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In-home Human Papilloma Virus test used for cervical cancer screening is a great idea. Some Canadian provinces are adopting the policy. Countries like Australia have noted excellent outcomes. Result same or better than PAP tests.
Medical Mythbusting Commentary for September 26, 2023 Source:Doctors say at-home screening for HPV could be an opportunity to ‘eliminate a cancer’ Reference:Preventive care recommendations to promote health equity
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AI shows major promise in breast cancer detection, new studies suggest
Medical Mythbusting Commentary for September 12, 2023 Source:AI shows major promise in breast cancer detection, new studies suggest Reference:Artificial intelligence-supported screen reading versus standard double reading in the Mammography Screening with Artificial Intelligence trial (MASAI): a clinical safety analysis of a randomised, controlled, non-inferiority, single-blinded, screening accuracy study
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Cancer cases have increased globally among young adults over past 3 decades: study. Various hypotheses proposed to explain this observation.
Medical Mythbusting Commentary for September 6, 2023 Source:Cancer cases soared 79% globally among young adults over past 3 decades: study Reference:Global trends in incidence, death, burden and risk factors of early-onset cancer from 1990 to 2019
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Headlines misinterpret study finding that most cancer screenings don’t extend life. They may not extend it, but they certainly will get you close to what your expected life span would be if caught early and treated.
Medical Mythbusting Commentary for August 29, 2023 Source:Most cancer screenings don’t extend life, study finds, but don’t cancel that appointment Reference:Estimated Lifetime Gained With Cancer Screening TestsA Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials
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New therapeutic agent entering Phase 1 trials that has been reported to block a protein (common in many cancers) responsible for tumour growth. Best to wait for results before assigning the “holy grail” designation noted in some reports.
Medical Mythbusting Commentary for August 8, 2023 Source:Cancer-killing pill that annihilates tumours hailed as ‘holy grail’ breakthroughReference: Small molecule targeting of transcription-replication conflict for selective chemotherapy
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WHO adds aspartame to the “possible carcinogen” list as it has for pickled vegetables, aloe vera, Ginkgo Biloba, carpentry and joinery, and common medications like hydrochlorothiazide, progestins, and sulfasalzine, among others.
Medical Mythbusting Commentary for June 30, 2023 Source:WHO’s cancer research agency to say aspartame sweetener a possible carcinogen: Reuters sources Reference:IARC List of Classifications
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How sunscreen became controversial when studies to date have not shown any conclusive evidence for harm versus the real risk reduction for skin damage and cancer. Time Magazine reviews the issue
Medical Mythbusting Commentary for June 298, 2023 Source:How Sunscreen Became Controversial
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Study suggests that forest fire smoke exposure is associated with increased risk of tumours. More evaluation required to determine how frequency, dosing, and duration of exposure relates to this outcome amongst other confounding factors.
Medical Mythbusting Commentary for June 27, 2023 Source:Long-term smoke exposure may be associated with dying from a tumour: study Reference:Association between long-term exposure to wildfire-related PM2.5 and mortality: A longitudinal analysis of the UK Biobank
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This simple surgery could slash ovarian cancer rates in Canada, specialists say
Medical Mythbusting Commentary for June 20, 2023 Source:This simple surgery could slash ovarian cancer rates in Canada, specialists say