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It is an undeniable fact that lung cancer can be caused by tobacco use. According to Cancer Research UK, a nonprofit organization based in the United Kingdom, smoking is the primary cause of both 72% of lung cancer cases and 86% of lung cancer deaths. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), smoking is linked to up to 90% of lung cancer deaths in the US. Lung cancer risk can be significantly decreased by quitting smoking or, better yet, by never starting to smoke. Smoking is not a cause of lung cancer in all cases, though. Furthermore, non-smoking related lung cancer cases are increasing while smoking-related lung cancer cases are beginning to decline. A disease known as cancer occurs when certain body cells proliferate out of control and invade other bodily regions. Any cancer that affects the lung tissue, bronchi (airways), or trachea (windpipe) is classified as lung cancer. Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are the two primary forms of lung cancer. Approximately 80%–85% of lung cancer cases are NSCLC. NSCLC can be classified into three primary types: large cell carcinoma, where cells appear larger than typical when examined under a microscope; squamous cell carcinoma, which tends to grow near the center of the lungs and starts in the flat cells that cover the airway surface; and adenocarcinoma, which begins in the mucus cells lining the airways.

As a whole, in the U. S. the estimated 5-year survival rate for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is 28%, which indicates that 28% of patients with NSCLC are expected to survive five years after diagnosis. On the other hand, survival rates are constantly rising. Lung cancer has historically afflicted more men than women. Women’s smoking rates peaked in the U.S. S. as these women grew older, the incidence of lung cancer rose in the 1960s. There has been an alarming increase in lung cancer cases among younger women (ages 30-49) in recent years. The term “EGFR+ lung cancer” refers to a type of lung cancer, typically an adenocarcinoma, that is brought on by a mutation in the protein known as “EGFR,” which is involved in the growth and division of healthy cells rather than smoking. The gene becomes mutated, telling cells to divide continuously, which results in cancerous tumors. According to the American Lung Association (ALA), 10–15 percent of lung cancers in the United States have an EGFR+ mutation. S. The two most prevalent EGFR mutations are the EGFR L858R point mutation, which modifies a single nucleotide (small unit of DNA), and the EGFR 19 deletion, which results in a portion of the gene being absent. The Exon 20 insertion mutation, which accounts for 4–10% of EGFR+ lung cancer cases, is less frequent. Women are more likely than men to develop this kind of lung cancer. Additionally, younger individuals, those who have never smoked, and those who have smoked lightly in the past are more likely to receive a diagnosis than heavy smokers. Thus, it may share some of the blame for the observed increases.

Numerous lung cancer patients experience negative stigma related to their alleged lifestyles. MNT designed the collage, and Rankin took the photos for the See Through the Symptoms campaign. Images courtesy of EGFR+ UK. Prof. Robert Rintoul is a professor of thoracic oncology at the University of Cambridge’s Department of Oncology. K. , an honorary consultant respiratory physician at the Cambridge-based Royal Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, stated to Medical News Today: “Many individuals with EGFR+ status do not consider lung cancer as a possible cause of their symptoms because they are either light or never smokers. “Oh, it can’t be that bad; I’ve never smoked.”. When the disease does manifest, these patients frequently do so at a later stage and with more advanced symptoms. Lung cancer is no longer a disease exclusive to smokers; at present, 15% of all cases of lung cancer that we diagnose (regardless of EGFR status) are never smokers. As per the CDC, 20 percent or more of lung cancer cases in the U.S. S. are identified among non-smokers. Prof. Regardless of smoking history, Rintoul recommended that everyone be aware of the symptoms, which include: a persistent cough lasting longer than three weeks; recurrent chest infections; blood in the cough; weight loss; unexplained fatigue; chest pain; and unexplained dyspnea. EGFR+ survivor Dr. Gini Harrison, a psychologist and research trustee at EGFR+ UK, issued a warning, pointing out that not everyone experiences these common symptoms, especially in the case of EGFR+ lung cancer.

“I was forty years old. After giving birth to my son in February 2021, I experienced excruciating shoulder pain almost immediately. And that was it. My only symptom was that. No wheezing, no breathing problems—none at all. She informed us that my GP [primary care physician] believed it was likely tendonitis brought on by improper breastfeeding posture. Furthermore, she stated that many of us only exhibit musculoskeletal symptoms at diagnosis, such as shoulder, chest, or back pain. Her unusual symptoms contributed to the nine months it took to diagnose her cancer. Funding for lung cancer research is scarce. Despite being the second most common cancer in women and the most common cancer in men, it receives relatively little funding when considering the total cost of cancer. Lung cancer accounts for 14% of all cancer cases and 18% of all cancer deaths worldwide, but between 2016 and 2020, only 53% of all cancer research funding was allocated to lung cancer research. Is it possible that this is a result of the stigma attached to lung cancer? Considering that 80–90% of people who pass away from lung cancer had smoked in the past, and smoking is frequently blamed for the disease, this could be a factor.

It is imperative, however, that this perspective shift, according to Dr. Harrison: “We need to raise awareness that lung cancer can happen to anyone with lungs, regardless of smoking status.”. Eliminating this stigma would increase awareness, support, funding for research, visibility, and knowledge, all of which should eventually improve symptom detection and early identification, treatment options, and survival rates. The prognosis for lung cancer is better the earlier it is identified. A person with NSCLC who is diagnosed at an early, or localized, stage has a 65 percent chance of surviving for five years, according to the American Cancer Society. However, only 9% of those whose cancer has spread to other parts of their bodies prior to diagnosis have a chance of surviving for an additional five years. Nevertheless, as Dr. Harrison indicated, the prognosis is getting better for people with lung cancer of all kinds. People are living far longer these days than they did a few years ago thanks to targeted therapies. When you look up the statistics on Google after receiving a diagnosis, the appalling results you find are shocking. However, those figures are incredibly outdated. She noted that they haven’t considered the targeted therapies. The cancer’s stage determines the course of treatment for NSCLC. Early detection allows for complete removal of the cancer with no need for follow-up treatments when treated with surgery, photodynamic therapy (PDT), laser therapy, or brachytherapy (internal radiation). The furrier the diagnosis of cancer, the later it comes.

Treatment options for lung cancer in its later stages include surgery, radiation therapy, immunotherapy (drugs that boost the immune system’s ability to fight cancer), and/or chemotherapy. To target therapy, gene mutations in the tumors will be examined. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors, or TKIs, are a class of medications used to treat EGFR+ lung cancer. TKIs block the enzymes that activate proteins like EGFR. Tacrieva (erlotinib), Gilotrif (afatanib), Iressa (gefitinib), Vidimpro (dacomitinib), and Tagrisso (osimertinib) are the five TKIs that are approved for the treatment of EGFR+ lung cancer. Patients with EGFR mutations in NSCLC can significantly increase their chances of survival and quality of life with these drugs. Nevertheless, other gene mutations may impact their effectiveness, and tumors may develop resistance to them. The duration of the medications’ effectiveness varies from patient to patient, according to EGFR+ UK. In the event that the cancer develops resistance and grows or spreads, medical professionals will perform genetic testing to determine the specific mutation that has taken place. They will then frequently try radiation therapy or chemotherapy, which many people will respond well to, or another TKI. Genetic testing revealed that Dr. Harrison’s cancer was Exon 20, which is resistant to TKIs. Since there were no specific treatments for Exon 20 at the time of my diagnosis, they chose chemotherapy and radiation because it was a relatively local treatment.

Although she still has some long-term effects from her several months of chemotherapy and radiation therapy, she no longer has any evidence of cancer: “What has happened is the top of my lung has collapsed, as a result of the radiation, and my ribs just keep breaking, but it’s not cancer!” Recent advancements in EGFR+ lung cancer research have been made despite funding shortages. A study conducted earlier in 2023 discovered that glioblastoma, the most common type of brain tumor, has been linked to the development of CD70, a gene that promotes cell survival and invasiveness. This gene may be a potential therapeutic target for patients with resistant EGFR+ lung cancer. Although research on this topic is still in its early stages, another study has hypothesized that a vaccine could prevent the development of common lung tumors driven by EGFR mutations by stimulating immune cells. Dr. Elene Mariamidze of Todua Clinic in Tbilisi, Georgia, stated at the ESMO Congress 2023 that “we are entering an era of personalised medicine in NSCLC where we are using combinations of novel, targeted agents, and it will be essential to know the whole mutational burden of each patient at diagnosis so we can properly plan the most effective and least toxic approach.” Targeted, combined therapies appear to be the most promising route. The optimal mix of immunotherapy and chemotherapy, or targeted treatment, for individual patients is what will shape lung cancer care in the future. Marcia K. Horn, the Intern’s president and CEO, is a juris doctor.

“The PAPILLON clinical trial data were announced at the recent ESMO Congress in Madrid, and our patients and care partners who are members of the Exon 20 Group were ecstatic,” she said. The PAPILLON data indicates that amivantamab plus the chemotherapy doublet of pemetrexed/ALIMTA plus carboplatin is now the new first-line treatment for patients with EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations. She continued, “It is imperative that our patient population has access to such a game-changing first-line therapy.”. The intention, according to EGFR+ UK, is for EGFR mutant lung cancer to develop into a long-term, chronic condition that can be managed. The care a person receives, however, varies depending on where they live, as Dr. Harrison explained to MNT: “New discoveries are made on a regular basis, but even though there are numerous clinical trials located in the U.S. Few of them have locations in the U.S. K. , and access to medications is far worse here. “There is a huge disparity in care, both within the U.S. K. and between various nations. She said, “It’s incredibly frustrating.”. “Importantly, patient advocacy is crucial. Our job at the charity is to empower patients to advocate for themselves by educating and guiding them. However, things are looking up. People are living longer these days. Dr. Harrison told us that he knew someone who is still alive 34 years after being diagnosed.

REFERENCES:

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/things-you-may-not-know-about-egfr-positive-lung-cancer
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7431055/
https://www.yalemedicine.org/conditions/lung-cancer-in-nonsmokers
https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/lung/basic_info/risk_factors.htm

For cancer disease medications that have been suggested by doctors worldwide are available here https://mygenericpharmacy.com/index.php?cPath=77_115

One common cancer type that can have a negative impact on one’s health is colorectal cancer. The risk factors for colorectal cancer and ways in which individuals can lower their risk are still being studied. Higher consumption of white bread and alcohol was linked to a higher risk of colorectal cancer, according to data from a recent study. On the other hand, they discovered that a lower risk of colorectal cancer was linked to increased intakes of fiber, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and manganese. There are various forms of cancer that are still poorly understood by specialists. Despite significant advancements in the field, the reasons behind some people’s development of a particular type of cancer remain unclear. One type of cancer that can be severe and occasionally fatal is colorectal cancer. Researchers are still trying to figure out how people can lower their risk of colon cancer. The risk of colorectal cancer associated with the consumption of specific foods and nutrients was investigated in a study published in Nutrients. Researchers analyzed data from more than 118,000 participants and discovered that consumption of white bread and alcohol was linked to an increased risk of colorectal cancer, but higher intake of fiber and nutrients, such as calcium, was linked to a lower risk. Additional investigation will support these results and might result in recommendations for clinical practice.

The purpose of this particular study was to learn more about the relationship between dietary intake and nutrient intake and colorectal cancer. They point out that people can alter the risks associated with particular foods and nutrients, which makes this a crucial area for research. They employed data from the U.S. to perform their analysis. K. Biobank, which offers a wealth of data. They looked at the connection between the risk of colorectal cancer and 139 different foods and nutrients. They also examined the interaction between this risk and the genetic predisposition to colorectal cancer. In total, 118,210 participants were included in the study, and participants were tracked for an average of nearly 13 years. There were 1,466 cases of colorectal cancer during the follow-up. Researchers used 24-hour dietary questionnaires to gather information on food consumption. Each of the analysis’s participants finished at least two 24-hour online dietary assessments. Participants with colorectal cancer at baseline were not included in the study. Based on a number of covariates, including education level, body mass index, physical activity levels, and family history of colorectal cancer, they modified the analysis. Additionally, participants’ polygenic risk scores for colorectal cancer could be generated by researchers. Based on genetics, polygenic risk scores assist in assessing a person’s susceptibility to a given ailment.

They discovered that certain characteristics were more common in participants who went on to develop colorectal cancer. For instance, their odds of being older, having a higher body mass index (BMI), and being less physically active were all higher. Additionally, the study discovered that drinking alcohol and eating white bread were linked to a higher risk of colorectal cancer. However, there was a correlation found between a lower risk of colorectal cancer and dietary fiber, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and manganese. The study did not discover any proof that the genetic background of the participants affected the risk associated with nutrient consumption. Not involved in the study, Rick Miller is a principal dietitian at Miller and Everton and a registered dietitian at King Edward VII’s Hospital in London, United Kingdom. He gave his thoughts on the findings of the research to Medical News Today, saying, “An interesting finding was that the authors reported white bread, which could be defined as an ultra-processed food was associated with an elevated colorectal cancer risk, over alcohol.”. Along with the risk reduction associated with manganese intake, the authors observed an inverse risk association with dietary fiber intake. It is possible that the effects of these risks differ for men and women. “[A]ny dietary factor was significantly associated with CRC [colorectal cancer] risk among women after multiple corrections,” the study reported. “.

In a statement, the study’s non-participating board-certified osteopathic physician Dr. Brian Black stated that the results “[support] existing literature reinforcing the body of evidence that alcohol and white bread are positively associated with colorectal cancer risks.”. “These are consistent with a more comprehensive comprehension of the possible drawbacks of diets heavy in processed carbohydrates and their association with an increased risk of cancer,” he continued. All things considered, this study advances our understanding of putative colorectal cancer risk factors. But it’s also important to consider its limitations. Initially, because it concentrates on the European population, the findings may not be as generalizable to other populations. The authors also point out that their ability to examine the effects of specific nutrients on their own was somewhat constrained. Additionally, a portion of the data was self-reported by the participants, which could introduce errors. Future research, according to the researchers, may help validate the findings of this study. It might also investigate the disparity in colorectal cancer risk between genders. Future studies, according to Miller, might examine the distinction between dietary sources—plant and animal—and the relationship between lowered colorectal cancer risk and specific nutrients. He was informed by the authors that a higher dietary intake of phosphorus, magnesium, and calcium was linked to a lower risk of colon cancer.

Plant-based foods (such as plants) and animal products are abundant sources of these essential nutrients. derived from animals (dairy products, meat, and shellfish) and plants (wheatgerm, legumes, nuts, and seeds). It is challenging to conclude that the CRC risk reduction would be the same for sources derived from plants versus animals, though, because plant-based foods have a lower relative bioavailability of these micronutrients. To find out, more interventional trials would need to be carried out. All rectum and large intestine cancers are categorized as colon cancer. When polyps develop on the inside walls of the large intestine or rectum, colorectal cancer may start. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have stated that colorectal cancer is one of the main causes of cancer-related deaths in the US. Sometimes, when there is a better chance of an effective course of treatment, doctors can detect colorectal cancer early. This is the reason that early colorectal cancer screening is so important. Understanding the risk factors for colorectal cancer is of interest to researchers as well. Increasing age, a family history of colorectal cancer, eating a diet low in fruits and vegetables, and obesity are risk factors. Physicians can better counsel patients about healthy lifestyle modifications that can help lower risk when researchers gain a better understanding of modifiable risk factors.

REFERENCES:

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/which-foods-may-increase-and-which-may-lower-bowel-cancer-risk
https://www.webmd.com/colorectal-cancer/ss/slideshow-foods-prevent
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/latest-news/six-ways-to-lower-your-risk-for-colon-cancer.html

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Worldwide, lung cancer is the primary cause of cancer-related deaths. The majority of lung cancer cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage, which reduces the 5-year survival rate. At the moment, low-dose CT is the only screening option available for lung cancer, and it has certain drawbacks. According to a cancer genomics company, a blood test for early-stage lung cancer detection has been developed. Globally, lung cancer is the primary cause of cancer-related mortality. Lung cancer was the cause of approximately 2 million diagnoses and 1 in 8 deaths in 2020. The type of cancer, the time of diagnosis, and whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body all affect a person’s 5-year survival rate for lung cancer. Early-stage lung cancer is more curable. Previous studies have demonstrated that because many people do not exhibit clear symptoms at an early stage, the majority of lung cancer cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage. Currently, low-dose computed tomography (CT) scanning is the only method of screening for lung cancer. CT scans, however, occasionally result in false positives or negatives.

Currently, research is being done on a novel method of early lung cancer detection. The first results of a novel blood test for the identification of early-stage lung cancer were presented at the annual congress of the European Society for Medical Oncology this year. created by Personalis Inc., a cancer genomics company. The new test, known as the NeXT Personal ctDNA assay, can identify minute amounts of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in blood, indicating the presence of residual or recurrent cancer, according to Dr. Richard Chen, executive vice president of research and development at Personalis Inc. and chief medical officer. According to Chen, who spoke with Medical News Today, “the NeXT Personal technology leverages whole genome sequencing and advanced noise suppression with NeXT SENSE technology to identify an ultra-sensitive, unique genetic signature derived from a patient’s tumor.”. “This distinct signature is monitored in the patient’s bloodstream over an extended period to detect any lingering or recurrent cancer, attaining an industry-best sensitivity of approximately 1 part per million of ctDNA. He continued, “This increased sensitivity offers the potential for earlier detection, more accurate monitoring, earlier recurrence risk assessment and intervention, and significant advancement in lung cancer care.

The primary finding from the work with the NeXT Personal assay in TRACERx, according to Dr. Charles Swanton, principal investigator for the study and deputy clinical director of the Francis Crick Institute in London, concerns disease stratification in early-stage lung cancer. “At the moment, we don’t always have the ability to direct additional supplemental therapy, called adjuvant therapy, to those who would benefit it most because we have an imperfect system to understand which patients will typically have a poor clinical outcome following surgical resection of their primary tumor with curative intent,” Swanton told Medical News Today. This results in some patients receiving insufficient care while others receive excessive care. Better methods of classifying patients into those who will and won’t recover well from surgery are therefore desperately needed. Our investigation was set against this realization. According to Swanton, it’s critical to accurately categorize patients as high- or low-risk because this allows for “individualized” adjuvant therapy trials.

“It could have a significant impact to be able to withhold treatment from patients who are unlikely to benefit while providing it to a population of patients who would.” he said. In terms of recurrence detection, we are aware that recurrence can be identified nearly a year ahead of routine clinical surveillance in patients who have evidence of ctDNA in the blood after surgery. Similar to the pre-operative data, this allows for the implementation of aggressive treatment in the early-metastatic setting, thereby providing a more individualized approach to treatment. According to Chen, Personalis is now offering the NeXT Personal test for clinical testing as a part of an early access program. According to him, between 20 and 40 percent of patients with early-stage lung cancer eventually experience a recurrence, depending on the stage. The sensitivity of some recurrence detection techniques, such as imaging or other blood tests, may be restricted. It may be possible to treat or advance treatment for lung cancer patients sooner if more sensitive methods for identifying cancer that remains after treatment or recurs. “.

According to Swanton, the new blood test’s next research steps would involve validating the results in prospective cohorts. He stated, “This will pave the way for routine clinical use and the identification of particular cohorts where an ultra-sensitive assay can be applied.”. Dr. John Roberts, a thoracic surgeon with Lynn Cancer Institute, a division of Baptist Health South Florida, at Boca Raton Regional Hospital, told Medical News Today after reviewing details about the new NeXT Personal ctDNA assay that since CT scanning has been shown to reduce lung cancer mortality more than any medical intervention, an accurate blood test should have a similar effect. He clarified, “All of our blood testing for lung cancer only detects advanced cancer.”. Since a CT scan is currently the only method available for screening for lung cancer, any test that could be used as an early cancer screening would represent a significant advancement. According to Roberts, the majority of lung cancer patients who experience recurrence following treatment are already incurable when the disease is detected. It would be beneficial for any test to identify recurrences early on. “.

Sara Belton, PhD, a nurse navigator for the Lung Screening Program at the Cardiothoracic Outpatient Clinic in California at Providence Saint John’s Health Center, was also interviewed by Medical News Today regarding this study. She stated that any tools that can assist clinicians in the diagnosis and long-term management of lung cancer are most welcome. She works as a nurse navigator and focuses on lung cancer screening. According to Belton, “a blood test for lung cancer genome detection is being developed by several research consortia and is considered by many in the field as the ‘Holy Grail’ for lung cancer diagnosis.”. “If this research is successful, physicians will benefit from having a more accessible and potentially more accurate modality for screening for lung cancer than the current gold standard, CT imaging scans, which are best used in conjunction with clinical interpretation and excellent imaging visualization. I’m glad to hear this and am interested in learning more about their outcomes in the future. She went on to say that having an inexpensive, readily available blood test that can be used to screen for lung cancer will enable medical professionals to increase screening efforts, which are currently low in the US.

According to Belton, “current clinical guidelines for lung cancer screening recommend that only current or former smokers who are over 50 and have a smoking history of at least 20 pack years be screened for lung cancer every year.”. Nonetheless, these recommendations do not apply to the up to 10% of lung cancer patients who have never smoked. These are frequently the ones whose lung cancer is discovered too late to receive the best care and results. “A more widely available blood test would enable us as clinicians to identify these non-smokers who are at risk, and would enable us to intervene and treat them at an early enough stage to ensure favorable health outcomes, and potentially prevent them from passing away from lung cancer,” the speaker continued. “This would be a huge advancement in lung cancer care and screening, and I am optimistic that a blood test of this kind will be made commercially available in the coming years”.

REFERENCES:

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/new-blood-test-may-help-better-detect-early-stage-lung-cancer
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9196057/
https://www.dundee.ac.uk/stories/blood-test-aid-better-detection-lung-cancer
https://ecancer.org/en/news/15412-new-research-suggests-a-simple-blood-test-could-improve-the-early-detection-of-lung-cancer

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A recent study found that the emergence of several chronic conditions is linked to a diet high in ultra-processed foods. Extremely processed foods derived from animals and drinks with added sugar and artificial sweeteners are especially prone to cause diabetes, heart disease, and cancer at the same time. Experts advise against overindulging in ultra-processed foods like breads, cereals, and plant-based substitutes, even though this study did not find any such connection. Ultra-processed foods can be difficult to identify because they are usually grouped based more on processing level than nutritional value. Ultraprocessed food consumption has been connected to a number of distinct chronic illnesses, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. They are also connected to comorbidities, or combinations of these diseases, a large study now confirms. The study indicates that individuals with a diet high in ultra-processed foods have a 9 percent higher chance of developing cardiovascular and cardiometabolic comorbidities. The study found that beverages sweetened with artificial sweeteners and animal products had the highest increase in risk. The researchers did not discover any correlation between comorbidities, plant-based substitutes, and ultra-processed breads and cereals.

Data from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) are analyzed in this study. A prospective cohort study is being conducted to investigate the relationships between environmental, genetic, dietary, and lifestyle risk factors and cancer as well as other diseases. The researchers examined data from 266,666 participants for the new study. The NOVA index was used to rank the foods they consumed in relation to their processing level. A median of 11.2 years of follow-up was conducted to monitor the emergence of chronic illnesses. The precise characteristics that characterize a problematically processed food are a matter of debate. This is mostly due to the fact that most modern foods require some processing, unless they are purchased straight from the farm. Healthy foods like tofu, simple bread, canned tuna or beans, and cheese can all be considered processed foods. Ultra-processed foods, or UPFs, are the main cause for concern, though. Most researchers use the NOVA index, which was created by Carlos Monteiro and associates at Sao Paolo University in Brazil, as the standard. The World Health Organization’s scientist in nutrition and metabolism and lead investigator for the new study, Dr. Heinz Freisling, described how the index operates as follows: NOVA classifies foods into four categories: fresh or minimally processed, culinary ingredients, processed, and ultra-processed, not according to their nutrient profile.

The final category, according to study observer Michelle Routhenstein, a preventive cardiology dietitian at EntirelyNourished . com, is foods that are made solely with a combination of industrial processes. There is still opportunity for individual opinions because ingredients play a significant role in the overall story and processing level alone does not tell it all. According to Dr. Dot Freisling, foods classified as [u]ltra-processed are those that are unfit for home preparation due to a shortage of ingredients and equipment. Colorants, artificial sweeteners, food preservatives, and other substances are a few examples of these ingredients. It is not yet clear why ultra-processed foods show this strong link with a wide range of conditions, which makes it a hot topic of research why consuming them might lead to comorbidities, according to Dr. Freisling. He surmised that it might be related to the easily accessible and reasonably priced nature of these foods for the end user. People often overindulge in these because they are meant to be flavorful and shelf-stable. For instance, according to Dr. Freisling, a bag of tortilla chips can easily defeat a simple boiled corn cob. He added that artificial sweeteners and other additives might be involved. He went on to say that the modified food matrix, which is a food’s natural structure or matrix at the microscopic level, and the complete absence of dietary fiber might both be significant factors. Routhenstein pointed out that the process. She also mentioned that ultra-processed foods like chips, crackers, and cookies have the highest AGE levels per gram.

REFERENCES:

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/ultra-processed-foods-linked-to-cancer-diabetes
https://www.wcrf.org/latest/news-and-updates/new-study-reveals-ultra-processed-foods-linked-to-increased-cancer-risk-diabetes-and-heart-disease/
https://www.healthline.com/health-news/ultraprocessed-foods-cause-heart-disease-cancer
https://www.imperial.ac.uk/news/242892/ultra-processed-foods-linked-increased-risk-cancer/

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Advances in screening, prevention, and therapy have contributed to recent increases in cancer survival rates. Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination as a preventative measure and screening for early diagnosis have been the main focuses of efforts to increase cervical cancer survival. Nonetheless, some people continue to be diagnosed with advanced cancer that has to be treated. According to a recent study, induction therapy may increase the overall survival rates of advanced cervical cancer by 39%.

At sites in the United Kingdom, Mexico, India, Italy, and Brazil, researchers gathered a cohort of 500 women with cervical cancer that measured more than 4 centimeters (cm) across (stage 1B2 to stage 4A) or less than 4 cm (stage 1B1 if the cancer is also in the lymph nodes). This group was divided into two arms; the first underwent six weekly doses of chemotherapy consisting of carboplatin and paclitaxel, followed by up to six weeks of treatment with radiation therapy and the chemotherapy medication cisplatin for their cancer. For their malignancy, the second trial arm’s participants had only the conventional six weeks of chemotherapy and radiation treatment.

After five years of cohort follow-up, researchers discovered that patients who had undergone induction chemotherapy had a noticeably higher overall survival rate. Patients who got induction therapy, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy had an overall five-year survival rate of 80%, while patients who had only standard chemotherapy and radiation therapy had a five-year survival rate of 72%. For patients who got the induction therapy initially, this meant a 39% lower chance of death over a five-year period. People who live with cancer without it progressing or spreading are said to be progression-free survivors.

At five years, the progression-free survival rate for patients who had received induction therapy, chemotherapy, and radiation was 73%, while the rate for patients who had just received standard chemotherapy and radiation was 64%. This indicated a 35% decrease in the likelihood of progression during the five years that followed treatment. The group receiving induction chemotherapy experienced more adverse effects than the other; 59% of that group’s side effects interfered with their ability to go about their daily lives, compared to 48% of the other group.

According to a 2023 study by the American Cancer Society (ACS), the United States’ cancer death rate has dropped by a third since 1991. The American Cancer Society (ACS) attributes the decline in U.S. mortality to advancements in early identification and treatment. Other nations have also witnessed a decline in mortality; early in 2023, the National Health System in the United Kingdom reported a 10% rise in cancer survival rates since 2005. The advent of induction chemotherapies is one advancement in treatment. Induction therapy is described as “the first treatment given for a disease” by the National Cancer Institute, following previous medical interventions.

Chemotherapy administered before to other treatments for patients with aggressive malignancies that have a high chance of spreading is known as induction chemotherapy. They have previously been demonstrated to be successful in raising overall survival rates for a number of cancers, including pancreatic, lung, acute myeloid leukemia, and breast cancer. After these therapies, further radiotherapy, surgery, or chemotherapy may be administered. Additionally, Dr. McCormack stressed that cervical cancer is a disease that is largely preventable. In order to help prevent infection and the subsequent development of cervical cancer, the HPV vaccine was first made available to adolescent girls in 2006 and subsequently to boys prior to their sexual maturation.

Between 2012 and 2019, the United States had a 65% decline in the rate of cervical cancer in people in their 20s. Researchers hypothesize that this decline “foreshadows” a subsequent decline in cervical cancer rates in that region and is caused by the introduction of the HPV vaccine in 2006.

REFERENCES:

https://ascopost.com/news/october-2023/induction-chemotherapy-and-subsequent-chemoradiation-may-improve-survival-and-recurrence-rates-in-patients-with-cervical-cancer/
https://dailyreporter.esmo.org/esmo-congress-2023/top-news/induction-chemotherapy-before-crt-improves-outcomes-in-locally-advanced-cervical-cancer
https://www.oncnursingnews.com/view/induction-chemotherapy-improves-chemoradiation-success-in-locally-advanced-cervical-cancer

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Worldwide, non-melanoma skin malignancies caused more fatalities than melanoma because they are far more prevalent. Skin cancer rates may be rising in part due to the aging population. Skin cancer that is non-melanoma is curable and, in most circumstances, preventative.

According to a study being presented at the European Academy of Dermatology and Neurology Congress 2023, non-melanoma skin malignancies now account for more deaths globally than melanoma alone. The prevalence of non-melanoma skin cancers is so great that even though they are less lethal than melanomas, the number of fatalities from them is larger, according to the study’s authors. In contrast to the 324,635 occurrences of melanoma, there were approximately 1.2 million cases of non-melanoma skin cancer in 2020. According to the study, non-melanoma skin cancers caused 63,700 deaths globally and 78% of all skin cancer cases in 2020. At the same time, 57,000 people died from melanoma.

What to know about skin cancers other than melanoma

Skin cancers other than melanoma grow slowly in the top layers of the skin. Squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma are common varieties. These malignancies are easier to cure and have a lower propensity to spread to other parts of the body. In spite of relatively low death rates, the study’s authors noted that fair-skinned and older people in the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Australia, and Italy experience a high incidence rate of skin cancer. The researchers point out that skin cancer risk exists even in nations with a significant population of people with dark complexion.

“This study offers a fascinating look into the incidence and fatality rates of skin cancer around the world. According to Dr. Michele Green, a cosmetic dermatologist at Northwell Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City who was not involved in the study, “It is interesting that the availability of dermatologists in a given area did not correlate with melanoma incidence or mortality rates, suggesting that other factors besides dermatologist density successfully decrease mortality-to-incidence ratios. “It is also surprising to see how high the mortality rate for non-melanoma skin cancers is, as most would assume melanoma to be the most lethal skin cancer type,” she said in an interview with Medical News Today.

The increase in cases of non-melanoma skin cancer

Dr. Brian Toy, a dermatologist and clinical professor in the School of Medicine at the University of Southern California who was not involved in the study, said that historically, melanoma has a much higher risk of death than non-melanoma skin cancers like basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, which are typically not life-threatening. Despite important developments in treating metastatic melanoma with immunotherapy, which has essentially supplanted conventional chemotherapy, Toy stated to Medical News Today that this is still the case. Immunotherapy has significantly improved patients’ chances of surviving, especially those with metastatic melanoma.

“In this study, the absolute number of patient deaths attributed to non-melanoma skin cancer did exceed those with melanoma, but that is only because the sheer number of non-melanoma skin cancers (1,198,073) far exceeded the number of melanomas (324,635),” he continued. “An analogy would be to compare the number of fatalities from motor vehicles to those from motorcycles. Despite the fact that driving a car is statistically safer than riding a motorbike, there are more car accidents every year because so many more people drive than ride bikes. People ought to visit a dermatologist frequently. The doctor checks for non-melanoma skin cancers during routine checkups and advises early treatment to stop them from progressing to a life-threatening stage.

Non-melanoma skin cancer incidence and mortality rates are rising, according to Green, for a number of reasons. One of them is the aging of the world’s population. As we become older, our cumulative exposure to UV radiation raises our risk of getting skin cancer. Another reason is the thinning of our ozone layer. By absorbing UV rays, the ozone layer shields our atmosphere from harm.

Unless it has personally touched them, a friend, or a family member, “patients in the United States are generally unaware of the signs and symptoms of skin cancer,” Toy added. “Countries with a skin cancer epidemic, like Australia and New Zealand, where the incidence is extremely high due to the sheer number of fair-skinned people living in a sunny climate, have much more awareness.” The authors propose that stepping up public education campaigns about risk factors can be beneficial. In order to manage the condition, programs should include dermatologists, general practitioners, and other medical professionals.

The report offers incidence and death statistics for every country, including those where they are significantly higher than in the United States. Dr. Trevan Fischer, a surgical oncologist and assistant professor of surgical oncology for Saint’s John’s Cancer Institute at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in California who was not involved in the study, notes that it also lumps several types of non-melanoma skin cancers together. “Kaposi sarcoma and Merkel cell carcinoma are two additional, extremely uncommon, but potentially aggressive forms of skin cancer. The death rates increased as a result of their being included with non-melanoma malignancies. According to Fischer, Medical News Today, basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas have substantially lower mortality rates.

He continued, “The other question regarding death rates is, did the patients die from the skin cancer or another health condition, but they had skin cancer?” For instance, if someone has a kidney transplant and later dies from a heart attack, did they pass away from kidney disease or did they pass away from a heart attack while they were suffering from kidney illness? These are two distinct objects.

Treatment for non-melanoma skin cancer

The kind, size, and location of skin cancer all affect how it is treated. Except in cases when the tumor is deep or has migrated to other parts of the body, dermatologists are able to treat the majority of cases of non-melanoma skin cancer. After that, an oncologist is frequently contacted. Excision and Mohs surgery are two surgical alternatives for treating the condition, according to Green. “A biopsy is taken during excision surgery and sent to a lab to make sure there is no trace of cancer still present. During Mohs surgery, the lesion is removed one layer at a time. A pathologist examines each layer as it is removed to check for abnormal cells, and the process is continued until there are no aberrant cells left in the tissue.

Cryosurgery or curettage and electrodesiccation may be suggested by your doctor if surgery is not an option, she continued. “Curettage and electrodesiccation involves scraping the lesion’s surface with a curette before burning the residual lesion with a hyfrecator. In order to treat superficial lesions, cryosurgery uses liquid nitrogen; it can be used alone or after curettage and electrodesiccation. A topical treatment called fluorouracil, which prevents the abnormal cells from dividing, can also be used to treat some basal cell carcinomas, according to Green.

REFERENCES:

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/why-non-melanoma-skin-cancer-is-now-more-deadly-than-melanoma-worldwide
https://www.news-medical.net/news/20231010/Non-melanoma-skin-cancer-causing-greater-number-of-global-deaths-than-melanoma-study-finds.aspx
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9339183/

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