Articles tagged with Cancer Patients
Thyroid dysfunction is a common side effect of antineoplastic agents in 20-50% of cancer patients, causing fatigue, weakness, and depression. Researchers recommend screening for thyroid disease and monitoring of thyroid function tests to improve patient quality of life.
Early-stage laryngeal cancer patients receiving primary surgery have a higher four-year survival rate compared to those treated with radiation. Meanwhile, chemotherapy combined with radiation therapy has seen increased use in advanced-stage patients, improving their survival rates.
A new study published in BMC Public Health found that never-married men have a significantly higher risk of dying from cancer compared to their married counterparts. The difference in mortality between married and never-married men has increased over the past 40 years, with the gap growing from 18% to 35% for men.
The Terry Fox Research Institute is funding a $5-million program to develop new biomarkers and treatments for ovarian cancer. The program aims to identify new approaches to diagnose and manage the disease, which currently affects one in four women diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
A QUT program trains nurses to provide end-of-treatment care plans for cancer patients, reducing the need for ongoing information and emotional support. The intervention also leads to lower proportions of patients requiring emotional support and improved GP feedback on care plans.
A recent survey found high levels of anxiety and job dissatisfaction among over 2000 medical school faculty in the US. To address this, researchers propose six strategies called 'the Nepenthe principles' to enhance professional development, inclusivity, and creativity, ultimately improving productivity.
A study published in Gut found that specific types of mouth bacteria are associated with pancreatic cancer. The researchers identified two key species - Neisseria elongata and Streptococcus mitis - which were significantly less present in cancer patients' mouths, while Granulicatella adjacens levels were higher.
A study published in Cancer Prevention Research found that ginger root supplements reduced markers of colon inflammation in patients, suggesting its potential as a colon cancer prevention agent. The researchers measured standard levels of colon inflammation and found statistically significant reductions in most of these markers.
Researchers have identified a four-gene signature that accurately predicts which patients are at higher risk of oral cancer recurrence. The signature contains genes related to cell invasion and is indicative of an increased risk of recurrence even in patients with no visible signs of cancer.
Researchers developed an internet-based multimedia informed consent resource to make it easier for cancer patients to understand and feel comfortable enrolling in clinical trials. The tool, accessed via the Internet, contains a video version of the traditional informed consent process and a PDF of the written materials, allowing patien...
A study by the American Society for Radiation Oncology found that cancer patients in their 60s were more likely to use web-based technology to answer quality of life survey questions. The use of this technology increased survey completion rates from 52% to 90% six months after treatment.
A study found that most cancer care physicians initiate contact with bereaved family members and caregivers after a patient's death. However, over two-thirds of physicians reported inadequate training in this area during their residency or fellowship. The most common forms of follow-up were sending condolence letters and making telepho...
A study by the American Society for Radiation Oncology found that nearly three-quarters of cancer patients have insufficient vitamin D levels, with those deficient experiencing more advanced cancer. Vitamin D supplementation showed promise in improving serum levels and potentially impacting treatment outcomes.
A European Survey of Oncology Nurse Breakthrough Cancer Pain Practices revealed an enormous opportunity to improve pain outcomes through education, with most nurses reporting inadequate training and confusion over medication options. The survey calls for nurse-specific guidelines and training to address the gap in management.
Scientists have developed a novel technique to measure and document tumor-inducing changes in DNA, revealing the earliest stages of cancer formation. The study provides insight into chromosomal rearrangements known as translocations, which can lead to tumors in leukemias, lymphomas, and sarcomas.
The study found that many people believe cancer is curable, while others hold misconceptions about its causes and treatment options. Research suggests a need for education on the effects of diet and obesity on cancer development.
A new 'CAP50' regimen combining chemotherapy and radiation before surgery shows promise in reducing rectal cancer recurrence risk by 88% three years after treatment. The study found that the increase in radiation dose did not extend treatment duration, while avoiding side effects.
The report highlights the urgent need for simplified and integrated patient treatment pathways, new models of care with lower cost bases, and a whole new approach to expensive interventions. Radical action is required to make cancer care fair and affordable for all citizens.
The Lancet Oncology Commission emphasizes the need for affordable cancer care in high-income countries by addressing issues like overuse, rapid expansion of demand, and shortening life cycles of medical technologies. The commission suggests value-based pricing, personalized medicine, and education to tackle these challenges.
A new study found that couples counseling can significantly improve the sex lives of prostate cancer survivors and their spouses. The therapy was shown to be effective in improving men's sexual function and satisfaction, as well as enhancing their partner's experience.
A phase III clinical trial shows that abiraterone acetate significantly improves fatigue in men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. The treatment also delays the progression of fatigue and has a potential survival benefit.
Research reveals breast cancer tumors alter hormonal status and marker stability during relapse, impacting treatment decisions. Regular biopsies may be crucial in ensuring correct treatment and detecting other cancers or benign lesions.
Researchers suggest that smaller, faster trials with relaxed evidence criteria could lead to improved cancer patient survival and quicker access to new treatments. This approach would allow for the testing of more treatments and potentially reduce the time it takes to bring new therapies to patients.
Bella Rodriguez-Torres, an 8-year-old cancer survivor, has been selected as the 2011 Survivor Circle Award winner. She was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic Alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma at age 4 and made a remarkable recovery, inspiring others with her positive attitude and determination.
The John Theurer Cancer Center is participating in a landmark clinical trial to develop personalized treatments for patients with multiple myeloma. The study aims to accelerate translational research into therapeutic breakthroughs, leveraging genomic portraits and tissue sampling.
A new study suggests that beta-blocker drugs commonly used to treat high blood pressure may also slow the progression of certain serious cancers like melanoma. The review of thousands of medical records in Denmark found patients taking beta-blockers had lower mortality rates and improved survival times.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have identified 10 strategies to help patients understand their cancer treatment options and risks. By using plain language, visualizing risk, and considering frequency over percentages, patients can become more fluent in the language of cancer care and make informed decisions.
A study of over 30,000 cancer patients found that up to one in five risk developing blood clots called venous thromboembolism (VTE), with risks nearly doubling after a year of treatment. VTEs can be deadly and costly, with average care bills exceeding $110,362 compared to $77,984 for non-VTE patients.
Researchers found that minority patients who develop adult leukemia die from it more often than white patients, with blacks having a 45% greater risk of death from ALL and Hispanics having a 46% greater risk. The study used the SEER database to examine statistics from 40,951 patients with acute leukemia over a 10-year period.
Researchers have identified common genetic variants associated with the development of high-risk neuroblastoma and poor treatment outcomes in patients of African ancestry. These variants may also affect patients of other ethnic backgrounds, highlighting the importance of personalized medicine.
Researchers recommend using plain language, presenting information in a logical order, and emphasizing the element of time to improve patients' understanding of complex medical information. By doing so, clinicians can empower patients to make informed decisions about screening, prevention, and treatment.
Black women are more likely to develop a second breast cancer, even if they were not previously diagnosed with the disease. The average age for this development is significantly lower in black women compared to white women.
A new technology developed by Purdue University researchers allows surgeons to detect small clusters of ovarian cancer cells, leading to improved removal rates. The technique uses a fluorescent imaging agent that 'homed' to cancer cells, illuminating their location during surgery.
Researchers found that Wikipedia's cancer information is accurate and comparable in depth to peer-reviewed sites like PDQ, but less readable due to complex language and hyperlinks. In contrast, PDQ is written in simpler English and offers more patient-friendly explanations.
Researchers found that glioblastoma cells need large amounts of cholesterol to grow and survive. Cholesterol-manipulating drugs could potentially lead to significant tumor cell death if this laboratory work is confirmed in larger studies.
A study from Henry Ford Health found that HPV-positive laryngeal cancer patients have better survival rates and respond better to treatment than those without HPV. The research suggests a link between HPV infection, age, and changes in sexual behavior with younger generations.
A significant increase in lymph node evaluation during colon cancer operations occurred over two decades, but this was not associated with a corresponding rise in node-positive cancers. Patients with high lymph node evaluation experienced lower relative hazard of death.
Researchers at Helmholtz Association find that phytoestrogens, particularly lignans and their metabolite enterolactone, may help reduce breast cancer mortality. Enterolactone levels are linked to clinical disease progression and mortality risk, with higher levels associated with lower risk.
A pilot study using human saliva found that curcumin inhibited a critical cell signaling pathway and reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines in patients with head and neck cancers. The study suggests curcumin could be combined with other treatments to treat head and neck cancer, and may be given to high-risk patients as an adjuvant treatment.
A new study found that lung cancer patients treated in hospitals with high safety-net burden faced significantly lower rates of curative-intent surgery compared to those at low-safety-net burden facilities. The disparity persisted even after controlling for other factors.
The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) is partnering with the Cancer Support Community Greater Miami to raise awareness of cancer survivorship issues. The partnership will be showcased at ASTRO's 53rd Annual Meeting, where attendees can learn about the programs offered by the Cancer Support Community Greater Miami.
Research from the University of Gothenburg found that chemotherapy can cause significant language difficulties in cancer patients, including trouble with sentence completion and word order. The study used a unique questionnaire to assess everyday life difficulties, resulting in an 80% response rate and a long follow-up period.
Gilda's Club South Florida participates in ASTRO's Survivor Circle exhibit to raise awareness about cancer survivorship programs. The organization receives a $10,000 grant to provide support to newly diagnosed patients and their families.
A U-M study found that decreased core muscle density is linked to increased cancer spread and poorer outcomes. Patients with lower muscle density had higher recurrence rates, regardless of tumor size or age.
A new study found that MRI-assessed tumor responses to neoadjuvant therapy can predict survival among patients with advanced rectal cancer. The findings suggest that using MRI prior to surgery may help change the course of patient care, enabling physicians to choose a more effective chemotherapy drug or avoid surgery in some cases.
Researchers at the University of Hawaii Cancer Center and The Queen's Medical Center will analyze gene expression and imaging data to detect liver cancer earlier. They aim to improve patient outcomes and reduce deaths from this deadly disease.
Researchers have classified brain tumors into two distinct subgroups based on genetic analysis, revealing that one subgroup has a favorable prognosis while the other is more aggressive. The study provides valuable insights for better treatment options and could lead to targeted therapies for patients with ependymoma.
Researchers used PET scans to measure estrogen-receptor blocking and binding in breast cancer patients. The study found that estrogen-receptor-blocking drugs such as tamoxifen were more effective than aromatase inhibitors in blocking the estrogen receptor in cancer cells.
A single flexible sigmoidoscopy screening between ages 55-64 is associated with lower colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence and mortality. The study found that CRC incidence was reduced by 31% among those screened, and CRC mortality was significantly reduced by 38%.
A new study from the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center found that thyroid cancer treatment varies greatly depending on where patients receive care. Radioactive iodine treatment is being used more frequently overall, but hospital factors play a significant role in its use, accounting for 29% of variation.
A new process has been developed to identify patients at risk of Lynch syndrome, a genetic mutation that increases cancer risk. The process uses two inexpensive tests to eliminate possible carriers before full genome sequencing, significantly reducing costs and improving accuracy.
A new study by the National Cancer Institute finds that cigarette smoking is responsible for about half of female bladder cancer cases, similar to the proportion found in men. The risk is higher than previously reported and may be due to changes in cigarette composition or smoking habits over the years.
A new study developed a cost-effective way to identify patients at risk for Lynch syndrome, which could lead to earlier screenings and improved outcomes for colon and other cancers. The process uses two relatively inexpensive tests to eliminate possible carriers before full genome sequencing is required.
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) successfully eradicates precancerous cells and intestinal metaplasia in patients with dysplastic Barrett's esophagus, with over 90% of patients showing complete clearance after three years. The procedure offers a minimally invasive alternative to surgery, reducing complication rates and mortality.
A study found that one in ten elderly Medicare patients skip prescribed medication due to cost, regardless of cancer presence. Cancer survivors and non-survivors show similar rates of cost-related non-adherence, using strategies like generic medications and price comparisons.
Scientists from the University of Miami and Germany have created a model to predict cancer tumor growth and progression, which could lead to highly individualized treatment strategies. The model analyzes images of tumor sections and predicts the most likely course of the disease.
A recent study published in Gastroenterology has identified two distinct genetic subtypes of stomach cancer that respond differently to chemotherapy. The researchers found that one subtype, intestinal-type, is more responsive to certain treatments, while the other, diffuse-type, requires a different approach.
Researchers at Lawson Health Research Institute have found that introducing maspin protein into the nucleus of cancer cells can significantly limit tumor growth and spread. This discovery may lead to new targets for drug development and improved understanding of cancer prognosis.
A UT Southwestern men's support group has published a book to reach out to husbands and partners of women with cancer. The book shares stories of five men who know firsthand what it's like to love and care for a cancer patient, offering emotional support and practical advice.
Researchers have identified unexpected genetic mutations in head and neck squamous cell cancer, including defects in the p53 tumor suppressor gene and alterations in the NOTCH family of genes. These findings shed new light on the complex biology of this understudied disease.