Bullying, nutrition, exercise, a special movie - and more from around the web

The web offered various gems this week: A young cancer survivor showed all of us how to handle bullying. We read about how exercise affects survival after a cancer diagnosis, as well as various responses when tobacco products were banned from being shown in small shops in the UK. Finally, in the US, a much-anticipated 6-hour documentary about cancer was released.

Bullying and young cancer survivors

“To everyone that calls me short: You know I may be short but that’s better than being dead.” This is what Dominic, a ten-year-old cancer survivor says to other children who bully him about his size at school. Because of his 3+ years of chemotherapy, Dominic is not as tall as some other children his age. Dominic decided he had enough of being bullied and decided to post his story on Instagram. As a result, the drummer for the “Tonight Show” house band The Roots Questlove, was moved by his post and shared it along with a message of his own. Even Jimmy Fallon sent to Dominic’s mother a message, saying that her son is “an inspiration and wise beyond his years. Adults and children should take a lesson from his maturity.” Don't let anyone's words keep you from your destiny in life. Read Dominic’s amazing story.

“Let food be thy medicine” is no longer cliché

How many times have you visited a doctor wondering about your nutrition? In a recent survey, it was found that only 13% of doctor office visits for chronic disease include counseling on diet and nutrition. Since it has been proven that food choices can prevent risk factors for cancer or toxically assault our systems, doctors must receive formal training in diet and nutrition. Hopefully, one day nutrition will be integrated into the medical educational framework and this problem will be history.

Exercise affects not only cancer risk, but survival after a cancer diagnosis.

Did you know that physically fit middle aged men have a lower risk of developing certain cancers? According to a new study, men in their 40s and 50s who performed well on an exercise test had a lower risk of developing later in life lung and colorectal cancers - but not prostate cancer. Scientists found that a high fitness score was associated with a 55% lower risk of lung cancer and a 44% lower risk of colorectal cancer, compared to a low fitness score. It’s never too late to start exercising!

Banning tobacco product display to protect future generations

A ban on showing tobacco products at the point of sale in small shops across the UK has come into force. This ban has been welcomed by the campaign group “Action on Smoking and Health” (Ash) but criticized by shopkeepers group Tobacco Retailers’ Alliance. As 2 in 3 smokers start before the age of 18, it is vital that everything is done to put tobacco out of sight to protect future generations. However, the Tobacco Retailers think otherwise; what do you think about that?  

Genetic testing: a new cancer prevention tool?

With news about celebrities who carry a genetic risk of cancer, high-profile court cases and direct-to-consumer marketing, the public has become much more aware that genetic testing is available. As a result, 1 in 3 women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer may want genetic testing, to determine whether they are at risk for other types of cancer, or to evaluate the likelihood that a family member could develop cancer. Do you believe that genetic testing could potentially alleviate worry and reduce confusion about cancer risk?

Cancer patient kicked off from flight

Can you imagine being a cancer patient and been kicked off from your flight because of that? Well, that is what happened to Elizabeth, a woman with cancer while returning home with her family to California from Hawaii when airline employees saw the surgical mask she put to avoid airport germs. The airline company announced that neither she and nor her family could fly without a relevant medical note. She posted the story on her Facebook profile and Alaska Airlines apologized to the family and paid their overnight accommodation expenses. Read the more about Elizabeth’s ordeal here.

"Cancer: The Emperor of All Maladies"

There are many types of movies; action, drama, comedy, romantic comedy, horror, science fiction and so many more. Why not a movie about cancer?
“Cancer: The Emperor of All Maladies” is a film which gives us a sense of both the impressive progress that has been made on a number of fronts relevant to the disease and, at the same time, how much remains to be done, and to what extent. What is more, the documentary describes how a treatment is developed. Learning about famous cancer researchers and understanding the basic science of cancer are another two very interesting reasons for you to watch it, together with the dedication and the kindness of the clinicians to the patients when there is nothing more to do. You can read more in this review.