April 2009 Blog Archive
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Women and Colon Cancer
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may be linked to preventing colorectal
cancer in women. Research has shown a 28% reduction in numbers. Hormone
therapy is used by women going through menopause; however since the research
is only preliminary doctors are urging women not to use HRT to protect
themselves from colon cancer. HRT may have adverse affects on some women, so
it is important women consult their physicians prior.
Forbes said, "Dr. David Limsui, lead author of the study and a fellow in the
department of gastroenterology at the Mayo Clinic, said that "the ideal
situation would be that we find the pathway by which estrogen may protect
against colorectal cancer risk and find a drug or a therapy that can provide
protection through that pathway without the adverse effects of estrogen. We
need to figure out how and why."
Such links between HRT and colon cancer were found in the first of these
studies in 2002. So researchers are optimistic this may lead to further and
maybe even more promising research.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Lung Cancer Drug Hope
A Spanish biotechnology company Zeltia has announced that its preclinical
trials of Irvalec a lung cancer medication have shown positive results. The
company has said the experiments have shown 'efficiency' in treating lung
cancer. This brings hope to the lung cancer awareness and treatment arena.
Reuters released the report saying, "The results were presented at an
American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) conference in Denver from
April 18-22, where Zeltia said it also presented promising data on other
drugs in its pipeline."
Although this is great preliminary news on the medication treatment front,
it is vital to lung health and prevention that people at high risk get
regular lung scans and check-ups. The key to treating lung cancer is early
detection.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Walk for Heart Disease
In light of heart disease awareness month and promoting the education of
heart disease related ailments, the American Heart Associations Heart Walk
Sunday went on yesterday. A sea of red shirts flooded around counties in
New York. Increasing awareness is key to funding, research and prevention.
People must realize the importance of healthy lifestyles, regular heart
scans if you are a high risk candidate (smoker, high cholesterol, family
history etc), and exercise.
News 10 in New York said, "Right now we're reaching $200,000, but we're on a
great track right now," said Hartmann. As survivors swapped stories,
organizers were hoping to pull in big bucks for future research and
education. But the walk's about more than just raising funds, it's also
about raising awareness. Including some of the best ways to prevent heart
disease, such as proper diet and plenty of exercise."
Physicians and patients alike are hoping heart awareness, heart walks and
educational programs will aid in prevention for many baby-boomers. If you
are keen on learning more about heart prevention methods and scans, inquire
at
scandirectory.com.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Hysterectomy and Heart Disease
A new study shows that there may be a link between women removing their
ovaries and heart disease. The research says that the possible link is
related to women who remove healthy ovaries have a higher risk of
contracting fatal heart disease.
The Los Angeles Times article said about the study in the Journal of
Obstetrics & Gynecology, "But the study's authors said routine removal is
often not a good choice. Though the risk of ovarian and breast cancer
declined after ovary removal, the risk of heart disease and stroke for women
under 50 nearly doubled, and risk of death overall before age 50 rose by
40%."
Nearly 600,000 women annually have a hysterectomy with hopes of preventing
or treating ovarian cancer, but now some doctors are urging healthy patients
not to undergo such hasty preventative measures. This study was more
specifically correlated to women who had yet to go through menopause.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Breastfeeding and Heart Disease
Some new research is showing that their may be a possible link between
breastfeeding and reducing the instances of heart disease. Breastfeeding a
child is said to have many perks, however this would greatly incite
excitement and awareness among young mothers.
KYW News said, "But there's an unexpected benefit. The University Of
Pittsburgh study has found that breastfeeding can protect women heart
disease later in life. The research found that compared to women who never
breastfed women who breastfed for one to six months had a five percent lower
risk for high blood pressure, seven percent lower risk for high cholesterol,
and nine percent lower risk for diabetes. Women who breasfed for two or more
years during their lives had a 13 percent lower risk of high blood pressure
and 12 percent lower for diabetes. "
Researchers however noted that we should not take this preliminary research
on just yet, as it is still in the process of being experimented and
tested. But this would be great prospect for mothers feeling the negative
affects of breastfeeding.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
The Silent Killer
We've all heard about it, but why is it still happening? Silent heart
attacks are still highly prevalent and sadly result in thousands of deaths
annually. We can play our part in preventing heart disease and heart attack
by having regular heart-scan screenings and check-ups; however these silent
killers are capable of flying under the radar. They pose few visible
symptoms and often times go unidentified or untreated. We need to change
our mentality about disease and take an active role in prevention and early
detection.
Forbes reported, "These silent heart attacks, also called non-Q-wave
unrecognized myocardial infarctions (UMIs), often go undetected because they
don't cause any pain and don't leave behind telltale irregularities that can
be detected on electrocardiograms (EKGs)."
Hopefully with more awareness about the dangers of this silent killer,
people will shift their lifestyle and begin to actively pursue prevention
methods and early detection scans with hopes of catching any problems early
on.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Strict Scrutiny
Over the course of the past month or two
virtual colonoscopies have been
subject to strict scrutiny from the government and health insurers like
Medicare and Medicaid. Much of the disputes have been over the
effectiveness of the virtual scans in preventing colon cancer and if the
healthcare providers should pay for the procedure. But this may be in
indicator of failed policies and government spending.
The Los Angeles Times said, "The procedure is cheaper and more comfortable
than the traditional method. Proponents say the noninvasive approach will
save lives by increasing the number of people who get screened. Around
50,000 people die every year from colorectal cancer, many because they
avoided a traditional colonoscopy. Federal officials are now deciding if
Medicare should cover virtual colonoscopy for millions of senior citizens, a
determination that could have consequences for all consumers, as well as
doctors, hospitals and medical equipment makers. The decision is expected
next month."
For some patients this style of screening suits brilliantly: it requires no
post-recovery time, takes minutes to perform and is non-invasive. It lacks
the hassles and pains of traditional screening methods. So hopefully within
the next month we will know more definitively if healthcare companies will
pay for scans.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Ageism, Strokes and Scans
A study in the UK is showing that many healthcare clinics are shunning aging
stroke patients. The notion of ageism has taken ground in the UK health
system according to some reports. The study which was reported on by the
Telegraph said that younger stroke patients are given more follow-up MRI
scans and treatments as opposed to more senior patients.
The Telegraph story said, "They were also "significantly" more likely to be
given advice on how to lose weight and other lifestyle tips to reduce their
chances of suffering another stroke, despite evidence that older patients
benefit as much from such advice. Last year a study by Oxford University
showed that ageism was preventing many elderly people from receiving heart
treatments, including clot-busting drugs, routinely given to younger
patients."
Strokes are generally one of the top three killers in Britain and the US,
and often stroke patients are left disabled after the debilitating disease.
Meaning a large portion of those left disabled need physio treatment and
rehabilitation, but are sadly not given such treatments.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Awareness Increase
According to industry observers, more people are aware of the need and
importance of annual colon screenings. Whether this is traditional screening
methods or
virtual colonoscopies, it was not noted. However the fact that
awareness has increased is essential to preventing colorectal cancer.
Nationwide doctors have said more patients are enquiring about scanning methods
and how to prevent colon cancer.
New York's News 10 said, "Doctors say more people are realizing the
importance of getting a colon screening. After all, a screening is
recommended for both men and women at the age of 50."
This increase of awareness, education and treatment may hopefully decrease
the rates of colon cancer related deaths, because in fact colon cancer is
said to be treatable and preventable.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Coffee and Colon Cancer
Previous studies had shown that coffee consumption may have been linked to decreased colon cancer rates among women. However, new studies are showing that the results are not consistent and correlated.
Reuters reported saying, "An inverse association between coffee consumption and the risk of colorectal cancer has been found in several case-control studies," but the association was not consistent in prospective cohort studies, which are designed differently, Dr. Youjin Je, of Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, and colleagues note. "
The most important link to treating, beating and preventing colorectal cancer is regular colonoscopy checks. And in recent years with the advent of virtual colonoscopy doing so is not only effective but also less-invasive and more efficient.
Monday, April 13, 2009
LA County High Heart Disease Rates
Los Angeles is generally associated with high fashion, Hollywood, yoga, and
all things healthy and trendy. But the most recent fad to take over the
city of Angels is actually heart disease. Local health officials claim that
obesity is the running problem in LA, similarly city officials and these
researchers say that LAs city-life and lifestyle do not breed healthy living
for all residents. The city is not condusive to parks, running, safety on
the streets. Rather LA is congested, traffic-ridden and a concrete jungle.
The Los Angeles Times said, "Los Angeles County ranks among the worst of
California's 58 counties in deaths caused by heart disease and diabetes,
according to a report released this week by the California Department of
Public Health. Local health officials said the poor rankings -- 46th in
deaths from diabetes and 48th in deaths from coronary heart disease -- are a
continued sign that obesity-related deaths are a major problem in the
county."
Alongside this research the same physicians have also said residents in LA
are prone to eating out more and drinking out more, causing increased
caloric intake and alochol intake, which both may adversely affect your
heart health. For residents of LA regular heart scans may be a wise
choice.
Thursday, April 09, 2009
Obesity and High Risks of Heart Failure
Researchers are saying that waist size of women may be more important to
women as opposed to men in regards to heart disease and heart failure.
Swedish researchers have said that another thing to add onto the list of
problems linked to obesity is heart disease. Obese patients have always been
told they are at high risk of developing heart ailments which is why these
high risk patients have been urged by physicians to get yearly heart scans
and check ups to prevent such problems.
Forbes reported saying, "These are several possible explanations for the
difference, Levitan said. "One is that the type of heart failure that men
and women get is different," she said. "Another is that overall body size is
more important than body shape in men." Whatever the reason, the lesson for
both men and women is that weight control can reduce the risk of heart
failure, Levitan said."
The research also said that obesity may also be known to simply induce heart
failure not even heart disease, so it is vital to take precaution and
prevention methods to diagnose such issues early on.
Thursday, April 09, 2009
Colon Cancer Hope with Stem Cells
Colon cancer is one of the top three most popular forms of cancer that cause
death worldwide. However, if caught in it's early stages colon cancer can
be warded off and treated. Unfortunately a large number or people do not
get yearly virtual colonoscopies for early diagnosis. New research has
emerged on the market that destroying abnormal stem cells can aid in
treating colon cancer in it's early stages.
BBC News said, "Immature cells line the gut and normally replace and repair
the tissue but malfunctions can lead to cancer. Scientists believe detecting
and obliterating these rogue cancer stem cells as soon as they appear could
be a potent new anti-cancer strategy. Scientists are still uncertain exactly
which cells in the gut become cancer stem cells. But they know definitively
that they exist - and that they play a central role in the formation of
cancer"
Although the study is still fairly new, it is promising for physicians and
patients alike. By catching colon cancer early, treatments become less
invasive and decrease side effects significantly.
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
Energy Drinks and Heart Disease
Though nothing is definitive as of yet, some research is showing that there may be a link between energy drink consumption and patients with high blood pressure or heart disease getting ill. The sudden increase in heart rate is what concerns physicians more. Likewise patients who are high risk candidates to begin with may deem it a wise choice to get regular yearly screenings as energy drinks may the possibility of adverse affects.
Fox News said, "In a study, Dr. James S. Kalus and colleagues found that healthy adults who drank two cans of a popular energy drink experienced an increase in blood pressure and heart rate.The increases in blood pressure and heart rate were insignificant for healthy adults, but could prove a problem for people with a heart-related condition, the researchers warn. Energy drinks, marketed to enhance brain function and stamina, usually contain caffeine, taurine, sugars, vitamins, and other nutritional supplements, the investigators point out. The potential effects of energy drinks on blood pressure and the heart have not been well studied."
Monday, April 06, 2009
Virtual Colonoscopy Still Vying for Medicare Coverage
Virtual colonoscopy advocates are still trying to convince Medicare to cover
the procedure. With over 50,000 deaths annually and over 5,000 new cases
every year of Colorectal Cancer, some physicians are pushing preventive
imaging.
Houston Chronicle article about virtual colonoscopies said, "One surefire
way to reduce deaths is by screening to identify CRC when it is curable.
Colorectal cancer often arises from mushroomlike growths inside the colon
known as polyps, and removal of polyps can prevent a cancer from developing
into a more lethal form. Although several tests exist today, less than half
of eligible adults have undergone any of these, and the screening rates are
even lower in minorities, where the disease exacts an even greater toll."
The article interviewed the University of Texas doctor who invented the
virtual colonoscopy in 1993. The decision by Medicare to opt out paying for
procedures has caused the notion of preventative imaging to make headlines,
so it may actually bring good coverage for the industry even if Medicare
isn't paying for it. After all awareness and education is key to
prevention.
Friday, April 03, 2009
Women and Smoking
The BBC has reported that an average of 17 people die each week in Northern Ireland. The study also said that annually nearly 1000 people are diagnose with lung cancer in Northern Island, predominantly caused by poor smoking habits. These numbers seem astronomically high especially if a large proportion is affecting the youth population.
The BBC article said, "Young women are still smoking too much, warned the report compiled by the Northern Ireland Cancer Registry and Queen's University Belfast. The survey looked at the experiences of more than 2,200 lung cancer patients over the course of a decade from 1996 to 2006. It found there were fewer cases among men under 65 but not for women in this age group."
Though the numbers may not be as drastically high as those noted in Ireland, lung cancer still remains a serious issue in the US as well. More and more people are beginning to take initiative and get regular yearly lung scans, especially those of which who are high risk candidates like smokers.
Thursday, April 02, 2009
Oral Hygiene may be Linked to Heart Disease
If you thought brushing your teeth kept the dentist away, it may actually be keeping the cardiologist away as well. A study has found a link between certain oral bacteria and increased instances of heart disease. Apparently, brushing your teeth properly and good dental hygiene can help your prevention of heart attack significantly.
The UK Telegraph said, "Bacteria in the mouth was significantly associated with heart attacks even when other factors known to contribute to poor heart health such as have high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, body weight and smoking, were adjusted for. The subjects found to have Tannerella forsythensis were 53 per cent more likely to be in the group who had suffered a heart attack and those with Prevotella intermedia were 35 per cent more likely to be in that group than in the control group."
Research in this field had been done previously, however this is the first study with substantial viable evidence.
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
Colon Cancer Awareness
The slogan best used during colon cancer awareness month is "preventable, beatable, and treatable." So why is that so many people still succumb to the disease that is so easily 'preventable, beatable and treatable.' Well frankly, many people still do not get year check-ups and colonoscopies. For those of you still concerned about the embarrassment and discomfort with traditional methods, try virtual colonoscopies, they are non-invasive and require far less from your pre-procedure wise.
KKTV reported on the awareness month, "So living such a healthy lifestyle, it came as a shock when some unusual bleeding... led to the diagnosis of colon cancer."It was really surprising to me because I didn't have any other symptoms," said Hart. "I was feeling fine."Susan is not alone. The number of men and women diagnosed with colorectal cancer every year is growing. Dr. Jason Huff with Penrose Cancer Center says we all need to be aware."
The doctor interviewed also recommended that even if you are healthy to shift your lifestyle to exercise more, eat less red meat, eat more fruits and veggies and get screened yearly.
