6% of cancers caused by excess weight and diabetes

A new report conducted at Imperial College in London indicates that excess weight and diabetes is a direct cause of 6% of cancers worldwide.  According to lead author Dr. Jonathan Pearson-Stuttard, the report analyzed health data from 175 countries, concluding that "5.6% of new cancers care..were caused by high body mass index (BMI) and diabetes."

To read more about the report, click here.

Cancer survivors can develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

New research conducted at the National University of Malaysia indicates that the trauma endured by cancer survivors can lead them to develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).  According to lead researcher Caryn Mai Hsien Chan, the study, conducted on 469 adults with different types of cancer, "showed that nearly 22% had symptoms of PTSD six months after their cancer diagnosis...6% still had the condition four years after diagnosis." 

To read more about this study, click here.

University of Calgary receives additional funding from Canadian Institutes of Health Research for cancer care

The University of Calgary has received a portion of a $5.7 million grant from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) to study and develop better cancer care.  According to the news release, Dr. Jessica E. Simon will "lead a team...to study how community-based palliative care can help patients with non-curable colorectal cancer and demonstrate the effectiveness early care has."

To read more about this funding, click here.

Low-fat diet may reduce pancreatic cancer risk for older overweight women

A new study conducted at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas suggests that a low-fat diet may reduce risk of pancreatic cancer among women between 50-79 that are overweight or obese. According to the study's first author, Dr. Li Jiao, 46,000 overweight and obese women were part of a clinical trial held between 1993-1998.  After 15 years of follow-up, 92 cases of pancreatic cancer occurred following a low-fat diet, compared to 165 cases in the comparison group.

To read more about this study, click here.

Blood thinner may lower cancer risk

New research being conducted at the University of Bergen in Norway indicates that Warfarin, a commonly prescribed blood thinner may lower the risk of developing cancer.  While lead researcher James Lorens cautioned that the observational study, conducted on 1.25 million Norwegian people aged 50 and older, does not "prove a cause and effect relationship...[that] warfarin reduced the risk of cancer", cancer models have determined that warfarin blocks the AXL receptor on tumor cells.

To read more about this report, click here.

 

Some heartburn medication may be linked to stomach cancer

A new study from the University of Hong Kong indicates tat regular prolonged use of certain heartburn medications, known as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) may increase the risk of stomach cancer.  According to lead researcher Dr. Wai Keung Leung, "while PPIs are one of the most commonly used medications for treating reflex disease...clinicians should exercise caution when prescribing long-term PPIs..."

To read more about this study, click here.

Should colon cancer screening began at an earlier age?

A new French study from the Clinique de Bercy in Charenton-le-Pont, has proposed that earlier screening (i.e. at age 45 instead of age 50) be undertaken for colon cancer.  The study, conducted on 6,000 patients who had a colonoscopy, determined that "among 45-49 year-old patients, 26% showed growth called adenomas...compared to 13% of patients ages 40 to 44."  Lead researcher Dr. David Karsenti, who presented the findings at the October 30th United European Gastroenterology Meeting in Barcelona, Spain feels that delaying screening until age 50 could limit some patients' odds of surviving a colon cancer diagnosis.

To read more about this study, click here.

Gene therapy may prevent brain cancer recurrence

 A new phase I clinical trial conducted at the University of Minnesota Medical School  indicates that gene therapy treatment may prevent the recurrence of brain cancer cancer.  The trial, conducted on 56 patients with recurrent high-grade glioma brain cancer shows that "3 years after the gene therapy treatment, more than a quarter of the patients were still alive."  Median survival time for patients was raised to 14.4 months, compared to 8 months for patients without the gene therapy.

Click here to read more about this trial, results of which were presented on Friday, October 27th at the International Conference on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics in Philadelphia.

new trial alert: Walk on: a community-based approach to promote participation in physical activity among men treated for colorectal cancer

The Wellness Beyond Cancer Program at the Ottawa Hospital is recruiting men 18 years or older, diagnosed with colorectal cancer and having completed treatment, to participate in a clinical trial.  The primary purpose of the trial is to determine if a "men's group-based walking program [could be] an effective way to reach men and promote quality of life after cancer treatment."

To read more about this trial, click here.

Artificial intelligence as a possible partner in breast cancer care

New research conducted at the Massachusetts General Hospital suggests that artificial intelligence can help doctors identify high-risk breast lesions that could manifest into cancer. According to study author Dr. Manisha Bahi, the machine learning test involved 1,000 women with high-risk breast lesions, identifying 37 of 38 lesions correctly. 

To read more about this study, click here.

How breast cancer gene mutations raise risk of tumours

Researchers at the Yale Cancer Center claim to have identified the molecular mechanism that enables the mutation to cause the BRCA1 gene to lose its DNA repair and tumour-fighting power" and thus trigger breast cancer.  According to Patrick Sung, study senior author, results from these findings could lead to more effective drugs to treat breast and ovarian cancers.

To read more about this study, click here.

Rituxan may prolong survival of patients with lymphoma

A new clinical trial conducted at Nantes Medical University in France has found that Rituxan (rituximab) can prolong the life of lymphoma patients.  The trial, conducted on 299 patients younger than 66 when first diagnosed with mantle-cell lymphoma determined that "after four years, 83% of rituximab patients were still alive and progression-free, versus 64% of patients who had standard treatment alone."

To read more about this clinical trial, click here.

Yoga can aid sleep difficulty for breast cancer patients

Researchers at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center's integrative medicine program  have shown that practicing Tibetan yoga benefits breast cancer patients with sleeping difficulties.  The study, conducted on 227 women receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer, found that those who practice Tibetan yoga over the course of 4 75-90 minutes classes, taught one-on-one by a trained instructor, "reported fewer sleep problems and less daytime drowsiness..."

To read more about this study, click here.

Inflammatory bowel disease may raise cancer risk in children

A new study conducted at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden indicates that children afflicted with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at greater risk for developing gastrointestinal cancers as adults.  The international research team, lead by Dr. Ola Olen, a pediatric gastroenterologist at Karolinska found that "the risk of cancer up to an average age of 30 was 3.3 cases per 1,000 person years among those with IBD...compared with 1.5 cases per 1,000 person years in the control group."

To read more about this study, click here.

Expert panel supports HPV test alone for cervical cancer screening over 30

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), a panel of health experts, is supporting use of the HPV test as a routine component for cervical cancer screening.  The panel recommends that "the test for the human papillomavirus (HPV) can be used once every five years for women aged 30 to 65, in lieu of the once every three-year Pap test."  For women younger than 30, aged 21-29, undergoing a Pap test once every 3 years remains the recommended option.

To read more about the USPSTF's views on this issue, click here.

Recipe for reducing colon cancer risk

A new report produced by the American Institute for Cancer Research and the World Cancer Research Fund International indicates that 3 servings of whole grains per day can lower colon cancer risk by 17%.  According to Dr. Edward Giovannucci, nearly 100 studies involving more than 29 000 000 adults were evaluated, upon which a number of recommendations were put forth, including limiting red meat and alcohol, avoiding processed meat, and increasing consumption of fiber and dairy products.

Click here to read the complete report.

New research on how fat cells encourage tumours and raise cancer risk

New research conducted at the Huntsman Cancer Institute in Salt Lake City indicates that "16 different types of cancer [are] linked to obesity."  In a new review, published today (September 5, 2017) in Cancer Prevention Research, data from 20 studies, published over the past 70 years, focused on adipose stromal cells (fat cells) and their association with malignant tumours.  The findings indicated that "obese people with prostate or breast cancer appeared to have more [adipose stromal] cells than thinner people."

To read more about this study, click here.

Study mentioned: Himbert C, Delphan M, Scherer D, Bowers L, Hursting S, Ulrich C. Signals from the adipose microenvironment and the obesity-cancer-link: a systematic review. Cancer Rev Res. 2017 Sept; 10(9): 494-506.

New trial alert: Management of malignant bowel obstruction (MBO) in patients with advanced gynecological cancers

A new trial, conducted at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in Toronto is seeking to optimize multidisciplinary care and evaluate treatment outcomes for malignant bowel obstruction (MBO) in women with advanced gynecological cancers.  According to the trial's hypothesis, "if patients with MBO can be effectively managed in an ambulatory setting, this may improve quality and consistency of patient care, and help reduce volume and duration of bed occupancy."

To read more about this trial, click here.

Common treatment for early prostate cancer may carry heart risk

A new study conducted on 7,600 men with early stage prostate cancer suggests that androgen-deprivation therapy may increase the risk for heart failure.  According to study author Reina Haque, a researcher with Kaiser Permanente, "patients should consider heart-healthy lifestyle changes, and physicians should actively monitor the patient's health for early signs of heart disease."  Dr. Nachum Katlowitz, director of urology at Staten Island University Teaching Hospital in New York City agrees with Haque; his reasoning is that all treatments carry potential side effects, however "if androgen-deprivation therapy increases the risk of dying from cardiovascular disease, but decreases the risk of dying from prostate cancer, then we use it."

To read more about this study, click here.

Study supports annual mammograms starting at age 40

A new study conducted at the University of Colorado School of Medicine supports guidelines suggesting that annual mammograms begin at age 40.  According to study co-author R. Edward Hendrick, computer modeling was conducted by his team of investigators on mammogram recommendations for three age groups: annual screening from ages 40-84, annual screening from ages 45-54; every other year from 45-54, and screening every other year from 50-74.  According to projections, "deaths from breast cancer would fall by an average of 40% with annual screenings" from ages 40-84.

To read more about this study, click here.  

National estimates of genetic testing in women with a history of breast or ovarian cancer: new report

A new report published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology provides new U.S. estimates of genetic testing in women with a history of breast or ovarian cancer.  According to cross-sectional data from three Cancer Control Modules, "up to 10% of breast and 15% of ovarian cancers are attributable to hereditable mutations."  This report thus quantifies the unmet need for genetic testing in patients with a history of breast and/or ovarian cancer.

To read this report in its entirety, click here.

Source mentioned: Childers CP, Childers KK, Maggard-Gibbons M, Macinko J. National estimates of genetic testing in women with a history of breast or ovarian cancer. J Clin Oncol. 2017 Aug 18:JCO2017736314. [Epub ahead of print]

New genetic blood test for detecting early stage cancers

A new study conducted at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center has unveiled that a genetic blood test may aid in detecting early stage cancers.  According to Dr. Victor Velculescu, the genetic test "scans blood for DNA fragments released by cancerous tumors, [detecting] many early stage cancers without rending false positives for healthy people."

To read more about this study, click here. 

Researchers ID genes in mice that cause aggressive brain cancer

Researchers at Yale University have identified a specific combination of genes causing aggressive brain cancer glioblastoma in mice.  Following the assessment of more than 1,500 genetic combinations in mice, co-corresponding author Sidi Chen stated that with the human cancer gnome mapped, "we can use this information to determine which existing drugs are most likely to have therapeutic value for individual patients, a step towards personalized cancer therapy,"

To read more about this study, click here

DNA blood test screen for rare sinus cancer

Researchers at the Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences in Hong Kong have discovered that at DNA blood test can screen for nasopharyngeal cancer.  While this form of cancer is rare in the United States (with an occurrence of 1 case in every 100,000 people), it is far more common in southern China and North Africa.  Following a clinical trial conducted on more than 20,000 individuals, "the DNA test would up accurately detecting nasopharyngeal cancer 97% of the time."

To read more about this study, click here.

Breast-feeding lowers mom's breast cancer risk

A new report published by the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) states that the risk of breast cancer is lowered by 2% per 5 months that a woman breastfeeds her child.  In addition, the report further states that "breast-fed babies are less likely to gain excess weight as they grow, which could reduce their cancer risk later in life."

To read more about this report, click here.

Gum disease may be linked to cancer risk in older women

A new study conducted at the School of Public Health and Health Professions at the State University of New York at Buffalo indicates a causal relationship between gum disease and increased cancer risk in postmenopausal women.  According to lead researcher Jean Waclawski-Wende, periodontal disease was associated with a "14% higher risk of developing any type of cancer [especially] esophageal cancer, which was more than three times more likely in older women who had gum disease..."

To read more about this study, click here.

Squamous cell carcinoma increasingly common

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is becoming more common, with dermatology experts warning the public to remain vigilant for warning signs of the disease.  According to Dr. M. Laurin Council, assistant professor of dermatology at Washington University in St. Louis, identifies several signs of possible squamous cell carcinoma, including "a pink or white bump; a rough, scaly patch; or a sore that won't heal."

To read more, click here.

Asbestos-associated genome-wide DNA methylation changes in lung cancer

An Epub ahead of print article published July 19, 2017 in the International Journal of Cancer follows up on previous studies correlating exposure to asbestos and lung cancer.  The current study, a cooperative endeavour between researchers in Finland, France, and Lithuania, reveals "distinctive DNA methylation changes" after a comparison of lung tissue from asbestos-exposed and non-exposed patients (primarily smokers).

 The abstract of this study can be found here.

Nerlynx approved to help prevent breast cancer recurrence

The US. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the drug Nerlynx (neratinib) to help prevent HER2-positive breast cancer recurrence.  According to the FDA news release, Nerlynx was administered to more than 2,800 early-stage HER2-positive breast cancer patients over a 2-year clinical trial.  Results showed that "after 2 years, 94.2% of users hadn't had their cancer recur, compared with 91.9% of those treated with an inactive placebo.

To read more about this news release, click here.

Little evidence that vasectomy raises prostate cancer risk

A new study conducted at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota finds very little evidence associating a vasectomy with an increased risk of prostate cancer.  According to the study authors, led by Dr. R. Jeffrey Karnes, 53 worldwide studies involving over 14 million men were analyzed; the overall consensus was that "there is no link between vasectomy and 'high-grade' aggressive prostate tumors", with a weak association of ~5% between a vasectomy and any form of prostate cancer.

To read more about this study, click here.