June 27, 2002

In This Issue: 
Food Factors, More On Mammograms, Congress on Colorectal Cancer, 
Gulf War Cancer Research and Resources

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NEWS HIGHLIGHTS
Experts To Examine Safety of Potato Chips, French Fries

UN Wants Study on Fried, Fatty Foods and Cancer Link

Fruits, Cereals, Dairy Protect Against Oral Carcinoma

Aspirin Linked to Lower Lung Cancer Risk in Women

Recurrent Cancer After TRAM Reconstruction of Breast


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MEDICAL RISKS RELATED TO THE GULF WAR 

Veterans and service members can now find Gulf War medical information on one web site with both non-technical and more-scientific descriptions of incidence, research, and resources. Various medical conditions are covered, including cancer. The Defense Department's Deployment Health Directorate, Department of Veterans Affairs, and the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention jointly developed the website with links to reports from congress, Institutes of Medicine, and other groups. http://www.gulflink.osd.mil/medsearch/ 



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MAMMOGRAPHY IS AN "IMPERFECT TOOL" ANALYZED BY HUMANS
The NY Times now reports that many radiologists lack the training necessary to identify the tell-tale signs of breast cancer in the shadows and swirls of a mammography picture and that the US government fails to hold doctors to minimal standards. The report is the first in a three part series by the Times after a year-long investigation. A television segment based on this series will be broadcast on the program "Now With Bill Moyers" tonight, Friday, June 27 on PBS, at 9 pm ET on most stations--check your local listings. To read the report, see http://www.nytimes.com/2002/06/27/health/27MAMM.html . 


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COLORECTAL CANCER LEGISLATION
The American Cancer Society reports that colorectal cancer --including colon and rectal cancers-- will take the lives of more than 56,600 men and women this year. However, many deaths can be prevented if the polyps that can lead to cancer are removed during regular screening tests. Colon cancer testing saves lives, says ACS. When colon cancer is diagnosed early, more than 90% of patients survive for five years or more; yet few Americans are currently getting tested. The American Cancer Society asks for help in urging Congress to enact S. 710/HR 1520, the Eliminate Colorectal Cancer Act. This legislation will ensure private insurance coverage for the full range of colon cancer tests, knocking down a major barrier to testing, according to ACS. If you enter your Zip Code on their website, you will find contact info for your federal and state legislators, including email addresses. For more information on the legislation and the legislators, see American Cancer Society. 
http://www.cancer.org/eprise/main/docroot/gi/gi_3_1