New Study:Pancreatic,Liver Cancer Deaths on the Rise

The list of most deadly cancers in the US will change over the next 16 years,a new study published in the peer-reviewed journal Cancer Research projects.Today,the top three killers are lung,breast cancer for women/prostrate cancer for men,and colorectal cancer.By 2030,the study funded by the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network found that lung,pancreatic and liver cancers will be the top three causes of cancer death.The top diagnoses in 2030 are predicted to be lung,breast/prostrate,thyroid,melanoma and uterine cancers.
The projections for deaths from pancreatic and liver cancers are startling,said Lynn Matrisian,PhD,MBA,vice president of scientific and medical affairs at the PCAN.This study is a call to action to the scientific and clinical communities,as well as the population at large,to increase attention,awareness,and ultimately progress in the fight against pancreatic cancer.*
The new estimate considered two factors:the demographic trends of an aging population and the growing population of minorities,some of whom are more susceptible to certain cancers;and the changes in the average annual percentages of cancer incidence and deaths related to better screening and prevention on the one hand,and the prevalence of smoking and viral infections on the other.*
Pancreatic cancer is difficult to diagnose because access and imaging are limited by the location of the pancreas in the body.As well,it is difficult to treat because the tumours are surrounded and infiltrated by dense connective tissue that is believed to impede drug delivery.Data also suggest a tendency for the tumours to metastisise early in the course of the disease.Add to that the fact that less than 20% of the tumours are operable.*
The PCAN aims to double pancreatic cancer survival by 2020 through heightening awareness,raising funds for comprehensive private research,advocating for dedicated federal research to advance early diagnostics,better treatments and increase the chances of survival.

Vitamin D May Help Prevent Pancreatic Cancer

A new study shows a relationship between vitamin D intake and pancreatic cancer risk.The study appeared in Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers and Prevention.It suggests that those with an adequate amount of vitamin D in their diets or supplements have a lower risk of developing pancreatic cancer.
The sixteen-year study surveyed more than 122,000 adults.Those who ingested 150-299 units of vitamin D a day had a 22% lower risk of getting pancreatic cancer than those who got less.People age 70 or younger should get 600 units a day;those over 70 should get 800 units,according to the Institute of Medicine.
A leading supplement for those 50+,Centrum Silver(R),has 500 units of vitamin D in it.
Among natural sources of vitamin D are oily fish such as salmon and tuna;eggs;fortified milk,orange juice and cereal;and at least 20 minutes of direct sunlight a day.The elderly may need to supplement these natural means of getting vitamin D in consultation with their physician.

Shop Talk:New Research On Processed Meat and Cancer

Dear Readers,
New research is out on the link between processed meat and cancer.In particular,the link to pancreatic cancer,which recently claimed the life of Steve Jobs,is examined.To learn more,please visit my blog The Friday Late Report,where I have posted a comment on this and a link to a Boston TV station that covered the story as well.You may access The Friday Late Report from the link list provided in the left column,beneath the CNBC box,or by typing http://fridaylate.blogspot.com in your browser.
It's generally a good idea to visit my other blogs as well as this one.Something that interests you may very probably be there.It's also worthwhile to re-read any posts that you have read before,since they are often revised.
All of my Blogger blogs are also accessible from my Blogger profile,which may be reached from the link under my photo.
My other Blogger blogs are:
The Friday Late Report
International Daybook
Extra Content
Thank you for learning today,
Andrew Taylor

Health Uncle:Fighting Cancer

A recent study shows that eating apples and onions lower your risk of getting pancreatic cancer.Apples and onions contain a certain flavonoid,an antioxidant that protects cells from the disease.This effect was especially strong in smokers,though nonsmokers also benefited from apples and onions.Another basic way of protecting yourself from cancer is losing weight.About 67% of Americans are overweight.Eating right,eating less and exercising have all been proven to reduce your cancer risk.Consider skipping that extra donut.