As humans age, the risk for developing cancer increases.1 Studies have shown that the risk of developing cancer can also increase with low activity and an unhealthy diet.2 A new collaborative study, from experts in Switzerland, the United States, France, Portugal, Germany, Australia, and the U.K., found that cancer risk can be reduced in adults aged […]
Cancer
Study identifies bacteria that may promote pancreatic cancer
A new study from the Karolinska Institutet in Sweden has discovered pancreatic bacteria that may promote the growth of pancreatic cancer. These bacteria live in the pancreas as part of the pancreatic microbiome. Previous studies found that the pancreas fosters a microbiome of bacteria, like the microbiome found in the human gut. Experts estimate that […]
Are there warning signs of pancreatic cancer?
A new study investigates whether there are symptoms or warning signs associated with the development of pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer has one of the highest fatality rates out of all cancers, accounting for an estimated 331,000 deaths globally each year.1 In 2018, the highest age-standardized rates of pancreatic cancer were observed in Europe and North America, […]
Effect of childhood cancer on health later in life
The effects of having to undergo cancer treatment as a child can have a substantial impact on physical and mental health. However, the specific lifelong burden remains unknown.1 A recent population study showed how the effects of receiving cancer treatments affected childhood cancer survivors later in life. This is the first study to use a […]
Less time in the sun may increase colorectal cancer risk
Spending less time in the sun means less exposure to UVB light, which may be linked to an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer, according to a recent study. Colorectal cancer is the third most diagnosed cancer worldwide and is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. There were two million new cases of colorectal […]
Study suggests a ketogenic diet may slow glioblastoma progression
Five years ago a 26-year-old was diagnosed with glioblastoma, a form of brain cancer with a relatively low rate of recovery. Today he lives an active, high-quality life with relatively mild tumour progression even though he denied the associated standard treatment of care. Researchers believe that his adherence to a ketogenetic diet may have slowed […]
Hormone replacement therapy and cancer: What’s the link?
Researchers in a recent study confirm the link between the use of hormone replacement therapy and cancer. What is hormone replacement therapy? Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is prescribed to relieve the symptoms of menopause (hot flashes, fatigue) and reduce bone losses. There are two main types of HRT: Combination HRT contains the hormones estrogen and […]
How accurate are stool tests for colon cancer?
Fecal immunochemical tests may improve diagnostic pathway for colorectal cancer. Bowel symptoms are an imprecise indicator of colorectal cancer (CRC). Essentially the bowel symptoms produced by colon cancer can also be caused by a range of other conditions. However, such is the seriousness of bowel cancer that when symptoms are present, patients will usually be […]
Is there a prostate cancer prevention diet?
Recent research builds evidence to support a prostate cancer prevention diet. Next to skin cancer, prostate cancer is the number one killer of men every year. While the five-year survival rate for prostate cancer that is only in the prostate or nearby organs is nearly 100%, when it spreads to other parts of the body […]
Can diet affect cancer treatment outcomes?
We are what we eat; or as research now shows, we are also what our gut microbes eat. Scientists have shown that a single addition to the diet of the roundworm makes it more susceptible to a drug that is commonly used to treat cancers in humans. The drug 5-fluoro 2’deoxyuridine (FUdR) has been used […]
How should healthcare systems manage cancer surgery during COVID-19 pandemic?
New proposed approach to managing bladder cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the past three months, healthcare systems the world over have understandably focused their resources almost entirely on the challenges of dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. However, other diseases haven’t gone away. As many countries begin to get to grips with coronavirus, attention is […]
Reduced incidence of advanced breast cancers with regular mammogram screening
A team of Swedish scientists found a significantly reduced incidence of advanced breast cancers and breast cancer deaths when women get regular mammograms. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. Improvements in cancer treatment options, the promotion of breast self-exams, and the adoption of regular breast cancer screenings using mammography (mammograms) in the […]
Can cancer patients’ quality of life be improved by watching Disney movies?
A clinical trial assesses the effect of watching Disney movies on the quality of life of women with gynecologic cancer. Research shows that music has a positive effect on quality of life and reducing anxiety, fatigue, and distress in cancer patients. Studies also identify that when shown to children, Disney movies emphasise the importance of […]
Pembrolizumab improves treatment of patients with triple-negative breast cancer
A randomized phase 3 clinical trial has shown that pembrolizumab combined with chemotherapy improves the pathological complete response (defined as no evidence of cancer) of patients with early-stage triple-negative breast cancer. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a high-risk cancer type comprising approximately 15% of all breast cancers. However, TNBC is more aggressive and has higher […]
Allowing 23andMe To Test For BRCA May Do More Harm Than Good
The Food and Drug Administration announced this month it would allow genetic testing company 23andMe to resume direct-to-consumer testing for BRCA mutations. One might assume I support the FDA’s decision, since I’m a BRCA2 mutation carrier and an awareness advocate. After all, identifying a BRCA mutation can help a person reduce their risk of ― […]