Issues watch
This section provides information about emerging cancer issues that matter to Canadians.
Cell phones and cancer study: the Society’s perspective
Canadian Cancer Society’s perspective on DCA
Full body scanners at airport security checkpoints and radiation exposure
H1N1 flu and the H1N1 vaccine: information for cancer patients
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
Bisphenol A (BPA)
Issues watch
Cell phones and cancer study: the Society’s perspective
May 2010: The results of a large international research project called INTERPHONE were released in May. The research was done by the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). The research looked at whether cell phone usage increases the risk of certain types of cancer.
Canadian Cancer Society perspective
In general, this large study did not find an association between brain tumours and cell phone use. Specifically, it found a reduced risk for most categories of cell phone users, but also found a slightly increased risk of one type of brain tumour – gliomas – for the heaviest cell phone users studied.
The INTERPHONE study is the best of its kind to date; however, more research is needed because there have been changes in both the use and technology of cell phones. For example, many phones now emit lower radiation levels, cell phone use is more prevalent now than when the study was done, and more young people are using mobile phones.
We fully support the plans for more research in this area:
- IARC will be reviewing all published epidemiological and experimental evidence about the link between cell phone use and cancer risk. These results are expected in May 2011.
- Because children were not part of the INTERPHONE study, the Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology is coordinating a new project – MobiKids – to investigate the risk of brain tumours from cell phone use in childhood and adolescence.
If you are concerned about potential harm from cell phones you can:
Canadian Cancer Society’s perspective on DCA
(May 2010) 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).
In 2010, the researchers published the results of the first clinical trial for DCA, looking at its effects on a specific type of human brain tumour in a very small number of patients. While the results are hopeful, the research is still in its early stages.
The Society has concerns about Canadians with cancer seeking DCA before adequate clinical trials have been conducted. DCA has been shown to have potentially dangerous side effects when used for non cancer-related conditions, and some research suggests it may be potentially harmful for certain types of tumours.
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.
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
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.
Last modified on:
26 August 2010
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