On October 23, seven-time Tour de France winner and testicular cancer survivor Lance Armstrong, with attend a day-long meeting in Lexington, Kentucky as a member of the President's Cancer Panel to discuss the promotion of healthy lifestyles in reducing cancer risks. The President's Cancer Panel was created by the National Cancer Act over thirty years ago to monitor and evaluate all aspects of the National Cancer Program. The Panel identifies and conducts inquiry into concerns and emerging issues in cancer-related science and cancer care. Members of the Panel include Armstrong; Dr. LaSalle Leffall; Margaret L. Kripke, Ph.D.; and Abby B. Sandler, Ph.D.

Dr. LaSalle Leffall is the Charles R. Drew Professor of Surgery, Howard University College of Medicine in Washington, DC, and Chairman of the Board of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Margaret L. Kripke, Ph.D., is Professor of Immunology and Executive Vice President and Chief Academic Officer of The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. Abby B. Sandler, Ph.D., Chief, Institute Review Office (IRO), National Cancer Institute (NCI), became Executive Secretary of the President's Cancer Panel in January of 2005.

The meeting in Kentucky will focus on recommendations related to tobacco and exposure to indoor smoke. Researchers and experts will attend the meeting to join the discussions.

To learn more, Assessing Progress, Advancing Change 2005-2006 Annual Report President's Cancer Panel is a 133-page report available as a PDF document.

At Reuters Health, Metabolic syndrome predicts breast cancer relapse features news about the results of a study that evaluated 110 breast cancer survivors and found 8 of the 16 women who were diagnosed with metabolic syndrome developed breast cancer recurrences. A total of 32 women out of the 110 women suffered recurrence. This has led researchers to estimate that breast cancer survivors with metabolic syndrome were three times more likely to have a recurrence of breast cancer as women without the syndrome.

Metabolic syndrome is a combination that can include high cholesterol, obesity, high blood sugar and high blood pressure. Traditionally thought to be warning signs or symptoms of diabetes and heart disease, researchers believe that the syndrome can also be something to watch for in breast cancer survivors.

All of the characteristics of metabolic syndrome can often be controlled with a proper diet, active lifestyle and medication. Before this study came out, there have been anecdotal conversations in the breast cancer community in regards to following a healthy balanced diet and lifestyle recommended for people with diabetes and heart disease. For more information about dietary and lifestyle recommendations for diabetes and heart disease, visit the American Diabetes Association or the American Heart Association.

What is hanging so toxic in the air? According to the latest data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, benzene from cars and trucks that burn gasoline or diesel fuel. Other toxins causing higher risks for cancer where air pollution is the worst are naphthalene and acetaldehyde -- also from vehicles.

Autoblog, one of our sister blogs, has launched AutoblogGreen, which will feature posts on living an eco-friendly lifestyle in all things auto-related in green car culture. They will be keeping a close ear to the ground and fingers to the keyboard to give readers an up-to-the-minute accounting on the auto industry's efforts to create transportation that is fuel-efficient and cleaner for the environment.

From our perspective here at The Cancer Blog, transportation going green means a giant step towards a cancer prevention environment. From air pollution to alternative fuels, check AutoblogGreen out! It's a very cool, forward-thinking blog.

To celebrate Earth Day today, we will offer posts featuring information and resources for ways to live green in reducing the environmental risks to cancer. The Canadian Cancer Society issued a statement last week calling for a ban on the use of pesticides in private gardens and lawns, based on the conclusions of the International Agency for Research on Cancer, IARC, that state that substances used in pesticides are classified as known, probable or possible carcinogens.

In an observational study, Purdue University researchers found the risk of bladder cancer was four times greater in dogs exposed to lawns or gardens that had been treated with phenoxy herbicides than it was in dogs exposed to untreated lawns or gardens. Over 100 million pounds of pesticides are used by homeowners in homes and gardens each year, and the Pesticide Free Lawns Coalition estimates of the 30 commonly used lawn pesticides, 19 are linked to cancer.

YARDSCAPING suggests these basic tips for nontoxic lawn care:

• Build good soil for healthy plant growth.
• Use organic or slow-release fertilizers at moderate rates and only when necessary. Avoid phosphorus fertilizers.
• Plant slow-growing, low-maintenance grasses.
• Mow high -- 2.5 to 3.5 inches -- with sharp lawnmower blades so that grass chokes out weeds.
• Leave grass clippings on the lawn to recycle nutrients there so that you’ll minimize or eliminate the need for additional fertilizers.
• Accept the fact that life -- and lawns -- aren’t supposed to be perfect.

The Northwest Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides works to protect people and the environment by advancing healthy solutions to pest problems, and offers a free newsletter featuring pesticide-free techniques and solutions that are simple and effective for maintaining an attractive and healthy lawn.