Tuesday February 9, 2010
According to a new study, drinking a little as two sodas a week can increase your risk of developing pancreatic cancer by 87 percent. The University of Minnesota School of Public Health followed over 60,000 participants and evaluated their dietary intake, to include soda and juice consumption. Their findings show a link between drinking at least two sodas a week increased a person's risk of the disease. Diet sodas and juice did not.
The reason for the risk increase? Some researchers are hypothesizing that the sugar content is the culprit. More sugar equals more insulin. Remember that insulin is produced by the pancreas in response to increased blood sugar. In some studies, insulin has been shown to support cancer cell growth. Juice, while high in sugar, is hardly consumed in large amounts like soda. You never see people drinking 64 ounces of apple juice in one sitting (a la Super Big Gulp) like you do with soda.
Should You Stop Drinking Soda?
More studies need to be done to confirm the link between soft drinks and cancer. However, drinking lots of soda is not good you for many other reasons. Tooth decay, risk of being overweight and obese through excessive empty calories and high sugar content, and its possible link to osteoporosis and diabetes are just a few reason why you should limit your soda intake.
Sunday February 7, 2010
A lot of misconceptions exist about the CA-125 test for ovarian cancer. The test, in a limited and many times fallible capacity, can detect the disease in some women. It measures the amount of a certain protein in the blood that is sometimes elevated in women with ovarian cancer. Sounds great - right?
In some cases, absolutely. In others, not so much. The CA-125 ovarian cancer screening test has the potential to be a an ovarian screening test for at average risk women, but definitely not today. Here's why...
Thursday February 4, 2010
February 4th marks World Cancer Day, a day that bring global awareness to the disease. This year's theme is "Cancer Can Be Prevented Too" and focuses on the avoiding the common causes of cancer. This is an increased concentration this year of raising awareness about infections that cause cancer.
One of the first cancer causing infection that comes to mind is HPV, which is implicated in the development of cervical cancer and also oral cancer. HPV is a suspected cause of other types of cancer as well and it's role is being researched. HIV and Hepatitis are two other viral infections that can increase your risk of developing cancer. Less common infections like the Epstein-Barr virus, Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpes virus, and Human T-lymphotrophic virus-1. Cancer remains a global leading cause of death.
While some cases of cancer cannot be prevented, many of them can with simple lifestyle changes. Avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol consumption are two excellent ways to considerably cut your cancer risk. Don't forget that a healthy diet and regular exercise play an important role in your overall health, and this includes cancer prevention. Check out these 8 easy ways to prevent cancer.
We want to know: What are you doing to prevent cancer? Leave your cancer prevention tips and stories in the "Comments" section below!
Wednesday February 3, 2010
Spring is just around the corner and that means most of us will be spending more time outdoors. Drugstores are already bulking up their tanning and sun protection aisles with numerous sprays, lotions, and oils. While having a large selection is important, it can be downright overwhelming! UVB this and SPF that... throw UVAs in the mix and the confusion begins! Study up on sunscreen basics before you go to the store. This way you will know exactly what product you need, what type of protection you are looking for and hopefully you will be in an out in under 15 minutes!
What You Need to Know About Sunscreen:
