Friday, April 1, 2011

Health : Health Buzz: Lung Cancer Deaths Drop Among Women

Health : Health Buzz: Lung Cancer Deaths Drop Among Women


Health Buzz: Lung Cancer Deaths Drop Among Women

Posted: 01 Apr 2011 08:18 AM PDT

Report: Cancer Death Rates Falling

For the first time in four decades, the lung cancer death rate among women is dropping. And though the decline is small—just under 1 percent a year—researchers say it's promising, especially because a similar drop began among men more than 10 years ago. "It looks like we've turned the corner," Elizabeth Ward of the American Cancer Society, who co-authored a report published Thursday in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, told The Washington Post. "We think this downward trend is real, and we think it will continue." Since lung cancer accounts for more deaths than any other cancer in both men and women—the disease is expected to kill more than 159,000 Americans this year—even a small improvement makes a big difference, Ward says. Overall, the rate of all cancers in the U.S. declined from 2003 to 2007, according to the report. New diagnoses fell about 1 percent a year, while cancer death rates dropped 1.6 percent a year. The findings aren't entirely positive, however: New diagnoses of childhood cancer are inching upward, about 0.6 percent a year, though the reason why is unclear.

What Causes Cancer? 7 Strange Cancer Claims Explained

Bras, deodorant, and mouthwash­—just a few of the everyday products that have been linked to cancer at some point during the past several decades. Preposterous? Not at the time, and new suspects have been added to the list, writes U.S. News's Megan Johnson. Here's the real story behind a roll call of ordinary household items that have come under scrutiny:

Artificial Sweeteners. The link: Calorie watchers scored a win when diet sodas were introduced in the early 1950s. Then lab studies suggested that the sweetener cyclamate caused bladder cancer in rats, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration banned its use. Then saccharin, the replacement of choice, was also shown to cause tumors in rats. Although saccharin was never banned, all products containing the sweetener were required to carry a cancer warning on their packaging.

The reality: No evidence has since emerged that either cyclamate, which is used in other countries, or saccharin causes cancer in humans, according to the National Cancer Institute. Although cyclamate is still banned, in 2000 saccharin was taken off the government's list of possible carcinogens and saccharin products shed the warning label. The sweetener aspartame has come under suspicion, but scientists have found no increased risk of cancer in humans. [Read more: What Causes Cancer? 7 Strange Cancer Claims Explained.]

Free Services for Women With Breast Cancer

When battling breast cancer, it helps to have an army of well-wishers on your side. And there are plenty, including dozens of groups designed to make the journey smoother, if not a bit brighter. Some clean patients' homes; others send customized scarves, or hats, or pillows, U.S. News reports. Often, these services are free.

"Cancer is a shocking experience. You don't expect to get it, and you don't know what's going to happen to you," says Ann Silberman, 52, of Sacramento, Calif., who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009. "Knowing different groups are there for you in a real, personal way has been one of the more meaningful parts of my whole cancer experience."

Here's a sampling of free available services that cater to cancer patients nationwide:

Breast Cancer Diagnosis Guide iPhone application. Breastcancer.org, a nonprofit that promotes disease awareness, released its mobile app in late September. Two weeks later, it had been downloaded more than 1,600 times. Patients plug in details about their condition—cancer type, tumor size, and grade, for instance—and they'll receive an extensive lesson, including illustrations and definitions. The app also features a glossary of terms commonly spouted by oncologists and surgeons. "Getting results back from the doctor is very overwhelming," says Jamie DePolo, a breastcancer.org senior writer who spearheaded the app's development. "If you're unfamiliar with some of the medical terms, you can look them up right away with just a click." Women also receive personalized breast cancer news, including the latest studies on treatment options. "The research is relevant for each individual, so you don't have to wonder whether the information should matter to you," DePolo says. [Read more: Free Services for Women With Breast Cancer.]

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