wednesday, October 22, 2003
news
the university daily kansan
5A
Mono increases risk of lymph cancer
By Danielle Hillix
dhillix@kansan.com
khansan staff writer
As if the sore throat and fatigue of mono weren't bad enough.
Now Danish researchers have found that young adults who get "the kissing disease" are more than twice as likely of developing Hodgkin's disease, a treatable cancer of the lymph system.
"This study removes the last shade of doubt that mono and Hodgkin's are linked," said Richard Ambinder of the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. "But so many people have the mono virus, it can't be the whole story behind Hodgkin's."
While the study confirmed a link between mono and Hodgkin's, doctors said it was no reason to panic. Patients with mono should worry about getting well, not about developing a rare cancer, said Kathleen Colson, registered nurse with the Douglas County Health Department.
Researchers studied 38,000 patients diagnosed with mono and 24,000 patients who were tested but did not have mono. The study concluded that those who had mono also had an above-average chance of getting Hodgkin's. The risk of the disease lasted for two decades.
Epstein-Barr, the virus responsible for mono, is found in one-third of Hodgkin's tumors.
Colson said that Epstein-Barr was spread through oral contact and saliva and hints the nickname "kissing disease."
While anyone is susceptible, teenagers and college students are most likely to contract the disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the disease strikes one in every 500 people between the ages of 15 and 25 each year.
"Because that's the age when you get all kinds of kissing going on." Colson said.
Mono also spreads quickly among college students who live
together in close quarters. Colson said the disease flourished in small classrooms. Like most respiratory viruses, symptoms of mono commonly appear during the winter months.
Symptoms of mono usually include a slight fever, sore throat, nausea and fatigue.
hazed and dugged.
Rachel Rundle, Wichita junior,
had all those symptoms when she
went to the emergency room during
her second semester in college.
The Wichita junior said she
thought she just had a common cold until one night when the pain was too much to bear.
"I thought my head was going to explode," she said.
Rundle went to the emergency room for three consecutive nights before doctors diagnosed her with mono.
"They thought I had ear infections or strep throat," she said. "They'd give me pain killers and I'd be fine for awhile. But then it would be midnight and I'd be in the hospital again."
When doctors did diagnose Rundle with mono, they were unable to cure it with medication.
"They told me there was no magic mono pill." Rundle said.
The American Academy of Pediatrics Web site, www.medem.com, says there is no specific treatment for mono, other than plenty of rest, lots of liquid and a healthy diet. But medications are often prescribed to treat secondary viruses that are contracted when an immune system is weakened by mono.
The Web site says that people who suffer symptoms of mono for more than one week should see their doctors.
Rundle said she missed a lot of school because of mono and had a hard time keeping up with work. On top of the stress from mono, learning about the Hodgkin's connection was one more problem for mono patients to worry about, Rundle said.
- Edited by Ehren Meditz
Panel to discuss tuition increases
By Paul Kramer
pkramer@kansan.com
Kansas staff writer
Tuition increases are hitting the University of Kansas every year, and Marynell Jones, Student Senate executive secretary, is organizing a panel to ask why.
Jones said Andy Knopp, student body president, asked her to organize the panel.
"K-State did a rally for higher ed last year called 'pack the libraries,'" Jones said. "And they
asked other regents schools to do something."
Kansas State University's rally came about because its libraries were dropping hours because of a shortage of operating finds, and although the University does not have anything that immediate, Jones said she wanted to keep students informed.
"We want to increase students' awareness about what is going on in the Legislature," Jones said.
The plan is a table Nov 19 and 20 on Wescow Beach that will allow students to bring or write letters to the Legislature about higher education funding, and a five-person panel discussion at the Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics on Nov 20.
Three of the five panelists are confirmed as of yesterday and include: Barbara Ballard, associate vice president of student success; Glee Smith, former member of the Board of Regents; and Jon Josserand, assistant for government relations for University Relations.
Josserand said it was important that students, alumni and parents were the chief participants in speaking about the University's budget.
All University students will be able to attend the panel discussion and are encouraged to voice their concerns. All student senators will be required to attend the panel.
Edited by Ehren Meditz
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Date Time Location Mon., October 27 3:00pm-6:00pm WMHC, 1 $ ^{st} $ floor conference room*
Tues., October 28 10:00am-2:00pm Kansas Union, Traditions Area
Wed., October 29 3:00pm-6:00pm WMHC, $ 1^{\mathrm{st}} $ floor conference room $ ^{*} $
Thurs., October 30 10:00am-2:00pm Wescoe Terrace
Wed., November 5 3:00pm-6:00pm WMHC, $ 1^{\mathrm{st}} $ floor conference room $ ^{*} $
Tues., November4 10:00am-2:00pm Strong Hall, Rotunda
Thurs., November 6 10:00am-2:00pm Burge Union, Level 2 Mall
Student Health Services at Watkins Main: 864.9500
Dislike Shots?! Nasal mist vaccine will be offered at the Watkins clinics* and by appointment. Cost is $51.
Flu immunization clinics are open to all students, faculty and staff. Cost for the flu shot is $14 and is payable by cash or check.
Can't make it to a clinic? Call 864-9507 and schedule an appointment to get your flu shot at a time convenient for you.
Watch for more flu clinics in November!!
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