Li-Fraumeni Syndrome (LFS): A Fatal Curse Passed Down Through Generations
Lawrence Ingrassia details his family’s battle with this mutation and the tragedies left in its wake.
Advances Against Lung Cancer
More people die of lung cancer than breast, prostate, and colon cancer combined. A decade ago, a lung cancer diagnosis was often a death sentence. But now treatments are being developed that mean it can often be treated, especially if screening detects it early. A patient/advocate and researcher discuss.
Medical Notes: Week of April 11, 2021
A federal task force says far more smokers and former smokers should be eligible for free CT scans to screen for lung cancer. Then, a single head injury could result in dementia decades later. Then, Women with heart disease do a lot better when they’re treated by women doctors. And finally, if you want to cut your risk of diabetes… eat breakfast early.
Medical Notes: Week of February 7, 2021
New statistics from the American Cancer Society show that cancer deaths are continuing to drop. Then, a study finds that reopening schools doesn’t increase hospitalizations for Covid-19… at least not in areas where hospitalizations are low. Then, a new study showing that saliva tests are just as accurate and much more convenient than nose swabs. And finally… …
Lung Transplants: The Least-Transplanted Major Organ
Lung transplants are the least done of all major organ transplants because the lungs are so easily damaged in the death process. A lung transplant surgeon explains, using one particularly difficult case as an example.
Medical Notes: Week of January 26, 2020
A new report from the American Cancer Society finds that in 2017, the overall cancer death rate dropped more than 2%. Then, a new experimental technique using a special kind of imaging and machine learning has been developed to battle colon cancer. Then, a new machine that can keep livers alive outside the body for a week. And finally, a class of naturally …
Lung Cancer and Its Stigma
Most forms of cancer have a built-in constituency of patients, loved ones, and concerned others. Lung cancer patients, instead, are often blamed for their own disease because of its frequent connection with smoking. Patients are often isolated, and research dollars lag behind other, less common cancer killers.
Medical Notes: Week of February 3, 2019
Cancer deaths are on the decline, parents are dissatisfied with the systems school have in place to counteract gun violence. A study shows an increase in cardiovascular harm to patients taking basal insulin. Finally, more than half of those taking medical marijuana for chronic pain admit to driving while under the influence.
Medical Notes: Week of November 4, 2018
Post surgery opioid addiction in women. The Risks of drinking everyday. Intestinal bacteria tied to obesity in toddlers. Lung cancer death decreases in California. And finally, a reduction in the flu for some due to television watching habits.
Air Pollution and Lung Health
Air pollution is blamed for one of every eight deaths worldwide, including 200,000 in the US each year. A noted lung physician discusses some of the diseases smog can cause and ways to keep your lungs safe.
Lung Cancer, No Smoking
Lung cancer is the world's #1 cancer killer, but its association with smoking has created a stigma that often stuns patients who never smoked and results in much less research money for lung cancer than for other less lethal diseases. Still, new treatments provide hope. Experts discuss these issues.
