Berries could be cancer-fighting superfoods

A compound called pterostilbene found abundantly in blueberries offered protection against colon cancer, according to a new study Monday by researchers at the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Rutgers University.
The animal study by these researchers showed that the compound is a powerful antioxidant and has the potential to be developed into a pill as well.

The findings of the study were detailed at the 233rd national meeting of the American Chemical Society. Colon cancer is thought to be the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Previous studies have highlighted several compounds in fruits and vegetables that are thought to possess cancer-fighting properties. However this is the first study to actually demonstrate them albeit in laboratory animals.

Researchers said that rats with pterostilbene showed 57 percent lesser pre-cancerous lesions in the colon than the rats with only a balanced diet. Additionally pterostilbene also appeared to lower some genes involved in inflammation.
Lead author Bandaru Reddy said the study demonstrated that people needed to include more berries in their diet.
"This study underscores the need to include more berries in the diet, especially blueberries," he said, adding that although the study did not represent a way to cure cancer, it did offer a way to potentially prevent it.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2007-03/27/content_5901359.htm

Scientists claim breakthrough in fight against cancer

CANBERRA, March 30 (Xinhua) -- Australian scientists from Sydney, Australia's largest city, are claiming they have made a breakthrough in the fight against cancer which will help with the development of more effective drugs.

Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) radio on Friday reported that researchers from the Children's Medical Research Institute in Sydney have identified the structure of an enzyme known as telomerase.

It is believed to prevent cancer cells dying in the same way normal cells do as they age.
Head researcher Scott Cohen said it was previously thought there were 30 proteins inside the enzyme, but his team has discovered that only two are present.

He said this will provide scientists working on anti-cancer therapies a much tighter focus for their work.

"By determining the composition, we have answered a fundamental question about telomerase, which will definitely encourage the focus and significant advancement into this area of research," he was quoted by ABC radio as saying.

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2007-03/30/content_5915643.htm

Coaches Fight Cancer At Hoops For Hope

The American Cancer Society will hold a gala with the coaches of men's basketball teams from several Iowa colleges.

The coaches attending are: the University of Iowa's men's basketball coach Steve Alford and his wife, Tanya; University of Northern Iowa men's basketball coach Ben Jacobson and his wife, Dawn; Drake University's assistant men's basketball coach Keno Davis and his wife, Krista; and Iowa State University's men's basketball coach Greg McDermott and his wife, Theresa.

It will be a night of fun, entertainment and basketball-themed excitement to raise funds for the American Cancer Society.

The fundraiser takes place at 6 p.m. May 5 at the Prairie Meadows ballroom. For more information, call 800-688-0147 or Go to Cancermw.org

Recalled Pet Food

I know this topic is not related to the Relay For Life or the American Cancer Society in any manner but as a person who owns two dogs myself I wanted to put this out there for those of you who frequent this blog and have pets yourself.

The list of recalled pet food can be found at this link http://www.menufoods.com/recall/ and they have added Mighty Dog Pouches to the list among others. However, the company that makes Mighty Dog pet food released a statement saying that the can food from Mighty Dog brand was not being recalled. Pedigree dog food has also NOT been included in the recall.

I hope everyone and their pets are healthy and doing good.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Happy St. Patrick's Day from all the member of the Generation Hope Relay For Life Team. We hope each and everyone of you are having a great year and a wonderful St. Patrick's Day.

An Irish Prayer
May God give you...

For every storm, a rainbow,

For every tear, a smile,

For every care, a promise,

And a blessing in each trial.

For every problem life sends,

A faithful friend to share,

For every sigh, a sweet song,

And an answer for each prayer.