Cancer screening rates low

BY LENA HUANG | JANUARY 31, 2012

The percentage of Americans getting screened for cancer is below national targets with lower rates in the Asian and Hispanic populations, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Cancer Institute in a study released last Friday.

The study revealed that in 2010 breast cancer screening rates were 72.4 percent, which is below the target of 81 percent set by Healthy People 2020, a government initiative to set benchmarks to measure the impact of prevention activities. Cervical cancer screening was at 83 percent compared with the benchmark of 93 percent; and colorectal cancer screening was at 58.6 percent lower than the target of 70.5 percent.

According to the report, screening rates in the Asian population were "significantly lower" at 64.1 percent for breast cancer, 75.4 percent for cervical cancer and 46.9 percent for colorectal cancer. Hispanics were less likely to be screened for cervical cancer (78.7 percent) and colorectal cancer (46.5 percent) compared with non-Hispanics at 83.8 percent and 59.9 percent, respectively.

In a statement accompanying the study, lead author Sallyann Coleman King, MD, said, "It is troubling to see that not all Americans are getting the recommended cancer screenings and that disparities continue to persist for certain populations. Screening can find breast, cervical, and colorectal cancers at an early stage when treatment is more effective." King, who is also an epidemic intelligence service officer in the CDC's division of cancer prevention, added, "We must continue to monitor cancer screening rates to improve the health of all Americans."

While financial costs may be a barrier to some in obtaining screening, the report also notes programs that can help. The CDC's National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program provides access to free or low-cost screening and diagnostic services to underserved women across the country. The CDC's Colorectal Cancer Control Program offers access to screening to underserved men and women in 25 states. In addition, reducing financial barriers to preventive care is an aim of the Affordable Care Act. Under the act, breast, cervical and colorectal cancer screening is covered free under Medicare and new health insurance plans.

• Two new drugs approved, one pulled from the pipeline
• A call for more pancreatic cancer research
• An introduction to cancer: From a father and his daughter
• The cushion of silence
• Cancer apps

Cancer apps

BY LENA HUANG | JANUARY 13, 2012

Last summer, the National Cancer Institute and the Office for the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology challenged innovators to create applications that help cancer patients, survivors and healthcare professionals. The winners were recently announced and were each awarded $20,000 to develop their technology. Although these apps are still in the early stages of development, you can test some out and see what the future may look like for technology that helps us along the cancer journey. Here are the two winners:

1. Ask Dory! was developed by Chintan Patel, PhD, and Sharib Kahn, MD, of Applied Informatics to help patients find clinical trials. It utilizes information from clinicaltrials.gov and takes you through a decision tree, or series of questions, to personalize and find the best trial for you. Dory was named after the curious fish in "Finding Nemo."

2. My Cancer Genome was developed by researchers at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center as a personalized support tool to help patients, caregivers and healthcare providers match genetic mutations to therapies, treatments and clinical trials. Developers have started with cancers that are known to have genetic links and plan to add new content as more genes and diseases are connected and as more targeted therapies emerge.

The semifinalists also had intriguing ideas. One program focuses on cancer screening and decision making, and the other plans to provide personalized strategies for reducing cancer risk. If you are interested in seeing the semifinalists, you can look here.

Congratulations to these innovators who are working to use the latest technology to make cancer more understandable and personalized!

• Two new drugs approved, one pulled from the pipeline
• Cancer screening rates low
• A call for more pancreatic cancer research
• An introduction to cancer: From a father and his daughter
• The cushion of silence

Drug shortage webinar

BY LENA HUANG | NOVEMBER 10, 2011

Although President Obama issued an executive order last week to tackle the growing shortages of some medicines, the results of that order may not come fast enough for many cancer patients in need of treatments. More than 22 chemotherapy drugs, about 35 to 40 percent of the total number of approved cancer drugs, are in short supply.

To support cancer patients' concerns and provide help, Fight Colorectal Cancer is hosting a free webinar on the drug shortages called "What to do when your doc is out of 5-FU (or leucovorin or irinotecan)" on November 16 at 8:00 p.m. (EST). Dr. Lindsey Poppe, the pharmacy clinical manager of oncology for the University of North Carolina hospital system, will provide alternatives and advice for patients and discuss how to take action to get your government representatives involved in a resolution. To participate, register here.

After Nov. 16, the webinar can be accessed at fightcolorectalcancer.org.

• Two new drugs approved, one pulled from the pipeline
• Cancer screening rates low
• A call for more pancreatic cancer research
• An introduction to cancer: From a father and his daughter
• The cushion of silence

Vitamin D and folate may reduce cancer risk

BY LENA HUANG | SEPTEMBER 12, 2011

Two separate studies recently linked vitamin D and folate intake to a reduction in colorectal cancer risk.

In the vitamin D study, published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, researchers found that people with higher blood levels of vitamin D had as much as a 33 percent reduction in colorectal cancer risk compared with those with the lowest levels. The group also found a 12 percent lower colorectal cancer risk for those with a high intake of supplemental vitamin D compared with those with the lowest intake.

While scientists are unsure about the exact connection between vitamin D and cancer, it is suggested that it may decrease the risk of cancer through cell proliferation or inhibiting angiogenesis (blood vessel growth to the tumor). The recommended daily allowance for vitamin D is 600 IU for most people, with 800 IU recommended for those above age 70. Vitamin D is found in salmon, tuna, fortified juices and milk.

The study results came from a meta-analysis that reviewed 18 studies that included over 10,000 people. Of the studies, which spanned three continents, nine looked at vitamin D intake and nine examined blood levels of vitamin D in the blood. Researchers noted this lack of uniform criteria, however, meta-analysis are used to study trends in similar data that may not been seen in a single study. They suggested the results be confirmed in large, randomized clinical trials of vitamin D supplementation.

In the folate study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers found that people with a higher folate intake per day were 30 percent less likely to get colorectal cancer than those who consumed less. For these results, researchers interviewed almost 6500 participants from the NIH-AARP Diet and Health Study who were diagnosed with colorectal cancer.

In the 1990s, folate supplementation was added to grain products in order to prevent birth defects. The recommended daily allowance of folate is 400 micrograms for most adults and 600 micrograms for pregnant women. Folate can be found in many fortified cereals as well as vegetables and beans.

The lead investigator of the study, Todd Gibson from the National Cancer Institute, told Reuters that "people don't need to change their current activities [with respect to folate]. Most people are getting what is considered an adequate amount."

• Organic choices may minimize cancer risks
• Some bitter pills
• When the “new normal” doesn’t feel normal at all
• Two thumbs up
• TED talks about Angiogenesis

Free webinars for patients and survivors

BY LENA HUANG | JULY 27, 2011

Fight Colorectal Cancer is hosting two free webinars for cancer patients, survivors, caregivers and advocates. Fight Colorectal Cancer, formerly the Colorectal Cancer Coalition, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and educating people with colorectal cancer. Members advocate on behalf of patients and caregivers to increase research funding and influence policy and legislative change.

CURE's fall issue will feature an article on people who have made cancer their mission. If you are interested in doing the same, the webinar "Couch Potato Advocacy: 3 Things You Can Do at Home to Help the Fight" will steer you in that direction. It features David Pugach, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network's associate director of federal relations, providing "tips on how to take your experience as a cancer fighter and use it to make a difference for all those in the fight of their lives." This webinar is on August 17, 2011, from 8:00 PM to 9:30 PM EDT. To register, click here.

Getting cancer is tough enough without having to deal with losing a job or insurance. Learn what your rights are at "Cancer and the Law" hosted by Laura Riley of the Cancer Legal Resource Center (CLRC). Riley will discuss common cancer-related legal issues for patients and survivors, such as employment rights, health insurance options, disability insurance and taking off work for medical reasons. The CLRC is a nonprofit that provides free legal assistance and counseling to cancer patients, survivors, friends and family. This webinar takes place on September 21, 2011, from 8:00 PM to 9:30 PM EDT. To register, click here.

And for more information on Fight Colorectal Cancer, you can access their website at fightcolorectalcancer.org.

• A 'gutsy' phase 3 clinical trial in colorectal cancer
• Aspirin delivers on colorectal cancer prevention
• Cancer Coach on your mobile phone
• Drug shortage webinar
• Celebrating 13 years of unexpected blessings

Women's retreat to heal from cancer

BY LENA HUANG | JULY 20, 2011

Shambhala Mountain Center is hosting its fifth annual retreat "Courageous Women, Fearless Living: A Retreat for Women Touched by Cancer," and if you act fast, the Center is giving away two free registrations!

The goal of this nurturing retreat is to provide support and healing to those on the cancer journey by "integrating body, mind and heart." Professionals will give classes on healthcare, nutrition, meditation, yoga, visualization and art therapy. Leaders include Victoria Maizes, MD, executive director of Dr. Andrew Weil's University of Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine, and Linda Sparrowe, writer, yoga instructor and editor-in-chief of the magazine Natural Solutions.

Shambhala Mountain Center is located on 600 beautiful acres in northern Colorado. It has been offering programs and retreats on meditation, yoga and other contemplative disciplines since 1971. The Center is also affiliated with Shambhala International, a network of over 170 groups, centers and retreats around the world.

To apply for the two free registrations, click here. The drawing will be on July 25, 2011, so register soon! Good luck!

To find out more about the retreat, click here.

Here are some comments from past "Courageous Women, Fearless Living" attendees:

"This program will help me to begin my 'new life' – perfect timing, perfect content. I just finished radiation one month ago and had no idea what to do next! Now I know I am reborn."

"Thank you for sharing this sacred land. You worked so hard to show us love and compassion. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I felt so loved. This may have saved my life – I had lost hope, but now...I want to go on."

"For me, the five days we spent together in this blissful healing environment was wonderful from so many perspectives. I loved the nutritional guidance, the yoga, the meditation, the healing visualizations and most of all the courageous women, so full of life and vigor."

• Two new drugs approved, one pulled from the pipeline
• Cancer screening rates low
• A call for more pancreatic cancer research
• An introduction to cancer: From a father and his daughter
• The cushion of silence

New FDA sunscreen rules

BY LENA HUANG | JUNE 17, 2011

This week, the Food and Drug Administration announced new regulations on sunscreens that will go into effect next year. These regulations include:

• a maximum SPF of 50 because 50+ doesn't offer more protection,

• SPF will include UVA and UVB light protection (currently SPF only refers to UVB),

• and "waterproof" or "sweatproof" cannot be used to describe sunscreens but "water resistant" can be used if product testing proves it can be resistant at two intervals, 40 or 80 minutes.

The new regulations were the topic of the Diane Rehm show yesterday. As always, I found her show informative, and in her usual style, Rehm interviewed both proponents and critics, one critic who said it has taken the FDA over 30 years to come up with these rules, while skin cancer rates continue to multiply each year in the U.S.

While this may be true, it's important to focus on what we can do. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer, and yes, skin cancer rates continue to climb each year. So what can we do about this now? The dermatologist that Rehm interviewed had some great suggestions. She said we should stop thinking sunscreen is just for the beach, but something we use every day we are exposed to the sun. Also, we need to reapply sunscreen every couple of hours because it can come off from sweat or rubbing with a towel or napkin.

I also learned from the show that sunscreen has about a two-year shelf life. Sunscreens that have been around longer than that may not provide the full protection, if any. For those who don't want to wear sunscreens, there are many options for sun protective clothing. The American Cancer Society provides some additional skin cancer prevention tips at its website.

The American Academy of Dermatology also has helpful online tools such as prevention tips, a "mole map" to help you determine skin cancer and locations where you can get free skin cancer screenings.

So while the FDA regulations may be late and won't be in effect for another year, don't use that as an excuse not to use sunscreen or wear protective clothing or hats. Every bit helps in the fight against skin cancer.

• Two new drugs approved, one pulled from the pipeline
• Cancer screening rates low
• A call for more pancreatic cancer research
• An introduction to cancer: From a father and his daughter
• The cushion of silence

Cynthia Nixon talks about cancer and "Sex and the City"

BY LENA HUANG | MAY 13, 2011

While there are many inspiring aspects of my job as CURE's senior managing editor, one of my favorite moments of the year is attending CURE's Extraordinary Healer Award for Oncology Nursing. This year's event honored three outstanding nurses who went above and beyond to help their patients. But the evening also pays tribute to all oncology nurses and how they encourage and sustain those on the cancer journey.

At this year's event, the mistress of ceremonies was Cynthia Nixon who is known for her role as Miranda on "Sex and the City" and for countless other characters she has portrayed in plays, movies and television. Among her many awards are Emmys, a Tony, a Grammy and Golden Globes. All this is very admirable, no doubt, but I am also impressed by Nixon's advocacy as a breast cancer survivor.

I had the opportunity to chat with Nixon for a few minutes before she went on to host the Extraordinary Healer event. She spoke openly about her breast cancer experience and shared details of her treatment. She also shared her mother's story, a two-time survivor who, after being first diagnosed with breast cancer, had to advocate for a lumpectomy over mastectomy during a time when lumpectomies were not common. And Nixon discussed the "Sex and the City" episodes in which Samantha had breast cancer.

I asked Nixon if having cancer changed her life. She said, "It's so hard to know. I got cancer the year I turned 40. Turning 40 was a big deal for me, not necessarily in a bad way. It just felt like I had arrived at a real peak in my life--that I could look forward and I could look back. I had a big party and invited people from my past, my present, and people I didn't know well but always wanted to be friends with. And I feel like the cancer only added to that feeling--that we are not going to be here forever. Are you living your life the way you want it to be? What are the things you've always wanted to do or meant to do? You're still here, and you're 40. Why aren't you doing them? It sounds small but I started taking singing lessons, things like that, that really made me put my money where my mouth was. You can't constantly defer--at some point, you have to step up."

To read the entire interview, click here. And tell us what you have "stepped up" to change in your life after cancer.

• Two new drugs approved, one pulled from the pipeline
• Cancer screening rates low
• A call for more pancreatic cancer research
• An introduction to cancer: From a father and his daughter
• The cushion of silence

Free to breathe

BY LENA HUANG | MAY 6, 2011

In 2006, the National Lung Cancer Partnership created Free to Breathe, a program that started as a walk to raise awareness and research funding for lung cancer. Today, Free to Breathe has grown into over 30 events across the country, which include run/walks, yogathons and golf tournaments. There's also a national walk week (November 5-11) in which you can pick any day of the week that works for you to walk anywhere in your community at any distance!

For those of you in the Dallas area on May 21, some of the CURE team will be waking early to participate in the Free to Breathe 5K run/walk and 1 mile walk at the Oak Point Park and Nature Preserve at 2801 East Spring Creek Parkway in Plano, Texas. Join us, and help bring attention to a disease that is the leading cause of cancer death in the U.S.

For more information about the Dallas Free to Breathe or to find an event in your area, check out the website here.

The National Lung Cancer Partnership is a nonprofit organization of doctors, researchers, patient advocates and survivors who are devoted to raising awareness of lung cancer, to improving patient education for the disease and to generate funding for research. Since its inception, it has funded over $2.2 million in research and provided patient education to countless people. To learn more about the National Lung Cancer Partnership and the work it is doing, check out the website here.

Do you participate in a cancer-related event? Tell us about it so we can spread the word!

• Two new drugs approved, one pulled from the pipeline
• Cancer screening rates low
• A call for more pancreatic cancer research
• An introduction to cancer: From a father and his daughter
• The cushion of silence

Exercise for cancer rehabilitation

BY LENA HUANG | MAY 5, 2011

I just got back from the Oncology Nursing Society's annual congress in Boston, and I always feel overwhelmed by all the material that is covered at the conference. Because oncology nurses provide such a variety and depth of care to patients and survivors, the list of topics at this conference is huge. From the specifics of targeted therapies to the details of genetic testing, from electronic medical records to supportive care issues, the range of subjects is vast.

Since it is impossible to attend every lecture, I try to at least attend the ones on nutrition and exercise, subjects I cover for CURE. On Sunday, I attended an informative session called "Exercise Across the Survivorship Continuum" hosted by three physical therapists: Lisa VanHoose, PT, PhD, of the University of Kansas; Leslie Bell, PT, CLT, of Belisse, a physical therapy clinic; and Mary Calys, PT, DPT, of the North Kansas City Hospital.

The therapists discussed how the role of oncology rehabilitation has expanded to the point that it needs to be a standard component of comprehensive oncology care. Research has shown exercise may decrease the risk of some cancers, that it can increase survival for breast and colon cancer survivors and that it may prevent and treat psychological and physiological challenges faced by survivors. Exercise addresses many side effects of cancer treatment, such as fatigue, neuropathy, lymphedema, radiation fibrosis, sleep disturbances, depression, weight loss and weight gain.

The therapists demonstrated some simple exercises that can be used by most patients, such as breathing and massage, even sitting then standing up. But they emphasized that patients and survivors should have exercise programs designed to their specific, individual needs and goals. Often, the therapists are asked to provide a general exercise program or protocol for patients of a specific tumor type. But, they said, you can't have a "recipe" for all patients. Each patient or survivor needs to be assessed on his or her level of wellness, impairments and goals of therapy.

The therapists showed how the goal of therapy influences the prescription. One patient had walking limitations and wanted to bass fish again. Another survivor was a concert violinist who was unable to play because of chemo-induced neuropathy. And yet, another patient wanted to go sky-diving. With different goals in mind, you could see how their exercise plans would differ.

So, make sure you discuss your exercise goals and objectives with your nurse or healthcare provider. If you are fortunate enough to have a physical therapist or oncology rehabilitation specialist on staff at your hospital, take advantage of their expertise in reaching your fitness goals.

Also, for more on cancer rehabilitation, check out Julie Silver's blog here.

• More than just cancer awareness
• Starting a Yoga Practice: Practical advice from a survivor turned yoga teacher
• The Healing Yoga Project
• New exercise guidelines for cancer survivors
• "Finish Your Race" to help end acute myeloid leukemia