Many Cancer Patients Have Undiagnosed Hepatitis

FRIDAY, Jan. 25, 2019 -- A large number of U.S. cancer patients with hepatitis B and C don't know they have the virus, which can cause life-threatening complications during some cancer treatments, researchers say.

The findings suggest screening for hepatitis B and C may be appropriate in community cancer clinics, according to investigators from the SWOG Cancer Research Network, an international group funded by the U.S. National Cancer Institute.

Prostate Drug Finasteride Can Safely Lower Cancer Risk, Study Says

THURSDAY, Jan. 24, 2019 -- Finasteride, best known as the enlarged-prostate medicine Proscar, is a safe, effective way to reduce the risk of prostate cancer, according to long-term findings from the Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial (PCPT).

The trial was funded by the U.S. National Cancer Institute and enrolled nearly 19,000 men between 1993 and 1997.

Obesity-Linked Cancers On the Rise Among Young Americans

MONDAY, Feb. 4, 2019 -- As more young American adults struggle with extra weight, they are paying an even steeper price as the rates of obesity-related cancers rise in this age group.

Obesity has already been linked to rising rates of type 2 diabetes, heart disease and knee replacements. Now, new research suggests cancer can be added to that list, and the rate of obesity-related cancers is certain to keep climbing among those aged 25 to 49, researchers report.

U.S. Cancer Deaths Continue to Decline

TUESDAY, Jan. 8, 2019 -- Over the past 25 years, the number of Americans who have died from cancer has dropped dramatically, though racial and economic disparities persist, a new study reveals.

Between 1991 and 2016, deaths from cancer dropped 27 percent. In real numbers, that's almost 2.6 million fewer cancer deaths, according to the American Cancer Society.

Chemo 'Cocktail' Embraced as Pancreatic Cancer Breakthrough

WEDNESDAY, Dec. 19, 2018 -- When researchers announced that a four-drug chemotherapy regimen can add years to the lives of some patients with earlier-stage pancreatic cancer, doctors didn't wait.

Trial results were released last spring, and were immediately "practice-changing," said Dr. Hedy Kindler, an oncologist at the University of Chicago who was not involved in the trial.