Recent Discovery Show Smoking Cause Permanent DNA Mutation

Scientists recently discovered that smoking creates an “archaeological record” of hundreds of DNA mutations. Unfortunately, the study reveals that the genetic mutations are permanent even if the individual has already stopped smoking.

A smoker who consumes 20 cigarettes a day can produce an average of 150 mutations in each lung every year. Scientist discovered the findings after sequencing thousands of tumor genomes.

Cause of Cancer

Analyzing DNA tumor may help researchers to find out the underlying origin of several cancers.

Pamela Pugh started smoking when she was 17 and quit during her early 50s. Sadly, the 69-year-old, doctors diagnosed her with lung cancer in 2013.

Pugh said that she never thought smoking can affect her even though she gave it up a long time ago. She added that “Had I known as a teenager that smoking caused mutations which would stay with me for life then I would never had started”.

Genetic Mutation

The Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute in Cambridgeshire and the Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico along with other international group conducted the study. The journal Science published the research.

The study presents a direct link of the mutation in the tumor DNA and the total number of cigarettes smoked.

Scientist found out that an average pack smoked a day can lead to 150 mutations in each lung every year. This includes 97 in the larynx, 23 in the mouth, 18 in bladder and 6 in the liver mutations.

Prof Sir Mike Stratton, of Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute and the lead author said, “The more mutations there are, the higher the chance that these will occur in the key genes that we call cancer genes, which convert a normal cell into a cancer cell.”

Researchers discovered that in lung tissues, they found at least 60 carcinogens of the mutational signature chemicals in the tobacco smoke. The lungs are directly exposed to smoke.

However, the scientist did not find the same mutational pattern in the bladders tissues. Since the bladders are not directly exposed to smoke.

The exact event on how the organs react to smoking remains “mysterious and complex”. According to Prof Stratton, smoking contributes to the acceleration of the ordinary mutational sequences. He added that further studies of the investigative methodology can identify other underlying causes of cancer, those that are less known.

Prof Stratton said, “By looking in the genomes of the cancers, we will find the archaeological traces of past exposures which have been responsible for generating the cancers and that may potentially lead to prevention”.

Genetic disruption

A consultant oncologist at the Papworth Hospital and Roy Castle Lung Foundation, Dr. David Gilligan said, “For every 150 mutations in the cell each year that is 150 opportunities for lung cancer to develop. Lung cancer has been at the bottom of the survival league for many years, but there are many exciting developments, including immunotherapy and genetically targeted drug treatments.”

Pugh received a treatment of a trial drug for six months at Papworth and Addenbrooke’s Hospitals in Cambridgeshire. The drug aims to interrupt the contributing genes that make lung cancer progress.

Experts examined DNA tumors in the participants of the Matrix trial to see how the genes respond to the treatment. However, in Pugh’s case, a scan showed that the tumor in her right lung had grown. She needs to leave the experiment to undergo chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

In the UK alone, lung cancer partakes to 35,000 deaths annually. However, with proper medical care, experts estimated 9 out of 10 cases are treatable.

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Annual Bras for the Cause Event Promotes Breast Cancer Awareness

October 5, Wednesday, a very long line meandered to the entrance of Union Jack’s in Annapolis where the 5th Annual Bras for the Cause evening campaign was being held.

The bizarrely attired crowd composed of local business people excitedly waited their turn to enter the event fundraiser for the Red Devils and the Women’s Council of Realtors, Anne Arundel County chapter.

It was a fun filled night with a lively vibe of Magic Mike as almost 20 men also known as “Men in Bras” proudly showcased extravagant bra design, tutus, headgear and other glittery apparel to the super energetic gathering of more than 600. They all did it for a cause.

Meanwhile, the total amount earned from the auction was $13,865 for The Red Devils, a non-profit organization from Maryland who aims to provide support and helps Breast Cancer Patients, Survivors and their families.

“For those in need, the charity provides transportation to treatment centers, doctors’ offices and services; support for family needs like meals and groceries, house cleaning services, childcare and respite care, and aids with payment of utilities, rents or mortgages; plus payment of medical costs and treatment therapies.” Red Devil’s Executive Director, John Wilson said.

Around 65% of the 2015 funds was assigned to family support.

“The breast cancer patients’ chief concern is financial security,” Wilson said. “They need help with rents, mortgages and utilities.”

Around 800 to 1,000 breast cancer patients are being supported by Red Devil’s every year, depending on how much money they can earn on their different campaigns like “Bras for the Cause”. They normally distribute $300 per patient.

“Statewide, we have a network of 48 hospitals,” Wilson added.

The Red Devil’s was established in 2002 in Baltimore, Maryland.

That night, entry to Union Jack’s was made exclusive to the people who participated in the 5th Annual “Bras for the Cause” Campaign. The venue provided free appetizers and did not charge anything for hosting the event.

The money earned from ticket sales, subsidized the expenses of the Women’s Council, a group of 60 people including men. It is currently headed by Hedy Nelson, an independent broker and lawyer with Witz Realty, LLC. The Women’s council, founded in 1930 mainly focuses on education, improving industry and community service.

Bill Regan, of C&F Mortgage Corp., one of the campaign sponsors said “he was attending to support a good cause”, He also admired the courage of the men who proudly modeled the personalized bras.

Cheryl Listman a breast cancer survivor and a loan officer for 1st Mariner Bank was the Campaign Organizer. She twirled among the huddled “Men-in-Bras”(MIB) and exhorted them to “keep moving and get along with the mob.”

The MIB were often stalled by women grasping dollar bills to jam into the men’s bras and waistbands. The cash was later distributed to the staff of Union Jack’s as tips.

John Ruttum, 27, a St. Mary’s High graduate, and a loan officer with First Home Mortgage, was sporting a 46 GG bra constructed in a camouflage-patterned fabric, perfectly matching the pattern of his cammo pants. “I lost two aunts in 2011 and 2012 to breast cancer,” he said. “When I was offered the opportunity through my job to do this, I didn’t hesitate.”

It’s not just about fun and games for JJ Fegan, a sales associate for ReMax Leading Edge, His wife of nine years and love for 19 battled and died from breast cancer last Sept. 24, 2006. Since then, Fegan began organizing South County Relay for Life fundraisers and participate in various fundraising events to support breast cancer and cancer patients. He’s one of the founders of the “Bras for the Cause” and it has been his oath to wear a bra each year, He also donated items for Bra auction. This year, Fegan Bra was botanically inspired.

Fegan put an arm around the evening’s co-chair, Pam Harrison, a ReMax executive and former president of the Women’s Council. “She knew my wife,” said Fegan. “She’s been there and helped us through all the punches.”

According to Katie Rose, a Mix 106.5 deejay. “This evening is like a bunch of bras,” she announced. “It’s uplifting, beautiful, very comfortable with moments that are warm and fuzzy.” She’s the hosted the auction.

She then invited 10 breast cancer survivors to come up on stage. Each introduced themselves and the number of years since they won against the big C. One survivor even beat it twice.

 

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Philippine Ex Presidential Candidate Miriam Defensor Santiago Dies of Cancer

Miriam Defensor Santiago, Philippine most sought after ex-presidential candidate succumbed to lung cancer at the age of 71. Her husband said in an interview that Miriam “died peacefully” in a hospital in Manila on Thursday morning.

The former judge and senator sought presidency twice, prior to the last elections, in 1992 and 1998. Having lung cancer did not stop the former senator as she boldly held office before running for presidency.

Miriam Santiago, known as the Iron Lady of Filipino politics was born in Iloilo City. She announced to her supporters that she was suffering from stage four lung cancer in 2014.

Furthermore, she needed to turn down a judicial position at the International Criminal Court because of her illness.

Miriam’s blunt and daring style helps her unflinchingly stand on major issues on corruption. She was known to have a quick wit and courageous statement in court even at rallies. Miriam is Philippine’s feisty senator whose trademarks were her frank and fearless style of speech.

According to Rico Hizon of BBC News, “In my days starting out as a reporter in the Philippines, I remember she was always accommodating. She would joke gamely with the Philippine media.”

‘The best president we never had’

A Facebook post from local media network, GMA News Agency it drew more than 300,000 reactions and 50,000 comments.

Filipinos flooded social media with tributes to the late Senator; describing her as the best president the Philippines “never had”.

One Facebook user, Cedric Pazcoguin posted, “We just lost a great woman, a great Filipino and a great public servant. Rest in peace, madam senator,”
Ruby Ann del Rosario, Miriam’s supporter from Manila said “My heart is broken but I am finding comfort to the fact that she passed away peacefully in her sleep. Rest in perfect peace – our nation will surely treasure your legacy forever,”

Other posted similar quotes like Kharl Ferrer, who may have best described Philippine’s sentiment. He posted “You could have been one of our greatest presidents. This is a very sad day for the Philippines. We lost a gem”.

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