We are what we eat; or as research now shows, we are also what our gut microbes eat. Scientists have shown that a single addition to the diet of the roundworm makes it more susceptible to a drug that is commonly used to treat cancers in humans. The drug 5-fluoro 2’deoxyuridine (FUdR) has been used
Cancer
New proposed approach to managing bladder cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the past three months, healthcare systems the world over have understandably focused their resources almost entirely on the challenges of dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. However, other diseases haven’t gone away. As many countries begin to get to grips with coronavirus, attention is
An epidemiological study in England shows an increase in cases of colorectal cancer in young adults as early as their 20s. Although colorectal cancer is typically associated with older age-groups, a recent study has found that there is an increase in cases of colorectal cancer in young people between the ages of 20 to 49.
In laboratory studies in mice, researchers investigated the link between success of an experimental cancer immunotherapy drug and gut bacteria. Different treatment approaches are used to treat different types of cancer. Cancer immunotherapy drugs help the body’s own immune system to attack abnormal tumor cells. Some tumor cells express proteins on their cell surfaces to
Researchers describe the progress of a simple and non-invasive new urine test for prostate cancer that’s currently in development. Prostate cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers among men. Although there are effective treatments, such as radiotherapy and surgery for localized prostate cancer, men diagnosed with more progressive prostate cancer have a poorer
A recent study has investigated whether levels of specific immune cells could predict breast cancer risk. A leukocyte is a white blood cell of the immune system that protects the body against infectious disease and is produced in the bone marrow. There are several sub-types of leukocytes, among them are monocytes and B cells. A
Researchers at Lancaster University recently studied whether eating yogurt may lessen the risk of breast cancer. In the United States, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women. While the rate of breast cancer deaths has gradually decreased since 1999, in 2016 the death rate was 20 deaths per 100,000 women. That equaled to
A recent study supports previous research suggesting lifestyle factors such as diet can reduce breast cancer risk. Previous research has linked lifestyle factors such as diet, physical activity, and smoking status to breast cancer risk. A recent study published in Nutrition Journal further supports this previous research. Researchers examined lifestyle factors and how they affect
New study finds that injecting tumours with flu vaccine may switch tumours from “cold” to “hot”. Immunotherapy is a promising new cancer treatment option that harnesses the body’s own immune system to attack cancer cells. Cancer immunotherapy provides an alternative to classical treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation that are associated with a host of
An interdisciplinary group of scientists has successfully destroyed tumor cells in mice by using nano-sized copper compounds alongside immunotherapy. Importantly, the tumors did not return after the treatment ceased. According to the World Health Organization, cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide — in 2018, it was responsible for approximately 9.6 million deaths.
New study examines whether exposure to 9/11 rubble increases cancer risk. The attacks on the World Trade Centre towers on September 11th, 2001 remain the defining moment of the 21st century. While close to 3,000 people were killed directly by the attacks, the devastating effects may have extended far beyond that fateful date. A new
Adnexal masses are lumps that occur in the adnexa of the uterus, which includes the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. They have several possible causes, which can be gynecological or nongynecological. An adnexal mass could be: A family doctor can usually manage benign masses. However, prepubescent and postmenopausal individuals will need to see a gynecologist
A recent literature review investigates whether turmeric may be useful for treating cancer. The authors conclude that it might be but note that there are many challenges to overcome before it makes it to the clinic. Turmeric is a member of the ginger family. Native to India and Southeast Asia, people have used turmeric root
Cannabidiol (CBD) is available in many forms, including oils, tablets, and creams. The ideal dosages vary depending on both its form and usage. There is little research, though, so doctors are not yet able to confirm the safe, beneficial dosages for each use. CBD is an active ingredient in the cannabis plant. Products that contain
Although scientists continually refine cancer treatments, there is still much room for improvement. A new study, carried out in mice, focuses on salt. The researchers have successfully used sodium chloride nanoparticles to destroy cancer cells. Share on PinterestInjecting salt nanoparticles into mouse tumors restricted their growth significantly. Over the decades, researchers have developed an ever-growing
Researchers have zoomed in on the fine molecular and epigenetic mechanisms that explain the aggressive spread of melanoma. Share on PinterestScientists examine the epigenetic silencing of circRNA and how this drives the spread of melanoma. Along with DNA and proteins, RNA is one of the three essential macromolecules necessary for all forms of life. The
Some forms of breast cancer cause no symptoms in the initial stages, so it is crucial to attend regular screenings. As with other forms of cancer, a person’s outlook is more favorable when a doctor detects the disease early. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), the most common sign of breast cancer is a
New research in mice shows “for the first time” that scientists can use protons to administer radiation therapy in a matter of milliseconds, killing cancer cells while protecting healthy tissue. Share on PinterestA proton-based FLASH session of radiotherapy could kill cancer in milliseconds, research suggests. Over half of the people with a cancer diagnosis receive
Throat cancer is any cancer that develops within a person’s throat. There are two main types of throat cancer: pharyngeal cancer and laryngeal cancer. Pharyngeal cancer develops in the pharynx, which is the part of the throat that sits behind the mouth and nasal cavity. Laryngeal cancer develops in the voice box, or larynx. The
Bitter melon, or bitter gourd, has served as a traditional Indian remedy for centuries. Recently, bitter melon extract supplements have been gaining popularity as an alternative medication for diabetes. Now, new research in mice seems to suggest that bitter melon extract may help fight cancer. Bitter melon (Momordica charantia), also known as bitter gourd, is
Recent experiments in mouse models have shown that injecting an inactivated flu virus into cancer tumors makes them shrink and boosts the effectiveness of immunotherapy. When it comes to cancer tumors, many factors influence whether or not they will respond to treatment. One of these is whether the tumors are “hot” or “cold.” What does
Does using powder in the genital area increase the risk of ovarian cancer? A new data analysis of over 250,000 women found no link, but the authors urge caution as the study may not be large enough. Some people use powder on their genitals to reduce moisture, friction, or odor. Most powder products, which some
Scrotal swelling refers to swelling of the scrotum. The scrotum is the sac of skin that holds the testicles. Sometimes, scrotal swelling may affect the entire scrotum. At other times, there may be swollen lumps on one or both sides of the scrotum. Scrotal swelling may be painless or very painful. Although it can be
According to a recent study, individuals with obesity who undergo weight loss surgery have a reduced risk of developing skin cancer, including melanoma. Share on PinterestA recent study finds more evidence that obesity increases the risk of developing melanoma. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. Melanoma accounts for
“Helen, I’m so sorry to tell you that you have stage 4 ovarian cancer.” I will never forget hearing those words. Share on PinterestCancer treatment was pretty grueling in the 1980s, and outcomes were a lot gloomier than they are today. Nothing could ever prepare you for hearing your doctor say you have cancer. My
Endometrial cancer, a type of cancer that affects the lining of the uterus known as the endometrium, is the sixth most common cancer worldwide amongst women. The known risk factors for endometrial cancer include estrogen levels, obesity, diabetes, and postmenopausal status. Postmenopausal women with high body mass index (BMI) are considered to be at an
A large case-controlled study shows the association between human oral microbiota and pancreatic cancer risk. Pancreatic cancer is the 12th most commonly occurring cancer worldwide and the 7th leading cause of cancer-related death. Due to its high lethality, the five-year survival rate is estimated to be 24% at early diagnosis and 1.8% by advanced-stage diagnosis.
Lung cancer is the second most common type of cancer in adults in the United States. It is also the leading cause of death from cancer. Lung cancer treatment is much more effective when the disease is in its earlier stages. However, most people with lung cancer do not experience symptoms until the disease has