Health briefs
By Robbie Dingeman
Advertiser Health Writer
Prostate cancer rates surprising
New studies show that prostate cancer rates in Hawai'i are 27 percent higher than previously reported and above the national average, according to researchers at the National Cancer Institute.
The findings stem from an independent examination of the institute's recent surveillance, epidemiology and end-results study, which looked at changes in disease rates in U.S. cities and states.
The National Prostate Cancer Coalition said the new study indicates that 135.5 out of every 100,000 men in Hawai'i have the disease. Earlier estimates had put the state below the national average of 99.2 cases per 100,000 men.
Dr. Richard N. Atkins, coalition president said the statistics should serve as a reminder for annual screening for the disease. "High rates of prostate cancer could be linked to any number of factors, including diet and exercise," he said.
Other states with high rates of prostate cancer have larger numbers of men of African ancestry, according to the cancer coalition. Officials recommend that all men 50 and older get an annual screening and that younger black men or any man with a family history of the disease do so as well.
Studies show that early detection improves survival rates by 75 percent.
For more information, see the Web site www.pcacoalition.org.
Heart disease session Feb. 8
To raise awareness of the latest techniques in managing heart disease, Straub Foundation and the Heart Center of the Pacific have organized a free public meeting for Feb. 8.
The session, titled "Valentine in Paradise: What's New in the Management of Cardiovascular Disease," will run from 8 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. at the Renaissance Ilikai Waikiki Hotel.
There will be discussions of risk factors and presentations dealing with irregular heartbeats, ethnicity as a factor, blood clots in the legs, new treatments, medicine-releasing stents, varicose veins and open-heart surgery techniques that are less invasive than previous practices.
Sponsors also will discuss controversies over hormone-replacement therapy in women and blood clots related to air travel.
The event will include free cholesterol screening, exhibits, demonstrations and interactive workshops. To register, call Straub at 524-6755.
Program helps future doctors
Straub Foundation is accepting applications from college students interested in careers in medicine and seeking to participate in the eight-week 2003 Summer Student Research Program.
The foundation selects eight to 10 scholars to volunteer from June 16 through Aug. 8. They are assigned to foundation projects, given hands-on experience in clinical research and participate in a research/education curriculum.
Scholars are chosen on the basis of their overall qualifications, academic performance, interests and letters of recommendation. Priority will be given to students from Hawai'i.
The deadline is Feb. 28. For more information, call 524-6755.
