Sometimes too much of a good thing is bad — and that seems to be the case when it comes to dietary supplements and the risk of lung cancer.

While higher blood levels of carotenoids such as beta-carotene, and retinol have been associated with a lower risk of developing lung cancer, getting these nutrients through dietary supplements may do the opposite.

March 31 (Bloomberg) — The U.S. Supreme Court dismissed Philip Morris USA Inc.’s appeal of a $79.5 million smoker award, declining to rule in a case that business groups had hoped would lead to tougher restrictions on punitive damages.

The rebuff leaves intact an award that has grown to more than $150 million with interest and, if paid in full, would set a record in an individual smoker case. Today’s action comes after a dozen years of litigation between Philip Morris, the largest U.S. cigarette maker, and Mayola Williams, whose husband died of lung cancer in 1997.

The Chinese herb Ganoderma kills small-cell lung cancer cells that are resistant to many chemotherapy drugs, and it may prove a life-saving addition to current cancer therapy, according to a new study in Cancer Letters.

People with hard to reach lung lesions may be able to receive a diagnosis sooner and safer with advanced navigation technology now available at Sarasota Memorial Hospital.

The inReach System, by superDimension, provides electromagnetic navigation and guidance to distant regions of the lungs in a minimally-invasive manner, enabling physicians to locate, test and plan treatment for lung lesions and lymph nodes that are difficult to access with traditional bronchoscopy.

In just a few days, the largest increase in Federal tobacco taxes goes into effect. For smokers in California, that may not be the end of the tobacco tax increase with the introduction of the Tobacco Tax and Health Prevention Act of 2009 (SB 600).

The revenue from this bill would help the overall budget, as well as tobacco prevention and control effects. The revenues would be allocated with 85% going to the State’s General Fund and 15% for tobacco control, prevention programs and lung cancer research.

Endocyte, a biotechnology company, has announced positive interim results from an ongoing Phase II clinical study of EC145 in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer. EC145 to treat chemotherapy-resistant non-small cell lung cancer patients

The Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation and Carol Lin Reporting are teaming up to bring you the most provocative, compelling and relevant stories about Lung Cancer patients and caregivers-their solutions, stories of survival and what it means to be “One In A Million.”

Meet Elyse Aussenberg, attorney by vocation, athlete by avocation and Lung Cancer patient – not by choice. Either way you see it, here’s her story of optimism and hope for ordering Lung Cancer out of her life – and the life of everyone else.
At 52, Elyse Aussenberg was a poster girl for healthy living. She loved whole grains, salmon and leafy greens; practiced yoga, hit the gym religiously, and had a travel passport to exotic places across the globe. She lived life passionately, committed to her profession as an attorney and helping others through difficult family law matters, and shared a love for her four dachshunds with her husband, John, and son, Brent.

A LEADING consultant has called for a total ban on smoking in all hospital grounds.

Dr Ian Campbell, a chest consultant at Llandough Hospital, said attempts by NHS trusts to prohibit smoking within their grounds need to be enforced by laws to make smoking illegal on any NHS estates.

Dr Campbell, a lung cancer expert and former president of the British Thoracic Society, helped to mastermind a no-smoking culture at Llandough Hospital, in Penarth, more than 20 years ago.

New Delhi, March 29 – Presenting the inaugural address at RGCON 2009 last evening, former President of India Dr A P J Abdul Kalam said that there was need to spread awareness on cancer from primary school itself.

This year the theme of RGCON, an annual international conference organised by Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute now in its eighth year, is Lung Cancer. Since 90% of lung cancer cases owe their origin to tobacco smoking, there is need to accelerate the campaign against tobacco and alcohol consumption”, said Dr Kalam.