The statistics are frightening. The World Health Organization estimates that 84 million people will die of cancer between 2005 to 2015. In Israel alone, the Israel Cancer Association estimates that one in three Israelis will contract some kind of cancer during their lifetimes. But half of all these cancers could be prevented by changing lifestyle habits and diets, according to the association.
Israeli scientists and researchers are at the forefront of efforts to understand the causes of cancer, and to come up with better tools for early diagnosis, as well as new treatments.
As the world celebrates World Cancer Day on February 4, ISRAEL21c takes a look at recent local breakthroughs in the field.
Israeli wins top cancer research award
Israeli scientist, Dr. Yosef Shiloh, has been chosen by the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) as this year’s winner of the prestigious Clowes Award. The Tel Aviv University professor is the first Israeli researcher to win the coveted prize.
Sleeping with lights on can spur cancer
Israeli researchers are reporting a link between exposure to artificial light at night (LAN) and elevated rates of breast cancer and prostate cancer. The 10-year study conducted by the University of Haifa’s Biology Department confirmed suspicions that exposure to higher-intensity light during sleep can be dangerous. The results were recently published in the Chronobiology International journal.
Israel is one of the top five leaders in breast cancer research worldwide.
Researchers warn of stem cell cancer link
Researchers in Israel are warning that stem cell treatments could raise cancer risks.
Analyzing your health by phone
An Israeli company has developed a new emotional decoding program that can analyze your voice and discover how you’re feeling, and even whether you’re sick.
More evidence for LAN-cancer link
A new study from the Center for Interdisciplinary Chronobiological Research at Israel’s University of Haifa has found an additional link between Light At Night (LAN) and cancer.
A revolution in skin cancer detection
An Israeli invention may revolutionize current modes of diagnosing skin cancer, the most common cancer in the US.
Targeting tumors without the pain of radiation
Israeli scientists have developed an innovative new nano-particle treatment for cancerous tumors that could replace traditional radiation therapy.
“Go Greek” at dinner to fight UV rays
The secret to protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays is right there on your dinner plate, says an Israeli researcher who shows that the Mediterranean diet offers protection from skin cancer.
Killing cancer, without killing healthy cells
A new molecular-level imaging technology from Israel can detect diseases in the cells themselves, and target cancer cells directly, without harming healthy ones.
A blood-shy, blood cancer warrior
Israeli professor, Varda Shoshan-Barmatz is one of only a few non-North Americans to win a grant from the Leukemia & Lymphona Society to develop antidotes for blood cancers.
Israeli researchers believe that a biological ‘switch’ found in plants may hold the secret for a new cancer treatment for humans.
Diabetes may double cancer risks in women
A new Israeli study suggests that women with type 2 diabetes are twice as likely to get cancer, while men with the condition are less likely to get prostrate cancer.
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