In a fascinating study (which will be presented at the October 2010, American Society for Radiation Oncology annual meeting), investigators will be presenting the results of an analysis of 5,275 patients who had been treated for prostate cancer (with ... [Read More]
History of prostate cancer? Get a colonoscopy! Your risk of precancerous colon polyps is significantly elevated compared to those without a history of prostate cancer.
A new study (presented at the American College of Gastroenterology conference, in October 2010) reviewed the records of 2,000 men who underwent routine colonoscopies at the Buffalo VA Medical Center, and identified 188 men who also had a history of ... [Read More]
A common prostate cancer therapy increases the risk of stroke, heart disease and diabetes
Men who have aggressive (high-risk), advanced or metastatic prostate cancer are commonly prescribed hormonal therapy drugs called, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists that suppress the growth of prostate cancer cells by inhibiting the ... [Read More]
Curcumin (a natural compound in curry) enhances the effects of chemotherapy
Multiple studies have demonstrated the anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin, a natural compound found in the yellow spice, turmeric (used in curry.) Research seems very promising suggesting that adding supplemental curcumin (likely ... [Read More]
Soy consumption may reduce the risk of breast cancer recurrence
A study (published in Canadian Medical Association Journal) reports that postmenopausal women with a prior history of estrogen receptor positive breast cancer had a significantly lower risk (33% less!!) of breast cancer recurrence when they consumed ... [Read More]
Cancer patients need to select an acupuncturist with experience working with cancer.
Acupuncture has been shown to be an incredibly helpful therapy for patients during and after various cancer treatments (i.e. chemotherapy, surgery, radiation therapy, hormonal therapy, etc.) Studies have demonstrated efficacy in reducing stress, ... [Read More]
Chronic stress increased the risk of cancer metastases (spread) by 30-fold!!
In a study (published in Cancer Research, September 2010), investigators from UCLA demonstrated the biological effects of chronic stress leading to a 30-fold increase in the rate of breast cancer metastases in a mouse study. This study adds the the ... [Read More]
Hospice Care: As an oncologist, I recognize that there comes a time when aggressive cancer treatments are no longer effective for those with a terminal-illness.
The goal of hospice care is to enable patients to continue an alert, pain-free life and to manage other symptoms so that their last days may be spent with dignity and quality, surrounded by their loved ones. "You matter because of who you are. You ... [Read More]
Nutrition consultations are an integral component of cancer care
It is fairly common for patients undergoing chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy to develop side effects that can lead to weight loss, dehydration, diarrhea or constipation. Diminished appetite and taste changes (i.e. certain foods may lose their ... [Read More]
Social services and counseling are crucial for optimizing cancer care and outcomes
Patients who undergo treatment for cancer (and their caregivers) frequently suffer from numerous untoward psychological and social (psychosocial) effects that are often not adequately addressed by their health care providers. A report from the ... [Read More]
Massage is an excellent therapy to help relieve pain, anxiety and stress for anyone with a diagnosis of cancer
Numerous, high-quality studies have been published over the last decade demonstrating the effectiveness of massage in reducing pain, stress and anxiety in individuals with cancer. These studies have included patients of all ages (infants to elderly), ... [Read More]
Discuss ALL your medications and supplements with your cancer care team: Potentially serious interactions are common among cancer patients
Studies indicate that one-third of cancer patients take combinations of medications (both prescribed and non-prescription/over-the-counter drugs) that place them at risk of potentially dangerous interactions. (Read More Here) This number may ... [Read More]
It’s never too late to quit!! Smoking cessation after a lung cancer diagnosis can DOUBLE the survival rate
Although the following paper was published already 7 months ago (January 2010, in the British Medical Journal), and is no longer new news, I strongly feel that the information needs to be reinforced. The authors conducted a review of 10 ... [Read More]
Anxiety & stress can be reduced with a simple, 5-minute acupuncture treatment
A study published, in March 2010 (in Acupuncture in Medicine/British Medical Journal) reports a 50% reduction in measured anxiety scores following a single, 5-minute acupuncture treatment. All enrolled patients had a history of severe anxiety prior ... [Read More]
Greater than 50% of breast cancer patients either discontinue or are non-adherent to hormonal therapy regimens
In a study published, in June 2010 (in the Journal of Clinical Oncology) investigators have found that over 50% of breast cancer patients, who have been prescribed hormonal therapy medications ("aromatase inhibitors" or "Tamoxifen") for preventing ... [Read More]
Prostate cancer may be 30% less likely to recur in men on a common cholesterol lowering medication
In a study published in late June/early July 2010 (in the journal Cancer) investigators report that men who underwent surgery for prostate cancer and had been taking a common cholesterol lowering medication ("statins"), at the time of surgery, were ... [Read More]
A commonly prescribed osteoporosis medication significantly decreases the risk of developing invasive breast cancer
In two large studies, published in June 2010 (in the Journal of Clinical Oncology) investigators report that the use of a class of osteoporosis medications called, "bisphosphonates" significantly reduced the risk of developing invasive breast cancer ... [Read More]
Relaxation & stress reduction counseling reported to reduce breast cancer recurrence and improve survival
In a study (published in June 2010, in Clinical Cancer Research), investigators update the results of a fascinating experiment in which 227 breast cancer patients were randomly assigned to two groups: group 1 (received psychological interventions ... [Read More]
Drink your green tea: a green tea nutrient slows progression of a common cancer
In a study presented, in June 2010, (at the American Society of Clinical Oncology annual meeting), investigators report a 69% response rate (reduction in lymphocyte count by >/=20% or a 50% reduction in lymph node size) in patients with a common ... [Read More]
Shark cartilage is NOT an effective cancer treatment- stop killing sharks for their fins!
An excellent study (published in May 2010, in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute) demonstrates that shark cartilage is NOT an effective treatment for cancer. This study was conducted to evaluate the potential survival benefit of adding a ... [Read More]
Diabetes increases the risk of cancer
Increasingly, we are learning that adults with diabetes (particularly, type 2 diabetes or non-insulin dependent diabetes- "NIDDM") have an increased risk of developing a variety of cancers. Researchers have suggested numerous possible hypotheses to ... [Read More]
Yoga significantly reduces fatigue and improves sleep quality after cancer treatment
In a study (abstract published online in May 2010, Journal of Clinical Oncology; to be presented on June 5th, at the American Society of Clinical Oncology 2010 annual meeting, in Chicago) investigators, from the University of Rochester Medical ... [Read More]
Acupuncture reduces neck/shoulder pain and dry mouth after treatment for head & neck cancers
In a study (published in May 2010, in the Journal of Clinical Oncology) investigators from the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center studied the potential benefits of acupuncture in patients with cancers of the head & neck who had undergone ... [Read More]
Levels of an estrogen-like chemical (Bisphenol A, or "BPA") in canned foods is found to be 5-times higher than previously thought
Bisphenol A (or "BPA") is a chemical preservative that is commonly used in the lining of plastic bottles and food & drink cans. Numerous reports have demonstrated that BPA can leach out of these containers and be absorbed by the body. In fact, ... [Read More]
Social interaction (even over the phone) reduces the body’s response to stress
In a study (published in May 2010, in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B.) investigators have demonstrated that social interaction (over the telephone) after a stressful event significantly decreases amount of stress hormones (cortisol) ... [Read More]
The number of environmental carcinogens is growing: we need to act now
In an excellent (242 page!) advisory report to President Obama (release in May 2010, by the U.S. Presidents Cancer Council, "Reducing Environmental Cancer Risk: What We Can Do Now") the authors have made a 'call to action' for more research on the ... [Read More]
Progesterone increases the risk of breast cancer metastasis
In a study (accepted for publication in May 2006, in Menopause: The Journal of The North American Menopause Society) investigators found the the use of progesterone increased the risk of breast cancer metastases. The authors conducted this study in ... [Read More]
Post-traumatic stress disorder in cancer survivors
In a study (published in May 2010, in Pediatrics) investigators found that in a population of over 6,500 adults, who were survivors of childhood cancers, there was high percentage who reported signs and symptoms consistent with a diagnosis of ... [Read More]
Eat Your Broccoli: another reason why mom was right (natural anti-cancer compound, sulforaphane)
I was no fan of broccoli when I was a kid. My mom used to have to serve it to me with melted cheese just so that I would eat it. Fortunately my taste has evolved and I love it now. Breast Cancer: In a recent study, investigators discovered that a ... [Read More]
Severe stress causes genetic changes that lead to a weakened immune system
In a study (published in May 2010, in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences) investigators have discovered that individuals who have been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have 6-7 times as many changes to genes that ... [Read More]