cancer — Blog — Sage Perspectives Blog

Enhancing Nodule Biopsy Through Technology Integration

Lung cancer was the leading cause of cancer-related death in 2020. Nearly half of those patients diagnosed were found to be late-stage. There has been ongoing work to increase screening for lung cancer in at-risk patients with enhanced imaging. However, after identification of suspicious masses, there remains the task of diagnosing any cancerous lesions. Unfortunately, obtaining accurate biopsy results has been a challenge either due to inaccurate results from conventional bronchoscopy, or risk from alternative mechanisms of biopsy.

ResearchRachel WolfeSeptember 1, 2023cancer, technology, biopsy, bronchoscopy

Cancer Prevention Begins in Middle School

There is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) so common that the average American will contract it at some point and likely never know they were infected. If they are unaware of the infection, they will also be unaware of its transmission to others. This STI is the human papillomavirus (HPV), and while many people’s natural immune systems can fight off and clear the infection, this is not always the case. When the body’s immune systems fail to clear the infection, the consequences can be devastating.

Editor's Picks, ResearchMoazzma ArshadMay 22, 2023HPV, vaccines, cancer, STI

Understanding and targeting cancer using mass spectrometry

Cancer remains a significant cause of death globally, despite a decrease in mortality rates over the past two decades. Understanding the biological mechanisms driving cancer progression and treatment resistance is essential for developing effective therapies and improving survival rates.

ResearchMaria Pia TissotMay 18, 2023cancer, mass spectrometry

A Meta-Ethnography on the Impact of Cancer for Lesbian and Queer Women and Their Partners

Among the nearly one million lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender cancer survivors in the United States, LGB women cancer survivors report the worst quality of life. LGB women cancer survivorship needs often go unmet and oncology providers express a desire for a deeper understanding of their specific survivorship issues, including how to incorporate important aspects of survivors’ social support networks into care. As part of efforts to increase access to affirmative cancer care, we need to amplify the voices of lesbian/queer women cancer survivors and their partners.

Research, Editor's PicksMaria Pia TissotApril 20, 2023cancer, LGB

The critical role of health literacy for Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine uptake in Hispanic communities

Living at the United States-Mexico border presents unique health barriers and opportunities for the Hispanic community. Health disparities, lack of preventative health care, accessibility to health care, distrust in the health system, high rates of those underinsured and uninsured, as well as cultural beliefs pose barriers to access to health services.

ResearchMaria Pia TissotApril 10, 2023HPV, cancer, hispanic communities

Understanding How Different Resources Facilitate Cancer Survivors’ Well-Being at Work

Thanks to the significant advances in cancer diagnosis and treatment, most cancer patients (69%), according to the American Cancer Society, have lived more than five years since their diagnosis. Returning to work has both instrumental and symbolic value to cancer survivors, but evidence suggests that there are still many barriers in the workplace.

ResearchMaria Pia TissotMarch 4, 2023cancer, work life, well-being

The power of healthy habits for people living with multiple sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune condition affecting the brain and the spinal cord. Conventional pharmaceutical treatments slow the progression but rarely reverse or cure it. Patients living with MS often explore diet and lifestyle interventions as a means of managing their symptoms and reducing reliance on medication, yet these approaches are rarely discussed with or supported by their physicians. There is consistent evidence that a healthy diet and lifestyle may not only be protective against getting MS but can also play an important role in managing the condition. Programs such as ‘Overcoming MS’, which support people to adopt healthy lifestyle habits have been hugely valuable.

Resistance to chemotherapy in a childhood cancer

Non-rhabdomyosarcoma soft tissue sarcomas (NRSTS) make up about 8% of all childhood cancers. The cause(s) of these tumors is not known. Despite treatments, including surgery and chemotherapy, the tumors frequently return and spread to other sites in the body. Carmen Torres-Zárate and collaborators at the Instituto Nacional de Pediatíra and Universidad Autónoma de México, in Mexico City, Mexico, studied the possible reason for the recurrence of NRSTS, with a focus on the enzymes that perform drug metabolism in many tissues in the body.

ResearchMaria Pia TissotSeptember 16, 2022cancer, childhood cancer, chemotherapy

Meeting the developmental needs of infants and toddlers with cancer

Infants and toddlers with cancer require specialized treatment that includes care from a multidisciplinary team and Occupational Therapy plays an essential role in meeting their developmental needs.

ResearchMaria Pia TissotSeptember 7, 2022cancer, childhood cancer, Occupational Therapy, healthcare

Cribriform Pattern Prostate Cancer and Lymphovascular Invasion: Connecting the Dots; a Message of Hope from Pathologists to Men with Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the most common malignancy among men in the United States and Canada. Traditional factors such as cancer extent (stage) and differentiation grade are employed to assess prostate cancer prognosis, but they lack accuracy. In this study recently published in International Journal of Surgical Pathology, we highlight additional risk factors in prostate cancer: the sieve-like shape of the cancer under the microscope (cribriform pattern) and the number of the cancerous foci within the vascular spaces. We hope to increase men’s awareness of prostate cancer and to provide clinicians with valuable measures to consider when treating their patients.

Editor's Picks, ResearchMoazzma ArshadJune 23, 2022cancer, prostate cancer

New developments in diagnosis of an aggressive form of renal cancer

Kidney cancer is a disease that affects over 400,000 patients worldwide each year. However, there are at least 15 different subtypes of renal cell tumors, called renal cell carcinomas, that arise from epithelial structures (tubules) within the kidney. Some of these renal cell carcinoma subtypes are associated with aggressive behavior and spread to other organs, leading to death in a subset of patients; whereas other are more indolent and are cured when surgically removed. It is the pathologist’s job to accurately diagnose and subtype specific kidney tumors so that the urologist and/or oncologist can treat the patients with appropriate therapies. After surgical removal, treatment may range from no further therapy to specific chemotherapy depending on the tumor type

Editor's Picks, ResearchMoazzma ArshadJune 20, 2022renal cancer, diagnosis, kidney cancer, cancer, HLRCC

Influence of Religion and Spirituality in Cancer Care

In the United States, there are nearly 2 million new cancer diagnoses each year. After these patients are diagnosed, most patients will have to make significant, life-altering decisions regarding their treatment and care. While some decisions may seem straight forward, many patients face uncertainties surrounding diagnosis and prognosis, challenging treatment‐related decisions, as well as consideration of prolonged therapies that do not come with any guarantees of cure. To make these incredibly difficult decisions, many patients will reflect on their own values and belief systems. For many patients, this will include their religious and spiritual beliefs.

Editor's Picks, ResearchMoazzma ArshadApril 20, 2022religion, spirituality, cancer, cancer care

World Cancer Day - using social media to inspire change

World Cancer Day is a day to inspire change, mobilize people to take action, and create a world without cancer. This includes an emphasis on personal commitment and the power of individual action. Social media is one such avenue to achieve this.

Research, Industry NewsKimberley SimpsonFebruary 4, 2020cancer, World Cancer Day, Cancer Control, Social Media