September 27, 2002

In This Issue: 
New Biopsy Technique, Lung Screen, Oral Screening, Tea Reduce Risk, Testing Supplements, Oral Cancer Info, and Health Care Coach

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NEWS HEADLINES
New Technology May Make Some Breast Biopsy Surgery Unnecessary By Rachael Myers Lowe, cancerpage

Lung Cancer Screening - ''It's Meant My Life'' By Rachael Myers Lowe, cancerpage

New Tools, Drugs Used to Blunt Post-Surgery Pain

Tea May Reduce Risk of Cancer, Heart Disease

Selenium Activates Cancer Suppressor Gene

Surgery Beats Screening to Cut Cancer Risk: Lancet Study

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CONSUMER LAB TESTS SUPPLEMENTS AND VITAMINS 
Many cancer patients take nutritional supplements, vitamins and minerals and other over-the-counter products in the hopes of fighting cancer, but scientific evidence of safety and effectiveness is needed. Consumer Lab, LLC provides independent test results and information to help consumers and healthcare professionals evaluate health, wellness, and nutrition products. It publishes test results online, including lists of brands that have passed testing as well as product recalls. Products that pass Consumer Lab's testing are eligible to bear the CL Seal of Approval. Consumer Lab addresses a growing need of consumers and healthcare professionals for better information in the selection of vitamins, supplements, and other nutritional products which are not considered drugs by the Food and Drug Administration. Most of their information and their newsletter are free, while additional technical info is available by subscription. 
http://www.consumerlab.com/index.asp


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ORAL CANCER FOUNDATION 
Oral cancer is a worldwide issue with 350,000 to 400,000 new cases diagnosed each year. The death rate is high due to being discovered late in its development, usually to people over 40 years old. Both the use of tobacco or alcohol significantly increases risk, and since as the two act synergistically, those who both smoke and drink, have a 15 times greater risk of developing oral cancer. Viruses such as HPV and fungi are also thought to contribute to the incidence of oral cancers. The Oral Cancer Foundation's agenda is to promote awareness of the need for annual oral cancer screening, combined with education to the dental community to provide such screening more often using newer tests. The nonprofit organization was founded by survivor Brian Hill. The website has an excellent section on Emotional Aspects of oral cancer that is relevant to all types of cancers. 
http://www.oralcancer.org/


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HEALTH CARE COACH
A new web site aims to help consumers maximize their health insurance benefits and offers suggestions on minimizing health care costs, and dealing with insurance companies. HealtCare Coach is a non-profit organization sponsored by the National Health Law Program.
http://www.healthcarecoach.com/