Looking at disease clusters

Feb. 19, 2012   1 Comment  

The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) defines a "disease cluster" as an unusually large number of people sickened by a disease in a certain place and time. Toxic exposure by industrial activity is usually suspected or blamed. Along with the National Disease Clusters Alliance, NRDC reported in 2011 that it had identified 42 disease clusters in 13 U.S. states.

Does where you live make you sick?

Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath diagnosed with cancer

Jan. 17, 2012   Leave a Comment  

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Lymphoma caught early

Does eating garlic and onions help prevent cancer?

Nov. 20, 2011   Leave a Comment  

Although there is no definitive proof, many studies seem to indicate that consumption of onions, garlic and other members of the allium family (leeks, shallots and chives) reduces the risk of certain cancers. (Thinkstock)

Short answer: Probably

Chemicals, pollution … and cancer.

Nov. 12, 2011   Leave a Comment  

Most researchers now agree that environmental factors -­ including exposure to chemicals and pollution -­ play a significant role today in determining who gets cancer and who doesn't. (Thinkstock)

President urged to take action

We ask the question: Are diet sodas unhealthy?

Nov. 5, 2011   Leave a Comment  

Researchers have found no direct links between diet sodas and specific human health problems. Initial reports that implicated aspartame, widely use to sweeten diet sodas, in a wide range of human health problems including cancer turned out to be false -- though certainly much healthier beverage choices abound. (Media credit/julesreyes via Flickr)

It may surprise you

“50/50″ review

Oct. 3, 2011   Leave a Comment  

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All the best features of a buddy comedy and heartfelt drama

Andy Whitfield dies of cancer

Sept. 12, 2011   Leave a Comment  

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Former “Spartacus” lead was 39

The brave new world of “green chemistry”

July 1, 2011   Leave a Comment  

A brave new world known as “green chemistry” seeks to reduce or eliminate the use or generation of hazardous substances in the design, use and disposal of products. (Thinkstock)

Questioning everyday materials

A sedentary life can be as bad for you as smoking, research says

June 24, 2011   Leave a Comment  

Cigarette-butt

Cambridge-based personal trainer gives advice on easy ways to sneak exercise into your day

Cell phones and cancer — the latest research

Feb. 12, 2011   Leave a Comment  

A long term study is underway that will track the cell phone usage of 250,000 cell phone users between the ages of 18 and 69 over three decades. In addition to looking for cancer links, the study will be on the lookout for links to neurological diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. (Pink Sherbert Photography via Flickr)

Yeah…we still don’t know

Heart attacks drop by half among MassHealth members who use quit smoking program

Dec. 7, 2010   2 Comments  

No Smoking

Dramatic decline published in PLoS Medicine

Elizabeth Edwards takes turn for the worse, stops cancer treatment

Dec. 6, 2010   Leave a Comment  

Elizabeth Edwards arrives at Stand Up To Cancer held at Sony Pictures Studios on September 10 in Culver City, Calif. (WireImage)

Elizabeth Edwards, the estranged wife of disgraced former vice presidential candidate John Edwards, has ceased her treatment for cancer after being told by doctors that further efforts to treat here would have no effect. She is said to be resting with her family and friends at her side. Edwards sent the following message to well-wishers [...]

Michael Douglas plays Liberace in first post-cancer role

Dec. 1, 2010   Leave a Comment  

Actor Michael Douglas, who announced his stage 4 throat cancer diagnoses, told The Hollywood Reporter that he’s been gearing up for his next role for a film “Liberace,” whose shooting will start in May or June. He told the source, “I’ve got a bunch of tapes of performances. I’m thinking; I’m a blank slate. Everything [...]

EarthTalk: Prostate cancer? National recycling law?

Nov. 20, 2010   Leave a Comment  

Just a few decades ago, Americans recycled less than 10 percent of their solid waste. Today, Americans recycle some 32 percent of the 350 million tons of refuse they generate annually (Media credit/Tom Magliery via Flickr)

Should you be forced to recycle?

Decline in American smoking stalls

Sept. 24, 2010   2 Comments  

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Surprise: People still light up

Andy Whitfield leaves “Spartacus” after cancer returns

Sept. 19, 2010   6 Comments  

Andy Whitfield at the Spartacus: Blood and Sand Press Conference at The Four Seasons Hotel on July 21 in Beverly Hills, California. (WireImage)

Will require aggressive treatment

Gallery: Rally for Stacy

Aug. 29, 2010   Leave a Comment  

Rally for Stacy was a spectacular night hosted by Firefly's Restaurant in Marlborough. Great food, live music, raffle prizes and other items for purchase were all available to support a wonderful cause, Lyons and her fight against cancer.

Local woman, 26, battling rare form of ovarian cancer

The sun’s smile is a wicked smile

March 29, 2010   Leave a Comment  

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Tanning is bad for you. End of story.

Commentary: Ignore the “experts” on Women’s (and Men’s) health

Nov. 21, 2009   Leave a Comment  

Seriously?

American Cancer Society changes stance on cancer screening

Oct. 21, 2009   5 Comments  

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Over-screening may have led to over-diagnosis.