Drug shows promise in prostate cancer spread to bone

University of Michigan Medical School professor of Internal Medicine and Urology Dr. David C. Smith led a study on the drug cabozantinib and its effects on patients with prostate cancer that has spread to the bone.

Bone scans were used on the patients to measure the effect of the drug; 12% saw complete uptake and about 66% showed improvement in their bone scans.

Cabozantinib is designed to work on tumors that spread to the bone, which historically are difficult to treat.  According to the study, a majority of patients saw a reduction in pain and some also reduced or eliminated narcotic painkillers after treatment.

For the full article, visit http://www.aalatimes.com/2012/12/09/drug-shows-promise-in-prostate-cancer-spread-to-bone/.

5 cancers men should worry about

There are five types of cancer that men should be aware of and what the symptoms are and what to do about them.  Here is a summary:

1. Prostate Cancer - doctors can run a PSA (prostate specific antigen) test or perform a biopsy. False alarms involve urination problems.
2. Lung Cancer - doctors can perform a biopsy. Pnemonia and tumors both are white on x-rays.  Pnemonia could be a false alarm, since it will go away, but the tumor will still be there after a few weeks.
3. Colorectal Cancer - always be aware if there is blood in stool. This could be the only warning sign, even though the bleeding could be a result of a hemorrhoid, diverticulosis, colitis or a blood vessel. 
4. Bladder Cancer - blood in urine is a reason to go see the doctor. It could be a sign of bladder cancer or kidney stones.  Regardless, go to the doctor.
5. Lymphoma - consult a doctor if swollen lymph nodes are noticed in the neck, armpit or groin area for over a week. Infections make lymph nodes larger, but they should also go back down once the infection is gone. Doctors will know if they need to take a biopsy of the lymph nodes. 

For the full article, visit http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/47520976/ns/health-mens_health/.

Coffee may help protect against skin cancer

A Harvard Medical School and Harvard School of Public Health Professor, Jiali Han, has found an association between caffine consumption and reduced cancer risk.

The study found that women who drink more than three cups of coffee a day are 21% less likely to develop basal cell carcinoma.  Men are 10% less likely to develop the same compared to those who drink less than one cup of coffee a month.  The researchers determined that decaf coffee doesn't have an effect, so they are saying that it is more than likely the caffeine.

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer.  But, since it doesn't usually spread to other organs.  Melenoma is a more deadly type of skin cancer.  More reasearch needs to be done to conclude more findings, but other studies have found caffeine decreases the risk of prostate, breast and endometrial cancers.

For the full article, visit http://vitals.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/07/02/12527378-coffee-may-help-protect-against-skin-cancer?lite.