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Friday, May 17, 2013

Shots - Health News

Up For Discussion: Cost Of Cancer Care Avoided Too Often

A cancer pill can cost patients more than the same treatment given as an infusion.

May 17, 2013 Even cancer patients with health insurance can face steep copayments for drugs, a sizable share of hospital bills and significant incidental expenses. So wouldn't it make sense for doctors and patients to talk about financial issues up front?

Summary

Thursday, May 16, 2013

13.7: Cosmos And Culture

Facing Cancer, With A Robot Surgeon By My Side

Many arms, one robot: the business end of the da Vinci system is seen in this media handout image from the manufacturer.

May 16, 2013 Robot-assisted surgeries have changed the medical landscape for patients with certain diagnoses, including some types of cancer. Commentator Barbara J. King looks forward to meeting her robot surgeon next week and getting the job done.

Summary

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Shots - Health News

Catalog Of Gene Markers For Some Cancers Doubles In Size

A microscopic image of prostate cancer. Researchers have found new genetic markers that flag a person's susceptibility to the disease, as well as breast and ovarian cancer.

March 27, 2013 The largest gene-probing study ever done has found dozens of new genetic markers that flag a person's susceptibility to breast, ovarian and prostate cancer. But knowing these susceptibility markers won't mean much for patients for now.

Summary

Monday, March 11, 2013

Shots - Health News

Aspirin Vs. Melanoma: Study Suggests Headache Pill Prevents Deadly Skin Cancer

A doctor checks for signs of skin cancer at a free cancer screening day in New York City.

March 11, 2013 Women who took aspirin at least a couple of times a week for five years or more cut their risk of melanoma by 30 percent. The new study adds to the mounting pile of research suggesting that cheap, common aspirin lowers the risk of many cancers, including colon, breast, esophagus, stomach, prostate, bladder and ovarian cancer.

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On Morning EditionPlaylist

Wednesday, March 06, 2013

The Salt

Salami Suicide: Processed Meats Linked To Heart Disease And Cancer

Delicious. Also potentially deadly.

March 6, 2013 Love that bacon, but realize that porking up on processed meat ups the risk of cancer and heart disease. That's the word from a big new study that tracked the eating habits of almost a half-million Europeans over 20 years.

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Tuesday, March 05, 2013

Shots - Health News

Often A Health Care Laggard, U.S. Shines In Cancer Treatment

The U.S. ranks first in the world at stopping brain cancers, epidemiologists reported Monday. Here neurosurgeon Dr. Roger Hudgins and his assistant, Holly Zeller of Akron, Ohio, look at an MRI scan before performing surgery to remove a brain tumor.

March 5, 2013 Researchers report that the U.S. ranks among the top countries at treating cancers of the brain, colon and breast. But it still lags behind most of Western Europe when it comes to drug abuse, heart disease and kidney problems.

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Monday, March 04, 2013

Shots - Health News

Mouse Study Sheds Light On Why Some Cancer Vaccines Fail

A simple switch of ingredients made a big difference in how mice responded to experimental cancer vaccines.

March 4, 2013 More than 90 clinical trials have tested therapeutic vaccines in cancer patients, but the results have been a mixed bag. A recent study in mice suggests that changing a traditional ingredient in the vaccines could make a big difference.

Summary

Monday, February 18, 2013

Shots - Health News

Cancer Rehab Begins To Bridge A Gap To Reach Patients

STAR-certified physical therapist Jennifer Goyette works with cancer patients at South County Physical Therapy in Westborough, Mass.

February 18, 2013 Cancer patients often have to deal with side effects from their treatments. They may need speech therapy or help rebuilding their strength. The STAR program is helping break down the barriers to rehabilitation services.

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On Morning EditionPlaylist

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Shots - Health News

Keep Calm And Carry On, Except When It Comes To Cancer

The British have long said, "Keep calm and carry on." But the catchphrase may need an update for health care.

January 29, 2013 That famous stiff upper lip has carried the Brits through tough times, but it can be a risky trait when it comes to health. An international survey finds the British often delay seeking help for serious symptoms of cancer because they're embarrassed or worried about wasting the doctor's time.

Summary

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Shots - Health News

Old Drug Extends Life For Pancreatic Cancer Patients

A CT scan showing an adenocarcinoma of the pancreatic head.

January 23, 2013 A study of a new drug therapy for pancreatic cancer finds it works better than the standard approach. While the improvement is modest for the typical patient, some people who received the treatment lived a year or two longer than those receiving conventional therapy.

Summary

Thursday, January 17, 2013

The Salt

4 Tips To Help A Foodie Get Through Chemo

Some of the author's favorite foods, like yogurt, just didn't taste good during chemo.

January 17, 2013 Chemotherapy wreaks havoc on the taste buds, which can be a real challenge for anyone who loves food. But there are a few things you can do to maximize your food enjoyment while in cancer treatment.

Summary

Tuesday, January 08, 2013

The Two-Way

Venezuela's Chavez To Miss His Inauguration

January 8, 2013 The announcement by the government confirms suspicions the president's illness will keep him in Cuba past Thursday when he was scheduled to be sworn in. Chavez underwent his fourth cancer-related surgery in Cuba last month.

Summary

Friday, December 28, 2012

Shots - Health News

Another Side Effect Of Chemotherapy: 'Chemo Brain'

Dr. Jame Abraham used positron emission tomography, or PET, scans to understand differences in brain metabolism before and after chemotherapy.

December 28, 2012 For years, researchers have struggled to understand the mental fog that envelops some patients getting chemotherapy. Now a study has found that the cancer treatment significantly decreases brain activity in regions responsible for memory, attention, planning and prioritizing.

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On Morning EditionPlaylist

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Shots - Health News

How A Drug Shortage Hiked Relapse Risks For Lymphoma Patients

The number of new drug shortages each year in the U.S., from 2001 through Dec. 21, 2012.

December 26, 2012 The short supply of a key drug to treat lymphoma forced doctors to switch to another medicine. Now researchers have documented that the fallback drug wasn't as good a choice as many doctors thought.

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On All Things ConsideredPlaylist

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

The Two-Way

'Complex And Difficult Days' Without Chavez, Venezuelan Vice President Warns

Venezuelan Vice President Nicolas Maduro, center, addresses the nation flanked by Oil Minister Rafael Ramirez, left, and National Assembly President Diosdado Cabello at the Miraflores presidential palace in Caracas, Venezuela, on Wednesday.

December 12, 2012 The Venezuelan president is recovering in Cuba after an operation on Tuesday targeted an aggressive cancer. It was his fourth cancer-related surgery in Cuba, and comes after he won re-election last month.

Summary

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