| August 20, 2008 Could detecting cancer be as easy as scratch 'n sniff?
|
(NECN: Ally Donnelly) - There is new research on skin cancer and veterans who suffer mental illness.
Leading chemists have confirmed that skin with cancer gives off a different odor than normal skin. They were inspired by previous reports that dogs could be trained to detect the scent of cancer.
The researchers announced their results today at the national meeting of the American Chemical Society.
There is also news out today about returning veterans in the work place. Thousands of men and women are coming back from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, many struggling to reintegrate into society. The government has some new tool to help employers in the transition.
The two signature injures from these wars are post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury.
What that means is that these men and women have a whole host of health issues -- experts say veterans with PTSD often re-experience their trauma with flashbacks, nightmares or stress reactions. Many TBI/PTSD patients have difficulty sleeping, headaches, vertigo, anxiety, poor concentration and decision-making difficulties.
But, experts say if employers can make some minor adjustments, these issues don't necessarily have to manifest themselves in the workplace.
The Dept. of Labor has created a new Web site called America's Heros at Work. The site includes fact sheets and other educational materials as well as Web-based training for employers, career centers
Play video
