Volume 9, Issue 2 - February 25, 2010

Home > About City of Hope > News & Media > eHope > Volume 9, Issue 2 - February 25, 2010

Quick Links

Volume 9, Issue 2 - February 25, 2010

Featured Story

		The other red fruit that can keep the doctor away
		Native to Persia and parts of India, the pomegranate has found its way into the diets of millions worldwide. Devotees have hailed its health benefits for centuries, and scientific evidence is beginning to back them up. Recent lab research suggests it might stunt breast cancer growth.

More News

Something in the air
Growing evidence links cigarette smoking to more than just lung cancer. Smokers are at risk for several malignancies, including breast cancer. A new study shows you don’t even have to be the one lighting up to suffer the effects.

The sweet and lowdown on diabetes
What do at least 24 million people share at a cost of about $175 billion a year? Type 2 diabetes. And even though the numbers are growing, there is hope. An expert on the disease gives the lowdown on how you can protect yourself.

From outer space to inner health
You don’t need a rocket scientist to treat brain cancer. Then again, it might help. Researchers are turning to space technology to boost the body’s defenses against brain tumor cells.

Did you know?

Breastfeeding lowers women’s risk of diabetes. In a study spanning two decades, researchers found that women who breastfed infants for more than nine months lowered their risk of metabolic syndrome by 56 percent. Metabolic syndrome is a group of risk factors linked to obesity or being overweight that increase the likelihood of diabetes, heart disease, stroke and other diseases. The researchers speculate that breastfeeding might help reduce belly fat — a risk factor named in metabolic syndrome — more quickly following pregnancy. For women who developed gestational diabetes in one or more pregnancies, the protective power of breastfeeding was even greater, reducing risk of metabolic syndrome after pregnancy by 86 percent. Breastfeeding for just a month also showed some benefit, but not as much.

Upcoming Events

Quarterly Opera Concert Series — LA Opera presents: Irish Inspirations		More info >>
LA Opera artists will present melodies capturing the Irish spirit to delight City of Hope patients and their families, employees and the community. Event is free; complimentary lunch for the first 250 attendees to arrive. Location: Cooper Auditorium, City of Hope campus in Duarte, Calif. Date and time: Mar. 2; noon to 1 p.m. R.S.V.P. and info: 626-301-8803 or lavila@coh.org

Ask the Experts — Colon Canswer		More info >>
Colon cancer is the third most common malignancy. March is Colon Cancer Awareness month, so join us for a discussion of the most current advances in research and treatment of the disease. Event is free; light refreshments served. Speakers: Julio Garcia-Aguilar, M.D., Ph.D., Donald David, M.D., Lily Lai, M.D., Stephen Shibata, M.D., and Canlan Sun, M.D., Ph.D., City of Hope Sponsor: City of Hope Location: Platt Conference Center, City of Hope, Duarte, Calif. Date and time: Mar. 18; 6 to 8 p.m. R.S.V.P. and info: 800-535-1390, ext. 65669

Strategies for Pain Control (Spanish)		More info >>
Offered in Spanish only, this free class will teach cancer patients, survivors, family and friends how to manage pain during cancer treatment and recovery. Event is free; reservations are required; light refreshments will be served and door prizes awarded. Speakers: Gloria Juarez, Ph.D., R.N., and Lina Mayorga, M.P.H., C.H.E.S., City of Hope Sponsors: Sheri & Les Biller Patient and Family Resource Center and City of Hope Location: Biller Patient and Family Resource Center, City of Hope, Duarte, Calif. Date and time: Mar. 24; 2:30 to 4 p.m. R.S.V.P. and info: 626-256-4673, ext. 64956 or magallo@coh.org

Desert Community Forum — Hitting Cancer Below the Belt		More info >>
Come learn the latest information on prevention, research and treatment of cancers “below the waist.” The event is free and open to the public. Speakers: Ernest S. Han, M.D., Ph.D., and David Josephson, M.D., City of Hope Sponsor: City of Hope Location: Mission Hills Country Club, Rancho Mirage, Calif. Date and time: March 25; 6:30 to 8 p.m. R.S.V.P. and info: 888-221-HOPE (4673) or RSVP@coh.org

View all upcoming events >>

Quick Poll

Which of these would make you see a doctor fastest?

New mole or skin lesion
Decreased appetite
A lump
Stomach ache
Sudden weight loss

Take the poll >>

Make a Gift

City of Hope is a new model of cancer center where medical research and clinical care come together and where scientific discoveries turn into newer, more effective patient treatments. Our research innovations become advances in compassionate care as quickly as possible, because people battling cancer and other serious diseases need better options — now. Join us

Go On, Just Ask

Do you have a suggested Q&A topic or specific question for our physicians? Please send your question or idea to ehope@coh.org. And stay tuned — it might end up in a future issue.