Headwear Etc Blog

FDA Approves Test to Predict Breast Cancer Recurrence
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved a test to predict the likelihood that breast cancer will return five to 10 years after the initial diagnosis. MammaPrint, made by a Netherlands-based company, is the first FDA-approved test to use molecular technology to predict whether an existing cancer will spread to other parts of the body. However, the FDA cautions that the test is more accurate at predicting which women will not experience a breast cancer recurrence rather than which women will.

“Clearance of the MammaPrint test marks a step forward in the initiative to bring molecular-based medicine into current practice,” said Andrew C. von Eschenbach, M.D., Commissioner of Food and Drugs, in an FDA news release. “MammaPrint results will provide patients and physicians with more information about the prospects for the outcome of the disease. This information will support treatment decisions.”

Researchers know that the return of cancer is occurs in part from the activation and suppression of certain genes in the tumor. Tests such as the MammaPrint can measure the activity of these genes and help physicians better predict the likelihood that the cancer will return in their patients.

According to Agendia, the Netherlands-based maker of the MammaPrint test, the test is a “DNA micro array-based in vitro diagnostic laboratory service that measures the activity of 70 genes, providing information about the likelihood of tumor recurrence. The MammaPrint test measures the level of expression of each of these genes in a sample of a woman’s surgically-removed breast cancer tumor and then uses a specific formula or algorithm to produce a score that determines whether the patient is deemed low risk or high risk for spread of the cancer to another site. The result may help a doctor in planning appropriate follow-up for a patient when used with other clinical information and laboratory tests.”

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Did you know that skin cancer is one of the more commonly diagnosed types of cancer in the world? It is also one of the most preventable types of cancer, too.

Over 1 million cases of skin cancer will be diagnosed this year, and that does not include cases of melanoma, the deadliest type of skin cancer. Recently, skin cancer has been diagnosed in more young people, proving that people are not taking the proper precautions. Learn how to prevent skin cancer and you’ll learn how to save your life.
1) Use sunscreen.
I know you have heard it a million times, but sunscreen really is your best bet to prevent skin cancer if you spend a lot of time outdoors. Choose a sunscreen that is at least SPF 15 or higher.
2) Avoid direct exposure to midday sun.
Basically, this means do not go outdoors when the sun’s rays are at its brightest, which is 10:00 am - 4:00 pm.
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Training Dogs to Detect Cancer
Research has been ongoing since 1989 to determine the canine ability to detect cancer and studies have been successful.

In a study done in Amersham England, published in the British Medical Journal , the researchers set out to find out if dogs can be trained to identify bladder cancer solely on the odor of urine. The conclusion was successful.
What exactly happens inside the body to create & reverse cancer?
The dogs used in the study correctly identified bladder cancer in urine 41% of the time. It is evident that bladder cancer gives off an odor or compound that can be dtected by dogs.

Dr. Armand Cognetta of Tallahassee, Fl, an expert in melanomas, began researching if dogs could detect skin cancer. He enlisted the help of a dog trainer, and with samples of melanomas tried to train dogs to sniff out skin cancer. George, the dog used in the study, was able to detect the melanoma 99% of the time. Further research proved that George could detect malignant melanoma lesions from benign lesions on patients successfully.

More research is being done to study whether dogs can be trained to detect other types of cancer, like breast, prostate, cervical, and bladder cancer. Initial results show to be promising.
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“We help women with hair loss look and feel confident…with style, fit, and comfort.”

Chemotherapy and Your Mouth
From Lisa Fayed,
Your Guide to Cancer.
Oral Care Tips to Use Before, During and After Chemotherapy
When most people think of the side effects of chemotherapy, hair loss and nausea are usually the first things that come to mind, not dental and oral complications.
But chemotherapy can cause problems in the mouth, such as:
mouth sores
infections
dry mouth
bleeding of the gums and lining of the mouth
general soreness and pain of the mouth
Chemotherapy works by killing rapidly growing cells. In someone with cancer, the cancer cells are typically the fastest growing cells in his or her body. Unfortunately, chemotherapy also may attack certain healthy cells which normally also grow quickly. For instance, the cells lining the oral cavity are fast growing and can be damaged by chemotherapy.

Preventing Oral Problems During Chemotherapy
Prevention of oral problems during chemotherapy begins before treatment even starts. Your doctor may suggest you see a dentist and dental hygienist a few weeks before chemotherapy begins. He or she may refer you to a dentist that specializes in caring for patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Avoid food with sharp edges like chips that could possibly scratch or cut the gums or inner lining of the mouth. You may also want to cut out spicy or acidic foods and drinks because they can cause mouth irritation. Alcoholic beverages and tobacco products should be avoided as well.
Maintaining normal oral hygiene like brushing at least twice a day and flossing is important. Brushing with a soft head toothbrush may prevent unnecessary irritation and bleeding by the gums. Mouthwashes can be used, but do not use a type that contains alcohol.

Experts recommend sipping water, eating ice chips, and keeping mouth moist by chewing sugarless gum and candies to help prevent dryness and irritation.

If you experience any oral problems during treatment, let your doctor know. Medication can be prescribed to reduce pain, plus your doctor will want to monitor any side effects closely.
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“We help women with hair loss look and feel confident…with style, fit, and comfort.”

Top 8 Things Women Can do to Prevent Cancer
From Lisa Fayed,
Your Guide to Cancer.
There are many things that women can do to prevent cancer! Reducing your risk of cancer is easier than you think. Simply changing some lifestyle habits can go a long way in preventing many types of cancer.
1) Avoid Smoking and Secondhand Smoke
We hear a dozen times a day how bad cigarettes are for us and the risk of lung cancer. Why? Because smoking is the most significant risk factors for cancer that we can reduce. Did you know that smoking increases your risk factor for devloping dozens of types of cancer?
2) Practice Safe Sex and Limit the Amount of Partners You Have
Having unprotected sex with many partners raises your risk factor for contracting a virus called the Human Papilloma Virus, or HPV for short. HPV has been linked to several different types of cancers, mainly cervical cancer. It is estimated that almost 80% of women have HPV.

3) Get Regular Pap Smears
Getting a regular Pap smear can detect changes in the cervix before they become cancerous. A regular Pap smear is one of the best tools a woman has to prevent cervical cancer.
4) Pass on that Last Call for Alcohol.
Studies have determined that women who drink alcoholic beverages develop cancer at a higher rate. How much is too much? Based on studies, ladies who consume 2 to 5 drinks daily have about 1½ times the risk of women who don’t consume alcohol.
5) Get Moving.
Did you know that when you are exercising, you are reducing your risk for many types of cancer? The American Cancer Society recommends exercising 30 or minutes, at least 5 days a week!Exercising doesn’t mean having to go to the gym to lift weights. Check out the “Top 10 Ways to Prevent Cancer Through Exercise” for some great gym alternatives.
6) Eat a Low Fat, Sensible Diet.
Eating a diet low in animal fats has been shown to reduce the irsk of many types of cancer. It also curbs obesity, which is a risk factor for many types of cancer. Maintaining a healthy weight is essential!
7) Be Sun Savvy!
Using suncreen properly and staying out of the sun during peak hours is essential to preventing skin cancer. If you are looking for a tan, try some tanning alternives like cosmetic bronzers and self tanning creams. New forumlas don’t leave your skin looking orange.
8) Know Your Family History of Cancer
Knowing your family history of cancer is very important to properly assess your risk factor for certain types of cancer. We know that cancers like breast, colon, ovarian, and possibly other types can be hereditary.

If you know that a certain type of cancer runs in your family, let your doctor know. Together, you can determine a prooper screening plan and assess your true risk factor. Genetic testing and counseling are available for some.
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Prevent and Manage Dry Skin and Chemotherapy
From Lisa Fayed,
Your Guide to Cancer.
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Dry skin is often a side effect of chemotherapy. Cervical cancer chemotherapy drugs like 5 FU can cause the skin to become dry, cracked and peeling. Dry skin also can occur as a result of dehydration, weather conditions, and other medications.

Dry skin occurs when the layers of the skin lose essential oils and moisture.

How to Manage Dry Skin During Chemotherapy
There are several things a patient and caregiver can do to help prevent and manage dry skin at home:

Recognize when skin is dry. Dry skin appears rough and flaky. It may also become cracked and peeled. Skin may feel tight and become itchy.
Keep hydrated Drink plenty if of fluids to keep body well hydrated. Dehydration is a common cause of skin dryness.
Avoid extreme weather conditions. Try to stay out of extreme weather, like severe cold and hot weather.

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Caring for Your Nails During Chemotherapy
When people start chemotherapy, they are often surprised by the effects some chemotherapy drugs can have on their nails. Nails can become brittle, dry, discolored, develop lines or ridges, and may even fall off. This is true for both fingernails and toenails.
Nail damage is a common side of chemotherapy drugs belonging to the taxane group, like docetaxel and paclitaxel. Taxane groups are chemotherapy drugs that work by stopping cell division, thus stopping the growth of tumors.

How to Prevent Nail Damage and Infection
There are several things you can do to help prevent and relieve damage to nails caused by chemotherapy:

Protect hands with rubber gloves. When doing household chores like dishes or using cleaning products, use rubber gloves to protect hands and nails.
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