"Understanding Cancer" is an online video series for cancer patients, survivors and caregivers, designed to bring cancer patients and those who love them the information and inspiration they need. In a recent "Understanding Cancer" installment, Kris Carr of Crazy Sexy Cancer gave patients and survivors some crazy sexy cancer tips - check out her words of wisdom here:
At the Understanding Cancer video center, you can view over 100 videos on a variety of topics, including management of cancer and survivorship, as well as profiles of advocates like Mr. T, Arnold Palmer and Donna Karan. You will find videos looking at whole health topics, including yoga and meditation, and the Wellness Kitchen series, created with the California Health & Longevity Institute. And don't forget to read the latest stories in Women & Cancer and join CancerConnect.com, a fully-moderated online community created to provide information and support for anyone dealing with cancer.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared a new, simple blood test that helps monitor the recurrence or progression of ovarian cancer, the fifth-leading cause of cancer death among women in the United States. So far it has been approved for use in Europe and other countries in Asia Pacific and Latin America. http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/26616/20100603/abbott-cancer.htm
New studies from the Tenon Hospital in Paris have found a breed of dogs that may be able to use their sense of smell to detect chemicals in urine associated with prostate cancer. The dogs were 95% accurate in 66 trials, mistakenly identifying some false positives, but no false negatives. http://www.torontosun.com/life/2010/06/03/14245911.html
The World Health Organization (WHO) released a report estimating more than 13 million cancer deaths and nearly 21 million cases diagnosed annually by the year 2030. Their study also shows a higher incidence of cancer and mortality among less developed regions, with lung cancer at the top of the list. http://pagingdrgupta.blogs.cnn.com/2010/06/02/who-predicts-21-million-annual-cancer-cases-by-2030/
A program focused on high-resolution imaging that can detect tumors in their early stages is being developed by the CERN European nuclear research organization. The program's goal is to ensure that doctors and physicists across Europe meet regularly in order to share their research and find new ways to fight cancer collectively. http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE6523R220100603
Please check back next Thursday for more news and helpful links!
Dennis Hopper
Legendary screen actor Dennis Hopper, who starred in such films as "Rebel Without a Cause," "Blue Velvet" and "Apocalypse Now," died on May 29 after a battle with prostate cancer that began in late 2009. Hopper's funeral was held in Ranchos de Taos, New Mexico, a place he came to love after scouting there in the late 1960s for the film "Easy Rider." Hopper's last public appearance was in March of this year when he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Visit Dennis' star in the SU2C Constellation to join us in honoring his remarkable life. http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/movies/2010/05/dennis-hopper-dead-74-video-star.html
Kaitlyn Weber Lang
18-year-old Kaitlyn Weber Lang was diagnosed with leukemia in 2000 and has been in remission for 10 years. She and her family carry a rare genetic condition called Li-Fraumeni Syndrome, known to affect only a few hundred people worldwide, causing them to be vulnerable to a variety of cancers. Within a span of just seven years, Kaitlyn lost her father and brother to cancer and continues to struggle with the difficulties of her own disease and treatments. "It won't stop me from pursuing my dream," she says. "I want to graduate from college, and get a degree in something that will help people." http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2010/jun/03/class-2010-cancer-survivor-kaitlyn-lang-makes-most/
Mike Smith
During his first visit to a dermatologist, Smith was diagnosed with melanoma after doctors discovered a suspicious spot on his back. "It was within an inch, two inches of my spine. So if we didn't catch it real quick it would have been a bad, bad situation," he explains. A Hawaii resident, Smith says that he hated sunscreen growing up and never wore it. While he feels fortunate that his cancer was caught at an early stage, he knows that others aren't so lucky. After losing a friend to melanoma, Smith is passionate about urging others to protect their skin from the sun. "Put sunscreen on, wear a shirt, it's not worth it." http://www.kitv.com/news/23779711/detail.html
David Huff
David Huff, pastor of Lifeline Church in West Plains, Missouri, was diagnosed with cancer this past March while on vacation with his wife Melissa. Despite an initial diagnosis of six months to live, Huff remains optimistic and more than anything, wishes to serve as an example to his community. "You can't fight something and run from it at the same time," he says. This Friday, June 4, Huff and his community will celebrate the 16th annual Relay For Life of Howell County Survivor Celebration in hopes of inspiring others to join the fight against cancer. "When it's my time to go, God will take me home. I don't really have any say in that, so I'm going to live my life to the fullest while I can." http://www.howellcountynews.com/Stories/news_20100603_080422_23252_.php
As always, we welcome you to share your stories in the comments below.
In our SU2C article, Foods That Fight Cancer, Dr. William Li introduced his research on Antiangiogenic foods (such as green tea, strawberries and olive oil), and their relationship to fighting cancer.
Li is the president and medical director of the Angiogenesis Foundation and is committed to finding new ways to treat cancer and other diseases. He describes anti-angiogenesis, preventing the growth of blood vessels that feed a tumor, as a process that begins with eating cancer-fighting foods. With this simple action, Li says that we can virtually starve cancer cells, particularly in their microscopic phases (which often go undetected).
Jim Copeland
Jim Copeland, former University of Virginia athletic director, died on Friday, June 4 at the age of 65 after a long battle with cancer. His extensive career in sports included time as an offensive lineman for Virginia and the Cleveland Browns, as well as his inclusion into the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics Hall of Fame in 2009. In addition to his numerous contributions to the University of Virginia, Copeland was known for his commitment to equity and his tireless attention to the welfare of his student-athletes. http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2010/06/05/jim-copeland-hall-of-fame-athletics-director-dies-of-cancer/
Carissa Outen
Despite fighting her second battle with follicular lymphoma and multiple rounds of chemotherapy, 18-year-old Carissa Outen successfully completed her senior year of high school last week. One of her goals was to walk with her class during graduation and another was a childhood dream of attending Gonzaga University which she plans to do this fall. "When you are in the presence of uncommon courage, you know it," says Carissa's godmother, Denise Miller. "I've felt that since the beginning of this journey." http://www.seattlepi.com/local/6420ap_wa_graduating_with_cancer.html
Ernie Greenwald
74-year-old Ernie Greenwald is joining documentary filmmaker Dominic Gill on a cross-country tandem bicycle tour this summer in order to raise money for the Livestrong Foundation. Greenwald suffers from chronic lymphocytic leukemia, but that isn't keeping him from their 4,000-mile bike ride that begins in Santa Monica, Calif. and is scheduled to last more than four months with a finish in New York's Central Park. http://www.vvdailypress.com/news/greenwald-19686-patient-year.html
Katy Hudson
In 2004, Katy Hudson was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma at the age of 16. An avid soccer player and fan, Hudson was recently awarded a trip to this year's World Cup opener in South Africa where the United States will compete. "I was so scared of losing soccer when I got sick," Hudson said. "...Now that I'm ending my career by going to the World Cup - because I'm a cancer survivor - I feel like I went so far beyond my goal that it gives me peace about the whole thing." http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/bs-sp-soccer-hudson-0606-20100606,0,25183.story
As always, we welcome you to share your stories in the comments below.
A new study developed by the American Association for Cancer Research has found success with a stress-relief program that may increase the survival rate for women with recurrent breast cancer. Study author and psychology professor Barbara L. Andersen said that their findings, "show enduring benefits from the psychological intervention that were never previously considered or observed." http://www.businessweek.com/lifestyle/content/healthday/639923.html
Cancer Research UK has found that a new drug called erlotinib (or Tarceva) may be able to extend life for women with advanced lung cancer, and is particularly helpful for those too ill to receive chemotherapy. While the study included 670 men and women, results were more positive for the latter. "These results are a real step forward in the search for an effective treatment for patients with advanced lung cancer," said Dr. Siow Ming Lee, trial leader and senior lecturer at the University College London Cancer Institute. "We are not yet sure why it was most effective in women but this is positive news for this large group who have few other treatment options." http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/10257084.stm
The National Cancer Institute recently awarded a $12.8 million grant to the Stanford University School of Medicine that will go towards integrated cancer research. Sylvia Plevritis, associate professor of radiology and director of the university's new center said, "Our work views cancer as a complex system. Instead of focusing on the function of one gene or protein, we want to identify a molecular network that captures interactions between many genes and proteins." http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_15224449?nclick_check=1
This special "With You, We Stand" is dedicated to Deandra Trevino who is an inspiration to the SU2C team.
One of the brightest stars in the Stand Up To Cancer constellation, Deandra Trevino serves as an example of courage and strength for her community. In 2006, when she was just 26 years old, Deandra launched her own business, the West End Salon in Boulder, Colorado where she was born and raised. But just one year later, after noticing an unusual swelling in her stomach, Deandra was suddenly diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer. Despite her diagnosis, she has spent the last three years committed to fighting this disease, growing her business and staying positive. "The reason I was diagnosed," Deandra said in a 2008 interview, "is so that I could be an inspiration." Recently, Deandra learned that her cancer has spread to her liver, and so she is spending these important days in the company of her friends and loved ones. We Stand Up for Deandra Trevino.
Sigmar Polke
One of Germany's most progressive and well-known artists, Sigmar Polke died on June 11 after a battle with cancer. Culture Minister Bernd Neumann described Polke as, "one of the most important and most successful representatives of German contemporary art." Polke contributed as a painter, graphic artist and photographer for more than fifty years. http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-06-11/german-artist-sigmar-polke-dies-age-69-after-cancer-battle.html
Maura Tierney
Last year, actress Maura Tierney left her television career after being diagnosed with breast cancer. Now that her cancer is in remission, she's getting back to work on a new legal drama, The Whole Truth, debuting on ABC this fall. http://www.ivillage.com/maura-tierney-tv-show-whole-truth/1-d-211143
Moriah Rieth
9-year-old cancer survivor Moriah Rieth is raising money for pediatric cancer research, inspired by the work of Alexandra (Alex) Scott who lost her battle to cancer 10 years ago at the age of eight. Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation has raised over $30 million to date. Both Moriah and Alex were diagnosed with the same type of cancer at the same hospital, and so Moriah continues fundraising in Alex's honor. http://www.tonic.com/article/child-cancer-survivor-lifes-lemons-lemonade/
Marcella Fritz
In 1973, Marcella Fritz was diagnosed with larynx cancer. In 1992, after an experimental surgery, doctors said she wouldn't live more than three months. Now 18 years later, Fritz can call herself a four-time cancer survivor at the age of 78. On June 11, Fritz continued to inspire others when she participated in a Relay for Life event in Tomah, Wisconsin. http://www.tomahjournal.com/articles/2010/06/14/news/02relayforlife.txt
As always, we welcome you to share your stories in the comments below.
Roche, a research-focused healthcare company, has released preclinical findings through the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) on a successful drug compound that may cause tumor regression in several human cancers. "This drug will have an impact," said Dr. William Pao, senior editor with the journal. "The response rates with currently available therapies are only in the 10 percent to 20 percent range, so this represents a large step forward." A Phase III trial for the drug compound is currently enrolling patients with specific types of metastic melanoma. http://www.aacr.org/home/public--media/aacr-press-releases.aspx?d=1895
Tufts University researchers have found that higher 'good' cholesterol (HDL) may be tied to a lower cancer risk. While the specific connection is still unclear, experts believe it may be related to antioxidant effects and from strengthening the immune system overall. In an editorial accompanying the study, Dr. Jennifer G. Robinson from the University of Iowa wrote that some of the things people can do to increase their HDL cholesterol levels include exercising, quitting smoking, eating right, and maintaining a healthy weight. http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE65D5T020100614
A recent study shared in the Journal of the American Medical Association reveals that people with high levels of vitamin B6 may be at a decreased risk of developing lung cancer. Definitive conclusions behind the connection have not yet been determined, but researchers believe it may involve DNA maintenance. The study reports that in a majority of lung cancer cases, toxic smoke was the culprit in DNA damage, causing abnormal cell growth and eventually resulting in cancer. http://www.usnews.com/science/articles/2010/06/16/vitamin-b6-linked-to-lowered-lung-cancer-risk.html
Colonoscopy screenings are key to early detection for colon cancer particularly because a person often has no symptoms of the disease, says Dr. Aliya Hasan from the University of Colorado Denver. "The nice thing about colon cancer is that we can prevent it. So what we believe is that a polyp is abnormal tissue which overtime grows into a cancer. So if we can find it at the polyp stage and take it out, we've known that we have prevented a cancer in developing in over 90 percent of people," said Dr. Hasan. http://cbs4denver.com/health/colon.cancer.screening.2.1751374.html
Researchers at the Institute of Cancer Research have found three new genetic risk factors for testicular cancer. "This study represents further, important progress toward identifying men who are at increased genetic risk of testicular cancer," said Clare Turnbull, the study's leader. "Finding those men at highest risk may allow early detection or prevention of the disease." http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE65C22W20100613
Please check back next Thursday for more news and helpful links.
Stand Up To Cancer is happy to announce a new Vlog series that started this week featuring Dr. Elizabeth Lawlor, one of our 13 Innovative Research Grant recipients. Dr. Lawlor's work is dedicated to developing new approaches in the fight against Ewing's sarcoma tumors, a disease that primarily affects children and young adults. "My goal as a scientist and as an advocate for children is to develop new approaches to therapy that are going to selectively kill the cancer cell but not kill their normal stem cells," says Dr. Lawlor. "That's what's up to me and that's what's up to my whole team."
Kylie Minogue
In May of 2005, Australian pop star Kylie Mingoue was diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer, and has been in remission since 2006. This July, she will release her new album, Aphrodite, and has plans to tour in 2011. "...I'm being positive and thinking at the start of next year I'll be celebrating," says Minogue. "That's the first big mark." http://www.thesurvivorsclub.org/news-and-articles/breast-cancer-survivor-kylie-minogue-prepares-for-new-album_404.html
George Karl
Denver Nuggets head coach George Karl has returned to basketball for pre-draft workouts after undergoing radiation and chemotherapy. Several years ago he beat prostate cancer, and after his throat cancer diagnosis six months ago, he is now in remission. "Energy is good," said Karl. "Draft has got me excited, the team has got me excited. Time to get better." http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=5312042
Sister Rita Jarrell
In 1982, Sister Rita Jarrell beat breast cancer, later overcame three types of skin cancer, and was recently successfully treated for colon cancer. An active volunteer with the American Cancer Society, Jarrell hopes to inspire others. "I feel one of the reasons I'm here is to help people deal with cancer," she says. "People have the right to a full life... and I really want everyone to have that chance." http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20106200315
Josh Hendrix
At the age of 25, Hendrix was the youngest male in the United States to be diagnosed with breast cancer. After his disease progressed to stage four, he and his wife were told that they were unable to have more children. But for the second time, Hendrix successfully beat the disease and is now cancer free. On June18, his wife gave birth to their fourth child, his first son. http://www.ksdk.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=204585&catid=9
As always, we welcome you to share your stories in the comments below.
Further breast cancer studies continue to reveal that an increased breast density is linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. While mammograms often measure and record breast density, the results are rarely communicated to the patient. "Most women don't even know their own breast density," says William Barlow, a senior biostatistician at Cancer Research and Biostatistics in Seattle. While family history often doubles an individual's risk for breast cancer, evidence shows that women with extremely dense breasts can have a cancer risk four to six times higher than those without dense breasts. http://articles.latimes.com/2010/jun/21/health/la-he-breast-density-20100621
According to the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), a recent study shows that people who drank four or more cups of coffee per day were 39% less likely to develop tumors. "Since coffee is so widely used and there is a relatively high incidence and low survival rate of these forms of cancers, our results have important public health implications that need to be further addressed," said Mia Hashibe, Ph.D., lead author of the study. While there is a strong link between coffee consumption and reduced cancer risk, specific and definitive links are still undetermined. http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504763_162-20008553-10391704.html
Researchers at the Virginia Commonwealth University have discovered a mechanism that may lead to the creation of more effective cancer-fighting drugs. "By selectively and specifically targeting molecules for degradation that serve as gatekeepers for cancer growth, progression and resistance to therapy, it may be possible to turn the cancer cells' defense into an offense that can be used as an effective approach to destroy the tumor," said Paul B. Fisher, Ph.D., professor and chair of the Department of Human and Molecular Genetics and director of the VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine in the VCU School of Medicine. The research may contribute to treatment for melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer which is highly resistant to current therapeutic strategies. http://www.usnews.com/science/articles/2010/06/21/researchers-identify-key-enzyme-in-melanoma-cell-development.html
A new, non-invasive test may help identify breast tumors, according to a study from the University of Connecticut and the University of Connecticut Health Center. The test combines the use of ultrasound and optical tomography to determine whether small lesions in the breast are cancerous. "This will not replace biopsy, but it may help us with diagnosing breast cancers and potentially help us decide who can delay biopsy and who cannot," said Dr. Ben Ho Park, associate director of the Hematology/Oncology Fellowship Training Program at The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins. http://abcnews.go.com/Health/OnCallPlusBreastCancerNews/invasive-cancer-test-identify-breast-tumors/story?id=10974393
Please check back next Thursday for more news and helpful links.
