August-September 2008 Program Calendar.pdf

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July 2008 eNews.pdf

Clinical Corner

Using Better Tools May Help Detect Lymphedema Earlier
Cancer, Volume 112, Issue 12, Date: 15 June 2008, Pages: 2809-2819

A new study shows that cancer patients benefit if their treatment plans include early interventions to monitor the risk of lymphedema. This five-year study, suggests that devices using electrical signals to assess fluid changes in the body and measuring limbs prior to surgery could help reduce the longer term effects of lymphedema.

Isolation and Chronic Health
Current Opinion in Psychiatry, Social and Emotional Support and its Implication for Health, April 14, 2008, contributed by Maija Reblin and Bert N. Uchino, Department of Psychology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah

Recent findings show a robust relationship in which social and emotional support from others can be protective for health. Support interventions can impact physical health outcomes. Prior work found high quantity or quality of social networks have a decreased risk of mortality in comparison with low quantity or quality of social relationships for individuals. In fact, social isolation itself was identified as an independent major risk factor for all-cause mortality.

Vitamin D Linked with Prolonged Survival for Colon Cancer
Journal of Clinical Oncology, Vol 26, No 18 (June 20), 2008: pp. 2937-2939

Researchers found those with the highest vitamin D levels were almost 50 percent more likely to survive than those with the lowest levels of vitamin D. The investigators are planning to study whether colon cancer patients do better if they receive supplemental vitamin D in addition to chemotherapy after surgery or with chemo alone. Prior studies have shown that vitamin D is protective against colon, breast and ovarian cancers. The research shows that cancer patients can have a positive effect on their recovery through diet and nutrition.