Brain Cancer Is Now Leading Cause Of Cancer Death For Kids
In other national public health stories, researchers find evidence strengthening the link between Zika and microcephaly; and a New York prison program trains therapy dogs for veterans with PTSD and other disabilities.
The Washington Post:
Brain Cancer Replaces Leukemia As The Leading Cause Of Cancer Deaths In Kids
It's official: Brain cancer has replaced leukemia as the leading cause of cancer deaths among children and adolescents. In 1999, almost a third of cancer deaths among patients aged 1 to 19 were attributable to leukemia while about a quarter were caused by brain cancer. By 2014, those percentages were reversed, according to a report published Friday by the National Center for Health Statistics, which is part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (McGinley, 9/16)
Los Angeles Times:
Researchers Strengthen Link Between Zika And Microcephaly
A first-of-its-kind study is strengthening the case that Zika is the culprit behind Brazil’s mysterious surge in babies born with microcephaly. Preliminary results from a study commissioned by the Brazilian Ministry of Health found that 13 out of 32 newborns with microcephaly tested positive for the Zika virus. Meanwhile, none of the 62 newborns in a comparison group who had normal-sized heads showed any sign of infection. (Kaplan, 9/15)
The Wall Street Journal:
Inmate-Trained Dogs Give Veterans Some Love
Ms. Stoga’s “classes” typically produce six dogs that are ready to be service animals. She refers to them as “geniuses,” and she should know—she owns two that failed the program. Ones that don’t make the grade are held for further training or released for adoption. Successful graduates learn over 90 commands and acquire astonishing skills, from pulling off their owner’s socks and placing them in a laundry basket to waking them from post-traumatic-stress-related nightmares by turning on a closet light or pulling the sheets off their bed. (Gardner Jr., 9/15)