Putin finds partner in Africa: oil fields under control


Vladimir Putin has invited the President of Uganda to visit Moscow. As the same time, it has been reported that Russia may play a role in Museveni's oil saga. The talks on development of oil fields have been going on for some years so far. Irina Filatova, one of the leading Russian Africanists, Professor, Doctor of Historical Sciences at the Higher School of Economics told Pravda.Ru what has changed and which are the prospects.

As far as I know a Russian RT-Global Resources company seeks building an oil refinery. In 2015 it won a contract. Everything was fine, but then some difficulties occurred. The fact is that in 2016 Uganda claimed that it would not carry out negotiations with the South Korean contender. This invitation may be connected with a will to help this Russian company.

Which is the potential of these oil fields?
There are about 6-6.5 billions of barrels. Over 2 of them are produced quite easily. The case is that Uganda's government prefers slow production to extend resources for a longer term and get maximum profit. While developing companies want to make it quick.

Museveni also proposed Russia to establish a shipping line which would connect the Eastern Africa with Russia. It it expedient?
It may be done. The main problem of Russia's trade with Africa is that little has been offered apart from resources and weapons. We deliver Sukhoi Su-30 airplanes and other military equipment, but a shipping line is not needed to deliver it.

Why is namely Uganda willing to cooperate with Russia? Which role does it play in the region?
This country is quite stable. Museveni has been ruling the country for as long as 31 year. When he came, he abolished all the parties and then democratic order was returned, parties restored. Each elections won by Museveni were alternative ones, candidates were quite real. Results were not contested. Museveni carried out one of the most successful campaigns in Africa on combating AIDS, he introduced free elementary education. However, oil has been also found in Kenya and Tanzania, the whole region is covered with oil fields, but we have worked with Uganda only so far.

How to speak out: Apps, websites connect people with officials


There are several resources avaiable to help people get in touch with their congressional and local government representatives and make their voices heard. Photo by David Tulis

Jan. 31 -- With a new president in the White House taking swift action on a host of controversial issues, Americans are looking for ways to voice their opinions to Congress and Donald Trump's administration.
Apps, online petitions and websites are helping people take a stand and connect with officials.
Here's a rundown of some of the most comprehensive ones:

This smartphone application is a one-stop shop for information about how to contact federal representatives. Available for free download in the Google Play and Apple stores, the app streamlines the process.
Countable allows people to read summaries of upcoming and active legislation, tell lawmakers how you want them to vote, "Yea" or "Nay," and follow up on the process.

"Compare your voting habits to your congressional representatives' and start holding them accountable," this website says.
Much like Countable, 4US simplifies the process of communicating with your representatives in government. This resource, though, is web-based.
People can view legislation, news about the bills and find their representatives' contact information all in one place.

Launched in 1998, petition-driven MoveOn is one of the most established ways to speak out -- described as the largest independent, progressive, digitally connected organizing group in the United States.
The organization is composed of two groups -- MoveOn Civic Action, a non-profit, and MoveOn Political Action, a federal PAC focused on running advocacy campaigns and electing candidates who best reflect members' values.
Change.org is a similar petition-based site.

This website aims to educate citizens about what's in the federal government budget, how it is spent and ways they can get involved in the process.
The site also details decisions made by federal lawmakers.

This government website breaks down the communication processes for Americans by topic.
Whichever issue you want to talk to your representatives about, this website makes it easier by automatically directing you to the proper channel.

The official website of the Senate and House of Representatives provides a wealth of information about what legislation exists, who voted for what, and what is on the schedule.
It also provides names, telephone numbers and other information about your representatives.

What to say?
A couple of websites have made available sample scripts and talking points you can use once you reach your representative.

The 65 - An anti-Trump movement, this site offers news on the issues, a weekly roundup and scripts you can use to effectively communicate with lawmakers.

The Conservative Caucus - As its name suggests, this group is a conservative organization that offers news on the issues and ways to communicate with government officials.

People For the American Way - Another script site dedicated to fighting right-wing extremism.

Phone vs. email
Should you contact your representatives by phone, or electronically?
While sending an email is certainly the easiest method, experts have said it might be more efficient to pick up the phone.

Former congressional staffer Emily Ellsworth said phone calls are the best option because they are harder for lawmakers to ignore.
She says try calling your representative's local office first, and their D.C. office second. The reason -- chances are the local offices receive far less telephone and electronic correspondence.


Trump replaces acting attorney general for not backing travel ban

President Donald Trump fired acting Attorney General Sally Yates after she ordered the Department of Justice not to defend legal challenges to the administration's travel ban.
Acting U.S. Attorney General Sally Yates on Monday directed lawyers at the Department of Justice to refrain from trying to defend President Donald Trump's controversial ban on U.S. travel for citizens of seven nations in the Middle East and Africa. Yates, a member of former President Barack Obama's government, is filling in the office as Trump nominee Jeff Sessions seeks confirmation. Photo by Kevin Dietsch

-- President Donald Trump fired acting Attorney General Sally Yates Monday night, hours after she said the U.S. Department of Justice would not defend challenges to the president's travel ban on people from seven majority Muslim countries.
Trump replaced Yates with Dana Boente, U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, after Yates said government lawyers won't argue the issue because she was uncertain whether the ban is legal.

Boente will fill the position until Sen. Jeff Sessions' confirmation is voted on by the U.S. Senate later this week. The White House said it replaced Yates because she had "betrayed the Department of Justice by refusing to enforce a legal order designed to protect the citizens of the United States."

Pentagon IDs Navy SEAL killed in Yemen raid


Navy Chief Petty Officer William "Ryan" Owens was killed on Saturday during a raid on a suspected militant compound in Yemen. Owens died and three others were injured when a MV-22 Osprey aircraft, similar to the one above, landed hard at the raid site. Photo courtesy Tech. Sgt. Joshua J. Garcia/U.S. Air Force

The U.S. Department of Defense on Monday identified a Navy SEAL who was killed -- along with an 8-year-old girl -- in an anti-terror raid in Yemen over the weekend.
The Pentagon identified the soldier as Chief Petty Officer William "Ryan" Owens, an Illinois native and member of the elite, Virginia-based Navy team known as Seal Team 6.
Owens, 36, died and three other American servicemen were injured in the raid Saturday, which targeted al-Qaida militants at an Arabian Peninsula compound.

Average U.S. gas prices decline for 21 consecutive days


Jan. 31 -- The national average for gasoline prices declined for 21 consecutive days, buoyed by the increase in crude oil production in the United States and lower driving demand, according to retail analysis.
The national average for regular unleaded gas is $2.27 a gallon, which is 4 cents lower than one week ago and 5 cents less than a month ago, according to motor club AAA. GasBuddy also reported the average price at $2.27, down 2.8 cents from last week and 6.2 cents from the previous month.
Compared with one year ago, prices are 47 cents more per gallon, according to both sources.
The top four highest prices nationally remain on the West Coast, including in Hawaii ($3.07), California ($2.80), Alaska ($2.74) and Washington ($2.73), according to AAA.
AAA reports prices have remained stable in the West despite increased gasoline production and supply in California.
In the Northeast, gas prices were the highest in Pennsylvania at $2.57 (5th) and New York at $2.50 (8th).
In the central part of the country prices remain "flat," according to AAA, despite the shutdown of a pipeline owned by Magellan Midstream Partners last Wednesday after a section of the pipeline was leaking diesel fuel in Iowa. The biggest decline was in Ohio with an 11-cent decline in one week and 33 cents from a month ago. Michigan and Illinois each dropped 9 cents from last week.
Prices remain the lowest on the Gulf Coast, where most of the oil refiners are located in the United States. AAA said the lowest prices in the nation are in South and Southeast -- South Carolina ($2.04), Alabama ($2.07), Mississippi ($2.08), Texas ($2.10) and Arkansas ($2.11).
Baker Hughes reported that drillers added 15 rigs in the United States. The oil rig count stands at 556, the highest since November 2015. This compares with Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries efforts to rebalance the global oil market.
Brent crude oil was up 51 cents a barrel at $55.74 before markets opened Tuesday in New York. U.S. light crude gained 57 cents to $53.20.
One year ago Brent crude was trading 1.78 percentage points lower and its 52-week high was $58.53 but the low was $38.04. For light crude, its 52-week high was $56.24 and the low was $38.10.
"End-of-month surveys of OPEC production cuts are expected tomorrow and traders will be paying close attention to the cartel's agreement compliance," AAA noted. "Market watchers will also keep a close eye on U.S. production and the impact it has on supply and demand."


100 Scholarships for Masters Programme at Swansea University in UK, 2017

Swansea University is offering 100 Master’s Scholarships for UK/EU students. Each scholarship worth £3000 towards tuition fees for students starting eligible master’s courses in September 2017.
Swansea offers a number of postgraduate scholarships and bursaries to help you fund your studies.
Swansea University is a public research university located in Swansea, Wales, United Kingdom. It was chartered as University College of Swansea in 1920, as the fourth college of the University of Wales and in 1948 became the first campus university in the UK. In 1996, it changed its name to the University of Wales Swansea following structural changes within the University of Wales.
Course Level: Scholarships are available for pursuing master’s programme.
Study Subject: Scholarships are awarded to study the subjects offered by the university.
List of Subjects: Eligible courses include: All LLM programmes (including LLM by Research), All MA programmes (including MA by Research), All MRes programmes and  All MSc programmes (including MSc by Research)
Scholarship Award: Each Swansea University Master’s Scholarship is worth £3000 towards the tuition fees of the programme of study. Awards are available for both full-time and part-time study. For students studying part-time, the award will be made on a pro-rata basis.
Scholarship can be taken in the UK
Eligibility:
  • Students must have, or expect to achieve, a minimum 2:1 honours degree (or equivalent).
  • Students must hold an offer to study in an eligible master’s course at Swansea University from September 2017. Programmes commencing in January, April and July 2017 are not eligible.
Nationality: UK/EU students can apply for these scholarships.
List of Subjects: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and UK
College Admission Requirement
Entrance Requirement: To be eligible for entrance to a postgraduate degree programme candidates must hold a Bachelor Degree, or its equivalent, from a recognised overseas university/college of higher education.
English Language Requirement: SWELT is the official English language test for international students wishing to study at Swansea University. The test is designed, administered and marked by English Language Training Services staff and is accepted by Swansea University as an alternative to IELTS as part of applicants application for a CAS.
How to Apply: To apply students will need to complete a Swansea University Master’s Scholarship application form. All eligible applicants who are offered a place to study at Swansea University on an eligible course will be sent a Swansea University Master’s Scholarship application form with their offer letter. Students should apply for your course as soon as possible so that you can apply for the scholarship with plenty of time. Scholarships may be offered to exceptional candidates prior to the closing date. You are advised, therefore, to apply as soon as possible.
Application Deadline: The deadline for application is July 21, 2017.

Boeing receives $2.1 billion contract mod for KC-46 production


Boeing has been contacted to provide 15 KC-46 military refueling aircraft for the U.S. Air Force. Pictured: Boeing's KC-46 refuels a C-17 Globemaster III during a compatibility test. U.S. Air Force photo by Christopher Okula

-- Boeing has received a $2.1 billion contract modification to produce 15 KC-46 Pegasus aircraft for the U.S. Air Force.
Under the modification, Boeing will provide the branch with 15 of the new military refueling aircraft in addition to two spare engines, five wing refueling pod kits, and data.
According to the U.S. Department of Defense, the work will be performed at Seattle, Wa., and is expected to be complete by the end of July 2019.
The company received all funding at the time of the modification award. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is listed as the contracting activity.
Boeing's KC-46 Pegasus is a military aircraft designed for aerial refueling in addition to transport of personnel and cargo. The plane was adapted for military service from the company's commercial 767 jet airliner.
The aircraft is built to be crewed by 15 personnel, and is equipped with high-resolution stereoscopic boom cameras with a 185-degree panoramic field of view.


Multiple people killed in shooting at Quebec City mosque


Municipal police patrol outside the Quebec mosque the morning after two gunmen opened fire during evening prayers on Sunday, killing six people and injuring eight others at the Quebec Islamic Cultural Centre in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada. Photo by Andre Pichette/EPA

-- Multiple shooters opened fire at a mosque in Quebec City, Canada, on Sunday, killing six people and injuring eight during evening prayers, police said.
Quebec City Police said they made two arrests in the aftermath of the shooting. The center was the same one that was harassed last year when a pig's head was left at the mosque's doorstep during Ramadan.

"Tonight, Canadians grieve for those killed in a cowardly attack on a mosque in Quebec City," Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tweeted, with Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard saying the city "categorically rejects this barbaric violence" in a tweet of his own.
Around 8 p.m. Sunday, with more than 40 people inside the mosque, witnesses reported up to three assailants opened fire on the men, women and children attending services.
One witness, who asked to remain anonymous, said two masked individuals entered the mosque, yelled "Allahu Akbar" in a Quebecois-sounding accent and then started firing at people while they preyed.
Trudeau called it terrorism against Muslims.


Why Does It Hurt When I Pee?


Experiencing pain or burning while you urinate is an indication that something is wrong and you need to have it checked out by a doctor immediately. The main cause of pain during urination is a urinary tract infection, but there are other causes that can lead to pain, burning or discomfort when you pee. While dysuria, which is the medical term for painful urination, can be common in some women and men, usually older men, it is still cause for concern.

Why Does It Hurt When I Pee?

If you are wondering why it hurts when you pee, paying attention to any other symptoms you have can help you determine the cause for your dysuria. However, it is important to see a medical professional for a more accurate diagnosis. Medical conditions that can use pain or burning during urination include:

1.     Urinary Tract Infections

One of the most common causes of pain during urination is having a urinary tract infection or UTI. An infection can occur along any part of the urinary tract, which includes:
  • Kidneys
  • Bladder
  • Ureters - the tubes that carries urine from the kidneys to the bladder
  • Urethra - the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body
UTIs are usually caused by bacteria that get into the urinary tract through the urethra. Along with pain, burning or discomfort during urination, some of the other symptoms of a UTI include:
  • A fever
  • Foul or strong smelling urine
  • Urine that is cloudy or bloody
  • Increased frequency or urge to urinate

2.     Cystitis (Bladder Inflammation)

Cystitis is the inflammation of the bladder and it is the most common type of UTI, especially in women. Mild cases usually resolve themselves in a few days, but for people who frequently get cystitis, they may need to have regular treatments for it. If symptoms do not improve, you should seek medical advice as cystitis can lead to a more serious kidney infection.
The symptoms for this condition are the same as most UTIs and can also include feeling unwell, sick, achy and tired.A form of cystitis called interstitial cystitis, also known as painful bladder syndrome, isn't caused by an infection and it causes long-term pain in the pelvic region and problems with urination. Along with painful urination, the symptoms include:
  • Intense pelvic pain, usually below the belly button
  • Strong, sudden urges to pee
  • Urinating more frequently
  • Waking up several times during the night to urinate

3.     Vaginal Infections

If you are a woman and are wondering why does it hurt when I pee, then you may have a vaginal infection. One of the most common vaginal infections is yeast infections and along with causing discomfort when you urinate, you may also notice a vaginal discharge that is white or yellow in color and an odor. A yeast infection will also cause itching, but itching or irritation of your vagina may not be caused by an infection.

4.     Irritation

Some women will experience irritation around their genitals if they use products like soaps, lotions or bubble bath liquids that irritate the tissues around their vagina. Dyes in laundry detergents, toilet tissue paper and other toiletry products can also cause irritation and lead to pain or burning during urination.

5.     Sexually Transmitted Infections

One of the symptoms for some sexually transmitted infections, or STIs, is painful urination. If it hurts when you pee and you are sexually active, especially if you do not wear protection, you should be tested for:
  • Gonorrhea
  • Chlamydia
  • Genital Herpes
Other symptoms that indicate STIs as the cause of discomfort during urination include itching, burning, abnormal discharge and blisters or sores for genital herpes.

6.     Kidney Stones

While some of the other causes of dysuria lead to mild discomfort or pain, having kidney stones can cause more severe pain when you try to urinate. Kidney stones are small, hard mineral deposits that form in the kidneys or they may form when urine becomes concentrated, which allows minerals to crystallize and stick together. Kidney stones can affect any part of the urinary tract, from the kidneys to the bladder.
Passing kidney stones can be very painful, so that is why it may hurt when you are trying to urinate. Along with urination, kidney stones can cause pain in the back and along your side below the ribs, pain can spread from the abdomen to the groin and come in waves and it can fluctuate in intensity. Other symptoms may include:
  • Pink, red or brown urine
  • Cloudy or urine that smells foul
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Persistent need to urinate
  • Urinating more frequently
  • Peeing in only small amounts
  • Fever and chills if an infection is present.

7.     Prostatitis (Inflamed Prostate)

Prostatitis occurs in men when their prostate is infected or is inflamed without an infection present. This condition can incur due to a bacterial infection, but that only occurs in about 5% to 10% of all prostatitis cases. There are three types of prostatitis:
  • Chronic bacterial prostatitis
  • Acute bacterial prostatitis
  • Chronic pelvic pain syndrome or nonbacterial prostatitis
The exact cause of prostatitis is unknown, but it can be caused by an abnormal urinary tract, inserting a medical instrument like a catheter to drain urine, or an enlarged prostate. Painful urination, difficulty in urinating, fever and chills, or an increased urge to pee or urinating more frequently, pain when ejaculating, pain in back and buttocks, are some of the symptoms of this condition.

Treatments for Painful Urination

After finding out the answer to “why does it hurt when I pee?”, the most frequent treatment for painful urination caused by a bacterial infection is a course of antibiotics. Antibiotics are used to treat UTIs, bacterial causes of prostatitis and treatable STIs like gonorrhea. Your doctor may also write a prescription to treat your irritated bladder.
Once you start taking the antibiotics, painful urination due to bacterial infections usually improves quickly. As long as you follow the instructions for taking the antibiotics, you will fully recover from your condition. Treating interstitial cystitis can be more difficult as antibiotics won't work for this condition. The drugs usually prescribed are:
  • Tricyclic antidepressants
  • Pentosan Polysulate Sodium
  • Acetaminophen with Codeine
These medications sometimes have to be taken for up to four months before you will start feeling better.

Lifestyle Changes for Painful Urination

Changing some of your habits can help prevent causes of painful urination. You can drink more water to help flush out your urinary tract and drink cranberry juice to avoid UTIs. In addition, when you have sex, you should always wear a condom to keep from getting a STI. Don't use or buy products that irritate your genitals and change your diet to eliminate foods and drinks that can irritate your bladder.
If you are wondering why it hurts when you pee, seek medical advice for discomfort and pain when you urinate. Your doctor will diagnose your problem, usually by doing a urinalysis, and prescribe the appropriate medications to treat your condition and clear it up quickly.

What Causes Pain from Knee to Ankle?

Leg pain can affect people in any areas. It can appear as pain from knees to ankles, in the foot, in the knee, behind the knee, in the ankle, down the back of your leg, etc. In most cases, those who have pain from their knee to ankle have lower leg pain. Even though your legs are affected the most by your daily activities, you shouldn’t be in pain. Pain in your lower legs may be due to issues with nerves, blood clots, or a number of other potential problems.


Lower Leg Pain Caused by Bones, Joints, and Muscle Problems

Some of the most common causes of pain from knee to ankle are related to injuries of muscles, joints, and bones.

1. Compartment Syndrome

Compartment syndrome or chronic exertional compartment syndrome occurs if you repeatedly engage in exertional or loading activities. It can affect any lower leg compartments, with the anterior compartment most likely to be affected. Pain in the case of compartment syndrome is typically exercise-induced and you will experience relief with rest. It can also be accompanied by numbness or weakness.

2. Stress Fracture

Stress fractures develop slowly due to repetitive trauma. Eventually, the muscles are overloaded or fatigued to the point where they can’t absorb the shock or stress of repeated impacts and instead begin braking. The stress can transfer to nearby bone, leading to small fractures that aren’t visible on regular X-rays.

3. Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome

Most people know medial tibial stress syndrome as shin splints. This injury commonly affects runners and causes pain from knee to ankle. It occurs due to repeated trauma to your connected muscle tissue by the shinbone (known as the tibia). If you ignore it, this issue can lead to a stress fracture.

4. Periostitis

This condition occurs when the periosteum, the connective tissue surrounding bone, becomes inflamed. It tends to be chronic and will need to be diagnosed separately from shin splints and stress fractures. You can recognize it from the swelling and tenderness of bone along with aching pain. It can be corrected with fixing running mechanics, hip weakness, or improper shoes.

5. Muscle Cramps

Muscle cramps are conditions that at least one of your muscles suddenly and involuntarily contracts. They can be excruciating but are typically harmless. That being said, they do frequently mean that you temporarily can’t use your affected muscle. In some cases, muscle cramps may be due to exercising for long periods of time, especially in hot weather.

6. Achilles Tendonopathy

This condition induces pain in your lower leg, running along the tendon right behind your ankle. It is due to overuse and can cause your tendon to thicken when it heals incorrectly. The pain will have a slow onset and eventually, it will be too painful for you to exercise or the tendon may even rupture.

7. Calf Muscle Tear

This sudden pain takes place in your calf muscle, typically during an activity. It is also known as a calf strain and happens if certain calf muscles become stretched beyond what they can handle. The stretching can lead to tiny microtears in your muscle fibers, more severe injury, or even complete muscle fiber ruptures.

8. Plantaris Tear

Injuries to the plantaris can lead to pain and disability. It may also be referred to tennis leg and occurs if you place too much load on your ankle while your knee is extended. It can happen while jumping, cutting, or running or due to direct trauma to the area. 

9. Achilles Tear

This common injury can lead to severe disability. It occurs in sports like basketball and tennis where you frequently push off and cut in the opposite direction. You may be at a higher risk of tears if you have tendonopathy or are between 30 and 40 years old.

10. Tendonitis

This common sports overuse injury can affect anyone. It is when the area around a tendon becomes inflamed and can be triggered by abnormal foot structures like high arches or flat feet. It appears as pain that gets worse if you stretch or use the affected tendon.

Lower Leg Pain Caused by Veins and Nerve Issues

1. Blood Clot

When blood thickens in veins, it can develop a clot. This typically happens in the thigh or lower leg, commonly leading to pain from knee to ankle. There is a higher risk if you are overweight, on certain medicines, or inactive for a long car ride or flight.

2. Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are caused by weakness in the vein walls or valves and can lead to a dull ache, particularly after standing.

3. Lower-Extremity Peripheral Arterial Disease

This occurs if your legs’ arteries get damaged and harden. The legs begin to miss needed blood flow, leading to pain or cramps when walking or climbing stairs.

4. Narrowed Spinal Canal (Stenosis) and Sciatica

When the spinal canal narrows due to a herniated disc, arthritis of the spine, or another cause, it can lead to weakness, fatigue, numbness, tingling, or cramping, burning leg pain when you sit or stand. It may start in the hip and the back before extending down the leg.

5. Diabetic Neuropathy

This diabetes complication can be due to high blood sugar levels and leads to pain in both legs. It also features less sensation and numbness in lower legs.

When to See a Doctor

You should see your doctor for pain from knee to ankle if you have the following symptoms:
  • Severe pain on injured ankle or shin, particularly when walking
  • Severe swelling in lower leg or surrounding muscles and joints
  • Altered feelings in foot or shins, like numbness or pins and needles
  • Obvious deformity of bones
  • Unable to complete normal daily activities following the first 72 hours

Texas mosque destroyed in fire, congregation vows to rebuild

The Islamic Center of Victoria in Texas was destroyed in an early morning fire. Investigators are working to determine the cause of the blaze. Photo courtesy Islamic Center of Victoria
Jan. 29 -- An early morning fire ripped through a Texas mosque, leveling the building as horrified congregation members watched from the street.
Members of the Islamic Center of Victoria, located about 125 miles from Houston, vowed to rebuild. The fire burned so intensely that firefighters could only spray water from nearby ladders to control the flames. Fire investigators are trying to determine the cause. No one was injured.
"It's a house of worship," Shahid Hashmi, president of the center, said.
The fire was reported about 2 a.m. after a worker at a nearby convenience store noticed smoke and flames. By 6 a.m., the local fire marshal's office was investigating. The office has requested assistance from state fire investigators and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive
Members of the congregation held prayers on an nearby sidewalk as investigators began work. The congregation set up a fundraising page with an aim at raising $450,000.

Does Anxiety may prompt prostate cancer?


Anxiety may prompt prostate cancer patients to opt for potentially unnecessary treatments, a new study suggests.
The research included more than 1,500 men newly diagnosed with localized prostate cancer. They were more likely to choose surgery and radiation therapy than active surveillance. Active surveillance -- also known as "watchful waiting" -- is when the patient is monitored closely, but not treated.
"Men's level of emotional distress shortly after diagnosis predicted greater likelihood of choosing surgery over active surveillance," said the researchers from the University at Buffalo and Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo, N.Y.
"Importantly, this was true among men with low-risk disease, for whom active surveillance may be a clinically viable option and side effects of surgery might be avoided," they noted.
Though the study found an association between anxiety and more aggressive treatment, it didn't prove cause and effect.
"Emotional distress may motivate men with low-risk prostate cancer to choose more aggressive treatment," said study author Heather Orom, an associate professor of community health and health behavior at the University at Buffalo.
"If distress early on is influencing treatment choice, then maybe we help men by providing clearer information about prognosis and strategies for dealing with anxiety. We hope this will help improve the treatment decision-making process and ultimately, the patient's quality of life," Orom said in a university news release.
Overtreatment is a concern because surgery and radiation therapy can cause side effects such as erectile dysfunction and incontinence. These problems can be avoided in men with low-risk prostate cancer by choosing active surveillance, the researchers said.
Study co-author Dr. Willie Underwood III is an associate professor in Roswell Park's department of urology. "The goal of most physicians treating men with prostate cancer is to help their patients and family members through a difficult process and help their patients receive appropriate treatment," he said.
"To do so, it is helpful for physicians to better understand what is motivating men's decisions and to address negative motivators such as emotional distress to prevent men from receiving a treatment that they don't need or will later regret," Underwood added.
The findings were published in the February issue of the Journal of Urology.
More information
The American Cancer Society has more on prostate cancer.

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