Sixteen million cancer stories a year: the Social Oncology Project

"2012 was one heck of a year for new treatments against various different forms of leukemia. In the span of 5 months, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved four novel therapies. Drug approvals always come with a spike of media attention, but we at W2O Group have been curious as to how that flood of interest compares with other events throughout the year, not only in news, but in all of the other conversations we have online about cancer. So we decided to look into how we’re talking about cancer, both at the broadest level and in the context of more specific cancers and more specific communities." Continue reading the blog of a director at WCG, an independent strategic communications firm, here.

Read the full report, the Social Oncology Project, here.

Raman spectroscopy algorithm has potential to diagnose breast lesions with high precision

A newly developed, single-step Raman spectroscopy algorithm has the potential to simultaneously detect microcalcifications and enable diagnosis of the associated breast lesions with high precision, according to data published in Cancer Research. According to the researchers, the algorithm exhibited positive and negative predictive values of 100 percent and 96 percent, respectively, for the diagnosis of breast cancer with or without microcalcifications. Read more here.

Study mentioned: Barman I, et al. (2013) Application of Raman Spectroscopy to Identify Microcalcifications and Underlying Breast Lesions at Stereotactic Core Needle Biopsy. Cancer Res. 73(11): 3206-15.

FDA approves two new melanoma drugs

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved 2 new drugs, Tafinlar (dabrafenib) and Mekinist (trametinib), to treat melanoma that has metastasized or that can’t be surgically removed. Both of the new drugs are intended to treat patients whose cancers have certain mutations in the BRAF gene. Approval of the drugs and the test were based on results of clinical trials. Read more here.

World No Tobacco Day

May 31 is World No Tobacco Day, an annual awareness day sponsored by the World Health Organization (WHO) since 1987 to highlight the health risks associated with tobacco use and advocate for effective policies to reduce smoking and other tobacco use. Read more here.

Partners applaud new bill protecting family caregivers in Alberta

The Alberta Caregivers Association and the Canadian Cancer Society, Alberta/NWT Division, are pleased to see the passing of a bill that will provide job-protected leave to family caregivers who take time off work to care for a dying family member. Bill 203, the Employment Standards (Compassionate Care Leave) Amendment Act, revises Alberta’s Employment Standards Code to include compassionate care leave, providing job security for Albertans who find themselves caring for a terminal family member. Prior to the passing of this bill, Alberta was the only jurisdiction in Canada without compassionate care leave in its employment standards code. Read more here.

Leading Canadian health charities urge renewed federal government leadership on non-communicable diseases

Four of Canada’s leading health charities – the Canadian Cancer Society, the Canadian Diabetes Association, the Canadian Lung Association and the Heart and Stroke Foundation – are applauding the adoption at the World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland of global targets and a global action plan to reduce premature death from NCDs by 25% by 2025. At the World Health Assembly, member states (including Canada) voted to adopt the Non-Communicable Disease Global Monitoring Framework. Read more here.

Read the common vision statement of the four charities, Call for action on chronic diseases, here.

Heartburn linked to cancer

New research shows a strong link between frequent heartburn and cancers of the throat and vocal cord. A study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention has shown a 78 per cent increased risk of these cancer among people with a strong history of heartburn. The same study also shows that taking antacids for heartburn can reduce the chance of getting cancer. Read more here.

Study mentioned: Langevin SM, et al. Gastric Reflux Is an Independent Risk Factor for Laryngopharyngeal Carcinoma. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2013 May 23. [Epub ahead of print] PMID: 23703970

Shape-shifting nanoparticles flip from sphere to net in response to tumor signal

Scientists at the University of California, San Diego, have designed tiny spherical particles to float easily through the bloodstream after injection, then assemble into a durable scaffold within diseased tissue. An enzyme produced by a specific type of tumor can trigger the transformation of the spheres into netlike structures that accumulate at the site of a cancer, the team reports in the journal Advanced Materials. Read more here.

Study mentioned: Chien MP, et al. Enzyme-Directed Assembly of a Nanoparticle Probe in Tumor Tissue. Adv Mater. 2013 May 28. [Epub ahead of print] PMID: 23712821

CHAMPIX and ZYBAN - Revision to the consumer information of non-nicotine smoking cessation aids

Pfizer Canada Inc. and Valeant Canada LP, in collaboration with Health Canada, would like to inform you of revisions to the Product Monographs for non-nicotine smoking cessation aids CHAMPIX® (varenicline tartrate) and ZYBAN® (bupropion hydrochloride). CHAMPIX is a smoking cessation pharmacological treatment to be used in conjunction with smoking-cessation counselling. ZYBAN is a smoking cessation pharmacological treatment to be used in conjunction with behavioural modification. In addition, ZYBAN is indicated for use with nicotine replacement therapy. Read more here.

Using the Internet to support health behaviour change

The purpose of a study published in the June issue of Chronic Diseases and Injuries in Canada was to quantify the frequency and timing of Canadians' Internet searches for information on modifying cancer prevention-related behavioural risk factors, such as smoking, lack of exercise, and unhealthy diet. The authors conclude that key stakeholders in cancer prevention need to identify knowledge translation priorities and work with health agencies to develop evidence-based strategies to support this Internet-facilitated behaviour change.

Study mentioned: Richardson CG, et al. Quantifying Canadians' use of the Internet as a source of information on behavioural risk factor modifications related to cancer prevention. Chronic Diseases and Injuries in Canada. 2013; 33(3):123-128.

Global health groups announce project to tackle cervical cancer burden in Latin America and the Caribbean

The American Cancer Society has joined the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Network of National Cancer Institutes of the Union of South American Nations, and the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization to create the Cervical Cancer Prevention and Control Project for Latin America and the Caribbean, which aims to reduce cervical cancer incidence and mortality through outreach to women in Latin America and the Caribbean who have never been screened and to increase HPV vaccination among girls. Read more here.

IARC monographs in PDF: volume 103 now online

Volume 103 (2013): Bitumens and bitumen emissions, and Some N- and S-heterocyclic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

This volume contains evaluations of the carcinogenic hazard to humans of bitumens and bitumen emissions, and of some N- and S- heterocyclic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (referred to as azaarenes and thiaarenes, respectively). This volume is the fourth in a series of IARC Monograph volumes evaluating exposures related to air pollution. Read the full volume here.

Liver cancer on the rise

Liver cancer is one of the fastest rising of all cancers in Canada, yet most Canadians do not know enough about risk factors and prevention, according to Canadian Cancer Statistics 2013, released today by the Canadian Cancer Society in collaboration with the Public Health Agency of Canada and Statistics Canada. Since 1970, the incidence rate of liver cancer has tripled in Canadian men and doubled in Canadian women, rising every year by 3.6% in men and 1.7% in women. Read more here.

Read the full document, Canadian Cancer Statistics 2013, here.

ASCO guidelines for fertility preservation affirm oocyte preservation

Guidelines for fertility preservation in newly diagnosed cancer patients have been updated to include oocyte preservation as a standard practice rather than an experimental option, according to the American Society of Clinical Oncology. Read more here.

Study mentioned: Loren AW, et al. Fertility Preservation for Patients With Cancer: American Society of Clinical Oncology Clinical Practice Guideline Update. J Clin Oncol. Published online before print May 28, 2013.

Midlife fitness may protect against lung cancer

Men's middle-aged fitness level may protect against cancer, according to a study presented in advance of the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, held from May 31 to June 4 in Chicago. Susan G. Lakoski, M.D., from University of Vermont in Colchester, and colleagues analyzed data from 17,049 men (mean age, 50 years) participating in the Cooper Center Longitudinal Study who completed the medical exam and cardiovascular risk factor assessment. Medicare claims data was used to determine cancer incidence. Read more here.

European Society of Human Genetics urges caution over use of new genetic sequencing techniques

The use of genome-wide analysis (GWA), where the entirety of an individual's DNA is examined to look for the genomic mutations or variants which can cause health problems is a massively useful technology for diagnosing disease. However, it can also pose major ethical problems if used incorrectly, say new recommendations from the European Society of Human Genetics published in the European Journal of Human Genetics. Read more here.

Study mentioned: van El CG, et al. Whole-genome sequencing in health care. Eur J Hum Genet. 2013 Jun;21(6):580-4. PMID: 23676617

Study supports using low-dose CT scans to spot early lung cancer

Finding early signs of lung cancer was once next to impossible, but a new study adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting that screening with low-dose CT scans may help spot the beginnings of disease in high-risk patients. The new study, scheduled for presentation at the American Thoracic Society annual meeting in Philadelphia, was based in part on results from the National Lung Screening Trial. Read more here.

New sunscreen product labels to debut this summer in US

The National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention wants to help consumers understand new labeling rules on sunscreen products. The National Council urges consumers to choose sunscreen products that offer Broad Spectrum protection, and have an SPF of 30 or higher. Under the new labeling, recently announced by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA), sunscreens that protect against both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays can be labeled “Broad Spectrum.” Read more here.

Promoting physical activity in Canadian communities

The Government of Canada is advancing innovative partnerships in promoting physical activity, healthy living and reducing obesity and other risk factors that can lead to serious health problems including chronic diseases like cancer, type 2 diabetes and heart disease. The newly announced projects are funded under the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Healthy Living Fund, totalling more than $1.4 million over two years. Read more about the projects here.

Collaborative efforts generate new radiotherapy technology guidelines

The Canadian Partnership for Quality Radiotherapy and the Canadian Organization of Medical Physicists have released the first set of technical quality standards created through their joint efforts to standardize procedures and improve the quality and safety of radiation therapy. Read more here.

Paediatric oncology training course, 25-29 Nov 2013, France

Paediatric Oncology for Cancer Registries is a unique course, organized by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) in the framework of the European Network for Cancer Research in Children and Adolescents (ENCCA), a Network of Excellence funded by the European Commission in FP7. Read more, including the aims of the course and the program, here.

Coffee may benefit tamoxifen-treated breast cancer patients

In the current study, the researchers looked at the possible benefits of coffee in breast cancer patients receiving tamoxifen therapy. They evaluated whether coffee consumption may have an effect on tumor characteristics and the risk for early events. A total of 634 patients completed lifestyle questionnaires and provided coffee consumption information. The research team concluded that moderate-to-high coffee consumption may decrease the risk of early events in tamoxifen-treated patients. Coffee may also affect hormone receptor status. Read more here.

Study mentioned: Simonsson M, et al. Coffee prevents early events in tamoxifen-treated breast cancer patients and modulates hormone receptor status. Cancer Causes Control. 2013 May;24(5):929-40. PMID: 23412805

Blood's up - and so are the outcomes

In this short video, Dr. Bruce Cheson highlights noteworthy studies in lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and multiple myeloma being presented at the 2013 Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, May 13-June 4, 2013. View the video here.

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GI cancers: a new gold standard in pancreatic?

In this short video, Dr. David Kerr, past president of ESMO, previews studies to watch in colorectal, gastric, esophageal, and pancreatic cancer, to be presented at the 2013 Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, May 13-June 4, 2013. View the video here.

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NIH researchers conduct first genomic survey of human skin fungal diversity

In the first study of human fungal skin diversity, National Institutes of Health researchers sequenced the DNA of fungi at skin sites of healthy adults to define the normal populations across the skin and to provide a framework for investigating fungal skin conditions. “By gaining a more complete awareness of the fungal and bacterial ecosystems, we can better address associated skin diseases, including skin conditions which can be related to cancer treatments,” said Heidi Kong, M.D., co-senior author and an investigator in the dermatology branch of NCI’s Center for Cancer Research. Read more here.

Inflammatory bowel disease raises risk of melanoma

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease(IBD) are at higher risk of melanoma, a form of skin cancer, report researchers at Mayo Clinic. Researchers found that IBD is associated with a 37 percent greater risk for the disease. The findings were presented at the Digestive Disease Week 2013 conference in Orlando, Fla. Read more here.

H. pylori, smoking trends, and gastric cancer in US men

Trends in Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and smoking explain a significant proportion of the decline of intestinal-type noncardia gastric adenocarcinoma (NCGA) incidence in US men between 1978 and 2008, and are estimated to continue to contribute to further declines between 2008 and 2040. These are the conclusions of a study by Jennifer M. Yeh of the Center for Health Decision Science at the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston and colleagues that suggest H. pylori and smoking trends together accounted for almost half of the observed decline in intestinal-type NCGA between 1978 and 2008. Read more here.

Study mentioned: Yeh JM, et al. (2013) Contribution of H. pylori and Smoking Trends to US Incidence of Intestinal-Type Noncardia Gastric Adenocarcinoma: A Microsimulation Model. PLoS Med 10(5): e1001451.

FDA approves erlotinib (Tarceva) as first-line lung cancer therapy for certain patients

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a companion diagnostic test for erlotinib (Tarceva), an oral cancer drug. The cobas EGFR mutation test detects mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene. Patients with advanced non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who test positive for an EGFR mutation may be eligible for erlotinib. Erlotinib is a reversible tyrosine kinase inhibitor that targets EGFR. Read more here.

Scheduled imaging studies provide little help detecting relapse of aggressive lymphoma

Imaging scans following treatment for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma do little to help detect a relapse, a Mayo Clinic study has found. The overwhelming majority of patients with this aggressive lymphoma already have symptoms, an abnormal physical exam or an abnormal blood test at the time of relapse, the researchers say. The findings will be presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology annual meeting May 31-June 4 in Chicago. Read more here.

Despite new recommendations, women in 40s continue to get routine mammograms at same rate

Lauren D. Block, M.D., M.P.H., a clinical fellow in the Division of General Internal Medicine at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, and her colleagues expected to find fewer women in their 40s getting routine mammograms after the 2009 recommendations from the US Preventive Services Task Force. Instead, they found no impact on mammography rates among younger women. Read more here.

Study mentioned: Block LD, et al. Mammography Use Among Women Ages 40-49 After the 2009 U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation. J Gen Intern Med. 2013 May 15. [Epub ahead of print] PMID: 23674077