What role do clinical trials play in treating cancer?

News in brief 8.1.12

Symptoms of depression are linked with shorter survival times among cancer patients, according to a new study at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. This link may be attributed to abnormal stress hormone regulation and inflammatory gene expression. "Our findings, and those of others, suggest that mental health and social well-being can affect biological processes, which influence cancer-related outcomes," Lorenzo Cohen, a professor and director of the Integrative Medicine Program, said in a university news release. The findings "also suggest that screening for mental health should be part of standard care because there are well-accepted ways of helping people manage distress, even in the face of a life-threatening illness," Cohen added.

Washington, D.C., May 29, 2012—The National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC) applauds Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) who, along with Senators Collins (R-ME), Brown (D-OH), Murkowski (R-AK), Shaheen (D-NH), Heller (R-NV), Warner (D-VA) and Grassley (R-IA) introduced legislation, S. 3237, aimed at ending breast cancer. Similar legislation, H.R. 3067, was introduced in the House of Representatives last fall by Reps. Karen Bass (D-CA-33) and Rep. Charlie Bass (R-NH-2) and currently has more than 210 bipartisan cosponsors.

By checking YES on line 35 of the PA 40 income tax form, Pennsylvanians have contributed nearly $3 million for cancer research.