Cancer Archives

Prostate cancer treatment with gold nanoparticles found effective

Gold nanoparticles could treat prostate cancer with fewer side effects than chemotherapy — In new study published in PNAS, scientists found that nanoparticles, produced from chemicals in tea, reduced tumors by 80 percent – Currently, large doses of chemotherapy are required when treating certain forms of cancer, resulting in toxic side effects. The chemicals enter the body and work to destroy or shrink the tumor, but also harm vital organs and drastically affect bodily functions. Now, University of Missouri scientists have found a more efficient way of targeting prostate tumors by using gold nanoparticles and a compound found in tea leaves.

Breast cancer reoperation after breast conserving surgery

1 in 5 women with breast cancer has a reoperation after breast conserving surgery — And more needs to be done to inform them about this risk – One in five women with breast cancer who opt for breast conserving surgery rather than a mastectomy have a reoperation. This information on the risk of reoperation should help women in making the decision about whether to undergo breast conserving surgery or mastectomy.

Fighting cancer with ordinary chickens

Ordinary chickens may be extraordinary in fighting cancer, says Texas A&M researcher – The common barnyard chicken could provide some very un-common clues for fighting off diseases and might even offer new ways to attack cancer. James Womack, Distinguished Professor of Veterinary Pathobiology in the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, is co-author of a paper detailing the team’s work that appears in the current issue of PNAS (Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences).

Quality of life at end of life for patients with cancer

Study examines quality of life factors at end of life for patients with cancer – Better quality of life at the end of life for patients with advanced cancer was associated with avoiding hospitalizations and the intensive care unit, worrying less, praying or meditating, being visited by a pastor in a hospital or clinic, and having a therapeutic alliance with their physician.

Lung cancer mortality linked to tobacco control efforts

Lung cancer mortality rates among young and middle-aged white women climb in some states — New analysis points to tobacco control efforts or lack thereof as likely cause – A new study comparing lung cancer mortality rates among women by year of birth shows dramatic differences in trends between states, likely reflecting the success or failure of tobacco control efforts. The study finds that while lung cancer mortality rates declined continuously by birth year for women born after the 1950s in California, rates in other states declined less quickly or even increased.

Exercise may reduce breast cancer risk

Exercise, even mild physical activity, may reduce breast cancer risk – A new analysis done by University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill researchers has found that physical activity ? either mild or intense and before or after menopause ? may reduce breast cancer risk, but substantial weight gain may negate these benefits. The findings indicate that women can reduce their breast cancer risk by exercising and maintaining their weight.

Pancreatic cancer risk lowers with high sun exposure

Sun exposure and sun-sensitive skin type decreased risk for pancreatic cancer – High levels of ultraviolet radiation at an individual’s birth location, sun-sensitive skin type and a history of skin cancer each decreased risk for pancreatic cancer, according to Australian researchers.

Breast cancer risk can be reduced by avoiding unnecessary CT scan

Breast cancer risk can be lowered by avoiding unnecessary medical imaging — UCSF analysis of IOM report on environmental causes of breast cancer suggests there is at least 1 way women can reduce risk – A report issued by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) last December reviewed all the available scientific data compiled to date about potential environmental risks of breast cancer?factors such as pesticides, beauty products, household chemicals, and the plastics used to make water bottles.

GI cancers risk higher among childhood cancer survivors

Study finds high risk of GI cancers among childhood cancer survivors – Survivors of childhood cancers are at an increased risk of another battle with cancer later in life, according to new research published by the Annals of Internal Medicine. Researchers found that childhood cancer survivors develop these malignancies at a rate nearly five times that of the general population.

Painkillers like aspirin may protect against skin cancer

Commonly used painkillers may protect against skin cancer – Aspirin and other similar painkillers may help protect against skin cancer. The findings of new study indicate that skin cancer prevention may be added to the benefits of these commonly used medications.

Prostate cancer screening PSA test controversial recommendation

Psychological Science explains uproar over prostate-cancer screenings – The uproar that began last year when the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force stated that doctors should no longer offer regular prostate-cancer tests to healthy men continued this week when the task force released their final report.

Moderate weight loss reduces breast cancer risk

Study finds moderate weight loss reduces levels of sex hormones linked to breast cancer risk – Even a moderate amount of weight loss can significantly reduce levels of circulating estrogens that are associated with an increased risk of breast cancer, revealed by researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.