Gene Fusions May Drive Certain Cancers
Researchers say they have discovered genes in prostate cancer cells that fuse when their chromosomes trade places with each other, an occurrence that may initiate the development of some cancers. The mutations, identified by researchers at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center, appear only in cancer cells, a finding that may serve as a marker for diagnosing cancer or a target for future... Read more
Study: Exercise Won’t Cure Obesity
Physical activity has many proven benefits. It strengthens bones and muscles, improves mental health and mood, lowers blood pressure, improves cholesterol levels and reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, breast cancer and colon cancer. Exercise is also good for your brain. It may not be a cure-all for obesity, however. Though better nutrition coupled with exercise has long been the... Read more
Coffee may protect against oral cancers
New research indicates that drinking coffee lowers the risk of developing cancer of the oral cavity or throat, at least in the general population of Japan. The consumption of coffee in Japan is relatively high, as is the rate of cancer of the esophagus in men. To look into any protective effect of coffee drinking, Dr. Toru Naganuma of Tohoku University, Sendai, and colleagues, analyzed data from the... Read more
Obesity Linked to Ovarian Cancer
Obese postmenopausal women who have never used hormone replacement therapy may face an increased risk of ovarian cancer, compared to normal-weight women, a new study suggests. Interestingly, obese women who have used hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for symptoms of menopause may not face increased risk for this type of malignancy. The study findings are published in the Feb. 15 issue of the journal... Read more
Study sheds light on deadly childhood cancer
A gene involved in cell division also helps fuel a deadly childhood cancer called neuroblastoma and could offer a new way to develop drugs to treat the disease, German researchers said on Monday. The study published in the journal Cancer Cell found that a protein produced by the AURKA gene feeds a different gene called MYCN, which scientists know plays a key role in fuelling tumor growth in children... Read more
British woman to deliver baby screened for breast cancer
A woman is to give birth this week to the first baby in Britain which has been selected to be free of a gene which greatly increases the risk of breast cancer, experts said. The 27-year-old woman, who wants to remain anonymous, decided to take the step because several of her husband’s close female relatives suffered from breast cancer. But one campaign group warned that such selection takes science... Read more
Cancer Medicine Advances on Many Fronts
The war against cancer gathered steam in 2008, as new drugs tackled the toughest cancers with some success, and advances were made in both disease prevention and risk factor identification. A new report from the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) details 12 “major” advances and 19 “notable advances” across the gamut of cancer prevention, screening, treatment and survival... Read more
Gene Variant Tied to Smokers’ Risk of Lung Cancer
People may face an increased risk of lung cancer if they have a gene variant that metabolizes the most potent of cigarette smoke carcinogens, a new study says. The ABCB1 and ABCC1 genes normally help protect the lungs by removing inhaled toxins. Specifically, they act on tobacco-specific nitrosamine 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) — a cigarette smoke component shown to cause... Read more
Gleevec Approved for Use After Cancer Surgery
Gleevec, a “miracle drug” in curing certain types of adult leukemia, has received U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval to stop cancer growth after gastrointestinal cancer surgery. According to an FDA news release, Gleevec (imatinib mesylate) can be used after removal of a gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST). While this is a fairly rare form of cancer (5,000 – 6,000 new cases... Read more
Your Diet After Cancer Treatment
Once you’ve completed treatment for cancer, it’s not the time to stop planning healthy meals. The American Cancer Society offers these suggestions for maintaining a healthy diet after cancer treatment: Ask you doctor if there are any foods that you should avoid. Work with a dietitian to develop a healthy and nutritious meal plan. Continue to eat at least five to seven servings of fruits... Read more