MIAMI – A new analysis of liver cancer is finding that race and ethnicity may play a role in this deadly disease.
Using data from Florida’s Statewide Cancer Registry and two other sources, researchers at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center were able to identify specific population groups that are at higher risk for certain causes of liver cancer.
“So what we found is that there is a huge difference in rates of liver cancer per cause, so for example, if you think about Hepatitis C, which is an important infection and cause of liver cancer, it is very high among Puerto Rican men, among African American men, and among U.S.-born Hispanic men in general, be it Mexican or of some other origin,” said Sylvester Cancer Epidemiologist and study corresponding author Dr. Paulo Pinherio.
He said the study also found that Hepatitis B, another cause of liver cancer, was found to be higher among foreign populations that immigrated to the U.S.
Researchers also identified potential targeted interventions to improve prevention and control of the disease, especially in these higher risk groups.
WASABI LINKED TO IMPROVE MEMORY
A new study found that wasabi, the spicy and pungent sushi condiment, contains an active ingredient that’s been linked to improvements in memory.
Tests of those given 100 milligrams of wasabi in pill form showed what researchers in Japan called “dramatic change” in language, concentration and the ability to complete tasks.
It’s believed the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of an active ingredient in wasabi could protect an area of the brain responsible for memory.