There are more microorganisms in the world than we can count, and just a portion—trillions worth — are inside us. The bacteria in your mouth, the fungi on your skin, or the viruses in your gut build complex communities that reproduce and adapt quickly. We may not be able to see these little critters, but … Read more
The human body has a rhythm made up of a series of routines that our cells, organs, and tissues follow. But in 2019, 35-year-old Lamar Valentina discovered that deep inside his kidneys, small, abnormal cells were working at their own pace. “A pain in my lower back finally became so severe that I had to … Read more
Pathogens are tiny invaders of the body that can make people sick—something that Howard Heller, MD, MPH, has spent his entire career studying. Then, in 2024, Heller discovered at age 64 there was another kind of invader, growing slowly and uncontrollably in his own body: cancer. “I’ve helped patients as an infectious disease specialist for … Read more
While working towards his engineering degree at the Pontificia Universidad Católica in Chile, Matías Vergara Alvarez, MS, played a central role in caring for his parents through their cancer diagnoses — a time in his life that shaped his career. “I was interested in engineering, but I made a complete switch in my job because … Read more
Mammograms are specialized, low-dose X-rays of the breast that can show if and where tumors are located in breast tissue. Mammography is an effective tool for early detection of breast cancer and is considered the primary tool for breast cancer screening. “Breast cancer is a common disease that affects millions of women globally, and detecting … Read more
Anal cancer is a cluster of abnormal cells that grow in the anal canal and may appear like firm lumps or bumps, an open sore, or wart-like. Those who are infected with the human papillomavirus (HPV) are more likely to develop anal cancer, among other types of cancer, such as cervical and head and neck cancers. HPV refers to a large … Read more
One by one, our immune cells march to the frontlines when it gets a whiff of an invader. They are ready to fight and protect our systems from what is about to attack. But what if we can recruit these specialized soldiers for glioblastoma — a malignant brain cancer that struggles to have enough immune … Read more
The body is continuously supporting the state of healing and growth — a vital function for human survival. But it can easily be taken advantage of by cancer. Angiogenesis, a process that helps the body heal by creating new capillary connections that deliver oxygen and nutrients within the body, can be hijacked to grow tumors. Drugs that block the process of blood-vessel creation, known … Read more
Along with surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy have long been a mainstay of cancer treatment. It uses high-energy waves or particles such as X-rays, electrons, protons, or alpha particles, to destroy or damage tumor cells. Radiation creates small breaks within the DNA of cancer cells, preventing the cells from growing and dividing, and often causing … Read more
CAR T-cell therapy is a newer form of immunotherapy that can treat some types of blood cancers, such as lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and leukemia. Patients can be treated with this therapy as an inpatient or outpatient, depending on their case and specific needs. “Historically, we were giving these therapies in the hospital, but what we’ve … Read more
Scientists’ main concern is that cell phones can increase the risk of brain tumors or other tumors in the head and neck area – and as of now, there doesn’t seem to be a clear answer.
Rare genetic cancers may affect few people, but their complexity makes them powerful windows into how even the most common cancers develop and behave. Delving into understanding how DNA is damaged and repaired in rare genetic conditions is how physician-scientist Alan D’Andrea, MD, built a foundation of knowledge about Fanconi anemia (FA) – a rare genetic disease of the bone marrow that significantly increases the risk of certain cancers. In people with … Read more
A stem cell transplant is a procedure during which doctors either replace diseased or ineffective stem cells with healthy new stem cells as treatment for leukemia, lymphoma, and other blood cancers or diseases. The infusion of healthy stem cells reestablishes a healthy blood supply and rebuilds the body’s immune system to effectively fight cancer. At Dana-Farber, patients can be eligible for a stem cell transplant in either an outpatient or inpatient setting. This is often determined by a variety of factors, including … Read more
Castor oil is a thick, yellowish vegetable oil extracted from castor beans native to warm temperate regions. It is often available in grocery stores, pharmacies, and convenience stores. Despite its long history in providing laxative results, there’s little research to suggest this product can be used as a remedy for other health concerns such as cancer. Can castor oil be used to cure cancer or reduce my risk of it? Castor oil has many potential uses and applications, … Read more
The differences between cancers in adults and children go well beyond age. In many respects, they are markedly different diseases.
When Ann Carroll was diagnosed with cancer at age 28, her dream to get married and have a baby felt out of reach. Now, seven years later and cancer-free, she is living that dream with her husband and their 7-month-old son, Teddy. “I didn’t think I would get this far,” says Carroll, of Boston, Massachusetts. “My whole journey started when I walked into my doctor’s office because I wasn’t feeling well.” As a graduate student in 2019 studying clinical psychology at Northwestern University, Carroll started experiencing lightheadedness and tunnel … Read more
In the kitchen of Sabor de Minas, Caesar Sodre plates delicious Brazilian fare. For Sodre, 66, food is a love language and a way to care for his customers. For more than two decades, the bright blue Brazilian restaurant in Framingham, Massachusetts, has been a cornerstone of his community. That community — including staff and longtime customers — returned the care by … Read more
If you look down at your stomach, glide your eyes diagonally from your belly button to the lower right side of your abdomen: that’s your appendix. It is a finger-shaped organ that stems from your colon. With two primary functions — supporting the immune system and potentially serving as a safe house for good bacteria, as theorized from some– the appendix is a small, but mighty organ that is important to take note of, especially given the recent … Read more
Feeling constipated? You may not be getting enough fiber in your diet. Fiber-rich diets are a key component to preventing and reducing constipation and can help you maintain a healthy gut. Dietary fiber offers many health benefits from reducing chronic diseases like diabetes to lowering your risk of some types of cancer, such as colorectal cancer. Fiber is an undigested nutrient that passes through the body when you consume fruits, vegetables, … Read more
On July 20, 2009, Michele Milso was leaving the gym when she received a call from her radiologist. That call changed her life. “He told me I have breast cancer,” says Milso, who lives in Bridgewater, Massachusetts. “It was the last thing I thought I’d hear.” To maintain a healthy lifestyle, Milso ate well, exercised … Read more