Cancer Research:'Smart fat cells' cross blood-brain barrier to catch early brain tumors ♦ Magnesium intake may be beneficial in preventing pancreatic cancer

'Smart fat cells' cross blood-brain barrier to catch early brain tumors An MRI contrast agent that can pass through the blood-brain barrier will allow doctors to detect deadly brain tumors called gliomas earlier, say researchers. This ability opens the door to make this fatal cancer treatable.

Multiple-dose, targeted radiation more effective for treating pituitary tumors Multiple small doses of highly focused radiation therapy is safer and more effective than a single larger dose of radiation at destroying pituitary gland tumors.

Immunotherapy breakthrough now approved as standard of care for advanced melanoma A first-of-its-kind (anti-PD-1) immunotherapy was recently approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration as first-line treatment for metastatic melanoma—allowing greater access to this therapy for patients without having to previously receive other prior treatments.

Magnesium intake may be beneficial in preventing pancreatic cancer Researchers have found that magnesium intake may be beneficial in preventing pancreatic cancer. Using information from the VITamins and Lifestyle study, the study analyzed data on more than 66,000 men and women, between the ages of 50 and 76, looking at the direct association between magnesium and pancreatic cancer.

Cancer Research: Nanotech drug delivery shows promise for improved melanoma treatment ♦ Aspirin use may lower breast tissue density allowing for earlier detection

Obesity contributes to metastasis in ovarian cancer patients An increased body mass index is associated with a greater risk for ovarian cancer with worse overall survival, a large number of studies have shown. However, the influence of obesity on ovarian cancer metastasis had not been evaluated. Researchers set out to determine are tumor cells better able to successfully metastasize when the "host" is obese versus lean?

Older Breast Cancer Patients Defy Survival Models Older women with early-stage, invasive breast cancer had better survival rates than what was estimated by a popular online tool for predicting survival.

Aspirin use does not improve outcomes for cancer patients, but may lower breast tissue density, allowing for earlier detection Whether aspirin may help prevent or reduce the risk of breast cancer remains a hotly debated research question. While past studies have indicated a potential benefit, most recently in hormone receptor-positive breast cancers, one new study suggests otherwise. Aspirin does not appear to be protective or associated with improved clinical outcomes or survival among breast cancer patients with aggressive disease However, another study suggests aspirin may in fact help reduce breast tissue density, which could lead to earlier detection.

Nanotech drug delivery shows promise for improved melanoma treatment A new three-drug delivery system for cancer treatment, especially metastatic melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, has been developed by researchers. The work has demonstrated that the system may have particular value with cancers like this that often spread through the lymphatic system. It may offer a novel therapeutic option for more effective cancer treatment.

Cancer Research: How to wake a sleeping cancer cell, and why you might want to ♦ Can cancer itself damage the heart? ♦ Cells implicated with breast cancer-derived brain tumors

Can cancer itself damage the heart? Both treated and untreated cancer patients showed impaired heart function, report researchers at the end of a study. The finding raises the possibility that cancer itself may damage heart muscle irrespective of exposure to cancer drug therapies

New class of inhibitory compounds developed to aid melanoma treatments A pharmacology researcher has helped create a class of inhibitory compounds that can strongly enhance the effect of anti-tumor drugs for melanoma.

Researchers isolate cells implicated with breast cancer-derived brain tumors Researchers have isolated genetic signatures of some circulating tumor cells found in breast cancer, which one day may lead to a preventive treatment for metastatic cancer cells

How to wake a sleeping cancer cell, and why you might want to Cancer cells that lie 'snoozing' in the skeleton can be awakened by changes in the bone that surrounds them, scientists have shown. In a world first, researchers have used state-of-the-art microscopy techniques to watch cancer cells sleep within living bone over a period of months. They show that cancer cells can be 'woken up' when bone tissue is broken down around them, suggesting new possibilities for treating metastatic cancer in bone.

Health Research:Scientists identify promising new melanoma drug ♦ Retinal nerve cells grown in the lab ♦ MRI reveals weight loss protects knees

Scientists identify promising new melanoma drug A new, first-in-class compound halts tumor growth by disrupting protein production, report scientists, who say that the new drug may show promise for treating skin cancers that are resistant or unresponsive to today's leading therapies. In the United States, 5 million people are treated annually for skin cancer, and 9,000 people die from the deadliest form -- melanoma.

Retinal nerve cells grown in the lab A method to efficiently turn human stem cells into retinal ganglion cells, the type of nerve cells located within the retina that transmit visual signals from the eye to the brain.

Method to prevent lethal bone marrow transplant complication discovered Researchers discover method to prevent graft-versus-host disease, a dangerous and common complication of bone marrow transplants.

MRI reveals weight loss protects knees Obese people who lose a substantial amount of weight can significantly slow the degeneration of their knee cartilage.

Health Research: Fracking industry wells associated with premature birth ♦ Antioxidants cause malignant melanoma to metastasize faster ♦ Preventing memory loss before symptoms appear

Antioxidants cause malignant melanoma to metastasize faster Antioxidants can double the rate of melanoma metastasis in mice, new research shows. The results reinforce previous findings that antioxidants hasten the progression of lung cancer. People with cancer or an elevated risk of developing the disease should avoid nutritional supplements that contain antioxidants.

Difficulty processing speech may be an effect of dyslexia, not a cause The cognitive skills used to learn how to ride a bike may be the key to a more accurate understanding of developmental dyslexia. And, they may lead to improved interventions. Scientists investigated how procedural learning how individuals with dyslexia learn speech sound categories. They found that learning complex auditory categories through procedural learning is impaired in dyslexia.

Fracking industry wells associated with premature birth Expectant mothers who live near active natural gas wells operated by the fracking industry in Pennsylvania are at an increased risk of giving birth prematurely and for having high-risk pregnancies.

Preventing memory loss before symptoms appear A clinical trial is looking at removing a key protein from the brain to prevent memory loss at least a decade before symptoms are noticed in healthy older adults. The trial is focused on an investigational treatment to reduce the impact of the protein beta amyloid.

Popular crime shows may help reduce sexual assault Viewers of 'Law and Order' have a better grasp of sexual consent than viewers of other crime dramas such as 'CSI' or 'NCIS,' suggesting that individuals who watch programs in which sexual predators are punished may avoid sexual predatory behavior in real life.

Health News: Salmonella outbreak linked to fig & olive ♦ Exercise in a bottle could become a reality ♦ Psoriasis, risk of depression in the US population

CDC, Salmonella outbreak linked to fig & olive Multiple cities are investigating Salmonella Enteritidis infections linked to eating at Fig & Olive restaurants, the U.S. CDC says. Illnesses have so far been reported Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles, and the investigation is ongoing to determine whether there are illnesses in other states

Exercise in a bottle could become a reality Research finds around 1000 molecular reactions to exercise, opening the door for drug treatments to mirror the health benefits of exercise.

Experimental cancer drug shows therapeutic promise in mouse models of multiple sclerosis An experimental drug originally identified in a National Cancer Institute library of chemical compounds as a potential therapy for brain and basal cell cancers improves the symptoms of mice with a form of the debilitating neurological disorder multiple sclerosis.

Psoriasis, risk of depression in the US population The chronic inflammatory skin condition psoriasis was associated with the risk of major depression, although the risk was unrelated to the severity of the disorder, according to a new article

Training for patients with melanoma and their partners on skin examinations Training on skin self-examination to aid early detection could be extra beneficial for patients with melanoma and their partners who report having low relationship quality because it gives them activities to do together, according to a new article.

Cancer Research: Post diagnosis aspirin improves survival in all gastrointestinal cancers ♦Drug combination improves progression-free survival in melanoma patients

Fungi may lead to cheaper cancer treatment, Cheaper anti-cancer drugs for humans might ultimately stem from a new study. Scientists have developed a kind of microbial 'bandage' that protects yew trees from disease-causing fungi. The researchers found that naturally occurring fungi in the yew's vascular system act like an immune system to swarm a wound site and protect against invading pathogens.

Drug combination improves progression-free survival in melanoma patients Patients with advanced melanoma skin cancer survive for longer without their disease progressing if they have been treated with a combination of two drugs, nivolumab and ipilimumab, than with either of these drugs alone. New results show that these patients also do better regardless of their age, stage of disease and whether or not they have a cancer-driving mutation in the BRAF gene.

Hormonal therapy may prevent ovarian failure and preserve fertility in breast cancer Young women undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer may be more likely to remain fertile if they also receive hormonal treatment.

Combining 2 targeted therapies results in melanoma patients living significantly longer Latest results from a trial of a combination of two targeted therapies (dabrafenib and trametinib) to treat advanced melanoma have shown that patients are living significantly longer on the combined therapy than patients treated with another drug, vemurafenib, when used alone.

Post diagnosis aspirin improves survival in all gastrointestinal cancers, Aspirin improves survival in patients with tumors situated throughout the gastrointestinal tract, results from a large study show.

Health News: Raw pet food sales are booming, but is food safe? ♦ Trauma experiences change the brain ♦ Romantic kissing is not the norm in most cultures

Raw pet food sales are booming, but is food safe? Along with serving grain-free, organic and all natural foods to their cats and dogs, more Americans are dishing out raw food to their pets. In the past year, retail sales of raw freeze-dried dog and cat food jumped 64%, from $25 million to $40 million, and sales of raw frozen pet food jumped 32% from $52 million to $69 million.

Trauma experiences change the brain even in those without PTSD Trauma may cause distinct and long-lasting effects even in people who do not develop PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), according to research. It is already known that stress affects brain function and may lead to PTSD, but until now the underlying brain networks have proven elusive.

Scientists identify key genetic factor that keeps moles from turning into melanoma Moles are benign tumors found on the skin of almost every adult. Scientists have known for years that a mutation in the BRAF gene makes them start growing, but until now haven't understood why they stop. Now, researchers have identified a major genetic factor that keeps moles in their usual non-cancerous, no-growth state.

Romantic kissing is not the norm in most cultures For generations, passionate kisses immortalized in movies, songs and the arts have served as a thermometer of romantic affection. But current research has found that not only is romantic kissing not the norm in most cultures, some find it uncomfortable and even flat-out repulsive.

Research team gets the beat, develops method of quantifying ciliary movement Researchers have figured out how to objectively quantify the beating action of cilia, the tiny, hair-like projections on cells that line nasal passages, the lungs and almost every other body tissue, according to a study. Such digital signatures could help doctors more quickly and accurately diagnose ciliary motion defects

Cancer Research:Magnetic nanoparticles a tool in cancer treatments ♦ Activated T cell therapy for advanced melanoma developed ♦ Improvement in management of localized prostate cancer

Protein implicated in osteosarcoma's spread  The investigation of a simple protein has uncovered its uniquely complicated role in the spread of the childhood cancer, osteosarcoma. It turns out the protein, called ezrin, acts like an air traffic controller, coordinating multiple functions within a cancer cell and allowing it to endure stress conditions encountered during metastasis.

Activated T cell therapy for advanced melanoma developed T cells from patients with melanoma can trigger a protective immune response against the disease, according to a new study. These new findings demonstrate that T cells derived from lymph nodes of patients with melanoma can be expanded in number and activated in the laboratory for intravenous administration in the treatment of patients.

Improvement in management of localized prostate cancer After years of overtreatment for patients with low-risk prostate cancer, rates of active surveillance/watchful waiting increased sharply in 2010 through 2013, and high-risk disease was more often treated appropriately with potentially curative local treatment rather than androgen deprivation alone.

Magnetic hyperthermia, an auxiliary tool in cancer treatments Hyperthermia (increase in body temperature) has been used for centuries to combat tumors and reduce their effects. New research aims to use a different system (magnetic nanoparticles) to increase body temperature. These nanoparticles absorb energy from magnetic fields and convert it into heat which is used to raise the temperature in tumors and combat them.

Mesothelioma: Aspirin may delay growth of asbestos-related cancer Aspirin may help mesothelioma patients. The finding could eventually give doctors and patients a potential new tool to fight against this devastating disease, which kills about 3,200 people a year nationwide, and advance knowledge of how to fight other cancers.

Cancer Research: Stress hormones could undermine breast cancer therapy ♦ new drug combo offers hope for people battling melanoma ♦ Decreased rates of high-grade cervical lesions in young women

Stress hormones could undermine breast cancer therapy Stress hormones often given to patients to treat the side effects of therapy may cause a subset of breast cancers to become treatment-resistant.

Decreased rates of high-grade cervical lesions in young women A new analysis indicates that rates of high-grade cervical lesions decreased in young US women after vaccines were made available to protect against human papillomavirus (HPV), but the trend may be due in part to changes in cervical cancer screening recommendations.

Study identifies multiple genetic changes linked to increased pancreatic cancer risk In a genome-wide association study believed to be the largest of its kind, researchers have uncovered four regions in the human genome where changes may increase the risk of pancreatic cancer.

Annual low-dose CT screening safe, reliable for identifying pre-cancers An annual exam using a key imaging technology could spare patients with lung nodules from unnecessary tests and surgery. The study authors found the imaging technology, called low-dose computed tomography (LDCT), to be a safe and effective screening tool to monitor those with non solid lung nodules, which in some cases are precursors to cancer.

Promising new drug combo offers hope for people battling melanoma Summer inspires many people to think about their vacation plans, however, it makes one medical oncologist think about melanoma. He hopes to be able to offer a new treatment for melanoma patients in the near future.

Cancer Research: Parkinson's disease appears associated with many cancer ♦ Supercomputers surprisingly link DNA crosses to cancer ♦ Tubal ligation may improve prognosis of endometrial cancer

Parkinson's disease appears associated with many cancers in Taiwan Parkinson's disease appeared associated with 16 types of cancer in a study in Taiwan, an effort to explain the association in an East Asian population because most prior research has been conducted in Western populations.

Researchers discover mechanism leading to BRAF inhibitor resistance in melanoma patients The development of targeted therapies has significantly improved the survival of melanoma patients over the last decade; however, patients often relapse because many therapies do not kill all of the tumor cells, and the remaining cells adapt to treatment and become resistant. Researchers have discovered a novel mechanism that can lead melanoma cells to develop resistance to drugs that target the protein BRAF.

Supercomputers surprisingly link DNA crosses to cancer DNA naturally folds itself into cross-shaped structures called cruciforms that jut out along the sprawling length of its double helix. DNA cruciforms are abundant; scientists estimate as many as 500,000 cruciform-forming sequences may exist on average in a normal human genome. Supercomputers have now helped scientists find a surprising link between cross-shaped (or cruciform) pieces of DNA and human cancer.

Tubal ligation may improve prognosis of endometrial cancer later in life Endometrial cancer (EC) can spread by several routes, including the lymph system, blood vessels, through the uterine wall, as well as through the fallopian tubes into the peritoneal cavity, but the association of transtubal dissemination of EC with cancer stage, histological type, and mortality is unknown.

Cancer Research:Abdominal blood clots may indicate undiagnosed cancer ♦ Discovery may lead to targeted melanoma therapies ♦ Tests to gauge genetic risks for prostate cancer now are feasible

Abdominal blood clots may indicate undiagnosed cancer  A blood clot in an abdominal vein may be an indicator of undiagnosed cancer. The study also suggests that these clots predict poorer survival in patients with liver and pancreatic cancer.

Discovery may lead to targeted melanoma therapies Melanoma patients with high levels of a protein that controls the expression of pro-growth genes are less likely to survive. The research team found that the protein, called H2A.Z.2, promotes the abnormal growth seen in melanoma cells as they develop into difficult-to-treat tumors. H2A.Z.2 is part of the chromosome structure that packages genes, and has the ability to switch them on off.

New biomarkers might help personalize metastatic colorectal cancer treatment Metastatic colorectal cancer patients tend to live longer when they respond to the first line of chemotherapy their doctors recommend. To better predict how patients will respond to chemotherapy drugs before they begin treatment, researchers conducted a proof-of-principle study with a small group of metastatic colorectal cancer patients. The results revealed two genes that could help physicians make more informed treatment decisions for patients with this disease

Tests to gauge genetic risks for prostate cancer now are feasible Men with an elevated, genetically inherited risk for prostate cancer could be routinely identified with a simple blood or urine test potentially paving the way to better or earlier diagnosis. The study included 7,783 men with prostate cancer and 38,595 without the disease.

Discovery promises new treatments to thwart colon cancer Scientists have discovered how an immune system protein, called AIM2 (Absent in Melanoma 2), plays a role in determining the aggressiveness of colon cancer. They found that AIM2 deficiency causes uncontrolled proliferation of intestinal cells. Surprisingly, they also discovered that AIM2 influences the microbiota -- the population of gut bacteria -- apparently fostering the proliferation of 'good' bacteria that can protect against colon cancer

Drug Resistance Research: Programming DNA to reverse antibiotic resistance ♦ New target for treating drug-resistant melanoma found ♦ New method may eliminate antibiotic use in livestock ♦

New target for treating drug-resistant melanoma found A new study explains why some melanoma tumors are resistant to BRAF inhibitor treatment. Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer, killing more than 8,000 people in the U.S. each year. Approximately 50 percent of melanoma tumors are driven by mutations in the BRAF gene, and patients with these tumors are prescribed BRAF inhibitors.

High rates of MRSA transmission found between nursing home residents, health care workers Healthcare workers frequently contaminate their gloves and gowns during everyday care of nursing homes residents with drug resistant Staphylococcus aureus or MRSA

New method may eliminate antibiotic use in livestock An animal scientist has developed an antibiotic-free method to protect animals raised for food against common infections. The innovation comes as growing public concern about antibiotic resistance has induced McDonald's, Tyson Foods and other industry giants to announce major cuts in antibiotic use in meat production. About 80 percent of antibiotics in the United States are used by farmers, because they both protect against disease and accelerate weight gain in many farm animals.

Programming DNA to reverse antibiotic resistance in bacteria New research introduces a promising new tool to combat the rapid, extensive spread of antibiotic resistance around the world. It nukes antibiotic resistance in selected bacteria, and renders other bacteria more sensitive to antibiotics. The research, if ultimately applied to pathogens on hospital surfaces or medical personnel's hands, could turn the tide on untreatable, often lethal bacterial infections.

Children Health Toddler temperament influenced by gut bacteria ♦ Melanoma rates dramatically increasing in children ♦ Migraine surgery for teens ♦ Helping youth cope with anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts

Toddler temperament could be influenced by different types of gut bacteria The microbiome of a toddler's gut may influence their behavior, a new study suggests. Scientists found correlations between temperament and the presence of specific types of intestinal bacteria in both girls and boys. The researchers aren't looking for a way to help parents modify the 'terrible twos,' but for clues about how - and where - chronic illnesses like obesity, asthma, allergies and bowel diseases start

Melanoma rates dramatically increasing in children and young adults The incidence of melanoma, a deadly form of skin cancer, has increased by more than 250% among children, adolescents and young adults since 1973,

Migraine surgery for teens: Good results in initial experience As in adults, migraine surgery is effective for selected adolescent patients with severe migraine headaches that don't respond to standard treatments.

Helping youth cope with anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts A program is helping strengthen the mental health of public school students. The EMPATHY program, created and implemented in 2013, shows after just three months of use in schools, the program significantly decreased anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts among the student population.

Deadly Melanoma rates have doubled

Melanoma rates doubled between 1982 and 2011 but comprehensive skin cancer prevention programs could prevent 20 percent of new cases between 2020 and 2030, according to this month’s Vital Signs report.

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the U.S., and melanoma is the most deadly type of skin cancer. More than 90 percent of melanoma skin cancers are due to skin cell damage from ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure. Melanoma rates increased from 11.2 per 100,000 in 1982 to 22.7 per 100,000 in 2011. The report notes that without additional community prevention efforts, melanoma will continue to increase over the next 15 years, with 112,000 new cases projected in 2030. The annual cost of treating new melanoma cases is projected to nearly triple from $457 million in 2011 to $1.6 billion in 2030.

This Vital Signs report shows that melanoma is responsible for more than 9,000 skin cancer deaths each year. In 2011, more than 65,000 melanoma skin cancers were diagnosed. By 2030, according to the report, effective community skin cancer prevention programs could prevent an estimated 230,000 melanoma skin cancers and save $2.7 billion dollars in treatment costs. Successful programs feature community efforts that combine education, mass media campaigns, and policy changes to increase skin protection for children and adults.

“Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer, and it’s on the rise,” said CDC Director Tom Frieden, M.D., M.P.H. “Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a hat and clothes that cover your skin. Find some shade if you’re outside, especially in the middle of the day when the dangerous rays from the sun are most intense, and apply broad-spectrum sunscreen.”

Researchers reviewed data from CDC’s National Program of Cancer Registries and the National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results Program (SEER) to help determine the increase in melanoma rates.

“The rate of people getting melanoma continues to increase every year compared to the rates of most other cancers, which are declining,” said Lisa Richardson, MD, MPH, Director of the Division of Cancer Prevention and Control. “If we take action now, we can prevent hundreds of thousands of new cases of skin cancers, including melanoma, and save billions of dollars in medical costs.”

This Vital Signs report highlights the recommendations for communities from the Community Guide for Preventive Services. Communities can increase shade on playgrounds, at public pools, and other public spaces, promote sun protection in recreational areas, encourage employers, childcare centers, schools, and colleges to educate about sun safety and skin protection, and restrict the availability and use of indoor tanning by minors.  Everyone is encouraged to protect their skin with protective clothing, wide-brimmed hats, broad-spectrum SPF sunscreen, and seek shade outdoors.

Through the Affordable Care Act, more Americans will qualify to get healthcare coverage that fits their needs and budget, including important preventive services. Behavioral counseling is now provided with no cost-sharing to counsel people aged 10–24 years with fair skin about limiting their exposure to UV radiation to reduce risk of skin cancer. Visit Healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 (TTY/TDD 1-855-889-4325) to learn more.

To learn about CDC’s efforts to prevent skin cancer, visit: www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin.

Vital Signs is a report that appears on the first Tuesday of the month as part of the CDC journal Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. The report provides the latest data and information on key health indicators. These are cancer prevention, obesity, tobacco use, motor vehicle passenger safety, prescription drug overdose, HIV/AIDS, alcohol use, health care-associated infections, cardiovascular health, teen pregnancy, and food safety.

Melanoma rates doubled between 1982 and 2011 but comprehensive skin cancer prevention programs could prevent 20 percent of new cases between 2020 and 2030, according to this month’s Vital Signs report.

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the U.S., and melanoma is the most deadly type of skin cancer. More than 90 percent of melanoma skin cancers are due to skin cell damage from ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure. Melanoma rates increased from 11.2 per 100,000 in 1982 to 22.7 per 100,000 in 2011. The report notes that without additional community prevention efforts, melanoma will continue to increase over the next 15 years, with 112,000 new cases projected in 2030. The annual cost of treating new melanoma cases is projected to nearly triple from $457 million in 2011 to $1.6 billion in 2030.

This Vital Signs report shows that melanoma is responsible for more than 9,000 skin cancer deaths each year. In 2011, more than 65,000 melanoma skin cancers were diagnosed. By 2030, according to the report, effective community skin cancer prevention programs could prevent an estimated 230,000 melanoma skin cancers and save $2.7 billion dollars in treatment costs. Successful programs feature community efforts that combine education, mass media campaigns, and policy changes to increase skin protection for children and adults.

“Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer, and it’s on the rise,” said CDC Director Tom Frieden, M.D., M.P.H. “Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a hat and clothes that cover your skin. Find some shade if you’re outside, especially in the middle of the day when the dangerous rays from the sun are most intense, and apply broad-spectrum sunscreen.”

Researchers reviewed data from CDC’s National Program of Cancer Registries and the National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results Program (SEER) to help determine the increase in melanoma rates.

“The rate of people getting melanoma continues to increase every year compared to the rates of most other cancers, which are declining,” said Lisa Richardson, MD, MPH, Director of the Division of Cancer Prevention and Control. “If we take action now, we can prevent hundreds of thousands of new cases of skin cancers, including melanoma, and save billions of dollars in medical costs.”

This Vital Signs report highlights the recommendations for communities from the Community Guide for Preventive Services. Communities can increase shade on playgrounds, at public pools, and other public spaces, promote sun protection in recreational areas, encourage employers, childcare centers, schools, and colleges to educate about sun safety and skin protection, and restrict the availability and use of indoor tanning by minors.  Everyone is encouraged to protect their skin with protective clothing, wide-brimmed hats, broad-spectrum SPF sunscreen, and seek shade outdoors.

Through the Affordable Care Act, more Americans will qualify to get healthcare coverage that fits their needs and budget, including important preventive services. Behavioral counseling is now provided with no cost-sharing to counsel people aged 10–24 years with fair skin about limiting their exposure to UV radiation to reduce risk of skin cancer. Visit Healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 (TTY/TDD 1-855-889-4325) to learn more.

To learn about CDC’s efforts to prevent skin cancer, visit: www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin.

Vital Signs is a report that appears on the first Tuesday of the month as part of the CDC journal Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. The report provides the latest data and information on key health indicators. These are cancer prevention, obesity, tobacco use, motor vehicle passenger safety, prescription drug overdose, HIV/AIDS, alcohol use, health care-associated infections, cardiovascular health, teen pregnancy, and food safety.

Cancer Research: Gene therapy, surgery could mean eight more months for sickest brain cancer patients ♦ Immunotherapy drug improves survival for common form of lung cancer

Immunotherapy drug improves survival for common form of lung cancer In a head-to-head clinical trial comparing standard chemotherapy with the immunotherapy drug nivolumab, researchers found that people with squamous-non-small cell lung cancer who received nivolumab lived, on average, 3.2 months longer than those receiving chemotherapy

Possible new combination chemotherapy for patients with advanced prostate cancer A role for combination therapy using two or more chemotherapy agents at the same time has not been well studied. This week, however, results of a clinical trial may change the perspective on a role for combination chemotherapy in advanced disease.

Risks of whole brain radiation therapy added to radiosurgery outweigh benefits for patients with limited brain metastases Whole Brain Radiation Therapy is associated with significantly worse cognitive function than radiosurgery, and should no longer be used in the adjuvant setting after radiosurgery to treat cancer patients with brain metastases.

Immunotherapy combo increases progression-free survival in advanced melanoma patients Treating advanced melanoma patients with either a combination of the immunotherapy drugs nivolumab and ipilimumab or nivolumab alone significantly increased progression-free survival over using ipilimumab alone

Gene therapy, surgery could mean eight more months for sickest brain cancer patients As the most malignant of primary brain cancers, glioblastomas are frustratingly difficult to treat. Surgery is often risky and cannot remove all of the tumor, and chemotherapy eventually becomes ineffective for most patients. Median survival is around 15 months for patients with this tumor, and the quality of life in the last five months is often quite poor

Cancer Research:Nano-capsules designed for diagnosing malignant tumors ♦ association between exposure to aflatoxin and gallbladder cancer ♦ Response in patients with metastatic melanoma

Nano-capsules designed for diagnosing malignant tumors Researchers have developed adaptable nanocapsules that can help in the diagnosis of glioblastoma cells -- a highly invasive form of brain tumor

Investigational immunotherapy treatment shows durable response in patients with metastatic melanoma Advanced-stage melanoma patients have significant improvement in durable response rate when treated with a genetically-modified form of a herpes virus, whose native form causes the common cold sore, new research shows.

Study suggests using excess stress to kill therapy resistant breast cancer Maxing out the inherently stressed nature of treatment-resistant breast cancer cells thwarts their adaptive ability to evolve genetic workarounds to treatment, according to a study. Looking at tumor progression as essentially an evolutionary process, researchers highlight the feasibility of maximizing cell stress by inhibiting adaptive pathways to cause cell death

Clinical trial reduces stress of cancer caregivers A randomized control trial demonstrates an intervention that successfully reduces the stress of caregivers in the context of cancer patients treated with stem cell transplantation. The study enrolled 148 caregivers of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell (Allo-HSCT) patients

Study finds association between exposure to aflatoxin and gallbladder cancer In a small study in Chile that included patients with gallbladder cancer, exposure to aflatoxin (a toxin produced by mold) was associated with an increased risk of gallbladder cancer. In Chile, gallbladder cancer is a leading cause of cancer death in women.

Cancer Research:Treatment in melanoma patients improves survival ♦ First all pencil-beam proton center in US ♦ treatment in melanoma patients improves survival

Proton therapy has fewer side effects in esophageal cancer patients New research has found that esophageal cancer patients treated with proton therapy experienced significantly less toxic side effects, including nausea, blood abnormalities and loss of appetite, than patients treated with older radiation therapies

Results reported at first all pencil-beam proton center in US America's first and only proton therapy center to treat patients exclusively with pencil-beam scanning is reporting exceptional results in delivering cancer treatment since opening for patient care just more than a year ago.

Surgery followed by ipilimumab treatment in melanoma patients improves survival A study has demonstrated that a drug called ipilimumab improves the relapse-free survival of advanced stage melanoma patients rendered free of disease surgically but at high risk for relapse. Ipilimumab is approved for the treatment of melanoma that cannot be surgically removed or that has metastasized to different sites.

Molecule designed to treat lung cancer shows promising results in mice A new therapy for lung cancer, the most common cancer worldwide, has been identified by researchers. The team's study primarily focuses on lung cancer, yet further studies are ongoing in multiple cancer types, including breast cancer, prostate, sarcoma and colorectal cancer

New portable device could test how 'squishy' cancerous tumors are A new device will test a tumor's squishiness (Young's modulus), providing clinicians insight into how best to treat it. Preliminary testing has found that in general, more aggressive tumors are stiffer, but the complex relationship will require more research.