The Lancet Oncology (TLO) June 2002

This review highlights how death from cancer in central-eastern Europe is still rising, despite the fact that cancer deaths for the whole of Europe have been falling over the past decade. Differences in lifestyle and environmental exposure are the most likely causes of cancer death in central-eastern European countries, which are linked to political, social, and economic inequalities. Lajos Döbrossy, former Regional Advisor for cancer control in European region of WHO and author of the review, concludes that even if attempts at cancer prevention are eventually realised, a major cancer burden will persist in this part of Europe for many decades to come.

Phyto-oestrogens and cancer

In this review, Herman Adlercreutz from the University of Helsinki, Finland, discusses the consumption of phyto-oestrogen-rich foods such as soy, a source of isoflavones, and whole grain products, which contain lignans, and their role in the prevention of breast, prostate, and colon cancer. In women, a soy-containing diet is more likely to protect against breast cancer if regularly consumed before puberty or during adolescence.

Hormonal resynchronisation-an occupational hazard

This month’s Leading Edge editorial discusses the effect of jetlag on cancer risk in light of new data recently presented at the American Association of Cancer Research. It highlights how destabilised concentrations of the hormone melatonin (which regulates the ‘body clock’) could increase breast-cancer risk in female flight attendants. The editorial concludes by emphasising the need for the consideration of the impact of unsocial shift patterns on long-term health outcomes.

Other Reviews:

Population screening for cancer-related germline gene mutations

Reactivation of replication of hepatitis B and C viruses after immunosuppressive therapy: an unresolved issue

Impact of the Human Genome Project on the clinical management of sporadic cancers

An oncological view on the blood-testis barrier

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