This week we have news from New Zealand research into head and neck cancer, a brave survivor speaks about the signs and symptoms of head and neck cancer, and we introduce you to a life saving technology - the Gamma Knife. Enjoy... 

Medicine already in use may help cancer treatments

This story was originally published on Newsroom.co.nz and is republished with permission.

From the Bay of Islands to Brussels there's a call to take a fresh look at old drugs to see if they could treat cancer for a fraction of the cost of new medicines.

As New Zealand's baby boomers develop age-related cancer, research investment now could help reduce future cost and improve lives.

What if treatments for cancer have been under our noses for decades, cost a few cents and have already been extensively tested for safety?

Read more...

https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/112847817/medicine-already-in-use-may-help-cancer-treatments

A survivor speaks out about head and neck cancer

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - (5/16/19) Karla Gray is speaking up, hoping that her experience will encourage everyone to know the signs of head and neck cancer.

"I had a lot of dryness in my mouth and unfortunately the right side of my tongue is numb" Karla says.

Karla also had trouble swallowing.

Doctors diagnosed her with head and neck cancer.

She says she had 33 radiation treatments and 6 chemotherapy treatments but it wasn't just one diagnosis.

Karla says she's had cancer 3 times in the head and neck area.

Now, she follows up with doctors every 3 to 6 months.

Gamma Knife Market to be at Forefront by 2020

According to a new market report published by Persistence Market Research “Global Market Study on Gamma Knife: Asia to Witness Highest Growth by 2020,” the global Gamma Knife market is valued at USD 526,733.2 thousand in 2014 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.6% from 2014 to 2020 to reach an estimated value of USD 651,241.9 thousand in 2020.

Radiation therapy is a procedure entailing the precise delivery of high doses of radiation to tumors and other relevant anatomical targets. Gamma Knife radiosurgery is a major form of radiation therapy. It is mainly used to treat brain tumors, arteriovenous malformations, trigeminal neuralgia, acoustic neuroma, and pituitary tumors. Globally, the Gamma Knife market is witnessing significant growth due to increasing prevalence of cancer and obesity and growing aging population. In addition, rising number of initiatives undertaken by various government associations and the advanced features of Gamma Knife systems are also driving the growth of the market. However, stringent regulatory requirements and prolonged approval time for Gamma Knife systems and a high cost of implementation and shortage of skilled manpower inhibit the growth of the market. The global Gamma Knife market is anticipated to grow from an estimated USD 526,733.2 thousand in 2014 to USD 651,241.9 thousand by 2020 at a CAGR of 3.6% during the forecast period.