Issues watch
This section provides information about emerging cancer issues that matter to Canadians.
Full body scanners at airport security checkpoints and radiation exposure
H1N1 flu and the H1N1 vaccine: information for cancer patients
Medical isotopes shortage
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
Bisphenol A (BPA)
Canadian Cancer Society’s perspective on DCA
Issues watch
Full body scanners at airport security checkpoints and radiation exposure
January 2010: Currently, there are news reports about the new “full body scanners” that the Ministry of Transportation will put in place at airports across Canada in an effort to increase security screening on flights to the United States. The concern is the level of radiation passengers will be exposed to going through these scanners.
The Canadian Cancer Society is aware of the issue and believes in Community Right To Know. Canadians have the right to know what they are being exposed to and should be made aware of any potential health risks.
Our understanding is that the full body scanners that will be used in Canadian airports use radiofrequency waves. This is the same type of non-ionizing radiation used by radio, television, radar, cell phone and wireless internet transmissions. There is no known increased risk of cancer associated with a person’s exposure to radiofrequency waves.
If you are concerned about exposure to radiation from these scanners, there are other options available to passengers such as a body “pat down”.
Information from cancer.ca about radiation
More information on “full body scanners” from the Ministry of Transportation
H1N1 flu and the H1N1 vaccine: information for cancer patients
October 2009: Currently there is a lot in the news about the H1N1 flu and the vaccine to prevent it – the H1N1 vaccine. As a cancer patient, you may be wondering what you should do to protect yourself against the H1N1 flu.
Infections of any kind are a special concern for people during cancer treatment. This is because certain treatments, like chemotherapy, can weaken your immune system. This means your body is not at full strength to protect you from illnesses like the H1N1 flu.
The Public Health Agency of Canada says that:
- People with weakened immune systems are at increased risk of catching the H1N1 flu.
- If you require ongoing medical care for your condition – such as chemotherapy or dialysis – talk to your healthcare provider about having these treatments if you have the flu or develop flu symptoms.
- If you are on medication for your medical condition, talk to your healthcare provider about having a two-week supply of medication on hand in case you get sick and cannot leave your home. If you have the flu you should stay home until you’re symptom-free.
If you are a cancer patient concerned about the H1N1 flu, talk to your doctor about the H1N1 vaccine to decide what’s best for you.
For more information visit www.fightflu.ca
Medical isotopes shortage
Canadian Cancer Society’s perspective
The Canadian Cancer Society is very concerned about the shortage of medical isotopes, as isotopes are used for some cancer-related tests and treatment.
Patients must be the primary focus when determining solutions to the shortage of medical isotopes. During an already difficult time, not having access to appropriate care can be stressful and trying. This is simply not acceptable.
The Society urges all appropriate parties to come together as quickly as possible to develop a short-term solution to the shortage of medical isotopes. These parties include the federal and provincial governments, isotope supply companies, nuclear medicine organizations, academic centres with isotope-producing capabilities and cancer organizations. (Read more)
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
(February 2009) New evidence has focused on the use of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) during menopause. Read more about the Society’s position on HRT use.
Bisphenol A (BPA)
(October 2008) A draft report proposing ways to manage the risk of Bisphenol A, with a specific focus on infants under 18 months, was released by the federal government in April 2008.
As a follow-up, on October 18 the federal government announced its intention to name BPA as a toxic substance. They have recommended a ban on baby bottles containing this chemical and are seeking a voluntary reduction in BPA in formula can linings. The federal government is concerned infants can be exposed to BPA leaching from polycarbonate baby bottles and from canned infant formula.
This is the next step for putting laws in place to help reduce Canadians’ exposure to BPA.
The Canadian Cancer Society believes this age group is a logical starting point because of the potential health risks associated with exposure to BPA. However, we encourage the government to expand its focus to include children, adolescents and adults as new information about exposure and safer alternatives to BPA become available.
This action on the part of the government is part of a broader federal government project looking at substances of concern – substances that could be potentially harmful to people’s health.
Until more information is available, if you are concerned about exposure to Bisphenol A, you may wish to consider:
- Choosing glass food and drink containers, or ones that are not made of polycarbonate plastic (recycle code 7) Choosing fresh or frozen foods over canned.
- If you or your child are having dental work, talk to your dentist about the materials being used and the options available.
For babies and children:
- Use baby bottles and sippy cups that are not made of polycarbonate plastic. You may wish to choose glass or products made of polypropylene plastic instead (recycle code 5)
- Avoid toys made with polycarbonate plastic.
Bisphenol A is an important health issue that the Society has been closely monitoring. We have posted information on our website and we continually review research about whether exposure to this chemical can affect the risk of developing cancer.
Canadian Cancer Society’s perspective on DCA
(August 2008) In early 2007, University of Alberta researchers published results of a study about DCA (dichloroacetate) stating that the agent showed promise in shrinking tumours in laboratory rats and human cell lines (human cells grown in a petri dish).
While the results were hopeful, the research was in its earliest stages and had been done on animals only.
The Society has concerns about Canadians with cancer seeking DCA before any clinical trials had been done on humans to test its effectiveness on cancer patients. DCA has been shown to have potentially dangerous side effects when used for non cancer-related conditions.
The Canadian Cancer Society welcomed the news in September 2007 of Health Canada’s approval for the first human clinical trial about DCA. This is an important first step in testing this agent for use in cancer patients. We look forward to the results of the trial, which is being led by researchers at the University of Alberta .
Until these clinical trials are finished, we can’t advise cancer patients in the general population to use the agent.
Key issues that need to be determined through a clinical trial include:
- Is it effective in shrinking tumours?
- Can DCA be used safely in cancer patients at doses needed for effectiveness.
- Are there critical doses or methods of administration to achieve anti-cancer effects.
The Canadian Cancer Society is currently funding hundreds of other encouraging cancer-fighting research projects.
Thanks to the tremendous financial support of Canadians, the Society is able to support and advance preliminary research that gives us hope for the future and motivation to continue with our mission of eradicating cancer.
Last modified on:
12 January 2010
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