Cancer Information Highlights, September 19, 2018

Cancer Information Highlights, September 19, 2018

Cancer Information Highlights From the National Cancer Institute Updating you about cancer causes, prevention, screening, treatment, coping, and more   New from NCI Integrating Geriatric Assessment into Cancer Care   More than 60% of people with cancer are age 65 or older. Learn about the unique issues older adults with cancer face and efforts to include geriatric assessment into patient care. Exosomes May Help Tumors Evade Immune System   Exosomes are membrane-encased sacs secreted by tumors. Read about a recent study, which suggests that the protein coating on exosomes can help weaken the immune response to tumors. Appendix Cancers Are Distinct from Colon and Rectal Cancers Cancer of the appendix is often treated with the same chemotherapy as colon and rectal cancers. But a recent study of DNA changes in this rare cancer shows that appendix cancer is distinct from colon, rectal, and other cancers of the gastrointestinal system. What Cancer Screening Statistics Really Tell Us Cancer screening studies have shown that more screening does not necessarily translate into fewer cancer deaths. This article explains how to interpret the statistics used to describe the results of screening studies. Moxetumomab Approved for Hairy Cell Leukemia   Hairy cell leukemia is a rare cancer of the blood and bone marrow that occurs most often in older people. Learn about moxetumomab and why its approval is an important advancement in the treatment of this disease. Illustration—5-Year Survival Rate for Selected Cancers among Children This chart shows 5-year survival rates for selected cancers among children, from newborns to 19-year-olds. Illustration—Overall Mortality Rate for Childhood Cancers This illustration shows that between 1975 and 2015, the overall mortality rate for childhood cancers decreased by 55%. PDQ Summary Updates Esophageal Cancer Treatment We’ve revised our PDQ summary on treatment for esophageal cancer with updated information on tests used for staging and the description of the stages of this disease. Drug Information Updates Nivolumab We’ve updated our drug summary on nivolumab (Opdivo) with a recent FDA approval. The drug is now approved as third-line therapy for patients with metastatic small cell lung cancer.   Also of Interest Common Cancer Myths and Misconceptions Certain popular ideas about how cancer starts and spreads—though not correct—can seem to make sense, especially when those ideas are rooted in old theories. Learn the latest science-based information about some common cancer myths and misconceptions. Cancer Clusters A cancer cluster refers to the occurrence of a greater than expected number of cancer cases among a group of people in a defined area over a specific period of time. Learn where you can report a suspected cancer cluster or find out if one is being investigated. A New Normal The end of cancer treatment is a time of change. It's not so much "getting back to normal" as it is finding out what's normal for you now. Learn strategies for coping with this transition.