News by Subject Medicine & Health

A new study provides the first direct evidence of how a genotoxic warhead that can target and destroy the DNA of nearby cells renders its carcinogenic effects.

In the largest study to date on phthalates and postmenopausal breast cancer, a University of Massachusetts Amherst cancer epidemiology researcher found no association between breast cancer risk and exposure to the plasticizing and solvent chemicals used in such common products as shampoo, makeup, vinyl flooring, toys, medical devices and car interiors.

In "Nicotine on Children's Hands: Limited Protection of Smoking Bans and Initial Clinical Findings," published Jan. 16 in Tobacco Use Insights, Cincinnati Children's attending physician Melinda Mahabee-Gittens and UC assistant professor Ashley Merianos found that not smoking around children doesn't stop children of smokers from being exposed to nicotine. They also found that higher levels of exposure to tobacco smoke residue -- which likely includes carcinogenic tobacco-specific nitrosamines -- may be linked to respiratory problems.

A new study finds rates are increasing for six of 12 cancers related to obesity in younger adults in the United States, with steeper increases in progressively younger ages and successively younger generations.

A UBC professor has determined that people diagnosed with terminal cancer -- who have hope, positivity and family support -- are able to live well during the advanced stage of the disease. Carole Robinson, professor emeritus with UBC Okanagan School of Nursing, recently published a paper explaining the process of living well with an awareness of dying.

More than 5.6 million Americans are exposed to nitrate in drinking water at levels that could cause health problems. In this first analysis of its kind, researchers also found that water systems with higher nitrate levels tend to serve communities with higher proportions of Hispanic residents. The findings could help inform programs to assist community water systems that might be vulnerable to contamination.