image: The FDA revokes authorization to use Red Dye 3 in food, cancer warning labels on alcoholic beverages and mocktails as healthier alternatives, Princess Kate in remission and cancer recovery and survivorship, global trends in risk factors linked to lung cancer deaths, researching gynecologic cancer disparities in women of African ancestry, honoring a researcher whose impactful work has led to the development of cancer-fighting drugs, and a gift from Palm Beach philanthropists furthers extraordinary cancer care and research – all are in this month’s tip sheet from Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.
Credit: Photo by Sylvester
FDA BANS RED DYE 3 IN FOOD AND INGESTED DRUGS
Citing two studies linking Red Dye 3 to cancer in laboratory male rats, the FDA today revoked authorization for the use of the dye in food and ingested drugs. The move came in response to a 2022 color additive petition. “This is long overdue,” said Tracy Crane, Ph.D., RDN., director of Lifestyle Medicine and Prevention at Sylvester. “Red Dye 3 has been banned for use in cosmetics and topical drugs for more than three decades,” she said. “Yet it gives more than 9,000 foods in the United States their red coloring. These colorful foods and drinks are particularly appealing to young children,” she added. “This is an important step forward in addressing modifiable risk factors that have the potential to reduce cancer risk.”
ALCOHOL & CANCER RISK/LIFESTYLE MEDICINE
Alcohol and Cancer Risk: Sylvester Physicians Can Discuss Call for Cancer Warning Labels
Tracy Crane, Ph.D., is available to address the Surgeon General’s recent report calling for cancer warning labels on alcohol. In her role as director of Lifestyle Medicine at Sylvester and co-lead of its Cancer Control Research Program, she examines the critical roles of nutrition and exercise on cancer prevention, treatment outcomes and long-term quality of life. Read more about her research here. Additional Sylvester experts in breast, liver, pancreatic and other cancers are also available for interviews.
Mocktails, Anyone? Sylvester Experts Suggest Healthier Alternatives to Alcohol
With the Surgeon General’s recommendation that alcoholic beverages contain cancer warning labels due to mounting evidence showing it as a Group 1 carcinogen, Sylvester physicians suggest people consider mocktails – drinks without alcohol. Doing so could reduce their risk of developing seven known cancer types. Several Sylvester Cancer experts are available to comment.
CANCER SURVIVORSHIP
Sylvester Researcher Focuses on Cancer Survivorship and Preventing Recurrence
Princess Kate announced recently that her cancer is in remission and she is now focused on recovery, adjusting to her new normal. What does remission mean for her and other cancer survivors? Frank J. Penedo, Ph.D., co-lead of Sylvester’s Cancer Survivorship and Supportive Care Program, can address the adjustments and steps that cancer patients face while undergoing treatment, moving to the recovery phase or even after treatment has been completed.
LUNG CANCER
Sylvester-Led Study Highlights Global Trends in Risk Factors Linked to Lung Cancer Deaths
Lung and related cancer deaths decreased in the world’s 10 most populous countries over the past 40 years, but a pressing need still exists for public health measures to combat cancer deaths and risk from tobacco use and exposure to air pollution and asbestos, according to a new study from Sylvester Cancer and collaborators. The study, published in eClinicalMedicine, part of The Lancet, analyzed tracheal, bronchial and lung (TBL) cancer data from the Global Burden of Disease database.
GYNECOLOGIC CANCER DISPARITIES
Sylvester GYN Cancer Researcher Serves as Mentor to Aspiring Specialists
Matthew Schlumbrecht, M.D., M.P.H., never expected to become a gynecologic oncologist. Now, the Sylvester physician-scientist is not only a leader in the field, but also a trainer/mentor to other physicians seeking to enter his cancer specialty. Schlumbrecht studies disparities in gynecologic cancer, especially endometrial cancer, or cancer of the uterine lining. Working together with Sophia George, Ph.D., and colleagues with the Transatlantic Gynecologic Cancer Research Consortium, he’s focused on the genomics and genetics of this cancer in women of African ancestry.
CANCER RECOGNITION
Distinguished Sylvester Researcher Honored With Endowed Chair
Daniel Isom, Ph.D., has been honored with The Pap Corps Champions for Cancer Research Endowed Chair at Sylvester. His impactful research in molecular and cellular pharmacology has contributed to development of promising cancer-fighting drugs. The Pap Corps, which has been supporting cancer research for more than 70 years, has been an invaluable partner to Sylvester, raising more than $110 million to fuel scientific progress through vital translational research.
CANCER PHILANTHROPY
Sylvester Cancer, Miller School Benefit From Palm Beach Philanthropists’ Gift
Sylvester Cancer and two other critical health areas within the University of Miami – the Miller School of Medicine and the UM School of Nursing and Health Studies – are the beneficiaries of a $2.5 million donation from Vahan and Danielle Gureghian, owners of a home health care services agency. The gift, celebrated at a recent reception hosted by the Gureghians at their Palm Beach home, includes $1 million for the Sylvester Director’s Innovation Fund to further its extraordinary cancer care and research.
Read more on the InventUM blog and follow @SylvesterCancer on X for the latest news on its research and care.
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