Cancer breakthrough: Scientists develop ‘smoke detector’ test that can spot disease before symptoms are noticeable | The Independent

September 7, 2016 By dralfoldman in Healthcare, People, Science Tags: American Cancer Society, Brain tumor, Breast cancer, Cancer, Cancer survivor, Colon Cancer, Multiple myeloma, Overweight, Prostate cancer, Thyroid cancer 1 Comment

Immune system

Immune system (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Independent reports that a simple blood test that can detect cancer before any symptoms are noticeable has been developed by researchers in a breakthrough that could save thousands of lives. The scientists, who unveiled the test at the British Science Festival in Swansea, compared the new test to a smoke detector, because it does not actually find cancer but changes to red blood cells that occur when cancer is present.

Source: Cancer breakthrough: Scientists develop ‘smoke detector’ test that can spot disease before symptoms are noticeable | The Independent

Unfortunately, large scale trials are required before this breakthrough becomes available.

Thoughts?

Nutrition: How Finland Has Solved the Problem of Obese Children – SPIEGEL ONLINE

May 22, 2016 By dralfoldman in Healthcare, People, Politics Tags: Body mass index, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Childhood obesity, Children, Duke University, Health, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, Obesity, Overweight, United States Leave a comment



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This is an outstanding, must-read article from Spiegel. It reports that the Finnish city Seinäjoki has successfully tackled the problem of obesity in children with a program emphasizing physical fitness and better nutrition in schools. The article questions whether the lessons learned here also be applied in Germany and elsewhere in the world.

Source: Nutrition: How Finland Has Solved the Problem of Obese Children – SPIEGEL ONLINE