Major Cancer Treatment
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| Updated: 9/21/2012 5:56 pm |
Published: 9/21/2012 5:15 pm |
Today, the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Texas announced the launching of its new "Moon Shots" program.
It's an unprecedented effort to speed up the conversion of scientific discoveries into clinical advances.
The goal is to reduce the number of deaths from a handful of cancers.
Scientists plan to focus on five illnesses lung cancer, triple negative breast cancer, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, leukemia and melanoma.
The center is backing this venture with a three billion dollar investment over the next 10 years.
The program launches in February.
New Ultrasound Approval
The FDA approves the first ultrasound device to help doctors detect potential tumors in women with dense breast tissue.
The SOMO-V automated breast ultrasound system can scan a breast in about one minute.
The device has been approved for use in women who have had a negative mammogram and no symptoms of breast cancer.
The FDA says roughly 40 percent of women have dense breasts which has a high amount of connective and glandular tissue and puts them at a higher risk of developing breast cancer.
Shingles
Shingles is a painful skin rash caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox.
And just like chickenpox, you can get vaccinated and decrease your risk.
The advisory committee on immunization practices recommends anyone over 60 get vaccinated.
If you're over 60 and already had shingles, the vaccine may help prevent a recurrence.
Doctors say reducing your risk by getting vaccinated makes sense.
Doctor Factora says your primary care doctor - can help you check availability of the vaccine.
