Stand Up To Cancer

SU2C continues to raise big dollars for translational cancer research. It's too early to see the results, but leaps and bounds are still being made every day as we stand on the brink of a new era in cancer detection and treatment. This week, new research shows that young women with ductal carcinoma in situ are no more likely to experience recurrence than older women. Phew!
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080924151005.htm

Unfortunately, the occurrence of breast cancer is still on the rise in China, where researchers say the adoption of a Western lifestyle is the key factor contributing to the disease's ever-growing foothold. (What does that say about us?)
http://www.reuters.com/article/healthNews/idUSTRE48O2A420080925

Can cookies fight cancer? Tragically, no - or at least, not directly. But walnuts can. So the next time you're baking up a batch of oatmeal-raisin goodness, throw a handful of walnuts in the batter. Their combination of omega-3s and antioxidants make them an anti-cancer heavyweight. (Other delicious omega-3-rich foods include almonds, avocados and fish.)
http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/eating-walnuts-slows-cancer-growth/story.aspx?guid={7AE1F510-6549-4DA7-885E-5429908AACAA}&dist=hppr

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most devastating forms of the disease. With a five-year survival rate of less than 5%, it's as lethal as lung cancer and much harder to prevent. But new research shows that the drug erlotinib (more commonly known as Tarceva) can inhibit the growth of pancreatic cancer cells. Coincidentally, Tarceva is also used in lung cancer treatment. Maybe soon we'll see a day when two of the most dangerous cancers become two of the easiest to fight.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080925094715.htm

The medical community is somewhat divided when it comes to recommendations for colorectal cancer screening. When should it start? How often should we be screened, and starting at what age? And who's at the highest risk for developing the disease? New research may have an answer to the last question. Scientists have found evidence that "one hit" - slang for failure to inherit a cancer-inhibiting gene from just one parent - is enough to put one at risk.
http://www.upi.com/Science_News/2008/09/25/Theory_of_colorectal_cancer_risk_revised/UPI-97151222361552/

Over at the Huffington Post, Janet Janjigian has a few words to say about SU2C -- and about her mom's struggle with stage four lung cancer.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/janet-janjigian/courage-to-standup2cancer_b_123585.html

Finally, we've been covering the debate over whether cell phones cause cancer all summer long. This week, the National Cancer Institute has come forward to say that it sees no cause for concern.
http://www.twice.com/index.asp?layout=talkbackCommentsFull&talk_back_header_id=6557842&articleid=CA6599440

And, irony of ironies, new research has shown that holding a cell phone in your pants pocket in "talk" mode can lower your sperm count. Guys, don't start using a headset religiously just yet!
http://www.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/conditions/09/18/cellphone.sperm/index.html

That's it for this week, but stay tuned for more cancer news you can use next Thursday!

--Cat