While State University of New York at Buffalo researchers are building the breathalyzer device, a pocket-sized portable chemical sensor that will test a person's breath to detect cancer -- a team of researchers at the University of Michigan have won a Breast Cancer Research Program Idea award to develop a portable device to test breath for the presence of metabolites associated with breast cancer. Previous studies have proven human breath from the body changes when disease is present.

The University of Michigan researchers explain that their inexpensive, early detection device will test breath for metabolites in the breath associated with breast cancer. In general, this idea seems to be gaining a good deal of attention, with more than one research facility working on its practical development, and I except one day we will see these over-the-counter devices available to the public. This type of innovation certainly deserves an award.

For cancer patients, it is a sad, but true fact, that drug companies will not back research into possible and promising new drugs to fight cancer if the potential for profit is not part of the equation. CLL Topics Inc. of Arizona and CLL Global Research Foundation of Texas, both non-profit organizations, are privately funding National Cancer Institute sponsored research in Mayo Clinic's human trials of an extract found in green tea, epigallocatechin gallate, to determine if the extract has any promise in the treatment for leukemia. The founders of both organizations suffered from chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Inexpensive drugs, over the counter drugs or drugs that cannot be patented, such as EGCG from green tea, are drugs that do not have an enormous profit potential. Abandoned by pharmaceutical companies from any research, these drugs are called orphan drugs.

While Kylie Minogue was undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer, she used the time to write a children's book. Puffin announced it will publish Showgirl Princess, saying the book "will appeal to little princesses everywhere who love to have fun" and that "little girls who dream of dressing up and going on stage" will enjoy it. Showgirl Princess, set to be released in September, is about Ms. Minogue, but not autobiographical in the strictest sense.

Kylie Minogue, 37, was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer in May 2005. In addition to the conventional medical treatments for breast cancer, Minogue used a variety of alternative therapies, including visualization practices, nutrition, massage and Reiki. Minogue has been spending time with her family in Melbourne, Australia, and tending to the garden. In the last year of facing life with cancer, she has made public comments regarding the transforming life experiences cancer has had on her priorities in life. She had indicated at the end of 2005 that she was writing a children's book as part of her new life as a breast cancer survivor.

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center researchers have announced study findings that suggest a higher intake of selenium may reduce the risk of advanced colorectal cancer. Selenium is a trace mineral that is essential to good health but required only in small amounts. The antioxidant properties of selenium prevents cellular damage from free radicals. Free radicals contribute to the development of cancer. Brazil nuts and tuna have the highest levels of selenium.

According to the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, observational studies indicate that death from cancer, including lung, colorectal, and prostate cancers, is lower among people with higher blood levels or intake of selenium. In addition, the incidence of nonmelanoma skin cancer is significantly higher in areas of the United States with low soil selenium content. Selenium may also prevent or slow tumor growth. Certain breakdown products of selenium are believed to prevent tumor growth by enhancing immune cell activity and suppressing development of blood vessels to the tumor.

University of Ulster, UU, researchers discovered compounds in virgin olive oil that may offer protection in the prevention of colon cancer. "The beneficial nature of the Mediterranean diet rich in olive oil is already well documented. Because the colon is one of the major cancer sites thought to be protected by olive oil, the UU research team studied the potential anti-cancer effects of virgin olive chemical compounds. Olive oil phenols protected cells from DNA damage," said Dr Chris IR Gill, UU lead researcher.

Extra virgin olive oil, high in mono-unsaturated fat and a good source of antioxidants, is one of the few oils that can be eaten without chemical processing. Olive oil has been found to be beneficial in its cancer prevention compounds for almost all cancers. It is believed that olive oil acts as an anti-inflammatory food. Inflammation is connected to the presence of cancer in the body. The UU researchers add more evidence to the body of knowledge about the cancer preventative benefits of olive oil.

Art for Recovery is an acclaimed healing arts program based in San Francisco. In a previous post, I featured the Art for Recovery: breast cancer quilts project. I am featuring some of the other Art for Recovery programs that enable cancer patients to share their thoughts and feelings through creative expression, as a resource for communities who might be interested in starting similar programs.

• Patient-Created Artwork: l000 pieces of art work and 500 framed works of art created at the bedside by people coping with cancer are displayed at the place the art was created or in curated exhibitions in the community.
• Breast Cancer Quilts Project: Creates quilt squares for hand-sewn quilts by women coping with breast cancer, images in memory of a loved one, and images which honor a friend coping with breast cancer.
• Firefly Project: Middle school and high school students exchange hand-written letters and personal artwork with adult patients who are coping with cancer.
  
• Spirit Project: 12-week program for anyone dealing with cancer. Women with breast cancer have the opportunity to create their own altars, memory boxes, hand-made journal books, mandalas, and meditation beads.
• Healing Garden Music Series: Live music performances in the UCSF Mount Zion Medical Center Lobby or in the healing garden.
• Healing Through Writing: Workshops for anyone dealing with cancer and its effects interested in writing and poetry as self-exploration, self-expression, and sharing. 
  
• Art Support Groups: Patients meet twice a month to receive support through the creative process. These ongoing groups offer an opportunity to explore deep feelings of anger, loss, pain and hope through art therapy and music.
  

Visit Art for Recovery for more information.

The New Medicine: Returning the Human Touch to High-Tech Care, a PBS two hour documentary hosted by Dana Reeve, will go ahead and air on March 29 at 9:00 ET. Filmed months before her death, the show explores the integration of the best of high-tech medicine with a new attitude that recognizes it is essential to the healing process to treat the patient as a whole person, and not a cog in an assembly line.

According to the documentary, the practice of medicine is on the brink of transformation. As scientific findings reveal that the mind plays a critical role in the body’s capacity to heal, the healthcare community is beginning to integrate this new understanding into effective treatment with the patient. In the preview for the show, Dana Reeves is shown speaking about her belief that hope had been a positive influence on her sense of wellbeing and health, and hope is something both her and Chris, her late husband, depended on to support a positive influence for health.

Hope is a light Dana Reeve shone for each of us, by the grace, dignity and strength in how she lived her life, and in the beauty of her spirit that lives on with us.

Strike at Cancer foundation is dedicated to the emotional support of cancer patients and their families. Strike at Cancer began as a fundraiser by family and friends to honor Mary Weigand, who had struggled with breast cancer for ten years, and to help others struggling with cancer. The first fundraiser was a bowling tournament fundraiser, and that is how the Strike at Cancer foundation name was born. Mary lost her battle with breast cancer shortly after the first fundraiser.

The Strike at Cancer foundation continues with its bowling tournament fundraisers each year, and offers two significant programs to help in the emotional support of cancer patients and their families. Our Healing Arts connects artists in the community with cancer treatment centers, giving cancer patients and caregivers an opportunity in finding their own expressive voice through an art form. Artists are high-caliber professionals from a variety of disciplines, including painting, photography, pottery & sculpture, music & dance. Strike at Cancer Healing Journals are a way for cancer patients to record their thoughts and emotions, as well as a place to track medical treatment, keep track of appointments, test results, medications, dosages, and insurance information. The journals are free to oncology professionals to share with their patients, or can be requested by individuals directly from the foundation.
 
The Weigand family has been personally touched by cancer more than once, first, when Mary Weigand was diagnosed with breast cancer, then when her son was diagnosed with testicular cancer, and recently, when Mary's 3-year-old grandchild was diagnosed with leukemia.

Exceptional Cancer Patients, ECaP, celebrates the potential of balance, inner peace and wholeness for people facing the challenges of cancer and other chronic illnesses, by creating a sanctuary of resources and retreats based upon the science of mind-body-spirit medicine. ECaP was founded by Dr. Bernie Siegel.

Dr. Siegel, who prefers to be called Bernie, one of the world's foremost physicians, best-selling authors, and motivational speakers, is a compassionate, caring and loving advocate for individuals who want to take an active role in their own healing process. With Dr. Barry Bittman, ECaP is dedicated to promoting a comprehensive integrative philosophy in the context of whole person, evidence-based care. ECaP's philosophy holds that life is to be celebrated, everyone's healing journey is unique, health and healing are a process, we are all teachers and students, we are here to learn and share our experiences, and love heals.

Just as the angels of heaven sing in melodic and lilting harmony, there are angels among us here on earth who use the language of music, singing our spirits into healing on translucent angel wings. The lyrics and music of Sandi Kimmel is as inspiring as the first rays of light at dawn, as joyful as the flutter of butterfly wings, as comforting as a warm cup of tea and as healing as the kindness and love of a friend. As a music healer and chronicler of the inner journey, Ms. Kimmel has met her calling here on earth with spiritual authenticity and wisdom. The healing power of her music is intended to make the struggles of life a little easier to handle. Many chemotherapy patients, their families and medical staff have played her music during treatment. TRANSITIONS, a collection of uplifting original songs about life’s most defining moments and challenging transitions, is recognized and valued in many healthcare settings for its healing properties, and has been distributed worldwide. MUSIC IN MY SOUL, is Ms. Kimmel's second collection of original music as a sharing of love and joy in these complex times. Music Healer is Ms. Kimmel's website, which features her lyrics, music and columns focusing on the healing power of music.

Kylie Minogue, 37, diagnosed with an aggressive type of breast cancer in May 2005, is reported to be in full remission. After eight months of surgeries and chemotherapy, she is said to be gaining weight and feeling optimistic about the future. In addition to the conventional medical treatments for breast cancer, Minogue used a variety of alternative therapies, including visualization practices, nutrition, massage and Reiki. Minogue is spending time with her family in Melbourne, Australia, tending to the garden and possibly writing a book for children. She plans on touring later this year.

As a long-term cancer survivor, Matthew Zachary understands the special life issues cancer survivors face after treatment ends. Steps For Living reflects the vision and passion of his understanding. When Zachary, a musician, was diagnosed with brain cancer 10 years ago, there were few resources available for anyone surviving cancer. Today, the world of survivorship is a world away from what it was when Zachary was first diagnosed. The real issues of survivorship are beginning to be realized and discussed at local and national levels. As a result, the resources for survivors continues to grow.

Steps For Living and Art of Survivorship are contributing to this growth of survivor resources with music and art. By bringing together a community of survivor-musicians, writers and visual artists, all with the intention of creating a series of programs and tools designed to bring both knowledge and hope to those in need, Zachary offers a unique and vital resource for survivors. As a cancer survivor, I know that Zachary expresses a clear vision and intuitive truth when I read the introduction to the Art of Survivorship community, which states: each of these individuals, when faced with a diagnosis of cancer, got busy living by choosing to create (express themselves), connect (share their stories) and unite (celebrate their survivorship through the arts.) Zachary understands, as only a survivor can.