Stand Up To Cancer

A new study out of the University of Washington indicates that pelvic symptoms are unlikely to work as an accurate predictor of ovarian cancer. Researchers found that only one in 100 women with the usual symptoms, including persistent bloating and pelvic pain, actually had the disease. Further, among women with ovarian cancer, only 6% had persistent symptoms. "We'd all like to find ways to diagnose this cancer earlier," said the study's lead investigator. "What this suggests is that it's going to be hard to move the diagnosis of ovarian cancer forward."
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE60R79H20100128

Elsewhere, research shows that surgery to treat severe heartburn doesn't do much to reduce patients' chances of developing esophageal cancer. Patients who undergo the procedure continue to have a high risk of developing the disease even after 15 years or more have gone by, according to a report in the journal Gastroenterology. Now the researchers are delving deeper into the data, evaluating other risk factors such as obesity and the recurrence of reflux.
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE60R5SA20100128

A report in the most recent issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute adds to a growing wealth of data showing that some survivors of childhood cancer tend to experience difficulties in school. Researchers found that only survivors of central nervous system cancers and leukemia survivors had a statistically significant deficit in educational attainment; therapy for these diseases often involves radiation treatment to the head. "These results provide grounds for concern for survivors of CNS neoplasms and those with leukemia who were cranially irradiated, as well as reassurance regarding educational attainment among all other survivors," the study's authors write.
http://www.businessweek.com/lifestyle/content/healthday/635417.html

In cheerier news, some results are in from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition, and they indicate that higher levels of vitamin D can help protect both men and women against colorectal cancers. The researchers caution that little is known about the association of vitamin D with the risk of other cancers, making it ill-advised at this juncture to rush out and invest in vitamin D supplements, but add that people can achieve average levels "with a balanced diet combined with regular and moderate exposure to outdoor sunlight."
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE60Q56820100127

Finally, a new poll indicates that a majority of Americans are optimistic about the possibility of a cure for cancer being discovered within their lifetimes. The survey of 1048 adults from around the country reveals that Americans over 65 are the most pessimistic about finding a cure, while 70% of those under 30 believe a cure is at least somewhat likely to be found. Twenty-seven percent of those polled said they watched their diet to reduce their cancer risk, and 12% cited their decision not to smoke. Interestingly, only 7% gave America an "A" grade when it comes to making progress toward a cure.
http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2010/01/28/politics/politicalhotsheet/entry6152020.shtml

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

--Cat