RESEARCH NEWS
Credit : Mayo Clinic
Native Hawaiians and Japanese Americans have higher risk of pancreatic cancer
Native Hawaiians and Japanese Americans have a higher risk than other ethnic / racial groups of developing pancreatic cancer according to new Multiethnic Cohort ( MEC ) Study findings by UH Cancer Center researchers published in Cancer Medicine .
“ Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest cancers . It only has a five-year survival rate of eight percent . There is no screening test for detecting pancreatic cancer early , when it is most curable . Thus , it is important to identify risk factors that are modifiable such as diet and lifestyle to prevent its occurrence ,” said Loic Le Marchand , MD , PhD , UH Cancer Center epidemiologist and study co-author .
Pancreatic cancer risk factors , such as family history of the disease , diabetes , obesity , smoking and red meat intake , did not explain the higher risk for Native Hawaiians and Japanese Americans . The study also confirmed previous studies that African Americans are known to be at increased risk for the disease as well .
“ A better understanding of the causes of this disease is still needed through new research . Currently , MEC research on pancreatic cancer is focused on conditions related to obesity which may be particularly important risk factors for the disease in the Hawai ‘ i population ,” said Le Marchand .
Nutrition study receives most cited award
study by UH Cancer Center nutritionist , Carol
A Boushey , PhD , MPH , “ The connecting health and technology study : a 6-month randomized controlled trial to improve nutrition behaviors using a mobile food record and text messaging support in young adults ” was recognized as the most cited randomized controlled trial paper published in 2016 by the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity . The goal of the study was to improve dietary intakes of fruits and vegetables , and reduce intakes of “ junk ” foods and sugar-sweetened beverages among young adults ( 18-30 years old ).
“ We may be able to translate the findings from this study to develop tailored messages for individuals that may aid with following higher quality diets , which are associated with more healthful body weights ,” said Boushey , co-investigator of the study .
Carol Boushey , PhD , MPH
Legislature funds research in liver cancer
State Representative John Mizuno , Chair of the Health and Human Service Committee , authored a new bill ( HB654 ) that will provide funding to the UH Cancer Center to support liver and bile duct cancer research . Mizuno mentioned , “ This is by far the most aggressive stride we have ever taken in the fight against liver and bile duct cancers .”
The bill was written after seeing studies put out by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the UH Cancer Center . According to these studies , Hawai ‘ i has one of the highest rates of liver cancer in the United States .
Funds from the bill will be used to study the relationship between the environment and genetics . Through researching biomarkers , personal backgrounds and environmental toxins in Hawai ‘ i , UH Cancer Center researchers could find a link that has resulted in the state ’ s high incidence .
After the bill passed , Mizuno added , “ today was a great day in our fight against liver and bile duct cancers , and Hawai ‘ i will be the world leader in this endeavor .”
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