord, if it was banked, or from a donor’s cord blood. Banking your baby’s umbilical cord blood is very important in case your child ever needs it. There are many diseases it can help such as cerebral palsy, leukemias, myeloldysplastic syndromes (pre-leukemia) lymphomas, Erythrocyte, and other bone cancers. Read here for  more extensive information on wisegeek.com If you  go to this non commercial site and check out the comp... Cord Blood News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5050543 Tue, 19 Jul 2011 18:52:53 +0100 5050543 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5050882&cid=t_91991_117_f&fid=37824&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.doctorkalitenko.com%2Fblog%2Ffda-regulations-protect-skin-cancer%2F The FDA has just issued new regulations to sun-screen labels, in hopes that it will further protect us from developing skin cancer. (1).  What it will do is to reduce your UV light exposure.  But, reducing your UV light exposure also means is less Vitamin D. But does it mean that you will be protected from skin cancer? The skin cancer risk is high.  According to the CDC, skin cancer is one of the most frequent cancer in the US (2).  According to the American Cancer Society the incidence of skin cancer has been increasing for many years (3).  They explain this rise by early detection, ozone depletion and increased longevity.  But is it the real reason? Questions: Why was skin cancer rare in 1900 when people were mostly outdoors but has reached epidemic proportions now, when people a... Doctor Kalitenko antiaging blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5050882 Tue, 19 Jul 2011 17:27:23 +0100 5050882 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5050677&cid=t_91991_107_f&fid=36672&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sciencebase.com%2Fscience-blog%2Fuk-cancer-trends.html – The media has been all over the Cancer Research UK announcements on cancer rates. Specifically, the focus was on middle-aged people and the increases seen between 1979 and 2008. NHS Choices, as ever, provides some rational words following the media frenzy and cites a few of the stats to which I’ve added percentages of diagnoses for comparison): The highest rate of new diagnoses is among people aged 75 and over; the rate of new diagnoses in over-75s increased from 1,808 per 100,000 to 2,319 per 100,000. (That’s 1.8% in 1979; 2.3% in 2008). In people aged 60 to 74, new diagnoses rose from 1075.9 per 100,000 to 1,370 per 100,000. (1.1% in 1979; 1.4% in 2008). In people aged 40 to 59, new diagnoses rose from 329.1 per 100,000 in 1979 and 388.1 per 100,000 in 2008 (an 18% r... Sciencebase Science Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5050677 Mon, 18 Jul 2011 18:00:41 +0100 5050677