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Articles on Cancer research

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A healthy endocannabinoid system is critical to the human body’s immune functions. Jose Luis Pelaez Inc/Digital Vision via Getty Images

People produce endocannabinoids – similar to compounds found in marijuana – that are critical to many bodily functions

A THC-like substance that occurs naturally in humans and other vertebrates helps maintain immunity, memory, nerve function and more – and research suggests a lack of it can harm health.
Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death. But by finding polyps early on, colonoscopies can detect and prevent the cancer. Sebastian Kaulitzki/Science Photo Library via Getty Images

Colonoscopy is still the most recommended screening for colorectal cancer, despite conflicting headlines and flawed interpretations of a new study

Don’t be confused by recent media reports – colonoscopies are still the best way to detect and prevent colon cancer.
Cancer groundshot highlights that investment in improving access to treatments already proven to work saves more lives than discovery of a new treatment. (Shutterstock)

Cancer groundshot: Access to proven treatments must parallel development of new therapies

Globally, most cancer patients die not because they don’t have access to newer drugs, but because they don’t have access to even basic treatments. Cancer groundshot aims to improve treatment access.
Professor Fabian V. Filipp with his team working on precision targeting of malignant melanoma. Systems Biology and Cancer Metabolism Laboratory

Sure, cancer mutates, but it has other ways to resist treatment

Cancer is a disease of our genes, but resistance to therapy might go beyond cancer mutations. The DNA stays the same, but cancer cells outsmart the drugs by switching their gene activity.
Former governor general David Johnston invests Toronto scientist Janet Rossant as a Companion of the Order of Canada during a ceremony at Rideau Hall in Ottawa in 2016. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

Canada’s unsung female heroes of life sciences

Canada’s female scientists are superstars in their fields yet most Canadians have never heard of them. On International Day for Women in Science, it’s time to give them the recognition they deserve.
In this Dec. 3, 2014 photo, liver cancer patient Crispin Lopez Serrano talks to an oncology nurse at a hospital in Clackamas, Ore. AP Photo/Gosia Wozniacka

How kindness can make a difference in cancer care

Great strides have been made in cancer medicine over decades, but it’s important not to forget the growing role that kindness and empathy play in good care.
Family members often become primary caregivers for loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease. tonkid/Shutterstock.com

The two obstacles that are holding back Alzheimer’s research

The first clinical trial examining a drug to treat Alzheimer’s was begun 30 years ago. There is still no cure and no known way to prevent the disease. Two factors may contribute to that.
Breast density appears white or bright on mammograms – so do breast cancers. Tomas K/Shutterstock

Women should be told about their breast density when they have a mammogram

Women with dense breasts are more likely to develop breast cancer. Density also makes it harder for doctors to detect breast cancer on a mammogram.
Glioblastomas are often resistant to the one type of drug that breaks the blood-brain barrier. HealthHub

Glioblastoma: why these brain cancers are so difficult to treat

Glioblastoma is an aggressive form of brain cancer that has a very poor prognosis. Despite the current best therapies half its sufferers survive for 15 months and less than 5% are alive after 5 years.
There are ways non-scientists can assess if the research underlying big claims about cancer cures stacks up. Rafael Anderson Gonzales Mendoza/Flickr

Spot the snake oil: telling good cancer research from bad

Cancer is big news; we often hear of some kind of cure for some version of the illness. But whether it’s a “natural cure” or a promising molecule on its way to becoming a new medicine, there are ways non-scientists…
The answer’s in there somewhere … Bunches and bits

Missing data may hold the key to finding new cancer treatments

Imagine trying to follow a complex novel many times longer than War and Peace with hundreds of characters and twists. With every cancer having a unique story hidden inside its genetic code, this is similar…

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