Lung Cancer Alliance-Georgia Issues Third Annual State-Specific Report Card on Lung Cancer

PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, Lung Cancer Alliance-Georgia (LCA-GA) issued its 3rd Annual Report Card on Lung Cancer. This Report is an assessment of progress being made against this lethal disease in the state of Georgia. LCA-GA is a chapter of Lung Cancer Alliance (LCA), the only national organization dedicated exclusively to patient support and advocacy for people living with or at risk for lung cancer.

Lung cancer is the number one cause of cancer deaths nationally, as well as among Georgian men and women, resulting in 30 percent of all cancer deaths in the state. This year alone, 5,980 Georgians will be diagnosed and 4,570 will die from the disease --- more than the combined total of breast, prostate, and colon cancers.

"Despite these alarming statistics, the Georgia legislature and Georgia Cancer Coalition have virtually ignored lung cancer and its impact on citizens throughout the state," said Ed Levitt, LCA-GA Chair. "State funding for lung cancer prevention, early detection, better treatments and research must increase if we are going to see a reduction in mortality rates in Georgia."

"For the third straight year, LCA-GA has laid out their commitments to reversing the decades of stigma and neglect associated with lung cancer," said Laurie Fenton Ambrose, LCA President and CEO. "They have an incredible team in place willing to work with other organizations who share their common goals laid out in their 2008 Report Card on Lung Cancer."

The LCA-GA 2008 Report Card on Lung Cancer uses seven categories to annually grade progress in key benchmarks areas, in order to alert Georgian public health and public policy leaders and state residents to what needs to be done to address lung cancer appropriately.

Over the past four decades, significant funding for research and early detection has greatly increased five year survival rates for breast cancer (88 percent), prostate cancer (99 percent) and colon cancer (65 percent).

Underfunded and ignored, lung cancer five year survival rate is still only 15 percent.

The LCA-GA 2008 Report Card on Lung Cancer grades the following seven categories:

-- Number of Deaths -- GRADE: F Lung cancer is the number one cause of
cancer death among Georgian men and women.
-- Five-Year Survival Rate -- GRADE: F Lung cancer is the only major
cancer with virtually no improvement in survival for nearly 40 years,
and a five year survival rate that has hovered at 15 percent.
-- State-Supported Research -- GRADE: F Lung cancer is under-funded and
under-researched relative to its Georgia public health impact.
-- Newly-Addicted Youth Smokers -- GRADE: F 13,100 new Georgian "daily"
smokers under age 18 become addicted each year. Georgia is one of only
5 states not covering prescription medications to quit smoking under
Medicaid losing federal matching funds and is 48th out of 50 states in
tobacco prevention spending, spending only $2.3 million in the 2009
budget, less than 1% of tobacco-related revenues.
-- State-Supported Early Detection Program -- GRADE: F Georgia continues
to ignore the mounting data showing that CT screening in a high risk
population will save lives.
-- State Cancer Plan Commitment -- GRADE: D The 2008 State Cancer Plan is
underwhelming in its commitment to patients, survivors, and caregivers
who are looking for leadership to reverse decades of stigma and
neglect too long attached to lung cancer.
-- Disparity Issue -- GRADE: F The lung cancer incidence and mortality
for African-American males in Georgia is significantly higher than any
other ethnic group, yet this difference is not being addressed or
researched.


"The problem is clear," concluded Levitt. "It is time to make a change. Lung cancer has been declared a national public health priority by the U.S. Congress. LCA-GA would like to make sure that Georgia and its outstanding hospitals and research centers play a major role in this effort for the benefit of Georgians as well as the nation."

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Cooking Class Teaches about Cancer

Each year, 410 new cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed in Georgia, and 120 women die from it. Almost 5,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer in Georgia, and 1,014 die from it every year. Specialists with University of Georgia Cooperative Extension want women to know the benefits of cancer screenings. Early detection can make all the difference.

“We help women understand the regular screening tends to help detect any changes in the breast or cervix before they get serious,” said Connie Crawley, a UGA Extension health and nutrition specialist. “We also teach that lifestyle can reduce risk. This includes eating more fruits and vegetables, controlling calories to achieve a healthy weight, not drinking alcohol and being as physically active as possible.”

Crawley and UGA Extension agents from across the state deliver the Cooking for a Life Time Cancer Prevention Cooking School. The classes are taught by a team with members from the BreasTest and More staff and the American Cancer Society. They are led by UGA Extension family and consumer sciences agents.

The schools are taught in counties with the highest incidences and death rates associated with breast and cervical cancers. Twenty-three schools were offered in sixteen counties in 2006 and 2007. The ACS helped fund classes in 20 additional counties in 2008.

“For many women, once they are no longer having children, they begin to skip regular Pap tests and breast cancer screenings,” said Crawley. “Also, many women do not realize that they can get their services through the BreasTest and More Program if they do not have insurance.”

Through the school, 429 women have been referred to BreasTest and More. Eighty-three women received clinical breast exams, 81 got mammograms and 44 had Pap tests. Many of these women had rarely or never been screened for cancer. Two women were diagnosed with breast cancer.

The school refers women to the Cancer Screening program established by the Georgia Department of Human Resources. The program offers Pap tests to low-income, uninsured women between the ages of 18 and 64 and mammograms to women between the ages of 40 and 64.

UGA Extension along with other state extension services partner with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the National Cancer Institute and ACS to increase screening for breast and cervical cancers in women who rarely if ever get screened. These women are often poor and live in counties with high rates of cancer-related deaths.

In 2006, 12 percent of Georgia women over the age of 18 did not get regular Pap tests and 21 percent over the age of 40 did not get mammograms. Nationally and in Georgia, the less money a woman makes annually, the less likely she is to get regular cancer screenings, according to the CDC.

In 2006, 18 percent of Georgia women earning less than $15,000 a year did not get Pap tests, twice the percentage of those earning between $35,000 and $50,000 annually.

For more information on healthy life choices, cancer classes or the cooking school, contact a local UGA Extension office at 1-800-ASK-UGA1.

By April Sorrow
University of Georgia

April R. Sorrow is a news editor with the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.

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New Report Estimates More than 2 million Cases of Tobacco-related Cancers Diagnosed in the United States During 1999-2004

About 2.4 million cases of tobacco-related cancers were diagnosed in the United States from 1999 to 2004, with lung and bronchial cancer accounting for almost half of these diagnoses, according to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In the most comprehensive assessment to date, the study marks the first time CDC has reported on all tobacco-related cancers for more than 90 percent of the population.

“The data in this report provides additional, strong evidence of the serious harm related to tobacco,” said Sherri Stewart, Ph.D., in CDC′s Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, who is lead author of the study. “We′ve long known tobacco was associated with lung and laryngeal cancer, but this study gives us even greater clarity. The rates for these two cancers were highest in areas with the highest prevalence of tobacco use.”

The Surgeon General has found tobacco use causes these cancers: lung and bronchial, laryngeal, oral cavity and pharyngeal, esophageal, stomach, pancreatic, kidney and renal pelvis, urinary bladder, cervical and acute myelogenous leukemia (AML).

Though tobacco is a major cause for all the cancers presented in this report, not all cases of cancer studied could be linked directly to tobacco use. Some of these cancers have several important risk factors such as infections or genetic factors that can operate in concert with, or independently, of tobacco. In addition, information on tobacco use was not available in these databases. Therefore, some cases of cancer included in this report may not be attributable to tobacco use.
Key Findings:

Age-adjusted rates are presented in parentheses where appropriate and are per 100,000 persons.

* The incidence of tobacco-related cancers was higher among black and non-Hispanic populations, and among men, which reflect patterns of tobacco use.
* Lung, laryngeal, and cervical cancer incidence rates were highest in the South, where the highest prevalence of smoking exists. Kentucky had the highest rates of lung cancer among men and women (133.2 and 75.5, respectively), the third highest rate of laryngeal cancers among men (9.7) and the highest rate of laryngeal cancer among women (2.6). Kentucky had the highest prevalence of current smoking (28.6 percent).
* States with the lowest smoking rates are in the West: Utah (10.4 percent), California (18.5 percent), and Montana (18.5 percent). Cancer incidence rates were consistently lowest in the West for all the cancers, with the exception of stomach cancer.
* In 2004, lung and bronchial cancer incidence rates were highest among men in the South (97.9) and lowest in the West (66.0); Among women, rates were similar in the South, Midwest, and Northeast regions (55.3–56.4) and were lowest in the West (48.1)
* In 2004, laryngeal cancer incidence rates were highest among men in the South (8.4) region of the United States and lowest in the West (4.8). Among women, rates were similar in the South, Midwest, and Northeast (1.6–1.7) and were lowest in the West (1.1).
* The high incidence rates of both lung and laryngeal cancer in the South are consistent with smoking patterns and reflect the strong association of these cancers with tobacco use.

The report also noted other cancers associated with tobacco use (pancreas, urinary bladder, esophagus, kidney, stomach, cervix, and AML) accounted for more than 1 million cases diagnosed.

“Tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of disease and premature death in the United States and the most prominent cause of cancer,” said Matthew McKenna, M.D., M.P.H., director, CDC′s Office on Smoking and Health. “The tobacco-use epidemic causes a third of the cancers in America. If proven strategies were fully implemented to decrease tobacco use, much of the suffering and death that cancer inflicts on families and communities could be prevented.”

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Computer Predicts Anti-Cancer Molecules

A new computer-based method of analyzing cellular activity has correctly predicted the anti-tumour activity of several molecules. Research published today in BioMed Central’s open access journal, Molecular Cancer, describes ‘CoMet’ – a tool that studies the integrated machinery of the cell and predicts those components that will have an effect on cancer.

Jeffery Skolnick, professor in the School of Biology and director of the Center for the Study of Systems Biology, in collaboration with John McDonald, chair of the School of Biology, led a team from the Georgia Institute of Technology who have developed this new strategy.

“This opens up the possibility of novel therapeutics for cancer and develops our understanding of why such metabolites work. CoMet provides a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms of cancer,” said Skolnick.

The small molecules that are naturally produced in cells are called metabolites. Enzymes, the biological catalysts that produce and consume these metabolites, are created according to a cell’s genetic blueprints. Importantly, however, the metabolites can also affect the expression of genes.

“By comparing the gene expression levels of cancer cells relative to normal cells and converting that information into the enzymes that produce metabolites,” said Skolnick, “CoMet predicts metabolites that have lower concentrations in cancer relative to normal cells.”

The research proves that when such putatively depleted metabolites are added to cancer cells, they exhibit anticancer properties. In this case, growth of leukemia cells was slowed by all nine of the metabolites suggested by CoMet.

The future for this treatment looks bright, added McDonald. “While we have only performed cell proliferation assays, it is reasonable to speculate that some metabolites may also exhibit many other anticancer properties,” he said. “These could be important steps on the road to a cure.”

Cancer Wellness at Piedmont’s Programs and Services for June

Cancer Wellness at Piedmont’s Programs and Services for June
Comprehensive Complementary Services Offered to Anyone Affected by Cancer

Cancer Wellness at Piedmont Hospital offers comprehensive services and programs for anyone affected by cancer at any phase in his or her journey. Classes offered every month include: Cancer Wellfit©, Gentle Yoga, Art Therapy, Guided Imagery and Relaxation for Optimal Health, Mindfulness Training 101 & 102, Breast Cancer Support, Gynecological Cancer Support, and A Guy’s Group For more information please visit www.piedmontcancerconnection.org or to make a reservation for one of the classes listed below, call Carolyn Helmer at 404-605-1962, and please indicate which classes you plan to attend.

Cancer Wellness at Piedmont Hospital events for June:
· Food for Life Nutrition and Cooking Class Series for Cancer Prevention and Survival (offered by The Cancer Project)- Fridays in June, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.
· Understanding Acupuncture- Learn what it is and how it works. Thursday, June 19, 1 to 3 p.m.
· Poetry Reading and Reception in the Wellness Café- Bring poems or favorites written by others to share and enjoy. Friday, June 27, 5 to 7 p.m.

For more information and a full list of classes please visit www.piedmontcancerconnection.org.

Emory Winship Named Blue Distinction Center for Complex and Rare Cancers

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia (BCBSGa) has named the Emory University's Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University as a Blue Distinction Center for Complex and Rare Cancers, focusing on complex inpatient and surgical care. Emory Winship is the only facility in the metropolitan Atlanta area to earn this designation.

Blue Distinction is awarded by Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies to medical facilities that have demonstrated expertise in delivering quality healthcare. Building on the successful results of earlier programs focused on cardiac care, bariatric surgery and transplants, the program was recently expanded to include the designation of 85 Blue Distinction Centers for Complex and Rare Cancers.

"We are honored to be recognized as a Blue Distinction Center by Blue Cross and Blue Shield," says Charles Staley, MD, director of surgical oncology at Emory Winship and Holland M. Ware Professor of Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine. "This designation is a confirmation of the hard work and dedication to research and patient care that is exhibited every day by our faculty, nursing and administrative staff. We are very proud of this designation."

Blue Cross and Blue Shield assesses facilities on evaluation, treatment planning, complex inpatient care and major surgical treatments; all delivered by teams with distinguished expertise and subspecialty training for complex and rare cancers. The program focuses on the following 13 cancers, which cumulatively account for approximately 15 percent of new cancer cases annually:

• acute leukemia (inpatient, non-surgical)
• bladder cancer
• bone cancer
• brain cancer -- primary
• esophageal cancer
• gastric cancer
• head and neck cancers
• liver cancer
• ocular melanoma
• pancreatic cancer
• rectal cancer
• soft tissue sarcomas
• thyroid cancer -- medullary or anaplastic

The evidence-based selection criteria used to evaluate facilities were developed in strategic collaboration with the National Comprehensive Cancer Network and with input from a panel of expert clinicians. To be designated as a Blue Distinction Center for Complex and Rare Cancers, Emory Winship met selection criteria including:

• exceeds volume threshold for annual surgical cases treated
• utilization of multidisciplinary team input for treatment planning, including sub-specialty trained teams
• participation in ongoing quality management and improvement programs for cancer care
• commitment to using clinical data registries and participating in relevant clinical research

"We commend the facilities that have been designated for treating complex and rare cancers," says Monye Connolly, president, BCBSGa. "Blue Distinction promotes the consistent practice of evidence-based medicine. The Blues are committed to working collaboratively with physicians and hospitals to raise the overall quality of healthcare in our nation. We understand that to deliver true patient-centered care, Blue Distinction Centers often need to coordinate care following a complex surgery or primary inpatient stay with patients' local physicians."

BCBSGa recognizes that the majority of patients' multidisciplinary treatment may be best accomplished by integrating the expertise available in a Blue Distinction Center with locally available treatment resources, especially for outpatient chemotherapy and radiotherapy, based on individual circumstances and patient preference. Optimal support of a patient's comprehensive cancer care needs may be achieved by coordination of care between the patient and their family, local physicians, the Blue Distinction Center and BCBSGa. For more information on additional criteria used for the designation visit www.BCBS.com.

For more information about complex and rare cancer care at Emory Winship call 404-778-1900 or visit www.cancer.emory.edu or www.emoryhealthcare.org. For more information about Blue Distinction Centers, visit www.BCBSGa.com.

Mrs. Georgia Warns About Lung Cancer, Radon

Tiffany Hudak wears the crown because she is Mrs. Georgia 2008. She wears the bracelet on her wrist because she wants to bring awareness to lung cancer.
Five years ago, Hudak’s mother was diagnosed with lung cancer at a routine doctor’s visit. She died three weeks later.

“There is no way to detect lung cancer early,” she said. “Once it is found, it is too late.”

Lung cancer doesn’t only affect smokers. More than 21,000 people die each year from lung cancer caused by radon. Georgia has the highest rate in the Southeast with 822 deaths last year.

Radon is a cancer-causing radioactive gas that comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water. It is invisible, odorless and tasteless. Regions with a lot of granite have a higher risk for radon.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, all north Georgia counties have a moderate to high potential for radon. Cobb, Fulton, DeKalb and Gwinnett counties have the highest potential for it.

Raised in Elberton, Ga., known as the granite capitol of the world, radon awareness is important to Hudak.

“It is scary. It is all around us,” she said.

Since winning her crown in February 2008, she has thrust the spotlight on her cause. She has been featured in several newspaper articles and will be on the cover of Athena magazine later this year. She hosted the Georgia “Free to Breath” 5k run in April, which raised more than $5,000 for the National Lung Cancer Partnership. And she’s joined forces with the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension.

“Radon is truly a silent killer,” said Becky Chenhall, a UGA Extension radon educator. “It is so easy to ignore because you can’t see, smell or taste it. The only way to know the radon level in your home is to test for it.”

UGA Extension offices distribute free radon test kits. Since the program started five years ago, 22,000 test kits have been distributed.

“We are saving lives by educating and motivating people to take action,” Chenhall said. “The bad news is radon causes lung cancer. The good news is that any radon problem can be fixed.”

Radon is heavier than air. Test kits should be hanged two feet to six feet above the floor in the center of a room. Bedrooms or family rooms are the best rooms to test. Children are at greater risk of radon exposure. The radon level at a child’s breathing level is higher than that found at an adult’s.

Radon test results will never be 0. The average indoor level is 1.3 pCi/L. Any test that measures 4 pCi/L or higher requires action. Nationally, one out of every 15 homes will have high radon. In north Georgia, one out of every five homes could have elevated radon.

When required, mitigation can be done relatively cheap. The gas can be safely released from the home by installing an inline fan and running a ventilation pipe from underneath the home’s foundation to above the roofline. Georgia currently has 10 certified radon mitigators trained to correct radon problems

by April Sorrow
University of Georgia

April R. Sorrow is a news editor with the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.