The time is now to impact
Cancer research increasingly focuses on what we eat, our physical activity, the support of friends and family — and the role that our individual genetic make-up plays in our health. As the depth and breadth of research data increases, so do the possibilities of bringing the right drugs to the right patient at the right time.
Behavioral scientist models healthy lifestyle
A modest serving of peanut butter on whole grain toast, a ripe pear and a tall glass of skim milk is the breakfast of champions. At least, it is for cancer prevention expert Karen Basen-Engquist, Ph.D.
- Drug, lifestyle changes may make a difference
- Video: Lifestyle changes, diabetes drug may lower cancer risk for women
Physical inactivity as harmful as smoking
Exercise enthusiasts have an ally in Xifeng Wu, M.D., Ph.D. Her study of more than 400,000 participants in a Taiwan cohort questioned whether fewer than the currently recommended 150 minutes a week of exercise is enough to reduce mortality and increase life expectancy.
Patient's neighborhood may affect outcomes
Curiosity has led Lorraine Reitzel, Ph.D., to ask novel questions. Her recent paper posed the query: Does a cancer patient’s neighborhood have an effect on his or her survival or development of a second primary malignancy?
- Video: Geomapping reveals environmental influence on behaviors and cancer risk
Unusual responder to therapy helps others
A half-marathon runner with a thriving career in the medical field, Rachel Midgett didn’t have breast cancer on her radar when she was diagnosed with metastatic disease at just 37 years young.
- Unusual responder: Erin Bond
Emotional cues play role in addiction
Ever wonder why your brain makes decisions you later regret, like continuing to smoke? Better yet, why does your brain see smoking as a pleasurable experience when you know it can lead to cancer and a host of other medical problems?
Initiatives drive personalized cancer care
Gordon Mills, M.D., Ph.D., recalls a proposal he wrote 18 years ago detailing the concept of personalized cancer therapy and its potential impact. Today, that idea is no longer a proposal, but a reality, and it’s about to get a boost.
Cancer survivorship algorithms
Infographic: MD Anderson's Cancer Survivorship Program has 40 clinical practice algorithms to help monitor the continuing care of cancer survivors.
