Archive for 2005
Christmas Thoughts
Christmas is here. That means one more year is gone. Each year is interesting in its own way. There are many things one can look back on and be grateful about. Equally, there are many things we can look back on and whine about. Sometimes the glass is half full and sometimes it is half empty. And sometimes the glass isn’t there. But the spirit of Christmas
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Male Breast Problems (Gynecomastia)
Dear Dr. B: Do men get breast problems? Answer: Male breasts can have same sort of problems as female breasts. These problems are not common. But when they occur they should not be ignored. In a healthy normal male, the breast is a rudimentary structure. The breast glands are small with fibrous tissue
What’s New in Breast Cancer
Dear Dr. B: What’s new in breast cancer? Answer: There are many good things happening in the field of breast cancer. To start with the prognosis is getting better. Nearly 98 per cent of women with early-stage breast cancer will survive at least five years. Most of these women will live a long healthy
Miscellaneous Medical News
In September, 2002 a mosquito bit a Toronto resident, George Eliopoulos. He subsequently died due to West Nile virus. Eliopoulos was in his 60s. His family is now suing the Ontario government alleging it failed to properly implement its 2001 West Nile virus surveillance and prevention plan. The case
Celiac Disease
Dear Dr. B: October is Celiac Awareness Month. Recently diagnosed, I find no one truly knows what it is. I didn’t know anything about it prior to diagnosis. I would like people to know how difficult it is to live with celiac disease food-wise. Answer: Celiac disease (CD) is a lifelong autoimmune
Prostate Cancer Tests
Dear Dr. B: Can you please tell me about the new test under development for early detection of prostate cancer? Answer: I received this question from a friend whose style of writing and sense of humour I enjoy. The e-mail contained a comment on my last column on aspirin and colon cancer and the photograph
Asprin and Colon Cancer
Dear Dr. B: Does aspirin prevent colon and rectal cancer? Answer: In the past there have been numerous reports supporting the protective effect of aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) on the development of cancer. But a recent study from the Harvard Medical School, published
Prevention – West Nile Virus and Melanoma
If you are addicted to reading, listening and watching news then you probably feel your health and your very existence is being threatened by nature. Then in the comfort of your living room you wonder if Albertans have anything to worry about, besides the rising cost of buying gas. Well, West Nile virus
Holiday in Portugal and Spain
Every now and then go away, Have little relaxation, For when you come back to your work Your judgment will be surer……. – Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519) From time to time I listen to Leonardo da Vinci and pack my bags and leave town to
Melanoma
How ironic that Chuck Cadman, 57, independent Member of Parliament from British Columbia, should die from melanoma during the summer month of July. His death reminds us again that we have to protect our skin from the damaging effect of the sunrays. Artificial tanning machines are also dangerous. Recently,
