Researchers offer to bring N.W.T. stomach bacteria study to Yukon
18.07.2008 12:01
Health
- Source: cbc.ca
Scientists who identified a possible link to high incidences of stomach cancer in Aklavik, N.W.T., say they would be willing to take their research to the remote Yukon community of Old Crow, but only if residents ask for it. The Aklavik study, done earlier this year, found many adult residents there tested positive for the Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacterium, which has been linked to stomach cancer. The research confirmed residents' theory that a high number of H. pylori infections in the community led to family members and other residents dying from stomach cancer. Karen Goodman, an associate professor of public health at the University of Alberta, presented her team's findings Wednesday to delegates at this week's International Gwich'in Gathering in Old Crow. Goodman told the assembly that while H. Pylori is found around the world, it seems to affect some groups more than others, for reasons researchers have yet to determine. "There's speculation that it may have to do with ... changes that occur as societies industrialize and modernize and so forth," Goodman said Wednesday. "For whatever reason, there may be pockets of the world where people are more susceptible to maintaining the infection." In Canada, Goodman said the H. Pylori seems to affect aboriginal people living in isolated communities like Aklavik. As the researchers do not know how the bacterium spreads among individuals, she said finding out people's traditions is important. Goodman said if people in Old Crow want a similar study to be done there, it would not necessarily have to be done the same way as the Aklavik study. "It can be modified to meet the goals and the concerns of the community," she said. The researchers have yet to be formally invited to Old Crow. Rachel Munday, the nurse in charge in Aklavik, said communities like Old Crow must request such research to be done. "If the community doesn't want it, it's not going to happen," Mundy said. Story Tools: E-MAIL | PRINT | Text Size: SMLXL | REPORT TYPO | SEND YOUR FEEDBACKRelatedInternal LinksHigh rates of stomach bacteria in Arctic hamlet: studyHealth HeadlinesUnderactive region in brain linked to OCDBritish researchers at the University of Cambridge have found that an area of the brain that regulates habitual behaviour is under-activated in people with obsessive compulsive disorder and their close family members.U.S. FDA lifts safety advisory on tomatoesThe U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Thursday eased its warning on tomatoes, saying it's safe to eat tomatoes again as the salmonella outbreak slows.Senior pathologist testifies at cancer inquiryA senior pathologist at a St. John's lab says no one officially told him that breast cancer testing problems had been uncovered at Eastern Health. Surgical technique boosts recovery after kidney donation Researchers at the U.S. Cleveland Clinic have developed a bellybutton surgery which allows for shorter and less painful kidney donations.Teen smokers realize too late they're hooked: studyTeen smokers often try to quit and seriously believe they can, only realizing they're hooked when it's too late, according to a new study by Universit de Montreal researchers. Health FeaturesBIRTH CONTROLThird World woesMillions need help, advocates sayIN DEPTHRed, red wineHealth pros and consHEALTHLife spanLongevity secrets from around the worldVIDEOYour heartCan depression lead to heart disease? (3:29)HEALTH & FITNESSPeter HadzipetrosBreaking up's not that hard to doPeople who read this also read …
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