Stand Up To Cancer

As usual when it comes to the topic of cancer, there's good news and there's bad news this week. My philosophy has always been to start with the bad so you can finish with the good; with that in mind, let's dive right in. It's a hard knock life, and getting harder, for America's estimated 45 million smokers. The country's favorite bad habit is notorious for causing emphysema and lung cancer. But it also really increases your risk of developing bladder cancer, especially if you're a guy.

http://www.reuters.com/article/healthNews/idUSCOL07050120080730

What's the deal with cell phones and cancer risk? That's the question on everyone's lips this week following an admonition from one of the country's premier cancer researchers. Dr. Ronald Herberman says that until we know for sure that cell phones are safe, we should take extra precautions when using them. But others argue that there's no way the devices emit anywhere near enough radiation to be dangerous. I guess the jury'll be out for a while on this one. (Give your opinion in our forums!)

http://www.informationweek.com/news/mobility/business/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=209600447&subSection=News
http://www.livescience.com/health/080729-bad-cell-phones.html

Speaking of dangers hiding in everyday objects, it turns out those granite countertops that are so popular in designer kitchens tend to emit radon, sometimes at dangerous levels. It remains to be seen whether they truly pose a cancer risk, but for once I feel grateful for my apartment's tacky linoleum counters.

http://www.digtriad.com/news/features/article.aspx?storyid=107917&catid=216

SU2C isn't the only voice calling for more collaborative cancer research. The folks down under want the same thing. That's why cancer surgeon - and brain tumor patient - Chris O'Brien is issuing a dramatic call for a system of integrated cancer centers spread across the Australian continent.

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,24104642-23289,00.html

Today marks day one of the first annual National Latino Cancer Summit in San Francisco. The conference will bring the Latino community and cancer experts together in hopes of spreading the message about early detection. "It gets out there on television, but who really hears it and how much do they hear, and how do they understand it?" points out organizer Ysabel Duron. Good question.

http://www.mercurynews.com/peninsula/ci_10052828?nclick_check=1&forced=true

I was deeply saddened to learn that dirty dancer Patrick Swayze had developed pancreatic cancer, one of the most lethal forms of the disease. But this week brought some happier news -- looks like Bodhi's going to be one of the 4% who kick pancreatic cancer's ass. I'd expect nothing less from the toughest bouncer in Jasper, Missouri.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/celebritynews/2470497/Patrick-Swayze-back-to-work-after-%27miracle%27-cancer-recovery.html

Last but not least, here's a story that's just plain nice. A new organization called Hope in Bloom is helping breast cancer patients plant gardens by donating the greenery. "The patients I've had who have had such a garden planted have found it comforting, healing, and truly pleasing," said a doc involved with the project. Know of any other nonprofits helping out cancer patients in unexpected ways? Share 'em with others in the forums.

http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2008/07/31/planted_with_love_gardens_help_cancer_patients_heal/

That's it for this week, but if you find yourself missing our super-cool news updates between now and next Thursday, why not get involved in a discussion over in the forums? Have I mentioned the forums enough yet? Forums, forums, forums, forums. Forums! Okay, I'm done now. (Forums.)

--Cat Vasko, Associate Editor of SU2C Mag