First Overall Cancer Decline In Years

November 28, 2008 | Filed Under cancer, treatment | 1 Comment

According to a report issued by the National Cancer Institute, there is an overall decline in cancer incidence and deaths for the first time in a decade.

Incidence of all cancers dropped almost 1 percent a year from 1999 through 2005 and death rates dropped 1.8 percent each year from 2002 to 2005.

Some key drivers of the decrease include:

— Fewer lung cancer cases and deaths in men, a trend that has continued since the early 1990s. In women, lung cancer incidence is climbing and death rates are stable.

— A 2.2 percent drop in breast cancer incidence per year from 1999 through 2005. Experts believe that recent drops might be related to many women discontinuing the use of hormone replacement therapy.

— Incidence of colon cancer in women dropped 1.7 percent a year from 1996 to 2005. Incidence increased in men, but death rates for both genders dropped during the decade.

Overall, decreases have been driven by better technology, earlier detection and the promotion of lifestyle changes

While the report is heartening, experts emphasized that racial and geographic disparities persist. Further success in lowering incidence and deaths will depend upon financial and political commitments to fight cancer being met.

Pumpkin Pie is Good for You

November 22, 2008 | Filed Under health, nutrition | No Comments

That’s right, pumpkins contain carotenoids a substance with anti-cancer properties.  So this Thanksgiving, while eating that slice of pumpkin pie, in addition to eating something really tasty and sweet, you may also be saving your life.