Who knows which pieces of cancer information floating around out there are actually true? I don't. Do cell phones cause cancer? Some say yes, some say no, I say I'm confused! Luckily, I happened upon this Discovery Health article that highlights a variety of myths and then offers the lowdown on each one. Here are seven of them:

Myth #1. There is currently a cure for cancer, but the medical industry won't tell the public about it because they make too much money treating cancer patients.

Chalk this up to urban legend. And consider this: doctors, laboratory scientists, and their families and friends die of cancer at the same rate as everyone else in the United States. How about this: medical breakthroughs happen all the time and are quickly applied. Think about antibiotics and vaccines -- like the polio vaccine -- that have transformed health care. How about this? Not too long ago, less than one in 10 kids with leukemia survived 10 years. Now, the cure rate is nearly 80 percent. Seems like progress to me.

Business is business. Maybe it's about making a difference in the world of consumers but mostly, it's about making money. I get that -- and if I owned my own company and offered some sort of product, surely my goal would be to reap a financial reward. And if I wanted to increase my reward, I guess I would consider new markets, new advertising, and new techniques for hauling in loads of cash.

So I see what's going on with the new Camel No. 9 cigarettes, in their hot-pink fuscia and minty-teal green packages with the slogan Light and Luscious. I understand this brand is targeting female smokers with enticing wording that Camel maker R.J. Reynolds executives say is meant to suggest dressed to the nines, putting on your best. I even get that it's a pretty savvy strategy. But somehow, it all seems so wrong.

In a world where more women die of lung cancer than breast cancer -- by a large margin -- how can anyone, even business people whose sights are set on profits, feel OK with the decision to encourage women to smoke?

Think about these passages that just recently published in a New York Times article:

Wall Street analysts praise the introduction of Camel No. 9, in regular and menthol flavors, as a further step by the R. J. Reynolds, a unit of Reynolds American, toward a new marketing strategy. The goal is to refocus on the biggest, most popular -- and most profitable -- brands, which include Kool as well as Camel.

"What we're about is giving adult smokers a choice," says one executive, "with products we believe are more appealing than existing products." The introduction of Camel No. 9 is part of plans to "focus on products that are 'wow,' " she added, "that add fun and excitement to the category."

Fun and excitement? Believe me, there's nothing fun and exciting about cancer. Now if I could only package that truth and market it to the world. I suspect I'd be a rich woman -- and I don't mean financially.

Alese was diagnosed with Hodgkin's disease when she was seventeen years old. This was back in November of 2001 and Alese has been fighting this disease on and off since that time.

After her initial treatment of the standard chemotherapy regimen for Hodgkin's, Alese had her first recurrence after only four months. Alese then received a stem cell transplant in December of 2002 and she was cancer free for two years. On November 18, 2004 it was found that Alese had another recurrence of Hodgkin's.

I have been reading Alese's journal on her blog called Alese Coco Fight 2 Win. She is a courageous young women. You can read her story here, it is very inspirational.

It has been a scary weekend since Alese's family were told that they might have to start making 'end of life' decisions. Alese was having many complications from her disease that it was threatening to take her life. Thankfully, it seems things are looking better this morning. Check out her journal and if you like leave an encouraging message!

I read a two articles about treatments for recurrence of rhabdomyosarcoma recently. I first got interested in this childhood and young adult cancer when I read Karen's blog. Karen was diagnosed as a young adult and wants to raise awareness for this rare cancer, sometimes just called rhabdo, that does not have a great survival rate. I did a post about her and her cancer journey that you can read called Raising awareness about rhabdomyosarcoma.

This brings me to the two articles that I recently read about treatments for recurrent rhabdomyosarcoma:

A Phase II clinical trial was published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. The drug Camptosar (irinotecan) reduced or eliminated detectable cancer in 11 percent of the children who had relapsed rhabdomyosarcoma. The study states that patients with recurrent disease have a very poor prognosis. Eleven percent, (four out of thirty five patients), does not seem like a very high success rate however, these trials are needed to find treatments to improve survival for this deadly cancer.

The other article I read was also published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. It states that treatment with the chemotherapy drug combination of Camptosar (irinotecan) and vincristine reduced or eliminated detectable cancer in 70 percent of children with metastatic rhabdomyosarcoma. It stated that treatment alone with Camptosar is not good enough. The combination of Camptosar and vincristine, 70 percent of children experienced a partial or complete disappearance of detectable cancer. This is better news!

You can read more about rhabdomyosarcoma in the post called Cancer by the Numbers: Rhabdomyosarcoma.

Environmental groups claim some children's bath products contain a suspected cancer-causing chemical in amounts that reach or exceed safe limits. The chemical in question -- 1,4-dioxane -- is found in products made by companies such as Johnson and Johnson, Disney, Kimberly-Clark, and Gerber, says David Steinman, head of the environmental publishing company Freedom Press.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) calls this chemical, already known to cause cancer in animals, a probable human carcinogen. But there is no real regulation on the petroleum-derived chemical and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) only recommends cosmetic companies limit the concentration of 1,4-dioxane to 10 parts per million (ppm).

Studies show Johnson's Kids Shampoo Watermelon Explosion contains the maximum recommended level of 10 ppm. They also reveal that Kid Care's Hello Kitty Bubble Bath contains 12.3 ppm of the chemical. And two adult shampoos have been found to have twice the recommended level of this chemical that is typically a manufacturing by-product.

It's been reported that nearly 57 percent of all baby soaps contain 1,4-dioxane. But Iris Grossman, director of communications at Johnson and Johnson, stresses that all of her products are within FDA limits.

Cancer is not the only risky link to children's bath products. It seems these items are also linked to early puberty development. And this is concerning because a fast-paced growth rate combined with children's porous skin increases susceptibility to toxins that can enter the bloodstream. One breast cancer expert says an increase in breast cancer risk is linked to toxic exposures during the formative years of life.

A clinical study involving 1,000 prostate cancer patients was stopped this week by Southwest Oncology Group in Michigan due to concerns the treatment may have caused leukemia in three of the participants.

The men in the study received the chemotherapy drug mitoxantrone, thought to possibly improve survival rates for those with poor prognoses following prostate surgery. But before results could be measured, leukemia struck and researchers halted the study, declaring the leukemia findings "an unacceptable risk to patients."

While the assumption is that the drug caused the leukemia -- a disease commonly associated with children and the elderly -- it's still unproved at this point.

Mitoxantrone is not a worthless drug, say some experts. Since its release a decade ago, it has been used to decrease bone pain for men with advanced prostate cancer and to treat multiple sclerosis and, ironically, adult leukemia.

Smoking is not an easy habit to break, and of the many methods tried, only a handful seem to work. Of the methods that do seem to work -- nicotine-replacement products; bupropion drugs; counseling; classes; calling a helpline or talking to a health professional -- younger smokers between the ages of 16 and 24 years who smoke and try to quit only use one of the recommended methods of help by talking to a professional. Because of this, younger smokers are less likely to be successful in quitting, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

During the 2003 National Youth Smoking Cessation Survey, the CDC found that younger smokers most often tried to quit smoking by cutting back on the number of cigarettes they smoked each day; not buying cigarettes; exercising; using the buddy system and trying to quit with a friend; telling others they were quitting and changing to a lighter brand of cigarette, switching to chewing tobacco, snuff, or other tobacco products. None of these methods are recommended by the US Public Health Service.

According to the National Youth Smoking Cessation Survey, 77 percent of younger smokers have tried to quit at least once without success. Over a third have tried to quit smoking numerous times without success. Researchers suggest that many younger smokers may need help with other high-risk behaviors such as binge drinking; depression or ADD/ADHD.

If you are a younger smoker who is trying to quit, the CDC encourages you to call 1-800-QUIT-NOW or talk to your physician about methods that might lead to more success. The 2-page summary of the National Youth Smoking Cessation Survey is available as a pdf document.

Although there are more cancer survivors alive today than ever before, being told you have cancer can still leave you standing in the darkest place of your life, as you face the challenge of fighting a disease that threatens to take your life sooner than you expected your life might end. Finding the thinnest sliver of light lingering at the outer edge of your new reality, and then pulling that light towards you so that it fills and replaces the darkness is an act of optimism creating hope in its purest form.

When 26-year-old graphic designer Chad McComsey was diagnosed with Hodgkins lymphoma, he decided to start a t-shirt design business as a way to stay focused on something positive and as a way to help with the financial costs of cancer treatment.

Starting a t-shirt business had been a dream of McComsey's for some time, and now it seemed the perfect time to make his dream a reality. As the practicality of his dream took form, he was reading Ernest Hemingway's biography. Hemingway's mantra was "Above all, endure." This became the slogans for McComsey's t-shirts.

You can find McComsey's t-shirts at MySpace and on the website Endure.

I'm Too Young For This! (i2y) is a recently launched portal for adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors. Featured i2y resources and support services include survivor spa retreats, online forums and blogs, social networking, camping excursions, fertility education, peer counseling, and financial scholarships.

"The i2y website is primed to become a premiere online resource for AYAs with cancer by eliminating the stress and hassle of navigating through thousands of search engine results," said Matthew Zachary, founder and executive director of Steps For Living and an 11-year young adult survivor of pediatric brain cancer. "Our goal to make I'm Too Young For This! the first place adolescents and young adults with cancer think of to go when in search of credible, targeted support programs, tools and services."

"This website is just what the doctor ordered. Now, with the click of a mouse, they can instantly connect with a universe of others just like them." Doug Ulman, Chief Mission Officer for the Lance Armstrong Foundation and a 10-year young adult survivor says, "We are pleased that Steps For Living is dedicated to making a difference in cancer advocacy for this community."

To raise awareness for the i2y organization, the AYA Steps For Living musician/cancer survivors have released a 21-track benefit CD featuring their original songs and music. You can listen to the playlist here. Included in the album is an i2y online resource guide.

The tagline of i2y reads: Got Cancer? Under 40? Sucks, huh? Get Busy Living. Indeed, if you are between the ages of 15-39, i2y is a destination meant just for you. If you are a caregiver or friend of a teen or young adult who is facing the challenges of cancer survivorship, let them know about i2y. This is a phenomenal group of artists, musicians, writers and photographers who, as young adult cancer survivors, got busy living. Visit I'm Too Young For This! to learn more.

Stapling the stomach of an obese child is a last resort, but the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has issued a stamp of approval for bariatric surgery as part of a national guideline aimed at reducing obesity in children and minimizing the long-term adverse health effects that being overweight has on health.

This is the NICE organization's effort to find solutions to England's rising obesity epidemic where the number of overweight and obese people in the last quarter century has tripled.

Stomach stapling is not the only solution, but it is now an approved option. Other recommendations include the following: local authorities working with local partners, such as industry and voluntary organizations, to create safe spaces for physical activity; providing cycling and walking routes, cycle parking, area maps and safe play areas; creating pedestrian-friendly streets; designing building and spaces to encourage more physical activity; requiring schools to provide an environment that promotes healthy eating and physical exercise; healthcare professionals taking the time to educate and give advice on how to maintain a healthy weight; raising public awareness and encouraging daily physical activities such as walking, cycling, swimming, aerobics or gardening.

Obesity cannot go unchecked and it is a threat to the health and welfare of children and adults alike, as obesity is linked to greater increased risks for a number of life-threatening diseases like heart disease, diabetes and cancer. But, it is uncomfortable to think that one of the solutions to childhood obesity is a scalpel. The NICE press release New NICE guideline calls for urgent action to stem the rising tide of obesity in England and Wales is available as a pdf document here.

First Descents strives to become the leader in innovative camps supporting young adults with cancer. Using Kayaking, extreme sports and professional athletes, First Descents offers young adults with cancer outdoor experiences that will forever change their lives.

Each camp session is limited to fifteen campers per session, ensuring individualized care and medical attention. All meals, accommodations and camp activities are provided to campers free of charge.

Contributions to First Descents can be made in memory of a loved on or in honor of a birthday, anniversary or special occasion of a family member or friend. Also, First Descents would appreciate any donated equipment that is in relatively new and working condition.

Every donation to First Descents helps to provide a cost-free camp experience for a young adult cancer survivor.

In July I had written a post titled Raising awareness about alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, about a young adult named Karin who was diagnosed with the disease in December of 2001. Karin created a blog to raise awareness for alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma. She continues to raise awareness and now she is setting her goal even higher, to raise money to research the disease.

In October of this year Karin Isabelle Dubois founded Fit2cure. It is a non-profit organization selling stylish products and apparel. The Fit2cure team is currently in its product development phase for their online store. Karin is realizing how hard it can be to get all this going, however with the help of her family and friends the Fit2cure products will hopefully be available soon.

Save the link in your favorites and check back later to order some of Karin's merchandise to support rhabdomyosarcoma research!

I came across Courtney's webpage last week and have been reading updates every day since. Her mom is keeping friends and family updated on Courney's progress at her website called Courtney Nicole. Right now Courtney is in the hospital on day +19 after receiving a bone marrow transplant. Her brother Gabe was a match and became Courtney's donor.

Courtney's mom lives at the hospital with her daughter, day and night watching and waiting for her to recover. Thats what moms do. It just breaks my heart knowing that Courtney is suffering each day not able to be given any food or liquids because of complications from the chemotherapy/bone marrow transplant.

Courtney was first diagnosed with Leukemia (ALL) in September of 2000. This is her second time battling the disease. I thought that it would be nice to have some survivors, moms of survivors or anyone for that matter to leave a message on Courtney's guestbook. I know I'm going to!

From Blabbermouth: Eddie Van Halen has developed a cure for cancer. Yep. Is he telling anyone what the cure is? Nope. Did smoking cause his two bouts of oral cancer? According to Eddie Van Halen, smoking did not cause his cancer, and he still smokes. What caused his cancer? He speculates it might have been the metal guitar pick he used.

This story comes from Launch Radio Networks, who reported on the Sirius Satellite Radio conversation Eddie Van Halen had with Howard Stern last Friday. I didn't hear the radio program, as my tolerance for Stern is low, but I do regret I missed this conversation.

I feel as if some significant portion of the conversation got left out in the retelling of the event -- but if not -- what do you mean you have a cure for cancer but you are not telling anyone? Metal guitar pick? Eddie, please stop talking about cancer. I am a huge fan but this sounds utterly nonsensical.

Anyone else listen to this call-in from Eddie Van Halen to the Howard Stern Show?

Ashley was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma in 2003. Earlier that year Ashley felt a lump and went to her doctor immediately. She was reassured that it was most likely nothing to worry about. In July she found another lump and her diagnoses was confirmed after returning to the doctor.

The cancer had spread from her neck to her chest, left lung and spleen. Ashley underwent six months of chemotherapy. In March of 2004 Ashley was in remission.

She then dedicated her life to putting together a cancer fundraiser to raise money for lymphoma research. Ashley wanted to give something back.

One week before her Keep on Swimming Gala Ashley was told her cancer had returned. This time the cancer had spread to her neck, chest, lungs, spleen and liver. This development led to Ashley receiving high dose chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant.

Ashley was an amazing girl. I kept up with her blog called Ashley's Journal. I was so sad to hear that she passed away on April 22, 2006. She left a great legacy behind and did so much for such a young girl.

I can't really put into words how brave and admiring she was so I'm going to quote one of her postings on her blog dated February of this year.

"The words palliative and terminal have come up this week. BUT ...they always come with and IF or a WHEN!! These two words are my HOPE. I am still fighting this disease and I haven't give up or surrendered. Yes, these are very scary times but I am also witnessing my bodies amazing ability to heal"