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Good News For Many As U.S. Cancer Deaths Declined

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U.S. cancer deaths declined 27% overall in a period of 25 years – from 1991 to 2016. Good news for many, but this statistic reverses in some counties where there is a great deal of social and economic difference.

Why does the cancer death rate vary between counties?

The positive: In those 25 years, almost 2.6 million fewer people died due to cancer. This is primarily due to:

– Smoking reduction
– Earlier detection
– Improved treatments
– Environmental factors

Common cancers, such as breast, colon, lung, and prostate benefitted the most with a percentage decrease of 40%-breast, 53%-colon, 48%-lung, and 51%-prostate. So, why have some counties actually shown an increase in these cancers over the same length of time?

The negative: Rebecca Siegel, lead researcher and scientific director of surveillance research at the American Cancer Society (ACS), suggests, “The largest gaps are for the most preventable cancers. For example, in the early 1970s colon cancer death rates were 20 percent lower in poor counties, and today they are 35 percent higher, when compared with people living in richer counties.”

Siegel also said, “Differences in wealth lead to differences in risk factors and less access to high-quality care for prevention, early detection and treatment.” Predictably, people in lower economic areas are less likely to go to a doctor as frequently for screening, which leads to cancer diagnoses at a more advanced stage.

“Health literacy is an issue”, stated Siegel. Where people of lower economic levels have access to screening, the cancer percentages per county even out with those of more wealth, but only if residents also are educated on how they can lower their cancer risks.

Environmental factors are important as well. Beginning in the early 1970s, many of the first environmental regulations were passed – aiming to curb public exposure to a myriad of industrial toxins. Additionally, geographic areas with heavy industry often tend to have a higher incidence of cancer rates.

Not all cancer deaths declined

Though the report is good news overall, other cancer deaths rose, such as liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, brain cancer, soft-tissue cancers, and oral cancers related to the human papillomavirus (HPV).

Siegel reminded that, even though lung cancer deaths decreased, “lung cancer still kills more Americans than breast, prostate and colon cancer combined.” Included in these lung cancers is malignant mesothelioma, a fatal disease across all economic groups that currently has no cure. Mesothelioma is actually a cancer of the lining of the lung caused by asbestos exposure. There are also several variants of lung cancer which can also be asbestos-related.

Great strides are being made, but cancer remains the second leading cause of death after heart disease. For some areas, as well with Hispanic, Asian American, and people under 80, cancer is still the primary cause of death. While the gap in cancer deaths has reduced between black and white populations, there is a growing gap based on wealthy versus poor counties.

What is next?

Obviously additional research and studies on more that the common cancers is necessary. There must be increased education initiatives in poor communities and communities in general.

Cancer deaths currently drop at 2% a year, but with increased availability of screening, health education within all communities, and ongoing research, this 2% could increase a great deal and cancer deaths become fewer with each year.

Dr. Harold Burstein, professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and physician with the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, stated this report shows “tremendous improvements” in therapeutic treatments for cancer.

Though there is still work to do, Burstein professes the medical researchers have made tremendous progress treating the disease. “For a long time, there was a nihilism that we are not winning the war of cancer,” he said. “We are winning the war.”

Asbestos Stopped the Clock

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Asbestos in LSU clock tower
LSU Clock Tower

After almost a hundred years of service, the Louisiana State University (LSU) Memorial Tower in Baton Rouge was ready for restoration, but asbestos stopped the clock tower project when the potentially deadly mineral was found in the interior.

History

The tower was built in the early 1920s in memory of 1,447 Louisiana soldiers who died in World War I. The interior of the tower houses a military museum.

The Memorial Tower clock holds a special place in the heart of students and the community for its chimes. The bells ring every quarter hour until 10 pm and at noon they ring the tune of the university’s alma mater song. On Valentine’s Day, tradition states that receiving a kiss under the tower at the ringing of the chimes at midnight – the only night they ring past 10 pm – confirms a student is now an “official” LSU student.

The 175’ tall building was designed in the Italian Renaissance style and is a landmark in the city.

From its history, it is evident the tower is an important part of Louisiana’s past – from its construction in 1923, to today, and into the future. The restoration will ensure the building and its traditions carry on for future generations of students.

The restoration

Finding asbestos was not completely unexpected, as many buildings in the United States were built using the mineral from the 1920s until the late 1970s. Until renovations began, the asbestos was undisturbed and therefore not a danger. But once substances containing asbestos are handled, fibers can become airborne and inhaled by workers or others who are in the affected area.

When found in the tower, work on the interior was stopped and tests are currently underway. Most other buildings on the LSU campus were also constructed during this time period, meaning that as they are restored, they may also need testing and possibly abatement.

Because the asbestos was discovered at the beginning of the restoration, the university states there is no threat to students or faculty members. As a precaution, remodeling or renovations performed on any commercial buildings, schools, or residences during the time period asbestos was commonly used in construction, may require testing on possible asbestos-laden products before initiating a project.

Exposure to asbestos is a known cause of cancers, such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. At this time, mesothelioma remains a fatal disease. Mesothelioma can go undetected for decades – even 50 years – which makes it a silent killer. Early detection is critical.

Asbestos stopped the clock, but it will chime again

Exterior renovations continue and the entire $6.8 million project should be completed by the 2020 Fall semester. Baton Rouge, especially LSU students and alumni, look forward to enjoying their celebrated clock tower once again.

Photo by: Kkmurray – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2666826

 

Johnson & Johnson Knew for Decades Talc Contained Asbestos

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Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Powder, a talcum powder product used by generations of parents and children, often contained asbestos, reports Reuters.  The same mines where talc is found are often contaminated with deposits of naturally occurring asbestos.   

A Reuters review of internal company documents, show that from at least 1971, Johnson & Johnson’s raw talc and finished powers sometimes tested positive for asbestos content.  The company’s lawyers & executives, however, were concerned about how to deal with the problem without disclosing the problem to the public.  

As the EPA considered regulating the use of asbestos in cosmetic products in the mid-1970s, Johnson & Johnson successfully avoided increased regulatory scrutiny by assuring the agency that no asbestos was detected in any sample of talc. This belied the reality that at least three internal tests in three years had found asbestos in its talc.  

Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, is a deadly carcinogen.  Decades of scientific research establish that inhalation of asbestos fibers can cause an array of human injuries including asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma – an incurable and fatal cancer.  The latency period, or time from exposure to diagnosis of an asbestos disease, can take decades: 30 or even 40 years is common.  

The Johnson & Johnson documents have recently come to light after years of legal claims brought by victims who alleged their injuries were caused by exposure to Baby Powder.  While most of these claims were brought by women with ovarian cancer,  more recent trials have involved mesothelioma victims – a signature disease caused only by asbestos.  

Johnson & Johnson states it will appeal the recent verdicts and maintains that its talc is safe, as shown by what the company views as the best available studies.  

Talc which studies showed sometimes contained small amounts of asbestos came from mines in Italy and Vermont.  Since 2003, talc in Baby Powder sold in the United States has been sourced from China.  

Talcum Powder a Carcinogen?

New Test for Cancer Diagnoses Shows Promise

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Currently, tests to determine if there are cancer cells in a person take at least a week before getting results, but a new test for cancer diagnoses shows promise with results seen in ten minutes.

What is this test?

This test is based on a discovery by researchers at the University of Queensland’s Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN). What they discovered is a one-of-a-kind DNA signature that seems to be common to all types of cancer. They found this unique DNA in intense clusters of methyl groups in certain locations.

One of the researchers at AIBN, Professor Matt Trau, explained, “Virtually every piece of cancerous DNA we examined had this highly predictable pattern. It seems to be a general feature for all cancer. It’s a startling discovery.” This discovery was followed by another showing that when these methyl clusters are inserted into a solution, the cancer DNA pieces fold into 3-dimensional nanostructures and, at that point, can stick to gold.

Once researchers found this, they created a test using gold nanoparticles that change color if 3D nanostructures of cancer DNA are present. “This happens in one drop of fluid. You can detect it by eye, it’s as simple as that,” revealed Professor Trau. This is basically the same technology as using strip indicators to test for pregnancy.

Cancer diagnoses benefits found so far:

• Works on all types of cancers tested to date
• Simple – no complicated and expensive lab equipment needed
• Fast – results in 10 minutes
• Portable – eventually could test via mobile phone
• Accuracy – as high as 90% in some cancers

Is there a downside?

This test is new. It is not perfect. Will it give too many false positive diagnoses? Does it truly identify all types of cancer – or were researchers just fortunate in which ones were tested? Only time will tell, but the future appears to be very promising.

What is the future?

This technology was tested on 200 samples using cells from various types of cancers as well as healthy cells, but a great deal more testing is needed before this is generally accepted and available.

The simplicity and affordability of this test could mean life or death for many. Researchers tested their discovery on multiple types of breast cancer, colorectal cancer, prostate cancer, and lymphoma – all with good results. Hopefully it will soon be tested on asbestos lung cancer and mesothelioma as a quick diagnosis could accelerate treatment.

Dr. Abu Sina, an AIBN researcher, said, ”It works for tissue derived genomic DNA and blood derived circulating free DNA. This new discovery could be a game-changer in the field of point of care cancer diagnostics.” That is the hope for all and a research worth watching.

Asbestos Contamination in NOLA Schools Strikes Again

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Asbestos contamination in NOLA schools was revealed in at least the third incident this year. According to “The Lens” and “Louisiana Weekly”, this most recent find was at the Rosenwald school, set to open as Rosenwald Collegiate Academy in August of this year for high school students.

Though no students were present when the asbestos was detected, Senior Environmental Scientist Dwight Bradshaw told “The Lens”, “If you’re following the regulations you should not have had this contamination throughout the building. It shouldn’t have happened.” The asbestos contamination was found as contractors began evaluating damaged floor tiles.

A series of problems with asbestos contamination in NOLA schools

In 2016 and 2017, the Lafayette Academy building in Uptown New Orleans underwent remodeling that led to the disturbance of asbestos. In 2018, the building released uncontained asbestos into the air as protocols were once again not followed.

This led to Lafayette Academy students’ reassignment to the McDonogh 35 building on Kerlerec Street for the 2018-2019 school year. Parents were wary about this change as the McDonogh 35 building was older than the Lafayette building and also contained known asbestos and was undergoing remediation throughout the summer. The school opened in August, however parents were concerned that they were not allowed a walk-through before their children began classes.

The students who were to begin classes in the Rosenwald building are attending classes in a temporary location this school year while remediation continues in the Rosenwald building.

What agency is responsible?

The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) would like that answer – especially since there is a management plan for asbestos in place that any contractor working on a building should follow. The Rosenwald building was controlled by the Recovery School District (RSD). That responsibility transferred to the Orleans Parish School Board (OPSB) on April 1, 2018. In addition, the OPSD gave access to Collegiate Academies, the charter network planning to open Rosenwald Academy in the building this past August. Both the OPSB and RSD had workers in the building when asbestos fibers were released. The Collegiate Academies had contractors in the building to assess the floor tiles needing replacement. This is when the air quality was tested and determined to contain asbestos requiring abatement and remediation.

Clean-up at Rosenwald will cost the OPSD $1.3 million. In addition, a contract for $700,000 was approved between the OPSD and MMG, an environmental firm, to manage asbestos problems at Rosenwald.

Why spend so much on asbestos abatement?

Asbestos, left undisturbed, is not an immediate problem. However, when it is disturbed, such as in remodeling, storm damage, or wear and tear, asbestos fibers are released into the air. When inhaled, these fibers can embed into the lungs and linger for years, or decades, before creating havoc for the victim. This can show up as asbestosis, lung cancer, or the fatal malignant mesothelioma. No one should be knowingly exposed to this deadly fiber. The environment must be made safe or a new location found.