International Agency for Research on Cancer

About: International Agency for Research on Cancer is a government organization based out in Lyon, France. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Cancer. The organization has 2989 authors who have published 9010 publications receiving 929752 citations. The organization is also known as: IARC.

Weight control and physical activity in cancer prevention: International evaluation of the evidence

Abstract: To evaluate the evidence for the role of weight control and physical activity in cancer prevention and to identify priorities for research and for public health action in relation to the primary prevention of cancer, an international working group of experts was convened in Lyon in February 2001 by the International Agency for Research on Cancer of the World Health Organization. The expert group concluded that limiting weight gain during adult life, thereby avoiding overweight and obesity, reduces the risk of postmenopausal breast cancer and cancers of the colon, endometrium, kidney (renal cell) and esophagus (adenocarcinoma). Limiting weight gain possibly reduces risk of cancer of the thyroid. Weight loss among overweight or obese persons possibly reduces risks of these cancers, but no definite conclusion can be drawn because of the paucity of the epidemiological evidence. The working group also concluded that there was sufficient evidence for the role of physical activity in preventing colon and breast cancers, and limited evidence for the cancers of the prostate and endometrium. Some of these effects were independent of that of the weight control. Taken together, the working group considered that excess body weight and physical inactivity account for approximately a quarter to one-third of cancers of the colon, breast, endometrium, kidney (renal cell) and esophagus (adenocarcinoma). Thus adiposity and physical inactivity appear to be the most important avoidable causes of these cancers.

Cancer in Africa 2012

Abstract: Background:Non-communicable diseases, and especially cancers, are recognized as an increasing problem for low- and middle income countries. Effective control programmes require adequate information on the size, nature, and evolution of the health problem which they pose. Methods:We present estimates of the incidence and mortality of cancer in Africa in 2012, derived from "Globocan 2012", published by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Results: There were 847,000 new cancer cases (6% of the world total) and 591,000 deaths (7.2% of the world total) in the 54 countries of Africa in 2012. While the cancer profiles often differ markedly between regions, the most common cancers in men were prostate (16.4% of new cancers), liver (10.7%) and Kaposi sarcoma (6.7%); in women, by far the most important are cancers of the breast (27.6% of all cancers) and cervix uteri (20.4%). Conclusions: These results are based on the best data currently available, and provide a reasonable appraisal of the cancer situation in Africa. With the number of annual cancer cases and deaths likely to increase by at least 70% by 2030 there is a pressing need for a coordinated approach to improving the extent and quality of services for cancer control in Africa, and better surveillance systems with which they can be planned and monitored. Impact:The need for developing cancer surveillance systems in Africa for planning and monitoring cancer prevention and control in the region.

Transplacental Effects of 3′-Azido-2′,3′-Dideoxythymidine (AZT): Tumorigenicity in Mice and Genotoxicity in Mice and Monkeys

Abstract: Background: When given during pregnancy, the drug 3'-azido-2',3'-dideoxy-thymidine (AZT) substantially reduces maternal-fetal transmission of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). However, AZT has been shown to be carcinogenic in adult mice after lifetime oral administration. In this study, we assessed the transplacental tumorigenic and genotoxic effects of AZT in the offspring of CD-1 mice and Erythrocebus patas monkeys given AZT orally during pregnancy. Methods: Pregnant mice were given daily doses of either 12.5 or 25.0 mg AZT on days 12 through 18 of gestation (last 37% of gestation period). Pregnant monkeys were given a daily dose of 10.0 mg AZT 5 days a week for the last 9.5-10 weeks of gestation (final 41%-43% of gestation period). AZT incorporation into nuclear and mitochondrial DNA and the length of chromosomal end (telomere) DNA were examined in multiple tissues of newborn mice and fetal monkeys. Additional mice were followed from birth and received no further treatment until subjected to necropsy and complete pathologic examination at 1 year of age. An anti-AZT radioimmunoassay was used to monitor AZT incorporation into DNA. Results: At 1 year of age, the offspring of AZT-treated mice exhibited statistically sig nificant, dose-dependent increases in tumor incidence and tumor multiplicity in the lungs, liver, and female reproductive organs. AZT incorporation into nuclear and mitochondrial DNA was detected in multiple organs of transplacentally exposed mice and monkeys. Shorter chromosomal telomeres were detected in liver and brain tissues from most AZT-exposed newborn mice but not in tissues from fetal monkeys. Conclusions : AZT is genotoxic in fetal mice and monkeys and is a moderately strong transplacental carcinogen in mice examined at 1 year of age. Careful long-term follow-up of AZT-exposed children would seem to be appropriate.

COVID-19 pandemic: Effects and evidence-based recommendations for otolaryngology and head and neck surgery practice.

Abstract: The 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a highly contagious zoonosis produced by SARS-CoV-2 that is spread human-to-human by respiratory secretions. It was declared by the WHO as a public health emergency. The most susceptible populations, needing mechanical ventilation, are the elderly and people with associated comorbidities. There is an important risk of contagion for anesthetists, dentists, head and neck surgeons, maxillofacial surgeons, ophthalmologists, and otolaryngologists. Health workers represent between 3.8% and 20% of the infected population; some 15% will develop severe complaints and among them, many will lose their lives. A large number of patients do not have overt signs and symptoms (fever/respiratory), yet pose a real risk to surgeons (who should know this fact and must therefore apply respiratory protective strategies for all patients they encounter). All interventions that have the potential to aerosolize aerodigestive secretions should be avoided or used only when mandatory. Health workers who are: pregnant, over 55 to 65 years of age, with a history of chronic diseases (uncontrolled hypertension, diabetes mellitus, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, and all clinical scenarios where immunosuppression is feasible, including that induced to treat chronic inflammatory conditions and organ transplants) should avoid the clinical attention of a potentially infected patient. Health care facilities should prioritize urgent and emergency visits and procedures until the present condition stabilizes; truly elective care should cease and discussed on a case-by-case basis for patients with cancer. For those who are working with COVID-19 infected patients' isolation is compulsory in the following settings: (a) unprotected close contact with COVID-19 pneumonia patients; (b) onset of fever, cough, shortness of breath, and other symptoms (gastrointestinal complaints, anosmia, and dysgeusia have been reported in a minority of cases). For any care or intervention in the upper aerodigestive tract region, irrespective of the setting and a confirmed diagnosis (eg, rhinoscopy or flexible laryngoscopy in the outpatient setting and tracheostomy or rigid endoscopy under anesthesia), it is strongly recommended that all health care personnel wear personal protective equipment such as N95, gown, cap, eye protection, and gloves. The procedures described are essential in trying to maintain safety of health care workers during COVID-19 pandemic. In particular, otolaryngologists, head and neck, and maxillofacial surgeons are per se exposed to the greatest risk of infection while caring for COVID-19 positive subjects, and their protection should be considered a priority in the present circumstances.