A recent study conducted by the Department of Molecular Pathology at the Polytechnic University of Marche in Ancona, Italy may lead to breakthroughs in mesothelioma cancer diagnosis. The study, entitled “Assessment of Biomarkers in Asbestos-Exposed Workers as Indicators of Cancer Risk” was published in June in an issue of Mutation Research.
Researchers involved in the study have discovered that certain indicators known as biomarkers can clearly distinguish mesothelioma cells from normal cells, potentially leading to faster, more conclusive diagnosis of asbestos-related cancer.
119 participants, all who had been previously exposed to asbestos, were analyzed and studied. Researchers discovered biomarkers consistent with asbestos exposure, Participants who had been exposed to higher levels of asbestos exhibited increased biomarkers.
Mesothelioma is conclusively caused by previous exposure to asbestos, a naturally occurring toxic mineral that may be found within a variety of construction materials, including insulation and roofing tiles. The latent period associated with mesothelioma cancer is between twenty and fifty years, and upon a mesothelioma diagnosis an individual will most likely surrender to this aggressive disease in less than two years. Mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose, as the symptoms associated with mesothelioma are similar to those of other asbestos-related ailments, such as asbestosis.
The discovery of biomarkers could lead to earlier and more conclusive mesothelioma diagnosis.
Mesothelioma.com supports continued research and increased funding related to biomarkers and the potential for easier mesothelioma cancer diagnosis.
Mesothelioma.com is the web’s leading resource for mesothelioma-related information, including asbestos exposure and mesothelioma treatment options. Please visit Mesothelioma.com for additional information.
Source:http://www.transworldnews.com/NewsStory.aspx?id=56569&cat=15
Friday, August 22, 2008
Call to increase awareness of lung cancer
LUNG CANCER, a cancer with one of the lowest five-year survival rates, is under-reported by the media compared to other major cancers, research by the Irish Cancer Society (ICS) suggests.
In a quantitative analysis of articles published in the national press and national magazines from 2004 to 2006, breast cancer was referred to in more than 5,000 stories, while prostate cancer was mentioned on 1,325 occasions. But lung cancer, which kills almost 1,600 people in the State annually, was cited in 1,664 articles. The ICS research also found that press coverage of breast cancer almost doubled in the three-year study period, while media interest in lung cancer increased by just 38 per cent.
Noting that lung cancer appears to receive more attention than prostate cancer, Norma Cronin, health promotion manager of the ICS, said "coverage is scant when references to lung cancer in the context of smoking issues are removed".
"The vast majority of lung cancer coverage in the print media is overshadowed and defined by tobacco-related issues, and does not focus on explaining sign and symptoms of lung cancer to promote early detection."
Prof Thomas Lynch, director of the Centre for Thoracic Cancers at the Massachusetts Hospital, Boston, who is in the Republic to speak to healthcare professionals about targeted therapies for lung cancer, said: "This research shows that lung cancer related media coverage in Ireland is seriously disproportionate to the incidence of and mortality from the disease, and supports the long-held theory, evident in other countries, that there is a lack of interest in the media in lung cancer."
Stephen McMahon, chairman of the Irish Patients Association, called on the media to bring more attention to lung cancer.
"They have the power to increase awareness and educate people about lung cancer, and become a 'voice' for a group that has been clearly overlooked for many years," he said.
One reason for the poor public profile of lung cancer is thought to be its strong link with smoking and a widely held view that the cancer is "self-inflicted" as a result. Other possible reasons include the fact that lung cancer occurs primarily in those from lower socio-economic groups and the disease's low profile among celebrity driven charities.
The latest figures from the National Cancer Registry show that 1,842 people where diagnosed with lung cancer in the Republic in 2005, while the Central Statistics Office recorded 1,627 annual deaths from the disease. Most lung cancers are caused by smoking, but about 5 per cent of cases are linked to radon, an inert gas that has been discovered in high concentrations beneath certain buildings in small pockets around the country. Asbestos exposure has also been linked with lung cancer; certain types of asbestos fibre cause mesothelioma, a rare cancer affecting the lining around the lung.
Lung cancer rates are rising in women, reflecting the increasing numbers of females who smoke.
Sourec:http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2008/0814/1218477549638.html
In a quantitative analysis of articles published in the national press and national magazines from 2004 to 2006, breast cancer was referred to in more than 5,000 stories, while prostate cancer was mentioned on 1,325 occasions. But lung cancer, which kills almost 1,600 people in the State annually, was cited in 1,664 articles. The ICS research also found that press coverage of breast cancer almost doubled in the three-year study period, while media interest in lung cancer increased by just 38 per cent.
Noting that lung cancer appears to receive more attention than prostate cancer, Norma Cronin, health promotion manager of the ICS, said "coverage is scant when references to lung cancer in the context of smoking issues are removed".
"The vast majority of lung cancer coverage in the print media is overshadowed and defined by tobacco-related issues, and does not focus on explaining sign and symptoms of lung cancer to promote early detection."
Prof Thomas Lynch, director of the Centre for Thoracic Cancers at the Massachusetts Hospital, Boston, who is in the Republic to speak to healthcare professionals about targeted therapies for lung cancer, said: "This research shows that lung cancer related media coverage in Ireland is seriously disproportionate to the incidence of and mortality from the disease, and supports the long-held theory, evident in other countries, that there is a lack of interest in the media in lung cancer."
Stephen McMahon, chairman of the Irish Patients Association, called on the media to bring more attention to lung cancer.
"They have the power to increase awareness and educate people about lung cancer, and become a 'voice' for a group that has been clearly overlooked for many years," he said.
One reason for the poor public profile of lung cancer is thought to be its strong link with smoking and a widely held view that the cancer is "self-inflicted" as a result. Other possible reasons include the fact that lung cancer occurs primarily in those from lower socio-economic groups and the disease's low profile among celebrity driven charities.
The latest figures from the National Cancer Registry show that 1,842 people where diagnosed with lung cancer in the Republic in 2005, while the Central Statistics Office recorded 1,627 annual deaths from the disease. Most lung cancers are caused by smoking, but about 5 per cent of cases are linked to radon, an inert gas that has been discovered in high concentrations beneath certain buildings in small pockets around the country. Asbestos exposure has also been linked with lung cancer; certain types of asbestos fibre cause mesothelioma, a rare cancer affecting the lining around the lung.
Lung cancer rates are rising in women, reflecting the increasing numbers of females who smoke.
Sourec:http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2008/0814/1218477549638.html
New Study May Improve Early Diagnosis of Mesothelioma
Diagnosing mesothelioma is one of the most pressing problems facing medical researchers and practitioners involved in fighting this aggressive cancer. Fortunately, the results of a new study may help provide medical practitioners with a new method of monitoring the health of those exposed to asbestos, allowing for earlier diagnosis.
The study, titled “Assessment of Biomarkers in Asbestos-Exposed Workers as Indicators of Cancer Risk,” appeared in a June 2008 issue of Mutation Research, and was carried out by several researchers at the Department of Molecular Pathology and Innovative Therapies, Institute of Occupational Medicine, Polytechnic University of Marche in Ancona, Italy.
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that typically affects the mesothelial lining of the lungs, but can also affect the lining of the heart, abdominal cavity, or testicles. Due to a long latency period and the asymptomatic nature of the disease, mesothelioma is very difficult to diagnose early. By the time noticeable symptoms appear, the cancer has often progressed to a point where mesothelioma treatment is ineffective.
In addition, this cancer is highly resistant to current treatments. For this reason, effective and early diagnosis is a vital aspect of current research.
In an effort to find ways of solving these problems, researchers have examined what are known as “biomarkers” in relation to mesothelioma. Biomarkers are biological “tags” that distinguish mesothelioma cells from normal, healthy cells.
By determining mesothelioma biomarkers, researchers may be able to devise a method of earlier diagnosis. The research is promising and may afford those with mesothelioma a better chance at fighting the cancer.
The researchers of this study examined 119 people with a history of asbestos exposure. The participants were interviewed and their cells were analyzed for specific biomarkers relating to asbestos exposure.
Researchers found several biomarkers, and also discovered the amount of biomarkers present correlated with cumulative asbestos exposure. In essence, participants with more cumulative asbestos exposure exhibited higher levels of biomarkers.
The discovery of these biomarkers means that people who have been exposed to asbestos could be regularly monitored for signs of disease. With advancements such as these, it may soon be possible to diagnose mesothelioma earlier in those with known asbestos exposure.
Source:http://news.asbestos.com/2008/08/13/new-study-may-improve-early-diagnosis-of-mesothelioma/
The study, titled “Assessment of Biomarkers in Asbestos-Exposed Workers as Indicators of Cancer Risk,” appeared in a June 2008 issue of Mutation Research, and was carried out by several researchers at the Department of Molecular Pathology and Innovative Therapies, Institute of Occupational Medicine, Polytechnic University of Marche in Ancona, Italy.
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that typically affects the mesothelial lining of the lungs, but can also affect the lining of the heart, abdominal cavity, or testicles. Due to a long latency period and the asymptomatic nature of the disease, mesothelioma is very difficult to diagnose early. By the time noticeable symptoms appear, the cancer has often progressed to a point where mesothelioma treatment is ineffective.
In addition, this cancer is highly resistant to current treatments. For this reason, effective and early diagnosis is a vital aspect of current research.
In an effort to find ways of solving these problems, researchers have examined what are known as “biomarkers” in relation to mesothelioma. Biomarkers are biological “tags” that distinguish mesothelioma cells from normal, healthy cells.
By determining mesothelioma biomarkers, researchers may be able to devise a method of earlier diagnosis. The research is promising and may afford those with mesothelioma a better chance at fighting the cancer.
The researchers of this study examined 119 people with a history of asbestos exposure. The participants were interviewed and their cells were analyzed for specific biomarkers relating to asbestos exposure.
Researchers found several biomarkers, and also discovered the amount of biomarkers present correlated with cumulative asbestos exposure. In essence, participants with more cumulative asbestos exposure exhibited higher levels of biomarkers.
The discovery of these biomarkers means that people who have been exposed to asbestos could be regularly monitored for signs of disease. With advancements such as these, it may soon be possible to diagnose mesothelioma earlier in those with known asbestos exposure.
Source:http://news.asbestos.com/2008/08/13/new-study-may-improve-early-diagnosis-of-mesothelioma/
Mesothelioma & Asbestos Awareness Center Supports Maximum Sentence For Former Teacher’s Violation Of EPA Regulations
Former school teacher Randal J. Ecker, age 60, has plead guilty to one count of violating federal regulations after failing to alert the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) before procuring five of his special-education pupils to pull up asbestos-containing tiles “as part of a renovation project.”
Both Ecker and members of the school board in Bridger, Montana, were reportedly aware that old floor tiles in the high school contained high levels of asbestos. Ecker “kept the project secret” from the school board as well as the EPA. He also failed to alert the neighborhood landfill that the debris contained asbestos.
Ecker now faces a potential two-year prison sentence, the maximum under the law, and will be ordered to pay a $250,000 fine. The Bridger, Montana school district settled a law suit brought forth by the five special education students and their families. Each received a lump sum of $251,000 in restitution.
Exposure to asbestos has been connected to the eventual onset of pleural mesothelioma, a fatal type of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs. Mesothelioma presently has no known cure and a survival rate of less than one percent. Upon exposure to asbestos it may take up to fifty years for mesothelioma symptoms to manifest, causing anxiety for the young students and their parents.
The Mesothelioma & Asbestos Awareness Center commends the strict penalties put in place as a result of EPA’s Clean Air Act and recommends the maximum sentence under the law for all offenders involved in asbestos-related crimes.
The Mesothelioma & Asbestos Awareness Center is the web’s foremost resource for information related to asbestos exposure, mesothelioma, mesothelioma treatment methods, and more. For further information, please visit the Mesothelioma & Asbestos Center website at http://www.maacenter.org/.
Source:http://www.transworldnews.com/NewsStory.aspx?id=54785&cat=10
Both Ecker and members of the school board in Bridger, Montana, were reportedly aware that old floor tiles in the high school contained high levels of asbestos. Ecker “kept the project secret” from the school board as well as the EPA. He also failed to alert the neighborhood landfill that the debris contained asbestos.
Ecker now faces a potential two-year prison sentence, the maximum under the law, and will be ordered to pay a $250,000 fine. The Bridger, Montana school district settled a law suit brought forth by the five special education students and their families. Each received a lump sum of $251,000 in restitution.
Exposure to asbestos has been connected to the eventual onset of pleural mesothelioma, a fatal type of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs. Mesothelioma presently has no known cure and a survival rate of less than one percent. Upon exposure to asbestos it may take up to fifty years for mesothelioma symptoms to manifest, causing anxiety for the young students and their parents.
The Mesothelioma & Asbestos Awareness Center commends the strict penalties put in place as a result of EPA’s Clean Air Act and recommends the maximum sentence under the law for all offenders involved in asbestos-related crimes.
The Mesothelioma & Asbestos Awareness Center is the web’s foremost resource for information related to asbestos exposure, mesothelioma, mesothelioma treatment methods, and more. For further information, please visit the Mesothelioma & Asbestos Center website at http://www.maacenter.org/.
Source:http://www.transworldnews.com/NewsStory.aspx?id=54785&cat=10
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
