Issue: Aug. 2016
Changes in quantitative imaging Think About the Link™ on the road
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Thank you for 30 years of helping to STOP CANCER BEFORE IT STARTS! ™
IN THE WORLD OF CANCER
PREVENTIVE MEASURES & GENERAL WELLNESS
Kym Martin: patient perspective Indoor fitness trends Increase in oropharyngeal cancers
Back-to-vax Sunscreen consumer reports
New food label requirements
HPV
VACCINE
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Hiking tips and tricks 5 Reasons to 5k
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Q&A with the FDA HEALTHY EATING
Non-food rewards MAKE A DIFFERENCE
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FOUNDATION NEWS
President’s Corner Dear Readers, Summer is the perfect time to remind you of key cancer prevention tactics. Before you hit the beach or set off on a long hike, be sure to read about the latest reports on the best sunscreens and our hiking tips and tricks to stay safe. In June we hosted the 13th annual Quantitative Imaging Workshop. In this issue, we explore how this premier event is shaping the larger conversation about screening for lung cancer and other serious diseases. We also sat down with Mitch Zeller, Director of the FDA’s Center for Tobacco, to learn about the new federal regulations on e-cigarettes, hookah and cigars. Turn the pages for more informative articles, including updates on the Vice President’s Cancer Moonshot initiative, the FDA’s new food nutrition labels and more. Thank you for your continued support as we strive to Stop Cancer Before It Starts!™ Carolyn Aldigé President & Founder
Changes in quantitative scans can detect imaging CT more than we think Tobacco use is a leading cause of death around the world, causing lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cardiovascular disease. To help improve screening for these diseases, leading to earlier detection and increased survival rates, the Prevent Cancer Foundation hosted its 13th annual Quantitative Imaging Workshop (formerly the Lung Cancer Workshop). The Quantitative Imaging Workshop has a long history of convening the right people to change outcomes for people with lung cancer. This event brings together experts from a variety of fields, including oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, measurement scientists, computer scientists, photonics experts and more to discuss quantitative imaging as a biomarker for detection and management of tobacco-induced diseases. High-quality, low-dose spiral computed tomography (CT) scans can detect lung cancer in its early stages and, if implemented broadly, can reduce lung cancer mortality by more than 20 percent. CT scans are much more likely to detect lung tumors than are routine chest x-rays. They are also more precise in terms of the size, shape and position of lung tumors because these scans produce detailed cross-sectional images. New research suggests that low-dose CT scans provide quantitative imaging for not only lung cancer, but also COPD and cardiovascular disease. As more providers turn to CT technology to detect numerous tobacco-induced diseases, it is critical to establish quality standards and protocols for these scans. The Workshop focused on how to refine the way small lesions are measured; how to best store full imaging data in a database so the files can be accessed for further research; and how to increase the use of CT scans in diagnosing diseases other than lung cancer. Leading up to the Workshop, the Foundation and its partners issued the first ever crowd-source challenge, asking imaging facilities to submit their CT scanning protocols to determine the best technology and techniques for screening for lung cancer and COPD. Data were received from health care institutions in the United States, China, Spain and Israel. Preliminary analysis of the study data presented at the Workshop revealed larger differences in CT scanning protocols than expected, but also revealed that many scans could be improved with more precise measurement and increased education and training for imaging technicians.
FOUNDATION NEWS
PreventCancer.org
Think About The Link™ on the road
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Think About the Link™ is traveling across the country to hold grassroots educational events in the cities and states with some of the lowest vaccination rates for HPV and highest rates of hepatitis B and C. Here’s a look at where we’ve been: Palos Park, IL June 11, 2016 Partnered with: Caring Ambassadors and The Center
This summer, we’re also traveling to Harlem, NY; San Francisco, CA; Philadelphia, PA; and more!
Highlight: One man who came to the event with no intention of being screened was tested and diagnosed with hepatitis C. He will receive help from Caring Ambassadors to get treated.
For information about upcoming events or to view photos from these events,
visit www.PreventCancer.org/grassroots
Philadelphia, PA
Houston, TX
May 19-20, 2016 Partnered with: Hepatitis B Foundation and Hepatitis C Allies of Philadelphia
June 17-18, 2016 Partnered with: MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston Health Highlight: Councilman David Department, Harris County Public Oh and Councilwoman Cindy Health & Environmental Services, CHI St. Luke’s Bass formally recognized May as Health, Asian American Health Coalition, “Hepatitis Awareness Month” HOPE Clinic, Bibleway Church and in Philadelphia. Change Happens Highlight: More than 180 people attended a day-long Summit, convened by the Prevent Cancer Foundation. Panels of experts featured representatives from major medical institutions and local community health centers for minority populations, as well as patients/advocates, including a two-time cervical cancer survivor. More than 75 people were screened for HPV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C at corresponding events the following day.
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IN THE WORLD OF CANCER
Kym Martin: patient perspective Q&A with 4-time cancer survivor Kym Martin
At age 17, Kym Martin thought her increased fatigue and chronic cough were from lifestyle choices. It wasn’t until her right arm went completely numb that she sought a doctor and was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 1983. Kym received 40 rounds of radiation therapy, then bi-annual chest x-rays and mammograms in her twenties. In 1992, Kym noticed a collection of moles around the radiation site. Her radiologist wasn’t worried, but Kym was, and was later diagnosed with her first melanoma. By age 23, Kym learned the importance of listening to her body and taking changes seriously, even if that meant disagreeing with a doctor.
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Since then, Kym’s had two more cancer diagnoses—a second melanoma in 2004 and breast cancer in 2012. Here are her observations:
What did you do when you disagreed with your doctor? I took it upon myself to see a dermatologist. My radiologist said there was no data to support the link between moles and radiation. I said, “I’m the evidence, because these are not normal.” The first mole I had removed came back as evolving melanoma and my dermatologist said that mole could have killed me. From then on, I started to engage in my care, doing regular mole checks, and 12 years later I found my second melanoma. How does the patient experience change from the first to later diagnoses? My experience changed with each diagnosis. At 17, I delegated my health care decisions to doctors and my parents because I didn’t understand my disease. As I became a more educated and engaged patient, the conversation with doctors changed and my choices took precedence.
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It’s important to pay attention to your body and look for any changes or irregularities that could be early signs of cancer. This is especially important for survivors, who are at increased risk for secondary cancers. YOU can be your own best health advocate.
New food label requirements Last spring, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a new Nutrition Facts label— the first revision in 20 years. While the look of the label hasn’t changed much, it better highlights information (such as serving size) to help you and your family make informed choices about what you are eating and how much you eat. Eating a nutritious diet and maintaining a healthy weight are key to preventing cancer.
Sugar, Sugar, Sugar The new label will now include “added sugars” listed in both grams and as Percent Daily Value. According to the FDA, research shows that if you consume more than 10 percent of your total daily calories from added sugar, even if you stay within calorie limits, it is difficult to meet nutrient needs.
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PreventCancer.org
Increase in oropharyngeal cancers Oropharyngeal cancer – what is it?
Oropharyngeal is probably not a part of your everyday vocabulary—but if you’re male, it’s a word you need to know. Oropharyngeal cancer is cancer in the middle part of your throat behind the mouth, including the base of the tongue, side and back walls of the throat, and the tonsils. It is twice as common in men as women, and cases of oropharyngeal cancer are rising each year. It’s also critical you understand most oropharyngeal cancers are preventable. Human papillomavirus (HPV) causes about 75 percent of cases, so be sure to get yourself and/or your children vaccinated to significantly reduce cancer risk.
important you see your primary doctor or ENT specialist immediately if you notice a mass in your neck or have a persistent sore throat or other symptom related to the throat.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) didn’t recommend CANCER HPV vaccination for boys until 2011 (five years after it was recommended for girls). This delay, combined with the lack of early detection, has contributed to oropharyngeal cancer incidence rising five percent annually. Incidence of all oropharyngeal cancers surpassed those of cervical cancer in women for the first time in 2010.
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), if diagnosed in the first stage, the five-year survival rate for oropharyngeal cancers is 83 percent. However, most patients have symptoms of swollen lymph nodes in the neck before they are diagnosed, and by that time the cancer is already in late stage. Unfortunately, because of the locationof this cancer, it is not easily detectable by your physician before it has spread to the lymph nodes. It is critically
What can you do? If your son is 11-12 years old, make sure he receives the HPV vaccine. Most men who have not been vaccinated can receive a catch-up vaccine until age 21. Remember, the HPV vaccine isn’t just a prevention method for the virus, but for at least six types of cancer, including oropharyngeal. Tobacco and alcohol use are also leading causes of oropharyngeal cancer, so be sure to avoid tobacco and excessive drinking to reduce your risk.
Size Matters
Servings sizes are, by law, required to reflect what people are actually eating (not what they should be eating). Serving sizes are now being changed to reflect this. This way, you’ll have a better idea of the calories and sugar you are actually consuming, instead of being fooled into thinking you are eating less. Serving sizes for packages that are typically consumed in one sitting will also be adjusted. For example, even though a typical serving size for a soda is 12 oz., the label for a 20 oz. soda will list the calories and other information for all 20 oz., since it will likely be consumed in one sitting. For more on these and other food label changes:
www.PreventCancer.org/FDANutrition
To learn more about how to eat a nutritious diet to reduce your cancer risk:
www.PreventCancer.org/DrAnn
While these changes are encouraging, it may be months until you see new labels on your supermarket shelves—manufacturers aren’t required to use the new label until July 26, 2018.
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PREVENTIVE MEASURES & GENERAL WELLNESS
Back-to-vax
For most families, back-to-school means it’s time to head back to the doctor. The start of the school year is a helpful reminder to visit your health care professional to get your yearly physical and address any health problems you haven’t had checked out. For kids and teens, it’s also a good time to get vaccinated. Your state might even require your kids to have certain vaccinations before they can attend school. Check with your children’s health care professionals or schools, or your state health department, to find out which vaccinations are required. Making sure your kids’ vaccinations are up-to-date is the best way to protect them from serious and life-threatening diseases, and protect those who can’t be vaccinated due to compromised immune systems. If your kids are between ages 11-12, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends they get the HPV vaccine (both boys and girls). This is one of few vaccines that can ultimately prevent cancer. (It is required for 7th graders in Rhode Island, Virginia and the District of Columbia.) Unfortunately, you can’t rely on your child’s doctor to tell you about the link between HPV and cancer. A recent survey commissioned by the Prevent Cancer Foundation shows 62 percent of adults indicate their child’s physician has not stressed the importance of the HPV vaccination. Use back-to-school physicals and vaccinations as a reminder to ask your doctor about the HPV vaccine. If your child has missed a vaccine, don’t worry—most men can get a catch-up HPV vaccine until age 21 and women can get it until age 26. Talk to your health care professional about a catch-up immunization schedule to get back on track.
More than half (57 percent) of adults are not aware the HPV vaccine can significantly reduce the risk of certain cancers.
HPV
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PreventCancer.org
Sunscreen consumer Can you trust reports your sunscreen?
One of the best ways to protect your skin is to lather up with sunscreen, especially during the summer when you’re spending more time outside. But what if your sunscreen isn’t as strong or as safe as you think it is? Consumer Reports tested dozens of sunscreen products and found that many didn’t match the SPF claimed on the label.
The study tested 65 lotions, sprays and sticks with an SPF of 30 or higher. A whopping 28 of them (43 percent) failed to meet the SPF amount on the bottle. One problem is the increasing number of mineral-based or “natural” sunscreens (containing only titanium dioxide or zinc oxide) on the market. Consumer Reports warns these do not measure up to chemical sunscreens, leaving you vulnerable to the sun’s harmful UV rays.
Consumer Reports’ biggest recommendation is to reach for a sunscreen with a higher SPF than you’d normally purchase. Most of the sunscreens with an SPF 30 tested well under that number on the label. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, but it is also the most preventable. Make it a priority to protect yourself with a good quality sunscreen before heading outside for the rest of summer and year-round.
For the best sun protection, Consumer Reports recommends a chemical sunscreen. Here are some of the top performers:
La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 Melt-In Sunscreen Milk ($36)
Pure Sun Defense SPF 50 ($17.99) Coppertone Water Babies SPF 50 ($10.50) Equate Ultra Protection SPF 50 ($11.32) Coppertone Kids Stick SPF 55 ($11.67)
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FITNESS
Hiking tips and tricks
Summer is the best time to have fun outside. Going on a family hike is a great way to take advantage of the weather and help your family stay active. Remember these tips and tricks to stay safe and hydrated on your hike.
Prepare
•Pack your bag with necessities: a map and compass (signal for the GPS on your phone is not reliable when on trails), extra water and food, safety items (emergency flare, flashlight, whistle, first-aid), bug spray, sunscreen and sunglasses. •Wear appropriate footwear that you have broken in. Do not wear new hiking boots for the first time. •Check the weather and temperature. •Search online for good hiking trails and routes before departure.
Hiking tips
Hiking is a great way to stay active, appreciate your beautiful surroundings and maintain a healthy weight so you can reduce your cancer risk. With these tips and tricks, you can make the most of your time outside with friends and family.
•Start your hike early in the day to avoid the most intense sun between 10a.m. and 4p.m. Watching the sunrise is a perfect way to start your hike. •Drink and eat often to keep hydrated and energetic. Keep your food simple. •Eat salty snacks and drink water on any hike lasting more than 30 minutes to replenish your electrolytes. •Rest in a shady spot and take frequent breaks.
Hiking tricks
• Do not wait until you are feeling thirsty to drink water. By the time you feel thirsty, you are already dehydrated. • Break up a long hike over multiple days. • Wear loose-fitting long sleeves, pants and hats to protect yourself from the sun’s ultraviolet rays.
5 Reasons to 5k
Join us for the Prevent Cancer 5k Walk/Run and Health Fair on Sunday, September 25, 2016. Here are 5 reasons to register today: 4. You want a behind-the-scenes look at 1. You want to be healthy. Nationals Park. Maintaining a healthy weight and being physically active are key to preventing cancer and other diseases. If you already work out, a 5k can be a fun way to change up your exercise routine. If you’re not there yet, that’s ok—walk or run at your own pace and take an important first step toward better health.
2. It’s a great way to spend time with your family.
The Prevent Cancer 5k is a family-friendly event. This is an untimed race, so it’s the perfect way to get moving with the family in a no-pressure situation. Strollers and leashed dogs are welcome and kids under age 5 walk free.
3. You’re due for cancer screenings and a flu shot.
Upon completing the 5K, join us inside the ballpark for a health fair. You can refuel on free healthy snacks, learn about nutrition and exercise routines and even learn about or get cancer screenings and flu shots.
The 5k starts and ends at Nationals Park. Participants have special access to the ballpark, and after the walk/run you can practice your swing in the batting cages or take photos in the dugouts.
5. You want to be part of a change.
Registration and fundraising dollars from the 5k go toward our mission of saving lives across all populations through cancer prevention and early detection. With your help, we can fund critical research, education, outreach and advocacy to Stop Cancer Before It Starts!™
Registration is open! Visit www.preventcancer5k.org to sign up today.
PreventCancer.org
Q&A with the FDA
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ADVOCACY NEWS
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Tobacco use is the leading cause of cancer in the U.S. and nicotine is one of the most addictive substances there is. But you might be surprised to know that several tobacco and nicotine-containing products have been unregulated on the federal level—until now. New regulations from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which go into effect August 8, 2016, will put restrictions on e-cigarettes, cigars and hookah. The new provisions are aimed at restricting youth access, including: • Not allowing products to be sold to persons under the age of 18 years (both in person and online) • Requiring age verification by photo ID • Not allowing the selling of covered tobacco products in vending machines (unless in an adult-only facility) • Not allowing the distribution of free samples We sat down with Mitch Zeller, Director of the FDA’s Center for Tobacco, to find out what these regulations mean for cancer prevention.
States were already starting to regulate e-cigarettes. Why was there a need for the FDA to step in and regulate them on a federal level?
[Your protection] shouldn’t depend on what state you live in. Starting August 8th, every child in every state will be protected. We will be enforcing youth access nationally. It will be illegal for a retailer to sell to a minor. Over time, regulatory actions will protect all kids and all adults, nationwide.
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Are e-cigarettes an “on-ramp” for traditional tobacco use? The jury is still out on whether e-cigarettes are a gateway to traditional cigarettes. They are split in the research, and it’s still too early to tell one way or the other. Regardless of the answer, no child, no adolescent should start using e-cigarettes. There is no public health benefit to a kid using an e-cigarette. None. We are concerned with the role that flavors have in attracting kids to start using e-cigarettes. In our own survey, the most popular reason chosen by kids who used tobacco products in the past 30 days was they were offered in flavors they liked.
"There is no public health benefit to a kid using an e-cigarette. None."
What does the FDA hope to accomplish with these regulations? Our primary goal is to bring [these products] out of the Wild Wild West. Before it was “buyer beware”—there was no federal organization filling that independent, science-based, consumer protection role.
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What is coming next with tobacco product regulations? There will be more restrictions down the road now that we have regulatory authority. There is the intention to make a separate rule on flavored cigars, which will come out before the end of the Administration. We did not include e-cigs in that, [since we need] more evidence in regard to flavors.
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HEALTHY EATING
Non-food rewards
We live in a food-reward culture. This practice is so commonplace, you might not even realize how often you reward yourself or your family with food. We take our kids for ice cream when they make good grades, tell ourselves we “deserve” some chocolate after a hard day and mark special occasions with pizza and cake. But all of these rewards may be wreaking havoc on your attempts to live a healthy lifestyle. This summer, try some healthy and affordable non-food rewards with your family.
Just for you
• Get a new, exciting hairstyle. • Buy yourself flowers from a local farmer’s market. • Bike to your favorite nearby destination. • Buy one thing you’ve been With your friends and family saving for. • Watch a movie (opt for air-popped • Take a bubble bath or popcorn and fruit instead of candy and relax in a hot tub. soda for movie snacks). • Take a family trip to nearby woods, Kid-friendly lakes or hiking trails. • Let your kids invite their • Throw a pool party. friends for a sleepover. • Camp out in the backyard together. • Let your child help plan a • Go on a special trip or cruise. special day out (trip to a zoo, an amusement park, a nearby hiking trail, etc.). • Have a family game night and let them choose the games or decide the rules. • Buy a small gift for your child (marbles, inexpensive jewelry, stickers, etc.). • Allow time off from chores.
Moonshot
The Cancer Moonshot task force, established by President Obama and Vice President Biden, set to work earlier this year by outlining seven areas of focus and setting up a Blue Ribbon Panel to lead this initiative. The overarching goal of the initiative is to achieve ten years’ worth of progress in five years.
The Moonshot priorities include:
• Prevention and cancer vaccine development • Early cancer detection • Cancer immunotherapy and combination therapy
• Genomic analysis of tumor and surrounding cells • Enhanced data sharing • Pediatric cancer
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In early June, Vice President Biden introduced the Genomic Data Commons, a database that holds genomic data for thousands of patients. This addresses one of the initiative’s main goals of improving data sharing so all researchers have access to more information. The Cancer Moonshot also hosted a summit on June 29, in conjunction with more than 270 events in communities across the country. At the summit, Vice President Biden announced more than 30 new initiatives, investments and partnerships to achieve the Moonshot’s goals, including prevention initiatives aimed at smoking cessation, vaccination and cancer screening. As the Cancer Moonshot progresses, we look forward to joining with the White House in saving lives through cancer prevention and early detection.
PreventCancer.org
All you have to do is tri
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You don’t have to be big to make a big impact. Nine-year-old Maya Warren proved that when she took on the Typhoon Texas Kids Triathlon on May 23rd in memory of her dad. Months earlier, her father died in a motorcycle accident, but while he was in the hospital, doctors learned he was also suffering from cancer.
“I don't want anyone else to not know they have cancer,” Maya said when she chose to raise money for the Prevent Cancer Foundation. We couldn’t agree more—that’s why the Foundation encourages everyone to see their health care providers regularly and keep up with recommended medical tests. Triathlon participants could choose to take part in the “Onurmark Giving Challenge,” the optional charity component to the race, where each kid picked a charity to fundraise for. Maya worked hard to compete for the cause to remember her father. She raised $1,300 for the Foundation and won first place in the giving challenge. We are inspired by Maya’s strength to use the loss of her father as motivation to make a difference. Her work will help fund groundbreaking research and lifesaving education and screening programs so more people can prevent cancer or detect it early, when it is most treatable. You can join Maya in making a difference by setting up an event to benefit the Prevent Cancer Foundation. Our online fundraising platform makes it easy. Visit youcanpreventcancer.org to get fundraising ideas or set up your event today. As Maya says, “Together we can change a small part of our world!”
STOP CANCER BEFORE IT STARTS!™
UPCOMING EVENTS AND NEWS September 25 Prevent Cancer 5k Walk/Run
Register a team!
www.PreventCancer5k.org
TO SUBSCRIBE, CONTACT: Prevent Cancer Foundation 1600 Duke Street, Suite 500, Alexandria, VA 22314 Toll-Free: (800) 227-2732 Main: (703) 836-4412 Email: PCF@PreventCancer.org Visit: PreventCancer.org
News for 2016
Cancer PreventionWorks is published by the Prevent Cancer Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to the prevention and early detection of cancer. All contributions are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. The Prevent Cancer Foundation is a member of the Combined Federal Campaign (#11074).
1600 Duke Street, Suite 500 Alexandria, VA 22314
Back-to-vac
5 Reasons to 5k
Q&A with the FDA
HPV
VACCINE
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Sunscreen consumer report
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