May 4, 2001

In This Issue:
Beatle Harrison Has Surgery, MRI Diagnoses Breast Cancer, Coaching For Pain, Suing for Relief, Info on Supplements, and Cell Phone Study

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THE LATEST NEWS

MRI May Be Best Diagnostic Option For Women At High Risk Of Breast Cancer

Coaching Sessions Help Cancer Patients Fight Pain

Suing For Pain Relief

UK Cannabis Tests Offer Pain Sufferers New Hope

No Benefit From Extending Tamoxifen Beyond 5 Years

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BEATLE GEORGE HARRISON HAS CANCER SURGERY

The Associated Press reported Thursday, that Beatle George Harrison, 58, had lung cancer surgery at Mayo Clinic recently and was now relaxing in Tuscany, Italy. Harrison was previously treated for throat cancer in the late 1990s. ``I got it purely from smoking,'' he has said, although he "gave up cigarettes many years ago..." For the full article, see The New York Times, Thursday, May 3:

http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/arts/AP-Britain-George-Harrison.html?searchpv=aponline

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DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS ONLINE

The Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) has created a list of links to organizations with expertise in dietary supplements, including government agencies, research institutions, scientific groups, and associations. The material is for information purposes only and does not represent endorsement by any other Federal agency; but it's a good starting place if you're looking for more information on dietary issues.

http://dowland.cit.nih.gov/odp/ods/links/links.html

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LONG-TERM CELL PHONE USERS AND BRAIN TUMORS

Some studies of cell-phone use have looked at cell phone use over the previous 3 years. More data is needed on longer-term cellular telephone exposure and brain tumor development. The aim of one study is to investigate ionizing radiation, because it is a well-established risk factor for brain tumors, according to the researchers, which necessitates a large epidemiological study. Any diagnosed brain tumor patient, over 18 years of age, can contact researchers via email at: research@neurosurgeryforum.com. Researchers will contact interested participants to complete a short questionnaire. Information and requests can be mailed to: Brain Tumor Research Dept. of Neurosurgery, Room 329 Munger Pavilion New York Medical College Valhalla, NY 10595 Attn: Dr. Amirlak. The questions will also be posted on the study web site at: www.neurosurgeryforum.com.