Scientists discover gene that allows cancer to spread to brain

The most difficult thing about treating cancer is the fact that tumors can metastasize, or spread to other areas of the body.

The good news is that scientists are slowly discovering the specific genes that allow these tumors to spread

Some patients fight the stigma as well as the disease

Before I begin this blog post I feel I should put a disclaimer for the sake of transparency: my mother died of lung cancer when I was 16. She never smoked.
That being said, I found a recent package of audio/photo interviews with lung cancer patients from NY Times online very informative and moving. I know [...]

Family Medical History is Important

Answering a lot of questions when you go to the doctor can get really old really fast but those questions are really important when it comes to how your doctor may treat you.
Many diseases, especially various cancers, can be found in more than one family member. By knowing the medical history of your family and [...]

Preventing cancer for women

While most cancers stem from environmental factors, three that run in families are most common in women: breast, uterine and ovarian cancer.
Dr. Mark Hunter, a gynecologic oncologist at Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, gives three tips to women who have a family history of these gynecologic cancers:

Have a mammogram every year. Especially if you’re over 40, [...]

Newman death, Armstrong comeback put cancer awareness in spotlight

Seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong wants to dust off his handlebars and get back on his bike to kick-start his renewed fight against cancer with the Live Strong Global Awareness Campaign. The testicular cancer survivor’s announcement last Wednesday came just three days before Paul Newman, 83, died of cancer. 7.9 million people died [...]