Adolescents News and Research

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Researchers step closer to cure for common childhood cancer

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a malignant disease caused by the abnormal growth and development of white blood cells (WBC) in the bone marrow and blood. ALL is the most common cancer occurring in children with an annual rate of approximately 30 to 40 new cases per million.

5 Dec 2004

Genetic target found for pediatric leukemia

A molecular target newly discovered by scientists at two prestigious research institutes may pave the way for new treatments that could combat an aggressive form of leukemia, according to a study to be presented today during the 46th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH).

5 Dec 2004

Disturbing new trend in cybersuicide is emerging

A disturbing new trend in suicide pacts involving strangers meeting over the internet (cybersuicide) is emerging, warns a consultant psychiatrist in this week's BMJ.

3 Dec 2004

Researchers recommend vaccinating adolescents against whooping cough

Experts are recommending that adolescents and some adults be vaccinated against whooping cough to help prevent infection and potential transmission to infants, according to the December 15 issue of Clinical Infectious Diseases, now available online.

23 Nov 2004

Covering up reduces exposure to cancer-causing ultraviolet radiation, according to a systematic review of evidence

Educating children in primary school and adults at the beach about the benefits of wearing sun-protective hats and clothing can effectively motivate them to cover up and reduce their exposure to cancer-causing ultraviolet radiation, according to a systematic review of evidence.

23 Nov 2004

Children throughout the world are increasingly being prescribed antidepressants

Children throughout the world are increasingly being prescribed antidepressants and other drugs designed to calm or stimulate the brain, finds research in Archives of Disease in Childhood. Prescription rates increased the most in the UK, the research suggests.

17 Nov 2004

Vaccine against human papillomavirus infection could reduce the global incidence of cervical cancer

A randomised trial in this week’s issue of THE LANCET shows how a vaccine against human papillomavirus (HPV) infection could potentially reduce the global incidence of cervical cancer.

14 Nov 2004

Canada puts in place a national plan to ensure an adequate flu vaccine supply

Per capita, more Canadians receive the flu shot than residents of any other country. The flu vaccine is the best protection against the flu virus, so it is encouraging to see that even more Canadians are getting the flu shot this season than ever before.

11 Nov 2004

High school students most likely to say they wanted to quit smoking to save money

Despite smoking's documented health risks, teens may be more worried about its damage to their wallets, a new study suggests.

8 Nov 2004

Regular smear tests rather than colposcopy is the best way of monitoring low-grade cervical lesions

Results of a US study in this week’s issue of THE LANCET suggest that regular smear tests rather than colposcopy is the best way of monitoring low-grade cervical lesions among adolescents and young women.

5 Nov 2004

Need to belong influences adolescent workplace drug use

In the high-pressure atmosphere of the building and construction industry, adolescent workers are highly susceptible to indulging in work related drug and alcohol use.

4 Nov 2004

Nonpowder guns are extremely powerful and continue to cause serious injury and disability

Nonpowder guns - ball-bearing (BB) guns, pellet guns, air rifles, and paintball guns - are extremely powerful and continue to cause serious injury, disability and even death to children and adolescents, according to a new American Academy of Pediatrics technical report "Injury Risk of Nonpowder Guns."

1 Nov 2004

Young gamblers more likely to have use disorders and psychiatric problems

Adolescents and young adults who gamble are more likely than nongamblers to have substance use disorders and psychiatric problems, according to an article in the November issue of The Archives of General Psychiatry.

1 Nov 2004

Acetaldehyde appears to increase the addictive properties of nicotine

Acetaldehyde, one of the main chemical components of tobacco smoke, appears to increase the addictive properties of nicotine, according to animal studies conducted by the UC Irvine Transdisciplinary Tobacco Use Research Center (TTURC).

29 Oct 2004

Impaired endothelial function is an early indicator of atherosclerosis

Impaired endothelial function is an early indicator of atherosclerosis according to a study of healthy people followed from childhood to young adulthood reported in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association.

25 Oct 2004

New advice on prescribing anti-depressants

New Zealands's Medsafe has sent a letter to all prescribers informing them about new advice relating to the known risks and benefits associated with prescribing medications to treat depression in young people and in adults.

22 Oct 2004

Guidebook helps adults identify and cope with teen stress

Returning to school can be a stressful time, especially for teens. Many teens face stress from the new demands of school, puberty, changing relationships, family responsibilities and safety issues in their neighborhoods. However, teen stress is not always recognized by adults.

20 Oct 2004

FDA issues warning on adolescent use of antidepressants

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a Public Health Advisory announcing a multi-pronged strategy to warn the public about the increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior ("suicidality") in children and adolescents being treated with antidepressant medications.

18 Oct 2004

New study highlights survey vulnerabilities

Some 8.3 percent of California teens smoke cigarettes. No, wait, make that 4.5 percent. Or is it really 14.2 percent?

12 Oct 2004

Lifestyle factors that increase the risk of heart disease in adults begin to take hold in childhood

In one study, Boston researchers found that about two-thirds of 1,960 adolescents studied had at least one risk factor for heart disease, and almost 10 percent had a cluster of factors known as metabolic syndrome.

11 Oct 2004