Benzene Leukemia Law Blog : Benzene and Leukemia Lawyer & Attorney : Burke & Eisner Law Firm : Benzene Exposure, Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma

Old underground gas storage tanks put people at risk of exposure to benzene and other carcinogens. As these tanks deteriorate, they release their content into the ground, threatening to poison ground water, and drinking water wells.

According to a 2005 Sierra Club report, in 2005 the U.S. had 680,000 leaking underground storage tanks, with about 9,000 new leaks discovered annually. 

Fortunately the recent economic stimulus package includes $197,000 for storage tank cleanup. The funds are to be used for sites of unknown ownership, or where property owners are unwilling or unable to pay for the cleanup.

Margret Levin of the Sierra Club said:

"The longer that leaking tanks remain buried and aren’t cleaned up, the greater the chance of ground water contamination. The gasoline and oil from the tanks contain toxic substances such as benzene, toluene and heavy metals that can cause cancer and other health problems."

“The money that we’re getting won’t completely solve the problem, but it will help,” 

Long term exposure to even small amounts of benzene has been shown to reduce white blood cell counts, and has been linked to life threatening blood diseases and leukemias like, aplastic anemia, myelodysplastic syndromes, acute lymphocytic leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia and non-Hodgkins lymphoma.

People living near old or even newer gas stations, or any buried gas or oil tanks, face possible water table or well contamination and should consider having their water tested for petrochemicals.

If you or a loved one have been wrongfully exposed to benzene, your best ally is a qualified benzene lawyer. Benzene lawyers are familiar with all the issues surrounding wrongful benzene exposure, and are equipped to go up against even the most powerful corporations in order to obtain compensation for victims. A reputable benzene lawyer will ask for no money unless they win your case. If there is any chance you've been exposed, you owe it to yourself to contact a benzene lawyer today.

• Email This
• Print
• Comments
• Trackbacks
• Share Link

The European Commission has stated that it agrees with the European Parliment's vote to approve legislation to cut health harming vapor emissions from gas stations.

"This directive will improve the protection of European citizens' health by contributing to the attainment of agreed EU air quality standards for two harmful pollutants -- ground level ozone and benzene." -European Comission

The new policy will require most european gas stations to implement stage II petroleum vapor recovery systems by 2018 at the latest.

The stage II recovery nozzles involve a vacuum which collects fuel vapors that hover over whatever liquid gas is left in a car's tank. Traditional gas pumps cause that vapor to be displaced into the athsmosphere as the tank is filled.

Petrolium vapors are a major contributer to smog, and exposure to cancer causing chemicals like benzene. These technologies can reduce escaping petroleum vapors by 95% and could lead to the prevention of dangerous benzene-linked diseases such as aplastic anemia, myelodysplatic syndromes, acute myelogenous leukemia, and non-Hodgkins lymphoma.

The technology is being gradually implemented across the U.S.

• Email This
• Print
• Comments
• Trackbacks
• Share Link

The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) has withdrawn it's controversial report  that downplayed the risks of chemicals found in the water supply of Camp Lejeune Marine Corps Base in North Carolina. The report is being pulled due to factual omissions and scientific inaccuracy.

The report acknowledged the presence of chemical contamination in Lejeune's water supply. Chlorinated hydrocarbons, as well as the chemicals tetrachloroethyline (PCE), a dry-cleaning solvent, and trichlorehylene (TCE), a degreaser, were present in water used for housing, schools and swimming pools on the base.

The report blatantly downplayed the risks that the known carcinogens posed to the 150,000 people living on and around the base saying that adults faced "no increased cancer risk," and that children were "unlikely" to contract cancers as a result of exposure to the water. At the same time, another section of the report stated that cancer risks were "unknown."

According to the Associated Press, ATSDR is pulling the report because:
 

• it omitted that high levels of the cancer-causing chemical benzene were found in a base well. Also, researchers never tried to verify whether benzene had reached the drinking water;
• contaminating solvents that officials focused on have been characterized by new science as even more likely to cause cancer;
• the study underestimated the extent of the contamination on the base housing areas due to inadequate information from the Marines.

The omission of the benzene discovery and subsequent failure to follow up on that discovery, is a chilling indication of top level disregard for the health of enlisted men and women, and their families, at Camp Lejeune. Benzene has long been classified as a  human carcinogen and has been linked to aplastic anemia, myelodysplatic syndromes, acute myelogenous leukemia, and non-Hodgkins lymphoma.

Lawsuits seeking $33 billion in damages have been filed against the U.S. government by veterans who allege they were sickened by the water. Veterans groups have long disputed the findings of the discredited report.

• Email This
• Print
• Comments
• Trackbacks
• Share Link

Yesterday thirty-eight workers and villagers were poisoned and hospitalized after inhaling benzene gas at a village in east China's Zhejiang Province.

The poisoning took place as workers dismantled tanks that had contained the chemical.

Short term exposure to benzene causes immediate depression of the central nervous system. Symptoms include drowsiness, headache, dizziness, loss coordination, loss of conciousness, and if levels are high enough, immediate death.

Long term exposure to the chemical has been shown to cause a variety of rare blood disorders and cancers including:

• aplastic anemia
• myelodysplastic syndromes
• acute myelogenous leukemia
• non-Hodgkins lymphoma

If you are suffering from one of the above conditions, and have been employed in an industrial setting, you could benefit from discussing your situation with a qualified benzene attorney. You may be able to receive compensation for your injury.

• Email This
• Print
• Comments
• Trackbacks
• Share Link

Opponents of the proposed 12 lane Interstate 5 bridge linking Portland OR. and Vancouver WA., recently rallied in downtown Portland, citing health concerns regarding the project.

The massive bridge is the Columbia River Crossing project's response to a fast growing Northwest population.

Activists present at the rally found fault with 2008 Federal Highway and Transit Administration draft environmental impact statement which found that while increasing traffic drastically, the massive project would somehow lead to pollution reduction of 30 to 90 percent.

A recent Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) report paints a starkly contrasting picture, and expresses concern over how the above figures were drafted. According to EPA documents, the $4.2 billion project would likely lead to increased toxic chemical emissions in an area of Portland already notorious for pollution.

The north and northeast sections of Portland are associated with higher air pollution levels due to freeway proximity and industrial emissions. Recent studies have demonstrated that those living near or on a freeway face increased risk of  benzene exposure. Exposure to the chemical has been linked to serious conditions like aplastic anemia, acute myelogenous leukemia, myelodysplastic syndromes, and non-Hodgkins lymphoma. Benzene is just one of many dangerous chemicals found in vehicle emissions.

Sylvia Evans, an environmental justice advocate from north Portland, expressed concern about the project.
 

"It will render that neighborhood uninhabitable, I don't think my health or my neighbors' is worth sacrificing for someone else's privilege to live, work, and play in two different states."

• Email This
• Print
• Comments
• Trackbacks
• Share Link

A Texas woman has just filed a benzene lawsuit against DuPont De Nemours on behalf of her late husband.

Levings alleges that her husband died as a result of benzene exposure while working for the company.  Her Husband worked at DuPont's Sabine River Works facility in Orange County Texas, and died of non-Hodgkins lymphoma (NHL) in 2008.  

Benzene is a highly carcinogenic organic solvent widely used in the industrial sector.  The chemical is linked to multiple debilitating and deadly diseases in addition to NHL. 

Linda Levings stands a great chance of receiving compensation for her loss.  In recent years many have successfully obtained benzene settlements as a pattern of corporate disregard for workers health and the environment continues to emerge.

Benzene settlements can be quite considerable, below are just a few  2008 verdicts:

• $11.2 million was awarded to New York City after Exxon Mobil intentionally contaminated the City's waterways with benzene.
• $6.6 million was awarded to the family of a 68-year old man who died from benzene exposure after working at Mobil.
• $4.3 million was awarded to the families of four petrochemical workers who were all diagnosed with leukemia following workplace benzene exposure.

The size of a benzene settlement depends on  the degree of negligence on behalf of the defendant, and the severity of the benzene exposure and resulting medical conditions.

Employers have an obligation to provide a safe working environment.  Workers should be provided with proper education about toxic materials they may be exposed to, and maximum protection from those materials.  If you have been sickened by on the job exposure to benzene you may be eligible for monetary compensation.  Contact a medical lawyer without delay,  it costs nothing to discuss your circumstances with most qualified benzene attorneys.

• Email This
• Print
• Comments
• Trackbacks
• Share Link

It's not clear exactly how long benzene contaminated groundwater has been seeping into Lake Michigan from U.S Steel's Gary Works.  The benzene is said to leaking from old tanks at coke plant that was demolished years ago.  The highly polluted area had been surrounded by a break wall to contain groundwater contamination.  It is thought that a 2001 crack in that wall allowed the movement of contaminated groundwater into the lake.  The problem was discovered by U.S. Steel last Summer.

"we don't know exactly when the plume reached the lake."- EPA project manager       Tamara Ohl.

Benzene levels in the groundwater were up to 600 times the federal drinking water limit.

The point where the benzene enters the lake is a mile from the nearest drinking water intake.  The intake is owned by Indiana American Waters.  The company is required by federal law to test for benzene and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs).  So Far no benzene has been detected in the finished drinking water.

Exactly how much benzene was leaked into Lake Michigan is not yet known.

What Is Benzene?

Benzene is a clear sweet smelling organic solvent widely used by industry.  Ingesting benzene can cause vomiting, stomach irritation, disorientation, and death.  Exposure to benzene has been shown to cause a number of debilitating blood disorders such as aplastic anemia, myelodysplastic syndromes, acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), and Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL).

The Cleanup Plan

U.S Steel plans to install a $1.4 million treatment system which includes 11 wells that will remove benzene from ground water before pumping it back into the ground.  They do not plan to repair the break wall.

It is not yet known weather U.S Steel will face fines or penalties for the contamination.

• Email This
• Print
• Comments
• Trackbacks
• Share Link

Today marks a deadline for California gas station owners to have complied with new pump vapor emissions standards.  The new standards set by the State Air Resources Board require installation of new nozzles, and in some cases computer systems designed to prevent spills.

The standards are designed to prevent gasoline vapors from escaping into the atmosphere.

Gasoline vapors consist largely of hydrocarbons which react with other pollutants to form ozone, a major ingredient in smog.  According to the Air Resources Board the new equipment will "eliminate the daily release of up to 10 tons of smog forming compounds from spills and fugitive emissions."

Gasoline vapors also contain benzene, a volatile organic compound (VOC) and dangerous carcinogen.  Exposure to Benzene is known cause rare blood disorders such as myelodysplastic syndromes, aplastic anemia, non-hodgkins lymphoma, and acute myelogenous leukemia.  

 "[The new nozzles] will reduce consumer exposures to benzene, a known carcinogen".-Air resources Board

If you live in California you may have noticed that vapor reducing nozzles have been  widely used for some time, but the new nozzles represent a significant improvement in vapor reduction.  The new systems include vacuum pumps which actually suck gas vapors back into the tank.

The price of retrofit starts at $20,000 and goes up depending on pump numbers.  Station owners are expected to shoulder the cost.

According to the Associated Press lawmakers are considering emergency legislation to “ease the financial pain of a retrofit.”  

• Email This
• Print
• Comments
• Trackbacks
• Share Link

Benzene exposure may cause acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), both of which are rare cancers of the blood. For those who have a history of occupational benzene exposure or who live in industrial areas where exposure is a risk, it’s important to recognize the signs and symptoms of these two cancers.

Acute Myelogenous Leukemia

Signs and symptoms of AML resemble those of other more common illnesses, so it’s best to seek medical attention if any of the following occur after acute or prolonged exposure to benzene:

• Tiredness
• Lack of energy
• Random bruising
• Bone or joint aches
• Mild fever
• Pale skin
• Cuts that bleed excessively or heal slowly
• Swollen gums

Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

Signs and symptoms of NHL include:

• Enlarged lymph nodes, particularly in the armpit, neck or groin
• Tiredness
• Fever
• Rash
• Loss of appetite or weight loss
• Night sweats

If you have questions about any signs and symptoms of benzene cancer, you should discuss your circumstances with a doctor, who can refer you to a specialist if necessary.


 

• Email This
• Print
• Comments
• Trackbacks
• Share Link

 A new benzene exposure test Is generating a buzz in the shipping industry.  The test kits, from a Concateno subsidiary called Medscreen, are a simple and inexpensive way to test mariners for benzene exposure.  The kits have been shortlisted for the 2009 Seatrade Awards in the 'Safety at Sea' category.

Benzene is an organic solvent widely used in industrial and manufacturing processes all over the world.  Exposure to benzene has been linked with serious blood disorders such as aplastic anemia, and myelodysplastic syndromes. Benzene has also been linked to non-hodgkins lymphoma. Exposure to high concentrations can quickly cause death.

Of course maritime workers are at risk because benzene is transported via boat to all corners of the globe.  The primary risk to these workers is leakage during transport, heavy seas and collisions are not uncommon in this line of work.

"Since we have added a low-cost, sensitive benzene test to our range of drug and alcohol services, the kits have been quickly taken up by shipping companies around the world.  Many boats keep a stock of the test on board in case- as happened in Dubai recently- an accident or collision occurs that might involve exposure to benzene."-  Graham Birch, head of sales for Medscreen maritime sector 

The tests require a small amount of urine in the vials provided.  All the packaging needed to send the samples to the lab is included in the kit.   Analysis takes several hours and results can be emailed or faxed less that two days later.

This test kit is a great idea.  I hope to see something similar being added to safety kits across the industrial sector. Many workers have suffered and died as a result of on the job benzene exposure. If you believe that your health has been compromised due to benzene exposure, you should speak with a medical attorney who specializes in benzene cases.  Victims of benzene exposure have been successful in securing monetary damages to cover their medical costs and suffering.  

• Email This
• Print
• Comments
• Trackbacks
• Share Link

It was recently announced by Cell Therapeutics, Inc. that the Journal of Clinical Oncology has published the results of an ongoing study regarding lymphoma and Zevalin(R). The study analyzed the effects of Zevalin(R) on 30 patients living with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) when combined with stem cell infusions. Although this kind of therapy, known as high-dose myeloablativechemotherapy, is effective for NHL until this study is has been solely used on younger patients.

Study Details

In the study, three cycles of conventional therapy were reportedly given in conjunction with stem cell infusions. This was followed by about three times the standard dose of Zevalin that is typically given to patients with lymphoma and other forms of cancer. According to researchers, the treatment resulted in 83 percent of the participants achieving a disease free state with an overall survival rate of 87 percent after a 30 month follow-up.

"Our results suggest that the use of high-dose Zevalin for these patients provides a significant clinical benefit and is very well tolerated," explains Alessandro M. Gianni, M.D., Professor of Medical Oncology at the University of Milan. "We are encouraged by the outcome of the study as this regimen could be applicable to the vast majority of high risk or relapsed non-Hodgkin's lymphoma patients."

What is Zevalin(R)?

Zevalin(R) is a form of cancer therapy that is also known as radio immune therapy. This form of treatment is commonly used as part of a therapeutic regimen for those with relapsed or low-grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

This form of therapy was approved by the FDA in February 2002, and has become known as the first radio immuno therapeutic agent to be used for the treatment of NHL. Although this therapy has proven to be effective, in rare cases it has also proven to be risky and deaths have occurred within 24 hours of patients being given this treatment. However, these cases have been so few and far between that researchers and health physicians are now realizing that the benefits could outweigh the risks.
 

• Email This
• Print
• Comments
• Trackbacks
• Share Link

The 'Changing Face of Cancer Survey'  is an online survey conducted in August  with 2 representative samples of the UK population, 872 and 1000 participants.  It was sponsored by Roche Products, LTD in collaboration with Leukaemia CARE.   Roche makes pharmaceuticals and Leukaemia CARE is a national charity that supports people affected by blood cancers.

Survey respondents believed that chances of living longer with cancer have improved over the last ten years but at the same time seem to be more worried about 10 different types of cancer than they were ten years ago.   It also came out that non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma was the cancer that worried people the least.  This is ironic since it's the sixth most common cancer in the UK and has a faster growing rate than stomach, cervical or bowel cancers.  Sixty-three percent of those surveyed did not know that NHL is a cancer and more than half could not even guess what NHL is.

Tony Gavin, CEO of Leukaemia CARE, commented: "It does trouble us that the severity and prevalence of NHL is not understood by the public - that many don't even recognise it as a form of cancer - because it is a disease with a high, and increasing, incidence. More than 10,000 new cases of NHL are diagnosed every year."

"We're not suggesting people should worry more about NHL, or any cancer for that matter, but as people's general awareness of cancer improves, we would hope that this translates to them being more alert about their own health and having any physical changes checked out." "Our work is to ensure people do know about NHL, can recognise its symptoms and get the best possible care in a timely fashion," he said.
 

• Email This
• Print
• Comments
• Trackbacks
• Share Link

A recent study conducted by researchers in Finland found a link between patients who undergo liver transplants and lymphoma. Research has shown that after enduring a liver transplant, the human body is almost three times more likely to be vulnerable and develop fatal forms of cancer.

The study, which has been published in a recent issue of Liver Transplantation, revealed that one out of six patients who receives a liver transplant is likely to be diagnosed with some type of cancer within the 20 year period after they receive their donor organ.

Study Details

According to the study, Helena Isoniemi and her colleagues reportedly tracked patients from Helsinki University Central Hospital who received liver transplants from 1982 to 2005. 540 liver recipients were analyzed in the study and of these patients, there were 39 cases of cancer. Among the types of cancers that are found to be most common in liver transplant patients are lymphoma and skin cancer.

"The most common cancer types in our cohort were lymphoma and skin cancer," explains the study’s lead author. "Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, which included four cases of post-transplant lymphoproliverative disorder, occurred more frequently in males, in patients transplanted at a younger age and soon after transplantation."

Lymphoma is a type of cancer that originates in the lymphocytes and affects the white blood cells that are present in the immune system. The cancer typically develops in the lymph nodes and can be detected when they enlarge. Lymphoma is closely related to lymphoid leukemia and although a great deal of research has been done regarding the illness, a cure for lymphoma has not yet been found.

• Email This
• Print
• Comments
• Trackbacks
• Share Link

Annie Dauer was told by her oncologist that she would need a stem-cell transplant to cure her non-Hodgkins lymphoma.  Because of chemotherapy involved, Annie was more concerned about what would happen to her ability to have children than anything else.  Her oncologist was not concerned about it but Annie insisted and was referred to a fertility specialist.  Now she has a two-year-old daughter and another one coming.

Welcome to the burgeoning world of oncofertility. As cancer survival rates climb and patients focus on quality-of-life issues, especially fertility, Dauer and others like her are forcing two very different medical specialties—oncology and assisted reproduction—to come together. "The narrative of cancer is no longer that it's a death sentence; it's a bump in your medical history that you overcome and go back to what we hope is a healthy lifestyle," says Teresa Woodruff of Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine, who last fall received a first-of-its-kind $21 million NIH grant to develop ways of protecting cancer patients' reproductive health.

Of all those under 45 who have some form of cancer, about half will undergo toxic chemotherapy that will also target growing, fragile cells such as sperm, eggs and hair follicles.  The good news is that more options are becoming available to those who want to have children - men can bank live sperm to be used in an in vitro fertilization process, women can freeze eggs or ovarian tissue and for those with partners the freezing of embryos.  Hopefully the future will bring about ways to protect eggs and sperm from chemotherapy damage and perhaps the chemotherapy agents will be less toxic.

Up to now, few oncologists passed this vital information to patients, either because they were not aware of fertility advances, or because they were understandably preoccupied with saving lives. As the field grows (at least 50 centers now provide oncofertility services), more cancer docs are tackling the issue, and even altering treatments to aid fertility. Advocacy groups like Fertile Hope, which educate cancer patients about assisted reproduction, deserve credit for spreading the word. "It's being talked about more," says Nancy Lin, an oncologist at Boston's Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. "There's a growing awareness among doctors, and patients are more proactive."

In Annie's situation her fertility specialist removed an ovary and froze it to be used after she recovered from the chemotherapy.  Two years after her treatment Annie had a one-inch strip of ovary implanted just under her skin below the belly button.  The plan was that her doctor, Kutluk Oktay, would then harvest mature eggs, fertilize with sperm from Annie's husband Greg and implant them into Annie's uterus.  That never happened because, for some unknown reason, Annie's other ovary began to produce eggs and she became pregnant with her daughter Sienna. 

Oktay is at a loss for an explanation. "The healthy ovary may contain signals or hormones that may enable the [dormant] ovary to regenerate eggs," says Oktay. "That's the theory, other than a miracle."

• Email This
• Print
• Comments
• Trackbacks
• Share Link

Scientists at Stanford University School of Medicine recently published their findings which indicated that there is a potential for some curative properties in tobacco to be used in fighting some forms of lymphoma.  The irony was not lost on the scientists who thought it was cool to use a cancer-causing product to cure a cancer.

After isolating the patient's cancer cells, the antibody-producing gene is extracted and transplanted to the "tobacco mosaic virus," which is then used to infect the tobacco plants. The infection then spreads through the cells and the gene produces large quantities of antibodies. After only a few days, the researchers ground up some of the leaves and extract the antibodies necessary.

Only a few tobacco plants are needed to produce enough vaccine for one patient.  It was a small test, 16 patients.  However, 70 percent had an immune response and 45 percent had the response that researchers were looking for.

Scientists are excited about the possibilities of being able to produce a vaccine quickly and inexpensively.  Sixteen thousand people each year are diagnosed with this type of lymphoma, follicular B-cell lymphoma.  Treatment is usually constant monitoring and hoping that chemotherapy can be avoided. 

"This would be a way to treat cancer without side effects. The idea is to marshal the body's immune system to fight cancer," said Dr. Ronald Levy, senior author of the study. "We know that if you get the immune system revved up, it can attack and kill cancer."
Since the study was only designed to test whether the plants were practical, safe and effective in stimulating a boosted immune system response, larger and more in-depth studies would need to be conducted to test how well such vaccines might perform in reducing the size of tumors.

The study was funded by the U.S. National Institutes of Health and further studies of plant vaccine will be undertaken by the pharmaceutical company, Bayer.

• Email This
• Print
• Comments
• Trackbacks
• Share Link

In Kolkata, India, a thirty-seven year old engineer, Kuntal Chowdhury, died after receiving  his chemotherapy treatment in the wrong way.

He was an engineer working with a nationalized bank when he was diagnosed in February with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, stage 2.  He was treated at Mumbai's Tata Memorial Hospital.  A month later he went for a chemotherapy treatment in Kolkata at the New Allipore Hospital under the care of his oncologist, Dr. Rajesh Jindel.

On June 18th he went for another treatment.  Dr. Jindel was not present when the anaesthetist  injected the drug.  The injection was supposed to be intravenous but it was pushed into Kuntal's spinal column.   Kuntal realized that it was wrong but it was too late.  His condition worsened starting with fever, vomiting and urine retention.  Paralysis settled in and he began to slowly slip away.  He was referred back to Tata Memorial Hospital.

On June 20, Kuntal was admitted there but the doctors could do little. Oncologist Reena Nair at Tata Memorial observed that the patient had developed "truneal ataxia" caused by a neurological disorder. Doctors there counseled the patient's family members about the condition and the possible outcome. Four days later, they came back to Kolkata and Kuntal was admitted to another private hospital. He was there till Wednesday.

The family has lodged a complaint with the state health department and the West Bengal Medical Council.  The president of the medical council has said they will investigate this and as soon as they get a reply from the doctor the case hearing will start.

• Email This
• Print
• Comments
• Trackbacks
• Share Link

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)  patients who are also  using the drug methotrexate may also be facing an increased risk of lymphoma, leukemia, myeloma and lung cancer.   Researchers in Australia, where over 2 percent of the adults have RA, studied cancer incidence in RA patients who also used methotrexate (MTX) .  An article in the June issue of Arthritis Care & Research reports that their findings suggest an increased risk of malignancies in patients treated with MTX.

The study focused on 459 RA patients, 309 women and 150 men, regularly seen by 1 of 6 rheumatologists based in Melbourne. All had started treatment with MTX prior to June 1986.  The majority had no previous history of immunosuppressant therapy. 61 percent were rheumatoid factor positive.

Those RA patients also on MTX were found to have an estimated  50 percent excess risk of developing cancer in any form.  Risk of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma was greater than 5 times the risk in the general population.  They also have 3 times the risk of melanoma and lung cancer. 

The study's major limitation is that there was no control group of RA patients who were not using methotrexate.  However, Dr. Rachelle Buchbinder, the study's lead author, feels that the study will have important implications in regard to the risk of  melanoma in rheumatoid arthritis patients.

"Further investigation is needed to determine whether this risk is unique to Australia and what role MTX, immunosuppression per se, and/or environmental factors such as exposure to UV radiation play in its development," Dr. Buchbinder stresses. "Our findings, taken together with other studies investigating the risk of skin cancer in patients with RA, may support a role for regular skin cancer screening for all patients with RA, particularly those receiving immunosuppressive therapy."

• Email This
• Print
• Comments
• Trackbacks
• Share Link

A study done by researchers at the Center for Disease Control in Atlanta and published in the June issue of Pediatrics concluded that there are substantial regional differences  in the occurrence of childhood cancer.  It also demonstrated that other factors such as age, race and gender also influence child cancer rates.

Researchers with the CDC in Atlanta identified and studied nearly 36,500 cases of childhood cancer to determine how a patient's physical characteristics (demographic information) and place of residence (geographic information) may play a role in the overall frequency of the disease. The cases were sorted by age, gender, race, ethnicity, and geography.

From the data studied they learned that the chances of being diagnosed with childhood cancer were:    

• Northeast: 179.12 per million
• Midwest: 165.50 per million
• West: 165.26 per million
• South: 158.65 per million  

In other findings it was learned that boys are more likely than girls to be diagnosed with lymphoid leukemia while  kidney cancer, thyroid cancer and malignant melanomas were  more common for the girls.  It was also learned that cancer was more prevalent in whites than any other race, that teens from 15 to 19 were diagnosed more frequently than children under age 14.

Researchers hope that this study will assist in better understanding and tracking of childhood cancers.

• Email This
• Print
• Comments
• Trackbacks
• Share Link

Helen Richards was  forty-six years old when she died last July at the University of Wales Hospital.  She had been diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma 15 years earlier and was in the hospital for a blood stem cell transplant.  She died after complications arose from the surgery.  However, the postmortem found no evidence of non-Hodgkins Lymphoma in her body.

Her daughter, Sarah Richards said "I find the whole thing very disturbing. If I ever got ill I'd be scared to death.  How can you be sure if the doctors are telling you the truth?"

Byron Barnett, Mrs. Richard's brother, believes the doctors had misdiagnosed her.

 He told the Guardian: “She had an operation that she didn’t need. No one had scanned her since December 2006.

“She didn’t go for treatment – she went to be executed by lethal injection.”

An inquest concluded that she died of an infection which led to multiple organ failure including brain swelling and a stroke.   Mr. Barnett intends to brings his complaints to the General Medical Council as well as the Cardiff and Vale NHS (National Health Service) Trust.

• Email This
• Print
• Comments
• Trackbacks
• Share Link

• Email This
• Print
• Comments
• Trackbacks
• Share Link

• Email This
• Print
• Comments
• Trackbacks
• Share Link