Cancer in the headlines, January 22

Here are some cancer news updates for you this weekend.

The Cancer Genome Atlas Identifies Distinct Subtypes of Deadly Brain Cancer That May Lead to New Treatment Strategies
The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) Research Network reported an recent discovery with regards to glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), which is the most common form of malignant brain cancer in adults. A research study showed that GBM is not just one sole disease as previously thought but can actually be furthered classified into 4 different molecular subtypes. Depending on the subtype, the cancer responds differently to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. TCGA is part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). According to NIH Director Dr. Francis Collins:

“TCGA is mobilizing the entire cancer community to find new strategies in detecting and treating cancer faster. These findings are just a hint of what we expect to result from the comprehensive data generated by TCGA over the next few years.”

Indoor Tanning: The Risks of Ultraviolet Rays
The US FDA recently issued a consumer update on indoor tanning and the risks involved.

According to scientist Dr. Sharon Miller, FDA scientist and international UV radiation expert:

“Although some people think that a tan gives them a ‘healthy’ glow, any tan is a sign of skin damage… A tan is the skin’s reaction to exposure to UV rays. Recognizing exposure to the rays as an ‘insult,’ the skin acts in self-defense by producing more melanin, a pigment that darkens the skin. Over time, this damage will lead to prematurely aged skin and, in some cases, skin cancer.”

Maine to consider cell phone cancer warning
A legislator in the state of Maine is lobbying for cell phone warning. Maine Rep. Andrea Boland wants to require cell phones to carry warnings that they can cause brain cancer. San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom wants to do the same thing. The Maine leaders will be discussing Boland’s proposal this month. If agreed upon, Maine will be the first state to implement such as a warning, which are supposedly exists in some countries. Currently, scientists and health authorities are divided on the phone-cancer link. Scientific evidence has been mostly inconclusive

Patients with diabetes are at increased risk for pulmonary problems but not lung cancer
California researchers report that diabetes can lead to a decline in lung function that increases the risk for pulmonary problems such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pulmonary fibrosis, and pneumonia. The silver lining is that there is no increase in risk for lung cancer.

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