July 2017 – Oral Cancer News

Transoral robotic surgery cuts patient recovery time

Source: exclusive.multibriefs.com Author: Carolina Pickens Oral cancer is diagnosed in almost 50,000 Americans each year and has a 57 percent survivability rate past five years, according to research from the Oral Cancer Foundation. 3D illustration of surgical robot The number of diagnoses has been fairly constant in oral and pharyngeal cancer for decades, but survivability has actually gone up slightly in the last 10 years. This can be attributed to the increasing percentage of patients with dental insurance attending annual appointments (when oral cancer is most often recognized and diagnosed earlier), the spread of HPV-related oral cancer (which is easier to treat) and advances in diagnostic tools for dentists and oral specialists. These advancements aren't limited to recognizing oral and throat cancer; strides in scientific approaches for surgical treatment are changing the way specialists treat oral phalangeal cancers. For example, Nepean Hospital of New South Wales has seen drastic improvement in patients' quality of life and surgical recovery time by performing transoral robotic surgery (TORS) with the da Vinci System. This technology provides surgeons the tools needed to perform successful, minimally-invasive surgeries for patients with T1 or T2 throat cancers. "Without the robot, tongue and throat cancers are among the most difficult tumors to surgically remove," said Dr. Chin, an otolaryngology, head and neck surgeon at the hospital. Previous surgical methods required surgeons cut into the neck to access tumors in the throat and back of the mouth — and operations would often last for up to 12 [...]

Oral Cancer Foundation News Team - A2017-07-30T14:52:05-07:00July, 2017|Oral Cancer News|

Calgary cancer patient asks why smokers are near hospitals if grounds are supposed to be ‘smoke-free’

Source: globalnews.ca Author: Heather Yourex-West At just 47-years-old, Tim Allsopp is battling throat cancer. He doesn’t smoke but during he’s his treatment, he says, he’s been exposed to second-hand cigarette smoke more often because he often passes by people smoking on his way to treatment at Calgary’s Tom Baker Cancer Centre. “Everyday when we come to therapy, we notice that there’s people smoking outside the building,” Allsopp said. “That’s confusing to me because the policy states, no smoking on Alberta Health Services property, this includes buildings, grounds and parking lots.” “I’m at the point now where I’m very susceptible to infection and that could land me in the emergency department in almost life threatening condition.” While AHS has had a smoke-free hospital grounds policy for years, it doesn’t take long to spot people lighting up. AHS says it tries to enforce its policy, but it’s not easy. WATCH: Smokers ignore no smoking signs in front of Winnipeg hospitals “Our protective services people try to use an educational approach first but if that’s not successful, then they have the power to issue a ticket,” said Dr. Brent Friesen, lead medical officer of health for Alberta Health Services’ tobacco reduction strategy. Friesen says the problem is that AHS can only issue tickets for people breaking either provincial law or city by-law, not AHS policy. That means, while AHS may say no smoking is allowed on hospital grounds, the province only requires people keep a five-metre distance from hospital doors. “If they’re further [...]

Oral Cancer Foundation News Team - A2017-07-25T08:35:20-07:00July, 2017|Oral Cancer News|

Head and neck cancer is more common than you think

Source: www.irishtimes.com Author: Jamie Ball Well over 1,000 people in Ireland are diagnosed each year with cancers of the head and neck, with almost three-quarters of cases being attributed to smoking and alcohol. Yet this pernicious form of cancer very often goes under-reported, or sufficient heed isn’t paid to the warning signs that, if caught early, may be the difference between life and death. This is why July 27th will mark the third World Head & Neck Cancer day, taking place across 53 countries. The 2017 National Cancer Strategy highlights the importance of prevention, detection and diagnosis, and education and awareness is key for early recognition of the disease. According to James Paul O’Neill, Prof of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery in Beaumont Hospital, Dublin and the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, there can be many different types of cancers within the head and neck, each with their own tissue characteristics and biological behaviour. “Cancers may develop in several areas of this region, including the mouth, throat, larynx (voice box), glandular tissue (thyroid), salivary tissue (parotid gland), lymphatic tissue, nose, sinuses and skin. Patients have a large variety of symptoms and signs according to the subsite of the disease,” says O’Neill. He says surgery incorporates many different techniques and skills, as the region has essential functional roles, such as talking, breathing, smelling, hearing, chewing and swallowing. “We are now in the age of highly-specialised technological innovations. There is a drive towards minimally invasive surgery because we can perform the [...]

Oral Cancer Foundation News Team - A2017-07-25T08:28:00-07:00July, 2017|Oral Cancer News|

The Bogus Medicines the Feds Have No Plan to Stop

Source: http://www.thedailybeast.com/the-bogus-medicines-the-feds-have-no-plan-to-stop Date: July 22, 2017 Author: Paul A. Offit In a better world, the FDA would regulate homeopathic products. It would certainly be a lot cheaper and just as effective. Homeopathic products are big business, grossing at least $3 billion a year. A 2007 survey estimated that 3.9 million adults and 910,000 children used them. These figures have only increased during the past 10 years. One uncomfortable fact about homeopathic products, which are substances meant to treat patients by mimicking the symptoms of an illness, is that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t regulate them. This means that: Manufacturers are not required to submit a new drug application before selling them. Manufacturers are exempt from meeting Good Manufacturing Product (GMP) standards. Manufacturers are exempt from finished-product testing for identity and strength. And, as an added bonus, homeopathic products are allowed to contain higher amounts of alcohol than other drugs. Because no one is looking, poorly made and dangerous products slip through. In 2012, for example, 10,000 cases of “poison exposures” were reported; most occurred in children who were less than five years old and some required medical treatment. For these and other reasons, the FDA held a meeting on April 20 and 21, 2015, to discuss the regulation of homeopathic products. The FDA sought “written comments from all interested parties, including, but not limited to, consumers, patients, caregivers, health care professionals, patient groups, and industry.” With so many competing interests in the room, it shouldn’t be surprising that [...]

Charlotte Parker2017-07-24T09:53:27-07:00July, 2017|Oral Cancer News|

Teens drink less if they know alcohol causes cancer — but most don’t — study finds

Source: http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/ Author: Tim Williams, Education Reporter Teens are less likely to drink if they know that alcohol is a major cause of cancer, but most are unaware of the link, a South Australian study has found. More than 2800 school students aged 12-17 were surveyed about their drinking behaviour by Adelaide University and South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) researchers. Those aged 14-17 were deterred from drinking if they knew about the link between alcohol and cancer, but only 28 per cent of students were aware of the connection. Parental disapproval was another deterrent, while smoking and approval from friends resulted in higher rates of drinking. Most students had tried alcohol by age 16 and a third drank at least occasionally. Wealthy students were more likely to drink. Cancer Council SA chief executive Lincoln Size said there was clear evidence drinking caused cancers of the mouth, pharynx, larynx and oesophagus, as well as bowel cancer in men and breast cancer in women. It likely raised the risk of liver cancer and bowel cancer in women too. “Any level of alcohol consumption increases the risk of developing an alcohol-related cancer; the level of risk increases in line with the level of consumption,” he said. “This latest evidence highlights the need to educate young people about the consequences of alcohol consumption and for parents to demonstrate responsible drinking behaviour. “We need to get the message through that what may be considered harmless fun actually has lifelong consequences.” Lead author [...]

Oral Cancer Foundation News Team - A2017-07-20T09:05:48-07:00July, 2017|Oral Cancer News|

Plan not to give HPV vaccine to boys causes concern

Source: http://www.bbc.com/news/health-40658791 Date: July 19th, 2017 A decision not to vaccinate boys against a cancer-causing sexually transmitted infection has attracted fierce criticism. Reported cases of human papilloma virus (HPV) - thought to cause about 80% of cervical cancers - have fallen sharply since girls were given the vaccine. But the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) found little evidence to justify treating boys too. Critics said vaccinating boys could help reduce the risk still further. Across the UK, all girls aged 12-13 are offered HPV vaccination as part of the NHS childhood vaccination programme. Mary Ramsay, head of immunisation at Public Health England, said: "Evidence from around the world suggests that the risk of HPV infection in males is dramatically reduced by achieving high uptake of the HPV vaccine among girls. "While there are some additional benefits to vaccinating both males and females, the current models indicate that extending the programme to boys in the UK, where the uptake in adolescent girls is consistently high (over 85%), would not represent a good use of NHS resources." This initial recommendation by JCVI will now be subject to a public consultation and a final decision will be made in October. The British Dental Association said it would urge the committee to reconsider the evidence. The chair of the BDA, Mick Armstrong, said: "HPV has emerged as the leading cause of oropharyngeal cancers, so JCVI's unwillingness to expand the vaccination programme to boys is frankly indefensible." Shirley Cramer of the Royal Society [...]

Charlotte Parker2017-07-19T09:44:49-07:00July, 2017|Oral Cancer News|

Richard Holbrook’s Benefit Concert To Give All Proceeds to The Bruce Paltrow Oral Cancer Fund

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., July 13, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Acclaimed cabaret singer Richard Holbrook will be performing two benefit concerts at the Metropolitan Room in New York City on Friday, September 8, 2017 at 7:00pm and Saturday, September 9, 2017 at 4:00pm as a benefit for The Bruce Paltrow Oral Cancer Fund which is connected with The Oral Cancer Foundation. Holbrook will be singing Richard Rodgers songs from classic Broadway shows and memorable Hollywood film musicals. "I'm so thrilled and excited to be performing my show as a benefit for the Bruce Paltrow Oral Cancer Fund," he states. Holbrook will be accompanied by the fabulous Tom Nelson Trio. The stage 4 oral cancer survivor found a canker sore which led to a cancer diagnosis, spreading from gum to jaw. In September 2013 Holbrook stated, "After the surgery, I couldn't utter a sound. I wrote notes to my family, but they were illegible. I got so frustrated! I now have such empathy for people with conditions that keep them from being able to communicate with the world. One of the most enlightening lessons I learned is how important communication is. As singers, it is all about HOW we communicate through words, sound and storytelling." About Richard Holbrook Born in New York City, Richard taught himself how to sing by listening to the recordings of Fred Astaire, Judy Garland, and Bing Crosby and by watching their films. He found success as an actor on such hit television series as The Sopranos and Spin [...]

Charlotte Parker2017-07-17T11:21:09-07:00July, 2017|Oral Cancer News|

Trans oral robotic surgery saves public Australian hospital patients from disfiguring procedure

Source: www.smh.com.au Author: Kate Aubusson The cancerous tumour growing at the back of Brian Hodge's tongue was about as hard-to-reach as cancers get. The 73-year-old was told he'd need radical, invasive surgery to remove the 50¢-sized tumour. His surgeon would make an incision almost from ear-to-ear and split his jaw in two for the 10-12 hour surgery. After five days in intensive care, another three weeks in hospital and four to six months recovery, re-learning how to eat and talk Mr Hodge would have been left with disfiguring scars, and a voice that he may not recognise as his own. "My kids didn't want me to have it," Mr Hodge said. "But I'm not one to throw in the towel ... Then the unbelievable happened," he said. Mr Hodge became one of the first public patients to undergo robotic surgery for head, neck and throat cancer at Nepean Hospital, the state's only hospital offering the service to patients who can't afford private healthcare. Mr Hodge's surgeon, Associate Professor Ronald Chin, performed the trans oral robotic surgery (TORS) by guiding the robot's arm into his patient's open mouth to remove the cancerous tumour. "I went in on Monday morning for the surgery and I was discharged Tuesday night," Mr Hodge said of his surgery performed on June 19. "It's just amazing. Two days compared to six months recovering. "What's got me is that before it was only available to people who could pay the big money. I've worked all my life, [...]

Oral Cancer Foundation News Team - A2017-07-17T07:29:27-07:00July, 2017|Oral Cancer News|

Smoking Scenes in Movies Have Increased … Why?

Source: www.healthline.com Author: Shawn Radcliffe After several years of decline, tobacco use depicted in movies is on the rise again. Does it matter? Where there’s smoke, there’s … probably a PG-13 rated movie. A new study shows that tobacco incidents depicted in top-grossing movies in the United States are once again on the rise, breaking an earlier decline. This is true despite public health efforts outside theaters to reduce smoking by children and teens. “If the progress that we had seen between 2005 and 2010 had continued, all of the youth-rated films would have been smoke-free in 2015,” said study author Stanton Glantz, PhD, professor of medicine, and director of the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) Center for Tobacco Control Research and Education. The July 7 study in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) found that the total number of tobacco incidents in top-grossing movies increased 72 percent between 2010 and 2016. It also increased 43 percent in PG-13 movies. Tobacco incidents are defined as use or implied use, by an actor, of cigarettes, cigars, pipes, hookah, smokeless tobacco products, or electronic cigarettes. This increase comes as the number of movies showing tobacco declined — meaning fewer movies account for a greater number of tobacco scenes. In 2016, 41 percent of the top-grossing movies had tobacco incidents, down from 45 percent in 2010. In addition, 26 percent of youth-rated movies had tobacco incidents in 2016, a decline from 31 percent in 2010. [...]

Oral Cancer Foundation News Team - A2017-07-15T18:00:58-07:00July, 2017|Oral Cancer News|

Improved quality of life for head and neck cancer patients with Nivolumab

Source: www.oncnursingnews.com Author: Jason Harris Patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) saw improved or stable quality of life (QOL) scores following treatment with single-agent nivolumab (Opdivo), according to results published in Lancet Oncology.1 In contrast, patients assigned to investigator’s choice of treatment saw clinical meaningful declines, defined as a decrease in ≥10% from baseline, across 8 of 15 (53%) domains on the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire. “The results of CheckMate-141 suggest that nivolumab is the first PD-1 inhibitor, to our knowledge, to show a significant improvement in overall survival, with better tolerability and a quality-of-life benefit, compared with standard therapy for platinum-refractory recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck,” investigators wrote. “In view of the major unmet need in this population and the importance of maintaining or improving quality of life for patients with recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, these data support nivolumab as a new standard of care option in this setting.” Investigators evaluated statistical differences in patient-reported adjusted mean changes from baseline between treatment groups as assessed by the EORTC QLQ-C30, EORTC QLQ-H&N35, and EQ-5D-3L at each time point, and the time to clinically meaningful deterioration per each individual scale’s criteria. Patient assessments were conducted before treatment initiation, at week 9, and then every 6 weeks during the treatment period using the EORTC QLQ-C30, EORTC QLQ-H&N35, and EQ-5D-3L questionnaires. Posttreatment assessments were made at follow-up visits 1 and 2 (35 days give or take 7 days [...]

Oral Cancer Foundation News Team - A2017-07-14T10:56:06-07:00July, 2017|Oral Cancer News|