Cancer Archive

Research we're watching

The FDA's medical device reporting program recently announced that as of February 1, it had received 359 reports of anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL), a rare type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, in women who had received breast implants. Nine women had died of the disease. The FDA uses such reports to alert clinicians about potential significant side effects from approved drugs and devices, and as it gathers more information, the data may change. Many reports contained details of the implants, including whether the outside surface was smooth or textured and whether the filling was silicone gel or saline.

ALCL is usually found within a capsule of fibrous scar tissue that forms around an implant, not in the breast tissue itself. It appears to develop more frequently in women with textured implants, regardless of filling type.

The recommended guidelines for whether men should have the prostate cancer screening test have changed in recent years. A man considering the test should talk with his doctor and understand all the pros and cons involved.

Ask the doctors

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Q. I like gel manicures because the polish doesn't chip easily, but I've heard that they may cause cancer. Is this true?

A. The gel polish itself hasn't been associated with an increased risk of cancer. However, lamps and light boxes, which are used to seal the polish during professional manicures, have raised concern. That's because many emit fairly high levels of UVA radiation, which plays a major role in the development of cancer. The level of risk depends on the frequency of manicures. A 2014 study in JAMA Dermatology indicated that the level of UVA exposure associated with a gel manicure every two weeks probably isn't high enough to increase the risk of skin cancer significantly.

News briefs

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Carrying around extra weight is a known risk factor for developing some cancers. But exactly which kinds of cancer are associated with obesity is debated. A study published Feb. 28, 2017, in The BMJ aimed to narrow it down. European researchers combed through about 100 large reviews of observational studies that looked for links between being overweight and getting cancer.

Out of 36 kinds of cancer evaluated, the researchers found strong evidence for a link to obesity for 11—in the colon, rectum, biliary tract (liver and gallbladder), pancreas, breast, endometrium (uterine lining), ovary, kidney, and the gastric cardia (the junction of the esophagus and stomach); a certain type of esophageal cancer (adenocarcinoma); and one type of bone marrow cancer (multiple myeloma). The researchers said there may be links between obesity and other cancers, but so far the evidence is relatively weak.

The earlier one starts tanning, the longer the lifetime skin damage and the higher the skin cancer risk. As the number of people with skin cancer increases, it has become especially important to convey to teenagers the message that tanning is an unhealthy choice, whether it’s outdoors or in a tanning bed.

Ask the doctor

Q. I smoked for more than 20 years, but gave it up about 15 years ago. Am I still at risk for lung cancer or other health problems?

A. Not smoking is the best health move any man can make. The good news is that the benefits of quitting smoking begin almost immediately after your final cigarette, although the risk of smoking-related cancers may take years to decline.

Data from more than 200,000 people indicates that the risk of developing melanoma increases by 13% for every glass of white wine consumed per day. Drinking beer, red wine, or liquor was not associated with increased risk.

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)

Questions to Discuss with Your Doctor:

• Have you had fevers, chills, fatigue, or weight loss?
• Have you had any recent infections?
• Do you have a cough?
• Do you have sinus congestion?
• Do you know when to seek medical attention for infections?
• Do your gums bleed when you brush your teeth?
• Have you had nosebleeds or easy bruising?
• Do you get short of breath with minimal exertion?
• Are you lightheaded?
• Have you been unusually tired?
• Have you had abdominal pain or swelling?
• Have you noticed swollen lymph nodes?

Your Doctor Might Examine the Following Body Structures or Functions:

• Lymph nodes (neck, axilla, groin)
• Heart
• Lungs
• Abdomen (for enlargement or tenderness of the liver or spleen)

Your Doctor Might Order the Following Lab Tests or Studies:

• Complete blood count
• Routine blood chemistries
• Immunoglobulin levels
• Blood test for flow cytometry
• Bone marrow biopsy.