Cancer

A recent article in the Wall Street Journal describes a couple’s decision to use preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) to see whether the woman’s embryos had the BRCA gene, a mutation linked to breast cancer. PGD enables embryos created by in vitro fertilization (IVF) to be inspected for a variety of genetic conditions, so that only Read more

I’ve dedicated my entire career to helping those diagnosed with cancer cope better, so they can regain the best quality of life possible. I was heartened by a recent New York Times article detailing efforts by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) to change the definition of cancer and potentially eliminate the use of the word Read more

 Editor’s Note: A paper published in the July edition of the American Journal of Public Health claims that the landmark 15-year Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) study harmed women by advising those who’d undergone hysterectomies to avoid estrogen therapy. The paper, by Philip Sarrel and his colleagues, claims that in women ages 50–59 (i.e., those closest to Read more

The January 2013 release of the Annual Report to the Nation on the Status of Cancer shows that the incidence of cancer over all is down slightly, but the report details a troubling spike in HPV-related oral cancers. HPV, or human papillomavirus, is the most common sexually transmitted virus, infecting more than half of all those Read more

Sun exposure is the most preventable risk factor for skin cancer. Sun protection should really begin on day one. So while babies under the age of 6 months should not have sunscreens applied to their skin, protective measures such as seeking shade and dressing the infants in appropriate clothing are a must. Above 6 months Read more