Illness illuminates the limitations of our physical existence and highlights the patient's social and emotional isolation. Because I'm an artist, my state of mind is visible in my work. I had already begun to find ways to slip from the constraints of self-limiting conventions when I was diagnosed with breast and lung cancer last year. (I have never smoked.) Just months before my illness, I let myself increasingly give into the pull of seemingly irrational, previously unavailable choices. Good thing. I learned it's a fearlessly subjective experience and it's better to be open to the unexpected. "Sharpshooter," a painting I finished before I had cancer embodies the open vista that was starting to appear in my work. After my surgery and treatment, I painted "Moon Water," which reflects the introspective territory I'd just crossed. This more recent work is included in an exhibition at Fordham University, "The Art of Captivity," opening Tuesday, October 5th, 2010.
-- Anne Sherwood Pundyk, Artist
Anne Sherwood Pundyk resides in New York City and has recently shown at Susan Eley Fine Art, Exit Art and the Philoctetes Center, NY, at Art Miami and at Washington & Lee University, Lexington, VA. Pundyk is also a freelance art writer who has contributed to The Brooklyn Rail and maintains a blog about contemporary art.
Diagnosed with stage 4, metastasized, inoperable, uteral sarcoma, Beverlye Hyman Fead was given just two months to live. Now eight years later, she is proud to call herself a cancer survivor.
"Nana, What's Cancer" is a book written by Fead and her then 11-year-old granddaughter Tess Hamermesh, published by the American Cancer Society, which recounts the discussions they had after Fead was diagnosed with cancer. She hopes that her book can serve as a tool, and a source of comfort, for other families during this very difficult time.
I could tell Tess had a lot on her mind. I had been having treatment for cancer, and Tess wanted to know more about it. She said she wanted to ask me some questions about cancer - about the things that bothered her.
"It might help if you write out your questions," I told her.
She nodded and with a look of great concentration, jotted down the first question: "What is cancer?"
In addition to describing the science behind the disease in child-friendly terms, Fead's book also covers the emotional struggles behind cancer.
As an artist, I spend a lot of time in my studio. Sometimes, Tess and my grandsons come up to visit and paint with me. One day, when Tess was with me in the studio, I noticed that she was a little quiet. She had just found out her grandfather's (Papa Lew's) lung cancer had come back. "It's only natural to feel sad, Tess," I said. "After all, someone you love or care about is not feeling well. That's why cancer is often called a family disease."
"Why would you say that, Nana?" asked Tess.
"Because cancer affects everyone in the family," I answered.
Fead often makes public appearances as an ambassador for the American Cancer Society's Celebration on the Hill, an event celebrating cancer survivorship and advocates for laws to help fight the disease. To learn more about Fead's work or her book, visit http://www.beverlyehymanfead.com/.
Although Childhood Cancer Awareness Month came to a close last week, the battle against the disease continues to be foremost in the minds of the thousands of families affected every year.
Every day, nearly 50 children are diagnosed with cancer, oftentimes without any warning signs. Pediatric cancer is not attributed to an unhealthy lifestyle or the result of a child's race or socio-economic status. Of those who survive into adulthood, only one in four will avoid developing major health problems later in life. Fortunately, however, there are parents, organizations and governmental leaders working hard to fight this disease on their behalf.
In an effort to raise awareness and move important legislation forward, the first ever "Childhood Cancer Summit" was held on Capitol Hill this past September 16, 2010 during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Organized by the Congressional Pediatric Cancer Caucus and led by Congressman Mike McCaul (R-TX) and Congressman Joe Sestak (D-PA), the unprecedented event included the largest collection of childhood cancer experts ever assembled before Congress.
Bob Piniewski, founder of People Against Childhood Cancer (PAC2) was one of the guests invited to attend the briefing. "For me, it was one of the most hopeful days I've experienced since getting involved," says Piniewski, who lost his son to the disease in early 2008. "I was so excited to see such a collection of experts in one place at one time, and I really hope it can continue to be highlighted by Congress as an important issue."
Piniewski and PAC2 have developed an online quiz that they hope will serve as an advocacy tool to increase awareness about childhood cancer and encourage those outside the pediatric cancer community to take action and support the cause.
Learn more about the pediatric cancer-related Innovative Research Grants funded by Stand Up To Cancer and the advancements they are making every day in the fight against this disease.
Dr. Tony Hunter, a member of the SU2C Pancreatic Cancer Dream Team, recently rode the biggest rapid in the Grand Canyon - all in the name of fundraising for Stand Up To Cancer. With a SU2C flag flying in the back, his group traveled on five boats through Lava Falls on the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon.
So far, Dr. Hunter's Grand Canyon Challenge has raised $3400 for Stand Up To Cancer!
The following stories are from our community of survivors and supporters on Facebook and SU2C.org. We thank you for sharing your stories and for your commitment to Stand Up To Cancer every day.
Next week we will continue to share stories from our SU2C community. If you would like your story to be considered, please create a My Stand profile.
Shannon Barker First diagnosed with ovarian cancer at the age of 29, Shannon Barker was able to find strength in her young children. Already a mother of twins, Shannon lost an ovary during her treatment. Five years later, she learned she was pregnant again with another little girl. However, during her c-section, the doctor found a recurrence hidden behind the uterus and she had to have a total hysterectomy. Shannon says, "I call my daughter my life saver- if I hadn't been having a c-section they would have not found my recurrence." With her newborn just 5 weeks old, Shannon started chemo. In the 5 months of treatment that followed she only missed one feeding with her daughter and served as her twins' kindergarten homeroom mom. Now in her 4th year of survival, Shannon is determined to help find a cure. "I Stand Up To Cancer for myself and for my daughters' futures. My hopes and prayers are that they never have to go through what I did and that we find better treatments, better early detection tests, and finally a CURE." http://www.standup2cancer.org/custom/?c=profile&id=139288
Coleman Allums One month before Coleman Allums' 9th birthday he was diagnosed with Burkitt's lymphoma (non-Hodgkin) following a visit to the pediatrician. He was immediately admitted to Children's Healthcare and began chemotherapy. In February 2001, he was pronounced cancer free. "My family and I were elated, and spent the night crying and hugging sitting in my hospital bed," says Coleman. However, just three weeks following the good news at a routine check up, they learned that he had relapsed and was given a 10% chance of survival. It was decided that in order to have a chance to survive Coleman would need a bone marrow transplant. Luckily, his sister was a near perfect match. After a successful transplant Coleman has been in remission for almost 10 years. http://www.standup2cancer.org/custom/?c=profile&id=111166
Della Witcomb In 2007, Della Witcomb was diagnosed with a rare cancer called Sarcoma, when doctors discovered a tumor that was located behind her heart and in front of her spine. After undergoing several rounds of chemotherapy, radiation and major surgery, Della thought her journey was over and that her prayers had been answered. Unfortunately, they were only answered briefly. In October of 2009, the cancer returned, this time to her lungs. However, the diagnosis didn't stop Della from living with hope and continuing her fight. "I'm not better and I don't think I ever will be 100%, but I do want to live my life to its fullest," Della says. "I am a woman, a wife, and a mother. I am cancer survivor, still fighting." http://www.standup2cancer.org/custom/?c=profile&id=81169
Joi Tonaki Bess Sam Bess, an SU2C member, Stands Up in memory of his wife Joi Tonaki Bess. In 2006 Joi was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer. Sam remembers Joi giving it the best fight she could until she lost her battle in February, 2009 at the age of 42. She was a registered nurse, a devoted parent and a loving wife. Known for her infectious laugh and bright smile, Sam remembers that Joi always "lit up a room" and lived by her motto to always, "love, learn, and laugh each day." http://www.standup2cancer.org/custom/?c=profile&id=110218
SU2C is inspired by stories like these and millions of others. Cancer takes one person every minute and to wait for someone else to save our lives and the lives of those we love is no longer an option. At SU2C, we believe that together, we can end this disease by becoming one unstoppable movement. The end of cancer begins with you.
To learn more about the ground breaking research SU2C is funding and how you can get involved visit www.SU2C.org today!
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. SU2C Stands Up with the men, women and children diagnosed with breast cancer every year and the families who support them.
In a recent study done on breast cancer survival rates, doctors at the University of Texas M.D Anderson were thrilled to find that the number of deaths from the disease had dropped significantly. According to data found, a woman had a 25 percent chance of living 10 years if she received a breast cancer diagnosis in 1950. Today, the survival rate is more than 75 percent. The study demonstrates how improvements in treatment and screening have transformed breast cancer from a virtual death sentence to a treatable disease. http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN2923232120100929
Two Scandinavian studies present new information about the extent to which routine mammography in different age groups can reduce the risk of death from breast cancer. However, several researchers cautioned that, because both studies were observational, they have limitations that can affect how the findings are interpreted and are unlikely to resolve the controversy over the extent of mammography's benefit in reducing breast cancer mortality. While Mammography can reduce mortality from breast cancer, the magnitude of benefit may differ across age groups and as treatment improves. http://www.cancer.gov/ncicancerbulletin/100510/page4
The same mechanism that makes Amgen's (AMGN.O) new bone drug denosumab an effective treatment for osteoporosis may also mean it could help prevent breast cancer. In a study in the journal Nature, an international team of researchers led by scientists in Austria said, that a key mechanism in regulating bone strength is also one that allows the synthetic sex hormones found in hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and contraceptive pills to directly affect mammary cells. The finding suggests that hormone-induced breast cancer could be blocked by denosumab, the first in a new class of drugs that inhibit a protein that activates bone-destroying cells. http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSLDE68R29E20100929
Up to about 20 percent of women diagnosed with breast cancer will be diagnosed with "triple negative" - an aggressive form of the disease. This cancer can spread more quickly, recur earlier and be harder to treat because no one really knows how it grows. The very characteristic that defines it -- a lack of three markers that usually contribute to the growth of cancer cells -- means that doctors don't have the targets used to treat other kinds of breast cancer, which leaves fewer options for treatment. However, promising new therapies are in development, and Baltimore is at the center of that research. The Maryland center is participating in two studies, one specifically aimed at triple negative patients testing the drug ABT-888 on patients. "If anyone should be part of clinical trials it would be triple negative breast cancer patients," said Dr. Marisa Weiss. "But most are not treated in trials. A significant reason is they are not told and they don't ask about them. It's important to ask." http://www.latimes.com/health/breastcancer/bs-hs-triple-negative-breast-cancer-20101001,0,3270993.story
Can you imagine a world without breast cancer by the year 2020? One organization can. The Breast Cancer Coalition has set a 10-year deadline for the end of the disease because, "how can we achieve a goal if we don't have one?"
The number of American women who die every day from breast cancer has remained mostly unchanged for the past 20 years, while the chance of a woman developing invasive breast cancer has risen by 50%.
The Breast Cancer Coalition believes that we must hold ourselves accountable and that hope is not enough. Join the movement by visiting www.BreastCancerDeadline2020.org today and help make breast cancer a thing of the past.
Joanne Teichman found the tiniest lump in her breast eight years ago. Having gone through false biopsy alarms since college, this seemed no different. But her nurse's words were startling - the tiny lump was non-cancerous, but the bit beside it (which Joanne had never felt) was ductile invasive carcinoma.
Her immediate thoughts of "Hey! It's so tiny, I can handle a lumpectomy" were shattered by the nurse's next words: "Because of the non (pre) cancerous mass, you have no surgical option but a mastectomy." Joanne went one further and opted for a bi-lateral mastectomy and reconstruction, followed by an aggressive chemotherapy treatment. She remembers her oncologist laying out the course of recommended treatment and suggested to her and her husband that they think it over for the weekend. Joanne & Charles immediately responded, "What's there to think? We have kids, sign us up."
Eight non-cancerous years later, Teichman is busy at the business she and her husband own, Ylang23.com with a storefront in Dallas, and enjoys travel with her family and her camera. She is thrilled to join forces with Polyvore and Stand Up To Cancer to shine a light on breast cancer during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
If someone you know has been touched by breast cancer, Teichman invites you to visit the contest site where you can create and dedicate "sets," or digital collages, to the important women in your life - a mother, daughter or friend - while including distinctive vintage and contemporary pieces from YLANG|23. In conjunction with the contest and on behalf of the Polyvore community, Teichman will make a $10,000 donation to Stand Up To Cancer's groundbreaking cancer research.
The following stories are from our community of survivors and supporters on facebook and su2c.org. We thank you for sharing your stories and for your commitment to Stand Up To Cancer every day.
To share your story, and become a part of our SU2C community, please create a profile on My Stand profile.
Dennis Canale "Hope lives here." Those words serve as inspiration for Dennis Canale whose son is currently undergoing treatment at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Dennis' son Christopher was diagnosed with a brain tumor at the age of three on April 8, 2010. "Since his battle began, Christopher has shown nothing but strength and courage," says Dennis. "It is truly amazing to see my son destroy one of the most dangerous and horrible cancers to affect children." After undergoing surgery on April 10, 2010 his son, now 4, continues to fight. As a father, Dennis continues to stay strong with his son and his family. They are determined to beat this disease and support others in the fight as well. http://www.standup2cancer.org/custom/?c=profile&id=89595
Alexis Falcone Diagnosed with Thyroid cancer at the age of 19, Alexis Falcone is determined to survive. Less than a year after undergoing a total thyroidectomy she was diagnosed with Stage 2 Thyroid cancer due to a reoccurrence. This time she underwent a modified radical neck dissection. "When I woke up I was informed they had removed 23 lymph nodes and 11 of them were cancerous," she says. Once again she went into aggressive treatment, which resulted in Alexis being diagnosed with anemia, and suffering irreversible bone marrow damage. No, four years after her initial diagnosis, Alexis remains determined to fight through as she undergoes treatment for the third time. On January 1, she will be starting school to become a physician assistant. Through this ongoing battle she says, "I want help other cancer patients and let them know they are not alone." http://www.standup2cancer.org/custom/?c=profile&id=86368
Eduardo Gonzalez In March 2010 Eduardo Gonzalez was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma. The news came as a shock to his friends and family. Eduardo had been fighting another illness and had just recovered when he had his bone marrow test and discovered he had cancer. Even the doctor had a hard time believing the results. However, he took the news in stride and faced his new diagnosis with a fighting spirit. Eduardo bravely told his doctor that he was, "fighting for his six grandchildren." After undergoing three rounds of chemo and one round of radiation, the disease took over his body. On September 21, 2010 Eduardo passed away. Eduardo is remembered by his six grandchildren as, "the strongest angel we know." http://www.standup2cancer.org/custom/?c=profile&id=77014
Donna O'Brien In the midst of his chemotherapy, Donna O'Brien's 14 year-old-son Patrick wanted to give back to others battling cancer. He asked his mom to donate to Stand Up To Cancer because he wanted to help "others who weren't having as much luck fighting their cancer to have a chance." It was that attitude that inspired Donna to get involved with SU2C in September of 2009. Patrick was battling Rhabdomyosarcoma and the road ahead looked challenging. However, Donna found her strength in her son's amazing confidence and determination to beat his diagnosis. "He had no doubts that he would beat it," Donna said. "Other than the loss of his hair, he complained less about the effects of chemo and his illness than he did when I used to ask him to take out the trash." After a year of extremely aggressive treatment, Donna was thrilled to learn her son showed no cancer in his scans and was declared a survivor. http://www.standup2cancer.org/custom/?c=profile&id=62460
SU2C is inspired by stories like these and millions of others. Cancer takes one person every minute and to wait for someone else to save our lives and the lives of those we love is no longer an option. At SU2C, we believe that together, we can end this disease by becoming one unstoppable movement. The end of cancer begins with you.
Cancer survivors often complain about chemo brain, a mental fog and inability to concentrate that persists long after treatment. But the problem may not be limited to cancer patients who undergo chemotherapy, a study suggests. Researchers analyzed data gathered from 2001 to 2006 by the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey on 9,819 adults age 40 and older, of which 1,305 reported a history of cancer... After controlling for differences between the groups, like age, education and overall health, researchers concluded that people with a history of cancer were 40 percent more likely to report memory impairment even without undergoing chemotherapy. http://www.aacr.org/home/public--media/aacr-in-the-news.aspx?d=2122
An established targeted therapy for bowel cancer may also help women with an aggressive form of breast cancer, a mid-stage clinical study revealed on Monday, opening up a potential new market for the medicine. Adding Erbitux to cisplatin, a platinum-based chemotherapy, doubled the tumor response rate and the length of time patients lived without their disease worsening, compared with giving cisplatin on its own, in the Phase II trial. It is the first time researchers have shown that a drug like Erbitux, which targets a protein called epidermal growth factor involved in cancer cell growth, can provide substantial benefit in difficult-to-treat "triple negative" breast cancer. In practice, experts suspect triple negative breast cancer represents a number of different disease sub-groups and that analyzing patients according to the molecular profile of their tumors may help identify a sub-group that could benefit most. http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE69B3HO20101012
A new diagnostic tool that looks for signs of early stage lung cancer in the lining of the cheek has shown some promise in preliminary research done at the Northshore University in Evanston. The tool, called Partial Wave Spectroscopic (PWS) microscopy, is a novel screening approach that functions as a kind of optical sweep of the cheek which makes use of the fact that cells located far from the site of an actual tumor undergo specific tell-tale changes in their molecular composition. "The basic idea is that smoking not only affects the lungs but the entire airway tract," says lead author Dr. Hemant K. Roy. "By examining the lining of the cheek with this optical technology, we have the potential to prescreen patients at high risk for lung cancer, and identify the individuals who would likely benefit from more invasive and expensive tests versus those who don't need additional testing." Currently, there is no form of early detection for lung cancer, which accounts for the low survivor rate of those diagnosed today. http://www.businessweek.com/lifestyle/content/healthday/644050.html
According to a new study, a common prostate cancer treatment called androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is associated with bone decay. The therapy suppresses or blocks the production of male sex hormones that contribute to the growth of prostate cancer. Currently, about 600,000 prostate cancer patients in the United States are being treated with ADT. For the study, the researchers used a relatively new technology -- high-resolution peripheral quantitative CT imaging -- that enabled them to take 'virtual bone biopsies.' "This technology may be a useful test in predicting fractures in patients, but further research is needed in identifying individuals at greatest fracture risk as well as optimal therapeutic strategies," the study's authors noted. http://www.businessweek.com/lifestyle/content/healthday/643965.html
You can be a part of Guinness World Record history! Tweet, update your Facebook status, or write a blog post with the hashtag #beatcancerTODAY, October 15, starting at 9am PST and you'll not only help set a new record, but you'll be helping the fight against cancer.
Last year, a Guinness World Record was set by Everywhere, out of Atlanta, Georgia (raising more than $70,000) for the "Most Widespread Social Network Message" with #beatcancer. In 24 hours the one-word phrase set the record contributing to the 209,771 unique mentions on Twitter, Facebook and blog posts. But this year, they're out to break their own record.
For every #beatcancer hashtag used in any blog, Facebook status update, or tweet today, SWAGG - a Qualcomm owned company - will donate .05 cents to Stand Up To Cancer, Bright Pink, and LiveStrong Foundation.
Reach out now to your friends and social media networks and spread the word of the day: #beatcancer
An Emerging Tumor Suppressor Pathway to Human Cancer
"How does your body know that the liver needs to be a certain size?" says IRG team leader Fernando D. Camargo, Ph.D. If that question can be fully answered, Camargo believes it may lead to exciting developments in the treatment and prevention of cancer.
Because rapid unchecked cell growth is one of the defining characteristics of cancer, his team hopes to understand the internal mechanism that controls organ growth in the body and potentially use that to halt the growth of this disease.
Camargo's team is investigating the promise of the Hippo biochemical pathway (which is thought to regulate organ development) and how this could be used in the role of suppressing cancer in the body.
Potentially high-reward results are at stake with the new method of tumor suppression that this team is exploring. "...every once in a while someone is the first person who notices something that nobody else in history of human kind has known," he says. "...and I think that's very exciting."
Watch the video below to learn more about this Innovative Research Grant team, and look for upcoming blogs about the other 12 IRG teams coming soon.
Members of the medical community are encouraged to apply for the next phase of Innovative Research Grants made possible by Stand Up To Cancer. Learn more about the application process.
Cynthia Zahnow
Growing up in Ohio, Cynthia Zahnow wanted to be a marine biologist and "swim with the dolphins." But while pursuing her graduate degrees, she became intrigued by the normal physiological and hormonal processes that go wrong when cancer strikes. And when she discovered benign lumps in her breasts as a young woman, she shifted her research focus to breast cancer biology. "I wanted to make an impact, and I wanted to help women," she said. As a basic researcher at Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center in Baltimore and on SU2C's Epigenetics Dream Team, she's been doing just that. Last October, her research became personal when she was diagnosed with stage two cancer in both breasts. Her own prognosis gives her an 80 percent chance of being alive in 10 years, probably great news for most people who have cancer. "But I don't want 10 years," she says, " I want 40 years." http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2010-10-07/health/bs-hs-breast-cancer-zahnow-20101007_1_cancer-researcher-breast-cancer-strikes
Tony Gywnn
Hall-of-Famer Tony Gwynn, head baseball coach at San Diego State University, was recently diagnosed with parotid cancer. The eight-time batting champion was named to the All-Star Game 16 times while playing with the San Diego Padres. Now, Gwynn is set to focus on beating his illness. Last Thursday he met his players at San Diego State and told them about his diagnosis and his hope to be well by the start of baseball season. "The most important thing for Tony is to get healthy," said Jim Sterk, director of athletics at San Diego State. "Tony has done so much for San Diego and here at San Diego State University. I think I can speak for Aztecs past and present when I say we're all with Tony." http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20101009&content_id=15536476&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb
Keri Whitehead
For Keri Whitehead the journey started in March of 2010. At age 31 she found a significant sized lump in her right breast. Within 10 days of her diagnosis, Keri underwent surgery to remove 40% of her breast tissue and was put on a nine-month plan for treatment. It was then that Keri was approached by Jeremy Lock, a close friend and photojournalist, who had an idea of documenting her journey through a series of photographs. "Deep down I knew I would be comfortable enough to work with Jeremy and together we both knew that this was a story that not only needed to be shared, but needed to be shown," says Keri. Now five months into her treatment, Keri invites the public to see her story on www.keriswar.org, and come together on her Facebook page where she posts daily updates to help illuminate and unite those who have been affected by this disease, and those still fighting to beat it. http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=162304953798409&id=161437170534198#!/pages/Keris-War/161437170534198?v=info#info_edit_sections
SU2C is inspired by stories like these and millions of others. Cancer takes one person every minute and to wait for someone else to save our lives and the lives of those we love is no longer an option. At SU2C, we believe that together, we can end this disease by becoming one unstoppable movement. The end of cancer begins with you.
Devastated by the loss of her best friend, Ashley Lorano has found a way to transform her grief into a means of helping others.
In 2007, after numerous misdiagnoses from doctors, Ashley's best friend Daniella Saveski was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. While she was given less than a year to live, Daniella fought through with a smile and an infectious sense of grace. "She didn't allow anyone around her to believe she was going to die," says Ashley. "She didn't let it stop her." Even after treatments, Daniella - a talented athlete - continued to run and fight through her illness. Shortly after her diagnosis, she also watched the 2008 Stand Up To Cancer fundraiser and became passionate about the cause.
Committed to beating the odds, Daniella lived on for 2 1/2 more years, but sadly, she passed away last November 29, 2009. Soon after, it became clear to Ashley that she had to find a way to honor the memory of her friend.
Instead of throwing herself a graduation party that summer, Ashley decided to plan a "party with a purpose." She invited friends and family to celebrate Daniella's life, while at the same time, raising money for "Daniella's Forever Team" through Stand Up To Cancer. Ashley also created a video (seen below) in order to not only remember the day, but to honor her best friend.
Visit Daniella's Forever Team to learn more, or start your own team, dedicated to someone you love at www.su2c.org/teams.
The United Health Group is trying to change how it reimburses oncologists using a method the insurer says could improve treatment practices. Currently, oncologists buy chemotherapies and other drugs directly at wholesale prices and then are reimbursed at higher retail rates; this way of selling drugs accounts for 60 percent of their income. However, the new pilot program, involving five physician practices across the country, will pay doctors one upfront fee based on the expected cost of a standard treatment regimen. Lee Newcomer, United Healthcare's senior vice president for oncology said that by paying oncologists for a patients total cycle of treatment, rather than the number of visits and the amount of chemotherapy drugs given, the program promotes better, more patient centric care with no loss of revenue for the physician. The five medical practices in the program are in Dayton, Ohio; Fort Worth, Texas; Kansas City, Missouri; Marietta, Georgia; and Memphis, Tennessee. A review of the data from the program is planned for early next year. http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN1914476320101020
A protein, called FSH receptor, may have potential to help in earlier cancer diagnosis. Normally, the FSH receptor's job is to receive signals from a follicle-stimulating hormone, which plays roles in human reproduction and blood vessel growth. However, when researchers from Mount Sinai School of Medicine and the National Institute of Health and Medical Research in France studied 11 common types of tumors from over 1300 patients, they were amazed to find the FSH receptor present in every single one. "Although we don't know the mechanisms for why this marker appears, it's likely it's evolved because of the need of the tumor to grow blood vessels to get nourishment," says Aurelian Radu, a researcher at Mount Sinai. The study, which has been published in The New England Journal of Medicine this week, believes the FSH receptor has the potential to not only aid in cancer diagnosis and imaging, but to provide a target for drugs that may kill cancer cells. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/39768227/ns/health-cancer/
Hormone treatment after menopause, already known to increase the risk of breast cancer, also makes it more likely that the cancer will be advanced and deadly. The increased risks were relatively small and are not fully understood. But previous research has found that hormone treatment can cause delays in diagnosis by increasing breast density, making tumors hard to see on mammograms. It is this delayed diagnosis that may increase the risk of death. However, an author of the new study, Dr. JoAnn E. Manson, assures that this new information shouldn't necessarily alarm women who are taking hormones. "The data suggests it is cumulative long-term usage that may cause harm," Dr. Manson said. "Women should avoid long term use. I think that's the bottom line." http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/20/health/20hormone.html?_r=1&src=mv
Good news for coffee and tea lovers. Researchers have discovered that regular consumption of the world's two most popular beverages, coffee and tea, may also shield you against a form of brain cancer. In fact, the latest research suggests that those who drink as little as a half cup or so of coffee per day may lower brain cancer risk by as much as 34 percent. The notion that coffee and tea might accrue an anti-cancer health benefit to regular drinkers builds on previous research that indicated that the beverages might also lower the risk for both Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Additional studies will be required to confirm the findings to identify the basis for the correlation. However, Dr. John S. Yu, director of the Brain Tumor Center of Excellence at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, said the finding was "striking." "If we had a drug for any disease that could demonstrate a risk reduction of 34 percent, that would be considered a great drug." http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/39768227/ns/health-cancer/
Modeling Ewing Tumor Initiation in Human Neural Crest Stem Cells
IRG team leader Elizabeth R. Lawlor, M.D., Ph.D. is committed to improving therapies for those living with cancer, particularly young patients who potentially face a life of complications and side effects as a result of their treatments.
Ewing's sarcoma is a rare disease found in the bone or soft tissue, most often affecting young men and women in their teens. Lawlor's team is generating neural crest stem cells in the laboratory in order to study the processes involved with this disease and how and why tumors begin to form.
Lawlor hopes her team can help develop drugs that will selectively kill cancer cells and spare the normal developing tissue. That way, when a child has completed his or her treatment, they're not only cancer free, but they're going to live a normal, healthy life from that point forward.
"...for cancer research to be more effective, we all need to Stand Up. I really think that we all need to recognize that there isn't a single person on the planet who isn't affected by this disease," says Lawlor. "And so as a community, we need to say enough. And we need to do whatever we can to prevent it."
Check back soon for new blogs in this IRG series to learn what the other teams are doing to fight cancer. Learn more about Lawlor's team by watching the video below.
Members of the medical community are encouraged to apply for the next phase of Innovative Research Grants made possible by Stand Up To Cancer. Learn more about the application process.
Smoking is the leading cause of premature, preventable death in the United States, and takes millions of lives each year. It's time to Stand Up and make a change.
Celebrate Lung Health Day, October 27, 2010, by pledging to quit smoking or help a friend kick the habit. November is National Lung Cancer Awareness Month, so what better time to start the challenge. You have the opportunity to make a real change in your life or the life of a loved one in just 30 days.
Find out how you can help Change the Odds and make a difference.
Stand Up To Cancer wants to thank everyone who participated in the recent #beatcancer campaign online. It was exciting to watch the world come together with Livestrong, Bright Pink, and SU2C to raise 20k. Now SU2C and SWAGG are partnering to raise 125k more! The #beatcancer counter is still running and we've just passed 700,000 Facebook, blog, and Twitter mentions. But we're not done yet! SWAGG agrees that the world is serious about beating cancer, and to help fuel this amazing momentum, SWAGG will give $1 for every person who pledges to download the SWAGG iPhone app. By pledging to download this new app, which manages offers, gift cards, and rewards cards on your smartphone, you'll be able to keep yourself organized and help the #beatcancer movement. We've raised $20,000 so far, but we have the opportunity to raise $125,000 more and 100% of the donation goes directly to cancer research. Together we can make a difference and #beatcancer.
Tonight, the American League's Texas Rangers take on the National League's San Francisco Giants in the first game of the World Series. This year we are thrilled to have the first game dedicated to Stand Up To Cancer. MLB fans are encouraged to join in the movement and take a stand by launching a star in honor of someone you love who has been affected by cancer. For as little as a dollar you can make a difference. Be sure to tune into the game and stand up with SU2C and MLB on FOX at 7:30pm EST.
Check out the clip below from the Today Show this morning where baseball legends Dave Drevecky and Ferguson Jenkins discuss Stand Up To Cancer and game one.
Tom Bosley
Actor Tom Bosley, best known for his role as "Mr. C" on the hit show Happy Days passed away last week at the age of 83 after suffering heart failure. He was also battling lung cancer. Born in Chicago, Illinois Bosley gained fame on Broadway before moving on to several memorable roles in television. "Tom's insight, talent, strength of character and comic timing made him a vital central figure in the Happy Days experience," said actor and director Ron Howard. "A great father and husband, and a wonderful artist, Tom led by example, and made us all laugh while he was doing it." http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5ga-x3GA-920k0m5qdyqcq0FqAu6g?docId=b4ed07b3d4f2429abf102d164f9c1844
Marty Younts
You don't expect to hear Stage 3 breast cancer survivor Marty Younts say that the past nine years have been the best part of her life. But for Younts, every moment with her husband, Tommy, and family is a godsend after having been given hardly any chance to live when first diagnosed. This outlook is what helped her write her first book, "Whatever it Takes: Surviving Breast Cancer." Younts had the idea for the book after looking at a journal she kept during her nine-year battle with the disease. "I believed a book about my experience might help other families, especially those touched by breast cancer," said Youts. The book is a quick read, less than 100 pages, but one that offers a story of survival bound together by spots of humor, romance, and a lot of humility.
http://www.the-dispatch.com/article/20101025/ARTICLES/101029841/-1/news09?p=1&tc=pg
Rodger Fox
Calling it an inspirational experience, Rodger Fox hopes he can travel over historic Route 66 for the next decade in his effort to raise money to battle cancer. The Jacksonville resident, a 1985 cancer survivor, is the founder and leader of The Ride for the Relay, which recently completed its fifth annual 2,440-mile trek to raise awareness and funds for cancer research. The race travels through 8 states and ends on the Santa Monica Pier in California. He and his wife Sue, who is also a cancer survivor, ride together and look forward to meeting new survivors each year on the road. "It is a very inspirational trip and you have a great feeling of accomplishment. You realize it is not just about raising money for cancer research or riding old Route 66, it is about the people." http://www.myjournalcourier.com/news/cancer-29699-relay-survivor.html
The Active Survivors Network
Every year more than 180,000 cases of breast cancer are diagnosed nationwide. One Baltimore survivors' group is using yoga to keep women healthy after treatment. Active Survivors' Network -- a non-profit group that focuses on after-treatment training -- offers an eight-week yoga program that strengthens weak spots in survivors after treatment. Starting slow with yoga may be the way to put doctors and patients more at ease using its techniques of breathing and relaxation to calm the mind and body. Breast cancer survivors who participate in the program say they like the yoga class because it helps them to relax, it's in a large group setting, and gives them the chance to meet other survivors as well. http://wjz.com/seenon/yoga.cancer.healthy.2.1975907.html
SU2C is inspired by stories like these and millions of others. Cancer takes one person every minute and to wait for someone else to save our lives and the lives of those we love is no longer an option. At SU2C, we believe that together, we can end this disease by becoming one unstoppable movement. The end of cancer begins with you.
Learn more about the groundbreaking research SU2C is funding and how you can get involved today.
