Brain Tumor News, incorp. Meningioma News

Less Alcohol not more Veg to cut Cancer Risk

2011-01-29T19:05:00.000-08:00

Strong links to obesity and alcohol, rather than more fruit and veges, are main avenues to cancer, but the message does not seem to be getting through. Add smoking to the list and you have the perfect developer for Cancer.
Prof. Tim Key, an epidemiologist, Oxford University, says while there are undoubted benefits in eating fruits and vegetables, there is little hard evidence that they protect against cancer. But there is strong scientific evidence, that after smoking, overweight or obese, together with high alcohol intake are two of the biggest cancer risks.
Being overweight can increase risk of other common cancers like bowl, pancreatic, oesophageal and kidney cancers.
UK. stats show 15,000 cancers are caused by alcohol, and 19,000 cases caused by overweight.
Sarah Hiom, dir, Health Information, Cancer Research Ltd., suggests keeping alcohol intake to a maximum of one small drink a day for women and two small drinks per day for men and keeping weight within healthy limits can have enormous impact. Acknowlegment: British Journal of Cancer 2010. Geoff

Cyberknife versatility for low risk Prostrate Cancer

2011-01-29T17:52:00.000-08:00

Cyberknife stereostatic radiation for low risk prostrate cancer has found most patients had disease-free survival after five years, with little toxicity, results that researchers say could help bolster support for treatment.
It's no longer investigational or experimental therapy says study co-author, Dr.Debra E. Freeman , radiation oncologist, Cyberknife Centers, Tampa Bay, Florida.
It is felt slower growing "indolent" prostrate cancers respond better to hypofractionated treatments, as opposed to radiotherapy treatments.
Dr.Freeman commented toxic side effects from zapping the prostrate were also rare, with no rectal bleeding or significant damage to the bladder.
The greater availability of Cyberknife could increase the menu of options for many patients. And we know of the performance of Cyberknife in treating brain tumors.
Acknowledgment: www.dotmed.com Geoff.

Health-Care Providers warn Overuse Radiation during Patient exams.

2011-01-29T17:22:00.000-08:00

US. Health-Care providers are pledging to stop overuse of radiation on patients during examinations, launched in Chicago recently. Too much radiation can cause cancer.
Because of increased use of radiation in recent decades, particularly on new imaging and CT scans, questions were raised about possible increased cancer risk.
Addressing an imaging safety panel at Radiological Society of North America, William Hendee said "There are lots of reasons that medical images are over-utilised".
Patients can be part of the problem if they request a test they don't need because a friend had similar symptoms and got that test.
Duplicate test can also be done when a doctor doesn't know the patient's full medical record, Hendee said.
Another danger is "dose creep" when technologists increase radiation dose to get amazing-looking pictures.
"But you don't need pretty images to provide information necessary to yield a diagnosis" Hendee concluded. Acknowledgment: aolhealth.com Geoff.

Australian Consumers seek Mobile MRI unit

2010-09-12T17:12:00.000-07:00

Australian Health Consumers researched several Health Consumer delegates at several seminars and conferences during latter part of 2009, to assess needs for a mobile MRI/Scanner vehicle to service large areas of rural and outback State of Queensland.
The interest shown came not only from health delegates, but also rural doctors' groups , pointing out a need for a mobile imagery system, that would save patients from travelling to provincial centres to receive treatment.
There are two imported US. designed and developed mobile units servicing some eastern parts of Queensland and Gippsland (Victoria) medical centres.
Research gathered from these US. units and information supplied from a UK. Dutch designed mobile MRI units, has led Australian Health Consumers to consider a locally designed and developed project for Australian conditions, which has received support from a leading vehicle manufacturer, and an Imagery Health equipment supplier. Geoff.

What NOT to say to Breast Cancer sufferer!

2010-07-08T23:28:00.000-07:00

Breast Cancer, with all it diagnosis and treatments, comes in for some verbal treatment at times. Sympathy, yes, can be extended by someone, a friend, a husband, even a mother, who may have also suffered similar discomfort in her life time.
A comment to a BC sufferer should be given with sincere feelings, not to aggravate the situation, says psychologist Jeff Knajdl, director, psycho-Oncology services, Creighton University, Omaha, Nabraska, pointing out some common sayings to avoid upsetting Breast Cancer patients.
"Everything will be all right". You really have no way of knowing if it will be or not, says Jeff, such statements will sound like an empty platitudes, or something of mistrust. What a BC patient really wants to hear is that you're going to be there for her through good times and bad.
"I know how you feel". Often an automatic response to an inquiry of "How ya doing?" At this point in time, a depth of feeling assessment of the patient may not be received at the level of your understanding. Better to ask something like "How are your mood and spirits holding up?" This approach is not striking at a depth of feeling, but rather giving a sufferer a chance to tell you how she feels.
"Try to keep a positive attitude!". This tends to arrive at the patient like a salvo!. Cancer patients hear endless variations on this 'mind over body' theme. If a patient has a strong personality, they will dramatise the situation more than they need to do so.
"We can beat this!". In a rush to be supportive, it's all to easy to fall back on such encouraging and inspirational messages that can lead to deep seated feelings of failure.
"Now don't get worked up!". A statement directed by observations of a scared, angry, or in tears situation . Patients need to get their feelings out in the open. It is necessary to cry, get angry or get upset!
"Congratulations, you're done with chemo". This may not altogether produce the thrill a course of treatment is finished. During a treatment, a patient may feel she is actually taking action, because the focus is on a solution, either as a cure, or progress in pushing back the cancer.
It is important to accept the patient is feeling okay and that you are there to listen any time of the day.
Acknowledgment: Jeff Knajdl, Psychologist, Psycho-Oncology services, Crieghton University, Omaha, Nabraska. Breast Cancer, Caring.com Geoff.

FDA approves first human Stem Cell Clinical Trials

2010-06-17T21:27:00.000-07:00

One of America's finest hospitals has been granted FDA approval to conduct first neural clinical Stem Cell trial on glioma brain tumors. Established in 1913, City of Hope neuroscience research teams will take 12 to 20 recurrent high grade glioma patients into their newly developed treatment strategy during coming summer months.
It is estimated over 22,500 US. citizens are diagnosed with malignant brain tumors annually, with just over 50% die each year. Survival rates vary with each type of brain tumor, but those with glioblastoma can expect a life period of around 15 months.
These tumors are highly invasive and ultimately resistant to current methods of treatment such as surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. One significant barrier to treating glioma type tumors is the presence of a blood-brain barrier, that can prevent chemotherapy agents entering the brain and reaching effective concentrations at tumor sites.
The first in-human clinical trial of a neural stem cell-based therapy will be an investigational targeted treatment option to see if eventual treatments develop a platform technology to target multiple agents to brain tumors, as well as other metastatic solid tumors inside and outside of brain.
This novel tumor-selective treatment has potential to overcome many obstacles that limit the success of currently available treatments of malignant tumors and other invasive cancers. Modified neural stem cells are injected during surgery into cavity wall of remaining tumor after tissue has been removed.
Study patients receive daily doses of prodrug 5-FC for one week. Once the 5-FC crosses blood brain barrier, the neural stem cell will convert 5-FC to an active chemotherapy agent 5-FU, at tumor sites in the brain.
As a delivery agent, the stem cells may allow researchers to target concentrated therapies specifically to tumor sites, reducing undesirable side effects to the patient.
Acknowledgment: City of Hope Dept. of Neurosciences, Durate, California. www.cityofhope.org Geoff.

Seven Questions to ask about Breast Cancer Radiation Therapy

2010-05-05T21:26:00.000-07:00

There has been so many advances in radiation therapy in past few years that choosing a therapeutic approach is not as simple as it used to be, says Melanie Haiken, Caring.com senior editor. Here are some questions you may want to ask your Oncologist when deciding on a plan of treatment.

1. Is there a risk that radiation will damage the lungs?
2. If the tumor is located in left breast, do we need to worry about damage to the heart?
3. Would using IMRT reduce risk of damage to lungs, heart, or surrounding skin tissue?
4. Is the tumor located that treatment can be affected by movement from breathing or digestion?
5. Are you considering using techniques to control or compensate for movement during radiation?
6. Will deodorant, lotion and other products interfere with radiation therapy?
7. Can radiation cause cosmetic damage to the skin?

These question should go some way to alay any fear you may have regarding Radiation therapy. Even ask the Oncologist to show you the equipment you will be using in your treatment. You must eliminate all fears prior to taking on this treatment.
Acknowledge Caring.com Geoff.

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Genes Patent Invalidated by U.S. Judge

2010-04-10T17:17:00.000-07:00

What started out as a brash idea created in a management move within an Australian Bio research company, the patent of human genes gathered momentum amongst Bio research organisations around the World. You may recall our blog item "Genes Patent: Your Body, but Who are the Owners? (April 5, 2009)
A local Australian Bio research company, Gene Technologies, had engaged in a U.S. partnership concern with Myriad, keen to evaluate DNA genes into common research. Meanwhile, the Australian Government had engaged a Senate inquiry in an examination of the ownership of Genes used by companies to claim ownership by including them in their product patent.
Intellectual property law was brought into question whether commercial organisations could claim it was a 'right' to register a patent on human genes as part of their protected company property.
Now, a U.S. Federal District Judge in a Manhattan Court, has ruled that patents held by Myriad Genetics, concerning Breast Cancer Genes, BRCA1 and BRCA2, were invalid.
Judge Robert Sweet anticipated a negative reaction from Bio tech industry in his 152 page ruling, discounting fears invalidating such patents would decimate the industry. Because the case could be decided with patent law, Judge Sweet did not look at the challenge on First Amendment grounds and dismissed them without prejudice.
Federal Government inquiries held around Australia, heard from a Breast Cancer sufferer express concern about the impact gene patenting could have on research. During 2009, Melbourne-based Genetic Technologies asked hospitals to stop testing for breast cancer genes because it owned the patent for genetic mutation and tests.
Shadow Minister for Health and Ageing Peter Dutton, MP. advised the Federal Government Senate inquiry decision had now been delayed unto June 17, 2010.
Health Consumer Advocates will keep the pressure on Government and Intellectual Property Research authorities to arrive at a sensible decision. As we have asked previously, "Your Body, but Who are the Owners?
Acknowledgment: nytimes.com; theage.com.au; wikipedia.org; Senate Standing Committee on Community Affairs. Geoff.

Aspirin linked to Breast Cancer survival

2010-03-13T21:56:00.000-08:00

A recent US. study has found regular taking of Aspirin is linked to increased survival after Breast Cancer operations, adding a lower risk of recurring.
Dr.Michelle Holmes, Brigham and Woman's hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, said this was the first study to find Aspirin can significantly reduce risk of cancer spread and death, for women who have been treated for early stages of the disease.
Previous studies in animals and lab cultures have suggested Aspirin may reduce risk of breast cancer.
Dr.Holmes confirmed women living at least one year after breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, Aspirin was associated with a decreased risk of recurrence and breast cancer death.
The Doctor also stressed it was important to see if these findings are replicated in other studies before giving advice to women on whether they should be taking Aspirin after being diagnosed with breast cancer. Acknowledge: medicalnewstoday.com Geoff.

Osteoporosis drugs help decrease risk of Breast Cancer

2010-03-13T21:34:00.000-08:00

Recent research by US. Breast Cancer researchers have discovered the use of Osteoporosis drugs help in controlling risk of Breast Cancer.
Patients using bisphosphonate range of drugs, including Fosamaz, Boniva and Zomita, have made a 40% reduction in risk of breast cancer.
The study involved 6,000 women, aged 20 to 69 years, half with invasive breast cancer. The women were interviewed about their bone health, history of fractures, and whether they had been diagnosed with Osteoporosis, and use of bisphosphonate drugs.
Head of Cancer Prevention Programs, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. Wisconsin, Polly Newcomb, Ph.d M.P.H. told British Journal of Cancer, the way in which these drugs may precent breast cancer is not known.
"These drugs may affect cell function and be important in cell growth and death," said Polly Newcomb. "Because we were able to account for important cofounders, these findings may reflect real benefits due to the anti-tumor mechanisms of these medications" Polly concluded. Acknowledge: medicalnewstoday.com Geoff.

Australia battles to review new Healthcare

2010-03-13T20:18:00.000-08:00

Since the Rudd Government initiated a review of the Health and Hospitals Reform in 2008, close to 2 million words have been written in research papers and bulletins and health consumer reviews, urging a direction for the Government to follow.
Health Consumer Groups, aided by public debate, have examined every possible avenue to apply a new direction for Healthcare, not seen since Federation of Australia. Sure, there have modifications along the way, but nothing as dedicated as the 2008 review.
The most common direction seems to be a take-over by Federal Health of a new Healthcare system, to manage the hospital system from Federal financial support.
This, however, has not seemed to the States as palatal exercise as they had hoped, some State Premiers rejecting the review outright!
Not to be seen as hopeless a situation, the Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd is holding talks individually with each State Premier, explaining how the new Commonwealth Health structure will work in with each State Health authority.
It is going to take some talking to modify the various health empires of past decades. Geoff

Nanoparticle 'Cocktail' Kills Cancer Cells

2010-01-27T20:00:00.000-08:00

US. scientists have developed a 'cocktail' of nanoparticles that work in the bloodstream, seeking-out cancer cells to kill them.
Developed by bioengineers at Massachusetts Inst. of Technology (MIT) and cell biologists at University of California (CALTEC), the nanosystem uses particles measured in nanometers, equal to one billionth of a meter, a thousand times smaller than the thickness of a human single hair.
A single nanoparticle may not be able to stick to tumor cells once it locates them. However, scientists have developed a cocktail of nanoparticles, which can seek out tumor cells, stick onto them, where the combination with other drugs, is able to kill the cancer cell.
Made up of nanomaterials, the nanoparticle is made of gold nanorod "activities" that seep into a tumor through its leaky bloodvessels.Other nanomaterials are responder nanoparticles, either as iron oxide 'nanoworms' that light-up in an MRI scan, and a nanoparticle loaded with anti-cancer drug, doxonrubicin.
Dr. Michael Sailor, professor chemistry and biochemistry, UCSD., described the collaborative system of activator and responder nanomaterials as being like a search and destroy mission; one unit locates the target and the others eliminate the enemy.
The cocktail is designed to minimise collatural damage to the rest of the body, Dr. Sailor concluded. Geoff
Acknowledgment: medicalnewstoday.com

Healthcare to dominate for 2010

2010-01-02T16:56:00.000-08:00

Healthcare will be the buzzword for a few countries during 2010, with country's like America now with a revised new Healthcare system, some European countries and Britain reviewing some aspects of their healthcare programs, and Australia continuing on with its review of "dressings" to its country's healthcare.
The comprehensive re-examination of Australia's healthcare system has noticed some thoughts emerging about aspects of health, including a re-think on hospital layout, location of certain treatment functions, preventative health, health literacy, smoking and alcohol addiction, new disability plans, and possible projections on mobile phone health.
Consideration is in the offing for overall IT management controls on hospital and support medical facilities, to improve overall communications, also the introduction of new patient card electronic records system, to cover patients throughout the country in need of medical attention.
Australia is also facing an election delema during 2010, hoping it will not interfere with the progress of our new healthcare review. Let's hope its a happy new healthcare Year for all. Geoff.

US. State considers Mobile Phone Cancer Warning

2009-12-20T22:29:00.000-08:00

While scientists and medical professionals 'pussy foot' around over Mobile (Cell) Phone health, the US. State of Maine is considering legislation to have cancer warnings placed on Mobile Phones. San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom is also keen to see legislation come about for the safety of its citizens' health use of mobile phones.
Despite so-called industry statements claim complete health safety with mobile (cell) phone use, and factual evidence from neurosurgeons to the contrary, we still have no real clear path as the accepted evidence that brain tumor cancers are assisted by mobile phone use.
American FCC maintains all mobile (cell) phones sold in US. are safe, carrying a specific rate of radiofrequency energy warning.
World Health Organisation is still in two minds which way it should place world standards on RF technology applied to mobile phones.
Australia is monitoring the scene carefully, despite comments expressed by leading neurosurgeons Charlie Teo and Professor Vinnie Kharona, pointing out what is actually happening now from the use of mobile (cell) phone health. Geoff.

Inceased Lobbying keeps Health debate alive - Australia reviews Healthcare system

2009-12-17T19:49:00.000-08:00

Year 2009 has seen increased lobbying by enthusiastic health advocate groups keen to take advantage of Rudd Government's decision of total review of Australia's Healthcare system.
For the first time in the nation's history, a Government has sought a complete review with aid of its National Hospital and Healthcare reform.
The NHHRC allowed various State Health and advocate groups, such as Consumer Health Forum, to select many topics in the Health Commission report, which drew interests from general health, handicap, indigenous health and disability groups, all wanting to put their word in for improvement of the Healthcare system.
The end result was there was so much information and material submitted, it needed upwards of a dozen seminars around the country to iron out information, that could be carefully evaluated for forwarding to Minister of Health, Nicola Roxon.
The overall review is examining areas never before evaluated so closely, including electronic health records, hospital layouts to take in new technology, total IT computer liaison of all medical facilities throughout the country, health literacy, preventive health programs, the integration of pharmacy, imagery and oncology, as well as new planning recommendations for locating birthing centers and elderly patient treatment centers, to alleviate space in general hospital layouts, taking advantage of new medical technology.
Some aspects of the Health and Hospital review may have been affected by World financial crisis, as well as the environmental debate.
Year 2010 is expected to see some new developments introduced for our new Healthcare system. Geoff.

John Hopkins launches Cancer Engineering Center

2009-11-17T17:33:00.000-08:00

Technology development now allows research into physical underpinnings of growth and spread of cancer. US. National Cancer Institute has awarded $US14.8m to new John Hopkins Engineering Oncology Center for NanoBioTechnology, to research, over five years, how physical sciences play a role in the way cancer spreads, commonly called metastasis.
This may seem like re-inventing old research, but the now availability of high investigative technology to re-examine how and what causes cancer to mutate, to examine closer activity of what makes Cancer tick.
Over the next five years, theoretical physicists, mathematicians, chemists and medical engineers will be involved in the study of cancer.
It will also involve non-traditional approaches to cancer research, by studying the physical laws and principles of cancer, coding, recoding, transfer and translation in cancer, and ways to deconvolution of cancer's complexity.
The new NanoBioTechnology center will draw on John Hopkins researchers with diverse expertise to study the role of physical forces involved in the development and spread of cancer. Acknowledgment medicalnewstoday.com Geoff

Alcohol consumption flavors Tumor Cells

2009-11-06T19:01:00.000-08:00

Alcohol consumption has long been linked to cancer development in the body, but the underlying mechanism has never been made clear.
Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, have identified a cellular pathway that may explain the alcohol link with cancer.
The study, published in current issue of "Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research", found that alcohol stimulates a body transition, called epithelial to mesenchymal, allowing run of the mill cancer cells to move into a more aggressive pattern, to speed throughout the body.
"Our data shows alcohol turns on certain signals inside a cell that are involved in this transition" said Chris Forsyth, PhD. Assist.Professor of Medicine and Biochemistry, Rush University.
Cancer cells become dangerous when they metastasize, and while surgery can remove a tumor, aggressive tumor cells invade tissue throughout the body and take over, said Forsyth. "If we can thwart this transition, we can limit cancer's toll", he concluded.
A factor in the transition, called Snail, controls the cell transition of epithelial to mesenchymal, inducing formation of multiple tumors.
Laboratory tests show alcohol activated both these and other biochemical characteristics of the cell transition; that the alcohol-treated cells had lost their tight junctions with adjacent cells, a preparation for migrating, as metastatic cells, do.
Biomarkers were activated in normal interested cells, treated with alcohol, suggesting alcohol not only worsens the profile of existing cancer cells, but may also initiate cancer activity by stimulating cells in the transitional process. Acknowledge medicalnewstoday.com Geoff.

$2.95M Funding to aid Breast Reconstruction

2009-11-06T18:41:00.000-08:00

Victorian (Australia) Researchers will benefit from $2.95m investment by State Government, under Premier John Brumby, to develop a new alternative to silicon for breast reconstruction.
Innovation Minister Gavin Jennings said the project was important in the treatment and recovery of women with breast cancer.
Researchers, looking for an alternative to silicon, hope to develop a new customised, biogradable chamber, to match shape of woman's natural breast, within which the permanent fat found in the breast can be grown.
A new product, developed as Myogel, a muscle-derived tissue, that induces fat tissue production, providing a more natural and safer way of breast reconstruction.
Mr.Jennings said breast cancer survivors can experience a range difficulties, ranging from physical limitations to psychosocial problems.
Self-esteem is greatly enhanced through breast reconstruction; women feeling better about their bodies, and an important factor in their recovery, he concluded.
Acknowlegement medicalnewstoday.com Geoff

200 support Brisbrain&Spine Fund Walk

2009-11-03T21:40:00.000-08:00

Brisbrain&Spine Research Foundation Fund Walk attracted 200 people for today's Fund Walk around New Farm park's attractive settings, in support of International Brain Tumor Alliance week, Nov.1 to 7, 2009. After the Walk all enjoyed a bbq breakfast.
Just before setting out on their 4km walk from CityCat terminal and back, principal Dr.David Walker (pictured) thanked the many supporters who had given their time and contributions to the function, adding that the main purpose of the Fund Walk was "for those not here today"; to see the establishment of a new Research Foundation, to research developments and new treatments to help those who suffer with Meningiomas.
Other principals attending the Foundation Launch were Drs. Terry Coyne and Richard Kahler and their families, together with Office staff. Coordinating the event was Vivien Biggs, Clinical Nursing, and Kate McBain, Marketing Manager.
Donations can still be forwarded to Brizbrain&Spine Research Foundation by contacting Kate McBain, 07 3883 2500 or katem@brizbrain.com.au. Geoff.

What Cancer cannot do

2009-10-24T21:31:00.000-07:00

It cannot cripple love, It cannot shatter hope

It cannot corrode faith, It cannot destroy confidence

It cannot kill friendship, It cannot shut out memories

It cannot silence courage, It cannot quench the spirit

Acknowledgement prose by Townsville Cancer patient. Queensland Cancer Fund.
Geoff

CANCER : An Historical Fact

2009-10-24T21:15:00.000-07:00

The term Cancer comes from the Latin word meaning Crab

Cancer was characterised as a disease by the Greek physician Hippocrates, who observed
that Cancers spread throughout the body, eventually cutting off life.

Today, Cancer is generally defined as the unregulated growth of abnormal Cells in the body.

The word Cancer actually refers to over 100 different diseases, but in all cases, certain body Cells multiply in an uncontrollable manner.

But, we're onto it!

Acknowledgement Author unknown. Geoff.

US. eHealth receives big bucks to invest

2009-10-23T20:11:00.000-07:00

While the pot is still simmering as to when Australia will finally introduce ehealth and new IT systems to link medical facilitities throughout the country, US. hospitals are not waiting around to ponder the question, they are into it, now!
Federal Government support for US. doctors comes in the form of a subsidy of $40,000 each, over five years, to update their IT health system, to have their patients listed on new digital ehealth records, that will marry information into hospital records receiving system, at an extimated cost of $19 billion.
So enthusiastic are US. major hospitals to retain local medical centers, Gps, and specialists linked to their IT systems, hospitals are offering further subsidies over and above Federal grants, of another $44,000 for each doctor, over the same five year period, covering 7,000 affiliated doctors.
The digital links now being forged will bind doctors and hospital groups to provide the very best care, saving time, travelling and some expense, now being duplicated due to lack of computerisation.
It may consolidate some healthcare attitudes owing to pace of ehealth development. Indeed, the rationale for investing in digital ehealth is that technology can be used to help monitor and measure results of care, providing evidence needed to shift renumeration away from the current fee-for-service system, which encourages more tests, more precedures and more pills prescribed.. Acknowledge nytimes.com Geoff.

Stereotactic Radio-Surgery arrives in Mumbai

2009-09-21T22:05:00.000-07:00

India has seen the arrival of Stereotactic Radio-Surgery by the installation of revolutionary non-evasive, image guided and precise surgery equipment.
Designed by Varian Medical Systems USA, and BrainLAB Germany, the Novalis-TX takes 3D images of the tumor before, and during surgery, then directs high densidy radiation beams, guided to the tumor, sparing adjacent tissues.
The installation of this equipment in a Mombai hospital brings India into the 21st century status for treating tumors.
Irregular shaped lesions can get uniform radiation in a single session, as well as cranial tumors, where radiation beams can be adapted to breathing and other body movements to maintain safe, complete and accurate dosage.
Novalis-TX is said to be one of the most powerful radio-surgery systems developed, allowing fast reatment, covering crainial and extra-cranial, spine, lung, liver and prostrate lesions, benign and malignant lesions, maningioma tumors, pituitary adenomas and cavenous angiomas. Intractable seizures and Parkinsons disease will also benefit from use of this equipment.
Acknowledgement expresshealthcare.in Geoff

Australian Patient/Provider Healthcare Rights now a reality

2009-09-10T19:25:00.000-07:00

Every Australian, either a receiver or provider, of healthcare, now has a safeguard enshrined in a Healthcare Rights Charter. After much development, patients, health consumers, carers, families, clinicians, health professional staff, health consumer service organisations and related stakeholders, have all contributed to a safe and high quality Healthcare, that will achieve the best outcomes for our healthcare system, a measure adopted by Federal and State Health Ministers of a health care charter, July 22, 2008.
To achieve an operating success within our health care, patients, carers, consumers and medical staff can contribute by cooperating fully with others involved in healthcare, providing feedback on their experiences so that improvements can be made.
Healthcare organisations have a particular role to play in making sure policies and procedures describing how the rights are to be achieved, clearly written and readily available.
Approaches have been made to consumer and medical support associations, and the Government, to ensure the Charter is displayed in a framed-position for all persons to view. The Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights displays three guiding principles, as well as access, safety, respect, communications, participation, privacy and comment.
Patients and consumers will not always be able to contribute to achieving their rights, while medical staff need to be aware of a patient's and consumer's circumstances and to consider these circumstances when providing care.
Acknowledgement Australian Cimmission on safety, quality and healthcare. Geoff.

Senator Ted Kennedy, passed away at 77yrs.

2009-08-25T22:48:00.000-07:00

One of America's great law makers, Senator Ted Kennedy, passed away Tuesday evening, aged 77. He greatly assisted the Obama Administration preparing a new Health Program and negotiating with both Democrat and Republican representatives.
Senator Kennedy knew he was on "borrowed time" but kept working up until recently when he returned to his home and family in Boston.
All Australian Brain Tumor Support Groups, patients and friends, extent their deepest sympathy to the Kennedy Family.

Image-Guided Radiation therapy - precise accuracy

2009-08-16T21:07:00.000-07:00

The delivery of radio therapy has reached a new level of accuracy with the introduction of a new piece of equipment referred to as Image-Guided Radiation therapy.
"IGRT is probably the biggest advance in the field of radiation therapy in past decade," says Josh Yamada, radiation oncologist, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York.
Using high-tech imaging with extreme precision radiation beams, it targets the tumor, sparing healthy tissue. It can be used to treat many types of cancer, including the spine, lung, prostrate, brain, bladder, esophagus, liver and bone cancers.
Working tollerance has increased performance for the oncology operator, who can now fine-tume the equipment to produce a radiation beam down to two millimetres or less.
Prior to IGRT reatment, CT scans and other x-rays are performed to locate exact positiuon of tumor, including a 360deg. rotation scan to produce a 3D view of tumor. The precise directing of the radiation enables the operator to deliver higher dose of submillimetre radiation without disturbing other healthy tissue.
The versatility of IGRT enables surgeons to shrink a tumor prior to surgery, and also for sympton relief, especially where quality of life treatment is concerned in palliative care. Acknowledge mskcc.org. Geoff.

Depression and Brain Tumor - a cooperative approach

2009-08-15T23:41:00.000-07:00

The roles of psychiatry, psychology and oncology are going to be paramount in new thinking about depression crossing the research boundaries of last decade.
A feeling of depression representing feelings of loss, falling, flat, a sunken feeling, at most, loss of confidence and everything against you, are just some of the 'gates' a depressed person goes through.
Psychology has moved even deaper into relms of deprerssion it seems, by chance of exchange of view, second opinion, or even just a change of mind to re-examine the facts of the patient.
Now a neuropsychologist and/or oncologist come into the equasion, and with the use of imaging techniques, discover some cause for depression; Brain Cancer. Some patients have spent several months on anti-depressant treatments, still loosing touch with reality of life, some contemplating suicide.
For many now, the role of psychology and oncology is a more cooperative one, with 'rescues' from unexplained depression fear, often with no visual sign of tumor activity. Having a more substantial reason for the cause of a depression is perhaps now saving a life. Geoff.
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Nations battle Health Care reviews; Australia, America follow similar paths

2009-07-29T23:44:00.000-07:00

Interesting comparisons on a chase for new Health Care in two continents, is involving Prime Minister Keven Rudd (Australia) and President Barack Obama (America) on a review of their respective Health Care systems.
Similarly, top government personality's Health Minister, Nicola Roxon (Australia) and House Speaker, U.S. Congress, Nancy Pelosi (America) are handling the trafficking of the respective Bills through Government channels. Both Ladies have a determined drive to get the best for their Country.
Nicola Roxon is looking at a projected budget upto $5.7bn covering 22 million Australians. Nancy Pelosi is attempting to push Obama-designed legislation through a hostile Congress to gain major Democrat support for new US. Health Care Bill, likely to cost upwards of $1000 trillion. Both Leaders proposed reviews of Health Care on their election to office.
The Australian Government set in motion a National Review of their Health Care system in 2008, for a committee to report the nation's health needs by June 2009, now being examined; the Government holding talking with many medical and hospital managements, as with other Federal and State health operatives. Some Australian States are issuing protectionist challenges to the new plans on Health Care.
President Obama, with Nancy Pelosi, are also battling opposition to change, which like Australia's economic woes, is experiencing rough passage through their respective political channels. 256 House Democrats are having problems understanding a 1000 page bill before Congress.
The President is also battling pricing for many of the nation's treatments, pharmacy and oncology costs, seeking justification of level of pricing for services to patients.
A defeat would be a devastating setback for Obama team. Regardless of outcome, rank and file Democrats are bracing for intense August at home, as constituites are hit with waves of advertising from business groups opposed to the legislation, and Liberal interest Groups supporting the Health bill. Australian consumers and patients are warey of increased costs of upto $1,000 p.a. as higher contributions.
Interesting comparisons on Health Care reviews of both Australia and America.
Acknowledgement washingtonpost.com and Australian Press. Geoff.

New Generation Drug to battle BRCA 1&2 Gene

2009-07-12T23:09:00.000-07:00

British research may have found a way to attack BRCA 1&2 Genes, known for their aggressive path in Breast Cancer.
Trials carried out by Institute of Cancer Research, together with Royal Marsden Hospital and pharmacy company AstraZeneca, England, show that the new drug Olaparib specifically targets hereditary cancer caused by faulty BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. The phase 1 trial showed that more than half of patients' Breast tumors shrank or stabilised.
Prof. Alan Ashworth, director of Breakthough Breast Cancer Research centre, said that work done in the lab had been translated so quickly into benefits for patients. "We are hopeful that Olaparib could provide a new targeted treatment for women with BRCA-related Breast Cancer" commented Prof. Ashworth.
The new approach applied in the use of Olaparib, is referred to as synthetic lethality, where the drug kills cancer cells with a faulty BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene, by preventing repair of the DNA.
A cell with a BRCA fault relies on a protein called PARP to keep its DNA healthy. Olaparib, known as a PARP-inhibitor, blocks PARP, which causes the cancer to die, indicating that the tumor would stop growing or shrink. Once cancer cells are targeted by Olaparib, it leaves healthy cells unaffected.
Acknowledge medicalnewstoday.com Geoff.

Cancer-causing Chemicals in Tobacco smoke

2009-07-10T22:44:00.000-07:00

Tar - a mixture of dangerous chemicals.
Arsenic - used in wood preservatives.
Benzene - an industrial solvent, refined from crude oil.
Cadmium - used in batteries.
Formaldehyde - used in mortuaries and paint manufacturing.
Polonium.210 - a higly radioactive element.
Chromium - used to manufacture dye, paints and alloys.
1,3-butadiene - used in rubber manufacturing.
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons - a group of dangerous DNA-damaging chemicals.
Nitrosamines - another group of DNA-damaging chemicals.
Acrolein - formerly used as a chemical weapon.
Hydrogen Cyanide - used as an industrial pesticide.
Carbon Monoxide - found in car exhausts and used in chemical m,anufacturing.
Nitrogen Oxides - a major component of smog.
Ammonia - used to make fertilisers and explosives.

'How do you feel about your smoking now ?'
Geoff.

Roll-your-own Cigaresttes just as deadly for Cancer!

2009-07-10T22:21:00.000-07:00

The theory about roll-your-own cigarettes as being a safer passage for smoking, has been blown by recently new research by Cancer Research UK.
Urine samples compared with RYO smokers compared with manufactured-cigarette smokers showed little difference on the concentrations of toxin entering the body, despite age, sex, body mass indes, puffing behaviour and nicotine exposure, were taken into account.
The research showed women had higher concentrations of these toxins, irrespective of cigarette smoked. Researcher, Dr.Lion Shahab, Cancer Research UK., said many smokers believed RYO cigarettes to be more natural and therefore less harmful than manufactured cigarettes.
"The findings show women accumulate higher conentrations of cancer-causing chemicals in their body, smoking with RYO or manufactured cigarettes" Dr. Shahab said.
Elspeth Lee, head of Tobacco Control, Cancer Research UK., said results show there is no such thing as a safe cigarette. "Half of all long-term smokers will die from smoking addiction, so it is important to continue working to reduce the impact tobacco has on so many lives" concluded Elspeth.
Acknowledge medicalnewstoday.com Geoff.

Dogs, and Us, help find Tumor cure

2009-07-10T21:42:00.000-07:00

Who would have thought our pet pooch is being considered in the chase to find a cure for Brain Cancer. As man's best friend down through the ages past, an elevation to a higher order for our doggie friends seems very emminant, according to new research.
North Carolina State University have discovered a gene believed to be involved in meningiomas, that affects the meninges of the human brain. Designated intercranial tumors, meningiomas do not grow within Brain tissue, but grow within the space between skull and Brain.
By comparing human chromosomes with that of a dog, research has found some similarity in the genetics of both, pinpointing a tumor-suppressing gene on human chromosome 22, known as NF2, a possible contributor to meningioma development.
Professor of Genomics at NC State, Dr.Matt Breen, says their research has compared human chromosome 22 to the canine conterpart, discovering a split-up across three separate canine chromosomes, with NF2 appearing on dog chromosome 26.
While researchers focusing on the portion of human chromosome 22, found that dogs with a meningioma were rarely affected, casting doubt on this gene as playing a role in the desease.
In meningioma-affected canines, which correlaters with part-human chromosome 1 involved in almost 70% of human meningioma cases, with a poor patient outcome.
Prof. Breen's team hope they can use this correlation to further narrow the search of specific genes involved in the desease.
"The data support that dog and human tumors are very similar at the genitic level, show both species will benefit from the research", Breen concluded.
Acknowledge North Carolina State University. Geoff.

Drug from Cottonseed could help Glioblastomas

2009-06-24T21:08:00.000-07:00

A new experimental drug extracted from Cottonseed may assist slow growth of glioblastoma brain tumors. Named AT-101, the drug was tested on 56 glioblastoma patients, previously treated with standard surgery, chemo and radiation.
The study conducted at University of Alabama, showed the drug rapidly halted progression of further tumor activity in many patients. Research tests are continuing.
Acknowledge American Brain Tumor News. Geoff..

Australia and U.S. in Alzhiemers attack - $29m collaboration

2009-05-25T18:15:00.000-07:00

Researchers in Australia and U.S. have joined forces for a stem cell developmental attack to aid Alzheimer's and Parkinson sufferers.
$29 million dollars has been invested in a project involving the Victorian Government and Californian Institute of Regenerative Medicine (CIRM), that will establish strategic projects on stem cell research aimed at accelerating treatments of disease.
Five development research organisations receiving this funding are: -
* Australian Stem Cell Center, Melbourne, Australia
* University of California, Irving, Ca.
* Florey Neuroscience Institute, Melbourne, Australia
* Burnham Institute of Medical Research, La Jolla, Ca
* Scipps Research Institute La Jolla, Ca
Robert Klein, CIRM chair, together with Prof.Trounson, formerly of Stem Cell Laboratories, Monash University, said the collaboration of Australian and Californian researchers marks a historic milestone in stem cell research in globilising the battle against disease. Robert Klein continued "medical research missions must be global to capture the best minds of every nation to fight chronic disease that have plagued mankind throughout history".
Inovation Minister Gavin Jennings, representing the Victorian Government, was present at this major stem cell announcement. Acknowledgement Biotechnews.com.au Geoff.

Cancer is NOT a disease - it's a survival mechanism. By Andreas Moritz

2009-05-18T23:53:00.000-07:00

Cancer! There have been many publications written about this word, the disease and fear it creates. Cancer has a longevity as far back as 5000BC. Paelientologists and researchers have unearth signs of the disease by discovering jaw and breast bones with remnent tumors attached.
Laboratory tests have found latent genes that show a form of DNA, but no cause of what may have created the tumor.
Manuscripts published between 16th and 19th century all seem to indicate human adaption to the developing industrial change evolved throughout this time period.Yet this author fails to even consult past history.
Andreas Moritz claims "cancer is merely an indication that something is missing in our body and in our life. True healing requires you to stop fighting, for fighting is what actually prevents true cure".
There would be many who would like to think they have experienced "true healing" with some of the success stories told by many today.
Moritz asks the question "if the body is designed to live and not to destroy itself, why then would it suddenly allow the growth of extra cell tissue and kill itself?" Moritz also feels the methods of modern medicine don't fight disease, they fight the body. Disease, he continues, is the body's way of healing itself and modern treatment is a sure way to impair or even destroy this ability. Where has Andreas Moritz been all this time ?
Cancer is a word given incredible power. The word "Cancer" claims Moritz, has the potential to play a very disturbing and precarious role in life, one that is capable of delivering a death sentence. Within a brief moment, the word "Cancer" can turn someone's entire world upside down,
The reality we all know, is that cancer does create a fear. As Prof.Mel Greave describes in his book "Cancer, the evolutionary legend", pain, shame, and a rotten dash of anger make a rotten cocktail. Greave has commented that erroneous perceptions of existence of a cause and the possibility of a cure have fueled unrealistic expectations.
"The painful reality is that there is no holy grail. no magic cure-all bullet, and no quick fix" says Prof. Greave.
In his book "Cancer is NOT a disease - it's a suvival mechanism", author Andreas Moritz, a medical intuitive, practitioner of Ayurveda, Iridology, Shaitsu and Vibrational medicine, has tried to show another view of why we humans attract cancer. Andreas points out other factors he feels are overlooked, and that present medical treatments may not be performing as they are claimed.
Great debate could be applied here, with the present day direction coming out on top. I feel Andreas Moritz may disagree. Book available via healthbooksummaries.com Geoff.

Adult Brain Cancer; South Australian Brain Tumor support Group

2009-05-13T23:48:00.000-07:00

Adult Brain Cancer was initiated in September 2006, following advertised expressions of interested South Australians by Cancer Council Sth. Australia, to form a local support group for cancer patients, their families, carers, and health professionals.
CCSA identified there was an urgent need to fill a gap in relation to support and information available for patients, families and caerers.A steering committee was formed, meeting regularly to discuss planning of meetings and events,with finally becoming incorporated, with its first AGM in August 2008 with election of a committee of 8.
Adult Brain Cancer has now established contact with other Cancer amd Brain Tumor support Groups in other States, and including International Brain Tumor Alliance "Brain Tumor Week" festivities, held each year in first week of November.
Coffee mornings are held last Saturday of month at Adelaide's Southwest Community Centre, 171 Sturt St. 10am to 12noon, as well as organising information sessions 2-3 times per year. Funds for the Group are raised through a credit union community lottery along with other fundraising actities.
The goal of ABCsa is to be a resource for patients, families, carers and health professionals, providing information regarding brain tumors, community resources, telephone support and opportunities for socialising and meeting with other brain cancer patients, families and carer givers. Just call 'Help-line 13 11 20 or email direct
adultbraincancersa@gmail.com Geoff.

Nanoparticles assist P53 Gene function; possible reduction of Radio/Chemo side-effects

2009-04-23T17:24:00.000-07:00

Developments for cancer treatments are moving at a fast rate. One of the new words on the block is 'Nanoparticle', one thousandth smaller than a printed period, which researchers are fast incorporating into projected treatments, that may see reduction in radio and chemotherapy treatments in near future!
Prof.Mel Greave's book "Cancer, the Evolutionary Legacy" describes in chapter 8, when cells are damaged or stressed by any one of many different mechanisms, the P53 gene stabilises aggressive activity, enabling it to exercise its function as an alarm system. "A malfunction in the P53 gene alarm is taken as bad news" comments Prof.Greave.
Now, such is the development over past couple of years, has seen a move to assist the P53 gene-path maintained - "Nanoparticles to the rescue!"
With this new buzz word in place, researchers have now delivered functional-P53 genes to tumor cells and tumor metastases in 16 different types of cancer, including prostrate, pancreatic, melanoma, breast, head and neck cancers.
The presence of replacement genes dramatically improved the efficiency of conventional cancer therapy. Dr.Esther Cheng, Georgetown's University Lombardi Cancer centre, said "the use of the P53 delivery system eventually would allow physicians to use lower doses of therapies, achieving same or enhanced theraputic results, sharply diminishing the side-effects so troublesome in many treatments".
With clinical trials progressing, Dr.Cheng is hopeful gene therapy will become front-line treatment that will significantly reduce probability of recurrent tumors.
Acknowledgment sciancedaily.com Geoff

How Tumor Cells move, Protein breakthrough

2009-04-16T22:35:00.000-07:00

Recent research, released by pharmacology scientists in Germany, have indicated how tumor cells move around from one place to another (metastases). A previously unknown factor of a cell is referred to as a 'cell signal factor' (SCAI), which acts as a suppressor of cancer cell invasion.
When the cell signal factor's functioning is disrupted, cancer cells move more affectively in what is known as three-dimensional matrix systems, initiating some of the tissue properties of the human body.
Dr.Robert Grosse, head of a research group, funded by Pharmacology Institute, University of Heidelberg, Germany, said "If cancer cells lack a certain protein, it could be much easier to penetrate healthy body tissue; the protein is suppressed in many types of tumors in breast, lung and thyroid".
Focusing on particularly aggressive cancers, tumor cells are extremely mobile and penetrate healthy tissue to form metastases, which are helped in their movement by special surface structures, referred to as receptors.
One of these receptors is known as b1-integrin, frequently forms in many tumors as metastesesing breast cancer.
Dr. Grosse continued "the signal cell factor (SCAI) controls the formation of b1-integrin, which if there is too little SCAI in tumor cells, then the receptor becomes overactive, allowing the cell to change more rapidly to a more aggressive form, penetrating tissue and forming another metasteses".
The research teram led by Dr.Grosse would like to study the function of cell signal factor (SCAI) more closely in an annimal model.
"If the function of SCAI is confirmed to be decisive in the formation of especially aggressive tumor cells, this could be a promising starting point for developing new diagnostic methods of medication" said Dr.Grosse.
It could be possible to develop an agent that prevents the genetic suppression of the signal factor in cancer cells.
"But first researchers need to better understand how the signal factor itself is regulated in the cell" Dr.Robert Grosse concluded. Acknowledgment medicalnewstoday.com Geoff.

Mobile Phone: Myth of Convenience or Health

2009-04-13T21:51:00.000-07:00

Mobile Phones. Four or five decades ago, we were starting to gradually endorse the quick-change occurring over the common telephone. First the black two-piece; with separate ear-piece, then came the relatively-heavy single, still black, phone that straddled a center post above the new fangled-dial ring.
Alexander Bell would have been pretty chuffed at the phone's progress upto start of the forties. Then fashion took a hand, partly influenced by Hollywood, color was now the new demand - white, pink and even gold.
Up to now, the path of development of the common phone had moved from a wall-mount and desk-model, to becoming a separate point of interest, eventually something that could be handled easily and placed in one's pocket or handbag. Mr.Bell would be horrified by todays' developments, where the convenience factor is high on list of "must haves", and we now cannot move or travel without it!
Such is the technology that has screamed ahead to match demand, is now showing up health concerns for users; headaches, sore heads and dizziness. Young people especially, have heavily endorsed the mobile phone as we know it today, spending 4 to 6 hours per day, and measured over 30 year period of use has medical profession now listing many cases of projected head cancer (tumors).
Manufacturers quickly realised the demand for their product, assisted the fashion-statements accordingly. Business and Governments endorsed the mobile quickly for customer contact, as well as improved internal communications for local bodies. There are some who have scoffed at the idea that a mobile phone can be harmful.
Mid-2008, alarm bells were going-off over mobile use. Scientists and medical researchers produced reams of reports that have digested the 'pros and cons' on health effect of mobile phone use.
Now, it is up to You to assess your convenience of health, just as you have endorsed the convenience of use. You may be just a teenager, or an executive, whose daily ritual is to have your mobile literally 'strapped' to your ear. At sometime, you are going to develop a headache . . .and an aspirin will not fix it !!!
Call your GP! on your mobile? Geoff.

Gene patent: Your Body, but Who are the Owners?

2009-04-05T20:26:00.000-07:00

Recent news among Australian medical research groups caused alarm regarding the subject of registering a patent of a human gene. The story involves a leading Australian Gene technology company, where management presented a move to register a patent on the gene BRACA1 and BRACA2.
This would have allowed the company exclusive rights to research the gene, effectively blocking any access by other research organisations. Luckily, internal discussion within the company failed the move..
Within this fast moving medical research, there is a danger for extreme measures like this being considered by company managements to justify their dominance in the medical research world. A big danger is that the most important person in all of this is the patient; information and knowledge could be denied them.
Discussion on gene patenting is to be discussed at a free public forum, conducted by Intellectual Property Research Institute and Melbourne Business School on April 24 in Melbourne, Australia.
A Brain Tumor Support Group has advised Federal MP's to inquire if examination of legislation could assist this question of gene patent. A total review of Australia's Health Care system is also underway. Geoff.

Monoclonal Antibodies prime weapon against Cancer

2009-03-28T21:58:00.000-07:00

As a child, your parents most certainly arranged to have you immunised against hooping cough, this virus being a catastrophic illness for many over past century. Imagine now, that we could be so close to a development for a similar control of antibodies that could cease the spread of cancer, either by injection, or by tablet.
Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Centre suggest that monoclonal antibody therapy can be inproved to become more powerful than it is today, believing it has the capacity to immune people against cancer.
Dr. Louis Weiner, an internationally recognised expert in development and use of monoclonal antibodies said "treatment modifications might be able to prolong, amplify and shape, a continuous immune response to cancer cells.". Advances in drug research have made strides in controlling cell malfunctions in breast cancer, colerectal,
lung and blood cancers, where monoclonal antibodies are offering effective treatment, but appear to primarily work by forcing tumor related receptors to shut down pro-growth signals said Dr. Weiner.
"For years it has been presumed that the ability of antibodies to interfere with malignant cell-related signaling is the dominant mechanism of anticancer activity, but we have also known that the normal job of an antibody is to deliver an antigen to the body's immune system which then destroys the target" Weiner continued.
"Drugs like Herceptin and Rituxan are examples that work in part by immunising people against cancer, but at this point, the magnitude of that response is variable and frequently very small".
Dr. Weiner says scientists now believe that it will be possible to alter the anibodies so that they induce both kinds of human immunity - the innate immune response that is short-lasting and which directly kills tumor cells, and a long lasting "memory" response that comes from the adaptive immune response.
For the first time we are using technology that can measure the immune response that is occuring in monoclonal antibodies that amplify and shape that immune response to become more powerful. These new directions are very exiting, concluded Dr. Weiner. Acknowledge Sciencedaily.com Geoff.

No Jobs ! How do we pay medical bills?

2009-03-14T22:16:00.000-07:00

President Obama, speaking at a recent Health Care reform at the White House, expressed his concern of increasing unempolyment on how they expect to pay their medical bills. This is not only inherent of U.S. economy, but nearly all countries who have medical support schemes and insurance.
Have the medical fraternity and pharmacy manufacturing concerns started to review their costs? We know that several of the major pharmacy manufacturing concerns are merging into larger conglomerates, and remember we are talking huge industry profits here. Insurance companies are renowned for negotiating terms in relation to claims.
On a recent tv program on the U.S. scene, a consumer health advocate highlighted the costs a leukemia patient was charged $65.00 for three tablets, while the cancer hospital purchased the drug in 10,000 pack units.
After analysing the purchase price, the cost to the patient was a 4,300% mark-up. For many in the medical environment may think this is a 'gold cup' worth filling.
Australia's Rudd Government is at present researching a complete reform of its Health Care system, reviewing efficiency of operation, improving communications covering rural, outback and city medical facilities, examining cost structures across the board, which at present is running at 9% of GDP., and forecast to rise to over 12%GDP by 2032.
"How are we going to pay our medical bills" is to be a subject not only of Government, but everyone who is ever going to need an aspirin or a band aid. Geoff.

Obarma chops 'Bush' down on Stem Cells

2009-03-08T20:55:00.000-07:00

President Obama has applied the chop to former President GWBush's directive, by lifting restrictions on federal funding of human embryonic stem cell research.
This is expected to provide a major boost to one of the most promising but controversial fields of biomedical research. Since former Pres.Bush imposed the restrictions in 2001, U.S. scientists have mainly relied on private and State funding for much of their stem cell research.
Scientists now claim they will be able to catch up previous research into important causes including diabetes, parkinson's disease, spinal cord injuries and many other conditions.
Amy Comstock Rick, Coalition for the Advancement of Medical Research said "this move is eight years overdue to have human embryonic stem cell research put back in place with other forms of research for patients in this country".
Acknowledge Michael Shear, Washington Post. Geoff.

Healthier Future for all Australians

2009-03-03T20:38:00.000-08:00

An interim Committee has just released its finding and suggestions for comment on how we may like to have our Health Care operated in the future. This timely move by the Australian Federal Government has thrown open to all to consider a new approach for our national Health Care system. Consumer Advocates have already tendered comment to be considered, which will assist the NHHRC to finalise their report by mid 2009.
Among comments made by some Consumer Health Advocates is for the whole Health Care system to be taken over and managed by Federal Health even if delegated out to States to coordinate locally. An improved use of professional and general medical staff, as some medical facilities outside of hospital will be taking over some of the daily hospital strategy to relieve pressure on the system
To improve overall communications, time and save on costs, and to bring closer cooperation between rural, outback and city based medical operations, an Internet Broadband Channel purely for Health, linking every possible hospital and medical facility, GP and Specialist would be able to interlink patient needs far quicker than at present. Another thought is to have a complete re-think on Hospital layouts for more efficient functioning.
All of this is not going to happen overnight, indeed, it may take 5 years or more. But now, while Australia will be evaluating its labor force due to down-changes in the economic situation, and possible climate changes suggested, now is a good time for all to examine our Health Care system, which has been podling along for decades without any major change within, despite all the technological advances that have been made.
Within consideration being given to new Super Clinics and re-vamp of local medical facilities, and the possibilities of Birthing Centres being considered for off-hospital location, some of the new thinking has begun.
What do you think of this new approach to revitalise our Health Care system ? Email your comments to
meningiaware@gmail.com
You may just have one of your suggestions taken up by the Committee. Geoff.

Hello Carer . . . your support and hope !

2009-02-12T20:25:00.000-08:00

In your role as a Carer, this is so unlike any job skill anywhere in the World. It is said the Lord provided Angels for many of the special needs on call and within the World today, many would suggest a Carer is one of those Angels in disguise.
The role is not not tied to a clock; demand fills the need. A Carer is a 'wanna be' person, who has the ability to want to help, to encourage, to be a listener, a controller, a comforter, who can vary and seize the moment and to decide what action to take to rectify a situation at hand.
Carer's make-up comes as females 75% and males 25%, but the minds of the Carer often run at the same speed; one of the few areas of sex gender that has nothing to do with it.
There will be times when you will fall to the 'silent illness'. Do not let it take hold of Yourself. Don't be ashamed if you feel a need to shed a tear now and then - it will assist the stress factor, or a moment of joy for you.
A Carer's mind has to work in a flexible mode, because you never can predict the next crises. Communicate with "I", not with so much "You"; the patient will effectively feel they are working with You, and you are showing responsibility to them.
Work to a set of principles; have knowledge of health systems and insurance, work with medicos, know when to worry 'what's wrong' and when to turn-off. Remember, Caring is a dedication.
Keep a diary - remember those who willingly assist you; don't be afraid to ask for help!
Finally, be aware of advanced health directives and the family legal designations etc. In life's finalities your role is not finished. There are family, friends and love-ones to see too! Finalising the Care goes beyond the patient.
Yours in support and hope, Geoff.

Mushrooms aid Grapefruit Drug effect

2009-02-05T23:36:00.000-08:00

Like Grapefruit . . . but have a bit of a problem eating them, due to the drugs you are taking? This writer has the same problem, and likes mushrooms too!
Besides the many blood pressure and heart tablets we take, the sometimes yearn for a juicy grapefruit at breakfast incites a cruelty streak wishing that research had now found away around this problem
Grapefruit has a compound in its structure that inhibits the liver enzymes your body needs, thus increasing the risk of drug side-effects.
New U.S. drug researchers have found edible mushrooms absorb the grapefruit compounds thus lessening drug interaction. Yellow Merell mushrooms were found by the researchers to be the most active mushrooms; a mask of 2/3rds mushroom to 1.7ouncees of grapefruit juice removed the compounds activity. Other edible mushrooms to prove reasonable success were oyster and red yeast varieties, also white button mushrooms.
However, just before you engage the grapefruit juices to the mouth, check with your Doctor first.!
Acknowledgement WebMD. Geoff.

Genetic test scans Cancer and Tumor path

2009-02-02T20:10:00.000-08:00

Scientists and Researchers have opened another path to tracking origins of family cancer problems. In an effort to assist GP's and physicians complete their work more successfully, genetic investigations are now proving a more common path into why a patient contracts cancer or a tumor.
Much of this research is covered by germline inherited gene mutations, which are passed from parent to child. Risk of disease is greatly increased during lifetime of people who inherit them due to the fact that mutations exist in every cell in the body.
In late 2007, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center made a land mark decision to obtain consent of patients to include inherited genetic information in patient medical records. This information would assist a family physician to assess risk of cancer or tumor intrusion into family health.
In their Clinical Genetics Clinic Service, Memorial Sloan now offers testing for more than 50 kinds of genetic variants linked to cancer. Information from these tests assist decisions on treatments for breast, ovary, colon, thyroid, eye, stomach, pancreas and skin, as well as for childhood cancers. Diseased-linked genes such as BRACA1 and 2 are also placed in this investigational path, although known for their damage caused to breast and ovarian cancers since early 90's.
All this research at Memorial Sloan-Kettering enables quick decision turn arounds for GP's and physicians to attend their patients, as well as building up important data on high-risk families with genetic flow-on genes to continue cancer risk. It also provids more clues about what really causes cancer.
Acknowledgement Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Geoff

Obama moves on Stem Cells - FDA approves

2009-01-24T00:08:00.000-08:00

New President Obama has moved quickly to get Stem Cell research underway following up on an election promise to review previous adminisatrations' inability to support medical research.
Geron, a biotechnology company, had sought permission to conduct clinical trials for spinal cord injuries, using paraplegic patients, the stem cell to stimulate nerve cells into action.
The Federal Drug regulators, following a review of a 22,000 page report, finally gave permision Friday, January 23.
From the basis of this stem cell research, further investigation by Geron Biotech may result in some help to cancer and brain tumor patients.
In the last couple of years, attention has turned away from embryonic stem cells to a newer technique that allows for the patient's own skin cells to be turned into a cell resembling embryonic cells. Acknowledgment New York Times. Geoff

New Tumor Group - Brain Tumour Alliance Australia

2009-01-23T23:13:00.000-08:00

Brain Tumor patients' support just rose a notch with the development and release of a new Brain Tumor support group located in Australia's capital, Canberra. Brain Tumour Alliance Australia (BTAA) has been developed by a band of enthusiasts, all having a connection with brain Tumors, carers and research.
BTAA claims to be the only national Australian organsiation for the brain tumor patient, family and caregiver. More importantly, BTAA is not far from the seat of Australian Government; just down the road, as it were!
The new support Group will work closely with the International Brain Tumour Alliance (IBTA), supporting the IBTA Awareness Week, November 1 to 7 2009, and the annual Walk around the World for Brain Tumors Jan.1 to Nov.7 2009. (see www.ibta.org).
Ensuring public policy influence, BTAA will seek to act as a channel of information to the proposed Federal Parliamentary brain tumor interest group as well as Federal and State governments. It aims to promote awareness about public policy issues of concern to the brain tumor community.
A Freecall phone number, available within Australia is 1800 857 221, where you can speak to someone who knows what it is like to travel the brain tumor highway. For further information, contact secretary@btaa.org.au

Pediatric Brain Tumors draw World attention

2009-01-19T22:42:00.000-08:00

World attention to the plight of pediatric tumors and the lack of treatment development has drawn support from leading neurosurgeons and reasearch organisations. Supporting a call by International Brain Tumor Alliance (IBTA) for the Swiss-based International Union Against Cancer (UICC) to give greater prominence in its World Cancer Day activities, to be held on February 4, 2009, to brain tumors and the problems they cause, constituting one of the leading causes of cancer death among children.
IBTA chair Denis Strangman (Australia) said that worldwide roughly 200,000 people each year develop a malignant primary brain tumor, although not comparable with a wider range of cancers, there was no cure at present and little in way of effective treatments.
Expressing support for IBTA's letter, Dr.Larry Kun, chair of US.Pediatric Brain Tumor Consortium, descrtibed childhood brain tumors as "perhaps the most vexing area of pediatric oncology".
Describing childhood brain tumors as a most underdeserving area of cancer research, Mike Traynor, chair of Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, US , said it requires a philanthropic community to provide significant funds to bring an understanding of the disease.
Others to lend their support came from Prof. Martin van den Bent, Holland; Prof.David Walker, Nottingham,UK.; Prof. Victor Levin, MD Anderson Cancer Centre, Texas, and Matt Pitt, chair of newly established Brain Tumor Alliance Australia, who sumed up the feelings of many, when he said "I find it hard to convey the devastating impact of brain tumors on a peron's life. It is truely an insidious disease; funding for research and health care needs to acknowledge and deal with the wide ranging impact of brain tumors". Geoff.

Ann Breen's new blog: Other Tumor news and Info

2009-01-15T18:02:00.000-08:00

Ann Breen, a Meningioma sufferer since the nineties, has been a mine of information on Brain Tumors and treatments, including use of Mifepristone that has controlled her tumor, and who conducted her news and information on AOl.com, which has now foreclosed their pages.
Now Ann has a new blog site to communicate to her many meningimates at http://gbyay.blogspot.com.
This will continue her excellent communications on meningiomas and treatment, news and activity happening on the American scene as well as news from the various seminars and meetings Ann manages to attend.
Ann has a 28 question and answers forum that you would find helpful should you need to question or want answers for your present situation. Geoff.

Cancer Milestones in Treatment

2009-01-09T21:53:00.000-08:00

We continue our series on Cancer Milestones in Treatments. Researchers continually strive to beat the cancer scouge, but it is good to view progress of the past.

1896
Removal of ovaries is performed for first time as part of breast cancer treatment

1941
Charles Huggins uses synthetic hormone to treat prostrate cancer and shows that some breast and prostrate cancer cells are hormone-dependent. In 1966, he is awarded the Nobel Prize

1946
The beginning of chemotherapy as treatment for cancer can be traced to chemical warfare used in World War 1.
Louis Goodman and Alfred Gilman use nitrogen mustard, an agent derived from deadly gas employed during First World War, to treat a non-hodgkin's lymphoma patient. Their published report in 1946 demonstrates how chemotherapy can induce tumor regression

Acknowledgment curetoday.com Geoff

Mifepristone's wider Uses - Australia lacks the nerve to move!

2009-01-09T21:01:00.000-08:00

While Australian Health authorities lack the nerve to expand Mifepristone use, American researchers are plowing ahead with extended use of this Drug. Feminist Majority Foundation is closely monitoring the extended use of Mifepristone for health care of patients.
Dr.Beth Jordan, a medical director with the Foundation, says studies of cases of compassionate use for patients with terminal or life-threatening illnesses has found this drug very responsive where other drug treatments have failed.
At Rochester Medical Center, excellent regression of women's tumors were found to respond after six months of Mifepristone treatment. Last August, Stanford University Medical Center announced test results of Mifepristone bringing fast relief for patients suffering acute psychotic depression, for which previous treatment was electro-shock. FDA. considering fast-track approval.
Other success stories for Mifepristone use involves studies in endomentriosis, ovarian cancer, breast cancer, prostrate cancer, cushings syndrome, alzheimers and aids.
Commented one leading medical researcher "If it wern't for the anti-abortion groups, it would be a candidate for a Nobel Prize". Acknowledgement womensenews.org Geoff.

"Leukemia - What's that?" - Barbara Bush

2008-12-14T16:57:00.000-08:00

Wife of ex-President George Bush, Barbara recounts in her memoirs, of their early years of marriage, of how their little three-year-old daughter Robin, woke up one morning, and said to her mother, "I don't know what to do this morning, I may go out and lie on the grass and watch the cars go by, or I may stay in bed!"
Fearing that her daughter's action sounded a little like spring fever, Barbara arranged for Robin to be checked out by a local pediatrician. The examination included taking a blood sample from the little girl, with the result to be known in a couple of days.
By late afternoon next day, the pediatrician phoned advising to leave Robin at home, but Barbara should come along with her Oil Company executive husband, to the surgery.
The pediatrician, not one to pull any punches, told George and Barbara Bush, their daughter Robin had Leukemia, a word not known to the Bush's; George immediately asking what the next step was to be, and how could they treat Robin ?
The pediatrician carefully explained about white and red blood cells and, gently as possible, told them, there was no cure.
This was 1953. After further family discussions, the Bush's took their daughter Robin to see George's uncle, Dr.John Walker, at Memorial Sloan-Kettering hospital in New York, who straightaway, confirmed the pediatrician's analysis of Leukemia, with her white cell count so high, the Dr. ordered medication immediately.
Despite efforts to save Robin, sadly she past away in October, 1953, with her mother and father at her bedside.
A friend sent George and Barbara Bush a poem in memory of their little daughter, Robin.

"So I am glad that my loved one has gone,
But that the earth she laughed and lived on was my earth, too.
That I had known and loved her,
And my love I'd shown.
Tears over her departure?
Nay, a smile

That I had walked with her a little while.
Later, in memory of Robin, the Bright Star Foundation was formed to aid Leukemia Research
Acknowledgment Biography "A Memior, Barbara Bush, 1994. Geoff

The Message of Hope by David M. Bailey

2008-11-23T22:13:00.000-08:00

We publish this Poem written by David Bailey, who has done so much to advance the cause for Cancer and Tumor treatment through his CDs and DVDs and his many concerts throughout America and Europe. For his CDs and DVDs contact his website http://davidmbailey.com/ Right now, David has entered hospital for more surgery on a cyst and tumor. Brain Tumor News extends to him best wishes for a quick recovery.

Message of Hope
The message of hope never grows old
It's the heat of the fire that drives out the cold
It's the rhythm of time that beats like a drum
It's where you are going and where you are from

The message of hope never grows old
Sweeter than honey, more precious than gold
It's the song of the bird on the very first flight
It's the light of the moon in the middle of night

The message of hope never grows old
It's the greatest story that ever was told
It's the green in the grass and the blue in the sky
It's the reason we have the courage to try

The message of hope never grows old
It makes the weak strong and turns the meek bold
Simple as sun, a joy to behold
The message of hope never grows old

The message of hope never grows old
It's the way that the world was meant to unfold
As long as you'll listen, I promise to sing
Hope never dies, let it ring, let it ring,
let it ring, let it ring.
Acknowledgment davidmbailey.com, The Brain Trust Braintmr List for this material. Geoff

Cancer Milestones in Treatment

2008-11-22T23:41:00.000-08:00

We continue our series on the Cancer Milestones in Treatment. Tremendous strides are being made in the development for new drugs and vaccines to counter the Cancer scourge.

1884
First recorded day surgery for a Brain Tumor by Sir Rickman Goodlee

1898
Physicists Marie and Pierre Curie discover radium and later use it to effectively treat tumors

1943
The first electron Linear Accelerator designed for radium therapy is developed. Today, this equipment is the most widely used treatment device in the Western World.

1949
Swedish neurosurgeon Lars Leksell invents a stereo tactic apparatus exclusively for human functional neurosurgery. In the late 1960's, Leksell further develops the Gamma Knife - today a popular radio surgical tool that has the ability to eradicate cancerous tissue with a single high dose of radiation.

This series of Cancer milestones to be continued. Acknowledgment curetoday.com Geoff

Being actively Involved in Your Own Treatment

2008-11-21T16:08:00.000-08:00

Naturopath Katrina Ellis makes an encouraging point about being involved with your treatment. In her book, 'Shattering the Cancer myth', Katrina outlines the importance of understanding conventional medicine with alternative medicines, and how the two can exist together in the treatment of cancer.
It is your body and your disease. Never give away your power to anyone - especially not the power to heal your body, Katrina writes. You can ask doctors, specialists, naturual therapies and healers for advice and treatment options but ultimately, you are the one with the power to make the decisions to heal your body. Keeping your empowerment will enable you to also keep your self-confidence and motivation.
How can you take a more active part in your healing process? Firstly, ask your Doctor or specialist plenty of questions; it is your right to know everything. The more you know the more control you have over your own destiny and outcome. Never go into your healing or treatment in the dark. Find out everything you can about your type of cancer and the most effective forms of treatments to heal your cancer.
Ask for articles, research papers and information from your health practitioner concerning treatment of cancer. Ask questions and obtain more knowledge about your disease. It is your right to know the results of all tests - it is your right to be one hundred percent informed about every procedure and its possible side effects.
If you have made the conscious decision to undertake orthodox cancer treatment, please don't forget the benefits of incorporating natural therapies into your program.
Set yourself a schedule for taking your vitamins, performing your creative visualisations, meditation and yoga and allow plenty of free time for yourself. Never overcommit yourself - this is your time to rediscover what you truly love and enjoy in life.
Every day is truely precious; don't let another moment pass you by without feeling the beauty in every breath of life giving energy. It is a wonderful feeling to take charge of your own destiny and to have an active part in your own healing process. Katrina Ellis. Acknowledgment author, Katrina Ellis, 'Shattering the Cancer myth'. Geoff.

Cancer Milestones in Treatment

2008-11-15T15:50:00.000-08:00

'Cancer is one of the major afflictions of developed societies. The fact that causation is multifactional and involves both very ancient and more recent evolutionary legacies, implies that there is no easy answers' said Professor Mel Greaves, in his book Cancer, the evolutionary legacy. The Professor continued 'But we will have new options to consider in terms of early diagnosis, biological therapy, and especially prevention".
In milestones of Cancer treatment, we see the treatment of this desease built upon successes of the past. Progress made in the past century has cleared a path for continued achievement.
At random, we will select significant dates of time that records these achievement in Cancer treatment.

1882.

The first mastectomy for Breast Cancer is performed

1897
Paul Ehrlich develops the side-chain theory, the root of his targeted therapy, or "magic bullet" concept of drugs that go straight to their intended targets to treat disease. He later wins the Nobel Prize, 1908

1900
Thor Stenbeck cures a patient with skin cancer using small doses of daily radiation therapy. This technique is later referred to as fractionated radiation therapy, which is the basis of radiation treatment used today.

During this decade, George Papanicolaou found that vaginal cell smears (the Pape smear) reveal the presence of Cancer

This series of Cancer milestones to be continued. Acknowledgement curetoday.com Geoff.

10 Lifestyle tips for Cancer prevention

2008-11-08T18:19:00.000-08:00

A recent annual American Dietetic Association convention held in Chicago, a list of ten diet and activity recommendations was presented.
1. Be as lean as possible without becoming underweight.
2. Be physically active for at least 30 minutes every day.
3. Avoid sugary drinks, and limit consumption of high-calorie foods, especially those low in fibre and rich in fat or added sugar.
4. Eat more of a variety of vegetables, fruits, whole grains and legumes (Beans).
5. Limit consumption of red meats (beef, pork and lamb) and avoid processed meats.
6. If you drink alcohol, limit your daily intake to two drinks for men and one drink for women.
7. Limit consumption of salty foods and food processed with salt (sodium).
8. Do not use supplements to try to protect against cancer.
9. It is best for mothers to breastfeed their babies for upto six months and then add other liquids and foods.
10. After treatment, cancer survivors should follow the recommendations for cancer prevention.
Keep in mind that these tips are about reducing - not eliminating, cancer risk. Many factors, including genes and environmental factors, affect cancer risk; diet and exercise are not the whole story, but within your power to change. Acknowledge WebMD Health News. Geoff.

Scientists decode Cancer genes

2008-11-08T17:24:00.000-08:00

Researchers have now found a way to decode genes of a person, including those genes that initiate Cancer. Using donated cells from a Leukemia victim, scientists compare cancerous cells with the victim's normal healthy cells through DNA, finding mutated cells.
Mutated cells are genetic mistakes, with the ones found in this research project as not in-born, but develop later in life, as a cause of cancer.
The study by Washington University in St.Louis, say the findings will not assist patients immediately, but could lead to new therapies, as well as assisting Doctors make improved choices of treatments.
Within decades, DNA sequencing would be as simples as dropping a sample of patient's blood onto a chip that slides into a desk top computer, and receiving a report that suggests which drugs to treat the patient. Geoff
Acknowledge International Herald Tribune.

Living with Hope of future!, successful Seminar ends IBTA Week

2008-11-02T00:48:00.000-07:00

Brain Tumor supporters, Carers, friends, patients and survivors, enjoyed a 5-hour Seminar, at which Hope appears to be the reliant word for the future.
"Living with a Brain Tumor" Seminar was presented by Brisbane Brain Tumor Support Group, to 50 attendees, as part of the International Brain Tumor Alliance Week, culminating Nov.1.
A diverse range of presenters gave their audience a confidence in how difficult tumors were removed; practical issues in securing power of attorney; Centrelink assured us how to apply for benefits and confidence to be heard; Carers Queensland emphasized importance of carers' support and R and R', closing with developments of alternative medicines and use of Vitamin-C intravenous injections to help combat cancers.
Clinical Nurse Coordinator. Vivien Biggs, not only covered ranges of tumors her service covers, but expanded on new surgical techniques now used, and why some surgery's take so long.
Gary Powers, Solicitor, enforced the importance of legal tie-up with medical directives and how it was essential for all in the family to be made aware of the patient's requirements.
Lyn Brownsey, a Centrelink specialist on Disability, gave the patient audience confidence, explaining the many services available for cancer patients. The interaction with the audience demonstrated there was some lack of knowledge on behalf of patients, who intently noted the Centerlink services, as Lyn explained them. Centrelink provided plenty of material for audience study.
Carers Queensland's Ellen Slater described the many roles of Carers, and pointing out the importance for them to have respite too, as the performance factor is a safeguard for patients' welfare. Stress, and how to overcome depressive factors, were also covered by Ellen's presentation.
Interest in alternative medicines provided great listerning, as Assoc.Prof. Luis Vitetta, University of Queensland, delved into the many alternative medicines and herbs, now gaining use in Cancer treatments.
Luis, a recent import to Queensland, stressed the care to be taken in their use, not to experiment, but seriously research the value and performance of alternative medicines.
The Professor closed his presentation with news of new research into introvenous Vitamin-C injections, that have astounded researchers as to its performance in laboratory tests, with human trials expected in near future. Geoff.

MRIs for Everyone: New York City Health chases the Tumor!

2008-10-19T22:30:00.000-07:00

As part of a National Preventative Health program, New York City Health and Brain Tumor Foundation are supporting Dr. Patrick Kelly's campaign to provide LOW COST or FREE 20 minute preliminary head MRI's for the general population.
This is a first for this road to detect tumors throughout the population, something that many brain tumor support groups throughout the world have been encouraging medical authorities to examine over past five years.
When such questions on easier availability of MRIs and unit costs were raised, they have been looked on with blank amazement. Its not that the costs of such equipment is not unknown, they are very costly to set up. But when it is realised the number of MRIs are completed each hour of the day, why, then does it cost so much for the patient.
We are talking about advanced technology here; the digital age has produced cheaper unit costs. Take the commercial digital photographic industry. It can produce very flexible en-product pricing.
It will be interesting to learn of New York City Health's costing on the above project. Geoff.

Not looking for Cancer - change your Lifestyle !

2008-10-13T02:33:00.000-07:00

A recent report from Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, estimated there were 39,200 deaths from all types of cancers in 2006. Yet, a consultancy research organisation suggests 106,000 are currently diagnosed each year.
So, where are Australians going wrong?
Aussies are renowned for a 'good lifestyle' irrespective of the rules of the game. Liberal thinking of the fifties and seventies, despite parental discipline, seem to have softened the rules of life, allowing a lifestyle open to prey.
It seemed fashionable to be seen smoking (remember Marlboro?), acceptance of drinking at an earlier age, try all the time-saving foods for those on the 'go', obesity and diet were thinly thought of, sun bake and suntan, either on the beach or ultraviolet induced, and what if a melanoma occurs, and unsafe sex.
Yeah Man . . . we were having a ball!
Then the stats started to kick in. A Doctor here, a Surgeon there, started to cry out. In the new millennium, new buzz-words took on more meanings as research results took hold; eat more green veges, wholegrains, diet, sunscreen plus, new forms of x-ray, specific cancer treatment skills, oncology came to the fore. Stat figures were now being quoted for cancer regularly as the road toll.
And Yeah! We are still living a lifestyle, but with a little more care. Sure, we are still smoking and drinking too much, but our diet is better, we are curbing the suntan, a hat has become more acceptable for the beach and bush.
Technology is fast decapitating some of the myths of cancer, with projections of 20% being made a reality for improvement by 2020.
Most monies for research are privately and publicly raised as education into cancer is now more acceptable. Governments still cannot come to grips to assist general and pharmacological research into drugs, especially when research is being conducted overseas and not tapped into here. Some patients are importing their drugs directly from overseas for their treatment; religious and political misgivings seem to stall the treatment progress in this country.
Fundamental beliefs should not be allowed to hinder such progress. Health has got to be seen as a by-product of Life, not an Add-on. Geoff. Acknowledgment Weekend Australia-Health/Pacific Strategy Partners.

Ultrsound fights Cancers - trials cover Tumor, Breast and Kidney

2008-10-02T23:54:00.000-07:00

A new revolutionary Ultrasonic treatment is gaining momentum for Tumor, Breast, Kidney, Bone and Liver Cancers. Known as HIFU, the new treatment has proven to leave patients unscathed.
Developed at Coventry University Sonochemistry dept. and Chongqing Medical University, China, researchers conducted trials at Churchill Hospital, Oxford, with procedures now a reality, proving that focused ultrasound can be used to treat specific tumors.
With UK. research teams concentrating on kidney and liver tumors, US. teams at Harvard and Brigham Woman's hospital, under control of Drs. Peter Black and Ferenc Oesz, have been working on GBM tumors.
Professor Tim Mason, a 25yr-Sonochemistry research veteran, explained the key to this new ultrasonic cancer treatment was the ability to focus low energy ultrasound beams to a small, high energy target on a tumor inside the body.
Report from patients show no side-effects or markings on the patient, and follow-up scans show tumors to be dead or beginning to shrink.
Chinese researchers also report success with HIFU treatments on bone and breast cancers.
Accknowledgement medicalnewstoday.com. Geoff

Healthy Living Seminar helps patients

2008-09-19T23:37:00.000-07:00

Nutrition, Physical activity, Stress and relaxation, were the draw-card for 40 Cancer, Breast Cancer and Tumor patients, who attended Cancer Council Qld., "Healthy Living" seminar, held at their main offices, Fortitude Valley, Brisbane, Saturday 20th.
Patients, Carers, partners and friends were treated to the latest trends in food value varieties for sensible eating to aid recovery following Cancer treatment. Facts flowed to the attentive audience about dos and donts regarding values of calories, the make-up of food varieties regarding vitamins, amega3, tomatoes and broccoli, berries and green teas. Many questions were raised re use of oils, how much coffee and red wine to drink and value of mushrooms and chocolate. Presenter Dwan Vilcins, clinical naturopath, was able to change a number of myths in food tastes.
Next, Debbie Pickersgill, from UQSport, demonstrated the value of simple physical exercise for 60 year olds, plus showing the best types of movements that would improve warm-up and mobility.
UQSport, a health unit of Uni. Queensland, has developed special programs for patients who have received treatment for Cancer, Breast Cancer and Tumor receovery. Deb also supplied an easy-guide showing simple movements patients can safely used in the home.
Stress and relaxation was presented by Yoga specialist, Sheridan Oliver, who demonstrated simple exercise and breathing techniques, discussing how stress can tighten up your muscles and what to do about it.
Comments from the audience demonstrated that all the advice on Healthy Living had been taken seriously; the questuions from the floor tying-up the presenters many times. A great Seminar enjoyed by all. Geoff.

Malfunctions after Meningioma removal - Therapist comment

2008-09-14T21:51:00.000-07:00

A Physical Therapist, who is a recent patient of Meningioma removal, has some sound words of advice for other Meningimates, who may be suffering discomfort from a craniotomy.
Sandy Conran writes: I'm a craniotomy patient, MNG survivor, and a physical therapist. Following my surgery last year my titanium screws sites were very sensitive and it was nearly 6 mth. before I could lie on my left side. Fortunately, I had access to a therapist trained in craniosacral therapy.
The basis for this therapy is that meninge layer that lines the inside of the skull and spinal cord is filled with cerebrospinal fluid that has a current, like a river. The surgery disrupted this flow, especially around the meninge incision site which is where the screws are placed post-op.
One-two 30 min. sessions with this therapist relieved the sensitivity around 2 of my 3 screw sites. The other one was too sensitive to work for several more months.
Cranio-sacral therapists may be physical therapists, massage therapists, or thier own entity.
It is considered mainstream currently but was considered more alternative therapy until last decade. Use your search engines to check for nearby practitioners or for more background information. (This is useful information. Geoff)

Health Debates reach new Lows - personal prospective

2008-09-10T18:27:00.000-07:00

Recent debates on abortion and stem cell research have sunk to new lows, with personal religious and personal politics deciding on one's life and health.
It is incredible to think that, in this new millennium, such thoughts can even be contemplated in what is now regarded as living in a modern World.
The Victorian parliament has been debating a new deal for mothers, who may want to abort their foetus, for whatever personal or health reason. New Victorian legislation will allow abortion on demand upto 24 weeks of pregnancy.
Over in the United States Presidential elections, debate is raging between Democrat and Republican candidates, over a re-think by President George Bush, to relent slightly, to allow limited support for using embryonic stem cell research to develop medical therapies.
Democratic Vice-Presidential hopeful, Sen. Joe Biden, has wasted no time in firing a fusillade at Republican Vice-Presidential Sarah Palin, on this issue, due to the effect Rublicans oppose embryonic stem cell research, and also the fact that Sarah Palin gave birth, in April, to a down-syndrome child.
Why is it that our personal health has to be penalised by religious and political tags - health of an individual must be allowed to be free of censure. We are also being made aware of censures placed on Asiatic mothers, due to religious and political fervor. In terms of securing individual health, there is no place for fundamentalism and secularism.
Australia has to be one of the World bodies that sanctions such high degress in health care. Personal health care has to be registered well above religious and political thinking.
We have made it with anti-discrimination; the same should be applied to World Health.! Geoff.

Info Handbook/DVD for After-Treatment

2008-09-09T22:31:00.000-07:00

Following Sept. Brain Tumor Support Group meeting, members were invited by Cancer Council Queensland, to join a Focus Group session, to discuss a proposal to develop a Survivor Kit, Book or DVD, for patients as they leave hospital after their treatment for cancer or tumor.
With funding provided by Cancer Australia, this patient-support initiative has received a large amount of experience-information to support this project.
The key issue is to ensure patients re-entering their normal life surroundings after leaving a treatment centre, will have a smooth transition to returning to as normal life as possible.
Items covered in this information project are anxiety and stress once cancer treatment finishes, uncertainly what to expect in terms of side-effects, loss of confidence in one's body and fear of recurrence, feeling socially isolated when visible support level diminishes from hospital, family and friends, feelings of guilt and anger, grief and loss related to changes cancer has made to your physical health, appearance, fertility, sexuality, work-life, income, independence and many others.
Discussions from various support groups will be collated by project officer Heather Woodford, Cancer Council Qld. from where a Focus committee will decide on the final presentation of the project.
For more information or interest, contact/email heatherwoodford@cancerqld.org.au Geoff.

Improve Brain Health: Good Nutrition!

2008-09-07T18:37:00.000-07:00

Due to the treatment you are on, correct nutritional food guidelines are essential to pull the mind and body back into condition. Eat a variety of foods of different colors without a lot of added ingredients or processes.
Plan meals around your vegetables, and then add friut, protien, dairy and/or whole gran breads.
Add some cold water fish to your diet like tuna, salmon, mackerel, sardines, barra and whiting fillets; these contain important omega-3 fatty acids. Trim down meals containing red meats, frys and bbq's. Learn what a portion-size is, so you do not over eat, but enjoy your food.
Try to eat more foods low in GI (Glycemic Index). There are many GI Cook books available to help you with choice recipes. If you can only do one thing, eat more vegetables, particulary leafy green ones. Geoff Acknowlegment sharpbrains.com

Improve Brain Health: Stress Management!

2008-09-07T18:03:00.000-07:00

Get regular cardiovascular exercise. Try to get enough
sleep each night. Keep in touch with friends and family,
join a Brain Tumor Support Group.
Practice meditation, yoga, or some other calming activity as a way to take a relaxing time-out, like a massage, take the dog for a walk, go fishing, gardening, and reading.
If you can only do one thing, set aside 5 to 10 minutes just to breath deeply and recharge yourself. Geoff
Acknowledgment sharpbrain.com

Improve Brain Health: Get Physical!

2008-09-07T17:46:00.000-07:00

If you can only do one thing, do something cardiovascular, meaning something that gets your heart beating faster. This will include walking, running, skiing, swimming, biking, tennis basketball, and any other similar sports activities.
If you are currently not physically active, start talking to your Doctor, especially if you have special health concerns, or considering making changes to your current program. Set a goal that you can achieve.
Do something you enjoy for even 15 to 30 minutes a day. You can always add more time and activities later, as you gain more confidence. Do not stress yourself if at first you cannot achieve your goal. Geoff
Acknowledgment sharpbrains.com

French Mini Laser removes GBMs

2008-08-30T16:59:00.000-07:00

Paris, France. Since 2006, French Neurosurgeons have been developing micro-surgery applications for the removal of Brain Tumors.
Using a mini-laser, which has a temperature-controlled tip, special software controls the entire operation at the neurosurgeon's finger tips.
Drilling a 3mm hole into the skull, the laser is directed to the particular tumor, where the laser tip burns the matastesing cells, while the specially developed software keeps control of temperature in the laser cutting head. The patient is only sedated with a local anesthetic.
Six voluntary patients have so far come through these "mini-laser" operations successfully. French technology researchers expect this form of neurosurgery to expand widely to include other forms of tumor removal in the near future. Acknowledgement: Le Monde, Paris. Geoff.

Danielle's survival of Cancer and Identity - CVQ. Agm

2008-08-26T23:53:00.000-07:00

Cancer Voices Qld. first annual general meeting, August 14, was attended by mainly executive and intrastate committee members, and small band of general membership, held at the Heart Foundation Offices, Brisbane.
Following opening report by Chair Leonie Young, cancer survivor Danielle Tindle, presented her path in her life of cancer and identity. Struck down aged 22 years, diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma, with a tumor the size of a football in her chest, and smaller lumps in neck and abdomen. Danielle went on to described how she has been able to modify her life to the demands cancer has made on her. As a teenager, Danielle was ready to party and enjoy life to the full. Her ideals in fashion and outlook were changed radically when cancer treatment took away all her hair, modifying her life presentation to include a wig, permanently. "I'm not who I was, but can't relate to anyone else; I don't know who I am becoming, or even If I will live. Who am I" Danielle exclaimed.
Now 28 years, Danielle took her audience through various stages of life-changing scenarios, where she had to re-appraise herself and future directions in life, trying to understand how objectives were seen for patients through the eyes of your GP/Specialists, and the questions posed by patients to help in their identity.
Now employed with Leukaemia Foundation Australia, Danielle is researching and developing a national education support program for young people affected by blood cancer. Special Grants have allowed Danielle to tour United Kingdom and Ireland health research centres, where similar programs are assisting teenage cancer/tumor
patients; reviewing the treatments received and how these centres are achieving results. Geoff.

Dietary Supplements OK for Cancer Survivors, but . . .

2008-08-24T22:51:00.000-07:00

It is quite common practice for long-term cancer survivors to use wide-range of Dietary supplements. 753 Cancer patients with over 5 yrs. out-of-their-diagnosis, were phone-questioned about their dietary habits and supplement use.
Denise Snyder, RD. Clinical trials Manager, Duke University School of Nursing, expressed concern at the use of one specific type of nutrient, that could upset metabolic balance in the body processing nutrients. "Maybe too much of one thing, not enough of something else that may put your cells at risk", said Snyder.
Of those tested, 75% said they used dietary supplements. These ranged from multivitamins 80%; calcium 50%; antioxidants, C, E, carotenoids, selenium and combinations 41%; fish Oil 29%; glucosamine, chondrolin combinations 19%, and 18% took botanicals and herbs.
Denise Snyder was surprised at numbers taking supplements, with 90% claiming use off one formulation for 12 month or more. A healthier lifestyle seem to be main draw for adding supplements to diet.
Those who ate high amounts of fruit and vegetables, fibre and less saturated fats, tended to add supplement to their diet, too.
It would appear that 'balance' seems to be the clear winner, for it is recommended discussions with your GP or dietician to check a need to take so many supplements.
"If you eat fish three times per week, maybe there is need to cut down on fish oil" concluded Denise Snyder.
Acknowledgement WebMD/American Cancer Society.

Water better with Drugs - Juices unsettling!

2008-08-20T21:50:00.000-07:00

Tablets! . . . when you swallow them down, is it with fruit juice, your brandy, beer, champas, or just plain Water? Have you noticed how tablet packaging advises fruit juices can decrease absorption of many Drugs? These comments should not be taken lightly as juice can effect allergies, transplant rejection, cancer and high blood pressure.
David G. Bailey, PhD., Professor Clinical Pharmacology, University of Weston Ontario, London, Canada and his researchers discovered in 1991, that grapefruit juice increased blood concentrations of blood pressure drug Plendil to possible dangerous levels, as well as slowing down key liver enzymes that clears Plendil, and some 40 other drugs, from the body.
Now new Bailey research reports grapefruit, orange and apple juices decease the absorption of several important medications. "This is just the tip of the iceberg. I'm sure we'll find more drugs affected this way," says Bailey, reporting his findings in a report to 236th annual meeting of American Chemical Society.
It was found a substance called naringin in grapefruit was a culprit, blocking OATP1A2, a transporter molecule in the gut, which carries some drugs from the samll intestines into the blood. Orange juice contains hesperidin, but a culprit in apple juice remains aloof for time being.
David Bailey says the concern is loss of benefit of medications essential for treatment of serious condituions.
Healthy volunteers took fexofenadine with either grapefruit juice, a glass of water mixed with naringin, or pure water. A drug taken with grapefruit juice or the nnaringin mixture halved the amount of drug absorption to reach the bloodstream.
People/patients should take their tablets with water only, advises Bailey. "People taking medications should check with their GP or Pharmacist before taking medications with fruit juices" Prof. Bailey concluded.

Booming-Base Decibels hinder Tumors

2008-08-20T21:22:00.000-07:00

Hi, Music appreciated Tumor sufferers, recently we have been under sufferance of Deep Base Decibel syndrome from the younger set wanting to share their lust of powerful thumping base music via stereo systems.
Whether it is one of the neighbours, or the car that pulls up beside you at the traffic lights, the 'thumping' stress it blasts out on my partner's Meningioma is distressing to see. Not only this, but the music and public announcements in major shopping centres seems to have got louder, too.
Have you visited a Record Bar lately, or one of the 'new' fashion shops, where the Manager, in all their psychedelic color, appear to be dancing, or twitching to the rhythm, even when they try to sell you something? Enquiring into this 'new' form of retailing (having spent 40 years in the game), what was the advantage of this style of music?
"Man, you have'nt lived! This is cool for everyone. It puts customers into the swing to buy!".
My partner finds the violins playing in a store like Myers or Millers, for example, much more pleasant to her Meningioma. Has anyone else been affected by this trend in music? Geoff.

New Vaccine kurbs Glioblastoma

2008-08-19T20:55:00.000-07:00

At a recent conference of American Society of Clinical Oncologists (ASCO) annual meeting, Duke University research group released news of a new vaccine containing common type of herpes virus, human cytomegalovirus (CMV).
Used in conjunction with the chemotherapy drug temozolomide, seems to be successful delaying the recurrence of glioblastoma in a small group of patients.
Researchers at Duke University built upon this knowledge by developing a CMV vaccine, testing it on nearly two dozen patients, where early results appeared promising, but continued research is still required.
A Duke news release on the study is available at http://www.dukehealth.org/HealthLibrary/News/10320. Geoff.

Saying Thanks cultivates a grateful Heart

2008-08-19T20:23:00.000-07:00

By focusing on what we are thankful for, and saying thank you, even the most difficult times can create feelings of love, compassion and hope.
Mary Beth Sammons, Carepages.com, suggests these 10 tips for saying thanks.
1. Be grateful and recognise the things others have done to help you.
2. When you say "Thank you" tell the person specifically what it is you appreciate and why.
3. Post a 'thank you to all' on your Care page, or email those in your Care community.
4. Send a hand-written thank you note. These are noteworthy because so few of us take time to write.
5. Think thoughts of gratitude - two or three good things that happened today; notice a calm settle through your head, at least for a moment. It activates part of the brain that floods the body with endophins, or feel-good hormones.
6. Remember ways your life has been made easier or better because of others' efforts. Be aware of the many good things going on around you, and acknowledge them.
7. Keep a journal/diary to note a list of good things or people you are grateful for today. The list will grow as you notice more of the good things around you.
8. Being grateful shakes out of self-absorption and helps you recognise those who have done wonderful things for you. Expressing that gratitude will continue to draw people into your sphere.
9. Remember this: "When you learn, teach. When you get, give" - Maya Angelou.
10. Join forces to do good. If you survived illness or loss, you may want to reach out to others to help as a way of showing gratitude for those who reached out to you.
Acknowledgement Mary Beth Sammons, Carepages.com

Tumor Cells blood tagged by Microchip

2008-08-16T22:15:00.000-07:00

In today's fast technical World, tumor cells are not only sought out by Biomedical research, but electronic techniques are fast approaching the stage where special software-controlled microchips analyse tumor cells from blood of patients with solid tumors.
A research team from Cancer Center, Massachusetts General, led by Dr.Daniel Haber, MD. Phd. says circulating tumor cells (CTC) are located in a fragile atmosphere and are scarce in the blood, accounting for one in a million cells of a typical cancer blood sample. Being very hard to detect in a patient's blood, a newly developed chip offers non-evasive monitoring of patients with solid tumors.
Research has shown CTC chip will identify genetic changes in blood samples of patients likely to benefit from recommended treatments from those not likely to benefit. A suprise to researchers was to find the genetic make-up of tumors changed continuously during treatment.
A spokesman for American Cancer Society said this new research will play a big role for new cancer treatments. "A major problem is that we are still using a definition of cancer established in early 1800's. A new 21st. century definition will examine genetics of a tumor to establish path of mutation or cause of cell death" he concluded.
Acknowledgment New England Journal of Medicine.

Understanding Cancer - Does not stick together or become specialised

2008-08-16T21:58:00.000-07:00

Cancer Cells can lose molecules on their surface, that keep normal cells in the right place, become detached from their neighbours, allowing the cancer cell to spread to other parts of the body.
Unlike normal cells, cancer cells do not carry on maturing once they have been formed. With all the reproducing, it is not suprising that more of the genetic information in the cell can become lost.
Cells become more primitive tend to reproduce more quickly and even more haphazardly.
Understanding Cancer series, Cancer Research UK.

Understanding Cancer - Normal Cells

2008-08-16T21:53:00.000-07:00

Normal body cells have a number of important characteristics
They can reproduce themselves exactly
Stop reproducing at the right time
Stick together in the right place
Self-destruct if they are damaged
Become specialised or 'mature'

PET, with FET, picks out Tumor activity

2008-08-04T22:43:00.000-07:00

Within the World of Cancer and Tumors, the 'lingo' being used in everyday communications is forever changing, and is at times, difficult to keep up with. We have gotten used to such terms and acronyms as Xray, MRI, fMRI, CT, PET, Chemo, and so it goes on.
Now, Australian researchers have launched another new tab to describe fluoroethyltyrosine, or FET. Developed in trials by Cooperative Research Centre, Biomedical Imaging Developments, Melbourne, have shown that radio active amino acids are able to double the scans to locate active tumor cells in the brain.
Identifed as FET, fluoroethyltyrosine is injected into a patient prior to scanning the tumor. Used in conjunction with a PET (position emission tomography) scan, it correctly identifies patients needing treatment; FET pinpointing accurately active tumor cells in the brain.
A research spokesman said tumors require large amounts of amino acids to support abnormal growth, FET distinguishing active cancer tumor cells against normal brain tissue. Geoff.
Acknowledement theage.com