Stand Up To Cancer

I thought I'd start off this week's roundup with a piece of wacky news from Biologist, the journal of the Institute of Biology. According to one researcher, there's a "cuddle chemical" generated by the body that helps fight off deadly diseases, including cancer and dementia. But without enough of the cuddle chemical (known to science as the hormone oxytocin), our body's chemistry is out of whack. Dr. Sigman says the solution is less time on the internet. I think the solution might be more hugs.
http://news.cnet.com/8301-17852_3-10167352-71.html

On a serious note, new research confirms what many in the cancer community already knew - that cancer survivors often have a hard time finding work. Many wind up quitting their jobs or being fired during treatment, only to face an employment market that's harsh on those who might require extra time off for recovery. "This issue is so important to patients, because they often regard returning to work as indicative of complete recovery," said the study's chief author. "Employment is associated with a higher quality of life, and encouraging survivors to return to work also benefits aging societies economically."
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/18/health/18cancer.html?ref=health

Researchers have identified not one but two genetic mutations that play a role in the development of deadly brain tumors, according to the February issue of the New England Journal of Medicine. Thanks to these findings, one day physicians may be better able to distinguish between the different types of brain tumors and refine treatments. "You could use these genes to distinguish a subtype of glioma," said one of the study's authors. "Two tumors may look like a duck and walk like a duck, but the two tumors may be quite different."
http://health.usnews.com/articles/health/healthday/2009/02/18/genetic-mutations-linked-to-deadly-brain-cancer.html

Meanwhile, down in Cuba they're extending the lives of terminal lung cancer patients with the world's first lung cancer "vaccine." The drug does not cure or prevent lung cancer; rather, it stimulates the patient's body to make an antibody that prevents cancer cell growth. On average, the drug extends the lives of terminal patients by a few months - and in some cases, by a few years.
http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/02/19/cuba.cancer.vaccine/

Stateside cancer research got a big boost this past week when $10 billion in new funding for the NIH was approved as part of the economic stimulus bill. So Dr. John Mendelsohn, president of MD Anderson Cancer Center, has taken it upon himself to outline how the folks on Capitol Hill can continue fighting cancer in this country with a new bill to be co-sponsored by Sens Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas) and Ted Kennedy (D-NY).
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/nation/stories/DN-cancer_19nat.ART.State.Edition1.4bfe315.html

Finally, you guys know how much I love to eat, so I thought you'd enjoy this interview with SU2C friend Dr. David Servan-Schreiber on cancer and the American diet. Covered are the cancer-fighting properties of such yummy treats as yellow curry and green tea - and the cancer-promoting properties of white sugar and white flour. I think I speak for everyone when I say I'm cool with cane sugar in my coffee. Meanwhile, pass the Thai food, please!
http://www.kpic.com/news/health/39853997.html

That's all for this week, but check back next Thursday for more!

--Cat