Having More Children Linked to Lower Ovarian Cancer Rates

According to a new study in which “British researchers analyzed data from more than 8,000 women to determine risk factors” of the most prevalent types of ovarian cancer, “the more children a woman has, the lower her risk of ovarian cancer may be” (Preidt, 2015). In comparison to women without children, the results suggest women with one child have a “20 percent lower overall risk of ovarian cancer and a 40 percent lower risk of endometrioid and clear cell tumors,” and “each additional child offered an additional 8 percent reduction in overall ovarian cancer risk” (Preidt, 2015). Considering that there were over 8,000 participants in this study, these results seem to be significant. However, this cannot be confirmed yet because the p value (the standard measure of statistical significance) was not made available.

Nevertheless, it is interesting that having more children is inversely proportional to the chances of a woman developing ovarian cancer. Furthermore, women who have had tubal ligations also appear to have less of a chance of being afflicted with one of the four types of ovarian cancer (Preidt, 2015). have a “20 percent lower overall risk of ovarian cancer; a 20 percent lower risk for high-grade serous tumors; and a 50 percent lower risk for endometrioid and clear cell tumors” (Preidt, 2015). I realize this is slightly ironic because you cannot have more children if you have a tubal ligation, but this study is presumably referring to tubal ligation later in life, after women are certain they are done having children.

Of course it is controversial to suggest that women need to have more kids or should undergo tubal ligations later in life. However, we have seen that having a larger family, and thus a larger support system, seems to correlate with lower cancer incidence rates. If you are interested in learning how marriage can possibly reduce cancer, please refer to my post from September, 2015.

I personally think this research study is quite fascinating, but I do not believe that having a certain amount of kids or a tubal ligation necessarily defines the line between a cancer diagnosis and a cancer-free life. Of course, I could be wrong. But the fact of the matter is that cancer is generally accepted to arise as a result of a variety of contributing factors. Most of these factors are not as drastic as childbirth and tubal ligation. We can’t control our genetics, but we should definitely try to keep alcohol, cigarette, soda, BPA, and MSG consumption to a minimum. In our society it is often hard to live without some of these risk factors, but it is important to consider that we must do everything potentially harmful in moderation to minimize cancer risk!

Preidt, Robert. “Having Children Tied to Lower Ovarian Cancer Risk.” Retrieved Nov. 3, 2015 from http://www.webmd.com/ovarian-cancer/news/20151103/study-links-having-children-to-lower-ovarian-cancer-risk. 3 November 2015. Web.

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Promising Cuban Lung Cancer Vaccine

Over the last few years, Cuba has developed a promising vaccine against lung cancer. Improved relations between the United States and Cuba likely means that “US researchers will bring the Cimavax vaccine stateside and get on track for approval by the Food and Drug Administration” (Patel). The current Cimavax vaccine does not directly attack tumors. Instead, it targets proteins produced by tumors. This allows for production of antibodies against epidermal growth factors (hormones) known to cause cancer. In other words, “the point of Cimavax is to keep lung tumors from growing and metastasizing, turning a late-stage growth into something chronic but manageable” (Patel). In its current form, Cimavax is comparable to other cancer treatment options in the United States and throughout Europe. However, researchers at Roswell Park Cancer institute in Buffalo, NY recognize that the Cimavax vaccine has great potential to become a “preventative intervention” against lung cancer and “many other cancers, like prostate, breast, colon, and pancreatic cancer” (Patel). The Cubans have innovated a vaccine with a great foundation. There is much hope that pharmaceutical companies in the US, Europe and Japan will take Cimavax to the next level and transform it into a successful preventative drug that will spare millions of people the pain and suffering of cancer.

Works Cited

Patel, Neel V. “Cuba Has a Lung Cancer Vaccine – And America Wants it.” Retrieved May 11, 2015 from http://www.wired.com/2015/05/cimavax-roswell-park-cancer-institute/. 11 May 2015. Web.

Can Cannabis Extracts be Used to Destroy Brain Tumors?

A research study performed by Dr. Wai Liu and his research team at St. George’s, University of London, U.K. has found that the most effective treatment of brain cancer in mice is a combination of radiotherapy treatment and an active chemical component of the cannabis plant called cannabinoids (Moore). Two of these cannabinoids were tested individually as part of the study: THC (commonly associated with marijuana) and cannabidiol (CBD). Scientists who took part in the research claim that tumors growing in mice brains were “drastically slowed down” when THC or CBD were used in conjunction with irradiation (Moore). Dr Wai Liu, lead researcher on the project, commented, “Those [mice] treated with both irradiation and the cannabinoids saw the most beneficial results and a drastic reduction in size. In some cases, the tumors effectively disappeared in the animals” (Moore). The research team is discussing the possibility of conducting clinical trials on humans to test to effectiveness of an irradiation + THC/CBD treatment on humans.

I am very excited about the results of the research study performed on mice, and I really hope Dr. Liu and his team get permission to conduct human clinical trials. While this combination of irradiation and cannabinoids is not a potential cure for brain cancer, it definitely has the potential to be a very efficient treatment. If the treatment is found to destroy brain tumors in humans, perhaps it will also be able to destroy other types of tumors too. We just have to wait and see.

Works Cited

Moore, Charles. “Study Finds Cannabis Extract/Radiotherapy Combo Can Make Some Brain Cancer Tumors ‘Virtually Disappear.'” Retrieved November 19th, 2014 from http://radiationtherapynews.com/2014/11/18/study-finds-cannabis-extractradiotherapy-combo-can-make-brain-cancer-tumors-virtually-disappear/. 18 November 2014. Web.

Toothpaste Linked to Cancer?

Many of you may have heard on TV, on the radio or through other people that Colgate Total toothpaste contains a chemical called triclosan that may increase the chance of cancer development (particularly breast cancer). It is understandable if you are worried about this. After all, if you use Colgate Total at least twice a day every day of the year, that’s certainly a lot of triclosans going into your body! While I don’t know enough information to write that using Colgate Total will definitely increase your chance of getting cancer, I do recommend using a different brand of toothpaste. It is always better to be “safe than sorry.” Not too long ago most people thought that BPA-containing products were harmless as well, but researchers have shown a clear link between BPA exposure and cancer incidence rates. Thus, avoiding the use of Colgate Total might be worth it in the long run… it is definitely worth it to spend a few more dollars on toothpaste every few months in order to ensure that you are maximizing your health in the present and future!

Here is a link to a great article that goes into much more detail about Colgate Total and the triclosans it contains; I highly recommend reading this to get a better understand of this situation…
http://www.newsweek.com/cancer-lurking-your-toothpaste-and-your-soap-and-your-lipstick-268322

New Alternative to Chemotherapy?

Watch this video to find out what the future has in store in regards to more efficient cancer treatments… Perhaps it will even entirely replace chemotherapy!

Works Cited:

“Cancer breakthrough? Genetic sequencing could change cancer treatment forever.” Online video clip. Youtube. Youtube, 21 May 2014. Web. 23 May 2014.

“Genetic sequencing could change cancer treatment forever.” Cbsnews.com. Retrieved May 23, 2014 from http://www.cbsnews.com/news/genetic-sequencing-could-change-cancer-treatment-forever/. Web. 23 May 2014.

 

 

Inspirational Video

I highly recommend for everyone to take a few minutes out of their days and watch this very inspirational video of a three year old girl who is clearly doing her best to fight cancer. My eyes truly began to tear up as I watched this earlier in the day.

3-Year-Old Sets The Bar High For The Rest Of Us With A Haircut 

 

World Cancer Day

Today is 2014 World Cancer Day. It is a day to spread cancer awareness to everyone in the world, and here is the information I am going to spread with you:

According to the World Health Organization, cancer cases worldwide are projected to increase by 70% from about 14 million people in the year 2012 to about 25 million people in the year 2026 (Boseley 2014). The report from the World Health Organization claims that “alcohol, obesity and physical activity are all preventable causes of cancer along with tobacco” (Boseley 2014).  Now let’s take population growth into the equation. If there are were about 7 billion people in the world in 2012, this means about 0.2% of the population had cancer. Assuming there will be about 8 billion people in the world 2026, this means about 0.3125% of the population will have cancer. So when taking population growth into effect, there will be an increase of 56% of total cancers in 2026.

You understand the enormity of such an increase in cancer incidence. Inform all your family members and friends of this; don’t you want yourself and them to be healthy and well two decades from now? Remember, environmental factors often add to the development of cancer the same amount or more than genetics do. So try to limit the amount of alcohol you drink and the amount of cigarettes you smoke… it could definitely save your life!

Works Cited

Boseley, Sarah. “Worldwide Cancer rates expected to soar by 70% over the next 20 years.” Theguardian.com. Retrieved February 4, 2014 from http://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/feb/03/worldwide-cancer-cases-soar-next-20-years. 3 February 2014. Web.

Potential Carcinogen Found in Soda

Crazily enough, about half of the people in America drink soda each day, with the average amount being two and a half cups per drinker, daily (Hurtado 2014). This is quite a big problem because according to recent tests by Consumer Reports involving 110 samples of different soft drinks, certain sodas contain high levels of a potentially carcinogenic agent, 4-MEI, which is found in the caramel colorings of the sodas. The chemical 4-MEI has already been proven to cause cancer in mice (Hurtado 2014). Two sodas in particular have alarmingly high levels of 4-MEI: Malta Goya and Pepsi (Hurtado 2014).

Here is a list of sodas and the levels of 4-MEI in their caramel colorings.

(McKay 2014).

So what is the best solution? Do not drink soda! Or, if you really love soda and cannot give it up, at least limit the amount you drink, and definitely try to stay away from the products that contain the most amount of 4-MEI!

Here is a video that further elaborates on this topic:

Works Cited

Hurtado, Linda. “Consumer Reports say they found levels of a carcinogen in certain sodas.” ABCActionNews, 24 Jan. 2014. Retrieved Jan. 28, 2014 from http://www.abcactionnews.com/dpp/news/health/consumer-reports-says-they-found-high-levels-of-a-carcinogen-in-certain-sodas.

McKay, Tom. “Does Cola Really Cause Cancer? The Answer Has Been Right In Front Of Us Since 2007.” PolicyMic, 24. Jan. 2014. Retrieved Jan. 28, 2014 http://www.policymic.com/articles/79967/does-cola-really-cause-cancer-the-answer-has-been-right-in-front-of-us-since-2007.

Update on Cancer Incidence + Mortality Rates

This year’s Annual Report to the Nation on the Status of Cancer has presented Americans with a few very positive statistics. A ten year study conducted by Cancer.gov has shown that lung, colorectal, breast and prostate incidence and mortality rates have continued to fall in the U.S. over the last decade (NCI Press Release).

This table shows how mortality rates for the four cancers have decreased over the ten year span:

(NCI Press Release).

This table is very significant because  the decrease in death rates for these four combined cancers have accounted for “more than two-thirds of the overall reduction in cancer death rates in the period 2001-2010” (NCI Press Release). Nevertheless, there have been increases in the incidence and mortality rates of other cancers such as liver, pancreas and skin cancer over the same time frame (NCI Press Release). Although incidence and mortality rates of some cancers have increased as of late, “death rates for all cancers combined decreased by 1.8 percent per year among men and by 1.4 percent per year among women” over the last decade; part of the reason for this is that  lung cancer, “which accounts for more than one in four cancer deaths,” has continued to undergo a steady decline (NCI Press Release).

Cigarette smoke is often associated with lung cancer. Additionally, my statistical analyses have shown that smoking cigarettes is  seemingly the most detrimental risk factor in terms of cancer in general. This graph, which depicts the yearly drop in percentage of Americans who smoke cigarettes, may help explain why incidence and mortality rates of all cancers have continued to drop for both men and women since 2001.

(Trends in Current Cigarette Smoking Among High School Students and Adults, United States, 1965-2011).

This is obviously very positive that the trend in cigarette smoking has a negative slope, and it has reflected in the lower incidence and mortality rates of many cancers. Nevertheless, my statistical analyses have  shown that alcohol also appears to have a very significant correlation with incidence rates of many cancers. However, unlike trends in cigarette smoking, trends in alcohol consumption have remained relatively constant for a fairly long time. These few graphs  may help explain why rates of overall cancer incidence and mortality have not dropped more than 1-2 percent per year over the last decade:

(U.S. Drinking Rate Edges up Slightly to 25 Year High: Beer Remains Beverage of Choice for Drinkers).

(U.S. Drinking Rate Edges up Slightly to 25 Year High: Beer Remains Beverage of Choice for Drinkers).

We have definitely made some progress over the last ten years, but of course we should strive to make even more progress! Remember, cancer is not just genetic-based, but also environmentally-driven. A decline in cigarette usage has helped result in a lowering of cancer incidence and mortality, and I strongly believe a decline in alcohol consumption can do the same. Perhaps it may not be necessary to  abstain from alcohol (even though that would ideal), but a decrease in total amount of alcohol consumed (especially hard liquor) should definitely correlate with a decrease in cancer incidence and mortality.

Works Cited

NCI Press Release. “Lung cancer death rates continue to fall, helping drive decrease in overall cancer death rates; Annual Report to the Nation includes special feature highlighting the contribution of other diseases on survival of patients.” Cancer.gov. Retrieved December 21, 2013 from http://www.cancer.gov/newscenter/newsfromnci/2013/ReportNationDec2013Release. 16 December 2013. Web.

Newport, Frank. “U.S. Drinking Rate Edges up Slightly to 25 Year High: Beer Remains Beverage of Choice for Drinkers.”Gallup.com. Retrieved December 21, 2013 from http://www.gallup.com/poll/141656/drinking-rate-edges-slightly-year-high.aspx. 30 July 2010. Web.

“Trends in Current Cigarette Smoking Among High School Students and Adults, United States, 1965-2011.” CDC.gov. Retrieved December 21, 2013 from http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/data_statistics/tables/trends/cig_smoking/. 14 November 2013 Web.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Today is the first day of 2013’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Here are some very important breast cancer-related statistics to consider:

• Approximately one in eight women will develop breast cancer (invasive) throughout the course of their lives (Breast Cancer Statistics Worldwide).
• In 2010, it is estimated that 1.5 million people were diagnosed with breast cancer. General trends indicate that diagnoses tend to go up each year (Breast Cancer Statistics Worldwide).
• It is important to remember that men can be diagnosed with breast cancer as well. In America, it is estimated that there will be a total number of 232,340 new invasive breast cancer cases in 2013. It is also estimated that men will comprise about 2,240 of these total new cases (0.96%; this is still a significant statistic!) (U.S. Breast Cancer Statistics).
• As proven by an American Cancer Society study, the risk of developing breast cancer increases with age.
• – Age 20-29: about 1 in 2,000 women
  – Age 30-39: about 1 in 229 women
  – Age 40-49: about 1 in 68 women
  – Age 50-59: about 1 in 37 women
  – Age 60-69: about 1 in 26 women
  – Ever: about 1 in 8 (statistic is based on all women over 70 years old)
• In the U.S., there are about 527 new cases of breast cancer and 110 deaths as a result of breast cancer each day. It is estimated that each day, 37 victims of breast cancer could have been saved as a result of early detection (Breast Cancer Statistics Worldwide).
• For the U.K., these values are approximately 125 new cases, 35 deaths and 12 people who could have been saved through early detection and treatment each day (Breast Cancer Statistics Worldwide).
• Given how many people live in the U.S. in comparison to the U.K., these statistics are extremely comparable.  The U.S. and U.K. have two of the highest breast cancer incidence rates in the world (Breast Cancer Statistics Worldwide).
• Mathematical models show that one-third of all breast cancer deaths worldwide each year (about 400,000 deaths) can be prevented if the cancer is detected and treated at an early stage (Breast Cancer Statistics Worldwide).

(American Cancer Society Breast Cancer Facts & Figures, 2005-2006).

Clearly, early detection is so important in regards to not only breast cancer, but also ever other type of cancer. This is why is is so crucial to schedule doctor appointments and undergo tests on a 6-month or annual basis, depending on what the doctor indicates is appropriate. Doing so can save literally hundreds of thousands of lives!

Sources:

• “Breast Cancer Facts & Figures 2005-2006.” Cancer.org. Retrieved October 1, 2013 from  <http://www.cancer.org/research/cancerfactsfigures/breastcancerfactsfigures/breast-cancer-facts–figures-2005-2006 >. 2013. Web.
• “Breast Cancer Statistics Worldwide.” Worldwide Breast Cancer. Retrieved October 1, 2013 from <http://www.worldwidebreastcancer.com/learn/breast-cancer-statistics-worldwide/ >. 2011. Web.
• “U.S. Breast Cancer Statistics.” Breastcancer.org. Retrieved October 1, 2013 from <http://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/understand_bc/statistics >. 2013. Web.