Cochrane

Background Individual studies suggest that neuromuscular electrical stimulation, or NMES, may help improve the muscle weakness that people often experience as a consequence of a progressive disease. NMES uses a lightweight stimulator unit and skin electrodes to produce a controlled and comfortable muscle contraction. Being a passive form of exercise, ...

Background Stage I ovarian cancer is diagnosed when the tumour is confined to one or both ovaries, without spread to lymph nodes or other parts of the body. Approximately 25% of women with ovarian cancer will be diagnosed at an early stage, thus the diagnosis often occurs due to an accidental finding. The intention of surgical staging is to establish ...

Review question Do patients with non-small cell lung cancer live longer if they are given radiotherapy after surgery? Background Non-small cell lung cancer is the most common type of lung cancer. If the tumour is early stage, is not too big and has not spread to other parts of the body, doctors usually operate to remove it. Radiotherapy (treatment ...

Background Over 75% of people with cancer experience pain. Around 30% to 50% of these people have moderate to severe pain, which can have a negative impact on daily life. Cancer pain is a distressing symptom that tends to worsen as the disease progresses. Hydromorphone may help relieve these symptoms. Cancer-related pain is usually treated with medicines ...

Background The pancreas is a digestive gland situated in the upper abdomen, which is also vital to normal control of blood sugar. Pancreatic cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer death in industrialized nations. The standard surgical treatment for cancer of the head of the gland and precancerous abnormalities is partial removal of the pancreas, ...

Review question We reviewed the evidence of the effectiveness of any medical intervention to prevent hearing loss in children with cancer treated with platinum-based therapy (that is, including the anti-cancer drugs cisplatin, carboplatin, oxaliplatin, or a combination of these). We also looked at anti-cancer effectiveness, side effects other than ...

Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for approximately 13% of all deaths in 2007. Some studies have reported an increased incidence of cancer in people with mental health problems. The Schizophrenia Commission reports that people with schizophrenia who develop cancer are three times more likely to die than those in the general population ...

What is the issue? In the past, women receiving cancer treatment were usually advised to rest and avoid physical activity. But, we now know that too much rest and too little physical activity can lead to muscle wasting. This reduces women's physical fitness level and may limit their regular activities. Women also often have other side effects that ...

Review question How well do different scans identify whether pancreatic and periampullary cancer is resectable (can be surgically removed) in patients with pancreatic cancer in whom computed tomography (CT) scan suggests that the cancer can be removed? CT scan involves a series of X-rays which are combined by a computer to provide detailed images ...

Review question: We reviewed and compared evidence on the usefulness of injectable and gaseous techniques for rapid awakening from anaesthesia in people undergoing surgery for brain tumour. Background: Brain tumour surgery is carried out most often with the patient asleep and with the use of injectable agents or gases. Injectable agents are delivered ...