SAN FRANCISCO, May 20 (UPI) — Snoring, one of the main symptoms of sleep disordered breathing, may be linked to cancer death, U.S. researchers say.

Study leader Dr. Javier Nieto of the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health and colleagues found the study participants with severe sleep disordered breathing were almost five times more likely to die of cancer than those not affected by the problem, the Daily Telegraph reported.

The researchers said the link may be due to breathing problems causing an inadequate supply of oxygen — intermittent hypoxia, or oxygen starvation — promoted tumor growth in mice with skin cancer.

Lack of oxygen might stimulate the generation of blood vessels that nourish tumors — a process known as angiogenesis, the researchers said.

Scientists looked at 22 years of data from studies involving sleep problems of 1,522 people sleep problems.

People with mild sleep disordered breathing were just 0.1 times more likely to die from cancer than those without the problem, but those with moderate sleep disordered breathing doubled the chances of cancer death, while severe sleep disordered breathing increased the risk 4.8 times, the study said.

The findings were presented at the American Thoracic Society conference in San Francisco and are scheduled to be published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.

Bladder cancer begins in the bladder, a central organ in the urinary system. The National Cancer Institute reports that 14,880 people will die from bladder cancer and 73,510 new cases of the disease will be diagnosed this year.

Causes“The initial step in all cancer development is damage to cellular DNA, specifically in genes that regulate growth,” says Michael a. Smith, a doctor with Life Extension of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

The kidneys filter carcinogens (a substance that causes cancer) out of the body. The Official Foundation of the American Urological Association reports that before removal via urination, these carcinogens can rest in the bladder for several hours. The carcinogens damage the urothelium (the bladder’s lining), which is where over 90 percent of all bladder cancers begin.

Most bladder tumors are found in the urothelium or the lamina propria, connective tissue between the lining and bladder muscle.

Experts estimate that cigarette smoking accounts for approximately 50 percent of all bladder cancer instances in the United States. Long-term exposure to chemical compounds (paints, solvents) is responsible for 20 to 25 percent of bladder cancer.

Caucasians and men are more likely to develop bladder cancer than other ethnic groups and women.

SymptomsHematuria, blood in the urine, is the main symptom of bladder cancer, according to the American Bladder Cancer Society. Other common warnings signs include dysuria (painful urination), lower back pain, recurrent urinary tract infections and overactive bladder.

DiagnosisDoctors use several tests to diagnose bladder cancer. Urine cytology, cystoscopy, transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) and imaging tests are common methods, reports the Mayo Clinic.

A urine cytology is the analysis of a urine sample to detect possible cancer cells.

A cystoscopy entails inserting a cystoscope, a type of narrow tube with a lens and lighting system, into the urethra. The doctor can assess the inside of the bladder and urethra.

Imaging test (CT scans, X-rays, MRIs) are used to analyze the urinary tract. after the confirmation of bladder cancer, these may be used to understand the stage of the cancer’s development.

There are four stages of bladder cancer, depending on the location to which the cancer has spread: only in the urothelium, inside the bladder wall, nearby tissue–prostate or vagina/uterus, and expanded into lymph nodes and beyond.

Yair Lotan, an associate professor of urology at UT Southwestern Medical Center, says  newly diagnosed individuals should “get an initial transurethral resection to stage the tumor. Treatments depend on the depth of penetration of the tumor and grade of the tumor.”

TreatmentThe Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network reports that different treatments should be applied for bladder cancers of various grades at differing stages.

Cystectomy is a surgery that removes the entire bladder, which necessitates another surgery to create a new path for the body to remove urine.

More threatening, but still non-invasive, tumors, require more extreme therapies, such as immunotherapy, a biological therapy that mobilizes the body’s immune system against the cancer.

Smith called attention to a new treatment called photodynamic therapy, which uses a drug and a certain type of laser light to kill cancer cells, which minimizes damage to healthy cells.

Finally, doctors may use chemotherapy when bladder cancer invades the nearby lymph nodes (tiny glands that stores white blood cells).

Skin cancer is a disease characterized by an abnormal development of skin cells. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, more than 3.5 million skin cancers are diagnosed in over 2 million people every year. new skin cancer diagnoses in the United States outnumber that of breast, prostate, lung and colon cancer combined, reports the Environmental Protection Agency.

Types of skin cancerThere are three major types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma.

Basal and squamous cell skin cancers (considered non-melanomas) start at the base of the skin’s outer layer (the epidermis) in the basal and squamous cells.

Melanoma skin cancer starts in the cells that produce skin coloring, the melanocytes. Although less common, melanoma is the most severe type of skin cancer, accounting for near 9,000 of the 12,000 skin cancers deaths each year, according to the American Cancer Society. the overall five-year survival rate for melanoma is 91 percent.

CausesUltraviolet radiation exposure from sunlight damages the DNA in skin cells, causing skin cancer. Julie Moore, a dermatologist at Gottlieb Memorial Hospital, says that recent research reinforces that the sun exposure received early in life directly correlates to basal cell carcinoma.

If you spend a lot of time in the sun, use tanning beds or live in a region with intense sunlight (the Caribbean, northern Australia), you have a far greater chance of contracting the disease. Dermatologist Coyle Connolly says recent research shows a disturbing link between sun and tanning bed radiation and the subsequent development of skin cancer.

Caucasians are 10 times more likely to develop melanoma than African Americans. Whites with fair, sunburn-susceptible skin and freckles are the most likely to develop skin cancer. Men are at a greater risk of developing skin cancer than women. Exposure to chemicals such arsenic, coal and industrial tar has been argued to increase your risk status.

To help prevent skin cancer, you should seek shade during midday hours, wear protective clothing (such as hats and sunglasses), apply sun screen with at least SPF 15 and UVA/UVB protection, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises.

SymptomsThe Skin Cancer Foundation reports that basal cell carcinoma’s symptoms include a non-healing open sore, a reddish patch, a shiny bump, a pink growth or a scar-like area. these can resemble other skin conditions, such as psoriasis or eczema, so you should visit a medical professional to determine the underlying cause.

Squamous cell carcinomas usually manifest as a thick, scaly patch that can crust or ooze. Elevated or wart-like growths and persistent open sores that sporadically bleed are two other common symptoms.

Although brown spots and moles are typically harmless, atypical moles can be an early sign of melanoma. Cancerous moles may be asymmetrical, have uneven borders, vary in color, have a diameter larger than one-fourth of an inch and evolve over time. Bleeding, itching and crusting can also occur.

DiagnosisA dermatologist must examine the skin for the above symptoms to properly diagnose a patient. the American Academy of Dermatology explains that a dermatologist will use a dermoscope–a device that illuminates and magnifies skin–to analyze pigment and structures. If she or he finds a potentially cancerous piece of skin, the doctor will perform a biopsy: extract the questionable skin and send it to a lab for testing. this quick and easy procedure can determine whether the patient has cancer.

“Skin cancer research tells us that diagnoses are happening in younger patients and also earlier in the disease so that the recovery and survival rate is greater,” reports Moore.

TreatmentThe National Cancer Institute documented the four standard treatments for non-melanoma skin cancer: surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and photodynamic therapy.

With Mohs micrographic surgery, the surgeon cuts thin layers from the skin until all visible cancer cells have been removed. this technique minimizes the amount of healthy skin removed. other surgeries include electrodesiccation and curettage, simple excision, shave excision, cryosurgery, laser surgery and dermabrasion

Radiation therapy kills cancer sells with high-energy X-rays and other forms of radiation.

Chemotherapy uses drugs–taken by mouth or injected into the muscle or vein–to halt cancer cell growth.

Photodynamic therapy attempts to kill cancer cells with a drug and a laser light. After the drug is ingested, a light is shined onto the skin, activating the drug to destroy cancerous cells.

Treatment for melanoma skin cancer differs but some of the methods are the same. the four standard approaches to curing melanoma are surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and biologic therapy. Surgery is the first step for melanoma at all stages of development. Each surgical procedure seeks to remove the tumor: local excision, wide local excision, lymphadenectomy, skin grafting and sentinel lymph node biopsy.

Radiation therapy and chemotherapy seek the same ends for melanoma skin cancer as non-melanoma skin cancer. Biologic therapy, also called immunotherapy, battles the cancer with the patient’s immune system. this treatment seeks to revive the body’s natural defenses.

For more information, you can visit the American Cancer Society, the National Cancer Institute or the Skin Cancer Foundation.

Get a quick, Free and Painless 10-Minute Check-up that could Save Your Life!

John Theurer Cancer Center at HackensackUMC, one of the nation’s 50 best cancer centers, is partnering with the Head and Neck Cancer Alliance to bring the community free cancer screenings in observance of the 15th Annual Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Week. The screenings will be available on a first come, first served basis on Tuesday, may 1 from 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

“unfortunately, 50 percent of people with head and neck cancers have advanced cases by the time they first see a doctor,” said Arie Rosen, M.D., Head and Neck surgeon at Hackensack UMC, and Brian Benson, M.D., Co- Chief, Head and Neck Oncology, John Theurer Cancer Center. “The good news is that a simple check-up can detect the early stages of many of these cancers, giving patients a much better chance for a successful outcome with preservation of function. Don’t let something treatable go untreated, take 10 minutes and get screened.” Oral, head, and neck cancers are a serious problem in the United States, with more than 50,000 new cases per year. if caught early, many of these cancers are treatable, and frequently curable with preserved function. While some head and neck cancers can produce symptoms in early stages such as hoarseness in laryngeal cancer, others can be quite difficult for a patient to detect until they become more advanced. “Head and neck cancers are particularly dangerous because symptoms are often mistaken for other ailments, unnoticed, or completely ignored,” said Kenneth J. Colameo, D.M.D. of Barbieri, Colameo & Berardo, Associates in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, P.C. whose team of oral surgeons will participate in the screenings. “something as minor as a mouth sore that won’t heal or a persistent sore throat or ear pain, while probably nonthreatening, is certainly worth looking into.” Although it is worthwhile for adults of all ages to get screened, there are some people who are at a much higher risk than others. Tobacco and alcohol users traditionally have been considered the populations at greatest risk for oral, head, and neck cancers, however oral cancers have been on the rise particularly in non smoking young adults due partly to the increase exposure to the human papillomavirus (HPV), providing one more reason to get screened regularly. these cancers are particularly difficult to detect because they usually occur on the back of the tongue or on the tonsils, in patients that were traditionally thought to belong to a low risk group, and because the early symptoms can be vague and mimic a throat infection. “When oral, head and neck cancers are diagnosed early, these potentially deadly diseases can be more easily treated without significant complications, and the chances of survival increase significantly,” said Terry Day, M.D., President of the Head and Neck Cancer Alliance. “Many Americans do not recognize the symptoms of these cancers, which underscores the importance of everyone getting screened properly, not just those at high risk such as tobacco and alcohol users.” “We are pleased to partner with the Head and Neck Cancer Alliance to offer this important screening event for our communities in New Jersey,” said Andrew L. Pecora, M.D., F.A.C.P., C.P.E., Chief Innovations Officer and Professor and Vice President of Cancer Services, John Theurer Cancer Center. You do not need to make an appointment to participate in the screening, and walk-ins will be seen on a first come, first served basis. The screenings will be held on the first floor of the John Theurer Cancer Center at 92 Second Street in Hackensack, NJ. this event is open to the community, but you must be 18 years or older to participate. for questions, please contact Kaitlyn Ruitenberg at or 201-540-7309. About the John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center is among the nation’s top 50 U.S. News and World Report Best Hospitals for cancer – the only cancer center in New Jersey with this designation. it is New Jersey’s largest and most comprehensive cancer center dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment, management, research, screenings, preventive care, as well as survivorship of patients with all types of cancer. Each year, more people in the New Jersey/New York metropolitan area turn to the John Theurer Cancer Center for cancer care than to any other facility in New Jersey. The 14 specialized divisions feature a team of medical, research, nursing, and support staff with specialized expertise that translates into more advanced, focused care for all patients. The John Theurer Cancer Center provides comprehensive multidisciplinary care, state of the art technology, access to clinical trials, compassionate care and medical expertise—all under one roof. for more information please visit jtcancercenter.org . About the Head and Neck Cancer Alliance The Head and Neck Cancer Alliance (HNCA) was established in 2008 to create a coalition in the fight against head and neck cancer. formerly the Yul Brynner Head and Neck Cancer Foundation, HNCA expands on existing strengths to enhance the overall effort in prevention, detection, treatment and rehabilitation. our mission includes public awareness, research, advocacy, and survivorship. HNCA seeks to enable an organized and strategic alliance of all stakeholders to dramatically shift the stage of discovery of head and neck cancers through united and collaborative efforts in prevention, early detection and research.

As mothers, all we want is for our kids to be happy and healthy, right? And I think it’s safe to say that we’d do pretty much anything in the world to ensure their well being and safety, even if it means putting ourselves in harm’s way.

A woman in the U.K. named Sarah Brook was put to the ultimate test when she had to choose between possibly saving her own life or saving the life of her unborn baby. When she was six months pregnant with her daughter, she got the devastating news that she was battling bowel cancer. She’d been suffering from back aches and morning sickness, which are two symptoms that can typically be attributed to pregnancy — and she was no doubt shocked when she learned that she actually had a life threatening disease.

Sarah was faced with a gut wrenching dilemma when she had to choose whether to start chemotherapy and risk the life of her baby, or to delay treatment altogether in the hopes that her child might live.

Ultimately, she decided that the life of her baby was more important than her own, so she put off chemo and wound up delivering her baby girl, Polly Jean, premature at 27 weeks. 

The baby is now 4 weeks old, and her condition is improving — and odds are good that she will go on to lead a full and happy life. but sadly, 32-year-old Sarah is nearing the end of her fight. the cancer has spread to her lungs, pancreas, neck, and intestines. And this is a battle she knows she isn’t going to win. Doesn’t that make you want to break down and cry? This is seriously one of the most heartbreaking and unfair things I’ve ever heard of a mother having to go through.

Holding her tiny baby in her arms and knowing that she won’t live to see her grow up is beyond devastating. but at the same time, I can’t help but feel inspired by her selflessness and her incredible love and devotion for her child. I mean, the thought must have crossed her mind more than once that delaying her treatment may cost her the ultimate price, but she still chose to put the health of her child above her own survival. if that doesn’t speak volumes about the level of unconditional love in her heart, then I don’t know what does.

Knowing her time with her baby girl is running out, I’m sure she’s savoring every single second she has to cuddle her, smell her tiny, perfect little head, and tell her how much she loves her. This little girl may not remember her mother growing up, but hearing the story of the incredible sacrifice she made will remind her of just how much she loved and cherished her — even before she was born.

I only hope that Sarah can find some peace in the fact that she saved her baby’s life, and that her legacy will live on in her daughter forever.

What would you do if you were faced with a decision like Sarah’s?

Image via Family O’Abé/Flickr

Family history key to cancer awareness

12:30pm Monday 9th April 2012 in News

Dr Barry Taylor

CHECK your family history is the key message from doctors at Warrington Hospital who are raising awareness of bowel cancer.

The national ‘be clear on cancer’ campaign has been encouraging anyone who experiences changes in their bowel habits or blood when they go to the toilet, to visit their GP.

Dr Barry Taylor, consultant general colon and rectal surgeon, said: “Patients shouldn’t be embarrassed about visiting their doctor if symptoms persist for six weeks.

“There are four surgeons at this trust and it’s what we do all day long.

“Family history can be very significant as a mother or father who has had bowel cancer under the age of 50 would mean a higher chance of being diagnosed.”

as one of the most common cancers, particularly in older patients, a national bowel cancer screening programme has recently been rolled out across the country for over 60s.

mr Taylor added: “Patients main worries are if it can be cured, what is the treatment involved and are they going to survive.

“If we catch it early it is eminently treatable and curable and the majority of patients tend to do very well.”

Patient Eric Hand, from Stockton Heath, was diagnosed with bowel cancer in April 2010 after experiencing diarrhoea and spells of feeling weak.

He was told the tumour was small, operable and curable and had the support of his wife Julie, who works as a district administrator at Warrington Hospital.

The 65-year-old said: “Before I started my treatment I used to drive past Clatterbridge and think ‘I hope I never end up there’ but it’s a fantastic place.”

Eric, who had his own sign-making business, had five days of radiotherapy before a colostomy operation which was later reversed.

He added: “Now I’ve never felt better.

“I’ve had a lot of men asking me about my symptoms because they have been experiencing the same thing but didn’t want to talk to their doctor about it.

“My treatment was fantastic and if something isn’t right you should get it checked.”

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Rattanapan Pansri only wished to hear some good news from the second doctor about her husband who was earlier diagnosed as suffering the final stage of colon cancer. unfortunately, the second opinion turned things from bad to worse.

“The first doctor said my husband would die within four months. And at that time our three kids were still very young. I didn’t know what to do,” recalled Rattanapan. “We sought a second opinion and the situation got even worse. The second doctor told us that our primary doctor lied and that the truth was my husband would not live longer than two months.”

Rattanapan’s husband, Kampon, decided to undergo an operation to remove parts of his damaged colon while the rest of the colon, unfortunately, still did not function well. while Kampon saw no improvement in his condition after the operation and got weaker every day, Rattanapan was forced to think about preparing for a funeral.

But while conventional medicine was not able to save her husband’s life, Rattanapan finally found hope in a herbal remedy _ pak-king grass.

“I realised many years ago I used to feed pak-king grass to my father who was then suffering skin cancer and, surprisingly, his condition improved. So I thought why not try this with my husband. I started preparing pak-king grass juice for him twice a day. My husband was taking it regularly for 12 years. now it has been almost 22 years since his cancer diagnosis and now the doctor finds no trace of malignancy in his body,” said Rattanapan, a retired nurse.

Chananya Songprapa shared similar positive experiences with pak-king grass after the weed, which was thought to originate from Yunnan, China, successfully kept her psoriasis _ a chronic inflammatory skin disease _ at bay.

“The disease started with itching especially in the areas underneath the clothes. And the more I scratched, the more pus-filled and yellowish bumps developed,” recounted Chananya, a finance and budget officer. Symptoms of psoriasis involve the abnormal and rapid proliferation of skin cells which bring about thickened and red skin. The disorder is caused by an abnormal immune system.

Chananya visited a doctor and was prescribed three doses of medication both for oral and external use. Despite no improvement, she was advised by her doctor to stop taking the medicine after finishing all the doses to prevent chemical accumulation in her body. she decided to try pak-king grass as recommended by one of her friends. she bought ready-to-drink pak-king grass juice from a supermarket and drank one bottle every other day. only one month later, the pus-filled bumps dried out, the affected areas got much smaller and there was almost no more itching.

Murdannia bracteata or pak-king grass is sometimes referred to as Ya Tevada , or cure-all grass.

“I have been dependent on pak-king grass juice regularly for 10 years so far. I used to stop [drinking] it for a few months and then I started to itch again. now the skin disease is cured. My doctor was astonished,” said Chananya.

Pak-king grass or Murdannia bracteata has become more popular as an alternative cure among patients who fall victim to several diseases especially cancer. According to Supaporn Pitiporn, chief pharmacist of the Chao Phraya Abhaibhubejhr Hospital, even though cutting-edge medical technology to conquer cancer is now widely available, surprisingly the number of patients suffering cancer has been constantly on the rise.

“Currently the number of cancer patients in Thailand increases by 23% each year which accounts for approximately 240,000 newly diagnosed cases annually. And about 60,000 Thais die of cancer each year,” said Supaporn.

To back up the effectiveness of pak-king grass as a cancer remedy, Assoc Prof Wisuda Suwittayawat, head of the Medicinal Plant Information Centre, Mahidol University’s Faculty of Pharmacy, cited laboratory trials on mice and explained that pak-king grass contains anti-inflammatory and anti-mutation properties.

“Scientifically speaking, pak-king grass can help cut down two enzymes called cyclooxygenase and lipooxygenase, which are responsible for inflammation. At the same time, chemicals called bracteanolide a and B in pak-king grass can help reduce inducible nitric oxide which also leads to inflammation,” she said.

Wisuda also added that pak-king grass is proven to be effective in preventing mutation of cells. The grass also alleviates side effects caused by conventional cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy including nausea, drastic weight loss and burning.

“Pak-king grass also boosts the production of DT-diaphorase _ an enzyme whose function is to get rid of toxic substances that can be the cause of cancer. it also stimulates the body’s immune system and the production of enzymes which act as antioxidant agents,” noted the pharmacist, adding that there has not yet been any clinical trial on humans regarding the effectiveness of the herbal healer.

Notwithstanding the plant’s health-related benefits, Wisuda recommended that pak-king grass should be consumed in moderate quantity. Fresh pak-king grass leaves contain a high amount of calcium crystals so if consumed too much, it could bring about calcium crystallisation in the kidneys.

“So if you want to take pak-king grass regularly to keep your cancer or other diseases at bay, I would suggest you take it in the form of juice as the calcium crystals found in pak-king grass leaves would be broken down during the juice-making process,” advised Wisuda.

Those who are not diagnosed as suffering cancer, however, have no need to take pak-king grass as a preventive shield against malignancy.

“There is no way we could eat all types of herbs to prevent all diseases. If you do so, it means you put too much unnecessary workload on your liver and kidneys,” noted Wisuda. “Therefore, just like any other types of herbs, I would suggest that they are consumed properly and appropriately. otherwise, your liver and kidneys will have to work very hard to get rid of what exceeds the body’s requirement.”

“So the best defence against diseases is to consume adequate nutritional intakes each day, avoid grilled food which contains a high amount of hydrocarbon believed to potentially cause cancer, have enough rest and exercise regularly. When it comes to health, bear in mind that too much of something is not good.”

Pak-king grass

HOW TO PREPARE THE HERBAL REMEDY

RECIPE 1 Pak-king grass concentrate

This is the most popular pak-king grass preparation method. Rinse pak-king grass with water. Dip the entire grass (including leaves, trunks and roots) in saline or vinegar solution (two teaspoons of salt or vinegar per one litre of water) for 20 minutes. Pound three grass leaves using a clay or wooden mortar until it becomes a paste. Add two tablespoons of boiled water. then strain it through white thin cotton cloth. The correct dose for adults is two tablespoons of grass juice twice a day: 30 minutes before breakfast and at bedtime, while children are advised to reduce the dose to  to 1 tablespoon.

Ideally, this recipe should be prepared by using fresh pak-king grass. And the drink should not be kept overnight.

RECIPE 2 Steamed pak-king grass

Steam about 10 pak-king grass leaves until they become very soft and tender. this should take approximately eight hours. The liquid from the steaming process can be sipped all day, but it should not be kept overnight.

RECIPE 3 Pak-king grass juice

Put 6-7 pak-king grass leaves as well as half a glass of water in a juicer. Add apples or other seasonal fruits and juice them together. Drink three glasses of this pak-king juice per day.

PRECAUTIONS Possible side effects of pak-king grass concentrate, after being consumed for seven to 10 days, include sleeping difficulties and bad mood. Some people will experience dark-colour urine or faeces. these conditions are signs that the grass is taking effect and will later disappear. after taking pak-king grass concentrate for more than 20 days, if the disease does not improve, patients should stop the remedy. this reaction suggests the body does not respond to the herb.

Pak-king grass is categorised as a cold herb. those with low body temperature are therefore advised to add a few slices of ginger or Chinese wolfberries during the grass preparation process.

Contact the Chao Phraya Abhaibhubejhr Hospital’s Medicinal Plant Information Centre on 037-211-289 or 086-149-5656.

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Surgeon’s caution after increase in cases of gullet cancer

4:00pm Sunday 25th March 2012 in News

DOCTORS are urging people not to ignore the first symptoms of gullet cancer after an increase in cases.

Dr Martin Brett, from Warrington Hospital, is supporting the national ‘be clear on cancer’ campaign and said while stomach cancer is becoming a little less frequent, the number of cases of gullet cancer are rising.

the consultant general and gastrointestinal surgeon added: “The main symptoms include people feeling like food is sticking in their chests when they swallow, persistent pain in the upper part of their stomach, tiredness, losing their appetite, losing weight and vomiting.

“If the symptoms are there for four weeks our advice is to go see your GP. we can then use cameras to investigate if there is a problem and whether it has spread to other tissue.”

it is thought an increase in the number of gullet cancer cases could partly be down to acid reflux, which increases after a patient puts on weight.

Mr Brett, who has a special interest in oesophago-gastric cancer, added that the majority of cases are curable but it is important for doctors to catch it as early as possible.

Margaret Marks, clinical nurse at the hospital for 29 years, added: “Some people just put the symptoms down to old age and the perception of some elderly people appears to be that they can’t be treated but that’s not the case.”

great Sankey resident Jock McGire, aged 81, is living proof of that after he had to have part of his stomach removed in February 2010 when he was diagnosed with stomach cancer.

He is now recovering well and praised hospital staff for their care.

Jock said: “I was being sick so I went to the doctor – thanks to them there’s a few more years left in me.

“I try to eat soft things now like mashed potato and eat little and often. I do get a pain if I overdo it but overall I feel great.”

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A simple blood test capable of identifying lung cancer at an early stage is to be trialled by the NHS on thousands of smokers.

It his hoped the new test, developed in Britain and already piloted in the US, will drastically cut death rates, reduce medical bills and lead to an overhaul in the way cancer is diagnosed and treated.

Sir Harry Burns, Scotland’s chief medical officer, said the trial would involve 10,000 patients, mainly smokers, identified as having a higher risk of developing the disease. If successful, the £200-per-person procedure could be rolled out across the rest of the country.

“The earlier a cancer is diagnosed the greater the chance it can be treated successfully, and currently 85% of patients with lung cancer remain undiagnosed until the disease has reached an advanced stage,” Burns said. He said the detection programme aimed to increase early diagnosis by 25%.

Known as EarlyCDT-Lung, the test tracks increases in blood antibody levels that could signal the onset of cancer. Patients with raised levels will be referred for a CT scan – the x-ray-style imaging currently used to detect the disease.

Burns said the test would lead to greatly increased cancer survival rates. “By testing those at greatest risk of developing lung cancer and diagnosing it at its earliest possible stage, we stand a better chance of being able to treat it successfully,” he said.

Lung cancer claims about 35,000 lives a year in Britain and diagnosis is rarely made early enough to ensure effective treatment. about 93% of patients die within five years of the onset of symptoms.

Test developer John Robertson, professor of surgery at the University of Nottingham, said early trials in the US had improved the prognosis for a substantial number of patients. He said new breakthroughs were expected that would eventually identify all forms of the disease.

“We are working hard on bringing the next test for the early detection of breast cancer to the market within a year. we are also working on a number of similar tests for prostate, colon and ovarian cancer. a blood test to aid detection of all tumour cancers is still the overriding objective of our work.”

It is hoped that increasing survival rates will create major savings for the health service.

Once the Scottish trials are complete, it is understood the NHS will examine whether it is cost-effective for use in mass screening. If the results are positive, the UK national screening committee, which advises the government and the NHS, will decide how checks can be rolled out to millions of smokers across the country.

The OSU Medical Center is especially focused on preventing the disease of colon cancer. Colorectal cancer, or colon cancer, is the second-leading cancer killer in the United States and the fourth worldwide. more than 143,000 new cases of cancers of the colon or rectum are expected in the U.S. this year and it is estimated that 52,000 people will die from it, according to the Center of Disease Control and Prevention. however, if more people were regularly screened for this cancer, at least 60 percent of deaths from colon cancer could be avoided.

People age 50 and older should be regularly screened for colon cancer. Screenings can find polyps in the colon or rectum. these polyps, if undetected, can lead to colon cancer. if polyps are found during a screening they can be removed before they turn into cancer. Early detection of polyps or cancer is important, and, if found early, the chance of being cured is good.

David James D.O., F.a.C.G., is director of the Endoscopy Center at OSUMC and professor of medicine at OSU-CHS. he explains that there are different screening tests used to find polyps or colon cancer. “The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends colon cancer screenings for men and women age 50 and older using high-sensitivity fecal occult blood testing (FOBT), sigmoidosocopy or colonoscopy. It’s important to talk to your doctor about these screenings. Most insurance plans and Medicare help pay for colon cancer screening tests,” says James.

The American Cancer Society has reported that only half of Americans aged 50 or older have received a screening for colon cancer. if everyone was screened as recommended, thousands of lives could be saved each year. Pre-cancerous polyps and early-stage colon cancer do not always have symptoms, especially at first. That’s why screenings are important to keep colon cancer away.

If you’d like to hear more about Colon Cancer and assess the risks, come to a FREE Community Talk entitled: “Am I at Risk for Colon Cancer” by Dr. David James. the talk will be Thursday, March 29th at 6 p.m. in the OSUMC Auditorium. Free blood pressure checks will be at 5:30 p.m. that evening. To register for the talk, call 918-560-8055.

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