A new study of colonoscopy suggests that flat, hard-to-spot lesions in the colon are the most likely to become cancerous. American doctors have been aware of these lesions for a couple of decades. But until recently, there was little reason to think that they were dangerous when occurring in America, although studies done in Japan….
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Scientists Conceal Raw Data from Cancer Studies
Most scientists are extremely unwilling to part with the raw data of the studies they perform on cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. The author of the article speculates that this reluctance is due to convenience and careerism, specifically the fear of having others (especially layfolk) analyze their work and possibly find flaws in it. This….
Continue ReadingPill Reduces Ovarian Cancer Risk
Oral contraceptives significantly reduce risks of ovarian cancer in women, says a new large-scale study. The pill has been linked to reduction in breast cancer rates as well, but not so large as the reduction in ovarian cancer rates. The risk reduction persists up to thirty years after a woman stops taking the pill, although….
Continue ReadingNew Factors for Breast Cancer Risk for African-American Women
When breast cancer experts recently reassessed their risk-evaluation formulas, they found that they were significantly underestimating the risks for African-American women. This reevaluation is likely to result in changes in counseling for women in this demographic, including more recommendations to go for mammograms and more encouragement to sign up for studies of breast cancer. This….
Continue ReadingCancer Panel Critiques U.S. Government for Lack of Illness-Prevention
The President’s Cancer Panel–consisting of Lance Armstrong, Dr. Margaret Kripke and Dr. LaSalle D. Leffall–says, in its new report, that the U.S. government should be doing more to promote environments and lifestyles that prevent cancer and other diseases. Part of the report’s argument is that most federal funding for cancer research goes towards genetic and….
Continue ReadingCancer Patients Face Confusing Obstacles and Inconsistent Treatment
A diagnosis of cancer puts a patient in an extremely frightening and vulnerable position. Unfortunately, there is often little aid for people in this situation. Instead, they are presented with bureaucratic hurdles and confusion about whose advice to follow. For an example, one could look at the July 29th, 2007 New York Times Magazine section….
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