A blog about cancer...

An Overview of Cancer

2008-10-26T07:53:00.000-07:00

Cancer is second only to cardiovascular disease as the leading cause of death in the Western world.

Although Cancer is primarily a disease of the elderly with more than 60% of deaths from cancer occurring in those over the age of 65, cancer can strike even the youngest of children.

Cancer appears to occur when the growth of cells in the body is out of control and cells divide too rapidly. Carcinomas
can develop in almost any organ or tissue, such as the lung, colon, breast, skin, bones, or nerve tissue.

Most common sites are:

Prostrate 24%
Breast 13%
Lung 13%
Colon and Rectum 9%
Bladder 3%
Uterus 2.5%

The cause of Cancer is believed to be a combination of genetic factors and outside carcinogens such as tobacco, viruses, infection, asbestos, vinyl chloride, inappropriate diet.

Cancer often has no specific symptoms, so it is important that you limit your risk factors and undergo appropriate cancer screening. The signs and symptoms will depend on where the cancer is, the size of the tumor, and how much it affects the nearby organs or structures.

If a cancer spreads (metastasizes), then symptoms may appear in different parts of the body. As a tumour grows, it begins to push on nearby organs, blood vessels, and nerves. If the cancer is in a critical area, such as certain parts of the brain, even the smallest tumor can cause early symptoms.

But sometimes cancers start in places where it does not cause any symptoms until the cancer has grown quite large. Pancreatic cancers, for example, do not usually grow large enough to be felt from the outside of the body.

By the time a pancreatic cancer causes these signs or symptoms, it has usually reached an advanced stage.

A cancer may also cause symptoms common to many other problems, such as; fever, fatigue and weight loss. This may be because the cancer uses up much of the body's energy or it may cause the release of substances which affect metabolism.

Some lung cancers make hormone-like substances that affect blood calcium levels, affecting nerves and muscles and causing weakness and dizziness.

It is important to know what some of the general (non-specific) signs and symptoms of cancer are, but remember that having any of these does not mean that you have cancer.

Most cancers can be treated and some cured, depending on the specific type, location, and stage. The earlier tumors are found, the better the prognosis.

A good example of the importance of finding cancer early is melanoma skin cancer. Skin cancer can be easy to remove if it has not grown deep into the skin, and the 5-year survival rate (percentage of people living at least 5 years after diagnosis) at this stage is nearly100%.

Screening for breast cancer with mammograms has been shown to reduce the average stage of diagnosis of breast cancer in a population.

Colorectal cancer can be detected through fecal occult blood testing and colonoscopy, which reduces both colon cancer incidence and mortality, presumably through the detection and removal of pre-malignant polyps.

Similarly, cervical cytology testing (using the Pap smear) leads to the identification and excision of precancerous lesions.

Testicular self-examination is recommended for men beginning at the age of 15 years to detect testicular cancer.

SIGNS and SYMPTOMS

Pain may be an early symptom with some cancers such as bone cancers or testicular cancer.

Long-term constipation, diarrhea, or a change in the size of the stool may be a sign of colon cancer.

Pain with urination, blood in the urine, or a change in bladder function (such as more frequent or less frequent urination) could be related to bladder or prostate cancer.

Skin cancers may bleed and look like sores that do not heal.

A long-lasting sore in the mouth could be an oral cancer and should be dealt with right away, especially in patients who smoke, chew tobacco, or frequently drink alcohol.

Sores on the penis or vagina may either be signs of infection or an early cancer, and should not be overlooked.

Unusual bleeding can happen in either early or advanced cancer.

Blood in the sputum (phlegm) may be a sign of lung cancer.

Blood in the stool (or a dark or black stool) could be a sign of colon or rectal cancer.

Blood in the urine may be a sign of bladder or kidney cancer.

A bloody discharge from the nipple may be a sign of breast cancer.

Many cancers can be felt through the skin, mostly in the breast, testicle, lymph nodes (glands), and the soft tissues of the body. A lump or thickening may be an early or late sign of cancer. Self examination is an important diagnostic measure, particularly for breast tumors.

While they commonly have other causes, indigestion or swallowing problems may be a sign of cancer of the esophagus, stomach, or pharynx (throat).

A cough that does not go away may be a sign of lung cancer.

A tumor may be suspected for a variety of reasons, but the definitive diagnosis of most malignancies must be confirmed by histological examination of the cancerous cells by a pathologist.

TREATMENT

Once diagnosed, cancer is usually treated with a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Radiation therapy may be used to treat almost every type of solid tumor, including cancers of the brain, breast, cervix, larynx, lung, pancreas, prostate, skin, stomach, uterus, or soft tissue sarcomas.

Most forms of chemotherapy target all rapidly dividing cells and are not specific for cancer cells, although some degree of specificity may come from the inability of many cancer cells to repair DNA damage, while normal cells generally can.

Contemporary methods for generating an immune response against tumours include intravesical BCG immunotherapy for superficial bladder cancer, and use of interferons and other cytokines to induce an immune response in renal cell carcinoma and melanoma patients.

Pain medication, such as morphine and oxycodone, and anti-emetics, drugs to suppress nausea and vomiting, are very commonly used in patients with cancer-related symptoms. transmission and disease.

Advances in cancer research have made a vaccine designed to prevent cancer available. The vaccine protects against four HPV types, which together cause 70% of cervical cancers and 90% of genital warts.

The consensus on diet and cancer is that obesity increases the risk of developing cancer. The cancer-fighting components of food are also proving to be more numerous and varied than previously understood, so patients are increasingly being advised to consume fresh, unprocessed fruits and vegetables for maximal health benefits.

About the Author:
Dick Aronson has been involved in the healthcare industry for 35 years. He has written numerous articles on the subject and runs a number of informative websites, viz: Go to Cancer Information-online , Go to Prostate Information-online and for unique health products Go to Health Innovations.

Signs and Symptoms of Cancer

2008-10-26T07:52:00.001-07:00

A symptom
is an indication of disease, illness, injury, or that something is not right in the body. Symptoms are felt or noticed by a person, but may not easily be noticed by anyone else. For example, chills, weakness, achiness, shortness of breath, and a cough may be symptoms of pneumonia. A sign is also an indication that something is not right in the body. But signs are defined as things that can be seen by a doctor, nurse, or other health care professional. Fever, rapid breathing rate, and abnormal breathing sounds heard through a stethoscope may be signs of pneumonia.

Having one symptom or sign may not give enough information to suggest a cause. For example, a rash in a child could be a symptom of a number of things including poison ivy, an infectious disease like measles, an infection limited to the skin, or a food allergy. But if the rash is seen along with other signs and symptoms like a high fever, chills, achiness, and a sore throat, then a doctor can get a better picture of the illness. In many cases, a patient's signs and symptoms do not give enough clues by themselves for the doctor to figure out the cause of an illness. Then medical tests, such as x-rays, blood tests, or a biopsy may be needed.

Cancer is a group of diseases that may cause almost any sign or symptom. The signs and symptoms will depend on where the cancer is, the size of the cancer, and how much it affects the nearby organs or structures. If a cancer spreads (metastasizes), then symptoms may appear in different parts of the body. As a cancer grows, it begins to push on nearby organs, blood vessels, and nerves. This pressure creates some of the signs and symptoms of cancer. If the cancer is in a critical area, such as certain parts of the brain, even the smallest tumor can cause early symptoms.

But sometimes cancers start in places where it does not cause any symptoms until the cancer has grown quite large. Pancreas cancers, for example, do not usually grow large enough to be felt from the outside of the body. Some pancreatic cancers do not cause symptoms until they begin to grow around nearby nerves (this causes a backache). Others grow around the bile duct, which blocks the flow of bile and leads to a yellowing of the skin known as jaundice. By the time a pancreatic cancer causes these signs or symptoms, it has usually reached an advanced stage.

A cancer may also cause symptoms such as fever, fatigue, or weight loss. This may be because cancer cells use up much of the body’s energy supply or release substances that change the body’s metabolism. Or the cancer may cause the immune system to react in ways that produce these symptoms. Sometimes, cancer cells release substances into the bloodstream that cause symptoms not usually thought to result from cancers. For example, some cancers of the pancreas can release substances which cause blood clots to develop in veins of the legs. Some lung cancers make hormone-like substances that affect blood calcium levels, affecting nerves and muscles and causing weakness and dizziness.

Treatment is most successful when cancer is found as early as possible. Finding cancer early usually means it can be treated while it is still small and is less likely to have spread to other parts of the body. This often means a better chance for a cure, especially if initial treatment is to be surgery. A good example of the importance of finding cancer early is melanoma skin cancer. Skin cancer can be easy to remove if it has not grown deep into the skin, and the 5-year survival rate (percentage of people living at least 5 years after diagnosis) at this stage is nearly 100%. But once melanoma has spread to other parts of the body the survival rate drops dramatically.

Sometimes people ignore symptoms either because they do not know that the symptoms could mean something is wrong or because they are frightened by what they might mean and don't want to seek medical help. General symptoms, such as fatigue, are more likely to have a cause other than cancer and can seem unimportant, especially if they have an obvious cause or only last a short time. In a similar way, a person may reason that a more specific symptom like a breast mass is probably a cyst that will go away by itself. But neither of these symptoms should be discounted or overlooked, especially if they have been present for a long time or are getting worse.

Most likely, any symptoms you may have will not be caused by cancer, but it’s important to have them checked out by your doctor, just in case. If cancer is not the cause, your doctor can help figure out what is and treat it, if needed. In some cases it is possible to detect some cancers before symptoms occur. The American Cancer Society and other health groups encourage the early detection of certain cancers before symptoms occur by recommending a cancer-related check-up and specific tests for people who do not have any symptoms. Keep in mind, however, that these recommended tests do not decrease the importance of reporting any symptoms to your doctor.

It is important to know what some of the general (non-specific) signs and symptoms of cancer are, but remember that having any of these does not mean that you have cancer. There are many other conditions that can cause these signs and symptoms, too. Most people with cancer will lose weight at some time with their disease. An unexplained (unintentional) weight loss of 10 pounds or more may be the first sign of cancer, particularly cancers of the pancreas, stomach, esophagus, or lung.

Fever is very common with cancer, but is more often seen in advanced disease. Almost all patients with cancer will have fever at some time, especially if the cancer or its treatment affects the immune system and makes it harder for the body to fight infection. Less often, fever may be an early sign of cancer, such as with leukemia or lymphoma. Fatigue may be an important symptom as cancer progresses. It may happen early, though, in cancers such as with leukemia, or if the cancer is causing an ongoing loss of blood, as in some colon or stomach cancers. Pain may be an early symptom with some cancers such as bone cancers or testicular cancer. But most often pain is a symptom of advanced disease. Along with cancers of the skin, some internal cancers can cause skin signs that can be seen. These changes include the skin looking darker (hyper pigmentation), yellow (jaundice), or red (erythema); itching; or excessive hair growth.Along with the above general symptoms, you should watch for the following common symptoms, which could be an indication of cancer. Again, there may be other causes for each of these, but it is important to bring them to your doctor’s attention as soon as possible so that they can be investigated.

Long-term constipation, diarrhea, or a change in the size of the stool may be a sign of colon cancer. Pain with urination, blood in the urine, or a change in bladder function (such as more frequent or less frequent urination) could be related to bladder or prostate cancer. Any changes in bladder or bowel function should be reported to your doctor. Skin cancers may bleed and look like sores that do not heal. A long-lasting sore in the mouth could be an oral cancer and should be dealt with right away, especially in patients who smoke, chew tobacco, or frequently drink alcohol. Sores on the penis or vagina may either be signs of infection or an early cancer, and should not be overlooked.

Unusual bleeding can happen in either early or advanced cancer. Blood in the sputum (phlegm) may be a sign of lung cancer. Blood in the stool (or a dark or black stool) could be a sign of colon or rectal cancer. Cancer of the cervix or the endometrium (lining of the uterus) can cause vaginal bleeding. Blood in the urine may be a sign of bladder or kidney cancer. A bloody discharge from the nipple may be a sign of breast cancer. Many cancers can be felt through the skin, mostly in the breast, testicle, lymph nodes (glands), and the soft tissues of the body. A lump or thickening may be an early or late sign of cancer. Any lump or thickening should be reported to your doctor, especially if you’ve just discovered it or noticed it has grown in size.

While they commonly have other causes, indigestion or swallowing problems may be a sign of cancer of the esophagus, stomach, or pharynx (throat). Any wart, mole, or freckle that changes in color, size, or shape, or loses its definite borders should be reported to your doctor without delay. The skin lesion may be a melanoma which, if diagnosed early, can be treated successfully. A cough that does not go away may be a sign of lung cancer. Hoarseness can be a sign of cancer of the larynx (voice box) or thyroid. While the signs and symptoms listed above are the more common ones seen with cancer, there are many others that are less common and are not listed here. If you notice any major changes in the way your body functions or the way you feel, especially if it lasts for a long time or gets worse, let your doctor know. If it has nothing to do with cancer, your doctor can investigate it and treat it, if needed. If it is cancer, you'll give yourself the best chance to have it treated early, when treatment is most likely to be effective.

Human Papilloma Virus and Cancers

2008-10-26T07:48:00.000-07:00

In recent years, it has become clear that certain types of human cancers have a viral component to their etiology. Cancers due to Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) are most common among these. This has been a study of intense research for number of years. Specific types of HPV genotypes were found to be the causative agents of some common cancers, most notable invasive cervical carcinoma. Apart from this anogenital cancer, HPV’s are also causally associated with other anogenital cancers such as cancers of vulva, vagina, penis and anus. HPV is also responsible for approximately 20-30% of head and neck cancers.

Association OF HPV with Cervical cancer

The link between HPV and cervical cancer is now established beyond doubts. Many epidemiological, and molecular evidences suggest the causal association of HPV’s with cervical cancer. It has been estimated that about 500,000 women acquire cervical cancers every year and 75% of this are from developing countries. In United States about 13000 cervical cancer cases are diagnosed every year and about 7000 deaths annually from prevalent disease.
Evidence suggests that the great majority of all grades of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia can be attributed to cancer-associated types of HPV infections. It has been estimated that only about 10% of the HPV patients would develop cervical dysplasia and of these only few people would develop cervical cancer. Studies conducted on HPV DNA in a variety of genital lesions suggested that HPV types 16 and 18 are most closely associated with risk of genital cancers and some of HPV types are considered to be more prevalent among cervical cancer patients in a specific geographical areas; HPV 45 in Western African.
The development of cervical cancer is associated with factors other than just high risk HPV infection. Factors like impaired cell mediated immunity, long term use of contraceptives and smoking also increase the risk of gaining and the persistence of HPV types which in turn may lead to cervical cancers.

Association of HPV with other anogenital cancers

Strong links between HPV and anogenital cancers such as penile, anal, vulvar cancers have been demonstrated by many studies. These cancers are formed from lesions develop in the vagina, vulva, penis and anus as the result of sexual contact. But the exact role of HPV in the natural history of anal squamous intraepithelial lesions is still unknown.
Studies indicate that about 1% of sexually active adults in the United States show visible genital wart and about 15 % have sub clinical infection. The most commonly detected HPV types were found to be HPV 16 and 18. But, HPV types 56, 59-64 and 71 also have been isolated in vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia.

Association of HPV with head and neck cancer

The term head and neck cancer refer to the cancers in the oral cavity, lip, nose, para nasal sinuses, naso-pharynx, oro-parynx, larynx, oesophagus, salivary glands, soft tissues of the neck and ear. Oral cancer is the sixth most prevalent cancer worldwide and about 620,000 patients are diagnosed with cancer of oral cavity every year. Many studies have found evidence suggestive of a role for human papilloma virus in head and neck cancer. Though the exact mode of transmission of HPV infection in the head and neck region has not been determined, it’s association with sexual behavior and perinatal transmission have been demonstrated.
During the pathogenesis of HPV, it enters to the host through the mucosal epithelial layer surface. Oral mucosa resembles the mucosa of the genital region in their histological structure. As the correlation between HPV and cervical cancer are well established, the resemblance of the mucosal histology led to the suggestion that HPV could play a role in the development of benign and malignant lesions of the oral mucosa.
After the first report of papilloma virus in tongue carcinoma, many studies have shown the presence of HPV DNA in oral cavity and head and neck cancer. The most prevalent HPV types in these were found to be HPV 16 and 18. Further epidemiologic and molecular investigation should be carried out to establish a precise relationship between HPV and head and neck cancer.

HPV INDUCED CANCER DETECTION

Detective measures to date have centered on screening programs for HPV induced cancers. The most common and the traditional way of screening for cervical cancer and cervical dysplasia are to conduct a pap smear test. This has significantly reduced the incidence of cervical cancers in recent years. If the result is turned out to be positive, then the colposcopy would be carried. Since cervical cancer and anal cancer resembles in their biological features, it has been observed that screening for anal high grade squamous intraepithelial lesions with anal pap smear allows detecting individuals at risk of developing anal cancers. To obtain a confirmatory result, an anoscopic examination should be performed.
Detection of earlier stage of head and neck cancers as well as premalignant lesions can be done by regular physical examinations by the doctor. Any abnormalities should be further evaluated. An endoscopy is performed on the samples obtained from throat, larynx, and upper esophagus. Computed tomographic (CT) scans, magnetic resonances imaging (MRI) scans or ultrasounds could be performed to identify the size and extent to which the cancer has spread from its site of origin.
No standard screening tests are followed for vulvar cancers. In vulvar cancer lymph node pathologic status is the most important predictive factor. A study conducted by De Ceccoc et al indicated that Lymphoscintigraphy and sentinel-node biopsy under gamma-detecting probe guidance are easy and reliable methods for the detection of sentinel node in early vulvar cancer. Coloscopy can also be used to detect abnormalities on vulvar epethilia.
The above mentioned tests cannot be used to detect the presence or absence of the virus which would eventually cause a cancer. A test based on the hybrid capture technologies is now available to detect 13 cancer causing kinds of HPV. This technology is based on the principle of signal amplification of a hybrid species produced by RNA probes fixed with HPV DNA. Polymerase chain reaction is one of the most sensitive tests for HPV DNA detection. But Zhao M. et al suggest that there could be limitations in this method when applying to a broad population. Studies indicate that HPV DNA testing is one of the most effective tests which could be used for the prevention of cervical cancer.
In a study conducted by Reid et al, to compare the efficacy of cervical cytology, cervicography and/or DNA hybridization for cervical cancer screening, showed that none of the tests succeeded in identifying all the abnormalities.

Breast Cancer: Steps To Aid In Early Detection

2008-10-06T06:34:00.000-07:00

I learned some interesting facts about breast cancer that I feel every woman should know. The sources I used for this article included the American Cancer Society, The National Cancer Institute, and the Avon Foundation's Breast Cancer Crusade.

Early breast cancer isn't usually detected by pain. In fact, when breast cancer first develops, there may be no symptoms at all. That is why regular exams are important. If you have anything that makes you suspect breast cancer, contact your doctor immediately. Don't wait around to see what happens. Let the professional decide. Some symptoms that may indicate breast cancer include, but are not limited to, the following:

Nipple discharge or tenderness

Lumps in breast and/or underarm area

Visual changes which include: size of breast including swelling; inverted nipple; and pitting. Pitting means the skin looks like the skin of an orange. Scaling of the breast skin could also be a symptom.

Early detection of breast cancer is important. There is a 97% five-year survival rate when breast cancer is detected early since this can help prevent it from spreading. Below are some guidelines to early detection. I hope they help save someone's life.

Get a Mammogram

A mammogram is a specialized x-ray of the breast to help detect cancers which cannot be detected by feel. Some women are confused as to how often they should get a mammogram. Here is what the professionals say about mammograms.

At age 40 begin getting annual mammograms by a licensed technician. A mammogram will take about twenty minutes. When getting a mammogram avoid wearing deodorant, powders, or cream under your arms. Sometimes they can interfere with the results. Make sure to contact the center if they do not inform you of the results within thirty days. It is very important that results are compared from one year to the next. Hence, be sure you know where your mammogram film is being held.

Clinical Breast Exam

This is an exam by a health care professional. Women in their 20s and 30s should have a clinical breast exam at least every three years and women 40 or older should have an exam each year.

Self-Examination

Starting at age 20 women should begin doing a self-exam. Ask your doctor if you are not exactly sure how to do this or if you are not sure you are doing it correctly. Here are a few guides to follow: Lie down and place one arm behind your head. Using your three middle finger pads press firmly across your breast in overlapping dime-size circular motions. Use three different levels of pressure: light, medium, and firm. This allows you to feel the tissue close to your skin, to feel a little deeper, and to feel the tissue closest to your chest and ribs.

Move across your breast in an up and down pattern, starting from the underarm and moving across the breast to the middle of the chest bone, repeating the pressure.

Stand in front of a mirror with your hands pressing down on your hips and look at your breasts for any changes in size, shape, contour, or dimpling. Also, do this with your arms slightly raised. Make sure you check under your breasts as well.

I hope that this information proves helpful to you. I am not a health care provider and by no means a professional on breast cancer. I am simply sharing with every woman possible the importance of detecting breast cancer early and some simple guidelines that might save a life.

My sources for the above information are:

American Cancer Society

The National Cancer Institute

Breast Health Resource Guide by the Avon Foundation's

Breast Cancer Crusade

Article Source

About the Author:
Donna has an MBA in information technology and is currently a Tupperware Director and CEO of her own company. She may be contacted at webmaster@todaysmodernwoman.com or at DonnaLoudon@my.tupperware.com. Visit A Website for the Modern Woman for more tips on good health.

Educate Yourself About Breast Cancer Prevention

2008-10-06T06:31:00.000-07:00

Breast cancer prevention is important for women to learn about, especially since breast cancer is the most commonly occurring cancer in women. The American Cancer Society's web site reports that over two-hundred thousand women were diagnosed with this disease in 2006 and there are over two million women in the United States who have received treatment for breast cancer. With numbers this staggering, preventing cancer should be a priority for all women.

Thanks to all the new treatments available to women, death rates from breast cancer have declined in the last several years. When deciding how to go about lowering your chances of developing breast cancer, you should consider your risk factors. A risk factor is something that can increase a person's risk of developing cancer.

Some risk factors can be controlled but others are considered irrepressible. Uncontrollable risk factors are age, gender, family history, genetic make-up, race and even personal medical history. Lifestyle risks usually fall in the "controllable" category.

These are things such as not exercising enough, being overweight, eating a diet high in fat, using birth control and smoking. It is important to take a look at your own lifestyle and family history to determine if you are susceptible to any of these risk factors.

There are certain medications available to women who fall under high risk factors for breast cancer. The drug Tamoxifen has been used in the United States for over twenty-five years to help in the fight for breast cancer prevention. The drug is taken once daily as a pill and interferes with the female hormone estrogen, preventing it from attaching itself to cells in the breast tissue.

This medication can also be used to treat women already diagnosed with breast cancer because it can slow down or cease the growth of cancerous cells. Tamoxifen has even been associated with helping prevent a recurrence in women who previously suffered from breast cancer.

A more common way to prevent breast cancer is through mammograms. A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast and is the most common form of prevention. Women who are over forty years of age should get mammograms on a yearly basis.

For women in their twenty's and thirty's, the American Cancer Society's web site recommends getting clinical breast exams at least every three years from a medical professional. This test is performed using the tips of the fingers to check the entire breast area and under the arm.

In addition to mammograms and clinical breast exams, women should also perform breast self exams each month to recognize any signs of lumps or abnormalities in the tissue.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) is able to help women who fall within the lower poverty levels, are uninsured or underserved gain access to screenings for breast cancer. This program is called the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program.

The CDC's web site touts it has served more than two million women under this program since its inception in 1991. In 2000, Congress expanded this service by opening it up to women who are on Medicaid. This breast cancer control act, formally titled the Breast and Cervical Cancer Prevention and Treatment Act, is a way to help women, who may have little access to quality health care, have a chance at breast and cervical cancer prevention.

Breast cancer prevention can be a simple way to help you live a healthier life. Although not all risk factors are controllable, there are ways to help you recognize the warning signs of cancer. Be smart and know your body so you can live cancer free.

Article Source

About the Author:
Visit Mike Selvon cancer prevention portal for more information on breast cancer prevention, and leave a comment at their cancer prevention blog. Don't forget to claim your FREE self help ebook on dealing with cancer.

Cancer Prevention is Not Rocket Science

2008-10-06T06:29:00.000-07:00

Cancer prevention is not some kind of rocket science. It is easier than you may think. Cancer prevention involves changing habits, especially the bad ones. It means making significant lifestyle changes. Cancer prevention is an important and active area of public health research. Cancer Prevention and risk-reduction strategies can greatly lower the physical, emotional, and financial burden of cancer and improve the overall health of cancer survivors, including lowering the risk of the cancer coming back or the formation of a second cancer. Cancer prevention research in the Department of Foods and Nutrition has been ongoing from many years, however recently the strength of this area has grown.

Cancer

Cancer is not something that happens to someone else. Cancer is not something to pussyfoot around with. Cancer has been around as long as mankind, but only in the second half of the 20th century did the number of cancer cases explode. Cancer thrives on sugar and refined grains. Cancer grows rapidly where there is low oxygenation of cells. Observational evidence shows associations between alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, and obesity and increased incidence of certain cancers. Remember, the more underlying conditions causing cancer that you correct, the better your chances of beating it.

Prevention

Prevention offers the most cost-effective long-term strategy for the control of cancer. Prevention means avoiding the risk factors and increasing the protective factors that can be controlled so that the chance of developing cancer decreases. Prevention of cancer is always better than spending lots for its curing.

Research

Researchers have found that carotenoids in dark green leafy vegetables are effective in inhibiting the formation of breast and skin cancer tumors, and preventing lung and stomach cancer. Research shows that you can greatly reduce your risk of developing cancer by not smoking/stopping smoking, being sun smart, eating healthy and being physically active Drinking less. Research suggests that up to 35 percent of cancers are related to poor diet. According to research, only 60 percent of women follow breast cancer screening guidelines, 30 percent of men and women follow colon cancer screening recommendations, and only 40 percent of men regularly get tested for prostate cancer.

Supplements

Supplements aid your body to make it more healthy and leave it up to the body to take care of the cancer. Supplements can make up for this by giving the body a consistent supply of essential compounds. Supplements While some supplements may help, nutrients from foods prove more effective. If a doctor is not tied in and blinded by the medical/drug industry, he or she finds that a comprehensive approach to fighting cancer using powerful supplements that deal with the many different issues in cancer, works much better than only using drugs and other treatments that harm the body. Not using natural supplements to fight cancer is like being in a life and death struggle, and choosing to fight with one hand tied behind your back.

Cancer prevention does not have to be a hard task. Cancer prevention is a lifelong plan including smart choices in our day to day lives. Cancer prevention is important to having a long and healthy life, and it is something not to take lightly. Cancer prevention and early detection begins with knowing your cancer risk; then, doing something about it. Cancer prevention is a life- long commitment to a long- life of healthy living and it's never too late to start.

Article Source

About the Author:
Johathan "Joni" Bell has dedicated a major portion of his time to research and provide information about alterntive vitamin supplements that have proven to be successful in the prevetion and treatment of cancer. http://www.vitaminb17myths.com

Happy Independence Day!

2008-07-04T06:05:00.001-07:00

Fourth Of July Flash Toys

PAARADE

Boost Your Health With Nuts

2008-04-15T13:09:00.000-07:00

Regular enjoyment of eating nuts as part of a well balanced diet can protect your heart and reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. In moderation, eating nuts can also assist in managing your weight. Containing a wide range of important vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other phytochemicals, nuts will naturally help in assisting your overall general health.

High in Fat. Yes, but Healthy!

Simply because nuts contain a high fat content doesn't mean they are unhealthy. In fact, nuts contain a great source of good fats, both monounsataurated and polyunsaturated, which have been proven to be essential for regulation of blood cholesterol.

Nuts that contain high levels of monounsaturated fats include macadamias, cashews, almonds, pistachios and pecans.

Nuts that contain high levels of polyunsaturated fats include walnuts, hazelnuts, pine nuts and brazil nuts.

Fibre in Nuts

Eating nuts constributes fibre into your diet and eating soluble fibre will keep you satisfied for longer periods. The dietary fibre contained in nuts will also help to lower blood cholesterol and is an essential ingredient to maintain healthy bowel function.

Folate in Nuts

One of the B Vitamins, Folate is associated with heart health, cancer protection and a lower risk of birth defects in newborn babies. Vital for good health, and to provide additional folate in your diet, include hazelnuts, chestnuts, cashews, pine nuts, pistachios and walnuts.

Magnesium in Nuts

The mineral magnesium is essential for good nerve and muscle function and assists in strengthening bones. By including an average serve of 30g of brazil nuts, almonds and cashews will provide more than 75% of the recommended daily intake for magnesium.

Zinc in Nuts

This mineral is necessary for many processes in your body including strengthening the immune system as well as healing and protecting your skin. Consuming one third of a cup of cashews, almonds and pecans will provide you with more than 15% of your recommended daily intake.

Selenium in Nuts

Essential for a well functioning immune system and thyroid gland, Selenium will also protect cells from damage in your body. Particularly rich in selenium are brazil nuts, with just two providing all your daily requirements of selenium.

Antioxidants in Nuts

Antioxidants contained in nuts include flavonoids as well as a compound calld luteolin. These anitoxidants are known to assist in slowing down the ageing process and also protect your body from a variety of lifestyle related diseases.

Arginine in Nuts

The building block of protein, arginine is an amino acid that maintains the health of your blood vessels. Brazil nuts, walnuts, hazelnuts, pine nuts and pistachios all contain good sources of arginine.

Plant Sterols in Nuts

Plant sterols are substances that reduce cholesterol absorption from the gut. Plant sterols are found in tree nuts such as pistachios, cashews, almonds and pecans. Consuming these nuts will contribute this important ingredient into your diet.

Recommended by health authorities around the world, including more plant foods in your diet is vital for good health. Fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts and seeds are all plant foods which protect you against many of the lifestyle related issues seen today. One of healthiest diets in the world today is experienced by the people of the Mediterranean who include plenty of plant foods and nuts daily in their diet.

Ensure you include nuts in your diet today to maintain optimal health.

Aricle Source
Autor

Cancer Treatment Centers: Taking Care Of Your Mind, Body And Spirit!

2008-04-15T13:08:00.000-07:00

If you or any one of your loved ones is diagnosed with cancer, there are a number of cancer treatment centers located all over the country. These cancer treatment centers offer a whole range of treatments, both traditional and holistic, to help treat not only cancer but also the body, mind and spirit too. A number of cancer treatment centers conduct research on an ongoing basis, and patients can take part if they qualify in a series of clinical trials. There are new cancer treatments that are developed continually, and once research has advanced to where trying it on humans is warranted, clinical trials are conducted. Great results are being seen with new cancer treatments; in comparison to the past when some types of cancer were considered as a death sentence are currently being treated successfully and hence patients can enjoy living cancer free due to this continual research.

Today cancer treatment centers are easily accessible to everyone located in many metropolitan areas. A number of them are affiliated with large university based hospitals, and provide the latest technology available to treat different types of cancers. These types of facilities are also research based and offer several new treatment alternatives to participants in a range of ongoing studies. If for any reason one of these major cancer treatment centers are not within a reasonable distance, or not accessible due to other limitations, one can receive treatment through local oncologists and cancer treatment centers. These also have good facilities, and can provide the cancer patient with professional care and support. Cancer treatment centers vary in the types of services they offer, for instance it can be traditional or alternative treatment based, and the corresponding fees may also differ. You can either find a cancer treatment center within your means as well as those that provide additional amenities and have a more non-traditional approach. Those seeking other upscale private facilities that offer gourmet organic meals, natural herbal spa treatments, and additional pampering services to the cancer patient can also be found along with deluxe room accommodations. Such type of non-traditional cancer therapies help the patient recuperate and enjoy living again.

Cancer treatment centers are no more just sterile hospital environments that offer stale food, and stiff sheets. Comfort is of utmost important for all cancer patients, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Cancer patients who are in search of a cancer treatment center can look up online for different alternatives, where a range of cancer treatments are discussed, plus other considerations such as diet and nutrition, and spiritual health. Cancer treatment centers all share the same goal, to offer the best care possible, to provide continual support to cancer patients and their families, and turn what can be a distressing situation into a more optimistic experience.

Autor
Article Source

Knowledge is Power

2008-03-28T07:33:00.000-07:00

"Having knowledge but lacking the power to express it clearly is no better than never having any ideas at all" - Pericles

There are two kinds of knowledge when it comes to fitness; general and specialized. General knowledge tends to be of little value when achieving your fitness goals. Knowing that weight lifting, for example, can help you lose weight is of little use by itself. Once you specialize your information to know that a full-body workout doing exercises such as crunches, bicep curls, or squats build muscle which require more energy which can then burn excess fat, then you can formulate a complete plan to achieve your goal.

Knowledge by itself is useless in the pursuit of fitness goals unless it's backed by a definite plan of action. Unused knowledge is only potential power. Putting specialized knowledge to work through written, definite plans powers the engine of your fitness goals.

The true definition of an educated person is not a large amount of general or specialized knowledge. Look in any university or college. There are plenty of professors with a huge amount of specialized knowledge and a student population gaining general knowledge. Rather, an educated person is one who can find the knowledge they need or find the people who have the knowledge they need and apply it in a coherent manner to achieve their goals.

That's the heart of specialized knowledge; if you don't have the knowledge you need, find it or find someone who has it. It's not important if you don't have the knowledge but it is important that you know how to find it.

Whatever fitness goal you have, determine what knowledge you need and the end to which it'll be used. As you gather this specialized knowledge it must be organized and put to use through a practical, written plan.

Those who are successful at improving their health and fitness never stop gathering specialized knowledge related to their current fitness goals. If you decide to start running and have never run before, determine first why you want to run. Then gather knowledge about reaching that goal.

What kind of shoes are best for your running? Are certain clothes better to wear than others? Is there information you should know about running related to your age? Can your neighbor down the road who runs marathons give you any tips?

Now that you've determined what information you need, have gathered it or gotten it from others, organized that information into a plan and then implemented it, your capability to achieve your goals becomes almost unlimited.

Capability means imagination, a quality that combines specialized knowledge with ideas in the form of organized planning to achieve goals; your fitness goals or any goal.

The next article in the series will cover Imagination, the Workhorse of the Mind.

About the Author: Jeff Baker is currently a web development manager and author living in Arlington, TX. His current interests are health and fitness after nearing a 100lb weight loss through goal-powered fitness concepts.

His free Goal-Powered Fitness newsletter can be found at http://www.goalpoweredfitness.com

Article Source

Breast Cancer and Emotions

2008-03-24T11:22:00.001-07:00

Breast Cancer Linked to Emotional Shock

Could all cancer have an emotional cause?

There has been much interest recently in the developments around new medication for breast cancer. Perhaps though there is a simpler, cheaper and more effective way to prevent reoccurrence.

Dr R. G. Hamer from Germany claims that through his 20 years of research with over 31,000 patients he has discovered patterns of emotional shock that can accurately predict the type, and location of, a cancer someone is likely to develop.

He discovered after years of study that a right handed woman can develop left breast cancer if she has an unresolved mother-child conflict or a daughter-mother conflict or is likely to develop right breast cancer if she has unresolved partner conflicts. (Partners can include her husband, a friend, a brother or sister, her father, or even her business partner. The opposite breast will be affected in a left handed woman.

How does metastasis fit into all of this? Well in Dr Hamer’s view there is no such thing. While it is true that women often go on to develop further cancers such as in the bone, lung or brain, it is his belief that these come from subsequent shocks, not directly from the original cancer. There is in fact little or no evidence that cancer cells break off and spread as commonly assumed.

If for example, the shock of having a breast amputated (a disfigurement conflict) was not dealt with it can lead to skin cancer on the surgical scars. A deep self-devaluation conflict (I am less than I was before) can cause bone cancer or affect the lymph nodes. The shock from discovering the cancer has spread can lead to a death fright conflict resulting in lung cancer.

Dr. Hamer firmly believes that if the conflict is resolved, the cancerous or necrotic process is reversed to repair the damage and return the individual to health. This would also support the belief, observations and experiences of those such as Louise Hay, (who claims to have healed herself from cancer and assisted many others in doing the same), Bernie S Siegel MD (author of ‘Love, Medicine & Miracles’), and Leon Jay (an Auckland based Emotional Release Therapist).

Leon, who sees this pattern in many of his clients, says that ‘while we are unable to say for sure that emotional release of past traumas will prevent cancer from returning, I believe it to be one of the most important components to any cancer treatment. Each client is very different, yet the similarities in nature between the emotional trauma and the cancer type cannot be ignored’.

Web: www.eft-therapy.com Email: information@eft-therapy.com

Does Flaxseed Improve Health?

2008-03-24T11:21:00.000-07:00

The health benefits attributed to flaxseed in the diet are almost too numerous to mention. It reportedly offers protection against heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. It lowers cholesterol and high blood pressure and is effective for relieving symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, asthma, and migraines. Flaxseed helps people relax and improves sleep. It restores hormonal balance in women, and improves dry eye syndrome. Back in the 1950s, a German biochemist by the name of Joanna Budwig is famous for successfully treating terminally ill cancer patients by feeding them her prescribed diet including a combination of flaxseed oil and cottage cheese.

Do not rush out to buy flaxseed just yet, at least according to Nutrition Action Newsletter, a reputable publication from the Center for Science in the Public Interest. According to a December 2005 article titled Just the Flax- A Miracle Seed Comes Down to Earth, there is only limited evidence that alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), one of the main ingredients of flaxseed, can protect the heart. The article also cites a 2005 study involving 45,000 men that found those who ate the highest amounts of ALA were more likely to develop advanced prostate cancer than those who ate the least ALA. The author was quick to point out that flax was not singled out, and the cancer rate was linked to ALA intake from all sources. In other words, proceed with caution.

Flaxseed is also contains extremely high levels of potent antioxidants called lignans, known best for their cancer fighting properties. Nutrition Action cites a Finnish study that reported women with the highest blood levels of lignans were 60% less likely to have breast cancer. Unfortunately, 29 of the 194 women who did develop breast cancer had some of the highest levels. Three years later the study was repeated and found no link between lignans and the incidence of breast cancer.

Confused? So are the experts. Mayoclinic.com has evaluated the data from flaxseed research and found its use as a laxative the only benefit that graded higher than unclear scientific evidence exists.

If you do not like fish, healthy aging expert Dr. Andrew Weil recommends whole flaxseed as a source of omega-3 fatty acids, but is less enthusiastic about flaxseed oil, expressing concerns about spoilage and the lack of lignans which are often removed during processing.

An article by Harvard Health Publications sums of the confusion best by concluding this: It is too early to say whether flaxseeds are right for you. They do contain lignans that function as phytoestrogens- but so does soy. They are very rich in ALA, which may reduce the risk of heart disease-but may also increase the risk of developing prostate cancer in men.

There might be something there, but it is clear we do not have all of the answers yet on the benefits or risks of taking flaxseed.

Dave Elger

Is Common Sense or Research Needed to Cure Cancer?

2008-03-24T11:20:00.000-07:00

It is an incredible feat that organisms can begin from one cell and then differentiate and compartmentalize into the millions of diverse tissue and organ niches that represent a mature body. Why brain, fingernail, liver, intestine and bone cells ever become what they are is mystery enough. Why they stay what they have become while still retaining the full genetic information to produce an entire new body, compounds the miracle even more.

Cancer is a condition in which cells lose their orientation and proliferate uncontrollably. Any cell can become cancerous. A lot of them do, but are squelched by cell death (apoptosis), the immune system or nipped in the bud by DNA repair mechanisms. Successful cancer cells escape these impediments, disregard normal cellular checks and balances and become an island unto themselves with only their own survival and self-interests at heart.

The cause of cancer is no mystery. It is our aberrant modern living context that has put us at cancer risk. When cells are forced to bathe in a milieu (the tissue soup we create with modern foods, drugs and lifestyle) entirely unlike what they are genetically programmed to expect, they revert to their most primitive directive – multiply, multiply, multiply – without regard for neighbors. It’s a sort of payback for our disregard for “neighbors” when we pollute and repudiate nature. Why should our cells be polite to their neighbors if we don’t have regard for ours? Since the immune system is compromised from the chronic stresses created by modern living, defenses are down. Couple this with the nutritionally depleted and perverted modern processed diet and you have the incubator for cancer.

Today, about one in three humans will get cancer. In pets it is worse and perhaps the leading cause of death. No evidence exists that the disease was of similar incidence before our modern era. President Nixon's "War on Cancer" (beginning in the early 1970s) is the most failed and embarrassing "military" campaign ever undertaken by any nation at any time in history. One person in 30 got cancer at the beginning of the 20th century, now almost one in two do.

Some will say that the only reason the incidence has increased is because humans and animals live longer due to modern medical measures. So when science fails in their mission to defeat cancer, they cleverly spin the failure as their success. As I have shown previously,
[Why Modern Medicine is the Greatest Threat to Health]
http://www.wysong.net/health/hl_884.shtml
this is nonsense since modern medical measures are themselves probably the number one threat to life.

The reason for cancer and most chronic degenerative diseases is modern living, pure and simple. We have subjected ourselves to an artificial environment to which we are not adapted. Nature – not exhaust, sugar, pop and plastic – is what we are designed for. Screw with Mother Nature and a price will be paid.

Whatever the inciting cause, it is known that inducement and propogation needs to be relentless and of long-standing duration. Cancer can have a latency period of decades, requiring continuous exposure to the inciting stress. Our departure from our genetic roots certainly qualifies.

If disease does not strike immediately after a bad life choice, then the conclusion is that the choice is just fine. We refuse to take the long view and make intelligent decisions now for consequences that may not emerge until years later. It's a common human failing we see replayed in every aspect of human endeavor. It's the modus operandi in government, economics, agriculture, social issues and health care. Living in the moment is what children and animals do. We should do better with the pounds of gyri and sulci resting on our shoulders.

Nevertheless, this common sense approach (returning to our genetic roots) to preventing cancer and other diseases will be ignored. Instead we will pour billions of dollars into research to discover the cure for cancer. But there will never be a cure other than respecting our genetic heritage and living, eating, breathing and drinking as we were designed to do. A pill or vaccine to save us just isn't going to happen.

Let me give some examples of recent research findings that reveal the obvious. First there is the "discovery" that fresh fruits and vegetables contain anti-cancer nutrients such as antioxidants, vitamins and flavanoids. Why would they not be anti-cancer, they are the natural food of humans? No research is necessary to discover that!

Then there is the "discovery" that cancer preferentially feeds on glucose, diverting it from body use and inefficiently metabolizing it by glycolysis into lactate and a couple ATP energy molecules. (Glucose normally yields 38 ATP.) The body then has to reconvert the lactate back, via the Cori cycle, into glucose (at an energy cost). The net result is that the cancer acts like an energy sink resulting in cachexia, a pathetic condition of severe muscle wasting and debilitation. Modern diets are laden with sugar and starches that not only provide the perfect food for cancer but the perfect acidic medium in tissues. Processed sugar and starch is not a natural human food. No research is needed to discover that!

Research has also shown that a low carbohydrate, high protein, high arginine (meat amino acid), low omega-6 fatty acid and high omega-3 fatty acid diet is useful for both preventing and treating cancer. Tumor cells do not do well on fats or protein. But they love that sugar. The natural, raw diet for humans and their pets is high in fat (the preferred energy source) and protein, high in omega-3 fatty acids (fish, wild meat, some seeds and vegetables) and low in omega-6 fatty acids (grains, grain-fed meats and most oils), and is alkalinizing. This is no scientific discovery. It's common sense.

But companies are clamoring to patent versions of natural diets and crediting their science for discovering the obvious. Examples are new patented, "cancer-fighting" foods featuring high fat, high omega-3 fatty acids, low carbohydrates, and high protein and arginine. Finally, feeding people and pets what they should have been getting all along (as, I hate to say, I have been arguing for decades) is so novel that it is patentable!

It is the edge-of-the-map science that is responsible for this sorry state of affairs. Like the ancient mariners who believed the world ended where their maps left off, science has assumed that calories, regardless of their source, were the edge of their map. Their nutritional world ends with calories and percentages of known nutrients. Science has insisted that if a human or animal requires X calories per pound each day, it matters not whether those calories come from fresh, real foods or Twinkies. That's why hospital patients paying a thousand dollars a night dine on Registered Dietician Jell-O, diet pop and instant potatoes.

What has been ignored is that calories are not the edge of the map; ships do not drop off the Earth when they disappear over the horizon. Now the world beyond the edge of conventional medicine and nutrition is slowly being rediscovered. The world is round... and people and animals require their natural, genetically programmed diet that lies beyond the edge of science’s calories. Quality of calories do matter and is a whole new world promising health.

So, to increase the chance of having cancer, or to speed its progression, eating the standard modern fare is the way to go. Get lots of sugar and lots of grain-based foods such as pasta, bread, cereal, bagels, donuts (which convert to sugar after consumed) and lots of vegetable oils. Increase carbohydrates, eat oleo and look for low-fat foods. Drink very little water and instead enjoy acidified pop and municipal acidic water. Tumors thrive on this banquet.

You can wait for “research” to prove that natural foods and natural living (fresh air, exercise, sunlight, loving relationships) prevent and reverse cancer, or you can be a thinking person and apply this obvious wisdom beginning today.

Sources

The Leading Causes Of Lung Cancer

2008-03-24T11:19:00.000-07:00

Lung cancer is a serious health problem, it is essentially the growth of abnormal cells in the lungs.

This growth of unhealthy cells can start anywhere in the lungs.

Lung cancer is actually the leading cause of cancer deaths in both men and women. Of those people who contract lung cancer, less than half of them survive one year. The quicker you notice symptom and have it diagnosed, the quicker treatment can begin and the odds improve.

The leading cause of lung cancer is smoking. eighty seven percent of people who have lung cancer have gotten it from smoking.

If a person smokes a pack a day, they have twenty times the risk of getting lung cancer or some other serious health problem than a person who doesn't smoke at all.

There are so many carcinogens in tobacco smoke that they constantly damage the healthy cells of the lungs, and the risk goes up for smokers depending on how long they have smoked and how much they have smoked.

There are other causes of lung cancer for healthy people who don't smoke

These causes include asbestos, which used to be used in building materials. It enters a healthy person's lungs by inhaling, and then attaches to the respiratory lining.

People who get lung cancer from asbestos exposure usually get it from work or from living in an older home.

Some doctors also think that women who are exposed to tobacco smoke, are more likely to have lung cancer than men exposed to smoke. Researchers have found a gene called GRPR which causes unusual cell growth in people exposed to cigarette smoke. This gene is more active in women than in men and may explain why females are more prone to lung cancer.

Some research has indicated a diet low in fruit and vegetables may increase the chances of developing cancer if exposed to tobacco smoke. Some evidence shows fruit and vegetables may protect against lung cancer.

The final cause of lung cancer in healthy people is radon exposure.

Radon is a gas which is naturally released from soil and rocks. In closed spaces like caves, basements and other areas, it can become concentrated and cause lung cancer or other health problems. It is always a good idea to have a home checked for radon levels because there are things that can be done to lower them to more acceptable levels.

The good news?

When smokers quit smoking, their risk for getting lung cancer goes down immediately and every year that they don't smoke.

It is also an interesting fact that 25% of nonsmokers that get lung cancer live with smokers, so the secondhand smoke is most likely the cause of their lung cancer health issues.

Sources

Step by Step: Walking for the Cancer Cause

2008-02-20T06:06:00.001-08:00

Most people in the UK know at least one person whose life has been seriously affected by cancer, and as a result, many people are very keen to do something - anything - to help improve the lives of people living with cancer.

At first you may think that the battle against cancer is only fought in hospitals and laboratories, where scientists conduct research in an effort to develop new cures; but in fact, every single one of us can help by raising money for cancer charities, which helps support those affected by cancer and funds new research into new treatments.

Over the years, more and more extravagant ways of raising money through sponsorship have been dreamed up; cycling through the Sahara desert on a monocycle, running the London marathon - in a diving suit; jumping out of a plane - naked. The imagination and determination of fundraisers is the only limit to the world of wacky charity trips.

However, one of the most popular ways to raise money is still the tried-and-tested charity walk. The beauty of this form of fundraising is that everyone can join in, from toddlers to teenagers and OAPs, and it can be done anywhere, from capital cities to rural regions.

Walking events, such as Walk Wonders which raises funds for Macmillan Cancer Support, also have the bonus of bringing together a group a people for a communal cause. In addition, unlike more extravagant fundraising activities, there's no expensive set up costs involved. There are a selection of organised walks that take place across the UK all year round, which range from short family fun walks, to much longer hikes and even multi-day adventures.

Most ask for no minimum amount of funds to be raised - every little helps. But, if you find that there is no organised cancer charity walk or other fundraising event in your area, why not hold your own? Many cancer charities offer assistance to those looking to set up their own event, and offer support and exposure through their organisations.

People take part in cancer charity walks for different reasons. Some are former sufferers who have recovered and want to give something back; some have a friend or family member who are currently undergoing treatment or want to honour a loved one who has passed away, and many just want to do something positive for those less fortunate than themselves.

Whatever your reason for wanting to take part, walking to raise funds for cancer is a meaningful way for people to contribute to a great cause, enjoy a healthy activity and participate in a collective family outing.

Health Effects of Smoking

2008-02-20T06:05:00.003-08:00

Smoking

Today we're more aware about how bad smoking is for our health. Smoking is restricted or banned in almost all public places and cigarette companies are no longer allowed to advertise on TV, radio, and in many magazines. Almost everyone knows that smoking causes cancer, emphysema, and heart disease; that it can shorten your life by 10 years or more; and that the habit can cost a smoker thousands of dollars a year. It is also responsible for many other cancers and health problems.

These include lung disease, heart and blood vessel disease, stroke and cataracts. Women who smoke have a greater chance of certain pregnancy problems or having a baby die from sudden infant death syndrome. The message that 'smoking is bad for you' is an old one, so not everyone gives it their full attention. The most common method of smoking today is through cigarettes, either industrially manufactured or rolled with loose tobacco and a rolling paper. Other forms, though not as common, are pipes, cigars and bongs. Smoking is one of the worst things kids or adults can do to their bodies.

Health Effects of Smoking

Lung problems-Lung cancer is a difficult cancer to treat - long term survival rates are poor. Smoking also increases the risk of oral, uterine, liver, kidney, bladder, stomach, and cervical cancers, and leukemia. The lung damage which causes emphysema is irreversible, and makes it extremely difficult to breathe.
Spontaneous abortion-A number of studies have shown that tobacco use is a significant factor in spontaneous abortions among pregnant smokers that it contributes to a number of other threats to the health of the fetus. Second-hand smoke appears to present an equal danger to the fetus, as one study noted that "heavy paternal smoking increased the risk of early pregnancy loss.

Bad skin. Because smoking restricts blood vessels, it can prevent oxygen and nutrients from getting to the skin — which is why smokers often appear pale and unhealthy. An Italian study also linked smoking to an increased risk of getting a type of skin rash called psoriasis.

Cancer-Smoking causes cancers of the bladder, oral cavity, pharynx, larynx (voice box), esophagus, cervix, kidney, lung, pancreas, and stomach, and causes acute myeloid leukemia. Rates of cancers related to cigarette smoking vary widely among members of racial/ethnic groups, but are generally highest in African-American men.

Way to quit smoking

Pick a quit day Choose a date within the next two or three weeks to quit. Having a deadline makes it easier to plan how you will handle the people, places and situations that make you want to smoke. Try to choose a time that is not particularly stressful. But don't wait forever for the "perfect" day - pick a quit date now and work with it.

Make a plan. Preparing to quit is an important first step. There's no one right way to stop smoking, but smokers who lay the groundwork are much more likely to succeed. Make a list of the people, places, and pastimes associated with your smoking -- anything that "triggers" your behavior. One of the hardest things about being a regular smoker and then giving it up is that you'll always know how good that after-dinner smoke tastes. Come up with a plan for coping with each of those triggers. For example, after a meal you may want to get up and take a walk -- or brush your teeth. If a cigarette automatically appears in your mouth when you leave work at the end of the day, substitute a lollipop or a toothpick.

Niquitin Products-You provide the willpower - Niquitin can help with the cravings. The therapeutic nicotine in our patches, lozenges and gum help control the physical symptoms so you can concentrate on tackling the other aspects of quitting smoking.

Skin Cancer: Causes and Treatment of Skin Cancer

2008-02-20T06:05:00.001-08:00

Cancer that forms in tissues of the skin. There are several types of skin cancer. Skin cancer that forms in melanocytes (skin cells that make pigment) is called melanoma. Skin cancer that forms in basal cells (small, round cells in the base of the outer layer of skin) is called basal cell carcinoma. Skin cancer that forms in squamous cells (flat cells that form the surface of the skin) is called squamous cell carcinoma. There are three major types of skin cancer — basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. Basal cell carcinomas and most squamous cell carcinomas are slow growing and highly treatable, especially if found early. Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer. It affects deeper layers of the skin and has the greatest potential to spread to other tissues in the body. Squamous cell carcinoma also can spread internally.

Causes of Skin Cancer

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is the main cause of skin cancer. Energy from the sun actually is a form of radiation. It consists of visible light and other rays that people can't see. Invisible infrared radiation, for instance, makes sunlight feel hot. UV also is invisible, and causes sunburn and sun tan. Skin cancer is mainly caused by too much ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun (solar UV radiation) and other sources such as solariums or UV lamps.

Heredity - people with a family history of skin cancer are generally at a higher risk of developing the disease. People with fair skin, and a northern European heritage, appear to be most susceptible.

You live closer to the equator, at a higher altitude, or in any place that gets intense, year-round sunshine.

Basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers develop very slowly. And the older you are, the more time you have had to build up sun damage to your skin. So the older you are, the more likely you are to get a non melanoma skin cancer. But skin cancers can develop in younger people too.

If you have had radiotherapy before, the treatment area will be more at risk from sun damage. You should keep it covered and use high factor sun cream. If you have been exposed to radiation through your job, you will also have a slightly increased risk of non melanoma skin cancer.::

Treatment
Radiotherapy-Radiotherapy can be used to treat basal cell or squamous cell cancers. Radiotherapy can also be used to treat cancer that has spread to lymph nodes. In advanced cancers, which have spread to another part of the body, radiotherapy can be used to relieve symptoms. It is also used to treat cancers that have come back (recurred) after they were first treated with surgery.
Chemotherapy. In chemotherapy, drugs are used to kill cancer cells. For cancers limited to the top layer of skin, creams or lotions containing anti-cancer agents may be applied directly to the skin. Topical drugs can cause severe inflammation and leave scars. Other types of chemotherapy can be used to treat skin cancers that have spread to other parts of the body.
Radiation Therapy is treatment with high-energy rays to kill or shrink cancer cells. The radiation may come from outside the body or from radioactive materials placed directly in the tumor
Surgery is the first step in treating almost all types of skin cancers. Conventional surgery (removing the entire cancerous area at one time) is not often used for basal and squamous cell skin cancers. Many basal and squamous cell skin cancers can be removed from the skin quickly and easily.

What Is The Real Cause Of Skin Cancer?

2008-02-15T08:11:00.002-08:00

Skin cancer is one of the most horrible diseases that could happen to anyone. As far as in modern medical knowledge has identify the major causes of skin cancer which consist of some risky activities. Many people seem to be more concern about how to protect and stay away from the disease. However, it is likely that apart from the person who may have genetic disease of skin cancer, the disease happen more to the one who work or live in the environment that has greater chance of skin cancer. According to this reasons for the once who living or working in such the environment have to be very careful and aware of these threads and also to find the way of effective protections. You may find the following details useful in terms of the identification of major cause of skin cancer, and to consider whether you are the one who are in such environment and in order to prepare in case you found that you are in early stage of the disease.

We will have a look at the first condition that usually (and most of the time) is the major cause of skin cancer, the sunlight. According to the fact that sunlight extremely has benefit to human's health and the human body can not work functionally without sunlight. This is because the sunlight has Ultra Violet Radiations, which is really necessary to human body to generate important glucose and haemoglobin. However, in the same time, the ultraviolet radiation is also the major cause of skin cancer if there are exceed in the amount that the person take it. For example, considering the person who has to work in the condition such as golf caddy, these people is obviously have to face with very strong sunlight all the time. Some people in this job category may try to protect themselves by wearing cloth that prevent the skin to have direct contact with the sunlight, but in fact, the ultraviolet radiation still radiate to the skin even though it is not a direct contact. The only one way of protection is to wear thick cloth to prevent radiation or using anti-UV lotion apply on the skin.

When talk about the radiation, the other condition that may risk of skin cancer and quickly come into my mind is for the person who work in a hospital, in the x-ray room. Yes, it is one of the most risk condition for skin cancer. As same as the radiation of the UV sunlight, x-ray contain some radioactive substances that impact to the human skin and cause cancer if the person has direct contact too often.

Other condition that may risk of skin cancer, apart from those two major factors is to have direct contact with some kind of chemical substances such as hydrocarbons and arsenic. We can see these days as many kind of what we use in everyday life contains these kind of chemicals. In some case, for many women who have to use excessive cosmetic on daily basis could also risk to have skin cancer.

Fast Facts About Prostate Cancer

2008-02-15T08:11:00.001-08:00

Prostate cancer is a condition which afflicts men. The cancer develops and spreads within the prostate gland. This gland is located around the neck of the bladder, and is responsible for the production and release of seminal fluid, the thick gel which carries the sperm to the uterus of the female. As is the case with most types of cancers, prostate cancer is easier to treat during the early stages; in advanced stages the chances for adverse effects due to surgery or other drastic treatments may be more detrimental to the health of the patient than the illness itself.

One out of six men is expected to be diagnosed with the disease within his lifetime, with a mortality rate of one out of thirty-four. This is a condition which usually afflicts middle-aged males; those who are below 40 years of age are rarely diagnosed with prostate cancer. The factors which contribute to the possibility of acquiring the disease include age, race, family history, diet and nutrition, and obesity. Symptoms during the early stages are practically non-existent; as the cancer spreads, the following indications are observed: frequent urination, particularly at night, although the male has difficulty in controlling urine flow; the urine stream is weak or constantly interrupted; urinating provides a painful and burning sensation; erectile dysfunction and painful ejaculation; the presence of blood in the urine or semen; and persistent pain and stiffness in the upper thighs, the lower back, and the hips.

Tests for detecting the presence of the disease include the Prostate-specific Antigen Blood test (PSA), and Digital Rectal Exams (DRE). During the course of a PSA test, a blood sample is taken from the patient’s arm, in order to determine the levels of PSA, a protein created by the prostate. Levels beneath 4ng/mL are normal, and those above 10ng/mL are high. During a Digital Rectal Exam, the doctor evaluates the condition of the prostate, and checks for abnormalities with size, shape, or texture, by inserting a gloved and lubricated finger in the patient’s rectum. These two procedures usually complement each other in providing credible detection of an onset of prostate cancer.

Detection, diagnosis and treatment for prostate cancer need a joint effort from urologists, radiation oncologists, and medical oncologists; the latter two are made after the PSA and DRE methods have shown the presence of the disease. The usual diagnostical test employed is the biopsy, wherein relatively small samples of tissue are taken from the prostate for examination, usually with the help of ultrasound imaging; this procedure is quite discomfiting or painful, but is relatively short in duration. The condition of the disease is determined through an evaluation system known as the Gleason Grading and Scoring system.

Treatments for prostate cancer vary, and are basically dependent on several factors: the stage of the disease, the physiological profile of the patient, and his willingness to undergo a specific treatment. A quick run-through of available treatments includes active surveillance, radiation therapy (for advanced or recurring stages), prostatectomy or surgery, hormone therapy, and chemotherapy. This is not an exhaustive list of all available options, as there are current alternatives which still need to be clinically-approved as efficient treatments for the disease.

Breast Cancer Preventive Method

2008-02-15T08:09:00.000-08:00

This term may be the most frighten for every women. Among any other women disease, it seems that breast cancer is the one that happen very frequently and there are grater risk for them to dead or have to get an operation. Even though the current advanced medical technology helps a lot of women to safe from this disease but still it is the one that many of them do not want to get.

When the women who are age of 45 years old, they just start to aware of the disease and usually go to the doctor to get comprehensive check up. However, the trend of using preventive method to let them have minimal chance is now has become widely recognize and many of medical experts are also support on this treatment scheme. It is relevant to the course of action when the women have medical check up for breast cancer. In most case the result of the medical check up would tell them if they have risk of getting breast cancer or not. If they are like to have risk, then the doctor would suggest them to use preventive method first rather than advice on using medical treatment scheme or even immediately obtain the cancer operation. However, it is still depending on the characteristics of the risk, if the doctor can see the risk at the early stage of the cancer, he may advice the patient to obtain an operation.

And that's what happening in general. Now I would like to talk about the preventive treatment of breast cancer, which now seems to be the most practical way and desirable way for everyone. However, it seems that there is no specific indication in terms of the special method that people have to do to perform effective protection. The advice that we can find everywhere is to eat good food, having exercise and keep the mind fresh and relax.

If we can just look by these advice, it may not very interesting to us because they are very common methods that any one can perform. People tend to look forward to see kind of new alternative ways of treatment rather than these general advice. However, in fact, this general advice looks not interesting, but I believe many people still can not do very effectively, even for the patients who already got cancer but they are unable to follow such easy instruction.

Therefore, I want to repeat again that these simple advice still very important. Even though there are some kind of alternative medicine available and the manufacturers advertise that the medicine has proved by the authority and produced by using natural material, but the way to prevent cancer by following instructions still be the easiest and costless in my opinion.

So if you are the patient who already took a comprehensive medical check up and found the risk of breast cancer and the doctor advice that you should perform or change the way you live in order to minimize those risk for the cancer to expand, I would suggest you to follow those simple instruction very strictly.

Herbal Medicines for Sciatica

2008-01-10T08:18:00.000-08:00

Pain radiating through the buttock, down the back of the thigh and lower leg, and along the length of the sciatic nerve is the result of irritation to the nerve roots at the origin of the sciatic nerve. This is commonly caused by a prolapsed intervertebral disk (slipped disk) pressing on the spinal root of a nerve or, more unusually, pressure from a clot, tumor, or even sitting awkwardly. It can be aggravated by coughing, sneezing, or bending. It is often preceded or accompaniedby lumbago, and sometimes by pins and needles and numbness.

Treatment

Bedrest on a firm mattress is advisable.

Consult a qualified practitioner/therapist for:

Hydrotherapy Alternating an ice or hot pack on the hase of the spine helps to relieve pain.

Acupressure This can be extremely beneficial. Deep thumb pressure will be used.

Acupuncture

The acupuncture technique known as moxibustion (localized heat) may be used to relieve pain.

Osteopathy, Chiropractic, Massage, and Hydrotherapy

The pressure applied through any of these manipulative therapies may be useful for reducing the pain of spasm.

Tics, Twitching, Pins and Needles

Uncontrolled repetitive contractions of a muscle cause tics and twitching, such as shrugging the shoulders, screwing up the eyes, or a "nervous" cough. These often develop in children and may be a sign of psychological disturbance or a response to situations in which the child feels tension

Pins and needles causes a prickly or tingling sensation and numbness, and is the result of a disturbance of the impulses through the nerves that carry sensation from the skin to the brain. This disturbance may be due to damage, irritation, or pressure on the nerves, and can be caused by something as simple as sleeping on an arm in an awkward way, or sitting or lying in one position for too long.

Treatment

Although tics are often best left ignored, behavioral therapy can help discover the cause. Minor twitches and pins and needles, although irritating, need no attention.

Consult a qualified practitioner/therapist for:

Talking Treatment

Psychotherapy can help overcome tics caused by anxiety.

Cell Phone Radiation Causes Cancer

2008-01-10T08:17:00.000-08:00

Do you use a cell phone? Most people do. In fact, they have pretty much become something that no one can live without. No matter where you go, someone is talking into their cell phone, or has it shoved up against their head, listening. Unfortunately, those who use cell phones may be getting a little more than they bargain for. Cell phones emit something called electromagnetic radiation. This is a low, pulsing energy that can actually interfere with our cells.

Different studies have been done that link this radiation to brain tumors, cancer, and other health conditions. In fact, in one study done with mice, the incidence of cancer and tumors was higher when the mice were exposed to electromagnetic radiation than when they were not. Many other studies have been done, and they all point to the fact that cell phone radiation causes cancer and other problems with our bodies. The interesting thing to note is that when you hold the cell phone to your ear, the electromagnetic radiation can reach up to the middle of your brain. This puts your brain at risk! This is why there have been numerous brain tumors that are present on the side of the brain that gets exposed to the cell phone radiation. That is scary news.

So, what can you do? You have become accustomed to using your cell phone for everything from business to staying in touch with the people you love. You are not going to give it up very easily. On the other hand, you don't want brain tumors either. Well, here are some tips you can use to protect yourself and your family from cell phone radiation.

• Try using a hands free cell phone accessory. While you can talk on the phone just like usual, you will not have the cell phone too close to your body. It allows you the convenience of a cell phone but it reduces some of the risk of electromagnetic radiation and its effects.

• Another thing that you can do is purchase a buffer that attaches to your cell phone. These are very helpful, and made out of all natural things. They pulse at the low level that electromagnetic radiation does, and the energy they put out helps neutralize the cell phone radiation.

• Don't allow children on the phone for more than a very short period of time. This will keep them from being exposed to electromagnetic radiation in large amounts or for longer periods of time. This may reduce their risks of developing brain tumors or other problems.

• There is also a product that you can place in a room of your home which does the same thing as the attachment for the cell phone, however it works for all of the products that emit electromagnetic radiation. There is a certain amount of area that it covers as well.

Doing small things like this can help you protect your family from cell phone radiation and other types of electromagnetic radiation.

Breast Cancer, Prevention, and Life After Hormone Replacement Therapy

2007-12-21T08:10:00.000-08:00

The two words "breast cancer" shake all women to the core more so than any other disease, even though heart disease takes far more lives than breast cancer.

Try your hand at these 24 true/false questions about breast cancer (mostly). The answer key is at the end. No peeking now until you answer all the questions. I'm watching you!

1. In 1970, 1 in 20 women were diagnosed with breast cancer; today, 1 in 8 women are diagnosed with breast cancer. T or F?

2. According to Dr. John McDougall, it takes 100 days for one breast cancer cell to divide into two cells; about 6 years for one breast cancer cell to divide into 1 million cells, which is only as big as the tip of a pencil and undetectable; and 10 years to multiply into 1 billion cells, the size of an eraser on a pencil. T or F?

3. There is no such thing as early detection of breast cancer. T or F?

4. Only 3% to 5% of breast cancer can be attributed to genes. T or F?

5. According to three major studies, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) causes increase of breast cancer, strokes, heart problems, and clots in lungs and legs. T or F?

6. The incidents of breast cancer decreased after the use of HRT decreased. T or F?

7. Clinical trials show that the extract from the plant, black cohosh, is just as effective as HRT (70 %) in reducing hot flashes without the dangerous side effects of HRT. T or F?

8. A plant-based diet leads to gentler menopause. T or F?

9. Early menses (before 12) and late menopause (after 55) increase risk of breast cancer. T or F?

10. There is a high correlation between eating animal products and early menses and late menopause. T or F?

11. Walking 4 hours per week decreases breast cancer risk by 33%. T or F?

12. Fiber found in whole plants, not fiber by itself, reduces breast cancer risk. T or F?

13. Elevated cholesterol increases risk of breast cancer. T or F?

14. Increased body fat increases risk of breast cancer. T or F?

15. Increased dietary fat increases risk of breast cancer. T or F?

16. When diagnosed with breast cancer, women with near ideal body weight have greater chance for survival than women with higher body weights. T or F?

17. Breast cancer risk is 400% higher in the U.S. than it is in Japan. T or F?

18. The death rate from breast cancer is 5x higher in the U.S. than it is in rural China. T or F?

19. Increased estrogen levels significantly increase risk of breast cancer. T or F?

20. Estrogen levels significantly increase from eating the typical American diet, high in fat, animal protein, and low in dietary fiber. T or F?

21. According to T. Colin Campbell in The China Study, breast cancer can mostly be prevented by eating a plant-based diet and avoiding dietary fats and animal protein. T or F?

22. According to Dr. Campbell, the people around the world who eat the most animal protein have the most cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. T or F?

23. Okay, guys, you aren't off the hook. In 2001 Harvard review of research, there is a significant correlation between prostate cancer and dairy products. T or F?

24. In the U.S., 1 in 10 men die from prostate cancer; in China, 1 in 100,000 die from prostate cancer. T or F?

Okay, you can now peek at the answer key and find out how much you know about your body and breast cancer.

Every statement is absolutely true! Great work, my friend!

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Dr. Leslie Van Romer is a health motivational speaker, writer, and lifestyle coach. Visit http://www.DrLeslieVanRomer.com for more inspiration.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dr._Leslie_Van_Romer

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Prostate Cancer: Why Eating Well Is The Best Defense?

2007-12-21T08:06:00.000-08:00

No other human organ is as susceptible to cancer as the prostate. Each year, an estimated 209,900 American men are diagnosed with the disease, making it the most prevalent form of cancer in the United States. Although lung cancer claims more than twice as many men's lives each year, prostate cancer is the second most lethal male cancer, killing 41,800 men annually.

In fact, the malady is so widespread that by age 65, nearly two out of three males may develop minute tumors producing in their prostates, the walnut-size gland that is wrapped around the urethra, the tube that drains the bladder. And some doctors believe that if men lived long enough, every man would develop the disease.

Curiously, the vast majority of men who have the disease will never know it. That is because prostate cancer normally manifests a gradual growth of tumor, often taking 20 to 30 years to become large enough to be detected by any currently available tests or to bring about serious health problems.

By then, many older men who had these small tumors will have long since died of other origins such as heart disease and stroke.

According to some urologic oncology experts, many more men die with prostate cancer than from it. They contend that if they could just slow the growth of the tumor so that it takes 40 to 60 years to progress instead of 20 to 30, which would amount to a cure for many men.

Doctors suspect that dietary changes may help men stall the progress of disease and prevent it from becoming life threatening. Here are a few prostate protectors.

1. Go lean fat

Lowering your fat intake to 20% of your total calories, that is about 44 grams of fat if you eat 2,000 calories a day, is one of the best things that you can do to slash your risk of developing aggressive prostate cancer.

2. Turn away from red meat

Beef and other red meats are loaded with saturated fat, a type of fat linked to development of several cancers including prostate cancer.

In one study of 51, 000 American men, those who ate the most red meat were 2.6 times more likely to cultivate complex prostate cancer than men who avoided meat consumption.

3. Catch some fish

One reason why advanced prostate cancer is rare in china may be the quantity of fish in the diet. One study compared cancer rates of American men to men living in Shanghai, China, where people consume three times as much fish in their daily diet. The rate of prostate cancer for the American men was a dramatic 25.9 times higher than for the Chinese.

4. Discover the joy of soy

Health experts suggest that instead of meat, try substituting tofu, miso, and other soy foods in salads, casseroles, and soups.

Men in Japan eat many soy-based foods, benefiting from significantly high levels of genistein and genistin, two substances found in soy that may help clamp down on the disease.

5. Learn to like lycopene

A study at the Harvard School of Public Health tracked the eating habits of almost 50,000 health-care professionals for more than six years. The researchers concluded that lycopene, an antioxidant compound that gives tomatoes their distinctive red color, helps fight cancer.

So now you know the preventive measures in order to avoid developing prostate cancer, it is best that you start employing these tips in order to have a healthier, cancer-free life.

As the old adage goes, you are what you eat. So eat healthy in order to be healthy.

The Side Effects of Exposure to Radiation

2007-12-19T07:06:00.000-08:00

Radiation is not something that is found only in science laboratories both in fictional films and in real life. Although there is a lot of press coverage when it comes to facilities which experiment with radiation and create radiation as a by-product of energy production, radiation itself is more a part of our lives in general than we may suspect.

In fact, we are exposed to one form of radiation every day, the ultra violet radiation caused by the sun. In addition, people are frequently subjected to radiation when they go for X rays at the dentist, doctor, or orthodontist. And of course, there are those of us who work in areas where radiation is a regular part of the day.

The problem with radiation, of course, is that although it provides a sure fire energy source, it can also be very dangerous. Even the mildest forms (UV) have been linked positively to skin cancer, and those working around “forced” types of radiation increase their risk of this and other types of disease and side effects. Let’s take a quick look at side effects that can come about with exposure to radiation beyond skin cancer.

Radiation sickness. The most common reaction after exposure to a high dose of radiation over a short period of time. This is quite common in patients who are being treated for cancer, as radiation therapy will kill cancer cells and slow down the disease’s progression. Radiation sickness affects the organs of the body, resulting in disrupted functions that may manifest themselves in nausea, headaches, and a general feeling of coldness.
Radiation burns. Radiation burns occur when a part of the body is subjected to a high dose of radiation. In effect it is the same as radiation sickness, but occurs on a part of the body that is able to sustain more radiation than others (the hands and feet). The entire body of an individual will feel the effects as the radiation travels, but its measured impact is much lower than the area where the radiation exposure occurred.

It is very important to take the proper precautions when working with radiation in order to minimize the chances of these side effects. Proper shielding and clothing to protect the health of workers and the general population is needed anywhere exposure to radiation might occur.

Prostrate Cancer Surgery and Ensuing Erectile Dysfunction!

2007-12-19T07:05:00.000-08:00

Erectile dysfunction- the disease that was no less than a dread earlier is today a highly treatable problem. Thanks to the incessant efforts made by the different drug companies, today there are quite a few efficient and convincing ED drugs available in the market. However the success achieved in the erectile dysfunction treatment field cannot be said to be complete, for the sheer fact that the ED drugs cannot be administered to all the people who are suffering from erectile dysfunction. The ED drugs are frothed with a number of side effects that hinders them to be prescribed to all the ED patients.

Erectile dysfunction as most of you must be knowing is caused by a number of causes. There are number of psychological and physiological causes contributing to the occurrence of ED in people. Out of all these causes there are some that are not in control of the human beings. For example, it has been proved that there are certain surgeries that might lead to erectile dysfunction. The surgeries related to prostrate cancer inevitably lead to erectile dysfunction. In case this happens the oral ED cures prove to be helpful in tackling the symptoms of ED. However, it happens sometimes that due to the nature of the ailment the erectile dysfunction drugs cannot be prescribed to the patients. In such a case there has to some kind of protection that will protect the prostrate cancer patients from the dangers of erectile dysfunction after their surgeries.

The surgery required for the removal of the prostrate involves some kind of tissue damage that effects the normal erection of a man. The time taken by the nerves to heal on their own is quite a bit. Though the doctors advise the patients not to go for the ED drugs and wait until the nerves are naturally healed, yet this advice hardly proves to be practical. The time that the nerves take to heal is nearly two years. To go on without making love for this long a time is not possible for many. Therefore, nowadays the doctors have come up with ideas to keep the erectile functions of the penis intact right after the surgery.

The most common procedures that the doctors use in order to repair the erectile capabilities of the penis are the vacuum pumps, yogic postures for fast healing or the injections. Sometimes the erectile dysfunction drugs are administered to the patients, but only after it is judged that they are safe for the patient. Out of the top three selling ED drugs people prefer to buy cialis for its advantages that it secures over the other two popular brands. You can even buy cialis online as it is available with the online drug companies. But it is preferable for the prostrate cancer patients not to order cialis or similar drugs for the fear of their side effects. Remember after all there is nothing bigger than one's Life, so keep it safe!

Increased Cancer Risks Associated With Working The Graveyard Shift

2007-12-17T06:36:00.001-08:00

You may have heard some alarming health news recently, about how working the 'graveyard shift' may increase your odds for developing breast or prostate cancer. This story is based on recent research, over the last 20 years, that does, indeed, find an increased rate of breast cancer among women who work at night. But, please keep in mind that high cancer rates, that have been newly discovered in night workers, does not prove that nighttime work, alone, causes one to get cancer.

It is estimated that about 20 percent of the work force in technologically developed countries work the night shift. One of the first people to spot the night shift-cancer connection was Richard Stevens, a cancer epidemiologist and professor at the University of Connecticut Health Center. In 1987 he published a paper suggesting that there may be a a direct correlation to light at night and breast cancer.

Stevens says, "suspiciously, the incidence of breast cancer rates shot up, starting in the 1930's, where industrialized cultures considered it advantageous to progressively increase one's income".

At the time of Steven's first observations, most medical research scientists considered the link, between light at night to increased breast cancer rates, to be pretty weird and wacky. However, over the last 20 years, ongoing research on this disturbing news has continued. There is some compelling evidence that indicates that men working the night shift may also have an increased risk of developing prostate cancer.

It is also interesting to note, that in laboratory research studies with test animals, evidence of the light at night theory, supported Steven's original idea. When light/dark schedules were purposely disrupted, the animals developed more cancerous tumors and died prematurely.

Since the 1980's, the cancer connection to artificial light at night has received quite a bit of attention. There seems to be enough evidence to support the notion that there is a questionable pattern of increased cancer rates in night, and rotational, shift workers.

If you are a night worker do not panic, and determine that you simply must abandon your current job for personal health safety reasons. Also, consider that these ongoing studies are only one small piece of evidence to a very large puzzle. There are many other risk factors involved in developing cancer. In all fairness, other known cancer risks should also be evaluated into this equation as well, like:

1.Lifestyle choices such as exercise habits, substance abuse problems, or drug addictions
2.Daily dietary food and beverage intakes.
3.Sleep deprivation problems such as insomnia and depression.
4.Amount of exposure time that bare skin has a chance to connect with UV sunlight rays, and vitamin D levels.
5.Amount of emotional stress levels in relation to unresolved personal issues.

All of those key factor risks, and many others, as well as a wider variety of test subjects need to be extensively studied. Most of the current, light at night research studies, so far, have only been performed on the nursing profession and airline crews.

What researchers are suggesting, though, is that there seems to be a rather complicated system, of some sort, to lower levels of melatonin and serotonin in correlation to rotational, and night, shift workers. Melatonin is a endocrine system hormone produced by the pineal gland that helps induce sleep, and is gradually released after dark. The pineal gland is located deep in the center of the brain behind the center point in the forehead between the eyes, and is known to have a reaction to sunlight exposure. It is believed that sunlight exposure coming in through the eyes for approximately 20 minutes a day, without contacts, eyeglasses, or sunglasses appears to play an important role in the releasing of melatonin.

Clearly, when normal sleep/wake (also called circadian rhythm) cycles are interrupted with artificial lighting at night there may be a steep health price to pay, for the sake of earning a living. Long-term supplementation with melatonin is not advisable, either, as it may eventually interfere with your body's ability to produce it on its own. Use, instead, one of melatonin's safer precursors like L-tryptophan or 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP). Be advised , that L-tryptophan is only obtainable by presription, however, do not let that intimidate you as it is only a simple amino acid.

As an employer you may consider it financially necessary to use night shifts to voluntarily maximize your company's profits. But, you may also want to consider employee medical health insurance liabilities, and productivity, too. There might just possibly be lower health insurance rate incentives offered for installing healthier, natural spectrum lighting systems in work station areas, This may help you save even more money, by lowering your energy costs as well.

If you are a rotational, or night, shift worker, sleeping in a darkened room is a must. Do whatever it takes to eliminate, or reduce, light from entering your sleeping environment. You can also improve the quality of your sleep by learning how to practice better sleep hygiene habits. Visit the mercola natural health website and type in the search box, '33 secrets to a good nights sleep'.

Above all, listen to your body, if working after dark is causing you various health problems, pay close attention! Treat your symptoms with care, put in for a shift change, or find another job.

Skin Cancer Facts and Treatment

2007-12-17T06:35:00.000-08:00

Skin cancer is a malignant growth on the skin which can have many causes. Skin cancer generally develops in the epidermis (the outermost layer of skin), so a tumor is usually clearly visible. This makes most skin cancers detectable in the early stages. There are three common types of skin cancer, each of which is named after the type of skin cell from which it arises. The two most common types are basal cell cancer and squamous cell cancer. It accounts for more than 75 percent of all skin cancers. Squamous cell carcinomas arise from the upper levels of the epidermis, usually on places that have been exposed to the sun. Squamous cell carcinoma also can spread internally. They account for about 20 percent of skin cancers in the United States.Melanoma is generally the most serious form of skin cancer because it tends to spread (metastasize) throughout the body quickly.

Signs and symptoms

There are a variety of different skin cancer symptoms. These include crabs or changes in the skin that do not heal, ulcers in the skin, discoloration, and changes in existing moles.

* Basal cell carcinoma usually looks like a raised, smooth, pearly bump on the sun-exposed skin of the head, neck or shoulders. Sometimes small blood vessels can be seen within the tumor. Crusting and bleeding in the center of the tumor frequently develops. It is often mistaken for a sore that does not heal.

* Squamous cell carcinoma is commonly a red, scaling, thickened patch on sun-exposed skin. Ulceration and bleeding may occur. When SCC is not treated, it may develop into a large mass.

Skin Cancer Treatment
Most skin cancers can be treated by removal of the lesion, making sure that the edges (margins) are free of the tumor cells. These excisions provide the best cure for both early and high-risk disease.

For low-risk disease, radiation therapy and cryotherapy (freezing the cancer off) can provide adequate control of the disease; both, however, have lower overall cure rates than surgery.

Most skin cancers are removed surgically, by a plastic surgeon or a dermatologist. If the cancer is small, the procedure can be done quickly and easily, in an outpatient facility or the physician's office, using local anesthesia. The procedure may be a simple excision, which usually leaves a thin, barely visible scar. Or curettage and desiccation may be performed. In this procedure the cancer is scraped out with an electric current to control bleeding and kill any remaining cancer cells.

Prostrate Cancer Surgery and Ensuing Erectile Dysfunction!

2007-12-17T06:34:00.000-08:00

Wrongful Death Lawsuits and Mesothelioma Cancer

2007-11-22T07:35:00.001-08:00

Mesothelioma litigation is usually brought forth after a victim's exposure to asbestos years earlier, but these lawsuits are often coupled with mesothelioma wrongful death lawsuits. A mesothelioma wrongful death lawsuit occur when a plantiff or claimant, such as a victim or family member of a mesothelioma cancer victim, brings forth legal action in a civil court.

Why File A Mesothelioma Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

Death is never easy for anyone. Death, however, is especially difficult for friends and family of a victim that could have been saved or prevented. A wrongful death lawsuit occurs when a death is the outcome negligence or action of a third party. Luckily, family and friends of a victim can find comfort with an experienced and knowledgeable wrongful death lawyer who can offer assitance as well as ease suffering. Victims of mesothelioma cancer, which is incurable, have often been exposed to asbestos fibers that are breathed in and attach to the lung. This exposure usually occurs at a place of employment.

Because of the fact that mesothelioma is so serious a form of lung cancer, the ultimately outcome of the disease if often the death of the patient. Mesothelioma litigation is usually brought forth after a victim's exposure to asbestos years earlier, but these lawsuits are often coupled with mesothelioma wrongful death lawsuits. A mesothelioma wrongful death lawsuit occur when a plantiff or claimant, such as a victim or family member of a mesothelioma cancer victim, brings forth legal action in a civil court.

What Are Expectations and Potential Outcomes Concerning Those Filing A Mesothelioma Wrongful Death Lawsuit?

Beginning in the twentieth century, there is a long history of mesothelioma litigation, with a lengthy precedence of the negligence and responsibility for those companies that manufactured asbestos or placed their employees in direct contact with it. Therefore, the family of any individual who has died as a result of mesothelioma cause by exposure to asbestos can expect some compensation in a mesothelioma wrongful death lawsuit. In order to properly understand what this compensation might entail, it can be in an individual's best interest to contact an expert mesothelioma wrongful death lawyer to better understand how a mesothelioma wrongful death lawsuit could provide compensation for any loss that has been suffered.

Breast Cancer: Symptoms, Risk Factors And Treatment

2007-11-22T07:33:00.000-08:00

Breast cancer is the abnormal and uncontrolled growth of cells in the breast. Under normal circumstances, the cells of the body reproduce in an orderly manner in order to facilitate growth and replace worn-out or damaged tissues. Cancer is caused when the cells grow uncontrollably into a mass of tissue, which is called a tumor. These tumors could be non-cancerous (benign) or they could be cancerous (malignant). The malignant or cancerous cells keep building up and form a tumor. Sometimes these malignant cells spread to other parts of the body through the lymph system, forming new cancers called metastases or secondaries.

Breast Cancer Symptoms

There are no symptoms and no pain in early cancer. Cancer is first suspected when an individual discovers a breast lump or when an abnormality is found on mammography. Though all breast lumps are not necessarily cancerous, it is important to get them evaluated by a doctor to rule out the incidence of cancer.

Other signs of cancer could be a lump above the collarbone or in the armpit that does not go away or nipple inversion that is a new development and was not present earlier. Breast discharge that is bloody or only from one breast are also cause for concern and should be checked by a doctor.

Risk Factors for Cancer

Gender, age and hereditary factors are the three major determining factors for breast cancer.

Gender is a critical factor and women are at a much higher risk of developing breast cancer than men.

Though breast cancer can occur at any age, the risk increases with age. A 60 year old woman has a 1 in 30 chance of developing cancer as opposed to a 30 year old woman who has once chance in 280. Women who have a family history of cancer are also at a higher risk of developing cancer.

When to seek Medical Care

Breast cancer is not an overnight development; it develops and grows over months and years. However once it is identified, treatment should be sought immediately as breast cancer is much more difficult to treat when it spreads.

It is critical that you see a doctor as soon as possible if you notice any of the possible symptoms of cancer or if any abnormality has been found in your mammogram.

Treatment of Breast Cancer

Treatment of cancer has the highest success rate is treatment is started in the early stages. There are several different treatment methods available, which are often used in combination taking into consideration individual circumstances.

Some of the possible treatment methods include:

Chemotherapy- where the cancer cells are controlled or killed with a course of drugs.

Radiotherapy- where the cancer cells are controlled or killed with a course of high energy X-rays.

Surgery- this could involve either a lumpectomy, where the cancer along with a small part of the breast surrounding it is removed or a mastectomy , where the entire breast is removed.

Hormone therapy- this form of treatment is used to control the growth of breast cancer that develops and grows due to changes in hormones.

Smoking not Found to be Dangerous in the State of Breast Cancer!

2007-11-04T12:00:00.001-08:00

Smoking and the ill effects of smoking need not be illustrated any further. Both the topics have been discussed to no ends. Countless numbers of programs, advertisements, campaigns, have been continuously conducted all over the world in order to spread awareness regarding the ill effects of smoking. Inspite of all the awareness campaigns and the sorts, there is doubt if there has been any change in the scenario as regards smoking. The number of people taking to smoking is only constantly increasing.

Smoking is one of the worst possible addictions. Smoking not only harms the people who are addicted to it but also the ones around them. There are a number of diseases that attack specially on smoking and there are many others that are worsened on smoking. Smoking increases the risks of having many diseases. Still the addiction of smoking is only gaining force. The fear of bad health and even the fear of death have failed to be a deterrent in making people give up smoking. The only way to make people give up the puff is banning the tobacco industry. But this is almost an illogical option. The governments of all the countries are earning huge profits and hence they can't even think of banning the industry. However some countries have implemented laws and have banned smoking in the public places. The United Kingdom is one of them. However banning smoking in the public places is not a way out to make people stop smoking.

Anyways, coming back to the topic of diseases, smoking only increases the risks of dangerous diseases like cancer. But recently there have been a very strange revelation from the medical world. Studies have shown that smoking does not worsen breast cancer. The results have been arrived at by conducting a study on about six thousand women over a period of thirty years, with breast cancer. Smoking didn't even hamper in the process of treating breast cancer nor did it react with the breast cancer medications.

Interestingly, smoking has been proved to be a risk for lung cancer, head cancer, and cancer in the neck, esophagus, and bladder. Smoking is also dangerous in the case of leukemia which is commonly termed as blood cancer. But breast cancer is a rare exception.

However, there is no need of exalting in pleasure as smoking has been proved to be dangerous for a number of other diseases. Hence you would do yourself no good by avoiding breast cancer and getting its other versions in return. Smoking can only bring harms to the mental and physical health of the smokers and the others around. There can be no better alternative to quit smoking.

It's only for the purpose of quit smoking that the medical giants Pfizer launched the quit smoking drug Chantix. Pfizer chantix is one of the most popular quit smoking pills in the market today and you can easily buy chantix from any local medicine store. And those of you who are eager to give up smoking but are falling short of the will power as well as time just go to the net and order chantix online. Enjoy a smoke free life ahead

Naturally Cure Acid Reflux- Lower your Chance of Esophageal Cancer With 7 Tips

2007-11-04T11:58:00.000-08:00

Shelly is part of the 30 million + epidemic. She suffers from acid reflux disease and she recently went to the doctor to discover that her condition just developed into Barrett's Esophagus. Shelly now is part of the 700,000 Barrett's Esophagus sufferers who have a heightened chance of developing esophageal cancer.

And after almost 3 years of trying everything to treat acid reflux, she is now Barrett's Esophagus-free and Acid Reflux-free. You see, Shelly found a write-up about treating acid reflux naturally. Since she tried everything the doctors recommended, she decided to try to naturally cure acid reflux. And she started with these 7 tips!

Barrett's Esophagus Increase Risk of Cancer

Barrett's esophagus is a condition in which the lining of your esophagus changes because of the consistent contact with harsh stomach acids. The condition is most often to blame on long-term gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Though Barrett's Esophagus is uncommon, your GERD is more likely to develop into Barrett's Esophagus if you ignore treatment.

The good news is that you can eliminate or reduce the frequency of stomach acids flowing into your esophagus by making lifestyle changes. Here are 7 tips to naturally cure acid reflux and lower your chance of esophageal cancer.

7 Tips to Naturally Cure Acid Reflux

1. Soft foods! Begin to cure your acid reflux with eating soft foods for a couple of days to prepare your esophagus for healing. You must stop from any crunchy foods such as nuts, crackers, toast, popcorn, cookies, cereal and granola bars. By scratching your esophagus, your stomach acids are drastically exposed to the lining of it. Ideally, you would like to stay away from crunchy foods for 2-3 days to begin your treatment.

2. Spicy foods! You must also avoid any food with spiciness and sweetness. Typically, acidic foods can contribute to hurting your esophagus as they aid the stomach acids. Stay away from citrus fruit for the first 2-3 days of your treatment.

3. Stop Smoking! You need to stop smoking for 2-3 days cold turkey! The chemicals found in cigarettes contribute to your LES (lower esophageal sphincter) to relax, contributing to more acid and fumes leaking into your esophagus. We also highly recommend quitting smoking all together. If you need help please visit our main homepage.

4. Moderate Your Coffee Intake! Try to cut back on your coffee consumption to one cup per day. Cutting coffee for the first 2-3 days will also allow your esophagus to heal itself. Another good tip is to always wash down the coffee residue (acidic) with a drink of water.

5. Drink Water after Every Meal! After every time you eat something, you should make it a habit to drink a tall glass of water. This will benefit you by cleansing the LES so it closes tighter, not allowing gases and acid to leak up into your esophagus. You will also feel a ton healthier from the added water to your diet.

6. An Apple! My dad started his natural cure for acid reflux with a simple apple. Whenever he felt a flare-up come on, he would take a slice of apple followed by a drink of water and his flare-up would be done in minutes.

7. Raw Honey! Take 1 tsp. of raw liquid honey any time you begin to feel discomfort of heartburn or acid reflux. Many of our customers have raved about this simple and effective natural cure.

Start Your Treatment Today!

Shelly began with these simple tips and followed it up with trying every natural remedy on our report. And you can too!

Stop taking the prescription pills that don't work! Stop paying for the antacids that your body is becoming immune to! If you are seriously want to naturally cure acid reflux and say 'see ya' to all of the disgusting side-effects, please take a moment and check out how our Naturally Cure Acid Reflux Report has literally helped thousands to treat GERD for life. This report gives numerous step-by-step natural remedies and allows you to know why they work. And finally, the best part of our cure is that it is guaranteed to work or you don't have to pay a thing… no questions asked! Please visit our website today and start your treatment in hours!

Humanistic Cancer Care

2007-10-31T10:30:00.000-07:00

A focus on emotional health and overall well being is changing how cancer is treated.

For many who are diagnosed with Cancer, the initial reaction is shock mixed with fear. While coping with the news, having support during a time of uncertainty and stress makes a world of difference. Several cancer treatment centers, such as the Eastchester Center for Cancer Care, are acknowledging the importance of going beyond treating the physical challenge of cancer. Cancer centers now focus on providing emotional support through both a warm environment and a compassionate staff.

"One of the things we thought of is, 'Well, let's try to make the downstairs, the reception area, look very much like a house.' As much as is possible in a public place".

To supplement oncological treatment, many cancer care groups offer additional therapies to give patients a balanced array of support. Many of these humanistic treatments help patients to cope with the challenges that coincide with battling cancer.

"We also have a yoga therapists that comes and she does seated yoga with the patients who are getting chemotherapy. And people love her, they love to do the yoga. And apparently she was able to decrease someone's blood pressure by doing yoga therapy."

Patients who have survived the fight with cancer, often look back on their time of need with mixed emotions. Many have had their lives changed by the personal impact a humanistic cancer center has had on their lives.

"I feel like I was getting a gift by getting cancer because I never would have met all these people. These beautiful people that I met here."

While the battle with cancer is ongoing, many take solace in knowing that they are not alone in their struggle.

Life After Prostate Cancer: The Benefits Of Nerve-sparing Prostatectomy

2007-10-31T10:29:00.000-07:00

When facing the diagnosis of prostate cancer, for most patients, the overwhelming focus is on eradicating the disease. However once the cancer has been successfully treated, the side-effects of treatment can have a major impact on quality of life.

I have seen many patients following a prostatectomy who are very distressed by their inability to resume normal sexual intercourse. Yet frequently, at the time of diagnosis, these patients did not view impotence as a major concern when they made their choice of treatment.

It would seem that we need to do more to understand patients and their preferences when they are choosing treatment for prostate cancer and offer them a wider range of options to meet their needs.

Radical prostatectomy, which involves the complete removal of the prostate, is the treatment of choice for 30-50% per cent of patients with organ confined prostate cancer. Its appeal lies in the degree of certainty it offers in terms of removing the disease in one strike.

A traditional radical prostatectomy is undertaken using wide margins around the prostate, damaging the nerves which control the blood supply to the penis. This has been understood to be the safest way of eradicating cancer but causes impotency.

Specialised urological surgeons have been carrying out nerve-sparing prostatectomies for over 10 years. The task of safely removing all cancer cells without harming the hair-thin adjacent nerves demands a very high level of technical skill.

It is hard to measure outcomes in a very precise way - several different assessments of sexual function are used and the outcome for each patient will depend on a range of factors, not all related to the surgery itself.

Not surprisingly then, the reported outcomes from treatments vary widely. For example, following bracytherapy, rates of impotency are reported at between 14 and 61 per cent. Some of the widest variations occur in rates reported following prostatectomy. Impotency is reported in 26 to 100 per cent of patients and intact function from 9 to 86 per cent.

This makes it all the more important for each hospital unit to carefully measure and audit its own results.

Improvements in the techniques of specialist surgeons who undertake a large number of prostatectomies mean we are getting closer to obtaining the perfect result for patients - cure, continence and potency.

Although there are other factors which play their part in the recovery of erections (neurogenic, vascular and psychosexual), the results show patients do have better results following nerve-sparing surgery compared with non nerve-sparing.

The nerve-sparing techniques I have developed during the past 6 years, undertaking over 700 procedures, mean that 73 per cent of my patients who have had 'high quality' nerve-sparing prostatectomy's have "good" erectile recovery (defined as being able to have an erection sufficiently rigid for vaginal penetration).

Achieving this is dependant upon extremely good technique throughout the whole procedure. Key elements include control of the dorsal vein complex after apical dissection of the prostate, accurate dissection of Denonvillier's fascia, a three stage dissection of the neurovascular bundle (NVB), avoidance of energy, avoidance of traction and careful placement of anastomotic sutures.

However, despite the progress which has been made in recent years in nerve-sparing surgery, studies suggest that up to 73 per cent did not continue their treatment.

In many cases, the effectiveness of the treatment was below the expectations of the patients. This was cited as one of the main reasons for giving up on the treatment along with loss of interest in sex.

The Birmingham Prostate Clinic have established a dedicated Erection Clinic to recognise the needs of these patients and address some of the problems which have been identified. By combining established erectile dysfunction treatments with the right specialist support, we see patients return to more effective erectile function over time as they recover from surgery.

Medication alone is not sufficient to overcome all potential problems. Men need to have individually-tailored care and support to ensure they keep up with their treatment and effectively address the psycho-sexual factors which they face as they recover from surgery and return to normal life.

Alan Doherty

Coping With Cancer: It's Good to Talk

2007-10-31T10:25:00.000-07:00

One of the most important aspects of coping with cancer is being able to talk to others who are going through, or have been through similar experiences. Luckily, help is at hand; there are thousands of cancer support groups across the UK which can help anyone who is going through cancer.

There are also all manner of help lines, where patients, or concerned relatives can speak to councillors who have vast experience in the area of cancer, and there are even specialised help lines for certain demographics, for example youth help lines, women's help lines and help lines for specific languages; for example Hindi, Punjabi, or Urdu.

Help lines form a vital part of the cancer support network, as they provide a confidential place to talk and get advice. And they are not just for the cancer sufferer - anyone can call including the friends and family of the sufferer. They provide direct contact with understanding, friendly, professional staff, who can give free, impartial advice and anonymous service, so callers can feel comfortable about discussing their concerns.

The rise of the internet and social networks such as Facebook and MySpace has also benefited those suffering from cancer, with various groups that one can join. There are hundreds of cancer forums, cancer discussion portals and self help cancer mailing lists in which anyone can participate, speak to others and get help and support from a community.

The internet is also a good place to turn to read about cancer symptoms and diagnosis, as well as stories of recovery and hope and messages from well wishers and supporters. There is also a wealth of information about financial help that is available for cancer sufferers; cancer can be expensive, with the cost of prescriptions, special diets and travel all taking their toll on people who may not be able to work during their treatment.

Though the road to cancer recovery can be long, and with much hardship along the way, it is certainly now easier to find cancer support, information, help and hope by taking advantage of the wealth of help lines, cancer forums and cancer support groups that are widely available. Whether it is by phone, by computer or in person, help is always at hand for those who suffer from cancer.

Andrew Regan

How to Prevent Colon Cancer

2007-10-23T13:11:00.001-07:00

Colon cancer is actually one of the most preventable types of cancer; however, it is also one of the most common cancers as well. Sadly, too many people do not think about their colon until it is too late.

Colon cancer can strike anyone, but there are a variety of things that you can do now to prevent having to deal with colon cancer in the future. Even if you do have a problem, when colon cancer is caught quickly, it usually can be taken care of. However, if you wait to long, it may be to late.

Step #1 - Have a Colon Screening

The most important thing that you can do to prevent colon problems is to make sure that you have a colon screening. These screenings should become part of your yearly trip to the doctor after you turn 50. Studies show that one of four people over the age of 50 has polyps, which is a precursor to colon cancer, so it is imperative that you get screened.

Step #2 - Avoid a High Fat Diet

If you want to prevent problems with your colon, you need to avoid eating a high fat diet as well. People who eat diets that are high in cholesterol and fats tend to be more likely to develop colon problems. On the other hand, eating a diet high in fiber can help you prevent the cancer.

Step #3 - Keep Your Weight Down

Keeping your weight down is another way to prevent colon trouble. People who are obese are more likely to develop colon cancer. Also, people who have excess fat around their waist are also at a higher risk too, so keep your weight at a healthy point.

Step #4 - Exercise

Exercise is extremely important if you want to avoid getting colon problems. Studies have shown that exercising regularly can cut your risk for colon cancer by a whopping 40%, and it also keeps your weight down and helps to prevent diabetes too.

Step #5 - Know Your Family Medical History

It is important that you know your family medical history. If others in your family have had colon cancer or even colon polyps, you are more at risk. You need to let your doctor know if these problems tend to run in your family so you can work to prevent it from happening to you.

Step #6 - Quit Smoking

If you are smoking, then you are increasing your risk of colon problems. The tobacco seems to increase the size of polyps in the colon, and when you smoke, carcinogens are then carried to the colon, which can increase your risk of cancer. Taking the initiative to stop smoking can actually drastically lower your risk of getting colon cancer.

Prostate Cancer and Prevention

2007-10-23T13:03:00.000-07:00

Representatives of Oregon Health Sciences University spoke about their state-of-the-art prostate cancer research department. Every man reading this article can benefit from the advances made in prevention, detection and treatment of this disease.

Let’s begin with a brief review of our anatomy. The prostate gland is located around the bottom portion of a man's bladder and is positioned behind the pubic bone and in front of the rectum. The prostate's primary function is to produce most of the fluids in semen. Tiny ducts within the prostate convey this fluid to the urethra, the channel that drains urine from the bladder. This fluid is then released through the penis during ejaculation.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in American men. It's estimated that by age 50, up to 1 in 4 men have some cancerous cells in the prostate gland. By age 80, the ratio increases to 1 in 2. So, your risk of prostate cancer increases as you age. The average age at diagnosis is 72.

Prostate cancer also is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in American men. Yet unlike other cancers, you're more likely to die with prostate cancer than you are to die from it. On average, an American man has about a 30 percent risk of having prostate cancer in his lifetime, but only about a 3 percent risk of dying of the disease.

The risk of prostate cancer is dramatically higher among blacks, intermediate among whites, and lowest among native Japanese. However, this increase in risk may be due to factors other than those associated with race. Studies have shown a link between levels of testosterone and prostate cancer risk, with black men having the highest levels.

Symptoms of prostate cancer include frequent urination, inability to urinate, blood in urine or semen, or painful ejaculation. Frequent low back pain, burning urination or a weak urine flow are also very common.

There is another condition of the prostate known as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia or BPH. This is basically an enlarged prostate with no cancerous lesions. Symptoms for this condition are similar in many respects to prostate cancer. For example, Prostate-Specific Antigen or PSA levels can become elevated in both BPH and prostatic cancer.

Chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery are the three most common approaches to treatment of prostate cancer. The selection of which method is used depends largely upon the extent of the disease. With the surgical removal of the prostate, there is an increased risk of osteoporosis similar to that of menopause in women. This problem is most often handled by using hormone replacement therapy postoperatively. Calcium and Vitamin D supplements have also been shown to be helpful in reducing this type of bone loss.

Natural measures for the prevention of prostate cancer include chemoprevention, changes in diet and lifestyle, and hormonal prevention. Chemoprevention is the use of specific natural or man-made drugs, vitamins, or other agents in order to reverse, suppress, or prevent cancer growth. Several agents, including difluoromethylornithine (DFMO), isoflavonoids, selenium, vitamins D and E, and lycopene have shown potential benefit according to studies. Further tests are needed to confirm this.

The herb, saw palmetto, was once thought to be the best natural supplement for prevention of prostate cancer. Recent studies lead researchers to believe saw palmetto to be much less powerful in its preventive effect.

A diet high in fat, especially animal fat, may be associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer. So, reducing red meat, cheese and other dairy products, salad dressings, and gravies is a good step. Increasing the dietary intake of fruits and vegetables has been associated with a reduced risk of prostate cancer in some studies. Adding soy products such as tofu and soy milk can be helpful in regulating hormonal balance. Exercise, even just plain old walking, has been shown to reduce the incidence of prostate and of practically all other cancers.

Since prostate cancer has a link to testosterone levels, studies are underway to discover the role of certain drugs, such as finasteride, that reduce the amount of male hormone as preventive agents for prostate cancer.

If you think you have experienced any of the symptoms listed in this article, check with your health care provider. Early detection of prostate cancer is very important in managing its damaging effects.

Breast Cancer – Problem Faced by Women

2007-10-23T12:55:00.000-07:00

Breast cancers best treatment - early detection. Once, cancer is detected it becomes easier for the doctors and yourself to fight it out. By the age of 20 all women should start doing Breast Self Examination (BSE) it is one of most easiest and earliest ways of detecting cancer. These check ups should be done few days after your periods. You should do this check up at least once a month. A clinical breast exam should be done at least once a year.

Some of the signs to look for, while doing BSE

-A lump found in and around the nipple or underarm
-Change in size or shape
-Nipple discharge or nipple turning inward
-Redness of skin or warmth
-Formation of dimple or change in skin texture

Some of the causes of having breast cancer

Gender: Being a woman is one of the common reasons for suffering from breast cancer. Event though men suffer from this disease too, just being a woman puts you in lot of danger.

Age: As you grow older your chances of having breast cancer increases.

Family history: If somebody in the family has suffered from breast cancer your chances of having breast cancer increases.

Being overweight or obese: If you are an overweight women your chances of breast cancer increases after menopause.

Lack of exercise: Being lethargic and lack of any physical activity leads you towards increasing weight and chances of breast cancer

Alcohol: Drinking alcohol becomes very risky as it increases your chances of breast cancer

Methods to Prevent Breast Cancer

-Turn into a vegetarian
-Have plenty of organic food and vegetables
-Avoid red meat and any processed foods
-Avoid alcohol and colas
-You can have something sweet by having Stevia, an herb which is a substitute to any other toxic artificial sweetener
-Having whole grains is very good such as Oatmeal, Kamut and Psyllium, which are a good source of fiber and enters directly into your bloodstream
-Your diet must include wheat, bran and Cabbage as they are very nutritious food which helps to prevent breast cancer
-Garlic, Ginger, carrots, celery, cilantro, parsley and parsnip has some of the highest cancer fighting nutrients. Include them in your daily diet.

Top 7 Tips to Prevent Cancer

2007-10-23T12:54:00.000-07:00

A complex mix of factors related to environment, lifestyle, and heredity plays a role in the causation of cancer. For example, 80 percent of all cancers are related to the use of tobacco products, to what we eat and drink, and to our exposure to radiation, asbestos, and some of the other cancer-causing agents. There’s not much you can do about your genes, but several other key risk factors are under your control. If you identify them and make the necessary changes in your lifestyle early enough, you can substantially decrease your chances of developing a malignancy. Here are some of the risk factors you can do something about:

1. Tobacco

Tobacco is the most preventable cause of mortality in this country. Regardless of whether you chew it, snuff it, smoke it, or inhale someone else’s exhaust, tobacco is a killer. In the United States, it is responsible for 85 to 90 percent of all lung cancers, and for one-third of all deaths related to other cancers. The magnitude of the risk depends on the number and kind of cigarettes you have smoked and for how long. A pack-a-day smoker is ten times more vulnerable than a non-smoker. It is never too late to quit. After you do, your cancer risk declines gradually each year.

2. Chronic alcohol abuse

This type of abuse can cause cancer of the liver, as well as of the mouth, throat, and larynx, especially in combination with tobacco. It may also raise the risk of breast cancer. If you are going to imbibe, limit yourself to the equivalent of two drinks a day – and stop smoking.

3. Diet

People who shun fruits and vegetables have roughly twice the incidence of most types of cancer – lung, larynx, oral cavity, stomach, colon, and rectum, bladder, pancreas, cervix, and ovary – than those with the highest intake. Yet only 9 percent of Americans heed the recommendations of the National Cancer Institute and the National Research Council to eat two servings of fruit and three portions of vegetables a day. Seventh-Day Adventists, who don’t drink or eat much meat but do consume a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, have the lowest incidence of cancer in the U.S. population. This protective effect is probably due to the antioxidants and folic acid present in fruits and vegetables, which neutralize damage to chromosomal DNA caused by oxygen-free radicals.

4. A high-fat diet

This type of diet is associated with cancer of the breast, uterus, and prostate. The guilty foods are eggs, fatty meat, high-fat salad dressings and cooking oils, and diary products such as whole milk, butter, and most cheeses.

Blueberries have a higher antioxidant capacity than any other fruit or vegetable. They are said to protect against cancer by virtue of their anthocyanins and other natural phytochemicals.

5. A high consumption of soy-based food

Soy-based food such as tofu, may also protect against cancer because of the genistein content. Genistein suppresses the production of proteins that cancer cells need in order to keep growing. In China and Japan, where people eat lots of soy, there is much less cancer of the breast, colon, and prostate than in this country. Since men with prostate cancer generally have lower blood levels of selenium than their normal counterparts, selenium supplements may protect against this malignancy.

6. Some supplements

Some supplements seem to protect against certain cancers. For instance, colon polyps and cancer do not recur as often in persons who regularly take multivitamins, calcium supplements, and vitamin E. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables is protective against cancer, presumably because of the beta-carotene content. So take your mother’s advice: Eat all the fruits and vegetables you can – and forget the pills.

7. Don’t have X-rays

Don’t have X-rays any more frequently than is absolutely necessary. I no longer take annual routine chest films on myself. Some dentists are too enthusiastic about X rays. Make sure you really need them before acquiescing.

Low Fat Diet Linked to Reduced Risk of Ovarian Cancer

2007-10-12T08:10:00.000-07:00

A recent study in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute suggests that there is a link between a low fat diet high in fruits, vegetables, and grains and a reduced risk of ovarian cancer. The discovery came from the Women's Health Initiative Dietary Modification Randomized Controlled Trial over 8 years. The trial assigned 20,000 women to the diet change group and had 30,000 women maintain their current diet. The diet change group limited their fat intake to only 20 percent of their total calories and had to eat 5 or more daily servings of fruits and vegetables in addition to 6 or more servings of grains.

During the first four years of the trial, researchers discovered no link between diet and ovarian cancer, but during the latter half of the study there was a drop of 40 percent in the risk of ovarian cancer in the low fat group compared to the unchanged diet group. Women who had the highest fat intake at the start of the trial and had been assigned the diet change were were found to have the greatest reduction in risk.

Researchers suggest continuing to track participants to see the longer term effects between a low fat diet and appearance of cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, ovarian cancer is the 8th most common cancer among women in the US and nearly 22,500 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer this year and nearly 15,300 will die from it. Ovarian cancer mostly occurs in older women with two thirds of cases seen in women aged 55 and older.

Empowered Doctor

Obesity Drugs May Fight Cancer

2007-10-12T08:09:00.000-07:00

Many scientific advances start with serendipity. Scientists at Wake Forest University have made a surprising discovery - an obesity drug can kill cancer cells. The researchers are now using the findings to develop more effective cancer drugs.

This study, published in the online version of Nature Structural and Molecular Biology is the first to report that the drug oralist,Xenical® or Alli® interacts and binds with a protein found in tumor cells causing cell death. The project started when Steven Kridel, Ph.D., an assistant professor in the Department of Cancer Biology, analyzed prostate cancer cells to see which enzymes were expressed at high levels in the hope of developing treatments that would inhibit those enzymes and stop tumor growth.

What they found according to Kridel is that, "a protein known as fatty acid synthase is expressed at high levels in prostate tumor cells, and is fairly absent in normal cells...This makes an exciting treatment target because theoretically you don't have to worry about harming nearby healthy tissue."

While oralist has killed cancer cells in the lab, it can't be used as a cancer treatment, because in humans, it is designed to act only in the digestive tract. According to W. Todd Lowther, Ph.D., another researcher on the project , the goal is to "develop an orlistat-like drug that can get into the bloodstream and go to the site of a tumor."

They are working with a dozen possibilities to find the one that works best. The drug will be tested on animals, and later cancer patients.
While what they are working on is a cancer treatment, as fatty acid synthase is also found in fat cells, it's possible that, "You might have the same drug for treating a cancer patient as an obese patient," said Lowther.

Empowered Doctor

Natural Cures For Prostate Cancer: Just Go For It

2007-09-28T10:36:00.001-07:00

Prostate cancer is treated in many ways. Hormone therapy, surgical removal of the gland and radiation therapy are just a few of the options available. Treatments like these are commonly resulting in various side effects as well. Some side effects are mild and short-term but some also are permanent and irreversible.

Alternative treatments for prostate cancer are also available and all are natural cures. From the cost viewpoint to effectiveness to less risky side effects, these are just some of the benefits gained from natural treatment of prostate cancer. Undergoing this treatment involves a change in one's nutritional diet, supplementation and herbal remedies. Under the guidance of a nutritionist and discipline of one's body, better health is coming your way.

Advice for Natural Cures for Prostate Cancer:

Following a nutritionist's advice is essential in taking the first step in undergoing natural healing process. One has to change his diet in order to have proper nutrition. Practicing healthy living through balanced diet and proper nutrition is believed to make your immune system stronger and thus hinders the growth of cancer cells. Having poor nutrition, on the other hand, will only enhance or facilitate cancer cell development.

There are several food groups that mainly consist a prostate cancer patient's diet. Fruits and vegetables are vital components of the balanced diet. As well as good sources of omega 3 fatty acids from cold-water fish like tuna, mackerel and salmon. Using olive oils instead of conventional oils in your diet provides cholesterol free healthy fat.

Daily supplements prove to be one of the natural cures for prostate cancer patients. Some known healthy supplements are green tea, selenium, melatonin, lycopene, vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E and folic acid. Altogether, they aid the patient's system to make sure that the body is absorbing all essential nutrients.

Medications for Natural Cures for Prostate Cancer:

Herbal medicines are proven to be the most natural among treatment. The most popular claim of healing is serenoa repens, commonly known as saw palmetto. This herb works by preventing testosterone from breaking down in another form of the hormone associated with prostate tissue growth.

Surely herbal medicine is proven safe and effective but you still need to make sure that you are getting the right concentration of the herb associated with healing. Other herbs taken in may inhibit the saw palmetto's positive effect that is why it is better to be aware of what you take in and have your nutritionist's approval first.

Natural cures for prostate cancer will take some time to show significant improvement in one's health. Depending on the severity of one's condition, several months have to be pondered before seeing any significant healing. For a more secure assurance, medical tests conducted regularly have to be part of your healing process too. It is necessary to check for any changes in your condition in order to have the necessary preparations of more aggressive procedures, if the needed. For more info see http://www.prostatecancertreatmenthelp.com/Prostate_Exam on rectal prostate exam.

Natural cures are taken in hoping for better health and recovery from the condition, it usually takes longer than other conventional ways of treatment. Proper nutrition, suitable supplementation, combined with a balanced way of living through exercise will surely bring you a better prostate health in the future.

David Faulkner

Lower Cholesterol And Boost Liver Function With The Ayurvedic Herb Guggul

2007-09-28T10:35:00.000-07:00

Guggul is gum resin that can be used to lower cholesterol and boost your liver function, though it has been used for thousands of years in India to treat a number of diseases and conditions. However, its mode of action is completely different to that of most other cholesterol lowering agents.

The active ingredient is known as guggulsterone, which is a plant sterol that increases the amount of body cholesterol into bile acids by the liver. Bile acids are an essential part of our digestion system, working to emulsify the oils and fats we eat and covert them into a form suitable for transferring to the blood and use elsewhere in the body. They also help the body make use of fat soluble vitamins such as vitamins A and E.

The resin used in this Ayurvedic remedy comes from the stem of a tree called Mukul myrrh that grows throughout India. Ayurvedic medicine is said to have originated from ancient Hindu texts, but is now thought to have evolved over thousands of years. The basis of the medicine is contained in two Sanskrit texts written on palm leaves and form the basis of modern Ayurvedic training. Guggul has been used for millennia in the treatment of skin conditions, rheumatism, arthritis, cardiovascular problems and high cholesterol.

Being an oily fat, cholesterol is not soluble in blood plasma and hence cannot be carried around the body without a carrier. These carriers are known as low density lipoproteins and high density lipoproteins. The LDL carries cholesterol to where it is needed by the body, and is a sticky substance that can also deposit cholesterol in the arteries that are carrying it. This can form a hard coating on the inside of the arteries called plaque, and effectively narrow them and harden them up.

This atherosclerosis, as it is called, is a dangerous condition, and if a blood clot encounters the narrow part of an artery so affected it can be blocked. If in the heart, then this can cause a heart attack, and if in the brain it can give rise to a stroke, both potentially fatal conditions.

HDL, on the other hand, carries excess cholesterol back to the liver for destruction or conversion to bile, and is a free flowing liquid material known as 'good cholesterol'. Cholesterol is needed by the body and so cannot be eliminated completely. That would be even more dangerous. One of the major functions of cholesterol in the liver is in the production of bile that is used by your digestive process to emulsify fats. Any compound that could also carry out this vital function would mean that liver would have less cholesterol to manufacture.

Your body receives a dietary supply of cholesterol from fatty animal sources such as meat, fats, eggs and dairy products such as cheese and butter. There is no cholesterol in purely vegetable foods. However, that does not mean that vegans have no cholesterol, since as stated earlier, it is an essential substance in the body's metabolism. In fact, the liver is able to generate all the cholesterol you need, and that which is taken in your diet is superfluous.

The liver can manufacture cholesterol from the trans and saturated fats in your diet, and there are several sources of these. Included among them are popcorn, vegetable shortening such as found in cookies and donuts and other manufactured bakery products made from hydrogenated margarines and oils widely used in the bakery industry. Also from rapeseed and palm oils and coconuts. Saturated fats are also contained in French fries and similar fried foods using certain vegetable oils, and also potato chips. Even vegetarians and vegans can suffer from high cholesterol levels.

Cholesterol is manufactured in the liver and taken up by LDL for distribution by the blood. However, a large proportion of that cholesterol is used by the liver to manufacture bile, essential for digestion of fats. This bile is stored in the gall bladder, and released into the upper intestine on the ingestion of fatty food. The bile acids and fats pass down the intestine, where the fats are emulsified into a form suitable for absorption by the body.

The bile acids are then absorbed in the final part of the ileum by proteins that carry them back to the liver where they are recirculated into the bile. Once the level of bile acids in the body reaches a certain level, a chemical known as the Farnesoid X Receptor (FXR) stops the liver from converting cholesterol into bile. Although only 5% of the bile is excreted from the body and needs replaced, this still accounts for 50% of the body's usage of cholesterol.

The production of bile from cholesterol operates on a closed loop system, with a feedback that maintains a constant level of bile acids. The feedback is controlled by FXR that detects the current level of bile acids and represses the enzyme (CYP7A1) that stimulates bile manufacture until a minimum level has been reached when the CYP7A1 is re-activated.

By blocking the action of FXR, the guggulsterone in guggul continues the conversion of cholesterol to bile acids by the liver without interruption. The liver has to use more LDL cholesterol for this and so reduces the overall amount of cholesterol in the body, specifically the LDL type.

A double blind study in India showed a total cholesterol reduction of 11.7%, including a 12.7% reduction in LDL and a 12% reduction in blood fat (triglyceride) levels, and other studies have indicated a total cholesterol reduction of up to 27% and triglycerides of up to 30%. The Indians believe guggul to be so effective that is has been approved as a treatment for high cholesterol by the Indian government. The connection with FXR has been confirmed by testing with mice with and without FXR.

Another factor in high cholesterol levels is that an under-active thyroid can interfere with the liver's ability to process cholesterol. Guggul stimulates then production of thyroid hormones, and so can help to reduce excessive LDL cholesterol in the blood cause through a low level of thyroid hormone production.

Overall, then, this Ayurvedic remedy for many ills can help anyone who needs to reduce the level of cholesterol and triglycerides in their blood. Recommended dosages are about 1500 mg twice daily, though if you are also taking statins or are under treatment for cancer you should first consult your doctor, as you should with all natural remedies that are new to you.

Darrell Miller

All Types of Alcohol Linked to Breast Cancer Risk

2007-09-28T10:34:00.000-07:00

A recent study by Kaiser Permanente Researchers has found that the effects of alcohol on breast cancer are the same, regardless of whether a woman drinks wine, beer, or liquor. The ethyl alcohol found in those drinks and the quantity consumed are the factors that weigh heavily on breast cancer risk. Researchers believe the increased risk from three or more drinks a day is similar to the increased breast cancer risk from smoking a pack of cigarettes a day or more. They claim that "Population studies have consistently linked drinking alcohol to an increased risk of female breast cancer, but until now there has been little data, most of it conflicting, about an independant role played by the choice of beverage type."

The team of Kaiser Permanente researchers studied the drinking habits of over 70,000 women of varying ethnicities who had supplied information during health exams between 1978 and 1985. By the year 2004, 2,800 of these women were diagnosed with breast cancer. Researchers analyzed three aspects of the records; they compared alcohol intake among women who favored specific beverages, the frequency of drinking each beverage type, and the role of total alcoholic intake compared with women who drank less than one drink a day.

The results found no difference among the varying types of alcoholic beverages, even when wine was divided into red and white. Researchers found the risk of breast cancer rose by 30 percent in women who drank more than three drinks a day. They claim that "We think that the heart protection benefit from alcohol is real, and is probably derived largely from alcohol-induced higher HDL or "good" cholesterol, reduced blood clotting and reduced diabetes." However, they warn "Our findings provide more evidence for why heavy drinkers should quit or cut down."

Humanistic Cancer Care

2007-09-28T10:33:00.000-07:00

4 False Skin Cancer Myths

2007-09-24T10:20:00.000-07:00

1) Wearing Sunscreen at the Beach is Enough Protection

Even 85% of UV rays can make it through on cloudy days. That means you are equally at risk in the car, out for a jog or letting your children outside at any time of year. This happens even when you are not at the beach. However, you are usually less dressed at the beach, and covering up is still recommended even when wearing sunscreen. The sunscreen itself also wears off with water and should always be applied every two hours or after getting wet.

2) Taking Care Of Your Skin Now Will Protect You Later

Skin cancer can take up to 20 or more years to develop. The Skin Cancer Foundation states that most people receive about 80% of their lifetime sun exposure before the age of 18. Just one red hot sunburn in childhood is estimated to double the risk of melanoma later on in life. Taking better care now will indeed reduce your risk, but it will not fully eliminate the damage already done.

3) A Tan Means You Are Already Protected

People with a darker skin tone are less likely to develop cancer. However tanned skin is actually damaged skin. Repeated tanning injures the skin and increases the risk of skin cancer by 20%.

4) It is Impossible to get Burned on Overcast Days

Just because the sun is hidden by clouds does not mean you do not need protection. As previously mentioned the powerful UV rays from the sun will still penetrate your skin even on cloudy days.

Look over these common myths and understand that the rays of the sun will always be able to find you. Unless you are indoors, you will never be fully protected.

For more important health articles visit Donald's Health Website. http://updated-health-news.blogspot.com

Donald McKenzie Jr

Gastric Cancer On The Decline

2007-09-24T10:19:00.000-07:00

You may be surprised to learn that gastric cancer is on the decline, bucking the trend of most other types of cancer. It is disappointing to read research health news about the increase in cancer rates and painful to hear yet another report of the illness of someone we know who has lost the fight to cancer. Fortunately, there appears to be some hope in the horizon.

Gastric cancer cases, in comparison, were many back years ago. This type of cancer was number eight in the cause of death by cancer in the United States in 1944. While there is still room for debate on the subject, most medical professionals believes that specific changes in the American diet has resulted in the positive turn for gastric cancer cases. They say that it is because of the advances in refrigeration that resulted in people eating more fruits and vegetables and less of foods preserved in salt. The revised diet contains many anti-oxidants which are believed to reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease, and stroke.

Gastric cancer is cancer of the stomach. It can spread to the small intestines and the esophagus and other parts of the body such as lymph nodes, lungs, ovaries, and bones. Symptoms include abdominal pain, feelings of fullness or bloating when it is not expected, nausea and vomiting, unexplained weight loss. Although these symptoms can be caused by other health issues, it is important to have them evaluated early for the right diagnosis and early treatment.

Antioxidants are molecules that hinder the oxidation of other molecules. In other words, antioxidants stop chain reactions which can occur in the body that can damage cells. Although some oxidation is necessary, it can be damaging if unchecked. If your body does not retain a needed level of antioxidants, your cells can be damaged or killed by a condition called oxidative stress.

Hence, to prevent or reduce cancer, ensure that your diet is rich in anti-oxidants. The following foods are good sources of gastric cancer fighting anti-oxidants.

Legumes
Potatoes
Berries
Black plums and prunes
Pomegranate
Apples
Green Tea
Pecans

Gastric cancer cases are on the decline; mainly attributed to the ability to refrigerate or freeze food and thereby allowing the general public to consume more foods that are fresh. This positive trend should give us hope that making changes to our diet in a more healthy direction can help to prevent cancer and other serious and degenerative diseases.

Sandra Kim Leong writes about the importance of improving bowel health. She recommends adopting a detox diet to help relieve digestive diseases. For free research, please sign up to her newsletter at http://www.Detox-Cleansing-Diet.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sandra_Kim_Leong

Sugar Feeds Cancer?

2007-09-10T13:24:00.000-07:00

Is there a link between sugar consumption and cancer? Seventy years ago, Otto Warburg won a Nobel Prize for his discovery of glucose as the fuel that grows cancer cells. In other words, sugar feeds cancer. Ok, this makes sense. All of our body's tissues use glucose for fuel.

First, some boring stuff. A few new studies have followed along these lines and have associated sugar consumption with several types of cancer:

A study done on women in Mexico linked high carbohydrate diets with breast cancer. The same link was made by a study done on American women.

A small study at University of Southern California identified a significant increase in risk for small bowel cancer in people who consumed the most sugar in coffee, tea and non-diet sodas. (Not the purpose of the study. It was chance finding).

A Harvard School of Public Health study demonstrated that a diet high in simple carbohydrate foods such as white rice, white bread and white potatoes increased risk of pancreatic cancer in overweight and sedentary women. Besides cigarette smoking, this is the first risk factor identified with pancreatic cancer. Colorectal cancer risk has been linked to higher insulin levels, as well.

This pancreatic cancer study findings make sense. The pancreas produces insulin – the hormone that helps the body utilize blood glucose. Overweight people tend to be "insulin resistant". This means the pancreas works harder producing more insulin. It's a vicious cycle. Here's some food for thought. Cancer rates have increased over the last 100 years or so. Mostly, this is attributed to increased cigarette smoking (there's no arguing that this is the single most risk factor for many types of cancers, not only lung), and arguably the presence of more industrial chemicals and pollution.

Let's look at the consumption of sugar over the same period. In 1815, the average per capita consumption of sugar in Great Britain was 15 pounds per year. By 1974, the consumption had risen to 120 pounds per year. Holy cow – that's a lot of desserts!

Nowadays, in the US, the average per person yearly amount is 150 pounds per year. This is NOT including corn syrup and high fructose corn syrup which is the stuff that sweetens soft drinks. The average American drinks 34 gallons of soft drinks per year. Ugly statistics.

It's also worthy to note that the use of refined white flour started in the early 1800's in Europe. The rice that is so popular in Southeast Asian cuisine (highly processed) because of its color and quick cooking properties started to be widely used after World War 2. Is there an increase in cancers due to these dietary changes?

It would logically follow. Both white rice and white flour cause a blood sugar spike similar to white sugar. Diets high in white rice and white flour, known as refined carbohydrates are associated with increased incidence of Type II Diabetes. Not to mention the nutritional value is very poor because of processing. It is known that the fiber that is in brown rice and brown flour has protective effect against certain cancers including pancreatic and…Type II diabetes. Hmmm.

More and more, nutritionally oriented doctors are saying to cancer patients that cutting down on sugar and refined carbohydrates could slow the growth of the cancer (given that "sugar fuels cancer"). But the real science is not concrete enough for the medical community to say unequivocally that carbs increase cancer cell multiplication.

Since sugar gives you no nutrition (vitamins, minerals, etc) makes the body fat and causes cavities, it can't be good. Doctors, nutritionists and scientists may be divided on the subject, but you can bet that I will be eating "brown" and looking out for hidden sugar in food as much as possible. It looks like "the writing is on the wall"….

Sources:

www.hsibaltimore.com/ealerts/ea200407/ea20040701.html

www.personalmd.com/news/a1997030601.shtml

www.cancerdecisions.com/082102_page.html

www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2002/09/020904073950.htm

About the Author:
Ainsley Laing, MSc. has been a Fitness Trainer for 25 years and writes exclusively Body for Mind eZine. She holds certifications in Group Exercise, Sports Nutrition and Personal Fitness Training. To see more articles by Ainsley visit http://www.bodyformind.com or the blog at http://www.bodyformind.blogspot.com

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Prostate Cancer and its Risk Factors

2007-09-10T13:23:00.000-07:00

The second leading disease caused death among males in North America is prostate cancer. It is also the most common form of cancer in the male population. It is most commonly diagnosed in men over the age of 65 and increases in incidence with advancing age. Approximately 189,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer every year and of those diagnosed 30,000 will die because of it. The good news is that the incidence of death from it is decreasing as medical science make advances in its diagnosis and treatment.

If diagnosed early enough and the cancer is confined to the prostate it is entirely curable with a survival rate of 100%. If the cancer has spread regionally this percentage drops to a 95% survival rate. For 75% of all men who have prostate cancer are diagnosed at one of these two stages. Many men live and then die with prostate cancer without ever knowing they had it, showing no signs or symptoms until an autopsy is performed.

Most medical research points to androgens having a role in the development of prostate cancer, but the exact cause still remains unknown. The majority of prostate cancer develops in the peripheral zones of the gland, and for the most part are all adenocarcinomas. Because of this there is increased risk of the cancer spreading to the prostatic capsule.

The tumor may compress the urethra and block urinary flow as it grows. If it metastasizes it may affect the seminal vesicles or bladder as well as spread by lymph and venous channels, which is a common occurrence if left untreated.

During the early stages of prostate cancer many men do not experience any symptoms, or are asymptomatic. The first symptom usually noticed is bone pain, after the cancer has metastasized to the bones of the pelvic area. The size, location, and malignancy of the tumor will affect any urinary symptoms that are encountered. These symptoms will be similar to that experienced by men who have benign prostatic hyperplasia and can include urinary urgency, frequency, hesitancy, dysuria, and nocturia. Sexually active men may notice hematuria or blood in their ejaculate.

Secondary metastasis to the bones and in particular the vertebrae is the usual cause of death from prostate cancer. Loss of mobility and bowel an bladder function can result because the spine is more susceptible to compression fractures. Life threatening anemia and impaired immune function can also result as tumors eventually invade the bone marrow.

Besides age another significant risk factor for prostate cancer is race. Those with the highest incidences of this form of cancer in the world are African Americans, more then doubling the rate of white males who are diagnosed. Unfortunately this group is also more likely to be diagnosed later during the disease cycle and also have twice the mortality rate of other racial groups. Those with the lowest rate of diagnosed prostate cancer include Asians and Native Americans.

Men also need to be aware of other risk factors that include:

1. Men who have a family history of the disease are at greater risk then those who do not.
2. Men who have vasectomies are at a higher risk because this increases the levels of free circulating testosterone.
3. Diet can play a role. Men who eat high fat diets with lots of red meat and are deficient in vitamin A, vitamin D, lycopene, and selenium are at a greater risk.
4. Not getting enough sun exposure can also play a role.
It is important for all men to have regular screenings for prostate cancer once they reach the age of 45. The best treatment for this devastating disease is to catch it early because the sooner it is found and treated the greater the chance of a cure.

To learn more about Prostate Cancer and it risk factors please visit the website Prostate Health Answers by clicking here.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Bicknell

What is Cervical Cancer?

2007-09-10T13:21:00.000-07:00

Do you know much about cervical cancer? Have you ever thought that you might be at risk? Well, you are not alone in your thinking. Women around the world do not realise that they are at risk. The facts are that cervical cancer is the most common cancer in women aged between 15 and 44 years. In the UK, alone, there are about 2800 new cases of cervical cancer every year and about 1100 deaths; this means that on average 21 women die each week from cervical cancer, yearly. Getting educated, finding more information and ensuring your personal health is your responsibility, make sure you take care and use the information provided to you to maintain a healthy body and a healthy life.

These shocking statistics and facts will show that many people are ignorant to cervical cancer; if more was known about this common, lethal disease the statistics would not be so shocking. This is because cervical cancer is treatable if caught early. Prevention is the best method to ensure this cancer never affects you; regular cervical screening and early detection are the best preventative methods. You may wonder why regular screening is necessary: the fact is that a virus called human papillomavirus nearly always causes cervical cancer, and most women will be exposed to this virus in their life. Another shocking statistic is that up to 80% of sexually active women will have an infection in their lifetime. Most of these infections are cleared and fought by the body’s immune system, and you will not notice any symptoms.

Looking at the facts, and taking into consideration that up to 80% of sexually active women are at risk, all women should take precautionary measures to ensure optimum health. Preventative measures are simple: getting expert advice from your doctor or local family planning centre will help you take the first steps to prevention of cervical cancer. Depending on your risk factors, your doctor will inform you how often you need to have a smear test (cervical screening test).

If you think that you are not at risk, because you use a condom, the facts remain that condoms will not always protect you from picking up the human papillomavirus. Women can have been exposed to the virus many years before the virus creates abnormal cells, leading to cervical cancer. We recommend that you do not risk your health and your life by taking risky chances. There are many good websites on the internet, where you can find more information, or you can talk to your health-provider. Make sure you do not become a statistic, educate yourself about cervical cancer and live a long and healthy life.

Dylan wrote this article for the online marketers at Tell Her a informative site on cervical cancer.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dylan_Vincent

Lymph Nodes Cancer

2007-09-10T13:20:00.000-07:00

Lymph node cancer or lymphoma is a cancer that accounts for approximately five percent of all cancers. It predominantly effects males but is not exclusive to men. Those most at risk are between the ages of fifteen and thirty four and those over the age of fifty-four. This does not mean that anyone outside of this age range is not at risk but statistically it does seem to fall inside those age groups at a greater rate. Like all other cancers, early detection and treatment is the key to a greater chance of recovery.

Hodgkins Disease is a form of lymph node cancer but is rare in its occurrence. It also statistically effects mostly men between the ages of fifteen and thirty-four and men over the age of fifty-four but is not exclusive to men only. Some of the most common symptoms of Hodgkins Disease are night sweats, unexplained wight loss, constant fatigue and unexplained fever. If you are experiencing any or all of these symptoms it is wise to have yourself examined by a doctor as these also could be the symptoms of another disorder.

All other remaining types of lymph node cancer are known as non-Hodgkins lymphoma. The majority of lymph node cancers treated are of the non-Hodgkins type. The symptoms of non-Hodgkins lymphoma are the same as Hodgkins Disease. Night sweats, unexplained fever, chronic fatigue and unexplained weight loss.Lymph node cancer is also known as lymphatic cancer. Those with a family history of lymph node cancer statistically fall within a higher risk group of contracting the disease. This is true for both men and women.

Lymph node cancer is a type of cancer that involves the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is an integral part of the bodies immune system. Statistically, the occurrence of lymph node cancer has increased approximately seventy-five percent since nineteen-seventy-three in the United States. Research has revealed that approximately one in fifty-two men and one in sixty-one women in the United States will contract non Hodgkin lymphoma within their lifetime. Studies have indicated that a greater exposure to herbicides and pesticides is greatly responsible for this increase.

Lymph node cancer is curable and if detected early and with effective treatment a person with lymph node cancer has a greater chance than ever before of being cured of this disease and if cured can expect to live a long and normal life. Many new and innovative treatments for lymph node cancer have been developed and are now available. The medical community has a greater understanding of lymph node cancer than in years past. Treatments that were once experimental and have been found to be effective are now being used to treat and cure lymph node cancer.

As a person ages it is to be expected that he or she will encounter medical challenges, it is part of the aging process. Lymph node cancer might be one of those challenges you encounter in your life's journey. How soundly these challenges are defeated depends greatly on how you approach them. A fighting spirit has been proven time and again to be a powerful weapon to have in your arsenal when battling cancers of all types. Accepting defeat in any challenge almost guarantees defeat. The will to fight and live on has carried so many cancer survivors to victory over the disease.

Article by Sven Ullmann, who runs Deserved Health - information on health for you and your family. Read more about lymph nodes cancer.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sven_Ullmann

Colon Cancer and Nutrition

2007-09-10T13:19:00.000-07:00

Colon Cancer also known Colorectal cancer. Colon cancer 2nd most deaths for cancers in the US. Colon cancer is cancer that starts in the large intestine (colon) or the rectum (end of the colon). The colon is the part of the digestive system where the waste material is stored. The rectum is the end of the colon adjacent to the anus. Together, they form a long, muscular tube called the large intestine (also known as the large bowel). Tumors of the colon and rectum are growths arising from the inner wall of the large intestine. Benign tumors of the large intestine are called polyps. Cancer of the colon or rectum is also called colorectal cancer. In the United States, it is the fourth most common cancer in men and women. It is the third most common form of cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the Western world. Colorectal cancer causes 655,000 deaths worldwide per year. Many colorectal cancers are thought to arise from adenomatous polyps in the colon. These mushroom-like growths are usually benign, but some may develop into cancer over time.

Colon cancer often causes no symptoms until it has reached a relatively advanced stage. Thus, many organizations recommend periodic screening for the disease with fecal occult blood testing and colonoscopy. It is common in the Western world, and is rare in Asia and Africa. In countries where the people have adopted western diets, the incidence of colorectal cancer is increasing. Most cases of colon cancer begin as small, noncancerous (benign) clumps of cells called adenomatous polyps. Polyps of the colon and rectum are almost always benign and usually produce no symptoms. They may, however, cause painless rectal bleeding or bleeding not apparent to the naked eye. There may be single or multiple polyps. Polyps greater than 1 centimeter have a greater cancer risk associated with them than polyps under 1 centimeter. Polyps with atypia or dysplasia are also more likely to progress on to colon cancer. The risk of cancer is much higher in sessile villous adenomas than in pedunculated tubular adenomas. Cancer is found in 40% of villous adenomas, as compared to 15% in tubular adenomas.

Chemotherapy is also used to treat patients with stage IV colon cancer. Surgery remains the primary treatment while chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy may be recommended depending on the individual patient's staging. High-fiber foods help move waste through your digestive tract faster, so harmful substances don’t have much contact with the lining of the intestine. High-fiber foods are also rich in phytonutrients, which appear to protect against several forms of cancer. Calcium and vitamin D also seem to help protect against colorectal cancer. There is certainly just as much buzz about folate and colorectal cancer prevention as there has been about calcium. The jury is still out on antioxidants and the prevention of colorectal cancer. Taking antioxidants, such as vitamin C or carotenoids, may reduce cancer risk but other studies have failed to back up these results. Vegetables high in folate, like leafy greens, seem to offer particular protection from colon cancer, especially for those who drink alcohol. Cruciferous vegetables, like broccoli and cauliflower, also contain phytochemicals that may prevent damage to colon cells.

Colon Cancer Treatment and Nutrition Tips

1. Chemotherapy is also used to treat patients with stage IV colon cancer.

2. Radiotherapy may be recommended Treatment fot colon cancer.

3. High-fiber foods help move waste through your digestive tract faster.

4. Calcium and vitamin D also seem to help protect against colorectal cancer.

5. Taking antioxidants, such as vitamin C or carotenoids, may reduce cancer risk but other studies have failed to back up these results.

6. Vegetables high in folate, like leafy greens, seem to offer particular protection from colon cancer, especially for those who drink alcohol.

7. Cruciferous vegetables, like broccoli and cauliflower, also contain phytochemicals that may prevent damage to colon cells.

Juliet Cohen writes articles on diseases and conditions and women health care. More information on health related topics visit our site at http://www.health-care-articles.info.

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