Genetic changes may lead to Barrett’s esophagus and esophageal cancer

Research discovers genetic link to Barrett’s esophagus, esophageal cancer — 5-year study identifies genes that predispose for BE/EAC – Mutations in three genes have been identified that are more prevalent in patients with esophageal cancer and Barrett esophagus, a premalignant metaplasia (change in cells or tissue) caused by chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), according to preliminary research reported in the July 27 issue of JAMA.

50% rise in oesophageal cancer rate in men

Oesophageal cancer rates in men up 50 per cent in a generation – Oesophageal cancer rates in men have risen by 50 per cent over the last 25 years, according to new figures published by Cancer Research UK.

Cancer mortality declined in Europe

New figures on cancer in Europe show a steady decline in mortality but big variations — Large variations in mortality exist between countries and between men and women – New figures on deaths from cancer in Europe show a steady decline in mortality between the periods 1990-1994 and 2000-2004. Deaths from all cancers in the European Union (EU) between these two periods fell by nine percent in men and eight percent in women, with a large drop among the middle-aged population.

New cancer gene UTX identified

Getting down to cancer basics — Cancer mutations in the heart of gene regulation. – Researchers have identified a new cancer gene – one that is common to many cancers and affects the most basic regulation of our genes.

Hot tea increases throat cancer risk

Drinking very hot tea can increase the risk of throat cancer; Tea drinking habits and oesophageal cancer in a high risk area in Northern Iran: Population based case-control study. – People are advised to wait a few minutes before drinking a cup of freshly-boiled tea today as a new study, published on bmj.com, finds that drinking very hot tea (70?C or more) can increase the risk of cancer of the oesophagus, the muscular tube that carries food from the throat to the stomach.

Camera in a pill finds early signs of esophageal cancer

Camera in a pill offers cheaper device that could find warning signs of esophageal cancer, the fastest growing cancer in the United States. – What if swallowing a pill with a camera could detect the earliest signs of cancer? The tiny camera is designed to take high-quality, color pictures in confined spaces. Such a device could find warning signs of esophageal cancer, the fastest growing cancer in the United States.

Health Newstrack