Lymphoma

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A Mammogram-Free Lifestyle

Cancer was hardly a word in my vocabulary until I came to work for 4Women.com. While I haven’t paid much attention to cancer, as an adult I have always focused attention on environmental carcinogens and other toxins and have done my best to minimize my exposure. That’s me now, but I grew up eating my breakfast seated at a table between two chain-smokers, eating plenty of McDonalds food-like creations, and bathing in, breathing, and absorbing multiple carcinogenic chemicals, especially via all that Lake Michigan salmon we were eating at the height of PCB contamination of the Great Lakes.

It Isn't Just Hair!!!

“Chemotherapy hair loss can be emotionally devastating to women.”

When Food Didn't Cause or Cure Cancer

You’re invited to dinner this weekend. I’m hosting. I’m preparing my favorite dishes for you. First, an exquisite blend of miracle-health omega-3 fat droplets, medium rare morsels of cancer-fighting vitamin D, braised to perfection with a low-glycemic marinade of blood pressure reducing sodium-free minerals, followed by a perpetual youth potion of rainbow antioxidant sorbet and potassium sprinkles. Here’s a napkin. I see you’re drooling.

Boobies for Sale?

Tatas, "second base", Hooters, Boobs, Boobies, Jugs, etc... - you've all heard them - those familiar slang terms referring to our female breasts. Many breast cancer organizations now use these words in their company names, campaigns or fundraising. There is no question that catchy references to our feminine parts attracts attention. BUT - is using sexualizing slang terms for our breasts the right approach for raising awareness of breast cancer? Is promoting awareness with "I (heart) boobies" and the accompanying controversy helping or hurting our cause?

The End of Chemo Treatment, Relief or Anxiety?

There is no question that completing a course of chemotherapy treatment is a milestone in the life of a patient. Tomorrow, my 89-yr-old mother will receive her sixth and final dose of chemotherapy for lymphoma. She was initially hesitant about chemo and the effects it would have on her but eventually agreed to go through treatment. As she approaches her final dose, I honestly wonder whether it’s time for celebration or anxiety.

Just Say "No" to Endocrine Disruptors

The list is extensive and growing - bisphenol A, phthalates, parabens, PBDE’s (flame retardants), PCB’s, dioxins, atrazine, heptachlor, arsenic, mercury, lead among them. Referred to as “endocrine disruptors“(ED’s), a term describing their documented ability to mimic natural hormones and disrupt normal endocrine system functioning, this term certainly understates the myriad of ways in which these synthetic chemicals compromise our health.

Endocrine Disruptors - From Evidence to Action

We hear a lot (though far from enough) about “endocrine disruptors” and their impact on our health, but how many of us really understand what they are and what their relationship is to our health? Given that we’re eating, breathing, and hosting them in our bottles, cups, cars, homes, foods, and worst of all, our bodies, you might like to know what they are. If you’re at risk for, battling, or determined to avoid cancer, you need to know. But wait. Consider the following quote:

Cell Therapeutics & pixantrone: Putting the B.O. in biotech

They put the B.O. in biotech, and they're back—Seattle's own Cell Therapeutics Inc (CTI).

Two decades in business and nothing—and I mean nothing—to show for it. Well, in that time they have spent $1.5 billion, which is something of an achievement.

And yet after discussions with the FDA, it appears they will be taking another shot at getting their lead oncology drug candidate, pixantrone (Pixurvi) to market with yet another phase III trial.

Stupid cancer claim #1092: Rebound Treatment (with celebrity endorsement!)

"My fellow Americans, I'm pleased to tell you today that I've signed legislation that will outlaw cancer forever. We begin Rebounding in five minutes."

While I still think Suzanne Somers is the biggest jackass in cancer, another jackass is closing in on her: If you haven't been introduced, his name is Leonard Coldwell. Dr. Coldwell. Dr. C to his friends.

A last example of Mukherjee's majestic cancer prose

A final section from Siddhartha Mukherjee's magnificent biography of cancer, The Emperor of All Maladies: