“While on a population level we saw a statistically significant increase, it’s not a large increase of risk for an individual,” Dr. Rebecca H. Johnson of Seattle Children’s Hospital and the University of Washington told the Journal of the American Medical Association, where the study was published Feb. 26.

Young women should not rush out to get mammograms, she added, which are recommended only for women over 40 with no special circumstances.  But because early detection is key, women who find a lump in their breast should get it checked out right away, she said.

The findings are significant because breast cancer in young women is usually more aggressive and fewer women survive it.  The study looked at National Cancer Institute data for the diagnosis of advanced breast cancer – cancer that has metastasized to other parts of the body – among women aged 25-39. In 1976, the rate was 1.53 cases per 100 000 women; by 2009, the rate had climbed to 2.90 cases per 100 000, an annual increase of 2.07%.

Why the numbers are increasing is unknown and should be the subject of further research, Johnson said.

She said that despite the rise in the number of new cases, the death rate among young women with the disease has remained fairly constant, a testament to improvements in treatment.

Johnson was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 27, 17 years ago. Unlike the form of cancer in her study, her disease was at an early stage when it was found.

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About Ozioma: Ozioma is a national cancer news service based at Washington University in St. Louis. It is funded by the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, MD. Ozioma provides media outlets with information about cancer risks, treatment and prevention with a focus on taking action to improve health.

For more information, visit our Web site at: http://hcrl.wustl.edu/oziomanews/

You or a loved one survived breast cancer.  Now, what?

For many patients and their families, the stress of fighting the disease doesn’t go away when the symptoms disappear. Questions swirl about the uncertain future, and it can seem overwhelming.

Yet survivors of breast cancer have reason to feel optimistic. In  <<Loc_Allrace_AllAge_Fmale_Breast_2000-2007_SurviveCt>>, <<DatasetVar_Allrace_AllAge_Fmale_Breast_2000-2007_SurviveCt>> women survived at least five years after being diagnosed with breast cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute (2007).

After completion of successful breast cancer treatments the most critical period is the next three to five years, when the disease is most likely to come back. Breast cancer survivors generally see their cancer doctor every 3 to 4 months during the first 2 to 3 years after treatment and once or twice a year after that.

During this time, women should stay busy to keep stress low and attitudes positive. For many survivors, volunteering is a good way to stay happy and productive. Whether it’s working at a local American Cancer Society office or at a neighborhood support group, women often find it helpful to help others who are going through what they did. Information about other support groups in the area is available at www.cancer.org. Click on “Find support & treatment.” In  <<Loc_Blk_AllAge_Fmale_Breast_2000-2007_SurviveCt>>, support groups and other services are available through the Susan G. Komen Foundation. For more information, contact:

<<DatasetVar_NA_NA_NA__2011_SGKcontact>>.

Along with maintaining good mental health, the National Cancer Institute recommends several things women can do to stay healthy and reduce the risk of recurrence:

• Quit smoking. Help is available by calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW (784-8669).
• Cut down on drinking alcohol.
• Eat well.  Talk with your doctor or a nutritionist to find out about any special dietary needs that you may have. The American Cancer Society and the American Institute for Cancer Research have developed similar diet and fitness guidelines that may help reduce the risk of cancer:
  • Eat a plant-based diet and have at least 5-9 servings of fruit and vegetables daily. Try to include beans in your diet, and eat whole grains (such as cereals, breads, and pasta) several times daily.
  • Choose foods low in fat and low in salt.
  • Get to and stay at a healthy weight.
• Exercise and stay active.  In addition to the physical benefits, moderate exercise (such as walking, biking, or swimming) for about 30 minutes every – or almost every – day can:
  • Reduce anxiety and depression.
  • Improve mood and boost self-esteem.
  • Reduce fatigue, nausea and pain.

It is important to start an exercise program slowly and increase activity over time, working with your doctor or a specialist (such as a physical therapist) if needed. If you need to stay in bed during your recovery, even small activities like stretching or moving your arms or legs can help you stay flexible, relieve muscle tension, and help you feel better. Some people may need to take special care in exercising. Talk with your doctor before you begin any exercise program.

For more tips on nutrition and healthy eating, go to www.aicr.org and click on “Cancer Survivors,” or go to www.cancer.org and click on “Survivors.”

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About Ozioma: Ozioma is a national cancer news service based in Missouri. It is funded by the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, MD. Ozioma provides minority media outlets with information about cancer risks, treatment and prevention with a focus on taking action to improve health in African American communities.
 
For more information, visit our Web site at: http://www.oziomanews.org

Click here to generate your local story using LocalHealthData

Think good air ventilation at your favorite bar or restaurant will eliminate the cancer danger of secondhand smoke?

Think again.

A recent study found that ventilation systems don’t protect employees and customers from exposure to other people’s cigarette smoke.  Non-smoking employees and customers in the study tested positive for smoke even where ventilation systems were in place.  And non-smoking workers reported smoking-related symptoms, such as coughing, shortness of breath and irritated eyes.

Secondhand smoke is a well-established cause of cancer, heart disease and serious lung ailments, according to the U.S. Surgeon General. More African-Americans die of lung cancer than any other type of cancer.

In <In <<Loc_NA_NA_NA__2009_SmkDeathRt>>, <<DatasetVar_NA_NA_NA__2009_SmkDeathRt>> for every 100,000 people died of smoking-related causes, according to a 2009 report by the American Lung Association. And that number doesn’t include deaths from secondhand smoke.

“Some of the effects of secondhand smoke … in nonsmokers are comparable to the effects of active smoking” said Dr. Joaquin Barnoya, of the Washington University School of Medicine and the author of the study on restaurants and bars.

In the study, researchers collected and analyzed nicotine levels inside randomly selected bars and restaurants in the St. Louis area, and in hair samples of employees. Because nicotine in the air can only come from cigarette smoke, it is a reliable way to determine exposure to secondhand smoke.

The study found that bars and restaurants with ventilation systems actually had higher concentrations of nicotine in the air. Researchers said that’s probably because the systems were recycling the smoky air back into the same space. So the best way to avoid secondhand smoke is to avoid places that allow smoking at all, even if there’s a ventilation system in place.

The study was conducted by Barnoya along with Sarah Moreland-Russell of the Center for Tobacco Policy Research at Washington University’s George Warren Brown School of Social Work.

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About Ozioma: Ozioma is a national cancer news service based in Missouri. It is funded by the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, MD. Ozioma provides minority media outlets with information about cancer risks, treatment and prevention with a focus on taking action to improve health in African American communities.

For more information, visit our Web site at: http://www.oziomanews.org

Click here to generate your local story using LocalHealthData

Prostate cancer is one of the leading cancers in men. In 2011, the number of new cases of prostate cancer <<Loc_NA_NA_Male_Proste_2011_ACSIncEst>> was estimated to be <<DatasetVar_NA_NA_Male_Proste_2011_ACSIncEst>> , according to the American Cancer Society. This makes prostate screenings especially important in early detection.

Screenings for prostate cancer provide doctors with the ability to detect cancer and start treatment early.  The two most common tests are the digital rectal exam, performed by doctors; and specific antigen (PSA) test, which is a blood test.

The American Cancer Society recommends that men over 50 talk to their doctors about early detection/screening and that men with an increased risk for prostate cancer, such as African-American men and men with a family history of prostate cancer, see their doctors at age 45.

Elevated PSA levels don’t always mean prostate cancer. In fact, according to the Mayo Clinic, only one in four men who have a positive PSA test turn out to have prostate cancer.  The positive tests that aren’t cancer are called “false positives.” The causes can include a benign prostate enlargement, a prostate infection or other less common conditions.

False positives are a problem because they can lead to further unnecessary testing, discomfort and needless anxiety on the part of patients. Like the American Cancer Society, most major medical groups recommend that patients discuss the potential benefits and risks of PSA screening with their doctors.

A new urine test, developed by researchers at the University of Michigan Health System, is designed to identify two genetic markers in men. Although this test is not yet approved by the FDA or available to the public, it’s expected that this test would be used in tandem with the PSA test to attempt to reduce the immediate need for more invasive tests in men found to have low levels of the prostate genetic markers.

Treatment for prostate cancer can cause moderate to substantial harm, such as  the frequent need to urinate, impotence, or even death.

Even though doctors don’t have a definite way to prevent prostate cancer, certain lifestyle changes can reduce one’s risks. Exercising frequently as well as eating healthily may decrease risk for the disease, according to the Mayo Clinic.

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About Ozioma: Ozioma is a national cancer news service based in Missouri. It is funded by the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, MD. Ozioma provides minority media outlets with information about cancer risks, treatment and prevention with a focus on taking action to improve health in African American communities.

For more information, visit our Web site at: http://www.oziomanews.org

Click here to generate your local story using LocalHealthdata

These days, governments at all levels are cutting spending. Even popular programs like breast cancer research are affected.

But in many states, people who want to help can do so as easily as checking a box on their tax returns or renewing their license plates.

Federal funding for cancer research more than pays for itself through improved education and prevention, reduced health care costs and saved lives.  In <<Loc_Allrace_AllAge_Fmale_Breast_2009_MamVst2yr>>, about <<DatasetVar_Allrace_AllAge_Fmale_Breast_2009_MamVst2yr>> percent of women had their most recent mammogram in the past one to two years, according to a 2009 CDC survey and according to American Cancer Society Chief Executive John Seffrin, the cost of cuts in current funding could mean as many as 40,000 fewer women will get screenings for breast and cervical cancers.

In some states, taxpayers can direct part of their refunds to breast cancer research by checking boxes on their state tax returns.  Elsewhere, fees from license plate renewals and revenue from lottery tickets have raised millions of dollars for research and prevention, according to a new study.

“We found that revenue-generating breast cancer initiatives can be a successful strategy for states to raise funds, or ‘pink ribbon dollars,’ for prevention and early detection programs,” said Amy Eyler, research associate professor at Washington University in St. Louis, who led the study. “Money raised from these sources goes to local advocacy agencies like Susan G. Komen or to research institutions.”

Researchers found that from 2001-2009, 18 states had programs that allow taxpayers to check a box on state income tax forms to donate part of their refunds to breast cancer programs. The median annual state revenue for breast cancer research and prevention programs collected through the income tax check-off was $115,000, according to Eyler.

The death rate from breast cancer has been going down in most states The researchers also found that states with medium or high breast cancer death rates were 2.5 times more likely to offer breast cancer specialty license plates than states with low breast cancer death rates. Twenty-six states, also had breast cancer license plates that generated more than $4.1 million in revenue.

Residents can order the specialty license plates for an extra annual fee, a percentage of which goes to a specified cause or organization. The extra cost of specialized plates for each consumer ranged from $20 to $75, depending on the state.

The success of these efforts is being noticed by other groups looking for additional money in this difficult economic climate. Currently, the number of specialty plates offered per state ranges from one in New Hampshire to more than 800 in Maryland.

The special funding opportunities are also a way people can know that their donations go where they are supposed to go. License plates promote awareness of breast cancer as well.

“Especially in October, when everything is breast cancer and everything is pink, people buy things and don’t really know if the money is going to breast cancer research,” Eyler said. “With these things, people can be sure it goes directly to those who need the prevention and education.  It’s really a unique opportunity to raise funds and awareness.”

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About Ozioma: Ozioma is a national cancer news service based in Missouri. It is funded by the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, MD. Ozioma provides minority media outlets with information about cancer risks, treatment and prevention with a focus on taking action to improve health in African American communities.

For more information, visit our Web site at: http://www.oziomanews.org

Click here to generate your local story using LHD

When people think about diseases related to smoking and alcohol, oral cancer isn’t usually one that comes to mind.  But the combination of tobacco use and heavy alcohol consumption accounts for most cases of oral cancer.

 

What is Oral Cancer?

Oral cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the mouth.  According to the American Dental Association (ADA), the first signs of oral cancer are often small sores in the mouth, usually white or red in color. Other signs to look for include:

• Bleeding of the mouth and gums
• Pain in the mouth or ear
• A lump or other changes in the mouth
• Change of tissue color
• Difficulty moving the jaw or tongue

It is important to talk to your doctor if you have any of these symptoms that last more than 2 weeks.

How can Oral Cancer be Prevented?

The good news is that oral cancer can be prevented by avoiding tobacco and reducing alcohol use.  In <<Loc_Allrace_AllAge_Male__2010_HeavyDrink>>, approximately <<DatasetVar_Allrace_AllAge_Male__2010_HeavyDrink>> percent of men report having two or more drinks a day and <<DatasetVar_Allrace_AllAge_Male__2010_BingeDrink>> percent report having five or more drinks on occasion. Also, <<DatasetVar_Allrace_AllAge_Male__2010_SmokeNow>> percent of men report being current smokers in <Loc_Allrace_AllAge_Male__2010_SmokeNow>>.

However, it is not only cigarette tobacco that puts men at risk.  Using smokeless tobacco can also increase a person’s risk of getting oral cancer. The combination of quitting smoking or using smokeless tobacco and eliminating or reducing the number of alcoholic drinks per day can lower your oral cancer risk.

Oral cancer can also be easily detected. In fact, your doctor or dentist can perform a quick and painless exam of your mouth to check for cancer. People in <<Loc_Allrace_AllAge_Bothsex_Oral_2010_DentalVst>> are already taking the first step to better oral health, as about <<DatasetVar_Allrace_AllAge_Bothsex_Oral_2010_DentalVst>> percent of people report having visited a dentist in the past year.

For more information about oral cancer, please visit the ADA’s website at: www.ada.org. You can also talk to your doctor and dentist about your risks and how to prevent oral cancer.

About Ozioma: Ozioma is a national cancer news service based in Missouri. It is funded by the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, MD. Ozioma provides minority media outlets with information about cancer risks, treatment and prevention with a focus on taking action to improve health in African-American communities.

For more information, visit our Web site at: http://www.oziomanews.org

Click here to generate your local story using LHD

The holiday season is upon us, and for many in <<Loc_Allrace_AllAge_Bothsex__2010_Ovrwgtobs>> that means fending off those extra holiday pounds.

Keeping the weight off will not only make you look and feel better, but help preserve your good health. Research shows a strong relationship between obesity and certain types of cancer.   With an estimated <<DatasetVar_Allrace_AllAge_Bothsex__2010_Ovrwgtobs>> percent of adults in <<Loc_Allrace_AllAge_Bothsex__2010_Ovrwgtobs>> who are obese, it’s important to eat healthy most days, even if we overindulge occasionally during the holiday season.

But getting the right information to make good food choices can be tough. Anyone who’s been in a grocery store recently knows that nutrition labels on the food we buy every day can be hard to find, confusing or even misleading.

A report released in 2010 by the Institute of Medicine suggested two ways nutrition labels can be improved:

• Put nutrition information on the front of packages.
• Focus on the four things healthy consumers should want to avoid: calories, saturated fat, trans fat, and sodium (salt).

Now, nutrition information found on packaging emphasizes the healthy nutrients that people want in their food – such as whole grains.  Instead, this new report recommends that labeling focus on the four worst ingredients.

“Those were the four most closely associated with leading causes of public health problems, so those are the ones we ought to be going after,” said Matthew W. Kreuter, Ph.D., a member of the panel of nutrition and communication experts from around the country that made the recommendations.

“The idea is to make it easier for consumers to make healthy choices without having to pick up the package, turn it over and read a bunch of numbers,” said Kreuter, who heads the Health Communication Research Laboratory at Washington University in St. Louis.

The panel will reconvene in the coming months to determine how best to develop and implement a standardized front-of-package nutrition labeling system.

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About Ozioma: Ozioma is a national cancer news service based in Missouri. It is funded by the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, MD. Ozioma provides minority media outlets with information about cancer risks, treatment and prevention with a focus on taking action to improve health in African American communities.

For more information, visit our Web site at: http://www.oziomanews.org

Click here to generate your local story using LHD