March 11, 2010
BY MIKE STOBBE AP MEDICAL WRITER ATLANTA (AP) — The American Cancer Society is warning more explicitly than ever that regular testing for prostate cancer is of questionable value, and can do men more harm than good. Two big studies last year suggested prostate cancer screening doesn’t necessarily save lives, and any benefits can come at a high price. The widely used PSA test often spots cancers too slow-growing to be deadly. It can yield false-positive readings that result in unnecessary biopsies. And it can lead to treatments that can cause impotence and incontinence. But some doctors and advocates are troubled by the new guidelines. “Prostate cancer is still something to be respected if not feared, and we still need to be vigilant,” said Dr. David Roberts, medical director of an Atlanta clinic. “I hope primary care docs or insurance companies don’t use the ‘softening’ of the guidelines as an excuse to not do screening at all.” Dr. Stephen Freedland, an associate professor of urology at Duke University Medical Center, warned that the medical establishment seems to be moving backward on cancer screening. “We have seen dramatic drops in mortality from breast, prostate and cervical (cancer) at a time when screening has been increasing, and now we are stepping off the pedal,” he said. “I don’t think that is the right answer.” The cancer society’s new guidance released March 3 urges doctors to: • Discuss the pros and cons of testing with patients, offering written information or videos that discuss the likelihood of false test results and the side effects of treatment. • Stop routinely giving the rectal exam because it has not clearly shown a benefit, though it can remain an option. • Use past PSA readings to determine how often follow-up tests are needed and to guide conversations about treatment. Prostate cancer screening became a medical mantra in the 1990s, thanks to the development of the PSA test. For American men, prostate cancer is the second-deadliest cancer after lung cancer. An estimated 192,000 new cases and 27,000 deaths from it occurred last year in the United States. But it is often a slow-growing cancer. Another problem with the PSA test is that an elevated or fast-rising PSA reading can indicate the presence of cancer, but can also be caused by something minor, such as an infection or an enlarged prostate. A biopsy is needed to confirm cancer, and that can cause unnecessary pain and fear. The new recommendations could be “game changers” in two respects, said Dr. John Davis, a urologist who directs prostate cancer screening for the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. First, it may mean many doctors will stop routinely giving the PSA test, he said. About 41 percent of men 50 and older get annual prostate cancer screenings, he said. Second, the guidelines could have a chilling effect on community screening clinics in which hundreds of men line up and get free, quick exams, Davis said. That was the intent, said Dr. Andrew Wolf, a University of Virginia physician who led the group that wrote the new guidelines. Last year, the American Urological Association — a longtime proponent of regular prostate screening — backed off its call for annual tests after age 50. The group said men should be offered a baseline test at 40, with follow-ups based on each man’s situation. The group also has stood by the rectal exam as a standard part of screening, saying it can find cancer that the blood test does not. Men at higher risk, including blacks and men with a father or brother who had prostate cancer before age 65, should get the information beginning at 45. Early prostate cancer has no symptoms. Advanced disease may interfere with urination or cause blood in the urine. There are few good treatments for very advanced cases, though researchers reported March 3 that an experimental drug extended survival by 10 weeks. They were hopeful that the drug, cabazitaxel, might be more effective in stopping earlier cancers. Associated Press Writer Stephanie Nano in New York contributed to this report. |
March 11, 2010
Construction to Close Blue Line from Washington to 7th/Metro Center (Metro) — Metro Blue Line passengers will experience travel delays of up to 40 minutes through March 15 due to construction of the Expo light rail line, which will connect with the Metro Blue Line in downtown Los Angeles. The Metro stations affected will be: San Pedro, Grand Avenue, Pico/Chick Hearn and 7th/Metro Center. Rail service from the Washington Station to Long Beach Transit Mall will not be affected. Metro will implement a bus bridge to serve these stations from the 7th/Metro Center to and from Washington Station. There also will be Metro personnel at the Washington and 7th/Metro Center stations to help direct patrons. Further information: (213) 922-4999, www.metro.net. Remember to Fill out Census Form and Mail Back by April 1 (Asian Pacific American Legal Center) — With Census Day approaching on April 1, the U.S. Census Bureau is preparing to notify households of what to expect in the upcoming weeks, and communities could respond by carefully reading all Census-related materials sent to their households and seeking help if they have any questions about Census 2010. Starting on March 15, Census forms will be mailed to all households. The bureau is asking everyone to complete the forms and mail them back by April 1. Questionnaire Assistance Centers (QACs) will be open in various locations from March 19 to April 19. Anyone who needs assistance or has questions about how to fill out the forms can go to a QAC. More information: www.2010. census.gov. ‘Million Meals for Haiti’ Volunteer Opportunity Volunteers are needed to help the Salvation Army pack a million meals in 24 hours for earthquake-ravaged Haitians March 12 to 13 at the Bell Shelter Warehouse, 5600 Rickenbacker Road, Building 1C and 1D, Bell. Volunteers will receive an official confirmation from The Salvation Army. Information: (213) 607-7314. |
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March 11, 2010
MUSIC  • Jazz icon Dianne Reeves will premiere new music at the Luckman Fine Arts Complex March 13, 8 p.m. This performance by Reeves will include music from her latest album “When You Know,” a collection of songs based on the theme of love including some pop and jazz standards, in addition to her own original compositions. Luckman Fine Arts Complex is at California State University, Los Angeles, 5151 State University Drive, Los Angeles. Tickets are $35 and up. Information: (323) 343-6600, luckmanarts.org.
• In support of his latest CD “Umbo Weti: Tribute to Leon Thomas,” the Babatunde Lea Quintet will perform March 11, 8 p.m., at Catalina’s Jazz Club, 6725 W. Sunset Blvd., Hollywood. The event will feature Babatunde Lea on drums and percussion, Dwight Trible on vocals, Ernie Watts on tenor sax, Patrice Rushen on acoustic piano, and Gary Brown on acoustic bass. Information: (323) 466-2210. FILM • The Pan African Film & Arts Festival will feature “41st & Central: The Untold Story of the L.A. Black Panthers” for one week beginning March 26 at the Culver Plaza Theatres, 9919 Washington Blvd., Los Angeles. The documentary series follows the Southern California Chapter of the Black Panther Party from its Black Power beginnings through to its demise. Information: paff.org. THEATER • “PLAY/ground,” the annual play festival from March 13 to 14, will take place at Boston Court Performing Arts Center, 70 N. Mentor Ave., Pasadena. This year’s lineup includes “The Nature of Mutation,” by John Walch, directed by Abigail Deser; “Breadcrumbs,” by Jennifer Haley, directed by Michetti; and other plays. “The Nature of Mutation” will be read March 13, 12:30 p.m., followed by “Breadcrumbs” at 3:30. The free readings are open to the public. Reservation information: (626) 683-6883. • “The Emperor’s Last PerfImageormance” opens March 26, 8 p.m., and runs through April 4, at Los Angeles TheatreCenter, Theatre 4, 514 S. Spring St., Los Angeles. There will be a preview March 25, 8 p.m. Regular show times will be Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 3 and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 3 and 7 p.m. The play traces the career of Charles Sidney Gilpin (1878-1930) from 1920, before he was cast in “The Emperor Jones,” until 1930, and his farewell performance in that role. Gilpin was one of the earliest African American stars on the Broadway stage. General admission is $30. Student admission is $20. Reservations: (213) 489-0994, ext. 107, www. thelatc.org. LUNCHEON, FASHION SHOW • Eta Phi Beta Sorority Inc., Kappa Chapter, will hold its Annual Scholarship Luncheon and Fashion Show on March 20, 11:30 a.m., at the Reef Restaurant, 880 Harbor Scenic Drive, Long Beach. Information: Ella C. Evans, (323) 232-4959. |
March 11, 2010
Community Health, Resource and Book Fair Scheduled All Peoples Christian Center will host its 13th Annual Community Health, Resource & Book Fair March 27, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event is part of All Peoples Christian Center’s efforts to inform and educate the community on ways of adapting healthier behaviors and providing preventive services. The fair will include free health screenings, college information, and activities for the entire family. All Peoples Christian Center is at 822 E. 20th St., Los Angeles. Admission and services are free. Information: (213) 747-6357, ext. 33, sramos@allpeoplescc.org. Obama Pitches Health Plan in Spirited Appearance GLENSIDE, Pa. (AP) — Stirring memories of his campaign for the White House, President Barack Obama made a spirited, shirt-sleeved appeal for passage of long-stalled health care changes March 8 as Democratic congressional leaders worked behind the scenes on legislation they hope can quickly gain passage. “Let’s seize reform. It’s within our grasp,” the president implored his audience at Arcadia University, the first outside-the-Beltway appearance since he vowed recently to do everything in his power to push his health care plan into law. The president’s pitch was part denunciation of insurance companies — “they continue to ration care on the basis of who’s sick and who’s healthy,” he said — and part criticism of his Republican critics. “You had 10 years. What happened? What were you doing?” he taunted members of a party that held the White House for eight years and control of Congress for a dozen. The outcome could affect almost every American, changing the ways they receive and pay for health care — and extending coverage to tens of millions more people — if the legislation gains final approval. Board of Supervisors Approve Funding for Mental Health Center (Mark Ridley-Thomas’ Office) — The Board of Supervisors has approved about $3.5 million in funding for Phase II of the Augustus F. Hawkins Comprehensive Mental Health Center Psychiatric Inpatient Unit Refurbishment Project in the Second District. The renovations will allow the Mental Health and Health Services departments to consolidate psychiatric inpatient, outpatient and urgent care services, previously provided at both Augustus Hawkins and Ingleside. On Jan. 18, 2005, the board approved Phase 1 of the project, which addressed inpatient care regulatory compliance and patient safety requirements. Phase II will include the renovations of restrooms to make them ADA compliant and seismic upgrades of wards in the facility. During the refurbishing, existing psychiatric services at Hawkins will not be adversely impacted. Research: Vitamin D Helps Fight Juvenile Diabetes (Got Milk?) — Research finds that children who get their daily dose of Vitamin D have a reduced risk of developing Type 1 diabetes — the second most common chronic disease in kids today second to asthma. The disease could lead to blindness, kidney failure and heart problems. A recent finding in the journal Diabetologia shows that sun exposure, the number one source of Vitamin D, can reduce the risk of developing Type 1 diabetes. Additionally, an author of the study, Dr. Cedric Garland of the University of California, San Diego Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, says foods rich in Vitamin D could aid in this effort. Garland has highlighted some tips for parents on how to keep their kids healthy with Vitamin D. 1. Outdoor play. Kids can get Vitamin D from sunlight. Experts suggest children go outside and play for 10 to 15 minutes daily between 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Limit unprotected sun exposure to that time period and apply sunscreen afterward. 2. Watch out for supplements. While supplements are readily available in stores, Garland says not all supplements are created equal. Vitamin D3, or cholecalciferol, is the most effective form of Vitamin D supplement. To read the study and to learn more tips on how to prevent Vitamin D deficiency, visit, www.gotmilk.com |
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