Health ShortsCancer/Disease
Antioxidant Supplements No Help
In Preventing Pancreatic Cancer
Oxidative stress is believed to be a factor in the development of pancreatic cancer, and persons who eat large quantities of anti-oxidant-rich fruits and vegetables have a reduced risk of this and other cancers. Anti-oxidant supplements, however, were not found to be effective in reducing risk and may even increase overall mortality.
A systematic review of studies found that beta-carotene, vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin E–given alone or in combinations–had little effect in preventing gastrointestinal cancers and seemed to increase the overall risk of death. A possible exception was selenium, although the authors questioned the methodology of some of these trials.
A high-quality study found that persons taking a combination of beta-carotene and vitamin A had significantly higher risk of death than those taking placebo.
[SOURCE: Goran Bjelakovic, Dimitrinka Nikolova, Rose G. Simonetti and Christian Gluud, “Antioxidant Supplements for Prevention of Gastrointestinal Cancers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis,” the Lancet, October 2, 2004] Bariatric Surgery Ups Gallstone Risk
Rapid weight loss–whether through diet or bariatric surgery–increases a person’s risk of developing gallstones. More than 30 percent of persons undergoing bariatric surgery experience painful gallstones within a few months.
The gallbladder stores bile, a digestive fluid, until it’s released after a meal to be used by the intestines to help break down fatty acids. When a person is losing more than three pounds a week, bile accumulates longer than usual in the gallbladder, increasing the likelihood that a stone will develop.
[SOURCE: “Gallstones,” MayoClinic.com, July 25, 2007] Beware of Late-Onset Hypoglycemia
Diabetic patients should be aware of the risk of an exercise-induced hypoglycemic attack, not only during a workout but also several hours later. In fact, late-onset hypoglycemia can occur as long as 48 hours after exercise.
To avoid problems, athletes are advised to check their blood sugar both before and after exercise and to be alert to symptoms such as shakiness, excessive perspiration, nausea, anxiety, changes in gait or coordination or difficulty thinking or seeing clearly.
Diabetics, particularly those on intense therapy, are advised not to exercise at night because of the risk of hypoglycemia during sleep.
[SOURCE: Peggy Kraus, “Working with diabetic clients: a look at the exercise implications and contraindications when working with clients who suffer from type 1 and type 2 diabetes, hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia,” IDEA Fitness Journal, November-December, 2007] Breast Cancer Survival High The incidence of breast cancer has been rising steadily since 1987, in part because of improved detection. When breast cancer is identified in the early stages through mammography and breast self examination, 98 percent of patients survive at least five years–and usually much longer. An estimated 211,240 women and 1,690 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year. Preventive measures include exercise, weight control, avoiding excess alcohol and finding an alternative to estrogen replacement therapy. [SOURCE: Sanjay Gupta, “Beating Cancer,” Time, November 7, 2005] Burns Don’t Increase Risk of Cancer
A long-term follow-up study of more than 16,000 patients with thermal or chemical burn injuries found no increased risk of skin cancer, even among those with the most severe burns and longest periods of follow up.
Burn patients actually had a lower than expected incidence of some types of skin cancer. Researchers believe the burn patients may have been more likely to protect themselves because of discomfort associated with sun exposure.
[SOURCE: Michelle Rizzo, “Burn injuries not seen to raise risk of skin cancer,” Reuters Health, November 15, 2006; Epidemiology, November, 2006] Cancer, Chemotherapy and Hair Loss
Most Americans are aware that chemotherapy for cancer often induces hair loss. But even though this effect is expected and usually temporary, its effect on patients is often profound, sometimes leading to refusal of treatment, depression and loss of self confidence.
One reason, according to studies, is that hair loss serves as a constant reminder of the cancer state and of the patient as a victim. One woman with breast cancer said that every time she looked at her bald head in the mirror, she thought, “cancer.” Some patients talked of their bald head as a “neon sign,” announcing to others their status as cancer patients. While a wig or hat gave them some degree of privacy, they sometimes felt guilty denying or covering up their illness.
[SOURCE: Paula Kuzbit, “The Importance of Hair: Far from Being Accepted by Men, Chemotherapy-Induced Hair Loss Has Profound Implications on Their Well Being, Including Body Image and Social Support Aspects,” Cancer Nursing Practice, October, 2004] Cancer Drugs Raise Treatment Cost More targeted cancer drugs introduced over the past decade have eliminated many of the devastating side effects associated with traditional chemotherapy, but they are also several hundred times more expensive than the older drugs–often costing $50,000 to $150,000 for a year’s supply. For cancer patients who cannot keep up with insurance co-pays, the Patient Advocate Foundation of Newport News, VA is one group that provides assistance. The Foundation does not cover all kinds of cancer, however. [SOURCE: Alex Berenson, “Cancer Drugs Offer Hope, But at a Huge Expense,” New York Times, July 12, 2005] Cancer Rarely Attacks Islet Cells
Only about two percent of pancreatic cancers attack the islet cells. Responsible for producing insulin and glucagon, the islet cells are implicated in diabetes.
[SOURCE: Mahesh Kumar Neelala Anand, “Pancreas, islet cell tumors,” emedicine from WebMD CME, last updated January 24, 2007] Children Suffer Early Complications Children with sickle cell anemia rarely exhibit the characteristic effects of anemia such as fatigue and lack of energy. They may have less stamina on the playground than other children, however, and they are at risk of infections such as pneumonia and meningitis. About 11 percent of sickle cell patients suffer strokes before the age of 20. And priapism–a painful, prolonged erection unrelated to sexual excitement–occurs at a median age of 12 in males with sickle cell anemia. [SOURCE: Ashok Raj, M.D., “Sickle cell anemia,” emedicine from WebMD, last updated October 4, 2006] Cancer Survivors: Numbers Grow Cancer was once considered a virtual death sentence, but about 64 percent of American adults and 79 percent of children diagnosed with cancer this year can expect to be alive in five years. The number of cancer survivors has tripled over the past 30 years and now stands at 9.8 million. About 6 million cancer survivors are over age 65 and covered by Medicare. Of the others, 11 percent are not covered by health insurance. [SOURCE: “Report: Number of Cancer Survivors Increasing,” FDA Consumer, September-October, 2004] Colonoscopy Imperfect; Still Needed
Just because colonoscopy is not as accurate as you believed doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have one. That’s the message from a disappointing new study published in Annals of Internal Medicine [December, 2008].
In this study, colonoscopy missed most cancers on the right side of the colon (where cancer is more difficult to detect) and one third of those on the left side. Based on these results, colonoscopy screening may prevent 60 to 70 percent of cancers, rather than 90 percent as previously believed.
Experts say patients should continue to have the test and should be scrupulous in the unpleasant bowel cleansing that precedes the test. Choosing an experienced, skilled colonoscopist is also important.
[SOURCE: Nancy N. Baxter, Annals of Internal Medicine, December, 2008; Gina Kolata, “Colonoscopies miss many cancers, study finds,” New York Times, December 15, 2008] Colonoscopy Often Recommended Doctors have no clear evidence that diverticulitis, a disorder involving the colon, increases the risk of colon cancer. The disease does make cancer more difficult to diagnose, however, and it often occurs in middle age or later when the risk of colon cancer is elevated. As a result, doctors often recommend colonoscopy as a way to monitor the disease as well as screen for cancer. While double contrast barium enema may give a better indication of the presence, severity and location of diverticular pouches, this method has a relatively poor sensitivity for detecting pre-cancerous lesions. [SOURCE: l. Petruzziello, F. Iacopini, M. Bulajic, S. Shah and G. Costamagna, “Review article: uncomplicated diverticular disease of the colon,” Alimentary Pharmacological Therapeutics, May, 2006] Comparing Prostate Options
Among men treated for prostate cancer, those getting surgery had the best chance of being alive 10 years later, according to a study of 844 patients under age 70. The 10-year survival rate for men having radical prostatectomy was 83 percent, but men choosing no treatment (watchful waiting) had a survival rate of 72 percent and men choosing radiation, 75 percent.
[SOURCE: “Facing incontinence after prostate surgery,” Johns Hopkins Medical Letter, Health after 50, June, 2008; from Archives of Internal Medicine] Comprehensive Care for Hemophilia The introduction of comprehensive, multidisciplinary care has allowed persons with severe hemophilia to pursue relatively normal lives–attending school, obtaining jobs and enjoying a greatly increased life expectancy. Comprehensive care clinics give the patient and family access to specialists in hematology, orthopedics, dentistry, surgery, nursing, physiotherapy and social work.[SOURCE: Hadi Sawaf, M.D., “Hemophilia A and B,” emedicine.com Pediatrics, last updated August 15, 2006] Dealing with a Sickle Cell Crisis
Individuals with sickle cell disease typically suffer several severely painful sickle cell crises every year. Symptoms include: · throbbing, sharp, dull or stabbing pain in the back, knees, legs, arms, chest or stomach; o shortness of breath and chest or back pain; · generalized abdominal pain; · sudden attacks of priapism (painful, prolonged erections) or · stroke. A crisis occurs when sickled red blood cells block small blood vessels that carry blood to bones. These episodes, which may pass within five to seven days, can usually be managed at home with oral pain medications.
[SOURCE: "Practical Tips for Preventing a Sickle Cell Crisis," American Family Physician, March 1, 2000] Diet Affects Colon Cancer Outcome
Among 1,009 patients with metastatic colon cancer followed for about five years, those following an unhealthy diet–with a relatively high intake of red meat, saturated fats, sugary desserts, and refined grains were three times more likely than other subjects to have a recurrence of cancer or die.
Conversely, the researchers found no correlation between prudent eating and a better survival.
[SOURCE: Allison Gandey and Charles Vega, “Diet appears to influence colon cancer outcomes,” Medscape Medical News CME, August 17, 2007] Diuretics Reduce Risk of Alzheimer’s
Older persons taking potassium-sparing diuretics had a more than 70 percent reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease, according to a study published in Archives of Neurology [July, 2006].
Subjects taking other blood pressure medications had a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease, but somewhat less than that of potassium-sparing diuretics.
[SOURCE: “Antihypertensives demonstrate benefit in reducing Alzheimer’s disease risk,” Formulary, July, 2006] Do B Vitamins Prevent Cancer?
Many alternative medicine advocates recommend high doses of B complex vitamins to treat and prevent cancer. This is based on the theory that B vitamin deficiencies weaken the immune system and make it vulnerable to cancer. Although many researchers are continuing to study relationships between vitamin intake and the risk of various cancers, there is no scientific proof at this time that B vitamins affect the growth and spread of cancer.
[SOURCE: American Cancer Society, “Vitamin B complex,” revised June 19, 2007] Do Fruits, Vegs Reduce Cancer Risk?
Fruits and vegetables are rich in fiber and are believed to offer many health benefits, including, according to early studies, a reduced risk of colon cancer. Recent studies have not shown such favorable results in this regard, however. In a recent pooled analysis involving 756,217 men and women followed for 6 to 20 years, researchers found a smaller than expected correlation between fruit and vegetable intake and colon cancer risk, although subjects with the lowest intake of fruits and vegetables had an elevated risk.
[SOURCE: Anita Koushik, et al, “Fruits, vegetables, and colon cancer in a pooled analysis of 14 cohort studies,” Journal of the National Cancer Institute, November, 2007] Don’t Let Polyps Shorten Your Life
About 56,000 Americans die of colorectal cancer each year, and the average victim has 13 years trimmed from his or her life. Since nearly all cancers develop from pre-malignant intestinal polyps that can be detected through screening, many of these deaths could be avoided with regular screening
[SOURCE: L.A. Ries, et al, “The Annual Report to the Nation on the Status of Cancer, 1973-1997 with Special Section on Colorectal Cancer,” Cancer, 2000; U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, “Screening for Colorectal Cancer,” July, 2002] Don’t Stop Anticlotting Drugs Too Soon A study published in Circulation [June 20, 2006] found that nearly 14 percent of 500 patients who had a drug-coated stent implanted in their coronary arteries quit taking anti-clotting medications such as clopidogrel within 30 days. And patients who quit their medications too soon were nine times more likely to die within the next 11 months. Both bare-metal stents and the new drug-coated ones carry a risk of clotting, but the risk drops off much quicker with the bare-metal stents. With drug-coated stents, the risk of clotting continues for a year or longer, requiring longer use of the medications. [SOURCE: “A New Caution for Patients with Drug-Coated Stents,” Heart Advisor, August, 2006; Circulation, June 20, 2006] Drug-Coated Stents Still Do Their Job Drug-coated stents have become controversial because of the risk of clotting and sudden death that may occur a year or longer after implantation. Implanted in certain patients during balloon angioplasty, drug-coated stents are nevertheless still considered effective in preventing the re-narrowing of arteries. The re-narrowing rate with these stents is less than five percent compared to more than 25 percent for bare-metal stents. Hydroxyurea has been demonstrated effective for lessening the effects of sickle cell disease but appears to be under-utilized, according to a 14-person expert panel convened by the National Institutes of Health. In a report issued on February 27, 2008, the panel concluded that worry about adverse effects has led some doctors to overlook the benefits of the drug which was approved in 1998 for the treatment of sickle cell disease. Long-term use of hydroxyurea can cause tumors or leukemia, but the panel found that these adverse effects are mostly “theoretical” and have never been demonstrated among sickle cell patients using the drug. [SOURCE: Kate Traynor, “Experts urge wider use of hydroxyurea for sickle cell disease,” American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy, April 1, 2008] Six percent of Americans will develop colon or rectal cancer at some time in their lives, and the risk goes up substantially for persons with a family history of the disease. If one of your parents has been diagnosed with colon cancer, your risk is double that of other persons. If you have two close relatives with a diagnosis, your risk increases five- or six-fold. [SOURCE: Carol Burke and James M. Church, “Colon Cancer Update with the Cleveland Clinic,” WebMD Live Events Transcript, March 15, 2005] At least 99 percent of women who develop cervical cancer have been infected with one of several types of the human papillomavirus (HPV). But the timing may lead a woman to misjudge her risk.
A woman is most susceptible to HPV infection between the ages of 24 and 30, and, since there may be no symptoms, she is unlikely to know she has been infected. Cervical cancer nearly always appears much later in life; in fact, about 20 percent of cases occur after age 60, when a new HPV infection is unlikely.
Only a few types of HPV are associated with cervical cancer, and not all women infected with these types will develop cancer.
[SOURCE: American Cancer Society, “Detailed guide: cervical cancer,” August 4, 2006] Angiogenesis is the body’s process of developing new blood vessels whenever they are needed, such as to heal wounds. A built-in mechanism, however, prevents angiogenesis from occurring when it isn’t needed. When a malignancy occurs, something happens to keep the angiogenesis switch turned on and allow the tumor to grow. Soon the cancer’s blood vessels grow out of control and in a disorderly, mangled fashion. Many recent cancer drugs are aimed directly or indirectly at the angiogenesis process. They may keep the switch from being turned on, block signals from the tumor or make the signals ineffective. Some try to make the mangled blood vessels more normal. Folate from Food Cuts Cancer Risk An observational study of about 82,000 males and females in Sweden found a lower risk of pancreatic cancer in subjects with a high intake of folate-rich foods–green, leafy vegetables; cruciferous vegetables (such as broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage); oranges; legumes, and whole grains. No lower risk was found, however, for subjects taking folic acid supplements. Cereals in Sweden are not fortified with folate, as they are in the United States. [SOURCE: Miranda Hitti, “Folate May Cut Pancreatic Cancer Risk,” WebMD Medical News, March 14, 2006] Get Help for Your Cancer Questions
To get help or support for any cancer-related problem, the National Cancer Institute offers an online chat service with an information specialist from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. (EDT), Monday through Friday. Go to www.cancer.gov and click on LiveHelp.
LiveHelp is confidential and does not provide medical advice.
The National Cancer Institute website is a good source of information about cancer, clinical trials and organizations providing support and resources for cancer patients.
You can also dial 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237) or write to NCI Public Inquiries Office, Suite 3036A, 6116 Executive Boulevard, MSC8322, Bethesda, MD 20892-8322.
[SOURCE: National Cancer Institute, “Lymphedema (PDQ, Patient Version,” last modified July 1, 2008] Growth Lag Is Temporary In Youth with Sickle Cell Disease
In an adolescent, sickle cell disease can contribute to a temporary lag in growth and development of up to two years. At a time when they are facing other physical and emotional problems, teens should be assured that they will catch up in terms of growth and that their adult size will be in the average range. Although young people with sickle cell disease can participate in sports, they should avoid overexertion and becoming dehydrated.
[SOURCE: Doris L. Wethers, "Laboratory Diagnosis, Pathophysiology and Health Maintenance," American Family Physician, September 1, 2000] Hand Washing Is Best Protection
The best thing you can do to protect yourself from getting a cold or the flu this winter, according to the Centers for Disease Control, is to wash your hands frequently. A recent study indicates that Americans are not as careful about hand washing as they profess to be. When surveyed by telephone, 92 percent of adults claimed they washed their hands in public rest rooms. But a study conducted in public rest rooms in Chicago, New York, Atlanta and San Francisco found that only 77 percent actually did. That number represented a six percent decline compared to a similar study conducted in 2005.
[SOURCE: Julie Steenhuysen, “Americans getting lax about clean hands: study,” Reuters Health, September 17, 2007; study presented at Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy meeting, Chicago, September, 2007] Heart Disease Is Still No. 1 Killer Heart disease is still the number one killer of Americans, accounting for about one third of all deaths in 2004, according to an American Heart Association report published in Circulation [January, 2007]. The highest rates of death from heart disease were in Mississippi, Oklahoma, Alabama, Tennessee and West Virginia. Twice as many angioplasties are performed in Southern states as in other areas of the country. West Virginia has seen slight declines in death rates from stroke over the past year, attributed in part to fewer young people smoking, a greater awareness of heart disease and prevention efforts. [SOURCE: Tom Breen, “Heart Disease Still Big Problem in South,” Associated Press, December 31, 2006; Circulation, January, 2007] More than 50,000 Americans died of colorectal cancer last year, and it’s believed that as many as 70 percent of these deaths could have been prevented through lifestyle changes.
In a European study of 478,000 men and women from 10 countries, subjects eating high quantities of fish had a reduced risk of colorectal cancer while those eating large quantities of red meat (beef, veal, pork, lamb) had an increased risk. Diets high in poultry did not appear to affect the risk. Other studies have shown that persons eating mostly vegetarian diets also have a reduced risk of colorectal cancer.
[SOURCE: Reed Mangels, “Hold the Beef and the Bacon,” Vegetarian Journal, January-February, 2006] Hypos During Sleep May Harm Memory
Adults with type 1 diabetes frequently have hypoglycemic, or low blood sugar, episodes during sleep. Some of these occur without symptoms, but studies show that they often have a negative effect on cognitive function, memory and mood the next day and perhaps long term.
The gradual decline in cognitive function that often occurs in older diabetics is usually attributed to nerve and vascular disease caused by high blood sugar. It’s now believed that some of these changes may instead be due to hypoglycemic episodes during sleep.
[SOURCE; Kamila Jauch Chara, et al, “Hypoglycemia during sleep impairs consolidation of declarative memory in type 1 diabetic and healthy humans,” Diabetes Care, August, 2007] Kidney Disease Rises among Seniors The prevalence of chronic kidney disease has increased by about four percent over the past decade, and those most affected are older adults and those who are overweight or have diabetes, heart disease or high blood pressure. About 40 percent of Americans over age 60 and all adults with type 2 diabetes had kidney disease, according to a report based on national health studies from 1999 to 2004. The disorder was found in 15 percent of overweight and 20 percent of obese subjects; 28 percent of those with heart disease; and 24 percent of those with hypertension. [SOURCE: Centers for Disease Control, Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, March 1, 2007] Laughing Away Arthritis Pain
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder with inflammation and pain that’s very difficult to control. A Japanese study found successful treatment through laughter.
Using “Rakugo,” a funny traditional story to provoke laughter, researchers found that rheumatoid arthritis patients not only had relief from symptoms but showed changes in pro- and anti-inflammatory immune cells (cytokines) in the blood.
[SOURCE: Allison Gandey, “Study shows laughter helps difficult-to-control RA,” Medscape Medical News, February 7, 2006; T. Matsuzaki, et al, “Mirthful laughter differentially affects serum pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine levels depending on the level of disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis,” Rheumatology, 2006;45:182-186] Leukemia, Flu Link Explored
Cases of acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), the most common form of childhood leukemia, increased after the two most recent outbreaks of severe flu in the United Kingdom, according to an Oxford University study.
Researchers stressed that the results provide no proof of a cause-effect relationship but rather a correlation that might be explored in future studies. Data revealed sharp upswings in ALL in 1976 and again in 1990–each time just a few months after flu epidemics.
[SOURCE: Daniel J. DeNoon, “Flu May Trigger Childhood Leukemia,” WebMD Medical News, March 14, 2006] Lower Doses Mean Fewer Side Effects
Recommended dosages of diuretic medications have declined rather dramatically–from 200 milligrams/day of hydrochlorothiazide in the early 1960s to about 25 milligrams/day today, for example. As the doses have come down, so has the risk of side effect such as increases in cholesterol. At the doses now typically prescribed, one study concluded that thiazide diuretics are “effectively lipid neutral alone or in combination” with other medications.
[SOURCE: Matthew R. Weir, Marvin Moser “Diuretics and beta-blockers: is there a risk for dyslipidemia?” American Heart Journal, 139(1):174-184, 2000] Lung Cancer Creates Referred Pain
Shoulder pain in some cases can be referred from the neck, heart, lungs or abdomen. One man with burning shoulder pain so severe it kept him up at night, along with unexplained weight loss, was found to have lung cancer. Unlike shoulder injuries, which usually hurt so much it's impossible to lie on that side, this man's pain was tolerable only when he slept on the affected side.
[SOURCE: Dorothy L. Pennachio and Peter D'Epiro, "Intrinsic Disease or Referred Pain," Patient Care, October, 2002] Lung Cancer Soars in Women
Since the 1950s smoking rates among women soared with a corresponding increase in deaths from lung cancer and heart disease. Over the past 50 years the lung cancer death rate for women increased by a staggering 600 percent. Heart disease, the leading cause of death among women, is six times more likely to occur in women who smoke than their sisters who do not.
[SOURCE: "Women Who Smoke Take Big Chances," Women's Health Weekly, January 10, 2002] Lymphedema Is Common Problem
Lymphedema, or swelling of an arm or leg because of accumulation of lymph fluids, can occur for a number of reasons. In the United States, the most common cause is breakdown of lymphatic circulation as a result of breast cancer or breast cancer treatment. Of about two million breast cancer survivors, 20 to 40 percent develop chronic lymphedema.
Worldwide, 150 to 250 million people suffer from lymphedema because of lymph damage caused by the fungus, filariasis.
[SOURCE: Don R. Revis, Jr., M.D., “Lymphedema,” emedicine from WebMD, last updated March 18, 2008] Many Patients’ Needs Non-Physical
A survey of 103 Canadian women being treated for gynecological cancers found that 8 of the top 10 unmet supportive care needs reported were non-physical. These were: fear about the cancer returning, fear about the cancer spreading, uncertainty about the future, concern about the worries of loved ones, feelings of sadness, feeling down or depressed, anxiety and worry about lack of control over the results of treatment.
The physical needs reported were lack of energy and not being able to do things previously done.
[SOURCE: Rose Steele and Margaret I. Fitch, “Supportive care needs of women with gynecologic cancer,” Cancer Nursing, September, 2008] Melanoma Invades Dark Skin Too
Melanoma occurs about 10 times more frequently in white than in black Americans, but African Americans and Hispanics should not ignore warnings regarding exposure to sunlight, use of sunscreen and skin self examinations.
Melanoma and other skin cancers are more likely to be discovered at a later date in dark-skinned persons, and the survival rate is significantly lower. One study found that for blacks 40 percent of melanomas were on the feet and only 33 percent on sun-exposed skin.
[SOURCE: Michele G. Sullivan, “Dark-Skinned Patients Are Still at Risk for Skin Cancers,” Family Practice News, May 1, 2005] More Moles Equal Greater Risk
Moles, freckles, brown spots and growths on the skin are nearly always harmless. However, if you have numerous moles–more than 100–you have a greater risk of melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer.
Skin cancer often develops out of a new mole or a change in a present one. It’s a good idea to get to know your skin well so you can spot any changes and report them to your doctor or a dermatologist. The danger signs are ABCDE:
· Asymmetry–the two halves do not match, · Border–an uneven border with scallops or notches, · Color–a number of different shades of brown, tan, black, red, white or blue, · Diameter–larger than that of a pencil eraser, · Evolving–in size, shape, elevation. Bleeding, itching or crusting. [SOURCE: The Skin Cancer Foundation, “Melanoma.’] More Small Cancers Being Found
The incidence of thyroid cancer in the United States was 8.7 per 100,000 people in 2002–a 2.4 fold increase over the rate in 1973, but researchers attributed this increase to improved imaging and diagnostic techniques allowing detection of small papillary cancers.
Of the four types of thyroid cancer, papillary cancers have the highest survival rate. The incidence of rarer and more aggressive types of thyroid cancer remained stable over the 30-year period, as did the death rate.
More than 80 percent of papillary tumors now being reported measure two centimeters or less; about half are no bigger than one centimeter. Cancers smaller than one centimeter are usually considered harmless.
[SOURCE: L. Davies, JAMA, May 10, 2006; E. Mazzaferri, JAMA, May 10, 2006; Miranda Hitti, “Why Are Thyroid Cancer Diagnoses Up?” WebMD Medical News, May 9, 2006] MRI Aids in Diagnosing MS The advent of MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) over the past two decades has made it easier for doctors to diagnose multiple sclerosis. With recent applications of MRI techniques such as FLAIR (fluid attenuated inversion recovery), MRS (MR spectroscopy) and magnetization transfer, doctors are able to detect signs of the disease at an early stage and gain valuable information about prognosis and treatment effects. [SOURCE: Fernando Dangond, “Multiple sclerosis,” emedicine.com Neurology, last updated October 4, 2006] The wide-ranging symptoms of multiple sclerosis result from inflammation and injury to the central nervous system. One approach to managing the disease involves reducing the inflammation, but recent research suggests that nerve degeneration in an MS patient occurs early in the disease, even with relatively little inflammation | ArchiveAIDS & HIV |
The information on this site is intended to increase your awareness and understanding of specific health issues. It should not be used for diagnosis or as a substitute for health care by your physician. | |
