Gut Microbe Strikes Again: Ulcer-Causing Bug May Also Prevent Cancer

Scientific American by Barbara Juncosa | Oct. 6, 2008 (Special Report)
New study shows that H. pylori may not be all bad

The common ulcer-causing bug linked this summer to reduced rates of childhood asthma and allergies may also help protect adults against one type of cancer, according to a new analysis. Researchers report today in the journal Cancer Prevention Research that they found the stomach microbe Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) may help prevent a major form of cancer of the esophagus (the muscular tube that carries food and drink from the throat to the stomach). Full Story »

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Kristin Gorski
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 by Kristin Gorski - Oct. 6, 2008

This post's writer describes a new medical study, recently published, which claims that some bacteria which causes one cancer type may prohibit another type. This definitely adds to the growing group of med articles which now tend to support "good bacteria". Because so many studies are considered "health news" -- and because so many studies that are released often contradict a widely held belief or are just preliminary studies -- reporters have to be extra careful to include appropriate context. While many readers may feel informed keeping up on the newest information in the medical field, medical journalists must make sure that they are writing about relevant, significant studies. Having access to an abundance of findings from medical studies can sometimes confuse more than enlighten.

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