Pharmacy and Health Blog from myGenericPharmacy.com

Drinking alcohol is the third most modifiable lifestyle factor associated with an increased risk of cancer. Less than one drink of any kind of alcohol per day raises the risk of common cancers such as esophageal, head neck, and breast cancers, according to research. Drinking less alcohol reduces your risk of cancer.

Processed and red meat
Studies reveal that eating more than eighteen ounces of red meat per week can raise your risk of developing cancer. Limiting or completely avoiding processed meats such as deli meat and hot dogs is advised. Red meat is a good source of protein, iron, zinc, and vitamin B12 when consumed in moderation. A weekly maximum of 12–18 ounces of red meat, split into three or more portions, is the recommended intake. Additionally, charring or cooking meats at high temperatures can produce toxic chemicals that increase the risk of cancer.

Sugars and sweeteners
Eating too much sugar over time can result in obesity, which is a known risk factor for cancer, even though research hasn’t found a direct correlation between eating sugar and cancer risk. Furthermore, studies indicate that increased intake of added sugars may cause elevated levels of insulin and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), as well as insulin resistance. The risk of cancer may be raised by all of these factors.

Diet and nutrition
Make an effort to eat a diet high in whole grains, low-fat dairy products, lean meats, legumes, nuts, and seeds. Functional ingredients found in most foods include polyphenols, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants. Superfoods, or functional foods, are foods that reduce oxidative and inflammatory damage. Oxidation is a normal process that damages cells and tissues and may be a factor in certain illnesses.

Research has shown over time how effective a plant-based diet can be in lowering the risk of developing certain cancers. No one food can prevent cancer, as research keeps showing. It’s a combination of general dietary decisions, physical activity, and other lifestyle elements. To get the most out of a diet that prevents cancer, try to eat a range of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. Your general health improves as you increase the variety and color of your meals.

Strong evidence has been found in numerous studies that fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dietary fiber, specific micronutrients, some fatty acids, and physical activity can prevent certain types of cancer. On the other hand, certain fatty acids, alcohol, obesity, and food preparation techniques can raise the risk. Nutrition research will probably need to go beyond traditional epidemiological and metabolic studies to unravel the myriad of plausible mechanisms for how dietary factors affect cancer risk. The field of nutritional sciences needs to capitalize on recent developments in genetics and molecular biology to shift from being primarily “observational” to “cause and effect.”. Strategies for cancer prevention that include successful dietary interventions for target populations are based on such basic research.

A major factor in the etiology and prevention of cancer is diet. The fundamental claim that dietary factors affect cancer risk is not really up for debate, despite discrepancies in the studies that have looked into the connection between diet and cancer. However, there are still a lot of unanswered questions. These include precisely which dietary factors are most strongly associated with the prevention of cancer, the mechanisms by which food ingredients purport to work, the potential interactions between dietary factors and cancer risk, and the preventive measures that can be implemented to lessen the negative effects of factors that seem to increase disease risk. These are complex questions with no easy answers because of the nature of cancer. For instance, 56 distinct regions of the genome with loss of heterozygosity (LOH) were found during a genome-wide search for deleted regions in 75 human primary breast tumors [1]. The intriguing discovery was that each tumor had a unique set of deletions. No matter how carefully studies are planned and carried out, such heterogeneity, reflecting different genetic alterations and pathways to disease, has a significant impact on efforts to establish links between diet and cancer [2]. Similarly, interindividual differences in susceptibility resulting from shared polymorphisms in genes controlling the metabolism of exogenous substances can alter food ingredients’ carcinogenic or noncarcinogenic properties, making the interpretation of st more challenging.

Evidence for a diet and cancer relationship
The development of diet and cancer hypotheses for testing in clinical trials and the provision of insights into the relationships between diet and cancer prevention has been greatly aided by epidemiological studies, which are backed by preclinical data from in vitro and animal experiments as well as by clinical findings. The value of epidemiology in determining associations between diet and cancer is not without limitations, despite being a potent research method; one such limitation is measurement errors in dietary assessment.

Diet and Cancer Prevention Clinical Trials
To address questions regarding the ability of dietary patterns and constituents to prevent cancer (primary prevention) or its recurrence (secondary prevention), randomized, controlled dietary intervention and chemoprevention trials are designed to test hypotheses generated from epidemiological and laboratory investigations on diet and cancer prevention. These trials are relatively new tools in the arsenal of cancer research and offer two ways to prevent the disease.

Emerging evidence: gene–nutrient interaction
Human carcinogenesis is likely to involve many different types of genes, such as those that affect immune function, receptor or neurotransmitter action, DNA repair, chromosome stability, oncogene or tumor suppressor gene activity, cell cycle control, signal transduction, hormones, vitamin metabolism pathways, metabolic activation/detoxification, and cell cycle control [4]. being aware of how certain nutrients and other dietary components can either prevent or accelerate the development of cancer.

Future research directions: a new paradigm
The large body of research on diet and cancer prevention has greatly benefited from data from epidemiological, preclinical, and clinical intervention studies. We have only just started to scratch the surface, though. Very little is currently known about the fundamental causes of diet-cancer relationships. The state of science and technology has advanced to the point where basic research studies should be able to take precedence over those that only quantify the relationship between diet and cancer.

References:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022316623019740
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022316623019752
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0959804901000703
https://cancerblog.mayoclinic.org/2024/09/18/nourishing-your-health-diet-and-nutrition-factors-for-cancer-prevention/

Gynecologic exams may not be the most exciting things on your schedule, but they are essential for identifying gynecologic cancers early on, when they are most treatable, whether they are performed as part of a wellness visit or in response to a new concern. Endometrial, ovarian, cervical, vulvar, and vaginal cancers are among the gynecologic cancers.

Gynecology appointments ought to offer you a priceless chance to voice concerns, ask questions, and learn about your body from a professional who puts your health and well-being first. However, these visits may cause some anxiety if you’ve had trouble getting the care you need, finding answers, or if your experiences haven’t been great. According to Kristina Butler, M.D., becoming an advocate for your gynecologic health could make you feel more ready for your upcoming visit. a gynecologic oncologist at the Mayo Clinic. She wants you to be aware of the following:

A vital component of the patient-clinician relationship is trust. It enables you to communicate openly and honestly with your gynecologist and to let them know about important information that could influence your care. According to Dr. Butler, gynecologic cancers are challenging to discuss because they affect body parts that we don’t frequently talk about with others. For example, it can be challenging for a patient to mention that they are experiencing pain in their vulva.

Serious conditions like gynecologic cancers may go unnoticed if you don’t feel confident or at ease discussing these concerns with your gynecologist. Dr. Butler says it’s acceptable to look for someone who better suits your needs if you don’t feel heard. Friends and family recommendations are frequently a great place to start. You may be the first, and frequently the only, to notice changes in your body. By keeping your gynecologist informed of these changes, you enable them to assess your health more accurately and notify them of any changes that may call for further testing.

Dr. Butler emphasizes the significance of being in tune with your body, noting that it can be simple to ignore or write off certain changes as life gets busy. This entails realizing what constitutes your normal. Everyone’s normal is a little bit different, so that can be challenging, she says. Talking about something is crucial if it feels off and is happening repeatedly.

There are symptoms specific to each gynecologic cancer, but some of them are similar. If you’re experiencing any symptoms associated with gynecologic cancer, Dr. Butler says it’s important to talk to a clinician who specializes in gynecologic health, especially if you don’t feel your questions have been answered by your primary care physician. A lot of gynecologic cancers have ill-defined signs. Patients frequently discuss their symptoms with medical professionals who aren’t gynecologists, but she advises them to express their worries to several professionals until they receive the information they require to feel safe.

Any bleeding that happens after menopause or in between periods is considered abnormal vaginal bleeding. Pelvic pain or discomfort is defined as pressure or pain in the region of the body between the hip bones, which are located below the abdomen. Early satiety: Having a small meal and still feeling full. Pain, discomfort, or itching in the vulva: The vulva is made up of all the structures that make up the external genitalia. According to Dr. Butler, numerous healthcare professionals treat the pelvic region. These specialists might include your primary care physician, gynecologist, urologist, or gastroenterologist.

It is your right to have access to health-related information. You can better prepare for appointments and communicate health-related information to your healthcare provider by keeping yourself informed. Dr. Butler says you can do this in various ways. Patients always benefit from having a schedule. I strongly believe in the importance of lists, including those of prescription drugs, surgeries, diagnoses, and family medical history. Keeping a timeline and a list of these items can help keep the visit focused because all of this information is lengthy and easily forgotten or confused, according to Dr. Butler.

To share your medical records with your healthcare team, Dr. Dot Butler advises you to take responsibility for them. You own your medical records, pathology reports, surgical records, radiology imaging, and discs with viewable images. Medical record departments are permitted to give you access to that data. You have the right to do so, and I give patients the freedom to keep those for themselves and bring them with you when you visit.

In your pursuit of expanding your health knowledge, Dr. Butler emphasizes the significance of sourcing trustworthy health details. The internet emerges as an incredibly beneficial tool in this regard, serving as a means of self-education. Nevertheless, it’s crucial to exercise caution when selecting the sources of our health-related data. Misleading or entirely fabricated information on some websites and blogs can potentially induce anxiety and, in certain circumstances, pose a threat to our well-being.

It’s permissible for you to request a further examination from another expert. You hold the power to request a second professional perspective, and according to Dr. Butler, your gynecologist should not discourage you from doing so. I find it disconcerting when a practitioner shows disapproval towards a second opinion as patients have the autonomy to make the most informed decision for themselves, she asserts.

You might wish to seek a second opinion for many reasons, including:
You feel your symptoms have been dismissed.
You are unclear on your diagnosis.
You are unsure of your treatment options.
You don’t feel comfortable with the treatments recommended.
You have unanswered questions.
You don’t feel you can trust your physician.
It’s your decision and part of your right to stand up for yourself, whatever your motivation. Dr. Butler advises patients to seek second opinions as this is the best way to ensure they are making the best choice for themselves.

References:
https://cancerblog.mayoclinic.org/2024/09/25/gynecologic-cancers-4-affirmations-to-help-you-advocate-for-yourself/

Medications that have been suggested by doctors worldwide are available here
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primary peritoneal cancer, fallopian tube cancer, and ovarian epithelial cancer. They share a common ancestor and undergo analogous care. Because of their close anatomical proximity, the ovaries and fallopian tubes can sometimes be confused as the source of cancer, according to S. John Weroha, MdotD. Ph. D, a Mayo Clinic oncologist and head of the Gynecologic Cancer Disease Group at the Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center. When we diagnose patients with primary peritoneal cancer, I explain that although the ovaries are not affected, the cancer appears to be ovarian cancer under a microscope and in the pattern of spread throughout the body.

The tissue lining the abdominal cavity and its organs is called the peritoneum, and this is where primary peritoneal cancer originates. The tissue lining the tubes that carry eggs from the ovaries to the uterus is where fallopian tube cancer develops. Ovarian epithelial carcinomas, also referred to as epithelial ovarian cancers, account for 85-90% of ovarian cancer cases. These cancers originate in the tissue that lines the outside of the ovaries. Dr. According to Weroha, more patients are surviving ovarian cancer of all kinds thanks to new treatments, and clinical trials are being conducted by researchers to examine these therapies and screening techniques. He would like you to know that there is hope if you have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer. This is the reason why.

Advanced targeted treatments are enhancing lifespans. 2. Surgical and chemotherapeutic interventions are no longer the sole methods for managing ovarian cancer; targeted therapies have emerged as alternatives. These innovative treatments employ drugs to pinpoint and eliminate cancerous cells. Among these are monoclonal antibodies and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase, or PARP, inhibitors.

Monoclonal antibodies
Lab-engineered molecules known as monoclonal antibodies are designed to recognize and bind to particular proteins linked to cancerous cells. A monoclonal antibody called bevacizumab is used in conjunction with chemotherapy to treat ovarian cancer recurrence by inhibiting the development of new blood vessels, which is necessary for tumor growth.

To get better results, researchers are mixing bevacizumab with novel medications. One such is mirvetuximab soravtansine, a monoclonal antibody that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved for use in patients experiencing a recurrence of ovarian cancer. This medication targets a protein known as folate receptor alpha and is used when a patient’s cancer has been previously treated with at least one systemic therapy.

Folate receptors are abundant in ovarian cancers. Dr. Weroha says that the majority of normal cells don’t. Chemotherapy is applied to an antibody to create this medication. Imagine it like a guided missile that flies through the body, attaching itself to cells that have folate receptors. Mirvetuximab soravtansine is far more effective than any other treatment at shrinking tumors in patients whose ovarian cancer has returned and whose tumors contain a high number of folate receptors. The response rate is roughly twice as high as with any other form of treatment.

PARP inhibitors
PARP inhibitors are medications that prevent DNA repair, potentially leading to the death of cancer cells. When someone has ovarian cancer and their tumors have mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene, one PARP inhibitor that is used to stop the disease from coming back is olaparib. Olaparib has been found to dramatically increase a patient’s chances of survival without recurrence in those with this diagnosis. According to Dr. Weroha, this is a front-line treatment, which means it is a part of the initial course of care that patients receive after receiving a new diagnosis.

One day, ovarian cancer may be combated with a vaccine. Theodore Block, M.D. Ph. D. , a medical oncologist at the Mayo Clinic, and Keith Knutson, Ph. D. , a researcher at the Mayo Clinic, is creating a vaccine to stop the recurrence of ovarian cancer tumors in patients with advanced disease whose tumors have returned despite chemotherapy and surgery. After being drawn from the blood, white blood cells are processed to create dendritic cells, which are immune cells that strengthen the body’s defenses. In order to stimulate the immune system to identify and combat the cancer, these cells are given back to the patient in the form of a vaccine.

Pembrolizumab, an immunotherapy medication, will be administered in addition to the vaccine to detect and eradicate any tumors that do not react to the dendritic cells. According to Dr. Weroha, pembrolizumab belongs to a class of medications known as immune checkpoint inhibitors. The purpose of this medication is to unblock the immune system and enable it to carry out its innate function of eliminating unwanted substances. It is hoped that the vaccine and immunotherapy medication will significantly reduce the incidence of ovarian cancer. The research is fascinating.

A screening test may be on the horizon.
Ovarian cancer does not currently have a screening test, however Jamie Bakkum-Gamez, MdotD. , a gynecologic oncologist at the Mayo Clinic, wants to alter that. She and her research team found that vaginal fluid collected with a tampon could be used to identify endometrial cancer using methylated DNA markers. This same science may eventually apply to ovarian cancer.

A mechanism that cells use to regulate gene expression is methylation, which turns on a gene in a cell so that it can produce RNA and proteins. A gene is said to be a tumor suppressor when a specific region of its DNA is methylated, which turns the gene off or silences it. Tumor suppressor gene silencing can indicate cancer and is frequently an early stage in the development of cancer.

A panel of methylated DNA markers was created by Dr. Bakkum-Gamez and her associates in order to differentiate vaginal fluid from noncancerous tissue and endometrial cancer. Her goal is to create a low-cost, tampon-based, at-home screening test for high-risk HPV, ovarian, cervical, and endometrial cancers based on her research. According to Dr. Weroha, this is exciting because people living in rural areas can use this kind of screening test. If it is successful, it may make it easier for medical professionals to detect ovarian and other gynecologic cancers in residents of all the communities we serve at an earlier stage, when they are more treatable.

Clinical trials and a gynecologic oncologist can assist you in receiving the best care available. Dr. Weroha advises scheduling a consultation with a gynecologic oncologist if you have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer. A gynecologic oncologist will be knowledgeable about the most recent guidelines for managing side effects and treatment recommendations. He says, That’s important. But once the strategy is established, any medical oncologist could carry it out.

Additionally, Dr. Weroha advises recently diagnosed patients to enquire with their care teams about their eligibility for clinical trials, mirvetuximab, or PARP inhibitors. Newer medications like mirvetuximab and PARP inhibitors may have an impact on how well your entire course of treatment goes. Always inquire about clinical trials, he says, since there is no treatment so effective that we can give up on finding a better cure when ovarian cancer returns. If your cancer returned, there’s a very real chance we would have something better than what we have now.

Refrences:
https://cancerblog.mayoclinic.org/2024/05/01/ovarian-cancer-new-treatments-and-research/
https://www.onclive.com/clinical/ovarian-cancer
https://www.nature.com/subjects/ovarian-cancer

Medications that have been suggested by doctors worldwide are available here
https://mygenericpharmacy.com/category/disease/cancer

The OvarianVax vaccine primes the immune system to identify and combat ovarian cancer in its early stages. Scientists at the University of Oxford are developing it. To eradicate the illness, it is hoped that women could get the vaccination on the NHS as a preventative measure. Experts speculate that it might function similarly to the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, which is poised to eradicate cervical cancer.

Finding cellular targets for the vaccine is what Professor Ahmed and his group at the university’s MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine’s ovarian cancer cell laboratory are attempting to accomplish. They will determine how well the vaccine destroys disease models in a lab setting and which proteins on the surface of early-stage ovarian cancer cells are most recognized by the immune system. Subsequently, it can be tested in human clinical trials on both healthy women and individuals with BRCA gene mutations, which significantly raise the risk of ovarian cancer.

When asked if the new vaccine could eradicate ovarian cancer, Professor Ahmed replied, That would be the aim, absolutely. Though much must be done, this is an incredibly exciting time. I have a lot of optimism myself. As of right now, there is no screening test for ovarian cancer, which is typically detected too late due to hazy symptoms like bloating and appetite loss.

Actress Angelina Jolie is among the high-risk women who are known to have BRCA mutations. By the age of 80, about 45 percent of individuals with a mutated BRCA1 gene and about 20 percent of those with a mutated BRCA2 gene will have ovarian cancer, compared to just 2 percent of the general population.

Women who have BRCA1/2 mutations are currently advised to have their ovaries removed by the time they are 35 years old. This means that these women experience early menopause and are unable to conceive in the future. In the UK, there are approximately 7,500 new cases of ovarian cancer each year, and between 5 and 15 percent of these cases are caused by BRCA mutations.

According to Professor Ahmed, carriers of the BRCA mutation would benefit immensely from the new vaccine since they wouldn’t need to have their ovaries removed. We are talking about preventing the very first few cancer cells that develop, he continued, and not trying to cure, treat, or prevent the tumor from coming back. This gives me hope. Since we will only be focusing on a relatively small number of cells, I’m hoping that we will be successful.

The HPV vaccine has proven to be successful; it is incredibly effective. Even though the vaccine’s official approval process could take many years, its effects might become apparent sooner. In four or five years, Professor Ahmed said, he would like to begin observing the vaccine’s effects on the healthy population through clinical trials.

A tumor or aberrant cell growth that develops in the ovary is known as ovarian cancer. Most ovarian cancers occur in women over 50 and are epithelial in nature. It is strongly advised that women who have a family history of ovarian cancer undergo screening. Oxford University researchers are developing a vaccine called OvarianVax, which they believe will train the immune system to identify and combat ovarian cancer in its early stages.

The university’s ovarian cancer cell laboratory’s director, Prof. Although there is still much work to be done, Ahmed Ahmed expressed optimism. Initially, the vaccine will be developed in a lab to educate the immune system to identify tumor-associated antigens, which are proteins found on the surface of ovarian cancer.

Patients who already have the illness will then be used to test the vaccine. Prof. According to Ahmed, the theory is that if the vaccination is administered, these microscopic tumors should either decrease, drastically shrink, or go away. To determine whether the vaccine is effective in preventing ovarian cancer, the next stage will involve women who have genetic mutations that increase their risk of developing the disease as well as women who do not yet have it.

It’s a difficult task to train the immune system to detect the very early indicators of cancer, according to Ahmed. However, we now possess extremely advanced instruments that provide us with a genuine understanding of how the immune system identifies ovarian cancer. Oxford University reports that there are 7,500 new cases of ovarian cancer in the United Kingdom each year. According to Oxford, it is the sixth most common cancer in females.

According to estimates from the American Cancer Society, 19,680 women in the U.S. in 2024 be given a fresh diagnosis of ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer has no known screening test, and because symptoms like bloating and appetite loss can be ambiguous, the disease is frequently discovered after it is too late. Some women are more susceptible to the disease due to genetic mutations, and it is recommended that women with specific genetic mutations have their ovaries removed by the age of 35.

Scientists are still optimistic about the vaccine, stating that if it proves effective, women may never need to have their ovaries removed. It will take many years before any potential vaccine is suitable for widespread use, according to Dr. David Crosby, head of prevention and early detection research at Cancer Research UK. He stated, “At this point, researchers are using samples from patients with ovarian cancer to test the optimal ingredients to include in the vaccine in the lab.

Reference:

https://cancerblog.mayoclinic.org/2024/05/01/ovarian-cancer-new-treatments-and-research/
https://www.ox.ac.uk/news/2024-10-04-oxford-researchers-secure-funding-worlds-first-ovarian-cancer-prevention-vaccine
https://www.onclive.com/clinical/ovarian-cancer
https://news.sky.com/story/worlds-first-ovarian-cancer-vaccine-being-developed-in-uk-could-wipe-out-the-disease-13227127
https://www.nature.com/subjects/ovarian-cancer

Medications that have been suggested by doctors worldwide are available here
https://mygenericpharmacy.com/category/disease/cancer

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that 23.3 million people were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020, and 685,000 people died from the disease. It stated that breast cancer is the most common cancer worldwide, with 7.8 million women alive as of the end of 2020 who received a diagnosis within the previous five years. Its widespread occurrence may contribute to the explanation of the various myths that surround it. We’ll address 15 of the most prevalent misconceptions here.

A breast injury can cause breast cancer
Dr. Zeidman clarified that while injuries to the breast cannot directly cause breast cancer, they can result in changes to the breast that may appear on imaging to be breast cancer. He went on, “This process is called fat necrosis, and it can appear on a mammography as an irregular mass with jagged edges, similar to the appearance of a newly discovered breast cancer.”. A needle biopsy is the most reliable method of differentiating between fat necrosis and cancer.

Underwire bras increase the risk of breast cancer
Underwire bras do not raise the risk of breast cancer, but Dr. Zeidman always suggests wire-free bras. He clarifies that skin breakdown may result from irritation of the skin beneath the breast caused by the wire. Bacteria may enter the breast as a result of this breakdown and cause an infection, an abscess, or both.

IVF increases the risk of breast cancer
Doctors often prescribe medications that stimulate the ovaries to produce eggs as part of the in vitro fertilization (IVF) process. These medications imitate the effects of estrogen. This led some experts to question if they could promote the spread of estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. These cancer cells have estrogen receptors on their membranes, as the name would imply. According to Dr. Zeidman, despite the lack of randomized controlled trials addressing this issue, a recent meta-analysis of all observational studies conducted over the previous 30 years found no increased risk of breast cancer in women who received ovarian stimulation drugs when compared to the general population.

No one in my family had breast cancer, so I won’t develop it
Dr. Zeidman said he was aware of this myth: It is very common for people who have been diagnosed with breast cancer for the first time to tell me how shocked they are considering that they have no family history. In response, I say that most patients I see who have recently been diagnosed with breast cancer do not have any risk factors. Being a woman is, in fact, the biggest risk factor for developing breast cancer. One in eight American women will experience breast cancer at some point in their lives.

Just 5–10% of breast cancers are brought on by a genetic mutation that is inherited from family members, as Dr. Fancher clarified for us. This indicates that most cases of breast cancer are unpredictable or not related to a family history. Screening is crucial because family history is not the only factor that affects a person’s risk of breast cancer. The message is that regardless of a family history of breast cancer, every woman starting at age 40 should have a yearly mammogram, according to Dr. Reitherman. By the time they are thirty years old, women who have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer should be assessed by a genetic counselor. It may be necessary for these women to start screening for breast cancer before turning 40. Please get your screening mammogram if you are a woman and at least 40 years old.

Being stressed can cause breast cancer
It should come as no surprise that people are worried about the potential health effects of stress given the constant stresses of modern life. But as Dr. Zeidman informed us, there is no proof at all that stress and breast cancer are related. In actuality, there is proof that stress does not raise the risk of breast cancer. That’s not to argue stress has no effect on health, though. He continues: Developing coping mechanisms for the stress that we will all unavoidably experience is a necessary aspect of being human. While there may be significant psychological and physical health benefits, there will be no reduction in the risk of breast cancer.

A healthy lifestyle eliminates breast cancer risk
Dr. Zeidman clarified that although postmenopausal women who are overweight are more likely to get breast cancer, there is nothing a woman can do to completely prevent breast cancer risk. Women who have bilateral mastectomy are still susceptible to getting breast cancer again. He is not, however, advocating that people begin smoking and consuming fast food daily. In general, he feels that since you only have one body, it is vital to take the best possible care of it. However, elite athletes have also received a breast cancer diagnosis.

Breast cancer only happens to older adults
Though the average age of a new breast cancer diagnosis is 61 years, women’s age indeed increases their risk of developing the disease. However, breast cancer can strike at a much younger age; approximately 5% of new cases are diagnosed in women under 40. Regretfully, there have been accounts of women receiving diagnoses who were as young as teens or early in their 20s. These young ladies usually have a strong family history. If your strong family history indicates that you have a significant lifetime risk of breast cancer, you may be eligible for genetic testing and early screening beginning at age 25.

All lumps in the breast signal breast cancer
This is untrue not every breast lump indicates cancer. According to Dr. Zeidman, most newly discovered breast lumps are benign. Additionally, that percentage is probably even higher if your most recent mammography came back normal. Dr. Zeidman did clarify, though, that a medical professional should examine any new lump.

Having an abortion increases the risk of breast cancer
This question arises because, as Dr. Zeidman informed us, estrogen exposure directly increases the risk of breast cancer, and abortion disrupts the normal hormonal cycle of pregnancy. Even though a randomized controlled trial is impossible to conduct to answer this question, a sizable observational study involving 1.5 million women in Denmark found no connection between breast cancer and abortion. He clarified that in addition to this analysis, numerous other extensive studies had reached the same conclusion.

Carrying a phone in your bra can cause cancer
We may discover that this is the case in the future, but we do not currently have any long-term studies. Why can’t you just tuck your phone into your pocket or purse for the time being?

Nipple piercings increase breast cancer risk
This is untrue, according to Dr. Dot Zeidman: having a nipple piercing does not raise your risk of breast cancer. He went on to explain, though, that these may result in more uncommon but dangerous illnesses like HIV and hepatitis B and C, as well as infections, abscesses, nerve damage, keloids, cysts, and trouble nursing because of blocked ducts from scar tissue. He stated, “I always advise against nipple piercing because of these reasons.”. I advise taking it down if the deed is completed.

Sugar causes breast cancer
Dr. Zeidman is adamant about the need to stay away from sugar in general. It’s compulsive. He went on, It can lead to mood swings and insulin spikes, which puts the body in a pro-inflammatory state. Diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic inflammatory disorders can then result from this. Overindulgence in sugar can lead to obesity, which increases the risk of breast cancer.

He did, however, clarify that research on the relationship between sugar and breast cancer has been inconsistent and of mixed results. In the context of sugar talk, it’s important to dispel the related myth that sugar promotes tumor growth. This myth developed because cancer cells require a lot of energy due to their rapid division. According to Dr. Zeidman, I still recommend avoiding added sugar as much as possible for overall well-being, even though there isn’t any hard evidence to support this.

Men do not get breast cancer
According to Dr. Zeidman, men can also develop breast cancer because they have breasts. Indeed, 1 percent of all diagnoses for breast cancer in the U.S. in males. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that in 2017, there were 500 deaths and 2,300 new cases of male breast cancer. According to Dr. Dot Fancher, although breast cancer is more common in women than in men, men can still develop the disease.

Since there are no screening recommendations for men, men must be aware of any changes in their breasts. Even if there isn’t a significant family history, you should still report any lumps, pains, or changes to your doctor. Dr. Reitherman continued, “The most common risk factor is a family history of breast cancer. Men are diagnosed with breast cancer rarely. For males who carry the BRCA2 gene, the risk of breast cancer is significantly elevated by this mutation.

Mammograms cause breast cancer to spread
Dr. Zeidman informed us that this is a common misconception she encounters with her patients. The theory is that the cancer will spread to other areas of the breast if it is compressed during a mammography or if it is removed with a needle biopsy. He does, however, affirm: There is no evidence to support this. Dr. Reitherman concurs, saying there is no proof at all that mammograms cause breast cancer. There is no proof or theory linking the very low radiation and compression used during a mammography procedure to the development of breast cancer.

If there is no lump, there is no cancer
Dr. Zeidman stated that mammograms would not be necessary if this were the case. Because mammograms enable us to detect cancer before it becomes palpable in this case, palpable refers to the ability for a person to feel a lump with their fingers they have been shown to save lives. When breast cancer is detected in its early stages and treated, the chance of survival approaches 100%.

As the stage progresses, survival decreases. In fact, Dr. Zeidman continued, the cancer might never become palpable and still spread to other parts of the body. Many breast cancers are discovered on screening mammograms and may not be felt, according to Dr. Dot Fancher. This is particularly true for ductal carcinoma in situ or noninvasive breast cancer, which may only manifest as calcifications on a screening mammography.

Breast cancer is a common disease, and although leading a healthy lifestyle may somewhat lower the risk, awareness is essential. A doctor’s chances of surviving breast cancer increase with early detection.

Reference:
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/medical-myths-15-breast-cancer-misconceptions?utm_source=ReadNext#The-take-home

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https://mygenericpharmacy.com/category/disease/cancer

One of the main causes of death in the world is lung cancer. Smokers have a significantly increased risk of developing lung cancer, though it can also strike nonsmokers. ¹ In the United States, 230,000 people were expected to receive a lung cancer diagnosis in 2023; in the lifetime of an individual, 1 in 16 men and 1 in 17 women will receive a lung cancer diagnosis.

Lung cancer is difficult to diagnose in its early stages because it rarely exhibits symptoms until the disease has progressed. Chest pain, coughing up blood, hoarseness, shortness of breath, and wheezing are a few of these symptoms that may be present. Patients may experience additional symptoms, such as headaches, weight loss, appetite loss, and swelling in the face or neck, as the disease progresses.

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are the two main subtypes of lung cancer. Less common than NSCLC, SCLC usually affects people who have smoked heavily for years. Large cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma are all included in NSCLC.

First- or second-hand smoke exposure, as well as prior radiation therapy (particularly to the chest) for a prior diagnosis, are risk factors for lung cancer. Lung cancer risk may increase with exposure to cancer-causing agents, such as carcinogens such as nickel, chromium, asbestos, and arsenic. Finally, it has been established that a family history of lung cancer contributes to the disease’s development.

Imaging tests are commonly used in the diagnosis process, and lung cancer cells may also be detected through sputum cytology. While thoracentesis can examine the fluid surrounding the lungs to determine whether it is malignant, a biopsy is an additional method to examine the cells that are proliferating in the lungs. 1, 3.

Patients with lung cancer may receive palliative care in addition to radiation, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and other treatments. Wedge resection, segmental resection, lobectomy, and pneumonectomy are possible surgical options.

REFERENCES:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lung-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20374620
https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/lung-cancer/symptoms-diagnosis/how-is-lung-cancer-diagnosed
https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/types/targeted-therapies
https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/types/targeted-therapies/approved-drug-list#targeted-therapy-approved-for-lung-cancer

In the United States, about 1.2 million people are HIV positive. 1 Patients with HIV are living longer thanks to the development of contemporary antiretroviral therapy. Nearly two-thirds of HIV-positive people in the US were predicted to be 45 years of age or older in 2021. 2 Treatment of co-morbid conditions must be addressed as the HIV population ages, even though antiretroviral therapy that permanently suppresses HIV replication is of the utmost importance. Statin drugs for HIV, heart disease, stroke, and cholesterol management.

It is well known from research that those living with HIV have an increased risk of heart disease. For instance, research has shown that this patient population has a 20–100% increased risk of myocardial infarction. 3 Unfortunately, even with HIV under control, this risk remains. Research is still ongoing to determine the mechanisms underlying the elevated risk of cardiovascular disease. Nonetheless, current theories include immunological activation and persistent inflammation; depletion of CD4-positive cells; exposure to toxic, older antiretroviral therapies; and conventional risk factors like diabetes, smoking, and unhealthy eating patterns. Before recently, there was no particular advice available for HIV patients on how to prevent cardiovascular events. Now that the results of the REPRIEVE trial (NCT03455390) have been released, medical professionals have access to data unique to this significant patient population.

7769 people with HIV infection between the ages of 40 and 75 who were receiving antiretroviral therapy and had a low-to-moderate risk of cardiovascular disease were enrolled in the phase 3 Randomized Trial to Prevent Vascular Events in HIV (REPRIEVE)4. A placebo or 4 mg of daily pitavastatin calcium (Livalo; Kowa) was administered at random as a form of treatment. Pitavastatin calcium was selected due to its incompatibility with medications utilized in antiretroviral therapy.

According to a time-to-event analysis, the main outcome was the occurrence of a major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE), which included peripheral arterial ischemia, myocardial infarction, hospitalization for unstable angina, stroke, revascularization of a peripheral artery or coronary carotid, cardiovascular death, and death from an unknown cause. A composite of a fatality from any cause or a MACE was a significant secondary outcome.

Thirty-one percent were women, 65 percent were non-White, and the median age was 50 years. The median screening CD4-positive count was 621 cells/mm3, and the median screening low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) level was 108 mg/dL. At the time of the report, 83% of participants were still in follow-up, with 74.8 percent of the pitavastatin group and 71% of the placebo group still receiving their randomized treatment. The median 10-year Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease risk score was 4.5 percent. In the pitavastatin and placebo groups, the rates of treatment discontinuation due to adverse events were 2 points 1 percent and 1 point 2 percent, respectively.

After a median of five years, the trial was terminated early for efficacy because the pitavastatin group experienced a twenty-one percent reduction in MACE and a thirty-five percent reduction in MACE or death. Antiretroviral medication plus statins may be even more beneficial in lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease. Even though the results are unique to pitavastatin, other statins might offer comparable protection.

The Department of Health and Human Services/National Institutes of Health HIV Clinical Guidelines updated their recommendation to include that all individuals with HIV who are between the ages of 40 and 75 and have a risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease of at least five percent should receive a moderate-intensity statin due to the trial’s efficacy. 5 The majority of people living with HIV can benefit from starting a moderate-intensity statin between the ages of 40 and 75, as nearly two-thirds of those living with HIV are at least 45 years old.

Regardless of the practice setting, pharmacists are especially qualified to assist in putting these recommendations into practice. Enhancing patient health is a shared responsibility among those working in primary care, inpatient, retail, and HIV-focused clinical settings, among others. Proactive chart reviews to ensure appropriate statin use are already standard practice in many of these settings; the patient population that qualifies has simply grown. In other contexts, the payment for medication therapy management may serve as a catalyst for the adoption of statins in this patient population.

Pharmacists can discuss statin use with patients at every interaction, including admission and refills, and can help with the right statin selection when necessary. As the second most prescribed class of drugs, antilipidemic agents require special handling from pharmacists when it comes to insurance claims, formulary substitutions, and appropriate counseling. This may make it possible to switch to a better option or start taking a statin with ease.

When selecting the appropriate statin, it’s important to understand the pharmacokinetics of both antiretrovirals and statins to look for any potential side effects that might be mitigated. The commercially available statins are listed in tables 15, 7, and 25, 7 below according to how much they lower LDL. Based on data from REPRIEVE, guidelines recommend 10 mg of rosuvastatin, 4 mg of pitavastatin, and 20 mg of atorvastatin as the recommended statins and dosages. Consequently, a list of potential drug interactions between them and commonly used antiretrovirals is available.

HIV-positive people live longer and are more likely to experience cardiovascular events. The recent release of REPRIEVE data has impacted the revision of guidelines to include a broader use of statins. The majority of HIV patients are now advised to take a moderate-intensity statin, and pharmacists are well-positioned to assist in putting these new guidelines into practice and helping their patients’ cardiovascular outcomes.

REFERENCES
https://clinicalinfo.hiv.gov/en/guidelines/adult-and-adolescent-arv
https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/156513
https://dx.doi.org/10.15620/cdc:123251

Although there isn’t a cure for cancer at this time, scientists are looking into some novel treatments that could one day transform the way the disease is treated, such as vaccines and gene editing. A class of diseases known as cancer is distinguished by abnormal cell growth. These cells can invade various bodily tissues, which can cause major health issues. After heart disease, cancer is the second most common cause of death in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Is there a real treatment for cancer at the moment, though?

Will we ever cure cancer?

The distinction between a cure and remission must be made to respond to the question, “Is there a cure for cancer? If so, how close are we?. A full recovery from cancer indicates that all signs of the disease have been removed from the body and that recurrence is unlikely. Remission. Remission denotes a decrease in or complete absence of cancerous signs. A person in remission may exhibit little to no physical evidence of cancerous cells. Generally speaking, there are two types of remission: a complete remission, in which the cancer is not showing any symptoms. a partial remission, in which there is still cancer present but the tumor has shrunk. Cancer cells can reappear in the body even after they have completely disappeared.

This implies that the cancer may return. If this occurs, it usually does so in the first five years following therapy. Even though some medical professionals might refer to cancer as “cured” if it doesn’t recur within five years, cancer is never really cured because it can always return. This is why most medical professionals will refer to a patient as being “in remission” rather than “cured.”. We will be looking at novel and cutting-edge cancer treatments in this article. These more recent therapies can be administered in addition to or instead of more traditional cancer treatments like radiation and chemotherapy. Now let’s get started.

Immunotherapy

Cancer immunotherapy is a type of treatment that helps the immune system fight cancer cells. The immune system is made up of various organs, cells, and tissues that help the body fight off outside invaders, including:

bacteria, viruses, parasites…
However, cancer cells are a part of us and aren’t seen by our bodies as invaders. Because of this, the immune system may need help identifying them. There are several ways to provide this help.

Vaccines

Most likely, when you consider vaccinations, you consider them concerning the prevention of infectious diseases such as COVID-19, measles, and the flu. Certain vaccines, however, can aid in the prevention or even treatment of specific cancers. For instance, the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine offers defense against a variety of HPV strains that can result in throat, cervix, and anus cancers. Furthermore, a chronic hepatitis B virus infection, which can result in liver cancer, is avoided by receiving the hepatitis B vaccine. The vaccine known as Bacillus Calmette-Geurin (BCG) is typically administered to treat tuberculosis, but it can also be used in the treatment of bladder cancer. During this treatment, a catheter delivers BCG directly to the bladder, stimulating the body’s immune system to target and destroy bladder cancer cells.

Additionally, scientists are working to develop a vaccine that directly supports the immune system’s defense against cancer. Typically, the surface of cancer cells contains molecules absent from healthy cells. These molecules may be included in a vaccine that improves the immune system’s ability to identify and eliminate cancer cells. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has only approved one vaccine to treat cancer thus far. Sipuleucel-T, also known as Provenge, is a medication used to treat advanced prostate cancer in patients who have not responded to prior therapies. The fact that this vaccine is customized makes it special. After being extracted from the body, immune cells are altered in a lab to identify prostate cancer cells. After that, they are reinjected into the body to support the immune system’s search for and elimination of cancerous cells. A review from 2021 states that scientists are now in the process of creating and evaluating novel vaccinations to treat specific forms of cancer. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) states that these vaccines are occasionally tested in conjunction with approved cancer medications.

Some examples of cancers with vaccines that have been or are currently being tested are:

Pancreatic cancer
Melanoma
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
Breast cancer
Multiple myeloma

T-cell therapy

One type of immune cell is the T-cell. They function to eliminate external invaders that your immune system has identified. These cells are taken out of the body and sent to a lab for T-cell therapy. The cells that exhibit the highest degree of reactivity against cancerous cells are isolated and cultured in vast quantities. Then, your body receives another injection of these T-cells. CAR T-cell therapy is a particular kind of T-cell therapy. T-cells are taken out and altered to have a receptor added to their surface during treatment. When cancer cells are reintroduced into your body, this aids the T-cells’ ability to identify and eliminate them more effectively. Six CAR T-cell therapies have received FDA approval as of this writing. These are used to treat blood cancers, such as multiple myeloma and certain forms of leukemias and lymphomas.

In general, CAR T-cell therapy is advised in cases where prior cancer therapies have failed. It has some potentially dangerous side effects, but it can also help patients with cancers that are difficult to treat. Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) is one of these. This occurs when a significant amount of chemicals known as cytokines are released into the bloodstream by the freshly reintroduced T-cells. The immune system may go into overdrive as a result. Following CAR T-cell therapy, major neurological side effects such as seizures and confusion have also been reported. Clinical trials are underway to investigate the potential applications of this therapy for other cancer types, such as solid tumors, which can present challenges for CAR T-cell penetration. Additionally, researchers are looking into more effective ways to control the side effects of CAR T-cell therapy.

Monoclonal antibodies

The B cell, another kind of immune cell, produces antibodies, which are proteins. They can attach to antigens, which are particular targets that they can recognize. T lymphocytes can locate and eliminate antigens once an antibody has bound to them. Antibodies that recognize antigens typically found on the surface of cancer cells are produced in large quantities as part of monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapy. Once inside the body, they can assist in identifying and eliminating cancer cells. Many types of mAbs have been developed for cancer therapy. Some examples include:

Alemtuzumab (Campath). This mAb binds selectively to a protein that is highly expressed on the surface of both T and B cell lymphocytes. By targeting this specific protein, both the T and B cells are marked for destruction, which helps your body get rid of any cancer-containing cells.

Trastuzumab (Herceptin). This mAb is specific for HER2, a protein found on some breast cancer cells, and promotes their growth. Trastuzumab binds to HER2, which blocks its activity. This stops or slows the growth of breast cancer cells.

Blinatumomab (Blincyto). Given that it contains two distinct mAbs, this therapy is regarded as both a T-cell therapy and a mAb. One adheres to the cells of the cancer, and the other to the cells of the immune system. This combines the two cell types and makes the cancer cells vulnerable to immune system attack. It is presently used to treat acute lymphocytic leukemia and medications akin to it are being created to treat conditions like myeloma.

Additionally, monoclonal antibodies can be linked to chemotherapy medications or radioactive particles. We refer to these as conjugated mAbs. These cancer-fighting agents can be delivered straight to cancer cells because the antibodies are specific for antigens on cancer cells.

Ibritumomab tiuxetan (Zevalin).Zevalin, or ibritumomab tiuxetan. Because this mAb has a radioactive particle attached to it, when the antibody binds, radioactivity can be delivered straight to the cancer cells. It is applied to treat certain non-Hodgkin lymphoma types. Emtansine (ado-trastuzumab) (Kadcyla). There is a chemotherapy drug attached to this antibody. The medication is released into the cancer cells by the antibody once it has been attached. Certain forms of breast cancer are treated with it.

Virotherapy

As a normal part of their life cycle, many virus species kill their host cell. This makes viruses a promising cancer treatment option. The use of viruses to specifically destroy cancer cells is known as virotherapy. Oncolytic viruses are the type of viruses used in virotherapy. They have undergone genetic modification so they can only replicate and target cancer cells. According to the NCI, antigens linked to cancer are released when an oncolytic virus destroys a cancer cell. Following their binding to these antigens, antibodies can start an immune reaction. Although multiple viruses are being investigated by researchers for this kind of treatment, only one has received approval thus far. It is a modified form of the herpes virus known as talimogene laherparepvec (T-VEC). It is used to treat skin cancer caused by melanoma that is not surgically treatable.

Oncolytic viruses are still being researched as a potential cancer treatment. A review published in 2020 examined research on oncolytic viruses conducted between 2000 and 2020. There were 97 distinct clinical trials identified, the majority of which were phase 1. Melanoma and digestive cancers were the most common cancer types targeted by virotherapy. The most studied oncolytic virus was a modified adenovirus. Only 7 of the studies included information on the levels of tumor-specific immune response, according to the reviewers.

Hormone therapy

Hormones are naturally produced by the body and function as messengers between the various tissues and cells in your body. They support the regulation of numerous bodily processes. Certain hormone levels can have an impact on the growth of certain cancers. For this reason, hormone therapy employs medication to prevent hormone production. Certain types of cancer cells can have their growth and survival impacted by changes in hormone levels. These cancers can grow more slowly if a necessary hormone is blocked or its level is lowered. Prostate, uterine, and breast cancers are occasionally treated with hormone therapy. It frequently serves as a supplement to other cancer treatments like targeted therapy or chemotherapy.

Nanoparticles

Nanoparticles are extremely small particles, much smaller than a cell. Because of their size, they can move around the body and interact with various biological molecules and cells. In particular, nanoparticles hold great promise for drug delivery in the treatment of cancer. Nanoparticles have the potential to be used in drug delivery systems that can target cancer cells and penetrate tissue barriers, like the blood-brain barrier. This could reduce side effects and increase the efficacy of cancer treatments.

Additionally, nanoparticles might have an impact on the immune system. In a 2020 study, immune cells were trained to mount an attack against cancer cells using a nanoparticle-based system in mice. Additionally, this strategy increased the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy. The FDA has approved several nanoparticle-based delivery systems for the treatment of cancer, even though the kinds of nanoparticle therapy we just covered are still in the research and development stage. These systems use nanoparticles to more effectively deliver cancer drugs. A few cancer medications that might make use of a nanoparticle-based delivery system are doxorubicin (Doxil) and paclitaxel (Abraxane).

There are currently clinical trials underway for additional nanoparticle-based cancer treatments. A list of ongoing clinical trials using nanoparticles to treat cancer is available on the U. S. Clinical Trials, National Library of Medicine. There are representations of numerous cancers, such as lung, prostate, and breast cancers.

In summary, there is presently no conclusive treatment for cancer. There is always a chance that cancer may recur, even in cases where a patient has experienced complete remission. Still, scientists are working hard to create fresher, more potent cancer therapies. Hormone therapy, immunotherapies such as monoclonal antibodies, CAR T-cell therapy, and cancer vaccines are some of the treatments that are currently being used in addition to more traditional cancer therapies. Nanoparticles and gene editing, particularly with the CRISPR system, are other important research areas. Even though these technologies are still in the early phases of development, preliminary research and testing have produced encouraging outcomes.

REFERENCES:
https://www.healthline.com/health/is-there-a-cure-for-cancer#resources

Medications that have been suggested by doctors worldwide are available here

https://mygenericpharmacy.com/index.php/therapy,10