For Some Breast Cancer Patients, Shorter Radiation Works Well Accelerated treatment yields similar results with less inconvenience, study finds

WEDNESDAY, Feb. 10 (HealthDay News) -- Women who need radiation after breast cancer surgery do just as well with three rather than five weeks of treatment, a new Canadian study suggests.

"We consider this [finding] a win-win situation, both for women with breast cancer and the health-care system," said study author Dr. Timothy J. Whelan, head of radiation oncology at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario.

Women can have a shorter, more convenient treatment schedule, he said, and the course of treatment is less costly to them and their health-care providers.

Though shorter, the three-week schedule used in the study involved a more intense dose of radiation. But the researchers found that the women -- who all had breast-conserving surgery, in which only part of the breast is removed -- could expect similarly low rates of recurrence and comparable cosmetic results.

Previous studies have shown that up to 30 percent of women in North America who have breast-conserving surgery do not undergo the recommended breast radiation, citing inconvenience or cost, Whelan and his fellow researchers wrote in a report on the study published Feb. 11 in the New England Journal of Medicine.

The study involved 1,234 women with invasive breast cancer who had a lumpectomy, which involves removing the cancerous lump and a small amount of normal tissue around it. After surgery, they either had the standard radiation treatment over a 35-day period or an accelerated treatment over 22 days.

About 10 years later, the risk for local recurrence of the cancer was 6.7 percent among the women who had gotten standard radiation treatment and 6.2 percent among those who'd gotten the briefer treatment, the study found.

Cosmetic outcomes were termed good or excellent in about 71 percent of the women in the standard-treatment group and 70 percent of the accelerated-treatment group.

The probability of survival at the 10-year mark was also similar: 84.4 percent for the standard group and 84.6 percent for the accelerated group.

Whelan said that, for some women, an accelerated schedule could be a welcome alternative.

"Some women are reluctant to have breast-conserving surgery because of the need to undergo the lengthy radiation treatment, typically six weeks," he said.

Another breast cancer expert said that she had also found positive results with shorter radiation treatments.

Dr. Manjeet Chadha, associate chairwoman of radiation oncology at Beth Israel Medical Center and associate professor of radiation oncology at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City, found that a three-week course of radiation works well for early-stage breast cancers.

She presented her findings in late last year at the annual meeting of the American Society for Radiation Oncology.

But she cautioned that while the new finding, coupled with her study's results, are promising, they don't apply to all women with breast cancer. Participants in Whelan's study, for instance, had to have negative axillary lymph nodes and clear resection margins.

What that study does reveal, she said, is "that in the node-negative patient, when you don't require chemo, you can get similar results with the abbreviated [course]."

But what is yet to be researched thoroughly, she said, is how well the shorter radiation course works for women who have breast-conserving surgery and do need chemo. About 11 percent of the women in Whelan's study also had chemotherapy.

Even so, Chadha said, the new study is important "because it does present an alternative for early-stage breast cancer patients."

More information

The American Cancer Society has more on radiation therapy.

references : http://www.myoptumhealth.com/portal/NewsArchive/item/For+Some+Breast+Cancer+Patients,+Shorte?rss=true

In Our Opinion: Awareness raised through ‘Pink Zone’

Spend Valentine’s Day warming the hearts of those fi ghting breast cancer.

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Published: Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Updated: Thursday, February 11, 2010

Diagnosed every three minutes and with deaths every 13 minutes, breast cancer is the second leading cause of death among women. In our country, breast cancer awareness has been promoted to encourage those overcoming and fighting breast cancer. There are many organizations and schools that help take action, and USC is one of them, hosting breast cancer awareness at the women’s basketball game.

This upcoming Sunday, Feb. 14, the Colonial Life Arena will also be known as the “Pink Zone.” South Carolina’s women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley and the athletic department are teaming up with the WBCA’s national Pink Zone events to benefit the Kay Yow/WBCA Cancer Fund. This is in honor of legendary NC State coach Kay Yow, who is an inspiration to those fighting with breast cancer. Zeta Tau Alpha sorority is also encouraging students to go, since their philanthropy is breast cancer awareness.

It is great that USC is hosting this type of event, especially during a basketball game that expects a good attendance. The 3 p.m. game will be nationally televised by ESPN2, so with this national recognition there should be a bigger crowd than usual. There will also be free food, T-shirts and shuttles from various locations on campus, so these incentives should be enough to want to attend.

So, instead of spending an afternoon on Valentine’s Day at lunch or at a movie, take your friends or significant other to the basketball game. Not only will it be a good time, but it will be great encouragement for those struggling with breast cancer. Spend Valentine’s Day warming the hearts of those fighting breast cancer and promoting a good cause in honor of those who have passed or overcome.




References : http://www.dailygamecock.com/viewpoints/in-our-opinion-awareness-raised-through-pink-zone-1.1124668

13 Feb The risk of skin cancer metastasis increases with tumor thickness

The experts concluded that a greater thickness increased the risk of metastasis up to five times The risk of metastasis and recurrence of skin cancer increases significantly if the tumor is larger than 6 millimeters thick and if it is located in the ear, according to a study published in the online version of Lancet Oncology. According to research conducted by German scientists, also influence the likelihood of spread of squamous cell carcinoma (skin cancer) and the presence of a recurrence plastic demo tumor (abnormal tissue formation, excessive and uncoordinated) and suppression immune. Skin cancer is among those who are more likely to spread to other parts of the body, says the medical journal. Scientists Kay Brantsch and Helmut Breuninger Department of Dermatology, Eberhard Karls University of Tubingen

in Germany, analyzed the factors that predict the metastasis and recurrence. The researchers examined the cases of 615 patients who had undergone surgery between 1990 and 2001 in one center in Germany. They did a complete analysis from tumors-thickness, horizontal size, the shape of cells and tissue, and also considered the place of the body that had arisen, the record of epidermal cancer and tumors of plastic demo patients and the degree of immune suppression. Also measured the time elapsed between diagnosis of first tumor and the diagnosis of metastasis or recurrence. The 615 patients, ages 27 to 98 years, were followed for an average of 43 months. During that time, 26 patients, 4 per cent, experienced a metastasis, while disease recurred in 20 of them, 3 per cent. They found that tumors of 2 mm or less did not spread. However, there was metastasis in 12 of 318 tumors between 2.1 and 6 mm thick (4 percent), and in 14 of 90 tumors with a thickness greater than 6 millimeters (16 per cent). The experts concluded that a greater thickness increased the risk of metastasis up to five times, and immune system suppression (4.3-fold increased risk), the location on the ear (3.6 times) and increased horizontal size (more twice the risk). The increased risk of recurrence than tumor thickness (up to six times) and desmoplasia (16 times), experts say. In its conclusions, the scientists recommended clinical monitoring and ultrasound every three to four months for four years for patients with more risk, while recognizing that we must see the benefits for patients of this action

Caffeine and Skin Cancer Studies

According to the American Melanoma Foundation, one person dies every hour of every day from skin cancer. Skin cancer is the most common human cancer. One million people are diagnosed with new skin cancer every year. One in five Americans will develop skin cancer at some point in their lives. Skin cancer will kill more than 10,850 Americans this year. Skin cancer rates have more than tripled in the last 30 years even with the explosion in the use of sunscreen and sunblock products and a high percentage of the population reducing sun exposure.

The National Cancer Institute explains that hairless mice are used for skin cancer studies. Human skin tissue has been grafted to these mice to create an optimal creature for evaluating causes of skin cancer as well as skin cancer treatments as applicable to humans. Many treatments developed on these mice are currently effective treatments for humans. In addition, these mice and their reaction to excessive exposure to UV light is the main reason that scientists have concluded that excessive exposure to sunlight can cause skin cancer.

References : http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2694667/caffeine_and_skin_cancer_studies.html

Skin Lotion, Dry Skin Lotion, Lotions, Lotion for Dry Skin, Skin Tanning Lotion, Skin Body Lotion, Lotion on the Skin, Face Skin Lotion

I have been a constant reader of many skin care articles, skin care home remedies, skin care tips, skin care blogs and skin care magazine. In these articles, you can see advertisements and marketing campaigns as well as link building for the search engine optimization.

Certain skin care blog encourages link building process but some with a strict moderation strategy prefers limited link building to avoid spamming. For instance, you can see various people leaving their URLs with their comments that have nothing to do with the article, website and their business offerings. This is a common practice on Facebook and I have seen many people’s account being blocked after providing them with prompt warnings to slow down the process or else you will no longer be able to operate this account anymore.

I think skin care blogs and skin care article submission websites must be incorporated with skin care pictures of skin lotions, skin creams, anti aging, age defying, skin products, skin care cosmetics and skin care products to make the blog more powerful, more attractive and more informative for the visitor.

With skin care pictures, the blog or website admin and moderators can find a way to be more appealing for the visitors. For instance, skin infection pictures would likely draw a huge number of visitors to come and see the pictures especially when they are themselves going through the same skin infection or skin disease. Young girls mostly feel ashamed of sharing skin ifectons with their fiends so they look for the relative subject on the internet. Similarly, the skin infection pictures will be guiding many young and confused girls to get an idea about the skin condition they are facing with.

Skin treatment can never be endorsed by just looking at few articles and some websites and only a dermatologist can give better opinion and medicine for skin treatments but with informative articles with pictures surely can help a person to at least be not afraid of some skin infection and mistaking it for skin cancer. Skin treatment is a doctor’s job but reading and getting aware of skin and skin infections on internet is not harmful at all.

References : http://www.skincarebusiness.net/2010/02/skin-lotion-dry-skin-lotion-lotions-lotion-for-dry-skin-skin-tanning-lotion-skin-body-lotion-lotion-on-the-skin-face-skin-lotion/

The Lowdown on Skin Cancer

Skin is our largest organ and one that is not immune to developing cancerous cells. Skin cancer develops when damaged cells start growing and dividing uncontrollably in the skin. This form of cancer is the most prevalent with more than one million cases in the United States diagnosed each year. Here we will cover some of the commonly asked questions.

What Are The Different Forms of Skin Cancer?

There are different types of skin cancer with three forms accounting for almost all of the diagnosed cases. They are:

• Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)- Accounting for nearly 80% of skin cancer, BCC develops in the basal cells which are located in the lowest layer of the epidermis. It is commonly found on areas of the body regularly exposed to the sun such as your face, head and upper body. Signs of BCC include skin that appears as a sore that repeatedly heals and re-opens, a slightly elevated pink growth, patch of irritated skin that is red in color and/or shiny translucent skin. This type of cancer does not commonly spread but should be treated to protect surrounding tissue.

• Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)- Found in the uppermost layers of the epidermis, SCC cancer affects squamous cells. Long term exposure to the sun can result in this form of cancer in middle to elderly aged individuals. The skin may appear to have an inflamed base with a crusty or scaly area over the base. While this cancer is most commonly found on areas of the body exposed to the sun, it can be found anywhere. Early detection and treatment can prevent this form of cancer from spreading.

• Melanoma- The most dangerous and lethal form of skin cancer, this form accounts for only 4% of diagnosed cases. Melanoma readily spreads to other areas of your body such as your lymph system or other internal organs. Most commonly found in moles either pre-existing or new, melanoma has a 95% cure rate if caught in time for treatment. It is important that you are aware of any moles on your body and what they look like so you can spot changes in existing moles or the appearance of new moles. Undetected and untreated, melanoma becomes very difficult to treat and can result in death.

Who Gets Skin Cancer?

To be quite honest, anyone can get any type of cancer. There are however certain individuals who are at a higher risk than others. The following factors play a role in the likelihood of developing skin cancer:

• Individuals who are fair-skinned or burn easily.

• People who use tanning devices.

• Genetics or family history of the disease.

• Certain occupational exposures, i.e. coal tar, pitch, creosote, arsenic or radium.

• Excessive exposure to UV radiation.

Exposure to the sun is the leading cause of cancer which makes protecting your skin from sun exposure vitally important.

Can You Prevent Cancer?

Yes, you can take precautions that lower your risk of developing skin cancer. Take all effort to reduce your exposure to sun and other controllable risk factors. This includes wearing SPF 15 or higher sunscreen everyday in addition to sunglasses and brimmed hats to shield your face from the sun. If at all possible avoid exposing your skin to sunlight during the peak of the day (10am-4pm) and give up tanning beds as they can also damage your skin.

For more information on cancer you can visit the American Cancer Society or National Cancer Institute.

http://www.alanahu.org/the-lowdown-on-skin-cancer/

How Fast Can Skin Cancer Spread And Grow? Does It Take Days, Weeks, Or Months?

I see all of these things that say… you need to catch skin cancer early. But nothing says what early means, does this mean every time i see an abnormal thing on my skin i should run to the doctor? Or should I wait a day, or a week, or a month?
When people go to the doctor and the cancer is in it’s late stages, were they an hour too late, a day too late, a week too late, 10 years to late?
Seriously… cancer sites need to put more information out there about rate of growth and timing.



References : http://www.hianswers.com/cancers/how-fast-can-skin-cancer-spread-and-grow-does-it-take-days-weeks-or-months.html