cancer •

Cancer Is Older Than We Thought

July 31, 2016 By Gary Wymore

It turns out cancer is older than we thought.

A team of experts from South Africa has published their findings on cancer and tumors of the bones. It turns out cancer is older than we thought. In other words, what they discovered was that cancer pre-dates modern lifestyles.

The finding of a foot bone from 1.7 million years ago, with evidence of cancer, shows that this disease was also encountered in ancient history. The foot bone belongs to a human relative, called a hominid.

Previously, it was commonly thought that only Neanderthals, which are approximately 100,000 years old, could develop cancer. The rib was the culprit, that time, with a tumor dated about 120,000 years old.

Edward Odes, lead author of the study, believes that modern medicine simply assumes that cancers and other such diseases are the effects of modern lifestyles and environments.

However, older findings and studies place this disease on an evolutionary path, alongside humans, long before modern societies developed.

The type of cancer which was detected in the foot bone is called osteosarcoma. It advances rapidly and affects young individuals, leading to early death.

We cannot yet tell if the foot bone belongs to a child or teenager, but what we do know is that individual certainly had problems walking around and experienced pain.

This is the premiere evidence of cancer in such a young individual. The discovery means that the history of cancer is more complex than anyone had thought.

Findings were documented and confirmed by cutting-edge imaging technologies, from Grenoble France, and computer tomographs from Johannesburg, South Africa.

South Africa is commonly considered the Cradle of Humankind. It was in these country’s caves, a world heritage site, where scientists found the bone fossils and observed the tumor.

This investigation could lead to a better understanding of how cancer appeared and developed along with humans. However, this doesn’t invalidate the idea that at least some factors of the modern lifestyle influence the prevalence of cancers. Among these factors are smoking, an inactive lifestyle or obesity.

The scientific community is excited because this discovery could lead to more effective treatments for bone cancers. It will expand knowledge about the pathology of bone cancer and possibly create new visions in treatment.

What’s your opinion on this matter? Do you think we’ll ever see completely curable cancers? Leave a comment below. Thanks.

Image Source – Wikipedia

Alarming Signs of Skin Cancer

May 3, 2016 By Angelina Stapp

Signs that show a potential development of skin cancer.

BEACON TRANSCRIPT – Although we can expect changes in the appearance of our skin over time, we cannot shut our eyes to the alarming signs of skin cancer.

Below you will find the most common yet alarming signs of skin cancer:

Changing moles. If, over the course of a few years, you see changes the shape and coloring of your mole, you should see a doctor about it. You might need to get that particular mole surgically removed or get a biopsy of it.
Sores, ulcers, burns. These are hidden criminals, because all of us, sometime in our lives, get them. But what few of us know is the distinction between these unthreatening skin conditions and herpes, which, depending on its type, can be life threatening.
Irritation. Some ingredients in the perfumes, detergents, soap and many other products we use on our skin, can be irritating, and we should stop using that particular product right away. Besides not using the products, a research to discover the exact ingredient that triggered the reaction is in order, because you might just have an allergy and things can get serious.
Welts. If you have experienced welts for some time now, meaning a couple of days, and see no signs of improvement, you should definitely see a doctor. Although they are triggered by numerous non-concerning factors, it might develop into a concern if ignored. Prevention is the best medicine, after all.
Uncommon growths. Have you discovered a growth on your skin, without being aware of any previous injuries? Then you should definitely have it checked, because it might be the case of basal cell carcinoma.
Rosacea. Even though many people, especially those who are fair-skinned, experience redness in the face area, it might be more than just blushing. If you encounter such redness anywhere else except the face, or if it long-lasting and you haven’t diagnosed the condition yet, a visit to the doctor is in order.
Dry, flaky skin. If your skin is dry and any method of hydration you try simply doesn’t work, it might be a sign of something more than just dehydration. You might have psoriasis, which is a skin condition that can only be treated under medical care.

IMAGE SOURCE: United Press International

Colorectal Cancer Risk Decreased by Drinking Coffee

April 1, 2016 By Gary Wymore

Coffee might once again be saving our lives.

BEACON TRANSCRIPT – Another perk of coffee has just been discovered by researchers, and it appears the beloved drink can decrease the risk of developing colorectal cancer. The team from the Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center of Keck Medicine of the University of Southern California have given us news to rejoice about.

Their study involved more than 5,100 adults who were suffering from colorectal cancer. All of them have been diagnosed in the six months prior to the beginning of the research. The participants were joined by another four thousand men and women who lacked colorectal cancer history. All individuals had to report the amount of caffeinated drinks they consumed each day, including espresso, filtered, instant and decaffeinated coffee. Additionally, they had to complete a survey regarding other factors that cause colorectal cancer, such as physical activity, diet, smoking and their family history of the disease.

Colorectal cancer is known to be the third most common type of cancer that affects both men and women living in the United States. As estimated by the American Cancer Society, 2016 will record 39,000 rectal cancer cases and 95,000 colon cancer cases.

According to the senior author of the study, Stephen Gruber, who is also the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center director, the results showed that people who consumed more coffee were less likely to develop colorectal cancer.

It appears that even one or two cups per day can reduce the chances of being affected by the disease with 26 percent. The risk continues to decrease by each serving an individual has. What is more interesting is that even decaffeinated coffee has the same effect, so caffeine is not the primordial element in this matter.

There are other items that influence the development of colorectal cancer. While polyphenol and caffeine have the same properties as antioxidants, melanoidins contribute to the mobility of the colon. Furthermore, diterpenes increases the defense of the body against oxidative damage. Stephanie Schmidt, co-author of the study, has pointed out that the levels of benefits depend on the brewing method, the roast and the beans used for making coffee. However, the form or flavor of the drink does not make any difference.

The study was conducted by the Clalit National Israeli Cancer Control Center director Gad Rennert, along with researchers from USC Norris, and the results were published today by the American Association of Cancer Research in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention.

Image Source: Paleo Plan

New Study Links Sucralose to Leukemia

March 13, 2016 By Angelina Stapp

A team of Italian researchers discovered that high doses of Sucralose can up the risk of leukemia in male patients.

BEACON TRANSCRIPT – An ongoing research project points out that artificial sweeteners like Sucralose can cause leukemia if consumed in high quantities. The new study, performed by a team of Italian researchers proves that Splenda’s sponsored studies on the artificial sweetener failed to show that the product is actually dangerous to consumers.

Sucralose is an artificial sweetener used in approximately 4500 products. Substances such as Sucralose are also called sugar substitutes, mostly being used by persons who either have high blood sugar or if they suffer from either one of the two forms of diabetes.

While most consider that products similar to Sucralose are safe to consume, there are studies, such as this one, which show that artificial sweeteners are in fact bad for our health.

According to this new study, performed by a team of Italian scientists from the Center for Science in the Public Interest, Sucralose, a very popular product, can increase the chance of developing leukemia or malignant tumors.

The study, which was recently published in the International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health, shows that consumed in high doses, Sucralose can lead to hematopoietic neoplasia in male patients. Moreover, the same artificial sweetener can also up the risk for male patients to develop cancerous tumors.

Furthermore, throughout their study, the team of Italian scientists managed to unveil yet another aspect of Sucralose. As their project states, this is not the first study of its kind.

In fact, there were many scientific projects, some of them sponsored by Splenda, whose mandate was to ascertain whether the product was safe for use or not.

Naturally, all the prior papers labeled Sucralose safe for use, meaning that the artificial sweetener does not cause any health issues.

However, the team of Italian scientists managed to point out that the product is indeed hazardous and that more research is required to see if the product should be pulled out of the market or not.

Sucralose occurs when sugar, also known as sucrose, reacts with another substance called chlorine. The result is an artificial sweetener called Sucralose, which, according to the team, is 600 times sweeter than regular sugar.

As far as the FDA is concerned, small children, with ages between 2 and 6-years old can consume no more than 5mg of sucralose per day. This means that a 6-year old child, weighing an average of 45 pounds is allowed to drink no more than three cans of soda per day, amassing 40 to 60 mg of sucralose.

In conclusion, the Italian team declared that more research is needed to determine if the products are safe or not.

Photo credits:flickr

South American Spider’s Venom Inspires New Pain Relievers

March 1, 2016 By Clayton Meason

The Peruvian tarantula’s venom can be used to fashion stronger pain relieving drugs.

BEACON TRANSCRIPT – A team of researchers from Australia is on the verge of perfecting a new type of painkiller, one that could potentially be stronger than opioids and will not cause addiction. The South American spider’s venom inspires new pain relievers which will rely only on natural ingredients.

Researchers from the University of Queensland have discovered that a particular toxin found in the venom of a South American spider can help patients suffering from chronic pain. Furthermore, if the drug is perfected it can significantly reduce the pain sensation in patients with failed back surgery or in patients who are suffering from cancer.

The spider in question is called the Thrixopelma pruriens, also known as the Peruvian Green Velvet Tarantula. Over the years, the team noted that although the spider’s venom isn’t strong enough to kill a human, it is capable of inhibiting pain receptors.

According to their observations, when the poison enters the victim’s bloodstream, individual peptide toxin dubbed ProTX II is capable of inhibiting all pain-related electric signal by binding to the cell’s membrane.

Moreover, upon further observations, the team found out that the neuronal cell membrane is capable of attracting the peptide toxin towards the neurons, thus enhancing the pain blocking process.

Sonia Troeira Henriques, the lead researcher, also stated that the peptide toxin known as ProTX II has shown promising results in inhibiting an individual pain receptor channel in human called Nav 1.7. From previous research, we know that due to certain genetic anomalies, humans can be born with a blocked Nav 1.7 pain channel.

Thus, these patients are not capable of feeling any pain, regardless of how intense an experience is. Using this neural pathway, researchers are trying to use this blockage to their advantage. If the research results are confirmed, then this naturally occurring peptide can be used to synthesize pain relievers that can temporarily inhibit the Nav 1.7 pain channels.

Furthermore, the toxin peptide, given its pain relieving properties, can be used to devise a new generation of pain medication. The team also said that this new drugs will cause less addiction and will be more powerful than opioids such as morphine.

However, the study is far from finished. Henriques pointed out that the same toxin has been detected in other species of spiders. So, with 45.000 species of spiders out there, the team has its work cut out for them.

A team of Australian researcher discovered that they can use the venom of South American tarantula to synthesize a new generation of painkillers. If successful, these painkillers can be used to alleviate pain for those with failed back surgery, in AIDS or patients suffering from bone cancer. South American spider’s venom inspires new pain relievers, also showing that we still have much to learn from Nature.

Photo credits:www.wikipedia.org

Daylight Saving Could Up the Risk of Ischemic Stroke

March 1, 2016 By Angelina Stapp

Daylight saving could increase the risk of ischemic attack, according to a new study performed by the Turku University Hospital.

BEACON TRANSCRIPT – A team of Finnish neurologist discovered that daylights savings might increase the danger of suffering from an ischemic stroke for a small part of the population. Daylight saving could up the risk of an ischemic stroke for some patient who have an underlying condition such as high blood pressure or cancer.

A new study from the Turku University Hospital, Finland, hints that setting our clock an hour ahead or behind may increase the chance of an ischemic stroke. The scientists working on the study analyzed 10-years-worth of data and looked over the health reports of over 3000 patients.

Doctor Jori Ruuskanen, the head researcher is also a neurologist working at the Turku University Hospital. It was he and his team who pointed out that time transitions could affect our body in a negative way.

When asked about the nature of his research, Ruuskanen responded that time changes such as daylight savings can tamper with our circadian rhythm, or the body’s internal clock. As we know from the biology classes, the circadian clock regulates all processes going on inside our bodies according to the day-night cycle.

For instance, thanks to the circadian clock, the body knows when to release certain hormones that can help us go to sleep. Moreover, the circadian rhythm also accounts for the way our bodies responds to either light or darkness.

Ruuskanen noted that if this rhythm is offset, it can have some nasty consequences for our bodies. The most common events linked to the disruption of the circadian rhythm are sleep issues. Insomnia, late night shifts both can take their toll on our sleep pattern.

The scientists noted that once the circadian clock is offset it can no longer ensure protection. He also noted that one of these consequences is the increased risk of suffering from an ischemic stroke.

Doctor Andrew Lim is a neurologist working at the Sunnybrook Sciences Center. For some time now, doctor Lim is studying the human circadian rhythm. Upon reviewing Ruuskanen’s project, Lim agreed that there is indeed strong evidence linking rhythm disruption to ischemic strokes.

The Canadian scientist pointed out that during sleep, the circadian clock instructs the body to perform various tasks for protection. For instance, during sleep, our blood pressure decreases. Lim notes that if our internal clock fails to regulate blood pressure during sleep, the risk of suffering from ischemic stroke increases.

And now, the numbers: According to the records, during 2004 and 2013, approximately 3000 people were hospitalized after suffering ischemic strokes, during the first week after daylight saving. Ruuskanen and his team noted that the number is increased to 12.000 after the second week.

All in all, the team from Finland noted that patients over 65 who also suffer from cancer are quite vulnerable. They’ve noted that the risk for this age group increases by 25 percent while for the rest of the population the risk is marginal at best.

Daylight saving could up the risk of an ischemic stroke, but more research is necessary to see if the two are directly related or not.

Photo credits:www.flickr.com

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