Scientists ID cancer-causing agent in smokeless tobacco
The specific ingredient in smokeless tobacco products that increases the risk for oral cancer has been identified in research using rodents.
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Read More » Scientists ID cancer-causing agent in smokeless tobacco
Radiotherapy ups diabetes risk for childhood cancer survivors
Childhood cancer survivors who underwent radiotherapy treatment that exposed their pancreas to radiation may be at higher risk of developing diabetes in later life, according to an article published in The Lancet Oncology.
Graphic warnings barred from US cigarette packs
The United States Court of Appeals has barred the US government from ordering tobacco companies to put large graphic health warnings on cigarette packages.
Dudley Lee v Minister of Correctional Services, what will it mean for South Africa?
OPINION: On 28 August, the Constitutional Court will hear a case that touches the depth of what it means to be human and humane in the throes of a TB pandemic that is taking more South African lives than any other cause.
Police brutality still very rife ‘ sex workers
Seven out of every ten sex workers have been abused by police officials. A survey done by the Women's Legal Centre, shows that sex workers report having been threatened with arrest or forced to sleep with police officials in exchange for their freedom.
Secondhand smoke impairs vital cough reflex in kids
Exposure to secondhand smoke decreases sensitivity to cough-eliciting respiratory irritants in otherwise healthy children and adolescents, new research reveals.
Chemo OK during pregnancy
The babies of breast cancer patients who undergo chemotherapy while pregnant do not appear to be at higher risk of complications, according to an article published in The Lancet Oncology.
SA’s tobacco legislation makes a difference
Although new research illustrates alarming trends in tobacco use in many parts of the world local experts believe that South Africa's tobacco legislation has been effective.
What kills mothers & babies Living with AIDS # 528
In South Africa about 4 300 women die due to complications related to pregnancy and child birth. About 20 000 infants are still-born and a further 23 000 die in the first month of life. In addition 75 000 children never live to reach the age of five. What are the causes for this?
What Australia’s win against Big Tobacco means for global health
The ruling this week by Australia's high court to uphold its government's right to introduce 'plain packaging' for tobacco products is a landmark event for global health. With the world's eyes watching this decision, the court struck down a challenge from the biggest cigarette manufacturers around the globe.By John R. Seffrin.
Big Tobacco loses plain packaging battle in Australia
In a landmark ruling, which could potentially strengthen the move to similar legislation in South Africa, the Australian high court dismissed the tobacco industry's challenge to the 'plain packaging law'.
Rheumatic heart disease: the ‘forgotten’ killer
A heart condition, which can be treated with a simple antibiotic, remains the leading cause of cardiac disease in children on the African continent.
Activists and docs want one pill for HIV
The Treatment Action Campaign and Médecins Sans Frontières are calling on government to included fixed dose combination drugs in the new antiretroviral tender. This demand is not new, but for a long time the Medicines Control Council failed to register these drugs making them unavailable for inclusion in the tender. Several FDCs have now been registered. Read the TAC/MSF statement here.
Daily aspirin cuts cancer deaths
People who take aspirin daily may not only be helping their hearts, but also reducing their odds of dying from cancer, according to American Cancer Society researchers.
Plain packaging may deter teens from smoking
New research, published in the scientific journal Addiction, shows that plain cigarette packaging (standard packages without attractive designs and imagery) may help to draw the attention of some adolescent smokers to the health warnings on the package. If so, this may in turn deter young smokers from continuing to smoke.