A new study shows that about two-thirds of cancer cases are caused by random mutations when the cells divide. Researchers concluded that the “bad luck” factor is the main cause of all cancers, rather than “bad genes” or unhealthy lifestyle. The study was conducted by researchers at Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center. According to it, stem cells can be affected by bad luck mutations when … [Read more...]
Medicare Cover of Lung CT Scans May Fall Short
More than 4 million people could benefit from the Medicare’s decision to expand coverage by adding lung cancer screenings with CT scan. The The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services decision on Monday targets current and former smokers who are at high risk of developing lung cancer. CMS will cover the cost which can range between $100 and $400. The twist, however, is that patients have to … [Read more...]
Lung Cancer Screening Provided by Medicare
Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced a proposal on Monday regarding Medicare's covering lung cancer screenings. Though insurance people get through their employer or on their own often covers these screenings, Medicare has not been covering them. The screenings typically cost around $300, and many people who are eligible for Medicare cannot afford that expense. Since this announcement, … [Read more...]
Cigars as Harmful as Cigarettes, Study Finds
Bad news for cigar lovers: the Cubans are as harmful as cigarettes, if not even worse. A recent study from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration shows that cigar smokers have more cancer-causing substances in their organisms than non-smokers. Cigar smokers may believe that because they do not inhale the smoke, the habit is not particularly dangerous for their health. But second-hand smoke can be … [Read more...]
New Study Shows that Lung Cancer Can Lie Dormant for More than 20 Years
A new study, published in the medical journal Science, has revealed that lung cancer can lie dormant for more than 20 years, before waking up, growing and causing damage inside the body. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death inside the United States, which prompted the scientists at the Cancer Research UK to complete the study. The results of this study have shown that after the cancer … [Read more...]
AstraZeneca May Have Found a Way to Tackle Lung Cancer
Medical studies are often inconclusive, but even the smallest advancements can prove invaluable for humanity. AstraZeneca seems to have found a way to tackle lung cancer with the help of a newly developed combination of drugs. Tests are still inconclusive, but medics are optimistic because it seems that the new drugs will also boost the immune system. After having avoided a multi-billion dollar … [Read more...]
FDA gives green signal to Novartis’s ‘Zykadia’ to treat lung cancer
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has give its green signal to Novartis's new therapy drug 'Zykadia'(ceritinib) to treat a certain type of late stag non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The early approval comes as a surprise as FDA was expected to finish reviewing the drug application by August 24, 2014 and then pronounce its verdict. Zykadia is the fourth drug with breakthrough … [Read more...]
GSK lung cancer drug MAGE-A3 fails for second time
In a setback to drug maker GlaxoSmithKline Plc (GSK), an experimental product of the company failed in an advanced test of lung cancer for the second time. The therapy known as MAGE-A3 failed in a cancer study after it didn’t help patients with non-small cell lung cancer live longer without the disease recurring, the London-based company said in a statement today. Amid the setback, the Glaxo … [Read more...]
Breath Test May Detect Signs of Lung Cancer
A new study published out of Sweden shows that the human nose may be able to detect an early-stage lung cancer. The exhaled breath of people with doubtful lung lesions that were detected on CT scans was tested by researchers. The breath was tested for levels of four cancer-specific volatile compound, called "carbonyls." Elevated levels of three of the four carbonyls were prognostic of lung … [Read more...]
