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

A few weeks back I posted about an L.A. County housing tract in Carson Ca. found to be heavily contaminated with underground benzene and methane. The pollution came from defunct underground tanks operated by Shell Oil Co. on the site for forty years ending in 1960.

When I last posted about this, the nightmare was just beginning for those living in the 275 home Carousel neighborhood. Barbara Post, president of the Carousel Homeowners' Association had said:

"Chemicals are a serious matter, we have to trust that Shell is going to take care of it for us."

Trusting Shell is not a good plan, fortunately Barbara Post is starting to see more clearly:

"I've been worried about this, but I'm scared to death now, Shell can't replace my house, and they can't replace that neighborhood."

Weeks ago Shell had only drilled samples from the public roads and had just begun asking home owners for permission to test private properties. Shell, of course, was optimistic:

 "We don't believe that there is reason to be concerned from a safety perspective, but we felt like it was the right thing to do to make sure there were not the same levels detected on residential properties."-Shell spokeswoman Alison Chassen

Would Chassen be concerned if it were her neighborhood? Definitely. It is well known that subterranean benzene has a nasty habit of seeping into structures built above it, and contaminating ground water.

Benzene is an aromatic hydrocarbon and known human carcinogen. It interferes with the body's ability to produce new blood cells, a crucial part of the human immune system. Benzene exposure has been linked to debilitating and potentially fatal blood diseases like acute lymphocytic leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia, aplastic anemia, myelodysplastic syndromes, and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The possibility of people contracting these disorders should be of concern from any reasonable "safety perspective."

Recently, 300 residents met with lawyers to discuss a lawsuit against Shell. According to the lawyers, at some sites, benzene levels are 100,000 times accepted state standards. Robert Bowcock, an environmental consultant hired by the law firm told residents:

 "You've been exposed to a very high level, I'm incensed and angry that Shell let this happen. Shell is not interested in being your friend. They will do absolutely the minimum they are required to do. We know the games they can play and we're going to hold their feet to the fire."

Precedent indicates that Bowcock is correct. A benzene lawsuit is the only way to force Shell to properly compensate residents for damage to their properties, and their health.



 

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Dailybreeze.com reports that Shell Oil Co. has found the ground beneath the Carousel housing tract in Carson Ca., to be extensively contaminated with benzene and methane. 

The contamination is thought to stem from shell owned oil reserves operated on the land from the 1920's to 1960's. In those days, oil was stored in subterranean concrete lined tanks which are now illegal due to problems with leakage. Today oil is stored in above ground tanks.

Barbara Post, president of the Carousel Homeowners' Association said:

"Chemicals are a serious matter, we have to trust that Shell is going to take care of it for us."

So far, Shell seems to be reacting to the situation responsibly, but that attitude seems a bit naive. If one must trust Shell to take care of something like this, I would recommend also taking all possible measures toward forcing them to do the right thing.

Oil companies can be counted on to downplay any contamination related issue, here's a text book quote from shell spokeswoman Alison Chassen:

"We don't believe that there is reason to be concerned from a safety perspective, but we felt like it was the right thing to do to make sure there were not the same levels detected on residential properties."

No reason for concern? Very comforting I'm sure to for the 275 home owners on the Carousel tract.

Chassen is full of it. There is at the very least, some reason for concern in the area of safety when your neighborhood is found to be sitting on a toxic chemical plume. One such reason is that extensive subterranean benzene contamination has been known release fumes that seep into the structures located over the plume, potentially exposing residents to one of the most carcinogenic substances known to humans. 

Benzene exposure has been linked to debilitating and potentially fatal blood diseases like acute lymphocytic leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia, aplastic anemia, myelodysplastic syndromes, and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The possibility of people contracting these disorders should be of concern from any reasonable "safety perspective."

So far the testing has been done only on public rights of way, Shell is now seeking home owner's permission to test their yards.

The Regional Water Quality Control Board is overseeing the testing.

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The Texas legal journal Southeast Texas Record reports that "a man who claims he was exposed to benzene and other carcinogens throughout his career with the Kansas City Southern Railway Co. has filed suit against his former employer."

Richard Czuprynski says that during his employment with KCS, he was exposed to benzene, xylene, toluene, mixed solvents and diesel exhaust (which also contains benzene and other chemicals).

Czuprynski worked for the railway as a conductor, brakeman and engineer, from 1976 through march of this year.

The suit lists a number of "negligent acts" on the part of the KCS:

• failure to provide a safe place to work
• failure to limit hazardous substance exposure
• failure to warn of dangers of hazardous substances
• failure to provide adequate protective equipment

Czuprynski alleges that he developed the blood disease non-Hodgkin's lymphoma as a result of his exposure to benzene. According to the suit he seeks compensation for his mental anguish, physical pain and suffering, lost earnings and benefits, and the related medical costs.

Czuprynski has a solid case here, he was clearly exposed to benzene on the job for years, and has a blood disorder that is clearly linked to benzene. The odds of a favorable outcome lie with Czuprynski.

Many Americans have been needlessly and carelessly exposed to benzene over the course of their careers leaving many who were simply doing their jobs sick and unable to work.

The fact is that industry has been aware of the dangers of benzene and of evidence that it causes cancer for over a hundred years. Today science continues to link specific blood disorders and leukemias with benzene exposure. The growing list includes non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, aplastic anemia, myelodysplastic syndromes, acute lymphocytic leukemia and acute myeloid leukemia.

If you or a loved one have worked in an industrial setting for any extended period and have been diagnosed with any of the above conditions, contact a benzene lawyer immediately. In some states statutes of limitations (time limits) exist that could prevent you from successfully obtaining compensation, even though your case may be cut and dry.  

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USnews.com reports that 9/11 responders may face increased risk of the hematological disease multiple myeloma.

The brave and selfless heroes who worked at Ground Zero in the wake of the World Trade Center bombings have in many cases sacrificed their health for the good of the country. Most of them probably would have been there even if the EPA had not deliberately downplayed the risks posed by massive exposure to the carcinogenic dust and smoke. Perhaps if the EPA had taken the threat more seriously, more precautions could have been taken to protect the health and futures of those who risked it all to help others in our country's hour of need. 

Countless photos show responders wearing SARS style dust masks, which in this case were the breathing protection equivalent of a sugar pill, not up to the task of filtering carcinogens from heavily chemical laden smoke.

The recent upswing of multiple myeloma in ground zero workers is being seen as the beginning of a "third wave" of debilitating ground zero related illness. The first wave was coughing and acute respiratory distress and the "second wave" was chronic lung diseases. Dr. Robin Herbert, co-director of the World Trade Center Medical Monitoring Program fears that this "third wave" could last for decades as most workers can safely be said to have inhaled large quantities of carcinogens, and many cancers take years to develop.

Alarmingly, though multiple myeloma is almost always a disease of the the elderly, with only 1% of cases found in patients under 40, half of the cases diagnosed in 9/11 rescue workers were identified among law enforcement officers under the age of 45. 

Dr. Denise Pereira, assistant professor of clinical medicine at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine said:

 "A lot of the things they were exposed to, such as benzene, have in the past possibly been implicated with an increased incidence in the cancer. It does make theoretical sense."

Benzene exposure has been proven to affect blood cell production in humans and is already linked to several other diseases of the blood and marrow such as aplastic anemia, myelodysplastic syndromes, acute lymphocytic leukemia, acute myelogenous leukemia, and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Peter Grandich, a billionaire philanthropist dedicated to supporting 9/11 workers said:.

"Of the 40,000 people who responded to ground zero after the attacks, 70 percent, or 33,000, are sick or dying as a result of their service, we are talking about thousands of EMTs [Emergency Medical Technicians], EMS [Emergency Medical Service] workers, police, fire, military, construction workers and volunteers from all over the country who now suffer from breathing and lung ailments, post-traumatic stress disorder, organ failure and other horrific physical and mental illnesses."

Many of these folks are now unable to work. Grandich expressed outrage at the plight of these brave souls: 

"As an American and a native New Yorker, I'm extremely upset that the true heroes of America's greatest single tragedy are being totally discarded and left to literally die. And, despite this truly appalling occurrence, not one of them has been known to say if they had to do it all over again, they wouldn't"

The U.S government should compensate all of these people and take care of them and their families for the rest of their lives. Their service to our country and the victims of 9/11 should be generously rewarded (I mean money here folks).

Since the above will probably never happen, especially since most of our tax dollars have recently been handed to corrupt bankers in what will one day be seen as the greatest most ingenious robbery in the history of human kind, the task of helping these families falls on you and me.

The Feal-Good Foundation, is a non-profit organization started by disabled ground zero worker John Feal, that raises money to help those harmed by their service at ground zero. Click here to check out the website and find out how you can help. While you're there, check out the eye opening video "Save The Brave," which outlines the plight of 9/11 ground zero workers.

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When a local oil refinery changed hands in 1970, residents of a small Ohio neighborhood learned that an oil pipeline had been leaking under their homes for 50 years. 

"In the 70s, you could go in any of theses houses and it smelled like you poured kerosene or gasoline on everything in the house. When we dug down about five feet, that product [oil] would be there," Larry Brown, a resident, told Ohio's 10TV News. 

In the same year residents noticed a layer of oil floating on nearby Ramp Creek.

From 1975-81 the EPA began a clean up of near 400,000 gallons of petroleum, but that was a drop in the bucket in this heavily contaminated area. The underground oil slick spans 350 acres and flows directly under 40 homes 

In 1989 the city of Heath informed the EPA that oil was seeping into their sewer system. 

In 1990 the EPA took Ashland, the current owner of the refinery, to court. The result was a mandate for Ashland to clean up the area.

This year the Ohio Dept. of Health asked the EPA to conduct a study looking for benzene in the area. Underground concentrations of the carcinogenic petrochemical can cause vapors to be released above ground, and to seep into people's homes through basements, and plumbing.

Benzene is known to cause an array of blood diseases and cancers such as aplastic anemia, myelodysplatic syndromes, acute myelogenous leukemia, and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

The benzene study began this week and tests of 12 sites have not detected any "immediate health threats."

Benzene Leukemia Law Blog would like to point out that because benzene is an additive in petroleum products, and the area sits atop a massive oil slick, it is unlikely that no risk of exposure exists in the area. 

Studies strongly suggest that even minimal exposure to the chemical, over time, is detrimental to health. 

Locals complain of high cancer rates in the area.

"I have two daughters - the oldest one is 49 - she has leukemia, she is in remission. My youngest daughter is 47. She had cancer of the stomach." Ralph McCoy told 10TV News.

McCoy himself has survived cancer, and lost his wife to cancer.

According to 10TV News, Dept. of Health Records show five complaints regarding cancer near the refinery since 2007.

As mentioned earlier, benzene causes some very specific diseases such as aplastic anemia, myelodysplatic syndromes, acute myelogenous leukemia, and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, to name a few. If you or a loved one suffer from any of the above, you should asses the possibility that you have been exposed to benzene, and contact a benzene attorney. 

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The Louisiana Environmental Action Network (LEAN) has filed a lawsuit  against ExxonMobil accusing the oil giant of trampling state environmental laws at it's Scenic Highway chemical plant, in Baton Rouge, by releasing 89,700 pounds more airborne pollution than it's permits allow since May 13, 2008.

The suit brings up multiple documented chemical leaks, and failure to maintain pollution control devices, claiming these factors illustrate a clear pattern of noncompliance with state laws, and constitute a threat to public health.

According to the lawsuit, since may 2008, the company has released pollution in excess of permitted levels, 66 times.

The suit alleges that many of the chemicals released by ExxonMobil were not even covered by permits, for example, 3,800 pounds of propylene, ethylene, and flammable vapors.

Most alarming is the defendant's report of an airborne benzene leak of "at least" 525 pounds. The leak allegedly lasted for 22 days.

Benzene is a carcinogenic organic solvent known to disrupt blood cell production in humans at exposure levels less than 1ppm. Exposure to benzene has been linked to alpastic anemia, myelodysplastic syndromes, and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, as well as several types of leukemia including acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), and acute myelogenous leukemia (AML).

The LEAN vs. ExxonMobil suit seeks:

• an injunction to stop the release of un-permitted pollution
• civil penalties payed to the state
• a declaration that ExxonMobil is in violation of the Louisiana Environmental Quality Act
• plaintiff attorney and expert witness fees

Marylee Orr, executive director of LEAN said this of the continuing violations:

 “It’s affecting our public health. It’s affecting the way our children learn, it’s affecting everyone in the community, it’s a confirmation that there’s a problem.”


 

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What is Benzene?

Benzene is a commodity chemical widely used in the industrial sector in the production of many products we use every day, such as:

• fuels
• plastics
• resins
• rubbers
• synthetic fibers
• lubricants
• detergents
• dyes
• pesticides
• drugs

This highly carcinogenic organic solvent has been shown disrupt blood cell production in humans, leading to a number of hematological (blood) diseases such as:

• aplastic anemia
• myelodysplastic syndromes
• non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) 
• acute myelogenous leukemia (AML)
• acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL)

Those who work in the industrial sector are at risk of harm from exposure to this chemical, and should be aware of the benzene exposure possibilities posed by their specific job. Thousands of workers have been needlessly sickened and killed due to exposure that could have been avoided by taking the correct precautions.

While some employers are responsible in this area, a clear pattern of neglect regarding the dangers of benzene exposure is exemplified in countless successful lawsuits which have resulted in monetary compensation for the exposed worker, or their families.

If you work in almost any industrial setting, your risk is elevated. Do not count on your employer to protect you, rather, take personal responsibility for your health by using every possible means of protection when working with or around products containing benzene.

A recent Benzene Leukemia Law Blog post, "On The Job Benzene Exposure: Know What To Do," is a useful starting point for workers seeking to educate themselves about benzene exposure.  

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In the largest settlement in the 14 year history of the EPA's audit policy, chemical and textile giant Invista will spend $500 million to bring 12 plants into compliance with environmental laws. The EPA's audit policy includes incentives to companies that voluntarily disclose and correct environmental violations.

All of the plants in question were recently purchased by Invista from Dupont.  Soon after purchasing the plants Invista disclosed 680 violations at 12 plants in 7 states. In March 2008 Invista filed an $800 million lawsuit against Dupont citing the companies failure to allow a thorough review of the plants before sale. The suit is pending.

According to the EPA the spending will result in:

• $325 million in estimated annual human health benefits.
• 30 fewer premature deaths.
• 9,000 fewer cases of upper and lower respiratory symptoms.

The above results will be achieved through installation of  pollution control equipment to treat air pollutants and remove benzene from waste water.

The settlement includes a 1.7 million civil penalty.

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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.


 

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Prolonged or excessive benzene exposure can lead to significant health problems such as aplastic anemia, leukemia and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. For this reason, it’s important that you know the limits for benzene exposure set by the relevant state and federal regulatory agencies if you work in a high risk occupation.

OSHA –The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has a long-term exposure (8-hour shift) limit of 1 part per million (ppm) and a short-term (15 minutes) exposure limit of 5 ppm.

NIOSH –The CDC’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health has a long-term (10-hour) exposure limit of 0.1 ppm and a short-term exposure limit of 1 ppm.

ACGIH –The American Conference of Industrial Hygienists has a long-term (8-hour shift) exposure limit of 0.5 ppm and a short-term exposure limit of 2.5 ppm.

These limits are set for airborne exposure; however, benzene exposure may also occur through ingestion and skin contact. Symptoms of benzene exposure include dizziness, drowsiness, tremors, loss of consciousness, vomiting and rapid heartbeat, to name a few.

Any time these or other unusual symptoms are seen after exposure to benzene, it’s vital that medical attention be sought immediately.



 

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A local Manhattan official is opposed to gas drilling in the region for fear that the process will result in contamination of the area’s drinking water. Toxic chemicals are used in the drilling process, and Borough President Scott Stringer believes those chemicals will pollute the water and cause severe health problems among area residents.

Gas drilling is increasingly common as the U.S. attempts to become more self-sufficient with regard to energy production. However, according to a report released by Stringer, there have been at least two dozen reports of serious health issues linked to gas drilling in nine different states.

“In Wyoming, the water there where the drilling took place – 1,500 times the safe level for benzene. A house in Ohio exploded because the methane found in the tap water ignited,” he said.

Benzene is particularly toxic to humans and has been shown to cause rare cancers like leukemia and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

If you are concerned about gas drilling where you live, you may want to consider contacting your local officials to find out what kind of measures are being taken to protect area residents.

 

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A man who was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL) in 2006 has filed a lawsuit against 26 companies after realizing that his cancer is probably related to decades of occupational benzene exposure.

Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL) is one of several rare cancers caused by benzene, and Calvin Johns suffered plenty of exposure to benzene during his years as a laborer at Sinclair Refining Company, Clark Oil, Premcor and Apex – all of which have been named as defendants in Johns’ suit.

Oil refineries, in particular, should know the risks their workers face and should take measures to reduce the risk of toxic exposures. Many successful claims have been made against large corporations, allowing victims of benzene exposure to obtain compensation for their physical, emotional and financial damages.

In this lawsuit, Johns and his wife are seeking damages for medical expenses, physical pain and mental anguish, among other things.



 

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In a settlement with the Environmental Protection Agency, BP Products North America has agreed to implement measures that will reduce benzene emissions at its Texas City refinery. The settlement will benefit those living in and around the area, who have suffered potentially harmful benzene exposure.

Exposure to benzene causes a variety of health problems including cancer (acute myelogenous leukemia and non-Hodgkin lymphoma in particular), immune system suppression, and reproductive damage, among other things.

According to a press release by the EPA, BP will spend more than $161 million to control pollution generated during its petroleum refining processes. The money will go toward equipment upgrades, as well as improved monitoring and maintenance.

The EPA estimates that these actions will reduce emissions of benzene and other toxic chemicals by as much as 6,000 pounds a year.

 

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Work exposure to organic solvents like benzene and carbon tetrachloride increase the risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) in women, a new study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology suggests.

NHL is a term used to describe several malignancies of the immune system and diagnoses of NHL have continued to increase over the past several decades. The National Cancer Institute reports that more than 66,000 Americans were diagnosed with NHL in 2008 and over 19,000 died from the disease.

The question is whether on-the-job exposure is behind the increase in cases of NHL, so researchers examined the relationship between the two and found that exposure to:
 

• Organic solvents containing chlorine increased the risk of NHL by 40%
• Organic solvents containing carbon tetrachloride more than doubled the risk of NHL
• Formaldehyde increased the risk of NHL by 30%

The study findings also suggested that exposure to benzene, a known carcinogen, also raised the risk of non-Hodgkins lymphoma in women.




 

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Under a settlement agreement with the U.S. Justice Department, two oil companies have agreed to cut benzene emissions. Benzene has been identified as a cancer-causing agent and is linked in particular to two rare cancers: acute myelogenous leukemia and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

One of the companies, Wyoming Refining Co., agreed to spend $14 million to upgrade pollution controls at its refinery in Newcastle. This includes installing equipment to remove pollutants such as nitrogen oxide and sulfur dioxide.

The other company, Frontier Refining, which operates refineries in El Dorado, Kansas, and Cheyenne, Wyoming, will spend $127 million upgrading its refineries to bring them into compliance with the Clean Air Act.

Both companies must also pay civil penalties, which together will total close to $1.5 million.


 

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Gude Landfill in Montgomery County, Maryland, is seeping – and has been seeping for years – hazardous chemicals such as benzene, mercury and lead into area groundwater. In some cases, the contaminant levels are as much as ten times higher than what the Environmental Protection Agency allows.

Now, state environmental officials and a group of concerned citizens are seeking data from the county regarding the toxic contamination. The county has kept records on the contamination since shortly after the landfill stopped operating in 1982, but has failed to report the results to the Maryland Department of the Environment.

Residents at Risk?

A representative from the county’s Department of Environmental Protection said there is no evidence linking the pollution to health effects in the community, though some residents have suffered years of toxic exposure.

Benzene is a known cancer-causing chemical and has been linked to rare cancers such as acute myelogenous leukemia and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The spokesperson for the local DEP said the residents’ drinking water has not been contaminated, but added that kids and pets should not play in nearby Rock Creek.


 

 

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Approximately 200 residents of Angelina County, Texas have agreed to settle a benzene lawsuit filed against Chevron in 2002. The lawsuit involved claims of property damage and health complications such as leukemia.

Old, Leaky & Unused Pipeline

At issue in the lawsuit was a leaky crude oil pipeline owned by Chevron that ran through Lufkin (in Angelina County). According to the lawsuit, Chevron stopped using the 70 year old pipeline in the 1980s and never cleaned it up.

Residents claimed they were unaware the pipeline existed until 2002, when it was unearthed during a local construction project. It was then that the residents realized the rusty oil pipeline was the likely source of contamination in the area.

Residents Suffer Benzene Exposure

In 2003, testing conducted by the city of Lufkin measured benzene levels in the groundwater to be 12,660 parts per billion (ppb) – by far exceeding the protective 5 ppb limit. Chevron testing found the level of benzene to be six times the protective limit.

Residents in the lawsuit alleged that Chevron knew that the pipeline was leaking benzene and other harmful chemicals into the air, soil and groundwater. Benzene exposure has been linked to serious illnesses such as acute myelogenous leukemia and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

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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.
 

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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.
 

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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."

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