Scientists have found a mutation in stem cell genes, which they claim could be linked to development of leukaemia and other cancers. An international team, led by Peter Papathanasiou of The Australian National University, has completed a three-year screening project to find the genes that control development and turnover of stem cells. Stem cells can grow into any other kind of cell in the body, making them a hot area of research to find new treatments for diseases and injuries. In fact, a major finding of the new study is the discovery of a novel DNA mutation in the c-Myb gene which has been previously linked to a number of different cancer types, the ‘Blood’ journal reported. “We’ve shown that blood stem cells with this genetic mutation behave the same way as those present in human bone marrow diseases, including diseases that can evolve into leukaemia,” said Dr Papathanasiou. Added team member Prof Andrew Perkins from Queensland University: “By understanding more about the genetic blueprint of these kinds of disorders, we can start to develop new ways of targeting diseases. Currently, there is no treatment for this group of blood diseases, but discovery of this mutation provides new avenues for investigation.”
Socialising is good for health — in fact, it may even help fight cancer, says a new study. An international team has carried out the study and found that socialising with others aid in fight against cancer as the stress of interaction causes tumours to shrink and even go into remission. Cancer patients who change their lifestyle to keep company with more people could see substantial improvements in their condition, says the study. According to researchers, the findings challenge accepted wisdom that stress is damaging to health, indicating that a manageable level of stress can help the body fight disease, ‘The Daily Telegraph‘ reported. Matthew During of The Ohio State University, who led the experiments on mice, said that the results had substantial implications for how people with cancer should live after diagnosis. Doctors should pay more attention to living conditions of their patients, rather than relying on traditional clinical treatments like surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. He was quoted as saying, “The goal isn’t to minimise stress, but to live a richer life, socially and physically. You want to be challenged. “Traditionally working on the area of lifestyle and the brain has been a ‘soft area’. This paper really suggests if we look at people more in terms of their perceptions of disease, their social interactions and environment, we could realise a profound influence on cancer.”
Going on a diet could increase the risk of developing potentially deadly conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer, a study has found.
The study revealed that those who controlled their calorie intake produced higher levels of the harmful stress hormone cortisol and exposure to the hormone actually made some dieters put on weight, reports dailymail.co.uk.
Dieting could actually damage mental health too as many suffered increased psychological stress when they were constantly forced to count calories and monitor what they ate.
“Regardless of their success or failure (in losing weight), if future studies show that dieting increases stress and cortisol, doctors may need to rethink recommending it to their patients to improve health,” the researchers said.
“Chronic stress, in addition to promoting weight gain, has been linked with coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and cancer. Dieting might potentially add to this stress burden and its consequences would best not be ignored,” they added.
The study, by California University in San Francisco and Minnesota University, looked at 121 women who were put on a standard three-week diet of 1,200 calories a day – around half a woman’s recommended daily amount of 2,000 calories.
Each patient was asked to provide a saliva sample before and after the study to test for cortisol levels. The results showed a significant increase in the amount of the hormone after three weeks on the programme
Cancers which occur in the region of the head and neck (excluding the brain) are termed as Head and Neck Cancers. Over 80 per cent of these cancers arise from the inner epithelial lining of the upper aero-digestive tract (the upper part of the food and air passages).
They include oral, throat and sinus cancers. These are generally related to lifestyle habits, specifically, the use of tobacco and alcohol. The remaining 20 per cent of head and neck cancers are cancers of the thyroid, salivary glands, lymphomas, sarcomas and skin cancers and are not lifestyle related. India has one of the highest incidences of head and neck cancers in the world. Around four lakh such cancers are newly diagnosed here every year.
Causes
Over two thirds of head and neck cancers are related to tobacco abuse. Studies show that chronic exposure to tobacco in any form induces changes in the cells that lead to the development of cancer.
While smokers have a higher risk of lung and throat cancer, those who chew tobacco run an increased risk of cancer of the mouth, throat and food passages. It is no surprise therefore that the country has one of the highest incidences of oral cancer in the world (over 10 per cent of all cancers).
Warning signs
* Ulcer or growth in the mouth
* Persistent change in voice or difficulty to swallow
* Abnormal lump or swelling in the head and neck region
* Blood in sputum or saliva
* A mole or wart which increases in size or starts itching or bleeding
Treatment
Head and Neck cancers are easily curable in their early stages. Even in the advanced stages, many of them are still curable with proper treatment. The main modalities of treatment are surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. These may be used in isolation or in combination depending on the site and stage of the cancer.
Surgery is the main modality of treatment for oral cancers and some advanced cancers of the larynx and pharynx as well as cancers of the thyroid and salivary glands. Radiation therapy is mainly used for early and intermediate stage aero-digestive tract cancers as well as advanced cancers which are surgically inoperable.
Chemotherapy is primarily used in lymphomas and in combination with radiotherapy in advanced aero-digestive cancers of the head and neck. It is also sometimes used before surgery to reduce the size of the tumour and make it more manageable during surgery.
KICK THE BUTT
While a lot has been said about head and neck cancers, few people realise that all it takes to prevent this potentially, life-threatening ailment are a few lifestyle changes. Statements like quit smoking or give up drinking alcohol may sound preachy, but truth is they can go a long way in preventing head and neck cancers.
There are several commercial preparations available in the market that can help smokers kick the habit. But what one really needs is a genuine interest to quit and will power. Other addictions such as alcohol and drugs are physical addictions and on abrupt cessation, produce withdrawal symptoms. Smoking on the other hand is a psychological dependence with no serious side-effects due to abrupt cessation.
Regular examination can detect early cancers where treatment strategies are most effective. Screening programmes can also be used for counselling regarding the potential risk factors.
The writer is consultant Head and Neck Oncologist, Apollo Cancer Hospital, Hyderabad.