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Blood test helps identify existence of acute disease
Date: 2013-02-01 00:00:00

There are a number of medical conditions that can be detected by a simple blood test, but as researchers become aware of new markers and signals associated with certain illnesses, lab results grow more instrumental in diagnosing more complex illnesses. Certain fluctuations in various blood levels and protein concentrations can indicate to clinicians that a syndrome is likely to exist, leading to more thorough medical tests based on these basic blood testing samples.

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have identified a series of protein readings in basic blood tests that have been tied to the presence of lymphedema in patients, a condition that occurs when lymphatic tissues are no longer draining fluids correctly. This illness can cause serious infections and other complications, and since it is most often present in cancer patients, the repercussions of fluid buildup could be significant.

The study looked at about 30 patients, both unaffected and those already diagnosed with lymphedema, to isolate common factors in their blood tests. While researchers found that healthy and cancerous tissues showed concerning genetic markers, the concentration of specific proteins was higher among diseased samples than healthier samples. The final panels showed that six proteins were present in high volumes to definitively indicate the presence of blockage and infection, but several of them together could still be a sign that more intensive testing is necessary.

Preventative care measures... Full Story

Eating resistant starch may help stave off colorectal cancer
Date: 2013-02-20 00:00:00

People who have a family history of cancer should regularly get blood tests and lab tests to help make sure they are healthy. These individuals should closely follow any scientific studies that point to simple lifestyle changes they can make to help reduce their risk of developing cancer. For example, researchers from the University of Colorado Cancer Center recently discovered that consuming more resistant starch may help people lower their chances of colorectal cancer.

Resistant starch can't be digested, so it ends up in the bowel in more or less the same form it was in when it is first consumed. Researchers set out to determine if the fact that these foods stay whole in the bowel has an effect on colorectal cancer risk.

Eat more starch ... Full Story

Confidence may help cancer survivors stay fit
Date: 2013-03-11 00:00:00

Following a lab test revealing cancer remission, individuals may feel overjoyed yet still concerned about how to stay healthy moving forward. Recently, a team of scientists discovered that simply staying positive may help survivors maintain well-being.

Researchers from the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center found that endometrial cancer survivors may be more likely to work out for a longer period of time if their daily self-efficacy was high. In this study, self-efficacy is defined by a person's belief in his or her ability to complete tasks and reach goals.

Confidence is the answer... Full Story

Screenings may be the best way to reduce colon cancer risk
Date: 2013-03-06 00:00:00

When it comes to cancer, early detection is key, a fact that underscores the need for regular blood tests and lab tests. Catching cancer early saves lives, especially since many forms of cancer are treatable in their early stages. Recently, researchers from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania confirmed what most medical professionals already believe - colonoscopy screenings significantly reduce an individual's risk of developing end-stage colorectal cancer.

The scientists stated that in the past few years, the colonoscopy has been replacing the sigmoidoscopy, which was a procedure used to detect abnormalities in the rectum and left side of the colon, even though many people questioned the efficacy and high cost of a colonoscopy. Now, researchers are stating that colonoscopy screening does, indeed, help save people from dying of colon cancer.

A serious issue... Full Story

Device alerts people of presence of harmful cigarette residue
Date: 2013-03-22 00:00:00

Everybody needs lab tests to screen for the ill health effects of the environment, including that emitted by tobacco users.The American Cancer Society states that secondhand smoke is a known human carcinogen and contains at least 69 chemicals that cause cancer. In order to reduce the number of non-smokers exposed to this substance each year, Dartmouth researchers have developed a tool that can immediately detect the presence of secondhand smoke and even third-hand smoke.

The goal of this device is to help make sure that people are fully aware when they are in the presence of secondhand and third-hand smoke, which is particularly important for individuals with asthma. Third-hand smoke consists of tobacco chemicals and residue left on indoor surfaces.

Not far enough ... Full Story

Study shines light on vitamin E's ability to fight cancer
Date: 2013-03-14 00:00:00

Over the past few decades, studies have suggested that vitamin E may help fight cancer. However, this research was conducted on animals, and when similar trials were done with humans, results of the lab tests were not the same. Still, scientists have not given up hope that vitamin E may have some cancer-fighting properties. Recently, researchers from Ohio State University have discovered that there may indeed be some benefits to consuming this nutrient when it comes to keeping cancer at bay.

The scientists found that one form of vitamin E prevented the activation of an enzyme that is essential for prostate cancer cells to survive. With this enzyme gone, the cancer cells died and the healthy cells were left unaffected.

"This is the first demonstration of a unique mechanism of how vitamin E can have some benefit in terms of cancer prevention and treatment," said lead author Ching-Shih Chen, professor of medicinal chemistry and pharmacognosy at Ohio State University and an investigator in Ohio State's Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Not your average vitamin E ... Full Story

Flame retardant in office furniture may pose health risk
Date: 2013-03-27 00:00:00

Getting regular lab tests to check for a host of diseases isn't just a good idea for people who already feel sick. Everyone should consider getting blood tests to make sure they are in good health, since people might be surprised to know the number of seemingly harmless things in their life that could pose a risk. For example, researchers from Boston University Medical Center have found a flame retardant that was removed from children's pajamas 30 years ago is present in polyurethane foam found in many office environments. Furthermore, this chemical has been named as a possible carcinogen.

Researchers examined 31 adults to come to their conclusions, and discovered that the chemical found in this flame retardant - known as TDCPP - was found in 99 percent of dust samples taken from the homes, vehicles and offices of the participants.

Potentially dangerous ... Full Story