Link Between Cell Phones and Brain Cancer Inconclusive: Reading Between the Headlines
Do cell phones cause brain cancer? According to a CTV news report on May 17th, 2010, (http://bit.ly/cvB6yj), a recently published study in the International Journal of Epidemiology, called Interphone, found that the connection between cell phones and brain cancer remains inconclusive.
Although I do not (yet) have access to the actual Interphone study, I did some follow up research to “read between the headlines”.
According to Steven Novella, an academic clinical neurologist at Yale University School of Medicine, the findings from Interphone illustrate that there is still no clear association between cell phones and cancer (http://bit.ly/c6ia1B).
Although the study did find that, from the 10,000 people studied, there was a 40% increase in risk of getting a brain tumor among the top 10% of mobile phone users. Novella argues that these results were disregarded because of questionable methodology. Novella points out that many of the participants of this study reported improbable amounts of cell phone use – such as 12 hours per day. This data did not provide an accurate account of cell phone use and may have skewed the results.
However, when the data is looked at with number of calls made instead of time per day, the data made more sense and showed no correlation between cell phone use and brain tumours.
Surprisingly, the study also found that average cell phone users had a 20% lower risk of getting cancer. This data was also disregarded due to statistical anomalies that can often occur in this type of research.
Although this study has several other shortcomings, including only studying cell phone use over a ten to fifteen year period, and only studying adults rather than children who may be more at risk, it still remains inconclusive whether or not cell phone use causes cancer.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Cancer: Is it Preventable?
Not a day goes by that there is not a news report suggesting that cancer is everywhere. It is in our foods, in our perfumes, in our water, in our cell phones and, according to a CTV news report from April 14th, 2010, it is even in our vitamins (http://bit.ly/aT0kkc).
Often, the way media portrays cancer can make it seem that no matter what we do or how we live our lives cancer is unavoidable – it is a disease of lifestyle and of aging – a consequence of our standard of living.
For instance, as Canadians are living longer, over all cancer rates have been increasing. According to Canadian Cancer Society statistics from 2009 (http://bit.ly/9sqjFC), 40% of Canadian women and 45% of Canadian men will develop cancer during their lifetime. The odds of being diagnosed with cancer increase significantly when Canadians reach the age of 55.
But is cancer really unavoidable?
Earlier this month, a comprehensive report was released by the President's Cancer Panel, which argues that there is a growing body of evidence linking cancer to the thousands of chemicals found in our daily environment. The report, called Reducing Environmental Cancer Risk (http://bit.ly/dknqlw) points out that there are nearly 80,000 chemicals on the market in the United States, many of them have been understudied, not studied at all and are largely unregulated. From what is known, many of these chemicals have been linked to cancer.
Although this is an American report and presents American statistics, this report should matter to Canadians because it presents a growing body of evidence linking cancer, the environment and industry. What is more concerning though, from what I can tell, there was no Canadian media coverage of this report.
There seems to be very little Canadian dialogue and resources dedicated to informing Canadians regarding the potential links between our environment, industry and cancer. More resources tend to be devoted to cancer treatment, which is understandable. Cancer affects a large proportion of Canadians and has lead to an increase in survivorship. This must not go unnoticed.
Yet, it is becoming more evident that cancer may be linked to our environment and industry. Cancer may not simply be a consequence of our standard of living and may be more preventable than we think.
Often, the way media portrays cancer can make it seem that no matter what we do or how we live our lives cancer is unavoidable – it is a disease of lifestyle and of aging – a consequence of our standard of living.
For instance, as Canadians are living longer, over all cancer rates have been increasing. According to Canadian Cancer Society statistics from 2009 (http://bit.ly/9sqjFC), 40% of Canadian women and 45% of Canadian men will develop cancer during their lifetime. The odds of being diagnosed with cancer increase significantly when Canadians reach the age of 55.
But is cancer really unavoidable?
Earlier this month, a comprehensive report was released by the President's Cancer Panel, which argues that there is a growing body of evidence linking cancer to the thousands of chemicals found in our daily environment. The report, called Reducing Environmental Cancer Risk (http://bit.ly/dknqlw) points out that there are nearly 80,000 chemicals on the market in the United States, many of them have been understudied, not studied at all and are largely unregulated. From what is known, many of these chemicals have been linked to cancer.
Although this is an American report and presents American statistics, this report should matter to Canadians because it presents a growing body of evidence linking cancer, the environment and industry. What is more concerning though, from what I can tell, there was no Canadian media coverage of this report.
There seems to be very little Canadian dialogue and resources dedicated to informing Canadians regarding the potential links between our environment, industry and cancer. More resources tend to be devoted to cancer treatment, which is understandable. Cancer affects a large proportion of Canadians and has lead to an increase in survivorship. This must not go unnoticed.
Yet, it is becoming more evident that cancer may be linked to our environment and industry. Cancer may not simply be a consequence of our standard of living and may be more preventable than we think.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Perfume Contains Secret Chemicals – Study Finds
On May 12th, 2010, the Ottawa Citizen published Perfume Contains Secret Chemicals – Study Finds. The article highlights a study, conducted by Toronto-based Environmental Defence and California’s Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, that illustrates that many brand name perfumes and colognes contain undisclosed chemicals not listed on the labels that are associated with hormone disruption and allergic reactions which may have some long term negative health affects including the onset of asthma, cancer and birth defects.
According to the article (http://bit.ly/aRYmgk), the study illustrates that out of the 17 fragrances tested, 91 ingredients were identified by laboratory tests or product labels. However, out of these ingredients 38 were found not be listed on the labels of these products with an average of 14 so-called “secret” chemicals per product.
However, other than illustrating that under Canadian cosmetic regulations (in effect since 2004) companies may lump intentional fragrance ingredients under the generic term "parfum” leaving many ingredients undisclosed, this article does not provide any useful information concerning how these chemicals may be harmful or which of the 17 products tested are available in Canada. This information would be useful for those who may be using these products.
According to the study, Not so Sexy: The Health Risk of Secret Chemicals in Fragrance (http://bit.ly/aRGpBn), only 4 of the 17 fragrances tested are available in Canada. They are:
• American Eagle Seventy Seven;
• Acqua Di Gio by Giorgio Armani;
• Light Blue by Dolce and Gabbana;
• and Quick Silver (for men)
Interestingly, these four products had some of the highest scores in terms of number of total chemicals, unlabeled “secret” chemicals, multiple sensitizing chemicals (chemicals known to trigger allergic reactions, such as asthma, wheezing, headaches and contact dermatitis) and multiple hormone disruptors (chemicals known for mimicking hormones which may impair basic body functions like tissue growth and repair which may increase the risk of some cancers).
The study states on page 2 of the report:
Acqua Di Gio contained the highest number of total chemicals and the highest number of sensitizing chemicals, and American Eagle Seventy Seven contained the highest number of secret chemicals. Quick Silver (for men) was tied with two others for the highest number hormone disrupting chemicals.
This study is quite concerning and provides a glance at how little is known about the many fragrant ingredients used in every day products including shampoos, lotions, bath products, cleaning sprays, air fresheners and laundry and dishwasher detergents. Some research (cited in the study) has shown that many of these ingredients commonly found in these products may cause allergic reactions, asthma cancer and birth defects. But, this research leaves a lot to be desired in proving the extent to which these ingredients may be harmful. Very little funding or research is dedicated towards studying how we react to multiple combinations of these ingredients.
There is also a lack of proper regulation to ensure that we know which ingredients may be questionable and which products contain these ingredients. This information should be provided without question so we can make rational choices in terms of which products we feel safe to use.
If I knew which ingredients were questionable and which products contained these ingredients, I would think twice before purchasing and using them. For example, I have been known to wear Light Blue by Dolce and Gabana. However, after reading this study, I am going to think twice before wearing this cologne.
According to the article (http://bit.ly/aRYmgk), the study illustrates that out of the 17 fragrances tested, 91 ingredients were identified by laboratory tests or product labels. However, out of these ingredients 38 were found not be listed on the labels of these products with an average of 14 so-called “secret” chemicals per product.
However, other than illustrating that under Canadian cosmetic regulations (in effect since 2004) companies may lump intentional fragrance ingredients under the generic term "parfum” leaving many ingredients undisclosed, this article does not provide any useful information concerning how these chemicals may be harmful or which of the 17 products tested are available in Canada. This information would be useful for those who may be using these products.
According to the study, Not so Sexy: The Health Risk of Secret Chemicals in Fragrance (http://bit.ly/aRGpBn), only 4 of the 17 fragrances tested are available in Canada. They are:
• American Eagle Seventy Seven;
• Acqua Di Gio by Giorgio Armani;
• Light Blue by Dolce and Gabbana;
• and Quick Silver (for men)
Interestingly, these four products had some of the highest scores in terms of number of total chemicals, unlabeled “secret” chemicals, multiple sensitizing chemicals (chemicals known to trigger allergic reactions, such as asthma, wheezing, headaches and contact dermatitis) and multiple hormone disruptors (chemicals known for mimicking hormones which may impair basic body functions like tissue growth and repair which may increase the risk of some cancers).
The study states on page 2 of the report:
Acqua Di Gio contained the highest number of total chemicals and the highest number of sensitizing chemicals, and American Eagle Seventy Seven contained the highest number of secret chemicals. Quick Silver (for men) was tied with two others for the highest number hormone disrupting chemicals.
This study is quite concerning and provides a glance at how little is known about the many fragrant ingredients used in every day products including shampoos, lotions, bath products, cleaning sprays, air fresheners and laundry and dishwasher detergents. Some research (cited in the study) has shown that many of these ingredients commonly found in these products may cause allergic reactions, asthma cancer and birth defects. But, this research leaves a lot to be desired in proving the extent to which these ingredients may be harmful. Very little funding or research is dedicated towards studying how we react to multiple combinations of these ingredients.
There is also a lack of proper regulation to ensure that we know which ingredients may be questionable and which products contain these ingredients. This information should be provided without question so we can make rational choices in terms of which products we feel safe to use.
If I knew which ingredients were questionable and which products contained these ingredients, I would think twice before purchasing and using them. For example, I have been known to wear Light Blue by Dolce and Gabana. However, after reading this study, I am going to think twice before wearing this cologne.
Friday, May 14, 2010
The roller coaster ride.
The roller coaster ride.
There were complications, hospital stays and what seemed like endless blood work. We met some remarkable health care workers along the way. People you never meet if you’re not sick.
Sifting through the levels of care as the cancer progressed was draining, but necessary. Kim was cared for at home for about three weeks before being moved to hospice — a place that most of us are not familiar with, but a place where some of the most incredible people do some of life’s most rewarding and difficult work. I could take up pages talking about the different aspects of end-of-life care. The bottom line is that it’s not easy, but you find this great capacity within yourself to carry on and to do so with grace.
Kim passed away peacefully on July 11, 2007.
Like Henry David Thoreau suggests, we had lived in each season as it passed, with our fair share of tears and troubles, but with an attitude that can only be described as life-giving.
Both of us in very really ways survived cancer. We were drawn to live life to its fullest. What has so inspired me, is how many people Kim influenced to do just that — a powerful testimony to her unwavering spirit.
Forever in my heart she will stay!
There were complications, hospital stays and what seemed like endless blood work. We met some remarkable health care workers along the way. People you never meet if you’re not sick.
Sifting through the levels of care as the cancer progressed was draining, but necessary. Kim was cared for at home for about three weeks before being moved to hospice — a place that most of us are not familiar with, but a place where some of the most incredible people do some of life’s most rewarding and difficult work. I could take up pages talking about the different aspects of end-of-life care. The bottom line is that it’s not easy, but you find this great capacity within yourself to carry on and to do so with grace.
Kim passed away peacefully on July 11, 2007.
Like Henry David Thoreau suggests, we had lived in each season as it passed, with our fair share of tears and troubles, but with an attitude that can only be described as life-giving.
Both of us in very really ways survived cancer. We were drawn to live life to its fullest. What has so inspired me, is how many people Kim influenced to do just that — a powerful testimony to her unwavering spirit.
Forever in my heart she will stay!
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Back again….
Back again….
All was quite on the cancer front for five years, but Kim was feeling achy all the time and a series of tests confirmed that the cancer had returned to her bones , her liver and the lungs. That was tough news. We cried again. We were terribly sad.
What could I do?
Make every day memorable. It doesn’t have to be something big. Sometimes a kitchen dance or an afternoon hug was the most cherished moment. I must admit I was very lucky as a caregiver. I cared for someone who had an amazing amount of grace, determination and willingness to move forward. She knew at this point that the disease would not go away, but her ability to set and attain goals was a life force that positively affected many of the people around her, especially me.
We went through our moments known as the “conspiracy of silence;” where you don’t talk about things because they make you feel uncomfortable. We had to adapt the way we “loved” each other because intimacy changed. Despite such a life-altering illness, our profound respect for each other gave us the ability to move forward together.
The cancer moved to the brain and the doctors told Kim she could not drive. She felt robbed of her independence and it shook her to the core.
What could I do?
I did what I could to reinforce her sense of independence. We organized trips when she was well enough, and shuffled chemo treatments to accommodate them.
Yes, I was playing a support role and I knew my leading lady was counting on me. She didn’t have to tell me.
All was quite on the cancer front for five years, but Kim was feeling achy all the time and a series of tests confirmed that the cancer had returned to her bones , her liver and the lungs. That was tough news. We cried again. We were terribly sad.
What could I do?
Make every day memorable. It doesn’t have to be something big. Sometimes a kitchen dance or an afternoon hug was the most cherished moment. I must admit I was very lucky as a caregiver. I cared for someone who had an amazing amount of grace, determination and willingness to move forward. She knew at this point that the disease would not go away, but her ability to set and attain goals was a life force that positively affected many of the people around her, especially me.
We went through our moments known as the “conspiracy of silence;” where you don’t talk about things because they make you feel uncomfortable. We had to adapt the way we “loved” each other because intimacy changed. Despite such a life-altering illness, our profound respect for each other gave us the ability to move forward together.
The cancer moved to the brain and the doctors told Kim she could not drive. She felt robbed of her independence and it shook her to the core.
What could I do?
I did what I could to reinforce her sense of independence. We organized trips when she was well enough, and shuffled chemo treatments to accommodate them.
Yes, I was playing a support role and I knew my leading lady was counting on me. She didn’t have to tell me.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
What was I thinking?
What was I thinking? About the second round of chemo, I decide to make soup. But not just any soup — cauliflower and blue cheese soup. Any idea how that might go down with a chemo patient? Let me tell you. Not well. She got sick just from the smell in the house. I threw out the soup and sat on the steps outside crying, partly out of frustration, partly out of sadness and partly because I was taking care of myself.
I wanted to be the very best caregiver I could, but I quickly realized that to do that I needed to take care of myself – physically, mentally and emotionally. That’s why I cried on the steps after the soup faux pas. It helped me cope, refocus and find another recipe. In fact I bought a recipe book on how to cook for a chemotherapy patient.
We became well versed in a world and a language that was once foreign: MRIs, CT scans, neutropenia, blood counts…
The last scheduled chemo was on a February 14 — Valentine’s Day. Not a very romantic activity. I wasn’t going to let chemo stop me from being romantic though. Kim’s Mom took her to her treatment. I arranged to use the office of a clinical trial nurse we knew at the cancer clinic to change into my Elvis suit. Armed with a dozen roses and closely followed by a group of curious nurses, I made my way to the chemo room and serenaded my sweetheart and offered her the roses. Afterwards, I made the rounds of the chemo room sticking tiny paper hearts on patients and taking requests. I even made an appearance in the waiting room. It certainly made for a very different chemo treatment that day.
I wanted to be the very best caregiver I could, but I quickly realized that to do that I needed to take care of myself – physically, mentally and emotionally. That’s why I cried on the steps after the soup faux pas. It helped me cope, refocus and find another recipe. In fact I bought a recipe book on how to cook for a chemotherapy patient.
We became well versed in a world and a language that was once foreign: MRIs, CT scans, neutropenia, blood counts…
The last scheduled chemo was on a February 14 — Valentine’s Day. Not a very romantic activity. I wasn’t going to let chemo stop me from being romantic though. Kim’s Mom took her to her treatment. I arranged to use the office of a clinical trial nurse we knew at the cancer clinic to change into my Elvis suit. Armed with a dozen roses and closely followed by a group of curious nurses, I made my way to the chemo room and serenaded my sweetheart and offered her the roses. Afterwards, I made the rounds of the chemo room sticking tiny paper hearts on patients and taking requests. I even made an appearance in the waiting room. It certainly made for a very different chemo treatment that day.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
In the beginning…
In the beginning…I found it!
The lump on my wife’s breast that is… We were shocked and a little anxious. We wasted no time booking a medical appointment. We started scanning the Internet for information. We sat down with the surgeon who led us through the patient decision tree. But at that point nothing had been confirmed.
The call came while on summer holidays. It’s cancer! “We can fit you in for surgery next week (because of a cancelation) or we can do it in two months.” Kim decided on now. You can’t really put yourself in someone else’s shoes, at least not while they are still in them. So I didn’t try.
What could I do?
Demonstrate courage and support, but allow yourself to be sad. We certainly cried together at the beginning, but it helped us deal with…well the cards being dealt I guess.
Surgery went well, but there were lymph nodes involved so radiation and chemotherapy were necessary. More Internet searching… more information sessions… more sadness…
So what could I do?
I went to every appointment. I took notes (Kim did as well). We drew up a list of questions. We asked them all. We consulted friends. We talked to nurses. I cooked up some nice meals (more later on what not to do). We did all the normal activities we could. We just worked around the appointments and the treatments and the side effects and the stops at the pharmacy and the fatigue. Those were realities now, and we didn’t deny them, we just didn’t focus on them unduly. There were too many other parts of life to focus on — friends, fresh air, a warm bed, you name it!
The lump on my wife’s breast that is… We were shocked and a little anxious. We wasted no time booking a medical appointment. We started scanning the Internet for information. We sat down with the surgeon who led us through the patient decision tree. But at that point nothing had been confirmed.
The call came while on summer holidays. It’s cancer! “We can fit you in for surgery next week (because of a cancelation) or we can do it in two months.” Kim decided on now. You can’t really put yourself in someone else’s shoes, at least not while they are still in them. So I didn’t try.
What could I do?
Demonstrate courage and support, but allow yourself to be sad. We certainly cried together at the beginning, but it helped us deal with…well the cards being dealt I guess.
Surgery went well, but there were lymph nodes involved so radiation and chemotherapy were necessary. More Internet searching… more information sessions… more sadness…
So what could I do?
I went to every appointment. I took notes (Kim did as well). We drew up a list of questions. We asked them all. We consulted friends. We talked to nurses. I cooked up some nice meals (more later on what not to do). We did all the normal activities we could. We just worked around the appointments and the treatments and the side effects and the stops at the pharmacy and the fatigue. Those were realities now, and we didn’t deny them, we just didn’t focus on them unduly. There were too many other parts of life to focus on — friends, fresh air, a warm bed, you name it!
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