Bright idea of sticky plaster that can beat skin cancer

SCOTTISH scientists have invented a light-emitting "sticking plaster" for treating skin cancer which could revolutionise the way the disease is treated.

The high-tech patch is operated by a pocket-sized battery and could allow patients to receive treatment at home or at a GP surgery instead of undergoing lengthy hospital visits.

Current skin cancer treatment can involve surgical removal of lesions, with associated scarring and risk of infection.

The latest technology is an adaptation of photodynamic therapy treatment (PDT) already available to skin cancer patients.

During PDT, the affected area of skin is covered with a light- sensitive anti-cancer cream, which is activated by controlled exposure to a light source.

However, existing systems use large, cumbersome and intense light sources in hospital, involving the patient having to sit still for several hours.

The "sticking plaster" does the same job, but is small, light and portable. The device, which could be available in two years, lessens the pain associated with conventional treatment and will allow more patients to receive therapy. ... The plaster was designed by Professor Ifor Samuel, a physicist from St Andrews University, and Professor James Ferguson, head of photobiology at Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, who teamed up four years ago to tackle the disease. ... Around 60,000 people a year in the UK are diagnosed with non-melanoma skin cancer. - scotsman

There's an anti-cancer creme? Why haven't I heard of this? It was made from cashew nuts and herbs?! What herbs? I've been telling everyone for years to eat cashews to fight cavities. I wonder if eating cashews helps fight cancer as well? Here's more about the creme:

Scientist Rolando de la Cruz bested 54 other inventors worldwide when his "DeBCC" cream, developed from cashew nuts and other local herbs, was chosen over 1,500 entries as the "most significant invention" of the year. Speaking at a press conference arranged by the Department of Science and Technology yesterday, the 68-year-old inventor said the cream was a simple answer to basal cell carcinoma (BCC), the most common type of skin cancer worldwide. BCC affects around 800,000 Americans every year, according to the Skin Care Foundation website. - inq7

"Besides DeBCC, De la Cruz's magic touch was acknowledged for his Amazing Touch product, which offers natural, non-surgical removal of warts, moles and other skin growths using cashew nut extracts. RCC Amazing Touch International Inc. was established in March 1997 as a one-stop shop for skin and hair care treatment." - mailarchive

I hope this is all true. I'd like to remove my red moles in a healthy way. At one company "Jay" said the company was in business for 9 years and said their product will works on all moles. A guy named Jamie at the company called back and said they do work on cherry angiomas and he has removed them from himself. There is no guarantee that they won't scar or grow back, but in the case he shows on his web site there was no scar. The product comes from figs and cashews. For $80 you get a very small amount. Enough to remove just a few moles, but this is the only product that works with one 20 minute application. All the ingredients are:

Anacardium occidentale, Ficus Carica, Chelidonium Majus, Citrus Limon, De-ionized Water, Talc.

I've asked a dermatologist about this.