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Immunocompromised Conditions Added by FDA and CDC to Receive Third Dose Booster Shots

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Some immunocompromising medical conditions were approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on August 12th to receive third dose booster shots. This is an amendment to the emergency use authorization (EUA) for the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines.

Acting FDA Commissioner Dr. Janet Woodcock said, “Today’s action allows doctors to boost immunity in certain immunocompromised individuals who need extra protection from COVID-19. As we’ve previously stated, other individuals who are fully vaccinated are adequately protected and do not need an additional dose of COVID-19 vaccine at this time.”

This action by the FDA starts the process for Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommendations for a third shot. That came on August 13, 2021. “The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ (ACIP) signed the recommendation that endorsed the use of an additional dose of COVID-19 vaccine for people with moderately to severely compromised immune systems after an initial two-dose vaccine series.”

Who would be approved for a booster shot?

Approximately 2.7 percent of American adults are immunocompromised in some way. These are people whose immune response lacks the strength to fight off most infections. A number of conditions can influence immunity, such as HIV, organ transplants, and some cancers. While two vaccine doses give some immunity, the antibodies don’t last as long as in healthy individuals with strong immune systems.

Israeli study of vaccines for cancer patients leads to third shots in Israel

A study in Israel’s Rabin Medical Center in Petah Tikva observed 87 percent of cancer patients still had high antibody levels after four months. But in healthy people, the antibodies remained at 100 percent. While a good response for the cancer patients, the observed drop in levels over time reveals compromised protection. It is thought booster shots will add immunity strength and also the length of time antibodies stay active in protecting the body.

There is also a benefit to the overall population as reducing infections in this compromised group should reduce the threat of additional variants. It is thought new variants likely begin in immunocompromised individuals.

Does the booster shot apply to you?

The CDC provides a list of qualified immunity challenges, however, the best answer is to discuss your situation with your medical provider.

“Quit Smoking!” New Push From Cancer Hospitals

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There’s a new push from cancer hospitals to help patients quit smoking. This is based on research evidence showing a gain of almost two additional years of life for those patients who stop smoking versus those who continue. In addition to an extended lifespan, those who stop have fewer side effects from their treatments, they heal more quickly, and their tumors have a lower chance of returning.

It is hard to quit smoking

Doctors, cancer centers and patients know it is hard to quit smoking. That is why new strategies are being developed to assist and encourage the change. Dr. Mahdi Sheikh led the study for the World Health Organization’s cancer research agency in Lyon, France said, “It is a huge effect.” Quitting smoking is “as necessary as the treatments” for lung cancer according to Dr. Sheikh.

An array of tools is available: certain medications, nicotine patches, and counseling by phone or in person. Instead of picking up a cigarette, cigar or pipe, alternative activities are suggested – a toothpick or mint in the mouth, a nutritious meal or snack instead of smoking. Since there are many hand movements associated with the act of smoking, perhaps a fidget gadget or hand lotion could distract from past habits. Move the cigarettes to a hard-to-reach place, gradually increasing the difficulty and keep fewer cigarettes available.

Many cancer centers offer these suggestions and more that help curb the urge to smoke. Additionally, patients are hearing directly from their cancer doctors the benefits of quitting at any stage of lung cancer. Find what tools work for you before a diagnosis shocks you into quitting.

Latest study

In this latest study reported in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine, “researchers followed 517 Russian lung cancer patients who smoked, checking annually to see whether they’d quit. After five years, nearly 60% of those who quit smoking were alive, compared to about 47% of those who continued smoking. The effect held up regardless of tumor stage, how much the patient smoked, or how long after diagnosis they quit.”

Currently, 53 cancer centers incorporate treatment for tobacco use into their care due to a $27 million National Cancer Institute program. Since 2018, over 50,000 patients have benefited from this program.

Director of the program, Dr. Ned Sharpless stated, “We’ve already learned a tremendous amount from this. With relatively modest support – these are not huge, expensive programs – you can markedly increase the number of patients you reach.”

What is next to help patients quit smoking?

Now it’s important to spread the knowledge and tools to clinics that are smaller or away from cities. All smokers, whether already diagnosed with lung cancer or on that pathway, need the knowledge that quitting works! It is not just a phrase that is repeated, it is a proven fact. If smokers don’t believe this and/or have a desire to quit, no tool will help.

Additional good news comes from the Stanford Cancer Institute. They reach out to patients through phone calls offering specialists support and medication to stop smoking. Judith Prochaska, director of the Stanford program, found that almost 1 in 4 patients who agree to quit smoking treatments are still tobacco free after two years. This is remarkable.

Diane Beneventi, director of the tobacco treatment program at the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, said, ”I wish every person who has cancer who smokes knew they stand to gain a great deal if they quit. It’s more important now than it’s ever been in their life.”

Do you have any signs of lung cancer?

If you do, early testing can mean an early diagnosis and better overall outlook. Talk to your doctor. It is likely testing costs are covered by private insurers with no cost-sharing by the patient. Read here about qualifications for this program.

World Cancer Day for Awareness, Education, and Action

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Today is World Cancer Day, a multifaceted project begun in 2000 by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC). This organization is a long-time leader in uniting people and governments in ways to reduce cancers globally. Their mission encompasses the world to provide cancer diagnoses, treatments, and care to all people – without regard to location, income, ethnicity or gender.

February 4th, 2000 was the day of its adoption at the World Summit Against Cancer for the New Millennium in Paris. Since that day, World Cancer Day is observed every February 4th as a day throughout the world for people to recommit to striving for a world without cancer.

What can be done?

• Individuals: It starts with one person, ourselves. Get regular checkups. Keep current on new developments for diagnosing and screening for cancers. Notice any signs or symptoms and have them checked. Many cancers are survivable if diagnosed early.

• Health professionals: If you are a health professional, keep abreast of innovative and up-to-date medical news about cancers. Since early detection is critical, a symptom could go unnoticed, or even misdiagnosed, if outdated knowledge led to a wrong conclusion.

• Governments: Through the ability to educate large population segments, governments can emphasize awareness, early detection, and screening. In fact, February is National Cancer Prevention Month in the US. This creates awareness throughout the country.

Because cultural beliefs can vary among countries and populations, communities have the ability to allay fears and teach good health practices.

What actions can you take for World Cancer Day?

On the World Cancer Day website is a 21 day challenge in which you can participate. It takes 21 days to create a habit, so for each of these days you’ll be sent emails with suggestions on how best to succeed at your commitment. There are five challenges from which you can choose:

• Focus on my health

• Support someone I know with cancer

• Speak up about cancer

• Get informed about cancer

• Help eliminate cervical cancer

An important point to remember, written in the World Cancer Day website:

“Whoever you are – a cancer survivor, co-worker, a carer, a friend, a leader, healthcare worker, teacher or student – you have the power to take action for a cancer free world.”

What Can You Do to Reduce Your Risk of Cancer?

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There are many ways to possibly reduce your risk of cancer. The good news is that since 1991, cancer deaths have declined 31%. That is good news, but there were still over 1,785,000 newly diagnosed cancer cases in the US in 2020. According to an American Cancer Society study, at least 42% of these – 750,000 – were potentially preventable. Today is the first day of National Cancer Prevention Month, held every February. This is a good time to assess your health and determine ways you can reduce your risk of cancer.

How can you reduce your risk of cancer?

According to the Mayo Clinic, there are seven tips that anyone can do and at the top of the list is taking charge of your own health. Review these known guidelines and see if you can make changes in your lifestyle.

  1. Limit exposure to toxins: About 90 percent of lung cancer is caused by smoking or by spending time with others who do smoke. Another source for lung cancer is through inhalation of asbestos fibers. Asbestos can also lead to mesothelioma, a deadly disease. This can be through certain occupations, products – even cosmetics – that still contain asbestos. It can also occur through renovations of homes built before 1980. If there is a chance of asbestos in any products, contact an abatement professional. There is no safe level of exposure to asbestos, but limit your exposure to any toxin.
  2. Eat a healthy diet: Fill your plate with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and beans. Meanwhile, alcohol can increase your chances of getting liver, breast, and colorectal cancers. Eating processed meats can also increase risks of some types of cancer.
  3. Be active and watch your weight: For best results physically and reducing your risk of cancer, have at least 30 minutes of daily physical activity. More is better. Not maintaining a healthy weight can increase the possibility of breast, prostate, lung, colon and kidney cancers.
  4. Watch your time in the sun: That includes tanning beds. Use sunscreen of at least an SPF or 30 and reapply generously every two hours. Cover up with dark or bright loosely fitting fabrics when possible. These reflect more ultraviolet radiation. Between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. the sun is strongest and most dangerous. If possible, stay in the shade.
  5. Utilize the vaccines available: Hepatitis B has a vaccination to lessen the risk of acquiring this disease that can lead to liver cancer. Ask your doctor if this vaccine is right for you. There is also a vaccine for human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV can lead to cervical and genital cancers in addition to squamous cell cancers of the head and neck. This vaccine is geared to both boys and girls aged 11 and 12. There is also a newly approved vaccine, Gardasil 9, for males and females aged 9 to 45.
  6. Stay away from risky behaviors: Don’t share needles as this can result in HIV as well as hepatitis B and hepatitis C – these can heighten the risk of liver cancer. Practice safe sex by limiting sexual partners and use condoms. With many contacts, the chance of acquiring HIV, AIDS, or HPV rises. These diseases can lead to a number of cancers.
  7. Visit your doctor: Pay attention to your body so you can quickly recognize changes. This, plus regular checkups and screenings, can catch many cancers at an early stage which leads to more positive outcomes.

National Cancer Prevention Month: An opportunity to learn and improve our health

Every February is an opportunity to revisit out successes and failures in dealing with all types of cancers. This is an exciting time of progress as researchers make new discoveries and develop new treatments. It’s also a time to think of new ways to involve people in their own healthcare solutions.

To access more information on the statistics from 2020, the American Cancer Society website is a great resource. Below is the latest news on current and future developments to reduce your risk of cancer from the Cancer Network:

  • Over the next century, successful implementation of the World Health Organization (WHO) elimination strategy could reduce cervical cancer mortality by almost 99% and save more than 62 million women’s lives.
  • A recent study determined circulating tumor cells were associated with melanoma relapse, suggesting that this form of liquid biopsy could help identify patients who would benefit from adjuvant therapy.
  • According to researchers, when individuals quit smoking it not only stops further damage from accruing, but it also may lead to the reawakening of lung cells that were not damaged by tobacco carcinogens.
  • A new AI system could possibly surpass human experts in the prediction of breast cancer, potentially leading to enhanced screening results and earlier identification of the disease. 
  • Online and digital videos were found to play a key role in cancer education, leading to increased knowledge and interventions, however access for vulnerable populations needs to be improved. 
  • Engaging in the recommended amount of leisure-time physical activity (7.5-15 MET hours/week) was found to be associated with a lower risk for 7 different cancer types.
  • Greater adherence to the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF)/American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) cancer prevention recommendations appeared to be associated with decreased colorectal cancer (CRC) risk for both African Americans and whites.
  • A blood-based screening test, presented at the 2020 Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium, held from January 23-25, in San Francisco, California, could potentially diagnose multiple cancer types earlier, including gastrointestinal cancers across stages at high sensitivity.

Potential for great progress in cancer prevention

So much good news, but still a huge number of people suffering and dying from cancer. You have read of steps which could prevent, or get an early and more treatable diagnosis. Each one of us has a responsibility to do what we can to stay healthy and to encourage our family and friends. While we cannot prevent every cancer with our due diligence, much can be accomplished.

If you recognized yourself in the seven tips from Mayo Clinic, make a plan to reduce your risk of cancer by changing at least one bad habit or behavior before the 2022 National Cancer Prevention Month.

Record Decline in U.S. Cancer Death Rates

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According to a report by the American Cancer Society, data from 2017-2018 shows a record decline in U.S. cancer death rates – a drop of 2.4%. The year 2016-2017 cancer deaths dropped 2.2%. In general, the death rate has been declining since 1991 – a decline of 31% from 1991 to 2018. Death rates also decreased for prostate, colorectal and breast cancer. This is great news and positive news as we approach National Cancer Month in February. But what is the cause?

Why the decline in U.S. cancer death rates?

Since almost half of the decline is due to one form of cancer, lung cancer, we can point to a decrease in smoking over this time. While this is a large factor, there are also improvements in surgery, diagnostics, new pharmaceuticals, and more targeted radiation that have contributed to the decline. These factors, as well as immunotherapies, have helped decrease the other cancers as well. For those who suffer from lung cancer, including those who suffer from asbestos-related lung cancer, this report should be encouraging.

Dr. Deborah Schrag, chief of population sciences at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute stated, “Both men and women who are diagnosed with lung cancer are surviving longer, and that’s really fantastic news.”  While acknowledging the improvement, Dr. Schrag also commented, “We have a lot of good progress. We should celebrate that, but we shouldn’t declare victory.”

Why not declare victory?

With this steady decline in U.S. cancer death rates, why not declare victory? Cancer is still the second leading cause of death behind heart disease. Cancer led to the deaths of 599,000 Americans in 2018. It is projected there will be 609,000 cancer deaths in 2021. Obviously, there is still much research ahead. However, there are also other factors that won’t be helped by scientific research and high tech treatments. To improve statistics in the following problem areas there will need to be more education, individual awareness of lifestyle and cultural challenges, medical personnel, and state and city planning.

• Though cervical cancer is virtually preventable with medical screenings and the HPV vaccine, 2018 had 4,000 women die from this cancer.

• Black patients’ survival rates are below that of white patients’ for almost all cancers.

• There are geographic differences in death rates, including: statewide detection differences, and areas with societal activities leading to smoking or obesity.

• There’s a concern that the death decline seen in colorectal and breast cancers have slowed in the past few years and progress for prostate cancer has actually stopped.

Possible effects of the coronavirus pandemic on cancer deaths

The fear, and difficulty, of going to medical facilities for routine exams or tests when unusual symptoms appear are often delayed or skipped entirely. This can lead to later diagnoses and, potentially, more deaths. The effects will probably not be known quickly. As Rebecca Siegel, senior scientific director of surveillance research at the American Cancer Society and lead author of the referenced report, said, “This will be an impact that will be felt slowly over the next decade.”

With vaccinations in process for Covid-19, cancer doctors anticipate, and hope, the pandemic will be a minor interruption in the decades- long progress made in the fight against cancer deaths.