|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11/01: Last call to enroll in herbal medicine lung cancer study
November is lung cancer awareness month.
In October 2003, Diane Herbert’s husband died from lung cancer, and only 10 months later, she was diagnosed with the same disease.
“I was in shock when I found out,” recalls Herbert, a former smoker who lit her last cigarette 13 years ago. “How could this be happening to my family again?”
As a participant of the BC Cancer Agency’s Lung Health Study, Herbert underwent a CT scan, which detected the cancer in her lungs. The study tests a series of chemopreventive agents aimed at reducing the amount of pre-cancerous cells in the lungs of former smokers and smokers.
The deadline to enroll in the study of one agent, an ancient herbal remedy called ACAPHA, is the end of December.
Former smokers still remain in the high-risk group for developing cancer. In fact, they account for one half of all newly diagnosed lung cancers.
“I heard about the Lung Health Study but never got a chance to join while my husband was battling cancer. After his death, I was even more compelled to join,” says Herbert. “I hope they can learn something from me that could help others.”
“I just feel very fortunate that the cancer in my lungs was detected early,” Herbert adds.
The excellent screening is just one benefit of participating in this study, says principal investigator Dr. Stephen Lam. Besides getting a spiral CT scan to look for early lung cancer, former smokers also get computer-assisted image analysis of their sputum cells and a bronchoscopy (a diagnostic procedure to examine major airways). If cancer is discovered during the screening process, participants have an important advantage of early diagnosis and careful follow-up.
After the initial tests, eligible participants are randomized into two groups - one of which receives a placebo and the other, ACAPHA.
In earlier studies in China, ACAPHA (a combination of six herbs) has been shown to reduce the risk of esophageal cancer by 40 to 50 percent. A preliminary study at BCCA also showed promising results in preventing the development and progression of pre-cancerous lesions in the lung.
“The efficacy of botanical extracts in Western medicine is gaining increasing recognition,” says Dr. Lam. “We are excited about the potential of this study to contribute to lung cancer prevention.”
There is still time to join the ACAPHA trial. Former smokers between the ages of 45 and 74 who have smoked at least one package of cigarettes per day for 30 years are the primary target of the study. Smokers who are willing to quit will be considered, and offered cessation support.
Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer death in men and women in Canada and the U.S. More people die each year from lung cancer than from breast, colon, and prostate cancers combined.
For information about participating in the study, please call 604.675.8088.
The BC Cancer Agency, an Agency of the Provincial Health Services Authority, is committed to reducing the incidence of cancer, reducing the mortality from cancer, and improving the quality of life of those living with cancer. It provides a comprehensive cancer control program for the people of British Columbia by working with community partners to deliver a range of oncology services, including prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment, research, education, supportive care, rehabilitation and palliative care. The BC Cancer Foundation raises funds to support research and enhancements to patient care at the BC Cancer Agency.
Contact:
Jinny Wu
Communications Specialist
BC Cancer Agency
604.877.6272
Toll-free: 1.800.663.3333, ex 6272
jwu2@bccancer.bc.ca
|
|
|