Scientists in Sweden have noted that exposure to second hand smoke early in infancy can increase a child's risk of developing allergies, which is described in our program Allergies and Anaphylaxis (113.1), one of the three programs in the series Respiratory Disorders (113). This was evidenced as blood samples of children were examined for levels of IgE, an immunoglobulin released by the immune system when the body is exposed to allergens. Increased presence of IgE is consistent with allergic response.

Looking at the data, about one-quarter of the children with parents who smoked had high levels of IgE by age 4 years. About 15 percent of them were allergic to inhaled allergens, 16 percent had allergic reactions to foods, and another 7 percent were sensitive to both. When compared with children of non-smokers, those exposed were two times as likely to have a response to inhaled allergens and 50 percent more likely to have food allergies.

According to the researchers, there was no link between mother's smoking during pregnancy and response to allergens

According to a new study, exercise of moderate intensity, such as a 30-minute brisk walk most days of the week, is enough to undo metabolic syndrome, which is described in our program. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, breast-feeding helps prevent babies' allergies, but there is no data confirming the assumption that avoiding certain foods during pregnancy, using soy formula, or even delaying the introduction of solid foods after six months of age will stop allergies from occurring. That means that the recommendations made several years ago have not been supported by new research.

New guidelines have been issued by the AAP and include that:

• There is no convincing evidence that women who avoid peanuts or other foods during pregnancy or breast-feeding lower their child's risk of allergies
• Exclusive breast-feeding
• For at least three months protects against wheezing in infants, but it is unclear if it prevents asthma in older children
• For at least four months for infants with a family history of allergies can diminish the risk of rashes and allergy to cow's milk
• There is modest evidence that feeding hypoallergenic formulas to at-risk babies, if they are not solely breast-fed, may reduce or prevent allergies
• There is no confirmation that giving infants soy-based formulas will prevent allergies
• There is no proof that delaying the introduction of eggs, fish or peanut butter to children prevents allergies.
• Introduction to solid foods should not be done until babies are between 4 and 6 months of age

Our series Respiratory Disorders (113) discusses both Allergies and Anaphylaxis (113.1) as well as Asthma (113.2). In addition, Nutrition of the Infant (678) describes the benefits of breast feeding in addition to when to introduce new foods.

Society, the number of worldwide cancer cases and deaths is on the rise. In 2007, there were 12 million new malignancies diagnosed with 7.6 million deaths. About 5.4 million cancers and 2.9 million deaths occur in affluent countries.

One of the reasons for the rise is that life expectancy is increasing and as individuals get older; their risk for development of cancer goes up as well. Lifestyle is another reason for the surge, especially in developing nations where people are adopting more cosmopolitan behaviors such as smoking, consuming foods rich in fats, and partaking in little physical activity.

In Western countries, the most common cancers among men are prostate, lung, and colorectal cancer; for women they are breast, colorectal and lung cancer. In the third world, however, the three most common cancers among men are lung, stomach and liver. For women, breast, cervix uteri and stomach are most often diagnosed.

Throughout the world, it is estimated that 15 percent of all cancers are thought to be related to infections, including hepatitis (liver cancer) and human papilloma virus (cervical cancer); but this rate is three times higher in developing countries compared with developed countries.

Tobacco use is also an issue. In 2000, some 5 million people worldwide died from tobacco use, 30 percent of them from cancer. As the numbers of smokers in Western cultures drop, the numbers in developing countries are rising as the tobacco companies are expanding their markets there.

Cancer survival rates in many developing countries are far below those in Western countries. This is a result of a lack of early detection and treatment services. For example, only 60 percent of the world's children who develop cancer have little or no access to treatment. This disparity is clearly illustrated when looking at survival rates: in North America five-year childhood cancer survival rates are about 75 percent while three-year survival rates in Central America are only between of 48 and 62 percent.

According to experts, the best way to curb the increasing number of cases of cancer and related deaths is prevention such as infection control and vaccination, education about lifestyle and tobacco use, and earlier detection and treatment modalities made available especially in poorer countries.

Our extensive library on cancer explores pathophysiology, genetics, treatment modalities, and family concerns: Symptom Management for the Patient with Lung Cancer (508), Managing Assessments and Supportive Cancer Care (505), Chemotherapy Administration for the Oncology Nurse (512), Tumor Lys1s Syndrome and Pleural Effusion (509), Sepsis and DIC (510), Symptom Management for the Radiation Oncology Patient (513), Guided Visualization: Working with the Healing Power of Your Immune System (511), Traditional Pain Management in Oncology Treatment (517), Alternative Pain Management in Oncology Treatment (518), Cancer as a Family Diagnosis: Supporting the Caregivers (515), Cancer: Supporting Couples and Children (516), and Respiratory Disorders (113).