Cancer News and Research

Latest Cancer News and Research

Latest information questions value of PSA test for men over 75

The latest information regarding the PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test for prostate cancer, is advising men age 75 and older not to be screened.

5 Aug 2008

YMCA and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center offer free exercise program for cancer survivors

Puget Sound-area cancer survivors have access to a new strength-and-fitness program designed specifically for them thanks to a partnership between the YMCA of Greater Seattle and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.

4 Aug 2008

High dose shot of vitamin C halts the spread of cancer

According to scientists in the U.S., a high dose of vitamin C given in the form of an injection may halt the spread of cancers.

4 Aug 2008

Genetic discovery may lead to new blood test for people at high risk for cancer

Research funded in part by the Canadian Cancer Society may lead to a genetic screening test that could help families who are at high risk for cancer.

4 Aug 2008

Scientists discover link between DNA copy number changes and cancer risk

Scientists at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) have discovered a link between a newly discovered form of inherited genetic alteration, termed DNA copy number variation (CNV), and cancer susceptibility.

4 Aug 2008

Vitamin C injections slow tumor growth in mice

High-dose injections of vitamin C, also known as ascorbate or ascorbic acid, reduced tumor weight and growth rate by about 50 percent in mouse models of brain, ovarian, and pancreatic cancers, researchers from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) report in the August 5, 2008, issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

4 Aug 2008

Many new sun creams do not offer full protection from harmful rays

According to a new study almost half of all new sun creams do not offer protection against harmful sun rays.

4 Aug 2008

Disclosing a breast cancer diagnosis to family and friends

Women diagnosed with breast cancer shoulder the emotional burden of disclosing their diagnosis to loved ones, managing the feelings of others at precisely the time when they need support themselves, according to research to be presented at the annual meeting of the American Sociological Association (ASA).

4 Aug 2008

Depression hastens decline in cancer patients

Depression causes patients with advanced cancer to die sooner than they should, say scientists at the University of Liverpool.

4 Aug 2008

Dartmouth researchers question effectiveness of current movie-rating system

In a paper published in the August issue of the journal Pediatrics, Dartmouth researchers document the alarming numbers of young adolescents age 10-14 who are exposed to graphic violence in movies rated R for violence.

4 Aug 2008

Potato chip companies forced to reduce levels of cancer causing chemical in their products

Four American food manufacturers, who were taken to court because their products contained high levels of a cancer causing chemical, have reached a settlement with the state of California.

4 Aug 2008

Concerns about possible cancer cluster prompts investigation of Gold Coast private hospital

A possible cancer cluster at a private hospital at Benowa on the Gold Coast is causing some concern.

4 Aug 2008

Many cancer patients found to be using complementary and alternative methods

A new study from researchers at the American Cancer Society finds many cancer patients use complementary and alternative methods, most often prayer, relaxation, supplements, meditation, and massage. Meanwhile, the use of other methods, such as biofeedback, homeopathy, and acupressure, are relatively uncommon.

4 Aug 2008

Cannabinoid cell surface receptor plays a tumor-suppressing role in human colorectal cancer

CB1 is well-established for relieving pain and nausea, elevating mood and stimulating appetite by serving as a docking station for the cannabinoid group of signaling molecules. It now may serve as a new path for cancer prevention or treatment.

3 Aug 2008

Hospital error resulted in 17 cancer patients wrongly told they were clear

A National Health Service (NHS) hospital in Britain has admitted that due to an administrative error, 17 cancer patients were given the all-clear only to be later told that they still had cancer.

3 Aug 2008

Chronic exposure to estrogen impairs some cognitive functions

University of Illinois researchers report this week that chronic exposure to estradiol, the main estrogen in the body, diminishes some cognitive functions. Rats exposed to a steady dose of estradiol were impaired on tasks involving working memory and response inhibition, the researchers found.

3 Aug 2008

Methadone shows promise against leukemia

Researchers in Germany have discovered that methadone, an agent used to break addiction to opioid drugs, has surprising killing power against leukemia cells, including treatment resistant forms of the cancer.

3 Aug 2008

Disparities in prostate cancer treatment suggest ways to improve care

Quality of care varies greatly for the treatment of men with early-stage prostate cancer by region of the country and category of health care facility, suggesting the potential for improved patient outcomes with more standard treatment protocols, according to a new study that was published in the Aug. 1 issue of the Journal of Clinical Oncology (2008: Vol. 26, Issue 22).

3 Aug 2008

Survival of the fittest: even cancer cells follow the laws of evolution

Scientists from The Institute of Advanced Studies at Princeton and the University of California discovered that the underlying process in tumor formation is the same as for life itself-evolution.

3 Aug 2008

Immunotherapy shows promise in high-risk pediatric sarcomas

Based on a pilot study in children with sarcoma, researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) believe that immunotherapy could prove beneficial in treating high-risk forms of this cancer.

3 Aug 2008