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Do Something About Cancer!

© Linda Bily

CLINICAL TRIALS DISCLOSURE Ever wonder why you only hear about the latest and greatest new drugs? The reason is simple: pharmaceutical companies are not required to tell you about the drugs that received negative reviews. The American Medical Association (AMA) and the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors want full drug-trial disclosure. They would like to see the creation of a national registry that would allow physicians and patients access to the results of any clinical trials. Sounds like a good idea, to me. If you support such a registry, contact your lawmakers and let them know where you stand on drug-trial disclosure.

GROWING UP TOXIC The Environment California Research and Policy Center released a new report that states that many household products contain chemicals which may harm childhood development. Of course, other factors, such as lifestyle and heredity, contribute to these trends, but toxic chemicals seem to be on everyone's radar screen these days. Check it out and decide for yourself. www.environmentalcalifornia.org/envirocaliftoxics.asp?id2=13673

CANCER TREATMENTS and YOUR HEART Cardiologists at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center published a study in Circulation, reviewing cardiovascular complications that may occur during cancer therapy. They reviewed 29 anticancer agents and found none that were free of potential heart damage. Most patients who are at risk of heart disease are aged, or have other illnesses, such as diabetes or existing heart disease. It is vital that physicians adequately monitor their patients for potential heart damage and attempt to minimize the risks. Does this mean you shouldn't undergo the cancer treatment recommended? Absolutely not! It means that you and your medical team need to be aware of the risks and minimize your potential risk.

SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS and BREAST CANCER RISK A case control study conducted in Wisconsin shows that women with higher socioeconomic status have a higher risk factor for breast cancer. After controlling for variables, such as education, parity, alcohol intake, body mass index and other factors, women with this status had a slightly higher risk. More research is clearly indicated to address this issue and find out if diet, environmental conditions or other factors contribute to this increased risk.

ALTERNATIVE THERAPY CAUSES DELAY This study, published in the American Society of Clinical Oncology, notes that between 28% and 83% of women with breast cancer use some type of alternative therapy. The patients included in the study all presented with operable breast cancer, Stage I or II. Lack of education was not a factor for the women study; high anxiety was an issue with all the patients. The delay in the start of conventional therapy ranged from 6 to 24 months. Poor outcomes were observed in all the patients. Conclusion is that alternative therapy used in isolation for potentially curable breast cancer is not generally a good choice. Again, it is YOUR decision. Weigh your options carefully and try to avoid letting your emotions undermine your choice.

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