Stand Up To Cancer

A new study looks at the risks and benefits of the cervical cancer vaccine, Gardasil. According to a government report, the vaccine's safety record is in line with that of other vaccines; though some serious complications have occurred, they cannot be proven to have been caused by Gardasil. "We feel confident recommending people get the vaccine; the benefits still outweigh the risks," said Dr. Barbara Slade, study author and a medical officer with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "This is the most complete picture we have."
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/19/health/research/19vaccine.html?em

This piece from Science Daily presents a new potential breakthrough in cancer prevention. Researchers at the Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research have found that the tail ends of cellular protein templates, which were previously thought to be relatively inconsequential, could play a role in preventing normal cells from becoming cancerous. "This end of the mRNA is often not considered that important because if you put the beginning and middle of the mRNA into a cell, you get the right protein," said one of the researchers. "But now we know that this end often has a protein production regulatory program and in some cases can play a role in cancer."
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090820123935.htm

Meanwhile, a new JAMA study indicates that when nurses reach out to those with advanced cancer, even if it's only via a quick phone call, the cancer patients' mood and quality of life improve by leaps and bounds. Nurses in the study talked patients through coping strategies, physician communication, ways to find support and managing their symptoms. "I can't think of anything more important than to be able to improve patients' self-assessed quality of life," one of the researchers noted. "This is the whole point of health care."
http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2009-08-18-palliative-cancer_N.htm

A study from the University of Michigan's Comprehensive Cancer Center indicates that racial disparities in cancer care are a reflection of hospital resources. Hospitals treating more black cancer patients have worse survival rates, on average, than other facilities. "Efforts aimed at increasing early detection through screening and decreasing incidence with preventative services are essential for decreasing racial disparities in mortality, but where a patient receives care after a cancer diagnosis may be equally important," said a study author.
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2009-08/uomh-dic082009.php

Finally, fresh research indicates that popcorn is full of antioxidants. A chemist out of Pennsylvania has discovered that popcorn contains surprisingly high levels of polyphenols, antioxidants that help reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer. "We really were surprised by the levels of polyphenols we found in popcorn," said the researcher. "I guess it's because it's not processed. You get all the wonderful ingredients of the corn undiluted and protected by the skin. In my opinion it's a good health food." So next time you're at the movies, give the Raisinets a pass and opt for the popcorn - the more the better!
http://www.nydailynews.com/lifestyle/health/2009/08/20/2009-08-20_popcorn_is_full_of_cancerfighting_antioxidants_study.html

That's all for this week, but I'll be back next Thursday with more!

--Cat