Women might want to make sure they don't skimp on the salads. The natural plant pigments that give carrots their signature orange hue and make leafy vegetables green also might help ward off breast cancer, especially in women who smoke, according to a recent study in the International Journal of Cancer.

Previous studies have suggested that eating foods high in carotenoids might protect against cancer. Researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health wanted to look specifically at what kind of impact eating carotenoid-rich foods might have on breast cancer risk. This was one of the largest studies on the subject, including more than 5,700 women with breast cancer, and nearly 6,400 women with no history of breast cancer. "Our large study population provided us with greater power to observe smaller associations," says lead author Laura Mignone, ScD, Postdoctoral Fellow at the Harvard School of Public Health.

The study participants were interviewed about their diet, and specifically about how many carotenoid-rich foods (including oranges, broccoli, carrots, romaine lettuce, and spinach) they ate each day or week.

Eating several servings of different fruits and vegetables each day didn't appear to lower breast cancer risk, but eating carotenoid-rich fruits and vegetables did seem to have an impact-at least on younger women. Premenopausal women who ate two or more servings of carotenoid-rich fruits and vegetables a day (especially foods high in the carotenoids alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, lutein/zeaxanthin, and vitamin A) had a 17 percent lower risk of breast cancer than women who ate fewer than four servings a week.

The benefits of a diet high in carotenoids were especially pronounced in smokers. Smokers with the highest vitamin A intake had a 25 percent lower breast cancer risk compared to those with the lowest vitamin A in their diet. Smoking leads to the formation of free radicals-harmful molecules that can trigger the cell damage that leads to cancer. Carotenoids, which are antioxidants, can protect against this damage. They also may prevent cancer cells from multiplying (proliferating).

The researchers aren't sure why only premenopausal women were protected, but they say the carotenoids might affect the estrogen exposure that can fuel the growth of breast cancer and other hormone- dependent cancers (estrogen production stops after menopause).

Surprisingly, the researchers found that eating foods high in one carotenoid-beta-cryptoxanthin-actually appeared to increase breast cancer risk in postmenopausal women who ate the greatest amounts. However, Dr. Mignone says this finding may be due to chance, because previous studies did not observe any increased breast cancer risk with beta- cryptoxanthin.

The discovery of a connection between carotenoids and reduced breast cancer risk gives women yet another reason to eat their fruits and vegetables daily. "This study contributes to the body of evidence that supports a protective association between dietary carotenoid intake and breast cancer risk," Dr. Mignone says. "Based on the results of this and previous studies, premenopausal women may want to increase their intake of carotenoid-rich fruits and vegetables." However, she cautions women against taking dietary supplements for this purpose, because high doses of beta-carotene from supplements have been linked to an increased risk of lung cancer.

Source:

Mignone LI, et al., Dietary carotenoids and the risk of invasive breast cancer. Int J Cancer. 2009;124:2929- 2937.

People who worked in asbestos textile plants during the period from the 1950s to 1970s face a significantly increased risk of lung cancer and death due to chrysotile asbestos exposure, according to a study published in the journal, Occupational and Environmental Medicine.

Asbestos has previously been linked to an increased risk of lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis (a chronic lung disorder). This study specifically looked at four North Carolina plants that produced textile products with chrysotile asbestos-the most commonly used form of this industrial fiber. Amosite and crocidolite are two lesser-used forms of asbestos. Past studies had raised questions about the potential of these different asbestos fibers to cause cancer.

In the current study, researchers looked at the asbestos exposures and medical histories of 5,770 workers who had been employed at the four North Carolina plants between 1950 and 1973. More than 2,500 of the workers died during the study period, 277 of them from lung cancer. The plant workers' rate of lung cancer was 95 percent higher than that of the general population, and their rate of death from all causes was 45 percent higher. The risk of mesothelioma was also significantly increased, as were mortality rates for other diseases associated with asbestos exposure, including cancers of the larynx and rectum, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and multiple myeloma.

The longer the workers were exposed to asbestos fibers, the greater their risk of developing lung cancer and asbestosis. Those who had been employed at the textile plant for 20 or more years faced the highest lung cancer risk. The cancer rate was also higher when several years had elapsed since the asbestos exposure (lung cancer takes many years to develop after a person has been exposed to asbestos).

This study addresses important questions about the cancer-causing potential of chrysotile asbestos, says lead author, Dana Loomis, PhD, Professor in the School of Community Health Sciences at the University of Nevada, Reno. Past research that did not find a clear link between chrysotile asbestos and mesothelioma included very few mesothelioma deaths. The current study, which had access to large numbers of exposed workers, as well as plant exposure data and medical histories, suggests that exposure to chrysotile asbestos does significantly increase the risk for mesothelioma, as well as lung cancer.

These findings could be crucial to policy decisions currently being made about the deregulation of chrysotile asbestos. "Our findings support the conclusion that chrysotile is carcinogenic [cancer causing] to humans and that it should continue to be regulated like other forms of asbestos," Dr. Loomis says. "The data do not provide any support for proposals that chrysotile is safe for wider use. This conclusion is especially relevant for developing countries where strong regulations on asbestos have not been established."

If you worked in around asbestos and were diagnosed with lung cancer you should speak to a reputable asbestos attorney to find out about your legal rights and deadlines. For a list of reputable asbestos attorneys in your area send us an email at info@cancermonthly.com

Source:

Loomis D, Dement JM, Wolf SH, Richardson DB. Lung cancer mortality and fiber exposures among North Carolina asbestos textile workers. Occup Environ Med. 2009 Mar 11. [Epub ahead of print]

Getting enough vitamin B6 each day from supplements or foods such as fortified cereals can cut a man's risk of developing colorectal cancer, according to a study in the April issue of Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention.

Vitamin B6 is a crucial ingredient in DNA production. Low levels of this vitamin have been linked to the DNA changes that can lead to colorectal cancer, as well as other types of cancer. Vitamin B6 deficiency is also associated with inflammatory markers that are related to cancer development.

Previous research has indicated that vitamin B6 may lower colorectal cancer risk, but it hasn't been clear whether this risk reduction is influenced by other B vitamins, inflammatory processes, or other factors, according to Jung Lee, ScD, Research Fellow at Channing Laboratory and the Department of Medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School.

To add to the existing evidence on vitamin B6 and colorectal cancer risk, and to determine whether that potential risk reduction is mediated by other B vitamins and inflammation, Dr. Lee's team of researchers looked at data from the Physicians' Health Study, a prospective study of more than 22,000 male doctors. Of participants who provided blood for the study, 197 men with colorectal cancer patients and 371 matched cancer-free controls were evaluated in the current study.

The researchers measured levels of pyridoxal 5'- phosphate (PLP), the active form of vitamin B6, in the participants' blood. They also measured blood levels of folate (a B vitamin) and vitamin B12, as well as markers of inflammation, and they controlled for known colorectal cancer risk factors such as body mass index (BMI), exercise, and consumption of red meat and alcohol.

Men with high PLP levels had a 53 percent lower risk of colorectal cancer than those with low PLP levels. The effect of plasma PLP on colorectal cancer was independent of other B vitamins related to DNA modification or production, or inflammation, which indicates that vitamin B may reduce colorectal cancer risk by another mechanism, for example by blocking the spread of cancer cells, reducing the oxidative stress that can cause cells to turn cancerous, or inhibiting the formation of blood vessels that feed cancerous tumors (angiogenesis), according to Dr. Lee.

This and earlier studies seem to agree that vitamin B6 can help prevent colorectal cancer, yet according to the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination (NHANES) study, a large number of Americans have low blood levels of vitamin B6, even if they are getting the recommended amount every day in their diet (1.3 mg for adults under age 50, and up to 1.7 mg for those aged 51 and over).

"It is clear that PLP levels are modified by vitamin B6 intake," Dr. Lee says. "Thus, consuming more food sources of vitamin B6 can be recommended." Getting extra vitamin B6 may be especially important for smokers, the elderly, and current and former oral contraceptive users, because the NHANES study found these groups to have lower-than-normal levels of the vitamin.

If you are interested in taking vitamin supplements above the recommended daily allowances speak to your licensed healthcare practitioner.

Source:

Lee JE, Li H, Giovannucci E, Lee I, Selhub J, Stampfer M, Ma J. Prospective study of plasma vitamin B6 and risk of colorectal cancer in men. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2009;18(4).

John, age eight, was diagnosed with an Anaplastic Astrocytoma (AA) which is an aggressive and often fatal brain tumor. He underwent brain surgery followed by high-dose chemotherapy and radiation therapy (equivalent to about 50,000 dental x-rays). These treatments are highly toxic to the developing brain of a child and, if he were to survive, his IQ and cognitive abilities would be seriously compromised. The family moved to a different state and took John to the local children's hospital for follow-up care. There, the doctors reviewed John's pathology slides. They discovered that John's tumor was not an AA, but was benign. This diagnosis was subsequently confirmed by two other hospitals. John never needed chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Today, John's IQ decreases at a rate of about 6 points a year as he suffers from the side-effects of a treatment he never needed.

Pathology is the medical specialty that deals with the examination of tissues and cells under the microscope in order to arrive at a diagnosis. When it comes to cancer, a pathological diagnosis is the gold standard that indicates the presence or absence of cancer, the type of cancer, and its classification. Because therapeutic decisions are based on the presumed reliability of the pathology diagnosis, a misdiagnosis can result in unnecessary, harmful and aggressive therapy (like John's story) or inadequate treatment. Unfortunately, this gold standard is not full- proof. In fact, medical studies have demonstrated discrepancy rates of up to 30% with an average of approximately 10%. A "discrepancy" happens when one pathologist renders a diagnosis and another pathologist looks at the same material and renders a different opinion. See for example, Gupta D, Layfield LJ. Am J Surg Pathol. 2000 Feb;24(2):280-4. Prevalence of inter-institutional anatomic pathology slide review: a survey of current practice.

Here are some examples from the medical literature:

Bladder Cancer - Wrong Pathology Would Have Led to Five Unnecessary Cystectomies

The pathology of 97 patients (131 specimens) with suspected urothelial carcinoma of the bladder was reviewed. Twenty-four of the 131 specimens "exhibited significant discrepancies." This included two patients who showed no evidence of tumor. As a result of the review, five radical cystectomies were avoided.
- Coblentz TR, Mills SE, Theodorescu D. Cancer. 2001 Apr 1;91(7):1284-90. Impact of second opinion pathology in the definitive management of patients with bladder carcinoma.

Brain Tumors - Pathologists Often Disagree With Themselves or Others

Pathologists agreed with their original diagnosis only 51.43% for anaplastic astrocytomas, 74.73% for glioblastoma multiforme, and 65.22% for low-grade astrocytomas. Pathologists agreed with other pathologists only 62.41% for glioblastomas, 36.04% for AA, and 57.14% for low-grade astrocytomas.
- Mittler MA, et al., J Neurosurg. 1996 Dec;85(6):1091- 4. Observer reliability in histological grading of astrocytoma stereotactic biopsies.

Breast Cancer - Different Treatment Recommendations 43% of the Time

Seventy-five women with a total of 77 breast lesions were examined. The reviewing panel disagreed with the treatment recommendations 43% of the time (32 cases). The disagreements included breast- conservation therapy instead of mastectomy (13 patients) and different treatment based on a "major change in diagnosis on pathology review. (3.9%)."
- Chang JH, et al., Cancer. 2001 Apr 1;91(7):1231-7. The impact of a multidisciplinary breast cancer center on recommendations for patient management: the University of Pennsylvania experience.

Ovarian Cancer - 12.7% Did Not Have Ovarian Cancer

The medical records and pathology slides of 339 women diagnosed with ovarian cancer were reviewed. Forty-three women (12.7%) were discovered not to have ovarian cancer. (28 had other types of cancer and 15 had benign tumors.)
- McGowan L, Norris HJ. Surg Gynecol Obstet. 1991 Sep;173(3):211-5. The mistaken diagnosis of carcinoma of the ovary.

Prostate Cancer - Wrong Pathology Would Have Led to Six Unnecessary Prostatectomies

A total of 535 men referred for radical prostatectomy were reviewed. Seven (1.3%) of the men were found to have a benign pathology. "Upon subsequent clinical work up, six of seven men were considered not to have adenocarcinoma, and their surgery was cancelled."
- Epstein JI, et al., Am J Surg Pathol. 1996 Jul;20 (7):851-7. Clinical and cost impact of second-opinion pathology. Review of prostate biopsies prior to radical prostatectomy.

Head & Neck Cancer - Discrepancy Rates for Head and Neck Tumors May Be Over 50%

Site-specific studies have implicated the head and neck as a high-risk area that is prone to diagnostic error. Diagnostic discrepancy rates have ranged from 1 to 53% for surgical pathology studies and from 17 to 60% for cytopathology studies. Major changes (affecting treatment or prognosis) occur in 5 to 7% of surgical pathology cases. The authors concluded that, "mandatory second opinion pathology makes good clinical and risk management sense for all patients referred to head and neck surgery or oncology services before a major therapeutic endeavor is undertaken."
- Kronz JD and Westra WH. The role of second opinion pathology in the management of lesions of the head and neck. Curr Opin Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2005 Apr;13(2):81-4.

Soft Tissue Lesions - Benign Considered Malignant and Malignant Considered Benign

In this study 266 cases of soft tissue lesions were reviewed. A major discrepancy was found in 25% of cases. Of these discrepancies, 45% consisted of benign lesions diagnosed as sarcomas, and 23% were sarcomas diagnosed as benign tumors.
- Arbiser ZK, Folpe AL, Weiss SW. Am J Clin Pathol. 2001 Oct;116(4):473-6. Consultative (expert) second opinions in soft tissue pathology. Analysis of problem- prone diagnostic situations.

Other Countries Also Get It Wrong

Getting the pathology wrong is not limited to the U.S. Other countries have found similar problems. For example, in the United Kingdom, 413 cases of sarcoma were reviewed and the diagnosis was confirmed only 76% of the time. The study concluded that "second opinion is essential in cases of presumed sarcoma…to ensure that appropriate treatment is selected."
- Harris M, Hartley AL, et al., Br J Cancer. 1991 Aug;64 (2):315-20. Sarcomas in north west England: I.Histopathological peer review

Do You Need a Second Opinion?

The vast majority of pathologists are excellent physicians and that the diagnoses they render are correct. However, a minority of cases benefit from a second opinion. The problem, of course, is accurately identifying which cases should get a second opinion. One factor to consider is how rare your cancer is. If it is rare, chances are that your pathologist has not seen many of your type. However, even if your cancer is more common, you might consider erring on the side of caution and requesting a second opinion.

Writing in the journal Cancer, Joseph D Kronz, M.D. and his colleagues at Johns Hopkins Department of Pathology stated, "Second opinion surgical pathology can result in major therapeutic and prognostic modifications for patients sent to large referral hospitals. Although the overall percentage of affected cases is not large, the consistent rate of discrepant diagnosis uncovered by second opinion surgical pathology may have an enormous human and financial impact. Accordingly, the authors recommend that review of the original histologic material should be undertaken prior to the institution of a major therapeutic endeavor."
- Kronz JD, et al., Cancer 1999 Dec 1;86(11):2426-35. Mandatory second opinion surgical pathology at a large referral hospital

Getting a Second Opinion

The microscopic glass slides, pathology reports, and possibly paraffin (wax) blocks taken from your blood, aspirate, or tumor are archived in the pathology department of the hospital where your surgery or biopsy took place. As the patient, you can request that this material be released for the purpose of obtaining a second opinion from another pathologist. You can do this even if you have already started treatment. (Be sure to find out if there is a charge for this, how much, and whether your insurance will pay.) Large academic medical centers where doctors are trained often have the most experienced pathologists. When requesting a second opinion, ask that it be sent to a prominent medical center that sees many patients like you. Also request that the pathologist who actually does the review has special experience with your type of cancer. For example, for brain cancer you would want a neuro-pathologist to perform the review. Your surgeon or oncologist should help facilitate such a second opinion.

Nutritional Support

Haelan Products offers Haelan 951, an international award-winning, super nutritious, fermented soybean protein beverage. Clinical research and numerous reports from doctors and cancer patients have demonstrated that Haelan 951 helps protect cancer patients from the toxic side-effects of chemotherapy and radiation treatments. In addition, one study found that the soy isoflavone genistein (which is found in Haelan 951) produced greater apoptosis with both chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Apoptosis means "programmed cell death" and it is a goal of most orthodox cancer therapies. Because Haelan 951 is a nutritional supplement, not a cancer treatment, it was used in this study to offset the toxicity of the treatments, not as a cancer therapy. http://www.haelan9 51.com

Immune Boosting Products

Get Healthy Again.com - This company provides a variety of immune boosting nutritional supplements designed to enhance the immune system. http://www.health-reports.com/cancer- conquest.html

Legal Services

Brain Cancer Misdiagnosis Information Center - Brain Cancer Misdiagnosis Information Center provides information on the frequency of brain cancer misdiagnosis, how you can find out if you have been misdiagnosed, and what you can do about it. The Center is run by the law firm of Webb, Scarmozzino & Gunter. http://www.brai ncancerlaw.com

Goldberg, Persky & White, P.C. - This law firm (and its predecessor law firms) has been a pioneer in asbestos litigation in the United States. The attorneys of Goldberg, Persky & White, P.C. (GPW) have been involved in asbestos and mesothelioma lawsuits since 1978. Their experienced mesothelioma lawyers participated in the gathering of evidence, such as the testimony of corporate executives and doctors, and the accumulation of corporate documents, that helped create the basis for successfully suing the asbestos industry. GPW has represented thousands of mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis victims. Because of their involvement in asbestos litigation from the beginning, GPW has a clear understanding of what is required to succeed. In addition to outstanding trial experience, GPW is backed by a large arsenal of corporate documents, depositions, and medical articles with which to vigorously prosecute your asbestos case. http://www.gpwlaw. com/cm