African American women have higher rates of a type of breast cancer that isn’t dependent for growth on the hormones estrogen or progesterone. They also have a higher rate of childbearing than do white American women.
A new study finds there is likely a link between those two facts – that bearing a baby to term raises the risk for this type of cancer, called estrogen or progesterone receptor-negative breast cancer.
The study also finds that black women who breastfeed their babies can lower their odds of developing this cancer back down again.
The study, published Tuesday in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, followed a group of 47,000 African American women from 1996 through 2009. Researchers had participants fill out, every two years, a detailed questionnaire assessing a wide range of factors that affect a woman’s risk for breast cancer — including weight, age at which they began menstruating, pregnancies and age of first childbearing, birth control or hormone-replacement use, physical activity and alcohol consumption.
What they found was that African American women who had given birth to more children were more likely to develop estrogen or progesterone-negative cancer than their peers who had not given birth or who had given birth to only one child. But when a woman with two or more childbirths breastfed her babies, that risk declined considerably.
The authors — epidemiologists from Boston University, Georgetown University and Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Rochester, N.Y. — surmised that given the prevalence of infectious diseases in Africa, women of African origins may respond to pregnancy with a particularly strong immune response, which in turn can allow cancers to gain a foothold in the body. Lactation, they noted, appears to blunt that effect.
Estrogen or progesterone receptor-negative breast cancers are less common than those that are fueled by those hormones, representing just one in four breast cancers. But they tend to be more aggressive and harder to treat.
Despite aggressive public health campaigns touting the benefits — to mother and child — of breastfeeding, the practice is less common among African American women than among white women. Future efforts to promote breastfeeding, wrote the authors, should let African American women know that moms who nurse their babies may also reduce their odds of developing a breast cancer that affects them disproportionately and is difficult to treat.
When facing a cancer diagnosis, whether for yourself or a loved one, you know that cooking healthful, delicious food is not always easy. The body goes through various changes from the side effects of cancer and treatment that can affect taste buds, including a diminished appetite, limited foods that are appealing and changes to your taste and smell. Although the goal of cancer treatment is to destroy the cancer cells, normal cells can be damaged in the process, affecting how you feel. When going through treatment, each hour, each day and each week you can feel differently. As a person experiences these side effects, it is important to know the foods that are better tolerated and help to ease the symptoms.
The most common side effect of chemotherapy is loss of appetite, or anorexia, which can be a result of radiation, stress, depression and the cancer itself. Taste changes may also be an issue caused by treatment, resulting in flavor changes and or no taste at all.
Neutropenia, or low white blood cell count, occurs after chemotherapy treatments for most patients. Neutropenia normally lasts for three to seven days. As soon as your counts have returned to normal, you can return to a regular diet.
To decrease your risk of infection, avoid fresh fruits, vegetables, raw meat or fish during the time your blood counts are low.
A dry or sore mouth, caused by chemotherapy or radiation, can get sore seven to 10 days following certain chemotherapy treatments. Precaution and care in choosing foods must be taken to sooth this sensitive side effect. Practicing good oral hygiene can help tremendously. Soft foods should be readily available, while avoiding rough textured, spicy, pain inducing foods.
The gastrointestinal tract is often affected by cancer treatments, which can bring nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and constipation along with it. Healthy well-tolerated high fiber foods are important for alleviating constipation, while low fiber foods are helpful for vomiting and diarrhea relief.
Constipation:
Diarrhea:
Maintaining adequate calories and nutrition during this time can be a difficult task, however it is very important to keep nutrition a priority for optimal health and strength, while incorporating nutrition therapy to help ease the side effects of your treatment.
From: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/holly-b-clegg/cancer-treatment-diet_b_867242.html
Katie and Kim Messer are mother and daughter, facing cancer together. Katie is a Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and breast cancer survivor. And, her daughter Kim is now facing stage IV breast cancer. Watch their moving story.
With the identification of more than 25 types of prostate cancer by PCF-funded scientists in the past 24 months, and the fact that it remains one of the least talked about cancers, it’s no wonder there remains a great deal of confusion surrounding this disease.
Ask any group of men about prostate cancer. If they don’t abruptly change the subject or take the opportunity to crack a few wise remarks, chances are you will get a wide variety of answers when it comes to what it is, how it should be treated and whether or not (and when) one should be screened for this disease. Against this reality, it is always a good idea to review some of the more popular myths and misconceptions about this disease that claims the lives of more than 32,000 men in the U.S. each year.
While it may be true that the older you are, the more likely you are to be diagnosed with prostate cancer (65% of cases are diagnosed in men who are 65 or older), the fact remains that 35% of those diagnosed, or more than 76,000 each year, are diagnosed at an earlier age. I was diagnosed at age 51 and I have met many men who were diagnosed in their early 40s. Although only 1 in 10,000 men under age 40 will be diagnosed, the rate skyrockets up to 1 in 38 for ages 40 to 59, and 1 in 15 for ages 60 to 69.
There are many risk factors to consider. Your race, family history, physical health and lifestyle—even geographic location—are all factors that can increase your likelihood of developing prostate cancer.
Wrong. Prostate cancer is one of the most asymptomatic cancers in oncology, meaning not all men experience symptoms. Many times symptoms can be mistaken or attributed to something else. Signs of prostate cancer are often first detected by a doctor during a routine check-up. Common symptoms include a need to urinate frequently, difficulty starting or stopping urination, weak or interrupted flow of urination, painful or burning urination, difficulty having an erection, painful ejaculation, blood in the urine or semen, or frequent pain and stiffness in the lower back, hips or upper thighs. If you experience any of these symptoms, be sure to tell your doctor.
The answer to this one is sometimes, yes. Sometimes, no. With the 25 types of prostate cancer discovered by PCF-supported researchers, we can confirm that there are those prostate cancers a man may die with and not of, while others are very aggressive. Once a biopsy confirms the presence of cancer in the prostate, a physician uses the data contained in the pathologist’s report to characterize the potential aggressiveness of the cancer and make recommendations for treatment based on many factors, including a patient’s age and health status. There are many treatments available for patients and one approach does not fit all cases. Patients need to understand the complexity of this disease and make treatment decisions that are right for them in consultation with a trusted medical professional.
The good news is that we believe, with the accelerated pace of scientific discovery, we will soon be able to identify the specific cancer a patient has at time of their diagnosis and match the most effective treatments for their prostate cancer and their biological makeup. This will enable us to cure more and overtreat less.
Wrong. While a family history of prostate cancer doubles a man’s odds of being diagnosed to 1 in 3, the fact remains that 1 out of 6 American men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. This compares to 1 in 8 women who will be diagnosed with breast cancer. African-American men are 60% more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer and 2.4 times more likely to die as a result.
Family history and genetics do, however, play a role in a man’s chances for developing prostate cancer. A man whose father or bother had prostate cancer is twice as likely to develop the disease. The risk is further increased if the cancer was diagnosed in a family member at a younger age (less than 55 years old), or if it affected three or more family members.
In 2010, approximately 218,000 new cases were diagnosed in the U.S. and more than 32,000 men died as a result of this cancer. The number of new U.S. cases could exceed 300,000 per year by 2015.
Incorrect. The PSA tests measures levels of prostate-specific antigen in the prostate, not cancer. PSA is produced by the prostate in response to a number of problems that could be present in the prostate including an inflammation or infection (prostatitis), enlargement of the prostate gland (benign prostatic hyperplasia) or, possibly, cancer. Think of it as a first alert smoke alarm, instead of a fire alarm. The PSA test is the first step in the diagnostic process for cancer. It has made detection of cancer in its early stages, when it is best treated, possible. Experts believe the PSA test saves the life of approximately 1 in 39 men who are tested. Personally, I believe the PSA test saved my life and will continue to save it as we track my response to treatment.
Although prostate cancer is a common cause of elevated PSA levels, some men with prostate cancer may even have low levels of PSA. PSA can also be diluted in men who are overweight or obese, due to a larger blood volume, and a biopsy should be considered at a relatively lower number (i.e. 3.5 instead of 4). Again, elevated levels can be an indication of other medical conditions.
Having a vasectomy was once thought to increase a man’s risk. This issue has since been carefully researched by epidemiologists. Vasectomy has not been linked to increasing a man’s chance of getting prostate cancer but has led to the prostate being checked by the urologist more often and prostate cancer consequently being detected in the clinic.
While erectile dysfunction (ED) and urinary incontinence are possibilities following surgery or radiation therapy for prostate cancer, it is not true that all men experience complications. These side effects can also be highly dependent on age and physical condition. Numerous therapies and aids can improve erectile function and limit incontinence following treatment and nerve sparing surgical procedures have improved outcomes for patients as well. When selecting a surgeon, patients should inquire about the surgeon’s outcomes for ED and incontinence as well as the number of surgical procedures (open or robotic) performed.
High levels of sexual activity or frequent ejaculation were once rumored to increase prostate cancer risk. In fact, some studies show that men who reported more frequent ejaculations had a lower risk of developing prostate cancer. Ejaculation itself has not been linked to prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer is not infectious or communicable. This means that there is no way for you to “pass it on” to someone else.
The first step in dealing effectively with prostate cancer is knowing the facts and eliminating confusion. Recent studies have shown that lifestyle decisions such as maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise, such as walking 30 minutes a day, may also play a pivotal role in reducing the risk of getting prostate cancer and surviving it if you get the disease. Talk to your family and friends about prostate cancer and, if you are over 40, talk to your physician to develop a prostate health and screening plan that is right for you.
By Dan Zenka
We Often Consider at What Age a Man Should Consider PSA Screening, But We Rarely Ask When Do Individuals Stop?
I just had an interesting conversation with an individual who asked me at what age do most men start thinking about NOT having an annual PSA test? To be honest, I didn’t have an immediate answer. It’s a complicated question and I am, to be honest, stumped. Age is certainly a factor as is the reality that there exist 24 types of prostate cancer that range from indolent to very aggressive.
We frequently read about suggested guildelines for PSA screening. I personally like the AUA recommendation that suggests a man should talk to to his doctor about a first screening to establish a baseline when he enters his 40s. From there, based on a man’s general state of health and family history, he can decide on a screening approach that is right for him. But in the almost twelve months that I have been writing this blog and the years that I have been meeting fellow patients, I can’t remember a discussion that addresses the other end of the spectrum. I would think that a vibrant, active 78-year-old man with a form that appears to be aggressive would be grateful to have the data and take some sort of action. Of course, a man of the same age could be pleased to live out his life with little or no intervention if his numbers indicated a slower growing form of cancer that he could quite possibly live with. But, how many give up, for whatever reason, wanting to know at all?
So, I have to ask four questions:
1.) Are there men out there in their 70s and 80s who choose to no longer have annual PSA screenings and why?
2.) Are there men out there in their 70s and 80s who insist on annual PSA screenings?
3.) Are there men in this age group who have been screened and diagnosed with cancer?
4.) If you were given a diagnosis of cancer in your 70s or 80s, what course of treatment did you decide upon?
Thank you to anyone and everyone who can provide some insight.
ATLANTA – As a culmination of the efforts behind the Prostate Cancer Awareness Pledge Campaign, there will be a prostate cancer symposium on Saturday, April 2, 2011 held at the Morehouse School of Medicine located at 720 Westview Drive SW, Atlanta, GA 30310 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.
Prostate cancer is a serious health concern in Georgia. According to the American Cancer Society, the state of Georgia ranks 11th in number of estimated deaths per capita from the disease.
The Georgia Prostate Cancer Coalition, RC Cancer Centers, Atlanta Hawks, Atlanta Thrashers, UPS, CR Bard, WXIA Television, Morehouse School of Medicine, KISS 104.1 Radio and WSB Radio partnered in support of the challenge for 10,000 men in Georgia pledge to have the conversation with their doctors and/or be screened by April 30, 2011.
The campaign launched in December with a gathering of partners and officials with Mayor Kasim Reed as he signed a pledge card to have a conversation with his doctor and/or be screened for prostate cancer. On Monday, March 14, 2011, legislators from the Georgia House and Senate gathered to sign pledges and got screened for prostate cancer as they recognized Prostate Cancer Awareness Day at the capitol.
“We’ve made great strides in the last few months but still have a ways to go in the mission to raise awareness about prostate cancer in Georgia,” said Frank Catroneo from the Georgia Prostate Cancer Coalition.
The Prostate Cancer Symposium will be divided into two sessions. The morning session for physicians only will begin at 7:30 a.m. and features a panel discussion on public health trends, informed decision making for prostate cancer, outcomes and the impact of health policy impact on prostate cancer. Attending physicians will be eligible for CME credits.
The second session which begins at 10 a.m., is free to the public and will educate and empower men, providing information to support better prostate cancer treatment decision making and raise general awareness. Moderated by Jerry Carnes of WXIA 11 Alive, the day’s program includes several renowned speakers including Jonathan Simons, M.D., president and CEO of the Prostate Cancer Foundation, James Bennett, M.D., Morehouse School of Medicine faculty, Ingrid Hill, Ph.D., MPH from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as well as James Benton, M.D., radiation oncologist from RC Cancer Centers.
The Georgia Department of Community Health reports prostate cancer is the leading cause of cancer among Georgia males and accounts for 28 percent of all new cancer cases among males each year. Other than skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common cancer in American men and the second leading cause of cancer death, behind lung cancer according to the American Cancer Society.
A prostate screening PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) is a simple blood test which will not define a man’s prostate cancer status, but provides the basis for men to start the right conversations with their doctor. When prostate cancer is detected early, it is a very curable disease.
“Maintaining an ongoing relationship with our healthcare providers is an essential part of preventive care when discussing prostate cancer because risks vary from person to person,” said Dr. Roland Matthews, from Morehouse School of Medicine and Director of the Grady Cancer Center for Excellence.
“As the campaign continues through the next few weeks,” said Michael Holton, president and COO of RC Cancer Centers. “RC Cancer Centers continues to offer free of charge PSA screenings for men over 40 years old. They can be screened at any one of our five locations in Georgia. For screening locations, visit www.GeorgiaProstateCancerPledge.com .”
Nationally, about one in six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime. Prostate cancer is treatable when caught early.
To register for the Prostate Cancer Symposium visit www.GeorgiaProstateCancerPledge.com or contact Shelly Glenn at 770-682-2099 x. 119 or sglenn@rccancercenters.com.
To learn more about the Prostate Cancer Pledge Campaign, visit www.GeorgiaProstateCancerPledge.com.
As a patient, I feel for anyone who is given a diagnosis of prostate cancer. Hearing the “Big-C” word can be upsetting enough. But the complexity of the disease—diagnosing it, trying to characterize it and selecting the appropriate treatment—can feel like insult upon injury. We need to talk about prostate cancers. With 24 known sub-types of this cancer—from non-life-threatening to very aggressive—it’s no wonder so much time is expended on debating PSA screening and the potential for overtreatment.
While debates continue, more than 32,000 American men die from this disease each year, placing it on par with breast cancer in incidence and mortality.
Oddly, I still contend that when I was diagnosed last year, I was “lucky” enough to have clear diagnostic and prognostic data to inform my decision to have a radical prostatectomy, despite potential side effects . My PSA had nearly doubled in a year’s time. As my urologist reviewed my biopsy results, the extent of the cancer’s involvement in my walnut-sized gland and my Gleason scores, I knew where I was headed. He dutifully began sketching out all treatment options currently available to patients when I told him to stop and move to the top two options. He gave me a dubious look before I shared with him that I had learned much about the disease in two years of working at the Prostate Cancer Foundation.
I was lucky once again when my surgeon’s professional instincts prompted him to remove some of my lower lymph nodes during my robotic procedure, something that’s not always done. The post-surgical pathology report upgraded my diagnosis to Stage 4 metastatic disease with single Gleason 5 cells discovered in the nodes. (Not exactly the kind of upgrades I am accustomed to in my life…) As a result, I headed into seven weeks of radiation therapy and three years of androgen deprivation therapy—a palliative treatment that drastically cuts my production of testosterone, a fuel for prostate cancer growth and proliferation. Today, I have a 60 percent chance that I will have to live with recurrent disease. I look forward without second guessing.
Not all patients have such clarity. Through My New York Minute, I meet many readers who are confused by the complexity of this disease. As a fellow patient who also works for world’s leading private accelerator of prostate cancer research, I remind them:
Science will someday, sooner than later, enable us to identify which prostate cancer a patient has and prescribe highly personalized treatments that will work best for their case. Until then, an in-depth understanding of the disease and the advice of a trusted healthcare professional remain the best tools for making treatment decisions with confidence.
From: http://mynewyorkminute.org/?p=1242&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+MyNewYorkMinute+%28My+New+York+Minute%29We meet them every week, and they are amazing.
Granted, every patient confronted with a serious disease is a hero in their own right. Given a life-altering, possibly life-threatening, scenario, they step up to the plate, find ways to cope with their fears and sign up for various physically-demanding treatments all at a time when they could actually be forgiven for wanting to, as the saying goes, curl up and die. It’s a testament to their families, friends and their own perceived self-worth. It’s also an odd but very real way of celebrating life itself.
But there are other heroes that never cease to amaze me. In my circles, I call them the undiagnosed cancer heroes. Individuals who have not been given their own diagnoses, but have thrown themselves squarely into the front lines of this battle. They are advocates, researchers, family members and friends who continue to perform heroic deeds on our behalf. Last week I met with several researchers and cancer advocates in Boston and London and was, as always, impressed by their unwavering passion for the cause. One British woman in particular sticks in my mind.
Meet Wendy Gough.
Wendy lost her son, Matthew, to testicular cancer when he was just 19 years old. Before he died, he told her: “I learnt so much in school that I would never use in my life, but the one vital thing that might have saved my life, they didn’t teach me.” It was an unnecessary loss, particularly since, as LIVESTRONG has taught us, testicular cancer is highly treatable, perhaps even curable. But what Matthew was missing, was the basic information about the problem, how to spot it and how to self examine. He watched, ashamed and afraid, as a tumor took shape. By the time Matthew decided to speak up and see a doctor, it was too late to contain his cancer.
As a parent, I can image the pain and loss that Wendy encountered when Matthew succumbed to the cancer that had invaded his body. One would be very sympathetic if she had merely mourned and tried to get on with her life without a vital limb. Yes, a child implants itself on a parent like a third and very essential arm. Instead, in the 12 years since Matthew’s death, Wendy has gone on the offensive.
Wendy initiated Cancer Awareness Talks,which she delivers personally, to schools across Britian. She has pounded the halls of Parliament to enourage the adoption of a cancer curriculum in all schools and made numerous media appearances to tell of Matthew’s story and the need for increased awareness and self examination. She has also spent her entire inheritance–sans regrets–in doing so. Fortunately, she now has the support of several Charitable Trusts on her side of the pond.
Wendy’s efforts have been directly credited with saving hundreds of lives in the U.K. Professor Tim Oliver from Bart’s Hospital in London reports: “The size of (testicular) tumors over the past decade have now halved on presentation because cancer awareness is at last getting attention–at last we feel that somebody is listening to what we have been attempting to tell them for 12 years.”
Last year, through the Everyman Cancer Awareness Support Group, Wendy covered 23 counties and 250 schools, reaching more than 30,000 school children. She also gave talks to the British armed forces and police departments. I believe Wendy will soon see her goal ensuring that cancer curriculum become mandatory in the British school system. It will promote awareness for all cancers.
Yes. We are surrounded by heroes, embraced by angels on earth. Wendy is one of them.
Note:You can read Darren Couchman’s testicular cancer blog, One Lump or Two? at http://www.onelumportwo.org.uk/index.htm
Ty Lewis’ 3 year battle with cancer is an inspiration his son & soccer team at one of the biggest tournaments in the US.
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Also known as RC Cancer Centers.
