Chemical hair straighteners linked to higher risk of uterine cancer

Credit – Sisters Study Facebook page

CANCER DIGEST – Oct. 22, 2022 – The risk of cancer of the uterus was found to be double among women who use chemical hair straightening products compared to women who did not use such products, a new study shows.

Clinical trial matching tool shortened time to consent by 55 days

Image credit – MatchMiner 

CANCER DIGEST – Oct. 15, 2022 – A clinical trial matching system shortens the time for matching cancer patients with targeted therapy trials by eight weeks, a new analysis shows.

Lifelong stress may lead to higher risk of cancer death

Image credit – Executive Medicine

CANCER DIGEST – Oct. 8, 2022 – Chronic, life-long stress increases the risk of dying of cancer, according to a new analysis of national health data.

The research was led by Dr. Justin Xavier Moor, an epidemiologist at the Medical College of Georgia and Georgia Cancer Center. 

The study analyzed the effects of stress on cancer risk using data collected from 41,000 people who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 1988 and 2019. 

The results were published in the Sept. 2022 journal SSM Population Health.

Immunotherapy before targeted therapy boosts melanoma survival

Metastatic melanoma cells (Image: NCI Center for Cancer Research Creator: Julio C. Valencia)

CANCER DIGEST – Oct. 2, 2022 – Giving immunotherapy followed by targeted therapy boosts survival in certain advanced melanoma patients by 20 percent, according to results of an ongoing clinical trial.

Ultra-processed foods linked to colorectal cancer risk in men

Photo credit – Wolfman via Creative Commons

CANCER DIGEST – Sept. 25, 2022 – Men who consumed large amounts of ultra-processed foods had a 29 percent higher risk of colorectal cancer than men who consumed less of such foods while the same correlation was not found in women, a new study shows.

Ultra-processed foods include convenience pre-cooked and instant meals that are also high in added sugars and low in fiber and tend to contribute to weight gain and obesity. These foods include such ready-to-eat products like sausage, bacon, ham, fish cakes.