American Cancer Society Relay For Life® Helps Fund Research in Minnesota

American Cancer Society press release:
MENDOTA HEIGHTS, MINN.—JULY 10, 2007—Finding out why some people are more susceptible to environmental chemicals that put them at higher risk for bladder cancer will be the focus of a new laboratory research study by University of Minnesota cancer researcher Kylie Walters, Ph.D. She will conduct this research with a $703,000 grant recently received from the American Cancer Society.

"Proteins called N-acetyltransferases (NATs), which we all produce, are essential in helping our bodies get rid of environmental cancer-causing agents, especially chemicals known as arylamines," said Walters, who is an assistant professor of biochemistry, molecular biology and biophysics with the U of M Medical School and Cancer Center.

Arylamines are found in highest concentrations in tobacco products, color dyes used in manufacturing and pesticides.

According to Walters, genetic variations that exist within the NAT proteins result in humans having very different levels of NAT activity. People who have low levels of NAT activity in their bodies, and who are exposed to arylamines over a period of years, have a higher likelihood of bladder cancer.

Bladder cancer affects about four times as many men as women, and about two times as many whites as African Americans. This year in Minnesota, about 1,150 people will be diagnosed with bladder cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. A warning sign of possible bladder cancer includes blood in the urine and increased need to urinate.

Smokers have about two times the risk of bladder cancer as nonsmokers. The American Cancer Society estimates smoking is responsible in about 48 percent of bladder cancer deaths in men and 28 percent among women.

"Our research goals are two-fold: Find out how arylamines evade NAT proteins to avoid being detoxified in the body, and why the NAT proteins function at less efficient levels in as much as 50 percent of Caucasians," Walters added.

"While we are celebrating survivorship, remembering loved ones and supporting the newly diagnosed at Relay For Life events throughout Minnesota, we're very pleased that the funds being raised are directly impacting the fight against cancer," said American Cancer Society Minnesota Vice President Maribeth Swenty Woodford.

The American Cancer Society is dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by saving lives, diminishing suffering and preventing cancer through research, education, advocacy and service. Founded in 1913 and with national headquarters in Atlanta, the Society has 13 regional Divisions and local offices in 3,400 communities, involving millions of volunteers across the United States. For more information anytime, call toll-free 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.

The Masonic Cancer Center is part of the University's Academic Health Center. It is designated a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute. To learn more about the Masonic Cancer Center and cancer, call 612-624-2620 or toll-free in Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, and the Dakotas at 1-888-CANCER MN (1-888-226-2376); or visit www.cancer.umn.edu.

Media contacts:

Mary Lawson, Masonic Cancer Center Public Relations Director, 612-624-6165, 612-203-0819 (cell), mlawson@umn.edu

Janis Rannow, American Cancer Society Media Relations Manager, 651-255-8137, Janis.Rannow@cancer.org

Lou Harvin, American Cancer Society Media Relations, 651-255-8153, Lou.Harvin@cancer.org