LungBlog

Thousands more lung cancer patients each year could be offered surgery or other aggressive therapy under a new system that classifies many tumours as more treatable than in the past.

A new technique could pave the way toward screening people at risk for lung cancer for the genetic changes that may foreshadow malignancies, researchers from the University of Colorado say.

Health reporters whose work has raised awareness about lung cancer can enter the second annual Lung Cancer Journalism Awards competition. Last day to apply: September 28.

One form of therapy offered to cancer patients is a group “laughter” session. Laughter is mentally uplifting. It’s been shown to reduce anxiety and stress and improve the ability of patients to cope with diseases, trauma and pain. Laughter also has positive effects on the physical body. It provides exercise for the diaphragm and increases the ability to take more oxygen into the blood. Research also suggests laughter can improve blood pressure and enhance the function of the immune system.

Northern Ireland sufferers of an asbestos cancer that kills within one year could have to wait until late 2009 before the only treatment available gets the go-ahead from the NHS – if it is funded at all.

The Government had decided to make it compulsory for cigarette manufacturers to include graphic pictures of diseased lungs, hearts and other organs on all tobacco products sold in Britain by the end of 2009. After consulting the public and carrying out market research, the Department of Health has chosen 15 hard-hitting images that will be used to accompany stark warnings about lung cancer and heart disease.

Hilly Kristal, whose dank Bowery rock club CBGB served as the birthplace of the punk rock movement and a launching pad for bands like the Ramones, Blondie and the Talking Heads, has died. He was 75.
Kristal, who lost a bitter fight last year to stop the club’s eviction from its home of 33 years, died Tuesday at Cabrini Hospital after a battle with lung cancer, his son Mark Dana Kristal said today.

Smoking can permanently alter the activity of genes and have irreversible effects on DNA that may be linked to cancer, new research has shown.

Gruesome images highlighting the harmful effects of smoking will be printed on all cigarette packets sold in the UK from next year, the government said today.

Clinicians from Germany have found stereotactic single-dose radiotherapy to be a safe and effective treatment option for patients with stage I and II non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) not amenable to surgery.