Posts Tagged cancer
Obesity: It’s a Bigger Problem Than You Might Think
Posted by Maureen in Clinical Tests, Wellness on January 7, 2013
Many Americans know that obesity is a problem in the United States both for adults and for children. In addition, this is the time of year when we all start to think about how things went (or grew) last year and what we want to do better during 2013.
Have you decided that you are going to lose weight, eat better, exercise or any combination of these? If so, good luck and I hope that the gym membership and healthy food in the fridge gets put to good use! If you can stick to it for 3 weeks you may have a chance to really establish a good habit.
Knowing that obesity is a problem for so many of us isn’t surprising. What is surprising is that many people are unaware of how many ways being overweight or obese impacts their health. A recent poll conducted by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research indicates that although most of us know obesity is related to heart disease and diabetes we are unaware of other serious effects including:
- Higher risk of cancers of the colon, breast, protate and uterus
- Greater difficulty locating tumors
- Arthritis – the vicious cycle of gaining weight makes it more difficult to exercise and shed pounds which helps to improve arthritis
- Infertility
- High blood pressure and high cholesterol
- Respiratory problems such as sleep apnea and asthma
If more Americans were aware of the additional risks of being overweight or obese, it might motivate them to work harder to shed excess weight. It is not only about looks but about the ability to live a longer, healthier life. Since now is the perfect time to jump on the health bandwagon you should start with a baseline of your current health with blood tests for cholesterol, blood pressure and overall heart health, along with your weight and measurements so you can create a picture of where you want to be and what changes or improvements you’ll need to make to reach your goals. According to the survey most people support posting nutritional information in restaurants so as this information becomes available we need to take advantage of it. The majority of Americans are against any government restrictions including food taxes and restrictions on what we are able to buy. This means it is up to each of us to make the right choices for so many reasons!
Written by www.labtestingnow.com
Heart Health Needs to Come First!
Posted by Maureen in Clinical Tests, Wellness on October 18, 2012
It’s hard not to notice all the pink around us right now…from scarfs and umbrellas to NFL socks and neon pink shoes. For many people who have been personally touched by cancer and specifically, breast cancer, these signs of support for the search for a cure are deeply meaningful. Unfortunately, for others who haven’t been affected the pink has become overwhelming. Are you aware that 
more women die of heart disease than all types of cancer combined? For those who are at a high risk of breast cancer either through genetics (mothers, aunts and sisters who have had it) or through lifestyle (obesity, smoking, lack of exercise) getting mammograms, self exams and possibly CA-125 tests can be critical.
For the rest of us, after we’ve taken the basic preventive steps and tests, there is all the rest of our lifestyle and genetics to look at. How many of us have had grandparents, parents and siblings with heart disease and are on statins to lower cholesterol? I have it coming at me from both sides of my family. Have you taken the first important step to have your cholesterol and blood pressure checked? Do you try to eat healthy or have you given up because losing weight and taking a walk is just too hard? If it matters to you, go ahead, wear pink. But do it while you’re having a salad or going to the gym or out for a walk. In the long run, this will save many more lives.
Written by www.labtestingnow.com
Breast Implants: Still Dangerous After All These Years?
Posted by Maureen in Clinical Tests, Wellness on January 27, 2011
Hollywood, and now my neighborhood, is rife with breast implants and shapelier women than nature intended. For a time women became wary of silicone implants because the FDA took them off the market claiming that the manufacturers had not proven their safety. 
The fears of lupus and cancers steered women away from silicone toward saline implants or away from implants altogether. Silicone implants were put back on the market in 2006 because the FDA couldn’t find solid research linking the implants to disease.
Recent information links both types of implants to a rare lymphoma: anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL). Although only 60 cases have been identified worldwide out of all the women who have had breast implants, which number in the millions, doctors are being asked to report any cases. The cancer was found in women who came to doctors complaining of swelling, lumps, hardening or pain well after the implant surgery sites had healed. ALCL apparently begins in the scar tissue surrounding the surgery site.
In conjunction with research conducted at the University of Colorado and the University of Michigan that suggests rolling back new recommendations that women get mammograms only every other year after age 50, breast cancer is back on the front page. The new study claims that the old recommendations of annual mammograms beginning at age 40 may save as many as 65,000 women from breast cancer.
It’s unclear what could make it seem worthwhile to put yourself in such danger, either by getting implants to impress other people or by delaying mammograms based on one recommendation. No one is going to watch out for your health, or your breasts as well or as diligently as you. Know your risks and don’t add new ones!
Written by www.labtestingnow.com
Still Smoking? An Obvious New Year’s Resolution…
Posted by Maureen in Clinical Tests, DNA / Paternity, Wellness on December 30, 2010
If your friends and family aren’t telling you, I will: Quit Today! The cancer that causes more deaths than any other in the US is lung cancer. Smoking is the primary cause of lung cancer and it contributes to deaths by stroke and heart attack. New research to be printed in the Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery has been studying the use of CT (computed tomography) scans to screen for tumors in heavy, long-term smokers and this could have a huge impact on reducing deaths due to lung cancer. 
Of course, not smoking at all will have the largest impact, but if you still smoke, the National Cancer Institute’s ongoing randomized Lung Cancer Screening Trial showed that getting CT scans on a regular basis reduced deaths by 20%. The researchers of the newest study used three dimensional CT scans to look for histoplasmosis which is harder to diagnose on traditional CT scans because the nodules look like tumors. The study showed that using the proper protocol, doctors were able to avoid unnecessary biopsies of non-cancerous nodules and find tumors early enough for them to be removed.
As always with new research, more needs to be done and the researchers cautioned that if this screening becomes standard a very strict protocol for it will need to be followed to prevent unnecessary biopsies. Currently, there are no truly effective screenings for lung cancer, although there is a cancer screen and tumor marker test that can alert you to possible cancer. There is also a DNA genetic predisposition test which can point out specific areas where you may have a tendency to particular diseases, but the bottom line is that whether you have a predisposition to lung cancer or not, smoking is THE primary cause. Get tested and watch out for your risk factors, but first, reduce your chances and quit today!
Written by www.labtestingnow.com
Breast Cancer Drug Too Risky to Merit Use
Posted by Maureen in Clinical Tests, Wellness on December 20, 2010
The FDA is recommending that doctors no longer prescribe a popular drug used to treat metastic breast cancer, Avastin. Although many women feel that it is helping them, their opinions are not supported by laboratory evidence. According to the Federal Drug Administration, Avastin has too 
many risks to merit it’s use for delaying the cancer and recent evidence shows that it is not effective. The risks include severe high blood pressure, bleeding and hemorrage; the development of perforations in the body, and heart attack or heart failure. The women who have been taking it and feel that it is working are upset and the Wall Street Journal printed an editorial decrying the FDA’s decision saying that the high cost of the drug influenced the federal agency.
The evidence for the negative side effects of this medication is strong and the side effects are frightening. In light of information that it doesn’t actually prolong a woman’s life, why take the chance? Although many breast cancer patients may be willing to do nearly anything to live longer, they definitely need to take into consideration the safety of medications. Is it worth having a heart attack on top of breast cancer and chemotherapy treatments. The FDA is taking a logical stance on Avastin and women need to listen. The BT test and a Breast Cancer Monitoring Panel can help women get more information on both their potential for contracting cancer and the effectiveness of their treatment. Yes, take control of your health and be involved in your treatment, but pay attention to the risks. Is it really worth it?
Smoking Is Even Worse For You Than You Thought!
Posted by Maureen in Clinical Tests, Wellness on December 10, 2010
Did anyone really think a little bit of smoking was OK? The new report released by the Surgeon General focuses on the damage just one cigarette can do…can you say scare tactics? Although I do believe that the more information out there about the dangers of smoking to deter people is good, this is a bit over the top. Maybe they are hoping that this will deter kids from trying even one cigarette, but isn’t the danger part of the fun? Wake up people! Smoking has always been bad for you and those around you so this isn’t new. It only serves to drive home the message: Don’t start smoking and quit NOW! Will anyone who is tempted to start or already smoking listen?
The new report also plays up the cardiovascular risks of smoking and if you have been reading or watching any news at all, you already know that smoking makes cardiovascular disease worse. Blood tests can help look for tumor markers and signs of lung cancer letting you know if you’re already headed down the path to disaster, but research has already found that images of disease ridden lungs doesn’t deter smokers. This new report may not make a bit of difference to those who are committed to smoking, or even just trying it. It isn’t clear how many of you are on the fence about smoking: Should I or shouldn’t I? Either you smoke and can’t quit or want to try it or you don’t. Maybe this will make people stop and think about risking their children’s or spouse’s health by smoking that one cigarette, but if they don’t care today, why will tomorrow be any different?
Written by www.labtestingnow.com
A Possible Alternative to the Colonoscopy!
Posted by Maureen in Clinical Tests, Wellness on October 29, 2010
I’m not 50 yet, but it’s closer every day and I’m dreading the official start of colonoscopies. I know, it’s not what everyone thinks about when nearing the half century mark, but I would really prefer not to go through it. Good News! There is research being done on a simple, non-invasive test that will encourage me to get checked, along with thousands of other fraidy cats. Not only does the test scare me, but the disease REALLY scares me! Only 60% of people over 50 ever get tested and doctors believe that this is due to the tremendous inconvenience involved in the testing procedure.
The new test involves collecting a stool sample and is still in the research phase, but looks very promising. Researchers from the Mayo Clinic reported at the American Association for Cancer Research special conference on Colorectal Cancer that “This DNA methylation test is likely to transform colorectal cancer screening procedures.” The test doesn’t require a special diet or “cleansing” routine and can even be done at home. There is a Cancer Screen and Tumor Marker blood test that could identify potential problems in the meantime and scientists are hoping to do additional human trials on the new test in 2011. I’m hoping for results and a working test before I turn 50! Get busy folks!
Written by www.labtestingnow.com
Mammograms May Increase Risk of Breast Cancer
Posted by Maureen in Clinical Tests, Wellness on October 8, 2010
This month is Breast Cancer Awareness month and many organizations are promoting mammograms as the primary method of screening for the disease. According to several doctors, many women are unaware that the radiation from a mammogram can actually cause breast cancer. In addition, Dr. Edward Hendrick at the University of Colorado, Denver reported in Radiology that new methods of screening that have been approved by the FDA, BSGI (Breast Specific Gamma Imaging) and PEM (Positron Emission Mammography), have a higher risk of breast cancer per screening than traditional mammograms. Dr. Samuel S. Epstein, professor emeritus of Environmental and Occupational Medicine at the University of Illinois School of Public Health says on his website preventcancer.com postmenopausal women who undergo annual screening for a ten-year period would receive exposure to about 10 rads of radiation for each breast.
Fortunately, there are other options for women. The monthly BSE (Breast Self Exam) has been touted as one way that many women discover their own lumps and tumors. There are also blood tests that look for tumor markers and the new BT (Biomarker Translation) test measures cancer related proteins in a blood serum sample. Using these blood tests as baseline measures can be important information. Increases in tumor marker or cancer related protein levels can indicate the presence of breast cancer. Women need to take care of their own health by getting the right tests. Mammograms can’t be ruled out as a valid and helpful tool, but should be balanced with each woman’s individual needs and risks.
Written by www.labtestingnow.com
Is Cancer Follow Up Wasting Your Time?
Posted by Maureen in Clinical Tests, Wellness on September 29, 2010
Standard practice for post-cancer follow up treatment generally involves repeat tests and visits with an oncologist. A recent report indicates that this may be wasteful and ineffective. Jane Maher, Chief Medical Officer at Mcmillan Cancer Support, a charitable organization based in the UK that provides support for cancer patients, states that current practices are a waste of time and need to be overhauled. Cancer survivors are usually seen by a practitioner who conducts diagnostic tests to determine if the cancer has returned, but according to Dr. Maher, this may not be the best way to spot a recurrence or to identify the possible long term effects of being treated for cancer.
Jane draws on recent work which ‘suggests that around 70% of recurrence for breast cancer could be detected by either patients noticing symptoms themselves or by surveillance testing alone, with a face-to-face appointment if needed.’ In conjunction with a thorough understanding of their illness and access to simple tests, patients may be able to track possible recurrences and symptoms without the added expense of visting doctors and having extensive diagnostic tests.
Written by www.labtestingnow.com
Easing Your Path Through Menopause
Posted by Maureen in Clinical Tests, Wellness on September 24, 2010
Menopause can be a difficult time for some women but there are ways to ease into it. A combination of approaches could reduce hot flashes, bloating, and fatigue, all symptoms that women struggle with during this phase of life. A recent article in Health magazine lists several tips for staying healthy as you approach and enter menopause. To stay slim, reduce symptoms, and cut the health risks that can rise after menopause do the following:
- Eat two servings a fish a week: Fish oil has been linked to a decreased risk of breast cancer.
- Lose weight: If you are overweight, losing a few pounds can reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease and reduce hot flashes.
- Drink milk: Increase your calcium intake to 1200mg a day with dairy products or supplements to reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
- Reduce salt and processed carbohydrates: Reducing the amount of these foods in your diet can help with the bloating many women experience.
- Put down that glass: Although red wine has been linked to cardiovascular health, it is also linked to breast cancer in postmenopausal women and may increase hot flashes.
- Eat soy: Eating soy food products may reduce hot flashes and is not linked to breast cancer.
- Try some iced herbal tea: Hot beverages and caffeine may contribute to hot flashes so try a cool, non-caffeinated drink.
- Find a diet that works: However you decide to incorporate these changes into your life, do it in a way that makes them easy.
Menopause can be the healthiest time of your life, if you head into it positively!
Written by www.labtestingnow.com
CDC H1N1 Flu Updates:- Press Briefing Transcript: Dr. Thomas Frieden's Remarks at the 2010 Influenza Workshop for Journalists
- HHS News Release: WHO Declares End to 2009 H1N1 Influenza Pandemic
- WHO Statement on H1N1 in post-pandemic period
- UPDATE: 2009 H1N1 Flu International Situation Update
- UPDATE: 2009 H1N1 Flu International Situation Update
- MMWR: Regional Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Monovalent Vaccination Campaign -- Skokie, Illinois, October 16--December 31, 2009
- UPDATE: 2009 H1N1 Flu International Situation Update