Archive for the 'Cancer' Category
September 27th, 2008 by Nina Thompson, ARNP
A new study has found that ovarian cancer is associated with a specific set of symptoms that should trigger further evaluation by a physician, or ideally a gynecologist. As a result of this study, a statement has been released to the public urging that a woman be evaluated if she has the following nonspecific symptoms almost daily for more than a few weeks:
- Bloating
- Pelvic or abdominal pain
- Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
- Urinary symptoms (urgency or frequency).
September 24th, 2008 by Nina Thompson, ARNP
The FDA recently released a report indicating that the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, Gardasil, may also help prevent vaginal and vulvar cancer in girls and women between the ages of nine and 26. The ruling was in response to a two-year follow-up study by Merck, Gardasil’s manufacturer. The study indicated that the drug was “highly-effective” in preventing precancerous vulvar and vaginal lesions in women who tested negative for HPV.
Along with these findings, Merck has also revised the label to indicate that the vaccine is not effective in women over the age of 26.
The FDA approved Gardasil in 2006 for the prevention of cervical cancer and precancerous lesions caused by HPV types 6, 11, 16 and 18. Gardasil is also approved for the prevention of genital warts caused by types 6 and 11.
September 22nd, 2008 by Nina Thompson, ARNP
A report based on several studies has hinted at a possible correlation between a Mediterranean diet and a reduction in mortality related to cardiovascular disease, cancer and even some neurological disorders. There are always limitations with these types of findings as they are based on a compilation of studies. However, time and again, the Mediterranean diet seems to be associated with good health. Specifically, they found a 9% reduction in overall mortality and a 13% reduction in incidences Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s.
One important caveat to this study and the Mediterranean diet in general is the risk associated with alcohol consumption. There are significant hazards associated with alcohol and certain people should abstain from drinking altogether.
via MedPageToday
July 31st, 2008 by Nina Thompson, ARNP
Studies have found an association between moderate alcohol consumption and a reduced risk of developing heart disease, peripheral vascular disease, and ischemic strokes. However, many people are not aware than even moderate alcohol consumption has a huge downside such as increasing the risk of cancer of the breast, mouth, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, and liver; not to mention harmful effects on the brain and liver. As few as three drinks at one time may have toxic effects on the liver when combined with certain over–the–counter medications, such as those containing acetaminophen.
Moderate alcohol consumption is defined for men (no more than 2 drinks per day), for women (no more than 1 drink per day), and for people over 65 (no more than 1 drink per day).
News reports on the benefits of alcohol abound, yet the whole story is often missing. Yes, alcohol may be helpful in preventing heart disease, but it’s certainly not a healthy drink if it causes mental decline or cancer.
More on alcohol from Bay Area Medical Information
July 24th, 2008 by Nina Thompson, ARNP
This week the director of a prominent cancer research institute issued a new warning regarding the potential cancer risks of cell phone use. Dr. Ronald B. Herberman, director of the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, released an advisory that teenagers and young children should limit their use of cell phones, using them only in an emergency, to avoid potential health risks. He notes that fetuses and children are of particular concern because their “developing organs are the most likely to be sensitive to any possible effects of exposure to electromagnetic fields.”
In an article listing “Practical Advice to Limit Exposure to Electromagnetic Radiation Emitted from Cell Phones”, Dr. Herberman notes that cordless home phones are also a potential concern because they use similar electromagnetic emitting technology as cell phones. A land line, corded phone is a safer phone to use for longer phone conversations. He also recommends using the speaker-phone mode or a wireless Bluetooth headset while using a cell phone. The Bluetooth headset has less than 1/100th of the electromagnetic emission of a normal cell phone.
According to the vast majority of experts on this topic, to date there is no evidence linking cell phones to brain tumors. There is, however, no data on exposure beyond 10 years, and the effects of cell phones on children and adolescents have not been studied. Until more is known about this relatively new technology, erring on the side of reasonable caution would seem prudent for parents of children and adolescents. Convenient and low-price Bluetooth wireless headsets are being perfected and are commonplace on the internet and on electronic store shelves. Not only do they greatly reduce any potential electromagnetic exposure, but they also free up both hands.
via “Cancer Center Director Warns on Cell Phone Use“, MedPage Today, July 2008
via “Important Precautionary Advice Regarding Cell Phone Use“, University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, July 2008
July 16th, 2008 by Nina Thompson, ARNP
Vitamin D is gaining increasing attention for its role in maintaining good health and preventing disease. But despite its benefits, many adults and children still do not receive adequate vitamin D.
New research has shed increasing light on the many benefits of Vitamin D and also revealed widespread deficiencies in both adults and children across the country. This has prompted a surge in the number of general practitioners and pediatricians who are now routinely screening for adequate blood levels of Vitamin D and recommending Vitamin D supplementation.
Vitamin D has many important roles in promoting good health in that it helps calcium build strong bones, helps regulate the immune system and the neuromuscular system, and also plays a major role in the life cycle of human cells. Many recent studies have found that low Vitamin D levels are linked with many serious, chronic diseases, such as diabetes, gum disease, multiple sclerosis, peripheral neuropathy, osteoporosis, and possibly cancer, stroke, and heart disease.
The new National Osteoporosis Foundation guidelines for adults 50 years and older is 800–1,000 IU of vitamin D3/day (along with 1,200 mg of calcium/day). Currently, the recommended daily intake of Vitamin D in adults ages 51-70 is only 400 IUs (with 200 IUs or less for younger ages)*, which, according to the researchers, leaves circulating blood levels of the the vitamin too low to have a positive effect on certain disease prevention. *The National Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Medicine (IOM) has set the Upper Limits (UL) for vitamin D at 1,000 IU for infants up to 12 months of age and 2,000 IU for children, adults, pregnant, and lactating women.
Talk to your health care provider about about checking a blood test for Vitamin D levels.
via Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, June 2008
via Vitamin D Deficiency Common in Infants and Toddlers from MedPage Today,
Vitamin D, from Bay Area Medical Information, www.bami.us
June 18th, 2008 by Nina Thompson, ARNP
Today the FDA ordered 25 companies, that market fake cancer cures, to stop sales activity of these products or face regulatory actions ranging from product seizure to criminal prosecution.
Black salve, a topical treatment that can burn skin and tissue, is one example of these internet scams. The following list from the FDA details the 125 fake cancer cures currently on the market.
via MedPage Today/FDA June 2008
February 27th, 2008 by Nina Thompson, ARNP
Women who had diets high in fiber, fruits and vegetables showed a 23% lower risk of ovarian cancer than women who consumed the lowest amounts of these nutrients, according to a study published in the International Journal of Cancer, Feb 2008.
April 18th, 2007 by Nina Thompson, ARNP
According to the American Cancer Society, “A large analysis by American Cancer Society researchers suggests that daily long-term use of adult-strength aspirin may reduce cancer risk by about 15% in both men and women. Daily aspirin use is often recommended for preventing heart disease and stroke in people at high risk of these problems. The aspirin-cancer link has been widely studied, but researchers have not been able to come to any firm conclusion about whether it is useful for cancer prevention. In animals, aspirin inhibits the development of many types of cancer, including colorectal, breast, prostate, lung, bladder, and skin. Studies on people have been harder to interpret. Some have shown that aspirin can reduce the risk of colorectal cancer and polyps (growths that can lead to cancer). Others have linked aspirin use to lower risk of stomach and esophageal cancer, as well as breast, prostate, and lung cancer. Still others have found no effect on cancer at all.”
Source: American Cancer Society, April 2007
