Cancer Prevention & Research Institute of Texas Being Shut Down

Posted on February 8, 2013

Unfortunate news coming out of Texas. A nonprofit research group set to conduct clinical trials in Texas had received the largest grant ever given out by a Texas-cancer fighting agency is going to be shut down. What makes the incident even more untimely is the fact that the nonprofit group had barely even begun work on this new project at the time of this decision. The Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas had chosen to give a $25.2 million grant to the Statewide Clinical Trials Network of Texas… in 2010. Things had looked pretty bright for their future after

Lance Armstrong Finally Comes Clean

Posted on January 28, 2013

by theknowme

Lance Armstrong, after more than a decade of facing numerous lawsuits and making even more heated denials, has officially acknowledged that he was using performance enhancing drugs during his record-breaking seven Tour de France victories. During a much anticipated interview with Oprah Winfrey, the now disgraced cyclist admitted to using testosterone, EPO, human growth hormones, and other banned substances over the course of his career. In the interview, Armstrong did still challenge a few of the charges that had been levied against him in the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency… report that had rocked the sport’s world when it was released

Bill Gates Invests in Cancer DNA Sequencing Firm

Posted on January 9, 2013

by theknowme

In a press release this week, Bill Gates announced that he was investing in Foundation Medicine with some choice words: “Advances in understanding the human genome are having a dramatic impact on almost every area of medicine. Foundation Medicine’s approach in harnessing the power of genomic data to improve care for cancer patients could represent an extremely important step forward in improving routine cancer care. I’m happy to be supporting this quite promising approach.” Foundation Medicine is a cancer research and diagnostics company based out of Cambridge, Massachusetts…. They sell a diagnostic test that is worth $5,800 which uses

Stand Up To Cancer Funds Cancer Research Dream Teams

Posted on December 6, 2012

by theknowme

There is hardly a person who walks the earth today who has not been affected by cancer in some way. While many cancer research centers… are closing in on discoveries which could one day save the lives of countless cancer patients, there is also a substantial need for additional funding in order for them to continue their research. This is an area where one movement, Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C) has started to become a real beacon for hope and support. Just check out what they pulled off at the last World Series, it was truly remarkable:Stand Up To

November is National Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month

Posted on November 12, 2012

by theknowme

November is National Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, and you can show your support by taking the time to learn more about this devastating form of cancer. In general, pancreatic cancer has not had as much public exposure as say breast cancer or even prostate cancer has had. However, pancreatic cancer happens to be one of the most deadly forms of cancer. To make matters even worse, the survival rate for this disease has not improved substantially in the over 40 years since the passage of the National Cancer Act. … Show Your Support for Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Purple has been chosen

Chuck Pagano on Cancer; “It’s Already Beat”

Posted on November 5, 2012

by theknowme

It always inspires me how athletes and those in the sports world approach something as devastating as cancer in the same way that they do the game they play. Athletes have a unique ability to channel their competitive nature into transforming themselves to get more out of a circumstance than, at times, even they thought they could.Chuck Pagano, head coach of the Indianapolis Colts was recently diagnosed with Leukemia… and had to step away from the game to undergo treatment. He revisited the team yesterday and after a win over the Miami Dolphins delivered a speech for the

Breast Cancer Awareness Month [INFOGRAPHIC]

Posted on October 16, 2012

by theknowme

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we put together this little infographic to give an overview of breast cancer. Click the thumbnail below to open the full image: … Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, exceeded only by lung cancer. The chance that breast cancer will be responsible for a woman’s death is about 1 in 36 (about 3%), however death rates from breast cancer have been declining since about 1990, with larger decreases in women younger than 50. These decreases are believed to be the result of earlier detection through screening

What an Obama Presidency Has Meant for Cancer Research

Posted on October 3, 2012

by theknowme

While campaigning for the Presidency in 2008, President Obama and his running mate Joe Biden had been pretty vocal about the continued need for federal funding of cancer research. During the 2008 campaign, they even published their plan to effectively combat cancer while in office by doubling the federal funding for cancer clinical trials and research studies within the next 5 years. Obama would primarily focus on working with the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the National Cancer Institute…, and Congress in order to increase the national funding for cancer related research grants as well as to provide more

What a Mitt Romney Presidency Means for Cancer Research

Posted on September 28, 2012

by theknowme

As we edge closer to November and the 2012 Presidential Election, there has been plenty of discussion about the differences between Mitt Romney and President Obama. A key factor for many people is the stance that these two men take on stem cell research as it pertains to future cancer treatments…. As a candidate for the Presidency in 2008, Barrack Obama made a pledge to double the funding for cancer research over the next five years. However, during the time that he has been in office, the national funding for cancer research has increased only slightly from its 2008

Has Judgment been Passed Down on Lance Armstrong?

Posted on August 31, 2012

by theknowme

It is surely a sad time for sports fans all around the world. The legendary cyclist, Lance Armstrong, will be stripped of all seven of his Tour de France titles and hence forth banned from the sport for life. The judgment was laid down after the cyclist made his decision to stop fighting drug allegations brought up by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency. In a letter sent to the USADA… on the 23rd, Lance’s attorney’s officially stated that he did not intend to seek any legal resolution outside of the court. As the allegations stand, the cyclist is being accused

Contemplating Lance Armstrong’s Legacy

Posted on August 27, 2012

by theknowme

I had hoped this day would never come, but unfortunately it has. As Lance Armstrong started to dominate the Tour de France and allegations arose about doping, one could only wonder…what would this mean for his legacy as a philanthropist and advocate for cancer awareness? If he was in fact found to be guilty, would it diminish or overshadow his efforts to bring solace to the millions affected…? As I am not a cancer survivor myself, it is hard to fully understand the positive impact that Lance has had on so many people, and the hope the he has

Nora Ephron Passes Away After Struggle with Leukemia

Posted on July 3, 2012

by theknowme

Nora Ephron tragically passed away this Tuesday from pneumonia at the age of 71. Ephron had been battling valiantly against an aggressive form of leukemia for a few years now, but unfortunately the disease proved to be too much in the end. The critically acclaimed writer/director, who was nominated for three Academy Awards, had been diagnosed with leukemia back in 2006. However, Ephron did not initially go public with her diagnosis. Ephron’s oncologist…, Dr. Gail Roboz, reported that she had died from acute myeloid leukemia at the New York Presbyterian Hospital. This initial report was made by CBS News.

Warren Buffet Diagnosed with Prostate Cancer

Posted on June 15, 2012

by theknowme

It was recently announced that Warren Buffet, age 81, has been diagnosed with stage 1 prostate cancer. The announcement was made by the American multinational conglomerate, Berkshire Hathaway, of which Mr. Buffet is acting CEO and Chairman. It has been reported that Warren is scheduled to begin receiving radiation treatment in mid-July, but the immaculate investor remains upbeat stating that he still feels in excellent health. The news that Warren Buffet has been diagnosed with prostate cancer… has other ramifications as well. Given this full disclosure, there will now be added pressure on Buffet to finally reveal the name

Susan G. Komen and the Planned Parenthood Debate

Posted on March 2, 2012

by theknowme

Over thirty years ago, Nancy G. Brinker watched as her sister, Susan G. Komen, was losing her battle with breast cancer. Nancy promised her dying sister that she would do everything possible to end the disease, and in 1982 began the long process of fulfilling that promise by founding Susan G. Komen for the Cure. What began as a humble mission by a loving sister has evolved into a massive grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists, which has invested approximately two billion dollars into ridding the world of breast cancer…. For example, in January of this

Jimmy Castor Loses Battle with Cancer

Posted on January 30, 2012

by Administrator

Popular for his R&B percussion, saxophone and singing performances in the 1970s, Jimmy Castor passed away on January 16th. Born on January 23, 1940, James Walter Castor ultimately died of cardiac failure in a hospital in Nevada at the age of 71. The talented songwriter, singer and instrumentalist had been hospitalized since November before undergoing quadruple bypass heart surgery on top of cancer. The type of cancer Castor suffered as well as type of treatment …is being kept private. His beloved wife, four children and eight grandchildren survive him. Castor was the bandleader of the Jimmy Castor Bunch, a group

Joe Paterno Loses Battle with Lung Cancer

Posted on January 26, 2012

by Administrator

Legendary college football coach Joseph Vincent Paterno lost his battle with lung cancer… on January 22, 2012. He held the record for the most victories by an NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) football coach with 409 wins. Former President George H. W. Bush’s tribute encapsulated Paterno’s famed athletic accomplishments, philanthropy and overall legacy by saying that Paterno was “an outstanding American who was respected not only on the field of play but in life generally…and he was, without a doubt, a true icon in the world of sports”. Paterno was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame

Argentina’s President Cristina Fernandez Treated for Thyroid Cancer

Posted on January 4, 2012

by Administrator

Just a few months ago, Argentina’s President Cristina Fernandez was re-elected for another four years in office at age 58. Yesterday, she underwent a procedure to deal with her ongoing battle with thyroid cancer. To be more specific, Fernandez has papillary carcinoma and was diagnosed right before Christmas during a regular check up. As you can imagine, her thyroid cancer diagnosis garnered much sympathy in Argentina where people still remember Evita Peron, wife of prior President Juan Peron. Evita made a lasting impact on her people when she passed away from uterine cancer… too soon at the age of

Christopher Hitchens Dies From Esophageal Cancer at the Age of 62

Posted on December 16, 2011

by Administrator

After a long battle with cancer of the esophagus, Washington, D.C.-based writer, author and journalist Christopher Hitchens has died at the age of 62. Hitchins passed away at the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas from pneumonia, which was brought on as a complication of his cancer, and leaves behind his wife, 3 kids, and many fans and friends. Most people know Christopher Hitchens from his work with Vanity Fair, who broke the news about his passing yesterday. He was quite open about his battle with cancer… (making the announcement that he had cancer last year), and thus

Open-Source Cancer Research (TED Talk)

Posted on December 12, 2011

by Administrator

We recently came across this amazing Ted Talk by Jay Bradner and felt compelled to share! Jay asks the interesting question of, “How does cancer know it’s cancer”? Bradner, a researcher at Harvard and Dana Farber in Boston (*also check out some other amazing cancer research centers…), works on a breakthrough approach for subverting cancer … and he’s giving the secret away. Jay and his team believe that they have found a molecule that might hold the answer, and its called JQ1. what even cooler, is that instead of patenting JQ1 themselves, they published their findings and mailed samples

Gov. Rick Perry Announces Institute for Applied Cancer Science at MD Anderson Cancer Center

Posted on November 29, 2011

by Administrator

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center just got a turbo boost! This week, Gov. Perry made public the creation of the Institute for Applied Cancer Science which is aimed at turning scientific discovery into actual therapies! Back in 2007, Perry spearheaded a movement to make Texas a hub for the future of cancer treatment…. This initiative spawned the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) which was funded by bonds approved by voters, which allowed the state of Texas to finance research grants, allowing them to attract top talent. Since 2010, the Cancer Prevention and Research

Robin Gibb of the Bee Gees Fighting Liver Cancer

Posted on November 21, 2011

by Administrator

Robin Gibb, 61, is battling liver cancer and is currently receiving treatment at a Harley Street clinic. He has been receiving treatment since May of this year, and is being watched closely by his wife Dwina. According to reports, the liver cancer treatments… have thus far been unsuccessful. someone close to the family said that Robin, “has been a pinnacle of strength and is showing enormous courage and dignity”.Know for their over 40 years of recording music, Brothers Gibb, otherwise know as Barry, Robin and Maurice, was one of the largest influences on the disco era. Robin appeared on

Creator of Pink Ribbon, Evelyn Lauder, Dies from Ovarian Cancer

Posted on November 14, 2011

by Administrator

The daughter-in-law of world famous cosmetics founder Estee Lauder, died from ovarian cancer on Saturday. Evelyn Lauder was 75, and was well known for her creation of the Pink Ribbon Campaign, now known around the world as a symbol of Breast Cancer Awareness…. Evelyn had been originally diagnosed in 2007, many years after she had already battled breast cancer. Lauder was a huge proponent of breast cancer research and awareness, and brought forward the pink ribbon campaign in the early nineties along side Alexandra Penney of Self Magazine. She also helped raise funds necessary to create the Evelyn

Smokin’ Joe Frazier Once Beat Ali, Now Fights Liver Cancer

Posted on November 9, 2011

by Administrator

He was once the boxing heavyweight champion of the world, beating the likes of Muhammad Ali, but now Smokin’ Joe Frazier has a tougher battler, liver cancer. Reports indicate that Frazier is now under hospice care…, and is weighing his alternatives in regards to cancer treatment. Frazier’s manager, Leslie Wolff, told the Associated Press that Joe was diagnosed about four to five weeks ago, and is unsure as how long he has to live. “We have medical experts looking into the all the options that are out there,” Wolff said. “There are very few. But that doesn’t mean

Singer Andy Williams Announces He Has Bladder Cancer

Posted on November 7, 2011

by Administrator

Andy Williams, known for songs like “Moon River” and Emmy-winning variety television program “The Andy Williams Show,” announced to an audience at his Christmas show over the weekend that “I do have cancer of the bladder….” Interestingly enough, he also explained… “But that is no longer a death sentence. People with cancer are getting through this thing. They’re kicking it, and they’re winning more and more every year. And I’m going to be one of them.” Williams missed a few of his performances over the fall with an “undisclosed medical condition”. His appearance over the weekend came as a

Breast Cancer Awareness Month – Celebrating 25 Years of Awareness!

Posted on October 5, 2011

by theresa

As most of us already know, October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month…! This month will be filled with a whole lot of emotion, support, awareness and PINK! The National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM) Organization The National Breast Cancer Awareness Month Organization is working together with other national organizations to promote breast cancer awareness, share information on the disease, and provide greater access to screening services. Their primary mission is to encourage women to get periodic mammograms. The organization celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2009 and continues to spread the word about breast cancer. While October is recognized

Phil Mickelson – Golf Champion & Breast Cancer Supporter

Posted on July 22, 2011

by Administrator

Phil Mickelson, the famous left-handed golf champion, has a number of impressive titles: winner of four major golf championships and the winner of 39 PGA events. But he also has another more impressive title: a cancer supporter. Rewind the clock a couple years when Phil’s wife, Amy, was diagnosed with the shocking news of her breast cancer in May, 2009. More shocking: only six weeks later, Phil’s mom, Mary, was also diagnosed with breast cancer…. While prayers and support were being sent out in abundance for Amy and Mary, it became evident that Phil’s world was rocked, too. To

Juke Kartel’s “Brightest Star” Official Campaign song for Susan G. Komen Foundation for the Cure

Posted on November 3, 2010

by allensmith

“Brightest Star” is currently this year’s official campaign song for the Susan G. Komen Foundation For the Cure. When you download this song from Itunes, you will be helping fund the cure for breast cancer, as well as provide specific communities of women the resources they need for early detection…. Every download makes a difference! The Story behind "Brightest Star" by Toby Rand (lead singer for Juke Kartel) “This song was created from a vision I had 5 months ago when our drummer Jay turned up to sound check, at the Hotel Cafe in L.A., in tears.

Celebrity Breast Cancer Fighters

Posted on October 19, 2010

by Administrator

Though we are nearing the end of October and Breast Cancer Awareness Month, there are still many women that will be given the hard news of breast cancer this year. Although breast cancer has many risk factors associated which can increase your chances, it can appear shockingly to many across the spectrum regardless of health, race, or income. Though there are things you can do to lower your chances of breast cancer, getting a regular breast screening… is the best way to catch it at its most treatable stages. Indeed, many women have lived through breast cancer, and use

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is here!

Posted on October 3, 2010

by Amrita

It’s finally October! Here at Know Cancer, it’s a time of year that gives us great pleasure to be able to help bring awareness to the most common type of cancer in women – breast cancer. Public awareness of this particular cancer is very important, given its prevalence among women, and keeping in mind that the earlier the detection the better chance one has of becoming a survivor. So…be sure to find a cancer screening service… in your area and get those regular mammograms! There’s a lot going on this month in similar efforts to bring about awareness to

Letters to God Red Carpet World Premier

Posted on April 29, 2010

by Denise L. Pereira, M.D.

Oh, what a night! It’s hard to put an exact order to the top ten nights of my life but the Letters to God (LTG) Orlando premier is most certainly on that list! On March 31st the LTG actors, actresses, producers, partners and supporters walked the red carpet at the Plaza Theatre smack in the heart of downtown Orlando—and what a love-fest it was! :) Those guys are up there among the kindest most thoughtful group of individuals that we Know Cancer …folks get to work with. It all started with the red carpet walk and a 2 hour mingling

Amy Mickelson provides Inspiration as Phil Wins 3rd Green Jacket

Posted on April 12, 2010

by allensmith

This weekend, the left-handed Phil Mickelson became just the eighth man to win three career Masters titles. And as they say…behind every great man, is a great woman! In this case, the woman is Amy Mickelson. Not too long ago, we reported that Amy Mickelson had been diagnosed with breast cancer, and shortly after that, his mother Mary had also been diagnosed with the same disease….

Know Cancer Partners with Possibility Pictures on its new film Letters to God

Posted on January 5, 2010

by Denise L. Pereira, M.D.

I am very excited to announce Know Cancer’s partnership with Possibility Pictures on their film “Letters to God!” The movie is about a young boy’s battle with cancer who finds strength and hope in writing letters to God. Created by the team who made Facing the Giants and Fireproof (which was voted the #1 independent film of 2008), the movie is destined for greatness. Know Cancer is proud to be the official cancer social network… for moviegoers looking for post-movie support. There is a little story to tell about how Know Cancer linked up with the incredible Letters

Ted Kennedy Remembered: Liberal Lion of the Senate

Posted on August 28, 2009

by LauraSavageau

Edward Moore Kennedy, better known as Teddy Kennedy was born on February 22, 1932, the youngest of Joseph and Rose Kennedy’s nine children. Teddy was first diagnosed with brain cancer in May 2008 after having a seizure and battled it for a year before it claimed his life at age 77. Teddy was no stranger to cancer as his son was diagnosed with bone cancer at age 12, and his sister-in-law Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis lost her life to cancer in 1994. It’s not a secret that he endured a great deal of family tragedy over the years; however Teddy had…

With donations down, special-needs camps battle recession

Posted on July 28, 2009

by Denise L. Pereira, M.D.

Jordan Melnick is a grad school scholar, a phenomenal writer/journalist and…my sisters’ fiancé (And might I add what a fine young chap he is!). He recently wrote an article that we both felt needed to be shared, about the economies effect on funding for special-needs camps…. Many camps are getting hit twice by cutbacks in corporate support and then again by subsidizing camper admission fees, because families just don’t have money right now. Read more and together let’s figure out what we can do to help: The recession has hurt all summer camps this year, but special-needs camps—those serving

Incredible Dance Routine on the Impact of Breast Cancer

Posted on July 24, 2009

by LauraSavageau

It can be hard to put into words the impact breast cancer has had on so many. With that said, Tyce Diorio…, a choreographer from So You Think You Can Dance put together a powerful dance piece displaying the impact it’s had on him. It’s incredibly touching, and dancers Melissa and Ade performed it beautifully commanding your attention to this very hard-hitting topic. Enjoy! (…and don't forget your tissues)

Phil Mickelson’s Mom Diagnosed with Breast Cancer

Posted on July 7, 2009

by nicole

The past couple of months have been rough for pro golfer Phil Mickelson and his family. As of earlier this week bad news has struck again, not only has Mickelson’s wife Amy been diagnosed with breast cancer, Mickelson’s mother, Mary, has been diagnosed with breast cancer as well. According to the Examiner…, “Phil's sister Tina reported the news to the San Diego Union-Tribune. Tina told the paper that she wished for the news of her mother to be made known so that Mary could receive the same prayers and support that Amy did from the players and fans

“Charlie’s Angel” Farrah Fawcett Dies at 62

Posted on June 25, 2009

by nicole

Farrah Fawcett, 62, lost her battle with anal cancer today, Thursday June 25, 2009. Diagnosed in 2006, Fawcett spent the last 3 years fighting for her life with both conventional and alternative treatments. Fawcett was known as a high-spirited 70’s icon with hair that most women have tried tirelessly to attain. She has been recognized for her roles in “The Burning Bed”, “The Guardian” and of course the notorious “Charlie’s Angels”. MSNBC recently released a heart wrenching documentary… that portrayed the late actress’s struggle while fighting cancer. It showed her with an indescribable admiration for life and a strength

Medical Marijuana: a Sticky Situation for Cancer Patients!

Posted on June 15, 2009

by stephaniepizzo

For centuries, marijuana has been used as an herbal therapy to treat an array of ailments. It was seen as early as 2737 B.C. when the Chinese Emperor Shen Neng prescribed marijuana tea for the treatment of gout, malaria, rheumatism, and oddly enough… poor memory .The mysterious healing powers were a phenomenon in Asia, Africa, the Middle East and ancient Greece. It even made its way over to Jamaica where Bob Marley enjoyed the feel good effect! Today, marijuana has proven itself to assist in treatments and ease the symptoms of common diseases like cancer. There are currently thirteen states…

Golfer Phil Mickelson’s Wife, Amy, is Diagosed with Breast Cancer

Posted on May 21, 2009

by nicole

Amy Mickelson, the wife of three-time golf champion Phil Mickelson, a supporter and friend to many, and mom of three has recently been diagnosed with breast cancer. Sports fans all over the world are saddened by this news and Mickelson puts the rest of his PGA tour on hold. According to an article on the ESPN… website, Sarah Strange, a breast cancer survivor and wife of former Ryder Cup captain Curtis Strange, said "Amy Mickelson's outgoing personality would play a big part in her recovery. She's such an upbeat person, and I think she'll approach this in the same