Cancer - March 2014 Archives

There's been widespread concern  about the rising incidence of melanoma, which affects 75,000 Americans annually and results in nearly 9,000 deaths. Researchers speculate the uptick may be connected to the popularization of tanning beds, and some states are even considering legislation that would prohibit minors from going to tanning facilities. Mayo Clinic dermatologist Jerry Brewer, M.D., says, “There’s been a cultural trend for many decades in which people connect being tan with being fit and even successful.” The opposite is true. Dr. Brewer gives four ways to improve your chances of preventing skin cancer: 1. Avoid the use of tanning beds 2. Use sunscreen 3. Be familiar with your skin by performing frequent skin-self examinations 4. Check in with your dermatologist annually http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9RHRoO-YJqs Journalists: Sound bites with Dr. Brewer regarding his recent melanoma study are available in the downloads. MEDIA CONTACT: Alyson Gonzalez, Mayo Clinic Public Affairs, 507-284-5005, newsbureau@mayo.edu

Join us Saturday, March 29, at 9 a.m. CT, when we cover as much about Alzheimer's disease as we can in one hour! Director of the Mayo Clinic Alzheimer's Disease Research Center Ronald Petersen, M.D., Ph.D., will be with us to discuss a recent study listing Alzheimer's disease as the third-leading cause of death, and he'll comment on a news report that says women in their 60s are twice as likely to develop Alzheimer's than breast cancer. Dr. Petersen will also share 7 tips to prevent memory loss.  Join us! Myth or Matter of Fact: There are treatments available to help stop the progression of Alzheimer's disease. At the top of the hour we'll also hear from David Ahlquist, M.D., a Mayo Clinic gastroenterologist and co-inventor of the Cologuard test. This high-tech home stool test kit looks for colorectal cancer's DNA in its early stages, when this cancer is highly treatable.  To hear the program LIVE on Saturday, click here. Follow #MayoClinicRadio and tweet your questions. Mayo Clinic Radio is available on iHeart Radio. Listen to this week’s Medical News Headlines: News March 29, 2014 (right click MP3) 

Mayo Clinic research team shares discoveries on kidney cancer See how one research team is working to find better treatments and a potential cure for ...

THIS WEEK'S TOP STORIES Weight loss: Feel full on fewer calories Working on weight loss? Find out how to put the concept of energy density to work for you. Cancer risk: What the numbers mean Find out how to interpret the latest news about cancer risk. This can help you put your own risk into perspective. EXPERT ANSWERS Tetanus shots: Is it risky to receive 'extra' boosters? For adults, tetanus shots are recommended every 10 years, but learn when an extra booster may be OK. Coffee and health: What does the research say? Has coffee gotten a bum rap? Can it be part of a healthy diet? HEALTHY RECIPES Ham, pineapple and asparagus crepes Mango tango salad Quiche Mixed bean salad HEALTH TIP OF THE WEEK Reduce tension through muscle relaxation Progressive muscle relaxation can reduce muscle tension from stress. First, find a quiet place free from interruption. Tense each muscle group for at least five seconds and then relax for up to 30 seconds. Repeat before moving to the next muscle group. Practice this technique any time you feel stress. Click here to get a free e-subscription to the Housecall newsletter.

Intimacy and sex after cancer treatment is over Emotions can have a strong effect on your desire for sex due to anxiety, fears and physical changes during and after cancer treatment. Be patient as you heal. Hormone therapy for breast cancer Get the facts about this treatment for breast cancers that are sensitive to hormones. Managing chemotherapy side effects Chemotherapy treatment carries with it a host of potential side effects — fatigue, hair loss and more. Learn about managing chemotherapy side effects.

Laser-guided Malaria Detectors Smart Socks that Predict Heart Attacks Mouse Avatars to Study Ovarian Cancer These are just three of the joint projects now underway ...

Mayo Clinic research results presented in NEJM could change colorectal screening practice ROCHESTER, Minn. — March 19, 2014 — Results of a clinical trial of Cologuard show unprecedented rates of precancer and cancer detection by a noninvasive test. The detection rates are similar to those reported for colonoscopy. The results were published in the March 20 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM). Cologuard was co-developed by Mayo Clinic and Exact Sciences. Cologuard, is a noninvasive sDNA test for the early detection of colorectal precancer and cancer. The Cologuard test is based on a stool sample that is analyzed for DNA signatures of precancer or cancer. The samples are easily collected, mailed from home, requires no bowel preparation, medication restriction or diet change. The clinical trial, called the DeeP-C study, included 10,000 patients and was designed to determine how well Cologuard detects precancer and cancer. The study also compared Cologuard to the fecal immunochemical test for occult blood (FIT). The study was conducted at 90 medical centers throughout the United States and Canada. “Cologuard detection rates of early stage cancer and high-risk precancerous polyps validated in this large study were outstanding and have not been achieved by other noninvasive approaches,” says the study’s author David Ahlquist M.D., a Mayo Clinic gastroenterologist and co-inventor of the Cologuard test. “It is our hope that this accurate and user-friendly test will expand screening effectiveness and help curb colorectal cancer rates in much the same way as regular Pap smear screening has done for cervical cancer.” In the study, all patients received Cologuard, FIT and colonoscopy.  Colonoscopy was the reference method. Major findings reported in the study include: Sensitivity of Cologuard for cancer was 92 percent overall, and 94 percent for the earliest and most curable cancer stages (stages I and II). Sensitivity was 69 percent for precancerous polyps at greatest risk to progress to cancer (i.e., those containing high-grade dysplasia). Cologuard detected significantly more cancers and significantly more precancerous polyps than did FIT.

Mayo Clinic research results presented in NEJM could change colorectal screening practice A clinical trial of Cologuard shows unprecedented results for finding colorectal cancer with a noninvasive test. “Cologuard detection rates of early stage cancer and high-risk precancerous polyps validated in this large study were outstanding and have not been achieved by other noninvasive approaches,” says the study’s author David Ahlquist M.D., a Mayo Clinic gastroenterologist and co-inventor of the Cologuard test. Colorectal cancer has become the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States, but it is highly treatable if found early. Cologuard uses a self-contained collection kit that allows patients to send stool samples to a high-tech lab for screening. Journalists: Sound bites with Dr. Ahlquist, animation and b-roll of the Cologuard test kit are available in the downloads.

PHOENIX — March 19, 2014 — A Mayo Clinic study reviewed data on more than 290,000 men with prostate cancer from the past 20 years ...

THIS WEEK'S TOP STORIES Oral health: Brush up on dental care basics Your smile depends on simple dental care habits, such as brushing and flossing. But are you using the right techniques? Exercise: 7 benefits of regular physical activity Exercise can improve your mood, stamina and sex life. How many more reasons do you need to get moving? EXPERT ANSWERS Cervical cysts: Can they be cancerous? Most cervical cysts are noncancerous, cause no signs or symptoms and require no treatment. Walking pneumonia: What does it mean? Walking pneumonia is a general term for relatively mild cases of pneumonia. HEALTHY RECIPES Split pea soup Beef stew with fennel and shallots Garlic mashed potatoes Green smoothie HEALTH TIP OF THE WEEK Fit in more fruit Getting in at least three servings of fruit a day is easier than you may think. But if you're tired of the same old fruit options, try these two variations. 1. Blend it. In a blender, add 2 fresh or frozen bananas, 1/2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries and 1 cup low-fat vanilla yogurt. Blend until smooth. 2. Grill it. Cut apples, pears or peaches into chunks, brush lightly with canola oil and sprinkle with cinnamon. Place on skewers or wrap in foil. Grill on low heat for 3 to 5 minutes. Click here to get a free e-subscription to the Housecall newsletter.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UIotTjQep4o Rochester Minn. March 17, 2014 — The Mayo Clinic Cancer Center (MCCC) announced today that it has been elected to institutional membership in the National ...

Colon cancer awareness: Check out the strollin' colon You're invited to a colon cancer awareness event for the latest updates on prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment and care. Cancer blood tests: Lab tests used in cancer diagnosis Reduce your anxiety by learning about cancer blood tests and how they're used. Managing chemotherapy side effects Chemotherapy treatment carries with it a host of potential side effects — fatigue, hair loss and more. Learn about managing chemotherapy side effects.