Texas Oncology Encourages Texans To Kick Colorectal Cancer with Screenings

Texas Oncology Encourages Texans To Kick Colorectal Cancer with Screenings

Texas Oncology is inviting Texans to kick colorectal cancer by encouraging friends and loved ones to go for a routine colorectal cancer screening. Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cancer killer of men and women combined in the United States, and the disease is estimated to have claimed 9,570 Texans in 2008.

Paris, Texas (PRWEB) February 24, 2000- - Texas Oncology is inviting Texans to kick colorectal cancer (http://www.texasoncology.com/media-center/fact-sheets/colorectal-cancer/kick-colorectal-cancer.aspx) by encouraging friends and loved ones to go for a routine colorectal cancer screening. Colorectal cancer (http://www.texasoncology.com/media-center/fact-sheets/colorectal-cancer.aspx) is the second-leading cancer killer of men and women combined in the United States, and the disease is estimated to have claimed 9,570 Texans in 2008.

Colon and rectal cancers occur with equal frequency in both sexes. It is vital that both men and women age 50 and over and those with increased risk factors be screened regularly (http://www.texasoncology.com/media-center/fact-sheets/colorectal-cancer.aspx) for this deadly disease. Despite the high likelihood of detection with screening, it is projected that 40 percent of the over-50 population in the United States, more than 39 million people by 2010, will not be screened for colorectal cancer. If all people over age 50 were screened routinely, research shows at least half of colorectal cancer deaths could be prevented.

Colorectal cancer often lacks symptoms in its early stages, and because almost all colorectal cancer cases are diagnosed in patients ages 50 and up, regular screening helps lead to early detection, which increases the five-year survival rate from the disease to 90 percent.

"Regular colorectal cancer screenings save lives. Your doctor can recommend the best screening for you, but a colonoscopy is the most common," said Dr. Michael Kerley (http://www.texasoncology.com/providerresults.aspx?id=1410&terms=%40Locations_Location_8+274), medical and radiation oncologist at Texas Oncology-Paris. "Everyone over age 50 should make routine colorectal cancer screenings a priority to kick colorectal cancer before it strikes or catch it early when it's most treatable."

Risk Factors

Besides age and race, other risk factors for colorectal cancer include:

•Family History: People with a family history of colorectal cancer have a greater risk of being diagnosed with the disease.

•Diet: A lower chance of being diagnosed with colorectal cancer is a good reason to stay in shape. Overweight and obese people have a higher risk of developing the disease.

•Lynch Syndrome: This inherited condition affecting the body's genes increases the likelihood of a colorectal cancer diagnosis. In many cases, the positive diagnosis occurs before age 45. Texas Oncology has genetic testing available at some locations to determine if patients have the gene mutation associated with Lynch Syndrome.

•Other Health Problems: Diabetics and people who have a history of polyps and inflammatory bowel disease also have an increased risk for a positive diagnosis.

Screening Types

Screening tests for rectal and colon cancer are not as difficult as many people perceive them to be. In fact, most patients tolerate the screenings very well. Physicians can recommend several different screening tests for colorectal cancer. Among them, a Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) or Fecal Immunochemical Test checks for blood in the stool. Another option is a sigmoidoscopy. During this procedure, a physician uses a tube with a light connected to a tiny video camera to analyze the rectum and lower part of the colon.

The most common screening test is a colonoscopy, where the rectum and entire colon are examined through a scope to detect growths or polyps that could potentially pose a threat (see sidebar graphic for a description of a colonoscopy).

March is colorectal cancer awareness month. For more information on kicking colorectal cancer, visit TexasOncology.com (http://www.texasoncology.com).

About Texas Oncology

Texas Oncology delivers high-quality cancer care with leading-edge technology and advanced treatment and therapy options available to help patients achieve "More breakthroughs. More victories." in their fights against cancer, right in their own communities. Texas Oncology, a pioneer in community-based cancer care, is an independent oncology practice with sites of service throughout Texas and southeastern New Mexico.

Texas Oncology patients have the opportunity to take part in some of the most promising clinical trials in the nation for a broad range of cancers. In fact, Texas Oncology has played an integral role in gaining Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for 24 of the latest 30 cancer therapies.

Texas Onocology is affiliated with US Oncology, the nation's foremost cancer treatment and research network accelerating the availability and use of evidence-based medicine and shared best practices. With more than 1,250 physicians at 480 locations in 39 states, the US Oncology network provides Texas Oncology with access to the latest advancements in therapies, clinical research, and technology, as well as best-in-class clinical and operational processes that help to advance the quality, safety, and cost effectiveness of cancer care.

For more information, visit http://www.texasoncology.com or call 1-888-864-I CAN (4226).

###

Contact Information Alison Zvolanek

214-665-1319

Singapore Offers Hope to Patients with Facial Paralysis

Singapore Offers Hope to Patients with Facial Paralysis

To date, NUH remains the only medical center in the region apart from Australia that possesses the capability of performing the facial reanimation operation. The entire operation costs around US$6,500 and is relatively risk free.

Singapore (PRWEB) February 24, 2009 -- Singapore's willingness to try new and novel ways of performing hitherto complicated surgeries has given a new lease of life to countless hundreds who suffer from facial paralysis (http://www.singaporemedicine.com/healthcaredest/healthcaredest1.asp).

"A paralysis of the face severely hinders a person's ability to engage in social interaction. Even day to day activities like talking may be a problem," says Associate Professor Lim Thiam Chye, Head of the Division of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (http://www.singaporemedicine.com/intl_pts_guide/preparation.asp) at the National University Hospital (NUH).

Such a condition is usually caused by trauma to the brain, cancer or stroke. According to A/P Lim, who also teaches at the National University of Singapore, patients who suffer from paralysis of the face could benefit from a procedure called facial reanimation (http://www.singaporemedicine.com/leadingmedhub/leadingmedhub1.asp).

The surgical process, which was first engineered by Professor Wayne Morrison in Australia about two years ago, is surprisingly simple.

"The traditional method of facial reanimation involved a number of complicated surgeries. Now, patients at NUH are able to undergo a face-lifting procedure to elevate the facial tissues that have dropped down.

"The next step is to harvest a strip of fascia or tendon from the upper thigh. Only about 10cm is required. This works as a sling which is used to connect the facial skin to the temporalis muscle. By giving this muscle an alternative function, we help to reanimate the facial tissues in one single procedure," explains A/P Lim.

Patients will start moving the facial tissues by the end of the first week following surgery, says Dr Ong Wei Chen, a fellow Consultant at NUH.

To date, NUH remains the only medical center (http://www.singaporemedicine.com/hcp/hcp1.asp) in the region apart from Australia that possesses the capability of performing such an operation. The department has been doing about six cases a month for the past one year.

The goal of facial reanimation is basic, yet important. A patient whose face is paralyzed inevitably has a sad appearance, because the face tends to sag. With surgical help, both expression and symmetry can be restored.

"Facial paralysis is a very distressing condition. When half of your face cannot move, simple things that we take for granted become difficult. For example, the eye cannot close and constantly weeps. The mouth dribbles, the speech is interfered with and even a smile becomes difficult. What we try to do is not a matter of aesthetics. We are not making improvements for vanity's sake. We only seek to give the patient back what he or she has lost through some unfortunate circumstances," stresses A/P Lim.

He cautions, however, that while most trauma, brain cancer and stroke patients could potentially benefit from such a procedure, not all of them will be eligible candidates for facial reanimation.

"The thing about it is this - the patient must be very motivated. What we are grafting here is a voluntary muscle. Unlike the gut for example, which is involuntary and works without you having to consciously tell it to, this procedure works only if the patient consciously activates the muscle, especially in the first few months after surgery."

A/P Lim advises his patients to "practice smiling" in front of the mirror regularly, until such time when the act comes naturally and easily.

"The facial sling basically helps to pull the corner of the mouth upwards, resulting in a smile of sorts. This is achieved when the patient bites down on his teeth," he explains.

The entire facial reanimation operation costs around US$6,500 (http://www.singaporemedicine.com/healthcaredest/sg.asp) and is relatively risk free. Most patients would not need hospitalization beyond a couple of days.

"People whose faces are paralyzed are virtually social cripples. They are unwilling and even ashamed to go out or attend social functions. Hopefully, this procedure will restore their confidence and their social life," he says.

About the National University Hospital (NUH)

NUH is a specialist hospital that provides advanced, leading-edge medical care. Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities as well as dedicated and well-trained staff, NUH is a major referral centre that delivers tertiary care for a wide range of medical specialties. In 2004, NUH became the first Singapore hospital to receive accreditation by the Joint Commission International (JCI), an international stamp for excellent clinical practices in patient care and safety. It was also the first hospital in Singapore to receive a triple ISO certification concurrently for Quality, Environmental, and Occupational Health & Safety Management Systems. (www.nuh.com.sg)

About the NUH Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Center

The NUH Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Center (http://www.singaporemedicine.com/hcp/intl_pts_svcs_ctr.asp) is a one-stop clinic providing comprehensive and customized aesthetics and medical treatments for patients suffering from any medical or surgical conditions affecting the face and body. The Center seeks to help individuals find solutions for their cosmetic concerns using surgical or non-invasive surgical methods.

About SingaporeMedicine

Launched in 2003, SingaporeMedicine is a multi-agency government-industry partnership committed to strengthening Singapore's position as Asia's leading medical hub and international health care destination (http://www.singaporemedicine.com/). Led by the Ministry of Health of Singapore, SingaporeMedicine is supported by three government agencies: the Economic Development Board, which develops industry capabilities, the International Enterprise Singapore, which fosters regionalism by Singapore-based health care players, and the Singapore Tourism Board, which markets Singapore as a healthcare destination to inbound international patients and develops associated people-oriented services. (www.singaporemedicine.com)

###

Contact Information Felicia Tan

Singapore Tourism Board - Singapore Medicine

http://www.singaporemedicine.com/

+65 6831-3505

Texas Plastic Surgeons Launch New Website Resource for Mastectomy Patients

Texas Plastic Surgeons Launch New Website Resource for Mastectomy Patients

Board-certified plastic surgeons establish website to help patients learn about wide array of breast reconstruction techniques available after mastectomy.

San Antonio, TX (PRWEB) February 20, 2009 -- Plastic, Reconstructive & Microsurgical Associates (PRMA) of South Texas, a leading breast reconstruction surgery practice in San Antonio, is announcing the launch of http://www.prma-Enhance.com, an informative and educational new website that explains the various ways women's breasts can be recreated after mastectomy.

"If a woman chooses to replace her breasts after mastectomy, she has many reconstructive options to choose from," says Minas Chrysopoulo, MD. "Contemporary breast reconstruction techniques can achieve stunning results, but not all options are right for everyone. Women have the right to decide for themselves which procedure is the most appropriate for them. To do that, they need objective information to understand the various methods available, and what each entails in terms of surgery, recovery and cosmetic outcome."

All too often, women aren't even aware of what these options are. Recent studies show that many physicians who diagnosis women with breast cancer or discuss treatment fail to provide referrals to plastic surgeons or even mention the possibility of breast reconstruction.

Easily-navigated, http://www.prma-Enhance.com provides comprehensive current information about various breast reconstruction techniques, including the use the patient's own living tissues as well as implants. Online visitors can review illustrated descriptions of each procedure, including the DIEP, SIEA, GAP, TUG, TRAM and Latissimus Dorsi flaps, as well as implant reconstruction. A comprehensive photo gallery is also available for viewing of before-and-after patient photos. They'll also find answers to frequently asked questions, information about insurance coverage (including each state's laws covering a woman's right to reconstruction), a frequently updated Breast Reconstruction Blog, and the latest news about breast cancer and related research. Visitors to http://www.prma-Enhance.com can also gain a patient's perspective by reading comments from women who have undergone breast reconstruction, and one patient's intimate and detailed diary of her own reconstructive experience.

"Women who are curious or confused about their breast reconstruction alternatives can learn about the various reconstructive procedures, see actual patient results, and review the background and experience of PRMA's surgical team; they can do all this at their leisure from the privacy of their homes," says Chrysopoulo.

PRMA board-certified surgeons Drs. Gary Arishita, Minas Chrysopoulo, Peter Ledoux, Chet Nastala, and Steven Pisano specialize in breast reconstruction following mastectomy, with a special emphasis on advanced microsurgical breast reconstruction techniques using the patient's own tissue. PRMA serves patients from within Texas and across the U.S., performing more than 400 microsurgical breast surgeries annually. They are in-network for most U.S. insurance plans. Visit http://www.prma-Enhance.com or contact 800-692-5565 for more information about breast reconstruction or to schedule a consultation.

###

Contact Information Monica Rangel

PRMA of South Texas

http://www.prma-enhance.com

800-692-5565

New Mesothelioma Videos Added to SimmonsCooper's Educational Online Library

New Mesothelioma Videos Added to SimmonsCooper's Educational Online Library

The Mesothelioma Video Library, an educational Internet resource from the SimmonsCooper law firm, has added 19 new videos to its "True Stories" section of patient chronicles. The personal portraits of mesothelioma patients (http://www.mesovideolibrary.com/testimonial-mesothelioma-videos.php) and surviving family members underscore the human costs of cancer derived from asbestos exposure.

East Alton, IL (PRWEB) February 23, 2009 -- Nineteen new videos have been added to the Mesothelioma Video Library, a free Internet resourcestarted in 2008 by the SimmonsCooper law firm. The newest videos consist of stories told by a St.-Louis-area resident who was diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma after being exposed to asbestos as a child by her father and later by her ex-husband. Her videos join the ranks of five other mesothelioma patients (http://www.mesovideolibrary.com/testimonial-mesothelioma-videos.php) or their loved ones in the "True Stories" section of the website.

Having gone through multiple surgeries and chemotherapy, the mesothelioma survivor talks about her faith, family, and the mentality that allows her to persevere. Covering the experience of her initial shock at finding a dark abdominal mass on a CT scan to her eventual chemotherapy and "de-bulking" surgeries, the videos open a window on the inner life of a woman as she struggles with sharing the diagnosis with her family and planning rigorous treatment courses.

"It's the human stories that are the most powerful elements of our Mesothelioma Video Library, and we're excited to add more compelling videos to our growing catalog," says Michael Angelides, a partner at SimmonsCooper. "Being able to connect with other human beings who have

experienced the frustration, pain, anger, and indignity that often comes with a mesothelioma diagnosis can provide a hope for patients as well as their friends and families."

In 2008, the Mesothelioma Video Library won a WebAward for Outstanding Achievement in Website Development, presented by the Web Marketing Association. The award levels included "Legal Standard of Excellence" and "Medical Standard of Excellence." Sanctioned by the International Academy of Visual Arts, the Library has also won two W3 Gold Awards in the categories of Health and Video or Motion Graphics. All three awards salute the technical and design expertise involved in presenting the serious issues and complications surrounding pleural mesothelioma, within a format that is successful using Internet-based technologies.

About SimmonsCooper & Mesothelioma Video Library:

SimmonsCooper LLC is one of the country's leading asbestos and mesothelioma litigation firms. With offices in Illinois and California, the firm has represented over 2,000 patients and families affected by mesothelioma in nearly every state in the country. SimmonsCooper has also pledged over $10 million to cancer research and proudly works with top mesothelioma medical experts throughout the country, supporting their work toward a cure. The Mesothelioma Video Library (http://www.mesovideolibrary.com/) is an educational outreach of SimmonsCooper designed to educate and engage victims and families experiencing the issues brought on by mesothelioma.

SimmonsCooper can be found on the Web at http://www.simmonscooper.com.

# # #

Contact Information Michael Angelides

SimmonsCooper LLC

http://www.mesovideolibrary.com/

618-259-2222

Piercell Adds Dr. Cyril Cohen to its Advisory Board, Leaping into Therapeutics with its Biomolecular Delivery Device

Piercell Adds Dr. Cyril Cohen to its Advisory Board, Leaping into Therapeutics with its Biomolecular Delivery Device

Dr. Cyril Cohen, an immuno, cell and gene therapy expert, is joining Piercell's scientific advisory board and will gain access to Piercell's biomolecular delivery device. The collaboration will initially focus on the development of a novel treatment for metastatic melanoma.

Haifa, Israel (PRWEB) February 19, 2009 -- Piercell is proud to add Dr. Cyril Cohen to its scientific advisory board. Dr. Cohen, Head of the Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy at the Bar-Ilan University in Israel is an immunotherapy expert with an experience in metastatic melanoma treatment from his post doctoral fellowship at the NIH. Piercell aims to integrate its innovative biomolecular delivery device with cell therapy protocols such as Dr. Cohen's. For more information: http://www.piercell.com.

"The close collaboration with Dr. Cohen is a validation of the strong need for our biomolecular delivery device in both the scientific as well as the cell therapy worlds," said Eran Bram, Piercell's chief scientific officer. He added "Dr. Cohen's confidence in our technology strengthens our vision of playing a key role in realizing the promise of cell therapy."

Dr. Cohen's research is part of a novel approach for the treatment of cancer using immunological cell therapy, namely genetically modifying immune system cells ex-vivo to specifically target and destroy cancer cells in the patient's body. This methodology was pioneered by Dr. Cohen's former mentor, the renowned Dr. Steven Rosenberg , Head of the Surgery Branch at the National Cancer Institute. More than 60 patients have been now treated using clinical experimental protocols based on the genetic modification of the immune system, leading to objective clinical responses that could reach up to 30% for the treatment of terminally ill melanoma patients.

Many aspects of this therapeutic strategy have to be improved and Dr. Cohen's current research at Bar-Ilan University is aimed at the exponential enhancement of this treatment's capabilities.

"There is a strong need for a robust transfection solution for primary and hard to transfect cells in biomedical research and clinical applications such as immunotherapy. Piercell's technology promises to satisfy this exact need" said Dr. Cyril Cohen. He added "My hope is to use Piercell's biomolecular delivery platform as a drug delivery device for administering DNA and RNA based therapeutics in the clinic."

For additional information contact Elad Oved.

About Piercell:

Piercell is a nanotechnology venture that is developing a biomolecular delivery device that pierces into primary and other hard-to-transfect cells. Piercell's vision is to pave the path to cell therapy by enabling ex vivo DNA and RNA drug delivery into clinically relevant cells of patients.

Contact:

Elad Oved, Chief Operations Officer

Piercell - paving the path to cell therapy

+972-52-8187024

http://www.piercell.com

###

Contact Information Amir Goren

Piercell

http://www.piercell.com

+972 54 2489848