Patients diagnosed with cancer during pregnancy may have increased risk of mortality

 A recently completed population-based cohort study at the University of Calgary's Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology indicates that patients diagnosed with cancer while pregnant "had elevated mortality, but this association was not consistent across all cancer sites."  According to Dr. Amy Metcalfe and colleagues, cancer is the 2nd leading cause of death in premenopausal women, attributable to "increases in delayed childbearing, , improvements in diagnostic testing, awareness of genetic risk factors and subsequent screening, and expansion of population-based screening programs."  Further, only 25% of cancers are diagnosed during pregnancy; 75% of diagnoses occur in the postpartum period. 

To read more about this study, click here. 

Source mentioned: Cairncross ZF, Shack L, Nelson G, et al. Long-term Mortality in Individuals Diagnosed With Cancer During Pregnancy or Postpartum. JAMA Oncology; Published online 6 April 2023. doi:10.1001/jamaoncol.2023.0339.

Cancer incidence and mortality rates in Alberta on downward trend

The newly released Report on Cancer Statistics in Alberta indicates that incidence rates of cancer have declined by 0.6% annually between 2001-2014, with a 2.1% decrease per year in mortality rates during that same time period.  The Screening for Life Program emphasizes the importance of early detection and screening on a patient's rate of survival.  According to Dr. Huiming Yang, Medical Director, Screening, Population, Public, and Indigenous Health, "we want Albertans to know what screening options are available to them and we need everyone to take personal responsibility for their health and well-being by asking their doctor about what cancer screening programs are right for them."

To read more about this report, click here.

Local researcher explores how breast cancer cells spread to bone

Carrie Shemanko, an associate professor of integrative cell biology in the Faculty of Science, is conducting extensive research on what happens when breast cancer spreads to the bone. The research shows that certain signaling pathways for normal breast development are likely misused by cancer cells, giving them certain advantages that normal cells keep under tight regulation.

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Study explores power of digital storytelling on childhood cancer patients

It is an ancient art that, in this digital age of computers, cameras and cellphones, takes on an entirely new and compelling form — the art of telling stories. And while a component of weaving a tale has often included some element of learning, a new study conducted by Catherine Laing, assistant nursing professor, will hopefully take it a bit further. Laing will look at the therapeutic value of digital storytelling on young people affected by cancer and on the health-care professionals who care for them. “Although there is widespread anecdotal evidence about the benefits of digital storytelling, to the best of my knowledge, there is no research about its efficacy or therapeutic value — especially in childhood cancer patients and survivors,” Laing says. “This study will answer that.” Read more here.

Health community welcomes Skin Cancer Prevention Act as vital law to protect youth

The health community is applauding the Alberta government’s decision to introduce legislation that will ban youth under the age of 18 from accessing tanning equipment. This much-anticipated new law will regulate the indoor tanning industry to address the significant cancer risk that tanning beds pose to young people. “Too many Alberta teens are put at a significantly higher risk of developing melanoma — the deadliest form of skin cancer — by using indoor tanning equipment,” says Sarah Hawkins of the Canadian Cancer Society. “We applaud the Alberta government for introducing Bill 22 and believe this legislation is an important step to protect youth from the harms of indoor tanning. We encourage the government to pass and proclaim this legislation without delay.” Read more here.

Alberta cancer rates continue to trend downwards

The rate at which Albertans are being diagnosed with cancer, or dying from the disease, is continuing to decrease, according to data from Alberta Health Services (AHS). Alberta’s cancer incidence rates have steadily declined by about one per cent annually between 2002 and 2012. Mortality rates have also decreased over the past 20 years, falling by 2.2 per cent annually between 2005 and 2012. “We’re making tremendous progress with cancer control in Alberta,” says Dr. Paul Grundy, Chief Program Officer and Senior Medical Director, CancerControl Alberta, AHS. Read more here.

IMAGINE Project focuses on patient-first health-care culture

The Alberta health-care system includes extraordinary talent and forward-thinking initiatives. But it is also faced with challenges to patient safety, frequent patient dissatisfaction, and a culture that can struggle with always putting the patient first. That is the picture of the health-care system that emerged during a nearly five-hour forum attended by almost 400 people, streamed live and hosted by the O’Brien Institute for Public Health at the Cumming School of Medicine. The forum marked the launch of the IMAGINE Project, a grassroots, citizen-led initiative that aims to refocus the health-care system on the patient. Read more here.

Researchers make progress understanding a rare pediatric cancer

Investigators at the Cumming School of Medicine have made key new findings about an extremely rare childhood cancer called neurocutaneous melanocytosis. This malignant cancer is characterized by an excessive growth of melanin-producing cells in both the skin and the brain. The study’s authors found potential drug targets for the disease by using a molecular analysis of patient tumour cells grown in animal models. The study was led by Drs. Aru Narendran and Ronald Anderson, in the division of hematology, oncology and transplant at the Alberta Children’s Hospital. Read more here.

Program puts damper on distress caused by cancer

A distress program designed to help patients cope with the physical and psychosocial effects of cancer is making a difference and is changing the way health care professionals treat the disease. Screening for Distress was developed at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre and assists front-line staff to identify issues that negatively affect cancer patients and to find solutions to improve their overall well-being. Read more here.

Alberta to phase in flavoured tobacco ban legislation, but exempts menthol

Alberta has exempted menthol from its flavoured tobacco ban law that health groups once held up as an example for other governments to follow. Health Minister Stephen Mandel said Thursday the legislation — to be phased in — will still protect young people from the dangers of other flavoured tobacco. Health, medical and anti-smoking groups say exempting menthol is a mistake, because the flavour is the most popular with young people. Read more here.

Convocating student explores impact of patient's death on nurses

When a child dies from cancer, it is almost unbearably tragic for family and friends. And, as a recent research study indicates, it may also adversely affect the career of the registered nurse who cared for that child. In her doctoral research, Faculty of Nursing graduate student Angela Morck, who will convocate on Monday, examined the effects of a death of a child on the pediatric oncology nurse. She discovered that nurses struggle to navigate the ideals of nursing versus the realities of practice when working with dying children. Read more here.

Obesity, physical inactivity drive up cancer numbers: study

Every year in Canada, more than 12,000 people develop cancer because of excess body weight and physical inactivity, according to new research by Alberta Health Services. Obesity and physical inactivity are well-known risk factors for diabetes and cardiovascular disease, but people may tend to overlook the role they play in the development of cancer,” says Dr. Darren Brenner, an AHS epidemiologist and the author of the study. “The evidence is clear that thousands of cancers could be prevented each year if people paid more attention to diet and exercise.” Read more here.

Study shows clear new evidence for mind-body connection

For the first time, researchers have shown that practising mindfulness meditation or being involved in a support group has a positive physical impact at the cellular level in breast cancer survivors. A group working out of Alberta Health Services’ Tom Baker Cancer Centre and the University of Calgary Department of Oncology has demonstrated that telomeres — protein complexes at the end of chromosomes — maintain their length in breast cancer survivors who practise meditation or are involved in support groups, while they shorten in a comparison group without any intervention. Read more here.

Killam scholar focuses on supporting cancer patients' families

Nursing PhD candidate Colleen Cuthbert is researching the benefits of exercise for caregivers. "There are lots of dedicated programs for patients, but our health-care system doesn't function well in supporting the families of patients," says Cuthbert, a registered nurse who graduated in 2008 with a master of nursing and a nurse practitioner diploma. "I want to discover ways to improve their care. In my practice, I tell family members it's good to relieve stress; they often don't participate in self-care and so are prone to conditions like depression, insomnia, poor quality of life and exacerbation of chronic health conditions," she says. Read more here.

University of Calgary research leads to brain cancer clinical trial

Researchers at the University of Calgary’s Hotchkiss Brain Institute and Southern Alberta Cancer Research Institute have made a discovery that could prolong the life of people living with glioblastoma — the most aggressive type of brain cancer. Samuel Weiss, PhD, professor and director of the Hotchkiss Brain Institute (HBI), along with research assistant professor Artee Luchman, PhD, and colleagues published their work Oct. 15 in Clinical Cancer Research, which is leading researchers to start a human phase I/II clinical trial as early as spring 2015. Researchers used tumour cells derived from 100 different glioblastoma patients to test drugs that could target the disease. When these human brain tumour-initiating cells were inserted into an animal model, researchers discovered that when using a drug, AZD8055, combined with Temozolomide (TMZ) — a drug already taken by most glioblastoma patients — the life of the animals was extended by 30 per cent. Read more here.

A ‘disturbing’ increase in some HPV-related cancers

Although cervical cancer is declining, human papillomavirus (HPV)-related cancers of the base of the tongue and tonsils (oropharynx) as well as anal canal cancers are increasing, according to a population-based study in Alberta. The study, which includes cancers diagnosed over the last 35 years from the Alberta Cancer Registry, looked at trends in HPV-related cancers. During the study period, 8120 HPV-associated cancers were diagnosed in the province, of which 56 per cent were cervical cancers and 18 per cent oropharyngeal cancers. Read more here.

Alberta to propose law that would ban people under 18 from tanning beds

Alberta’s health minister says a new law will be introduced later this year that will keep people under 18 out of tanning beds.

Fred Horne had earlier said legislation would protect youth from skin cancer, but he didn’t indicate if that meant including such a ban.

Read more from Global Mail.

Cancer prevention website aims to inform Albertans of preventable risks

Alberta Health Services has launched a new campaign, complete with online information, with the intention of educating Albertans of cancer risks and offering cancer prevention tips. Alberta Prevents Cancer provides information on the impact diet choices, physical activity, cancer screenings, and alcohol and tobacco have on cancer risk. According to AHS, lifestyle modifications could reduce an Albertan’s risk of a cancer diagnosis by as much as 50 per cent. Read more here.

Visit the website, Alberta Prevents Cancer, here.

Cancer patients should focus on present: expert

Staying in the present sounds simple, but it's not easy, especially for cancer patients. Read more about Dr. Linda Carlson from today's Leader-Post.

Pilot lung cancer screening program launched

Study aims for earlier detection and more effective screening protocols

The Alberta Cancer Foundation has invested more than $7 million into four new research programs across the province, all designed to transform patient care and impact outcomes here in Alberta.

One of the programs which have received the funding is Dr. Alain Tremblay’s program. The research program will screen 800 Albertans for lung cancer over three years to determine how effective the screening method is and which patients can benefit the most. Additionally, 200 Albertans who have previously participated in a national lung cancer screening pilot program will be screened again to determine how often patients need to be screened. At the end of the three year project, Dr. Tremblay and his team hope to be in a position to start a full province-wide screening program.

Read more from UToday.