First blood test for ovarian cancer wins FDA approval

On Friday, September 11, the FDA announced their approval of the first laboratory test that, prior to exploratory surgery or biopsy, can indicate the likelihood of ovarian cancer, even if radiological tests fail to indicate malignancy. The announcement comes at a fitting time—during September—the month recently designated by President Obama as National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. The test, called OVA1, was developed by California-based Vermillion Inc., in conjunction with their partner, Quest Diagnostics, and with researchers at The Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. OVA1 uses a blood sample to check levels of five proteins that change due to ovarian cancer, and then simplifies the results into a score between zero and 10, indicating whether the pelvic mass is benign or malignant. The test is intended only for women 18 and older who are already selected for surgery because of their pelvic mass. Interpreting the test result requires knowledge of whether the woman is pre- or post-menopausal. Share and Enjoy:

New prostate cancer vaccine shows promise

There are many health concerns today when it comes to illnesses, but one of the number one health concerns for a man to consider is prostate cancer. There are already treatments available for this type of cancer, but now there is a new one to consider. Provenge, which an experimental treatment vaccine for advanced prostate cancer, has met researchers’ goal in a key trial that is needed to get FDA approval. This news was recently announced by Dendreon, which is the company that makes the vaccine Provenge. Mitchell Gold, M.D. and the president and chief executive of Dendreon, said that they believe that this vaccine is truly a breakthrough for the prostate cancer community a testament to the promise of the field for cancer immunotherapies. Provenge is a biologic drug that is given by infusion to spur the immune system to help fight against advanced prostate cancer that does not respond to anti-androgen treatment. Share and Enjoy:

American diabetes month

With over 24 million Americans living with diabetes and thousands more who have it and are not yet aware of their diagnosis, no matter how hard we try diabetes is ... Share and Enjoy:

12 Top health threats for women

Men and women have different health needs, and each gender finds itself with special health risks and needs. Women, in particular, are required to pay particular attention to certain health ... Share and Enjoy:

Laser Treatment May Reverse Sun-Damaged Skin

There was a time when sunscreen was not available, and before it became the mandatory beach and pool accessory that it is today. The result for many is skin damaged ... Share and Enjoy:

Ten Easy Ways To Manage Your Stress

1. Eat and drink sensibly. Alcohol and food abuse may seem to reduce stress, but it actually adds to it. 2. Assert yourself. You do not have to meet others’ expectations ... Share and Enjoy:

Insomnia and Anxiety May Be Genetically Linked

by – Robert Preidt MONDAY, June 8 (HealthDay News) — A genetic link between anxiety, depression and insomnia has been identified by U.S. researchers, who said adolescents who suffer from anxiety ... Share and Enjoy:

Untreated Sleep Disorder Can Impair Driving Ability

by – Jeff Muise TUESDAY, Oct. 6 (HealthDay News) – Untreated obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients are more prone to the effects of alcohol consumption and sleep restriction on driving performance ... Share and Enjoy:

Depression, Anxiety May Raise Odds of Obesity

by – Jane Parry WEDNESDAY, Oct. 7 (HealthDay News) — There is an association between common mental disorders such as depression and anxiety and the risk of future obesity, according to ... Share and Enjoy:

Combo Treatment Best for Anxiety Disorder in Kids

For children with anxiety disorders, a combination of cognitive behavior therapy and the antidepressant sertraline (Zoloft) works better than either treatment alone, researchers report. Share and Enjoy: