Here are the top five cancer stories of 2011. For stories #6-10, see part 1
5. Gruesome warning pictures on cigarette packs: on again, off again
The FDA created nine graphic pictures of the health dangers of smoking and required cigarette companies to use them. But a federal judge halted it, and now the Obama administration is appealing. Tobacco is the leading cause of preventable deaths in the United States, accounting for one in every five deaths every year.
4. Test will help women with “stage zero” breast cancer safely avoid radiation therapy
Announced at a research conference, this is the first test to predict whether ductal carcinoma in situ – sometimes known as stage zero cancer – is likely to recur. Because half of all recurrences are more serious, most women have radiation therapy.
3. Cell phones don’t cause brain cancer
An analysis of already-published research by experts from the United States, the U.K., and Sweden failed to find a link between cell phones and cancer. Experts say continued research is needed because both the technologies and how people use their phones have been changing rapidly.
2. HPV vaccine good for boys, too
The vaccine that prevents cervical cancer in women is safe for boys, too, according to a study released this year. Although they usually have no symptoms, boys often spread the human papilloma virus (HPV) to girls, so public health officials recommend boys get vaccinated, too.
1. Routine PSA screening not necessary
PSA testing for prostate cancer creates a lot of false positives: but so many that it’s not worth doing? That’s the opinion of the government task force advising doctors on best medical practices. Although this recommendation has been controversial, clinicians generally agree that risks, benefits, and individual factors such as race and family history should be considered.
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