HEALTH DIGEST
CHLAMYDIA VACCINE
A vaccine against Chlamydia is one step closer after McMaster University researchers identified new antigens that could be used to prevent the common sexually transmitted infection. “This is very exciting and very promising,” said senior author James Mahony, professor of pathology and molecular medicine at McMaster and a researcher at St. Joseph Health care’s research institute. “We’re very hopeful.” The vaccine was found to block symptoms of Chlamydia by up to 95 per cent in the study, published this month in the journal Vaccine, and funded by the Canadian Institutes Researchers are looking for more funding to do further animal studies before going on to human trials.
PAIN AFTER BREAST CANCER
Up to 60 per cent of breast cancer patients experience persistent pain after surgery that can reduce quality of life and impair function. McMaster University researchers have determined younger patients are most at risk of persistent pain in a study published in the Canadian Medial Association Journal July 11. Pain is also more likely in those treated with radiation therapy or diagnosed by a surgical procedure to remove the lymph nodes from under the arm called auxiliary lymph node dissection. In total, 77 variables were identified. The systematic review and metaanalysis of 30 studies involving 19,813 patients found the type of breast cancer surgery doesn’t appear to be a factor. Chemotherapy and hormone therapy are also not associated with persistent pain. The hope of the study is that early identification of those at high risk will result in better pain management as well as further research into how to reduce the problem.
STROKE PREVENTION
The vast majority of strokes are preventable found a Hamilton study providing a road map of how to reduce a leading cause of death and disability Nine out of 10 strokes are caused by 10 modifiable risk factors found the research led by the Population Health Research Institute affiliated with Hamilton Health Sciences and McMaster University. The number of strokes could be significantly reduced with more exercise, a better diet, quitting smoking, reducing stress and cutting back on alcohol. Hypertension, diabetes and heart issues are also big factors so prevention is key concludes the study. Risk factors vary by region so different strategies are needed around the world says the INTERSTROKE study published in The Lancet July 18 involving 26,000 patients in 32 countries.
BETTER HEARING
Hamiltonians aged 60 and over can get a free baseline hearing test with no referral required as part of a national campaign for better hearing. As part of 30th anniversary celebrations, Jill Nelson and Lyn Lawrence at ListenUp! Canada at 25 Charlton Avenue East will be taking part in the campaign that sees $4 for every test donated to provide hearing aids to those who can’t afford them. A number of other Hamilton clinics are also taking part. Go to www.campaignforbetterhearing.org or call 1-800-787- 4327.
RESEARCH PROTEST
Dozens of Hamilton researchers publicly protesting the way $1 billion in Canadian health research funding is distributed are hopeful the system is headed in the right direction again. A July 13 meeting between the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and Canadian researchers has resulted in a number of agreed upon changes that will be implemented immediately. The biggest is the return to face-to-face meetings to review grants instead of virtual discussions. “This response is the right response but they have to make it happen quickly,” said professor Lori Burrows who is McMaster’s university delegate with CIHR.