The findings were published Monday in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Lead study author Dr. Paul Talalay, in the department of pharmacology and molecular sciences at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, emphasizes that the chemical component from broccoli sprout extract is not a sunscreen. Unlike sunscreen, the extract does not absorb UV light and “does not prevent the radiation from penetrating into the skin,” he says.
The research team exposed areas of skin to intense ultraviolet light one to three days after the broccoli sprout extract was applied to some areas. Spots treated with the extract had, on average, 37 per cent less redness and inflammation — key measures of future skin cancer development.

“Treatment with broccoli sprout extract might be another protective measure that alleviates the skin damage caused by UV radiation and, thereby, decreases our long-term risk of developing cancer,” Talalay says. The researchers found a green smear of broccoli-sprout extract reduced sunburn symptoms by up to 78 per cent, while conventional sunscreens used in the same experiment proved to be ineffective.
Such a finding could be more relevant as the incidence of skin cancer continues to rise, possibly due to increased exposure to ultraviolet light and the decay of the ozone layer.

Alternative cancer healing treatments began in the year 1840 with a horse farmer by the name of John Hoxsey. Finding a tumor on his prized stallion, Hoxsey was devastated, but he could not bear to shoot the animal. Instead, he decided to let the animal graze out its days in the pasture until it peacefully passed away. Interestingly, rather than dying the horse grew stronger through munching on plants and herbs that it seemed to be drawn to. Noticing the drastic improvement in the horse’s tumor, Hoxsey began to observe the stallion’s eating pattern.

Harry Hoxsey, the great-grandson of John Hoxsey, had no formal medical training, but began promoting his great-grandfather’s original cancer Hoxsey formula which contained the herbs, bloodroot, burdock, red clover, pokeroot, barberry root, buckthorn, prickly ash, stillingia root and cascara. This black salve formulation was stunningly effective on cancer, and it wasnt long before word of his cancer treatments spread across the US.
Starting in 1924 with his first clinic, he expanded to 17 states by the mid 1950s, along the way constantly battling organized medicine that labeled him a charlatan. Hoxsey’s supporters point out he was the victim of arrests, or “quackdowns” spearheaded by the proponents of established medical practices. Interviews of patients satisfied with the results of the controversial treatment are balanced with physicians from the FDA and the AMA. A clinic in Tijuana, Mexico claims an 80% success rate, while opponents are naturally skeptical.

The United States is in the midst of a of skin cancer epidemic, according to a report in from the Mayo Clinic. The report goes on to state, One in five Americans will develop skin cancer, and a person’s risk of the disease doubles if that person has had five or more sunburns, according to the Mayo statistics.
Today, the Hoxsey Method is illegal in the United States, the Hoxsey Method is not supported by the American Cancer Society or National Cancer Institute, as neither have found objective evidence that the treatment provides any tangible benefit to cancer victims.
But in Tijuana, Mexico, a Hoxsey Method clinic still runs today by the sister of one of Harry Hoxsey’s former nurses.
An out-patient only clinic, the cost for treatment is about $3,500 with patients responsible for all costs.
Mexico is now the only place where the original Hoxsey Method can be obtained, though some naturopathic practitioners in the U.S. have adapted a form of the treatment that can be legally administered.

“The removal and analysis of the lymph nodes under the arm remains the most important factor in determining the severity of disease in breast cancer patients,” Klimberg said. “In the past, surgery to remove the lymph nodes and most of the fat and tissue in the armpit often resulted in complications, including lymphedema.” Five percent to 50 percent of women undergoing surgical treatment for breast cancer have developed lymphedema, mainly dependent upon the extent of surgery.

At the ACRC, surgeons determined that the draining of the first lymph node, known as the sentinel lymph node, is capable of predicting if the cancer has spread to the remaining armpit lymph nodes, known as axillary lymph nodes. This is a less invasive surgery and reduces the likelihood of complications.
However, the lymph node system is at risk of disruption during either a sentinel lymph node biopsy or an axillary lymph node dissection, which often leads to swelling in the arm.
“Mapping the drainage of the arm decreases the chances of unintended disruption of the lymph node system during surgery and reduces the risk of developing swelling in the arm,” Klimberg said in a statement. “We are the first to study lymph node drainage in the arm and are now using the ARM procedure as standard procedure.”

1. FAMILY HISTORY
Risk is higher for mothers, daughters and sisters of women who had it prior to menopause.

2. GENETIC DAMAGE
Mutations of the BRCA-1 and BRCA-2 genes.

3. EARLY MENARCHE
Starting your periods before the age of 12.

4. EXPOSURE TO RADIATION
To breast tissue in particular, before age 20.

5. ONE CANCER
Having had cancer in one breast increases the risk in the other.

6. CHANGES IN CELLS
The NBCC says it starts with changes in some of the breast cells, which if detected early, and prevented from spreading, will more than likely not prove to be life-threatening.

7. DIET
It’s been suggested that diet and consumption of alcohol are other causes, and that some determinants of risk, such as diet, might act during childhood.

8.WEIGHT AND LIFESTYLE
Being overweight and sedentary.

Professor Judy Kirk from the Familial Cancer Service says that having a mastectomy when you don’t have breast cancer is not the right answer for every woman at high risk. “It’s uncommon for women to have a complete prophylactic mastectomy,” she explains.

According to a recent Australian study, only seven women from the 400 high-risk families involved had both healthy breasts removed. Professor Kirk says instead, many women prefer to have more intensive screening than usual. She adds that since genetic testing became available in Australia in the mid `90s, women are more likely to want to have the tests before they decide to go ahead with a preventative mastectomy.

Maybe the biggest risk factor, besides being female and getting older, is an unquestioning attitude. A woman’s instinct counts. Regular breast examinations by a doctor are advisable - and if your doctor won’t take the time to answer your questions, you should find one who will.

In announcing the new technique, a researcher told Channel News Asia, “Since we use the near-infrared red light, there’s much better penetration into the tissue. Near-infrared red is a biologically transparent light so it is quite safe for human cells and tissues.” “However, near-infrared rays also produce a weak signal and it may take hours to get a reading - something which the NUS team had overcome with a hardware they had designed and are fine tuning,” the researcher added.

Early results from 31 of the cervical cancer screenings show a good level of accuracy, with a rate of 94 per cent sensitivity and 100 per cent specificity. Dr Huang said this is very promising, and could complement routine Pap smears, which are not sensitive to pre-cancer and can only monitor cell changes over time. NIR imaging however, can give an accurate diagnosis in real-time.
The diagnosis of lung cancer with this technology is superior to current tests, with 94 per cent sensitivity compared to 50 to 60 per cent in clinical screening. It will take two years or more for the technology to hit the market, said Dr Huang, as more trials are needed to build a reliable database.
The current probe also has to be redesigned to be smaller and more flexible, so that it can be used to screen the whole body, he added.
Imaging to spot pre-cancerous cells before they turn life-threatening developed at NUS.

Realizing the fact that 212,920 women and 1,720 men, according to the American Cancer Society, will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006. Anyone can participate! Recruit your company, co-workers, religious or social group, school, book or garden club, or family, friends, volunteers, researchers and medical professionals to join in a Passionately Pink for the Cure™ day. Register NOW at www.komenaustin.org.
This program is is an easy, creative program we hope will have everyone seeing pink everywhere you look, every day in October, encouraging millions of people nationwide to get involved in the promise for the cure.

You can register your group at www.komen.org, pick your day (or days), October 1 through October 31, to make a $5 or more personal donation to the Komen Foundation and wear pink.
Choose your outfit and make it simple with shirts, tops, skirts, slacks, vests, ties or scarves. Make it cool with sunglasses, belts, shoes, jewelry or the latest accessories.
You decide.
Encourage others to make a difference. In appreciation, any registered group of five or more participants will receive a kit that includes pink Komen Share the Promise wristbands.
Read more of the program at Susan G Komen Breast Cancer Foundation

Most skin cancers grow slowly. It is imperative you inspect your body on a regular basis for anything unusual. Stand in front of a full length mirror and with a hand held mirror check out every inch of your skin. Have someone check the top of your head as well. You should know your body in detail, so that when something different rears its ugly head, you notice it immediately!

Watch for any unusual spots. Look for lesions, moles or spots that are asymmetrical in shape. Observe for any colored spot that grows bigger or develops an uneven color or irregular, ragged edge. Look for any nodules or patches that are red and scaly, as this can be a squamous cell carcinoma which can metastasize (spread). Other symptoms to look for are changes in the surface of a mole. If you notice the mole is raised above the skin and has a rough surface, is scaly, oozing, bleeding or there is development of bumps on any mole, seek medical attention. In other words anything that develops that wasn’t on your body before should be investigated by your physician.

Skin cancer has a high cure rate if caught early. Excision of the lesion is the most common treatment. Self examination is the key to early detection with a regular visit to your doctor for check ups.

The best methods to avoid skin cancer are to avoid the sun, especially during the hottest part of the day from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Wear a sunscreen if you are out doors with an SPF of at least 15 or more, applied thirty minutes before going into the sun. Put the sunscreen everywhere the suns rays will hit you. Don’t forget your ears and men don’t forget any bald areas on top of your head. If you have to be out in the sun, use a wide brimmed hat or cap. Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun. Choose sunglasses that protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Sunglasses can help prevent cataracts as well. Wear long sleeve shirts and pants if it is not sweltering hot, to better protect your body. Don’t use tanning salons as they can damage your skin just like the sun.

Of course there is the controversy that you need some sun in order NOT to be vitamin B deficient. Ask your doctor to prescribe a good vitamin B supplement. Your doctor can advise the proper dose to take. I know it is hard at times to completely avoid the sun. A few minutes of sun occasionally with a good sun screen, should not be too harmful, as long as you watch the time of day and check your body on a regular basis. Also too much sun can contribute to wrinkles. Avoidance is best, but not always possible. Hence, just be very careful and check, check, check your body regularly (monthly if possible). Go to your doctor immediately when you notice any irregularities. Keep healthy!

Herceptin, also known as trastuzumab, works by targeting the HER2 protein, which can fuel growth of breast tumours in women with HER2 positive breast cancer, a protein which makes cancers more aggressive. This accounts for about 25 per cent of all breast cancer cases. The US Food and Drug Administration warned last year that Herceptin could result in congestive heart failure, leading to inability to pump enough blood throughout the body, or a dysfunction in the heart’s ventricle chamber.
Herceptin, which is sold in the U.S. by Genentech Inc. (DNA), is the Swiss company’s second-best selling drug. In the six months to June, Herceptin sales more than doubled to CHF1.81 billion.

“These long-term cardiac side effects of Herceptin can be managed, and the drug is safe to use,” says lead researcher Francisco Esteva, professor of oncology at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, a hospital that specializes in cancer treatment in Houston, US. Esteva’s study is the first to find out the situation in real clinics where women are receiving the drug in an everyday medical setting.
His team followed 173 patients who had taken Herceptin for at least a year after undertaking chemotherapy to combat secondary cancers. After follow-ups averaging almost three years, of these, 46 patients experienced cardiac toxicity potentially associated with heart failure, and three patients experienced an asymptomatic, but significant, decrease in ventricle function.
All but three patients improved cardiac function by discontinuing Herceptin and using such cardiac treatments as beta-blockers and ACE inhibitors, which are generically available drugs that treat high blood pressure.

After repairing the damage, patients could then resume Herceptin treatment, Esteva said.
“The drug substantially prolongs survival, and while we found substantial cardiac toxicity, we also discovered that this side effect can be successfully treated, which was not clearly known before this study,” says Esteva. “If the cardiac side effects of Herceptin treatment can be managed, the drug is safe to use.”
The drug is licensed in the UK for both early and advanced breast cancer.

Researchers screened 433 patients who had a family history of cancer and a control group of 521 women. A certain damaged gene, carried by about 2 percent of all families, more than doubled the risk for breast cancer by age 70, the scientists said in today’s issue of Nature Genetics.
The study, published in Nature Genetics revealed that 12 ATM gene faults were found in women with breast cancer while only two were found in the group without breast cancer. Statistically, it was computed that women with the faulty gene have a 2.37 fold greater risk.
The risk is thought to be greater for women in families with multiple cases of the disease. For women in these families, the findings are likely to mean they will be routinely screened for the faulty gene in the future. Those carrying it will be able to consider whether to have preventative mastectomies to prevent the disease.

This means around 400 of the women who develop breast cancer each year in Britain are thought to carry an ATM gene fault. A spokesman for the Institute of Cancer Research, said: “Our study provides strong evidence that damaged ATM genes definitely have a moderate effect on breast cancer risk in a small number of women.”
It is hoped that the finding could lead to new ways of identifying women who face an increased risk of cancer, and expected to have a wide reaching impact since over 40,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer annually in the UK alone. Added, 1% of the population is expected to carry a damaged ATM gene.
Due to the results of this study, they will be made to undergo routine screenings. If their risks are considerably high, they will also be able to opt for consultation regarding preventative mastectomies.

The a new study released by the Skin Cancer Foundation also found that sunscreen may make existing pre-cancers disappear altogether. The level of sun protection used in the study was SPF 15, one of the lower grades of sun protection.
“Skin cancer can affect anyone,” a radiation oncologist, Dennis, said. “However, those at greatest risk are people who have fair or freckled skin that burns easily, light eyes and blond or red hair. Those with a history of skin cancer should definitely pay close attention to the changes in their skin.”

The center discovered that in 2002 the most serious form of skin cancer, malignant melanoma, was diagnosed in 44,582 persons. Of those diagnosed, over 7,500 died. These statistics were part of a 1999-2000 incident mortality study. Dennis said high risk of radiation occurs between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Avoiding direct sunlight is a must, he said. Using makeup that provides SPF protection is also a plus.
Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer, Dennis said. “Other types of skin cancer include basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma,” he said. “These two types make up 95 percent of all skin cancers and are highly curable when treated.”
You can read Sunscreen For Skin Protection Unknown Fact.

The Skin Cancer Foundation is the only global nonprofit organization solely devoted to the prevention, detection and treatment of skin cancer. The mission of The Skin Cancer Foundation is to reduce the incidence of skin cancer through the promotion of prevention, early detection and effective treatment of skin cancer.
For more information on the foundation, call 1-800-754-6490.

Clinical studies have shown that the Gardasil vaccine is 100-percent effective — when taken as prescribed in three doses — when given to girls before they become sexually active in preventing infection with HPV types 6, 11, 16 and 18. About 7 percent of children have had sexual intercourse before age 13, and about a quarter of boys and girls have had sex by age 15, according to government surveys.
Types 6 and 11 are responsible for development of 90 percent of disfiguring genital warts; types 16 and 18 are responsible for the development of 70 percent of cervical cancer, a disease that kills 4,000 American women each year and about 250,000 women worldwide.
Like many other vaccinations, Gardasil will require three shots over six months. Even with the vaccine, women would still need to be screened for cervical cancer caused by other types of HPV, experts noted. This is most often accomplished by having a Pap test, which is still a very accurate indicator of a woman’s cervical condition.

Gardasil protects against the four strains of human papillomavirus, a common sexually transmitted disease, that cause most cases of cervical cancer and genital warts. In addition to cervical cancer and genital warts, clinical trials have also demonstrated that treatment with Gardasil protects against development of pre-cancerous changes associated with vaginal and vulvar malignancies as well.
The vaccine doesn’t work against other HPV strains. Although the vaccine-advisory panel said Gardasil should be given before they become sexually active, it also said “females who are sexually active should still be vaccinated.”

Dr. Cynthia Rand of the University of Rochester in New York said she believed most people would get the vaccine. She has started a series of studies on how many people would take the vaccine if offered.
“The minority of parents we interviewed didn’t think their children wouldn’t be needing it because their children wouldn’t be having sex. But they thought it would be needed in the general community,” she said in a telephone interview.
The American Cancer Society estimates that invasive cervical cancer will be diagnosed in about 10,000 women in the U.S. in 2006, and about 3,700 women will die from the disease, WellPoint said.

In the first part of the study the researchers grew normal bone cells, called osteoblasts, in test tube cultures. After around 40-60 days, they took away cells that looked cancerous and put them in mice to see whether they would form cancers. Then they tried to reverse these changes by blocking the MET-produced receptor.

They found that the cells with the extra MET genes started growing more actively. The cells also developed other genetic abnormalities that are typically seen in cancers. Next, the researchers injected the transformed cells into mice.
In about 2 months, tumors began to form, indicating that the injected cells were like osteosarcomas. Perhaps the most important part of the test tube experiments happened when the researchers blocked the receptors produced by the MET gene. That was like throwing the process in reverse. Once the receptors were blocked, the cancer cells reverted back to normal.

This study shows that, at least in osteosarcoma, just one change — overactivity of the MET gene — can lead to many other genetic changes. This means that just one genetic abnormality in a cell can lead to transformation of that cell into a cancer. Although these experiments dealt only with osteosarcoma, according to the researchers, this situation is likely to be found in other types of cancer as well.

Even more important is the discovery that the genetic abnormalities formed as the cells became cancerous can be reversed by blocking the MET receptors. This means, as the researchers suggested, that this receptor could be a good target for anti-cancer drugs. If drugs can be developed to block this receptor, they might prove to be effective treatments for osteosarcoma and perhaps, other cancers.

Related Post :
Bad Contraception For Bones
Bone and Heart Health Linked in Women
High Protein Intake Improve Bone Health

Adapted from Yahoo! News

Following a Plant Based Diet
The best type of diet to prevent cancer is one that is based mostly on a variety of plant foods. Scientific evidence shows that vegetables and fruits protect against many different types of cancer. The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends 5 to 10 fruits and vegetables a day, which can reduce incidences of cancer by as much as 40 percent.

Diets that focus on vegetables, fruits, grains and legumes (dried beans and peas) fight cancer in several ways. The vitamins, minerals, fiber, phytochemicals and other beneficial substances that are found in these foods are associated with lowering the risk of cancer. Phytochemicals are a natural substance found in vegetables and fruit that can interfere with cancer cell development. A plant-based diet is proven to protect against cancers of the colon, rectum, stomach, lung, mouth, pharynx, and esophagus. Increased intake of fruits and vegetables has also been shown to lower rates of cancer of the breast, bladder, pancreas and larynx.

Research suggests that lycopene, found in tomatoes and tomato-based products, can reduce the risk of prostate cancer and cancers of the lung, bladder, cervix and skin. Spinach, avocado and other yellow or leafy green vegetables contain lutein, which can reduce the risk of eye problems like cataracts and macular degeneration. When lutein is combined with lycopene it has additional preventive effects on prostate cancer cell growth.

Leafy green vegetables and citrus fruits should be eaten year round, not just when they are in season, for the greatest benefit. Eating a variety of these fruits and vegetables increase the cancer fighting benefit.
A high fiber diet helps move waste out of the body more quickly and can prevent colon and rectal cancers. A diet comprised largely of red meat slows waste elimination and increases the incidence of colorectal cancer.

Maintain a Healthy Weight and Be Physically Active
A diet rich in plant-based foods is generally lower in calories and may promote weight management. Obesity is linked to breast, colon, gall bladder and uterine cancers. The AICR recommends that adults avoid being underweight or overweight and limit weight gain to less than 11 pounds over medically appropriate weight.

Finding low fat alternatives to favorite foods and cutting back on portion sizes are 2 ways to begin eating healthier. Also, incorporating poultry and seafood into the diet and choosing lean cuts of meat helps in this effort. Switch to low fat and fat free versions of high fat products like mayonnaise, margarine, sour cream and cheese. Avoid fried foods and meats that contain nitrates such as cured lunch meats, smoked fish and bacon. Substitute fruits for fatty desserts. Reduce sodium intake by cutting back on salted foods and use of cooking and table salt. Try using herbs and spices to season foods instead.

Physical activity at any age can reduce the risk of being overweight. People who are sedentary at work can reach the recommended level of physical activity by incorporating an hour of vigorous activity and an hour of brisk walking into their week. This can be broken into smaller increments if a full hour time block isn’t possible. The best way to incorporate physical activity into a daily routine is to choose activities one enjoys and schedule those activities as an appointment to be kept. (Before beginning any exercise program be sure to discuss it with a health care provider.)

If you have a genetic history of cancer, you may want to follow the suggestions given in this article to reduce your risks. By changing your diet to a mainly plant based diet, becoming physically active on a regular basis and managing your weight you may reduce your risk of cancer by as much as 40 percent.

The ‘Spinning Around’ singer was struck down by breast cancer last year and had to endure draining chemotherapy treatment, which led to her losing her hair.
Kylie, 37, got the all-clear from the illness in January and has been seen in public recently sporting her new short hair.

Danni, 34, revealed she found it heartbreaking to watch her sister fighting for her life.
She said: “The hard time was when I was away from her or she was away from me.
“Being close to the person going through the pain is difficult, as you just wish you could take it away, but you can’t. I was thinking about it every second of the day.”

Via

The European food watchdog undertook an urgent review of the additive following a study, published in 2005 by an Italian cancer research body which found the sweetener — widely used in diet foods, soft drinks and as a sugar substitute — increased cancers in rats, which suggested aspartame was carcinogenic. But a working party said the incidence of tumours could not be linked to the artificial sweetener.

The review had been prompted by research undertaken by the European Ramazzini Foundation of Oncology and Environmental Sciences (ERF) in Bologna, Italy, which looked at the incidence of tumours found in rats that had been given varying levels of aspartame. EFSA said its review of the Ramazzini Institute study found no conclusive evidence that aspartame was responsible for increased cancers and that although the additive did cause damage to the rats’ kidneys, this would not happen to humans.

The study monitored more than 1,800 rats, following them throughout their lives. The results, the foundation believed, showed that aspartame had the ability to induce cancers in a number of sites in the animals’ bodies.
“Our conclusion on the basis of all the evidence currently available to us is that there’s no reason to revise the previously established ADI (acceptable daily intake), nor at this stage … to undertake any further extensive review of the safety of aspartame,” EFSA’s Iona Pratt told a news conference.

Dr Iona Pratt, chair of AFC’s working group, said: “The Ramazinni Foundation’s study showed an increase of cancers of the blood - lymphoma and leukaemia - in the rats.”
But, she said, the working group concluded that these tumours were not related to aspartame. AFC said the rate of the tumours was not related to the dose of aspartame, which would have been expected if there was a link.

EFSA said increased incidence of leukaemias and lymphomas in the rats in the Ramazzini study could be put down to chronic health problems that made the animals predisposed to such conditions, and not consumption of aspartame.
It also said the diagnoses of some of the cases of malignant schwannomas (a rare type of tumour) had not been confirmed by other scientific institutions, and that the sweetener showed no evidence of genotoxity - the ability to damage DNA.
“On the basis of the evidence,” said Dr Pratt, “there is no reason to revise the previously established Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) or to undertake any further revisions of the safety of aspartame.”

A spokesperson from the UK’s Food Standards Agency said: “The EFSA’s announcement raises similar concerns about the Ramazzini study to those expressed by the UK’s independent expert group, the Committee On Carcinogenicity (COC), earlier this year.
“The COC identified a number of issues that indicated the results of the study may not be reliable. These related to concerns about the health status of the animals, some details of methodology which do not conform to currently accepted best practice and adequacy of external peer review.”

“Because of the globalization of the industrialized diet and the ever increasing use of artificial sweeteners among billions of people in both industrialized and developing countries, the European Ramazzini Foundation considers its work on sweeteners to be of the highest priority for the protection of public health,” it said in a statement.
“We have planned and are conducting additional research, not only on aspartame, but also on other widely diffused artificial sweeteners and blends used in thousands of foods, beverages and pharmaceutical products.”