Cancer blog

What to do before You Have Breast Cancer Symptoms

2008-10-06T11:56:00.000-07:00

Breast cancer is a major health concern and you need to know if you have breast cancer symptoms or signs. Women including men have breast cancer as I wrote in my last newsletter. According to the recent survey worldwide, breast cancer is the second most common type of cancer after lung cancer and the fifth most common cause of cancer death in the world.
Breast cancer is by far the most common cancer among women. The number of cases worldwide has significantly increased since the 1970s, a phenomenon partly blamed on the way that we eat and the pollution that exists in the water, air, and food.

The other big factor in cancer is the thoughts that we have. Toxins and chemical pollution cause acid and free radicals in our body and so do negative thoughts. It is these acids and free radicals that change your body’s pH and that depletes the oxygen in your cells allowing cancer to form freely and to multiple.

To protect yourself against cancer, you need to know the signs of breast cancer so you can take action against it right away and to learn good nutritional habits.
Due to the high incidence of breast cancer among older women, screening is now recommended in many countries. Recommended screening methods include breast self-examination and mammogram. This test has been estimated to reduce breast cancer-related mortality by 20-30%. Routine and annual mammography of women older than age 40 or 50 is recommended.
Mammograms do not detect all possible cancer tissue. They can detect micro calcification of calcium, which might indicate the presents of cancer. Calcium can deposit in tissue and this is caused by an acid body. To stay in solution, calcium must have enough sodium in the surrounding liquid. In an alkaline body, there is plenty of sodium to keep calcium in solution, but in an acid body, calcium will precipate out and form crystals.

Early signs and symptoms of breast cancer are usually not painful. This may be the reason why most women don’t know they have breast cancer until after several breast cancer signs and symptoms start to appear. You should see your health care provider, if you notice the following:

· Lump in the armpit or above the collarbone that does not go away in two weeks or so. Although most breast lumps are not cancerous, it always best to check them out

· Breast discharge is a common problem and is rarely a symptom of cancer, but if it is from only one breast or if it is bloody, then check with your doctor

· Nipple inversion is a common in normal nipples, but nipple inversion that has developed recently can be of concern

· Changes in the breast skin including redness, changes in texture, and puckering. These changes are usually caused by skin diseases but occasionally can be associated with breast cancer.

Breast cancer is a condition where you lack oxygen in your cells and when you have an acid body. To prevent cancer from forming, you need to learn how to make your body more alkaline. In my new nutrition course, I concentrate on how you can make your body more alkaline. An alkaline body not only stops cancer but also stops and prevents most diseases from forming in your body.
Don’t wait until you have symptoms of breast cancer or any other disease before you start improving your health habits. Start now learning what good nutrition is and how you can be free from illness.

About the Author: Rudy Silva is a natural nutritionist that has a nutrition course that will help you prevent, stop, or eliminate illness. To find out more about how you can do this, go to: Using Nutrition to Stop Illness

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Breast Cancer Signs And Steps To Take

2008-10-06T11:53:00.000-07:00

Breast cancer can strike at any age. Therefore, knowing the breast cancer signs and symptoms is very important, in addition to the actions you should take to catch cancer early in its course. Only your doctor can determine for certain whether any signs or symptoms you are experiencing are being caused by cancer. It is imperative to contact your physician immediately in the event you discover any of these signs. A lump, one which does not feel like the surrounding tissue, is often the first of several breast cancer signs. This is why it's important to do a regular self exam, because early detection is important. If you pay attention to breast cancer signs, you can have any symptoms investigated early on, and the sooner you are diagnosed, the more likely you are to triumph over this awful disease. There are several other breast cancer signs to be aware of, other than a lump. If your breast changes size or shape this is something to take note of and inform your doctor of right away. You might also have some dimpling of the skin on your breast. If your nipples become inverted or you have discharge from a single nipple, these are other things you should keep your doctor informed of. Women are increasingly aware of any changes in their breasts as potential signs of breast cancer. One collection of symptoms they need to pay especial attention to are those surrounding Paget's disease, since it can be an indication of cancer. It's effects can include itchiness, discomfort, flaky or irritation on the nipples, or heightened sensitivity. Only your primary physician will be able to make a final determination, so as with any unusual symptoms, make sure to see them if you notice any of these changes. Sometimes there are other symptoms that can tell you about cancer. a very rapid weight loss for which there is no reason, is sometimes a sign of breast cancer. Fever and chills without any apparent cause are also its symptoms. Bone or pain in the joints, jaundice and different neurological symptoms are also sometimes signs of breast cancer.So you have to keep a watch at these factors. One thing to keep in mind is that most symptoms of breast cancer don't end up being breast cancer. This does not mean that you shouldn't take any symptoms seriously. It simply means that until your doctor can take a look at you and let you know what is going on, there is no reason to be alarmed. Simply make an appointment and get yourself checked out.

About the Author: Breast cancer can strike at any age. Therefore, knowing the breast cancer signs and symptoms is very important, in addition to the actions you should take to catch cancer early in its course. One of the best factors in beating breast cancer is early detection. One of the best methods of detection is the monthly self exam. A lump in the breast is one of the signs of breast cancer. Only your doctor can determine for certain whether any signs or symptoms you are experiencing are being caused by cancer. It is imperative to contact your physician immediately in the event you discover any of these signs.

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Four Tips for Organizing Your Breast Cancer Journey

2008-10-06T11:49:00.000-07:00

The breast cancer journey is filled with decisions, doctor visits, tests, treatments, medications, side effects, and stress. Below are some tips to help a woman newly diagnosed with breast cancer take control of this overwhelming experience.

Four Tips for Organizing Your Journey

1. Request copies of all your cancer treatment records and set up a personal medical file. Your file may include lab tests, pathology reports, x-ray results, prescription regimen, and follow-up care instructions. Over time, it’s easy to forget when you were treated, who treated you, and what kind of drugs you were given.

2. Buy a journal to organize your thoughts, take notes, and document your experience. Some days you may feel like writing in your journal and other days you won’t. Don’t worry about the entries being sparse; even a few notes can help you remember important emotions or milestones. Keeping a journal can be a great defense against feeling overwhelmed or afraid.

3. Use a directory to maintain personal and medical team information so it will be handy when needed. A directory is a good place to organize information such as physician names, office addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses for people you need to call in an emergency. You can also use the directory to record insurance policy information, contact names, and numbers.

4. Keep track of all of your doctor’s appointments, treatment dates, medicine doses, work schedule, and social activities in one calendar. In addition to recording your upcoming appointments, you may want to describe how you feel from one day to the next. This information will help you and your doctor find ways to make you more comfortable.

Staying organized during your cancer experience will help you stay calm and in control and will give you the order needed to focus your energy on becoming well.

About the Author: Kim Regenhard is a breast cancer survivor. In spring of 1998, Kim Regenhard discovered a lump in her breast. When tests confirmed the lump was cancerous, Kim felt her world had been turned upside down. Although shocked and scared, Kim quickly decided her best strategy would be to remain positive, active and to educate herself about the disease.

Now cancer free, Kim has used her skills and experience to develop a tool that will help others navigate the physical and emotional course of cancer. With the help of other breast cancer survivors, Kim has created A Survivor’s Guide for the Breast Cancer Journey, a gift from those who have walked and survived the breast cancer journey to those who find themselves taking the first steps.

To learn more about Kim Regenhard, RiverStone Journals, and Kim’s first book, A Survivor’s Guide for the Breast Cancer Journey, please visit www.riverstonejournals.com.

Early Detection Of Any Disease Is The Key So What Are The First Symptoms Of Lung Cancer?

2008-10-06T11:48:00.000-07:00

Much research work has been dedicated to find out the first symptoms of lung cancer. Cancer is that painful disease that needs no introduction and cancer of the lung is one of its most common forms. It is said that early detection of cancer is the key to its prevention.

Extensive research works conducted at Mesothelioma research clinics have uncovered some symptoms of lung cancer closely linked with the disease.

Lung Cancer Symptoms

People addicted to tobacco and those who are constantly exposed to the ill effects of asbestos are more susceptible to lung cancer. Ignorance about the symptoms of lung cancer may lead to a full-fledged blown up case.

Be on alert if you are having cough most of the time. This is one of the first symptoms. A related symptom may be a change in the nature of coughing. Other symptoms may be- being short of breath and coughing up bloodstained sputum. Mesothelioma research has established that aches while breathing, loss of appetite, fatigue and loss of weight can also be the first symptoms of the cancer of the lung.

These are considered to be the primary symptoms of lung cancer. There are secondary symptoms too.

Sudden development of a hoarse voice is one of the secondary lung cancer symptoms. Difficulty in swallowing is considered as another symptom of cancer of the lung.

Swelling of the face due to blockage of main blood vessel and swelling of neck due to enlarged lymph nodes may be other symptoms as well.

Treat pain in the right rib region and shortness of breath due to accumulation of fluid as warning signals of cancer of the lung. When you notice any of them, visit your physician for a thorough check-up.

Let's combat the deadly lung cancer together.

Source

About the Author
Jon Butt publishes www.the-mesothelioma-guide.com With the web being packed with mis-information www.the-mesothelioma-guide.com is a leading free resource of Mesothelioma support, advice and legal help along with alternative remedies, natural supplements and more. Helping both you and your loved ones

Cancer Awareness Ribbon Pins

2008-10-06T11:43:00.000-07:00

Most people are familiar with the pink cancer awareness ribbons that symbolize breast cancer, it seems that these pink beauties are everywhere. But, did you know that there are many other kinds them out there that represent different kinds of cancer that affect women all around the world? You might have seen one or two different colored pins and not even known what they meant. Here are some of the other colors of cancer awareness ribbons so you will know what they mean the next time that you see them:

Teal This color of cancer awareness ribbons are for ovarian cancer. While this cancer isn't as prevalent as breast cancer, its numbers are, unfortunately, on the rise. So, when you see a teal cancer awareness ribbon or pin, you will know what they stand for.

Peach This color of cancer awareness ribbons are for uterine cancer. This type of cancer is also not one that is mentioned much, but is a killer if not detected early enough and fought correctly.

Lavender This color of are for gynecological cancer. This encompasses several different kinds of cancers, from ovarian to cervical, basically anything that has to do with the female reproductive organs falls under this category.

Teal and White This color are for cervical cancer. This cancer is hard to detect as well, unless it is screened for, but, when caught early, can be removed and treated.

All of these cancer awareness ribbons and pins are different colors to distinguish between the different types of cancer. It helps for survivors and loved ones to spread their message of hope and survival to those who may not have heard of this particular type of cancer and make sure that other women have their screenings to ensure that they catch these potentially fatal diseases early enough for treatments to be effective. So, the next time that you see different colored cancer awareness ribbon pins, be sure to ask the wearer about it and share their story with you. It might just be the motivation that you need to see your doctor and get screened or to push a friend or family member to get their screening. After all, women are more likely to push their friends and family to get in to see their doctors sooner than later. And, like the breast cancer pins and other types of cancer awareness merchandise, most of the proceeds go toward research and the search for a cure.

Source

About the Author
http://www.rainbowofhopecanada.ca Cancer Awareness Ribbon Pins from Rainbowof Hope to raise cancer awareness among Canadians

Happy Independence Day!

2008-07-04T06:03:00.001-07:00

Fourth Of July Flash Toys

PAARADE

Cancer Bands

2008-04-15T13:44:00.000-07:00

In 2004, the Lance Armstrong Foundation created the Livestrong cancer band. This was when these bracelets really became popular. The bracelets are used and worn to raise support and money for cancer research.

The Lance Armstrong Foundation was established in 1997 back when cyclist Lance Armstrong was able to overcome cancer. The foundations mission is to inspire as well as empower people affected with cancer together with their families and friends.

Today, these cancer bands are created for almost every type of cancer. These cancer bands are definitely a great way to support the research for cancer in hopes to find a cure.

Cancer Bands was created in order to inform people of these cancer bands as well as inform them about the many types of cancer. It is said that cancer is the second cause of death in the US - trailing behind heart disease.

Each year, more than a million Americans get some sort of treatment for cancer. Unfortunately, 330000 of them usually die. Cancer attacks people of all ages - from newborns to the elderly. Cancer Research was created to inform, help, and provide ways for people to learn about cancer and donate to cancer research. Cancer Research hopes that spreading the news and awareness of cancer through their website and through cancer bands will help safe lives.

The website provides information about all different types of cancer such as:

• breast cancer,
• prostate cancer,
• lung cancer,
• pancreatic cancer,
• colon cancer,
• skin cancer,
• ovarian cancer,
• cervical cancer,
• testicular cancer,
• liver cancer,
• bone cancer,
• thyroid cancer,
• stomach cancer,
• bladder cancer,
• brain cancer,
• throat cancer,
• kidney cancer,
• uterine cancer,
• and mouth cancer.

With every category of cancer listed on the website, users are able to read information about each type. The website provides information such as incidence of each type of cancer, signs and symptoms, who is at the most risk, prevention, and treatment.

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Information on Breast Cancer

2008-04-15T13:43:00.000-07:00

The breasts sit on the chest muscles that cover the ribs. Each breast is made of 15 to 20 lobes. Lobes contain many smaller lobules. Lobules contain groups of tiny glands that can produce milk. Milk flows from the lobules through thin tubes called ducts to the nipple. The nipple is in the center of a dark area of skin called the areola. Fat fills the spaces between the lobules and ducts.

Breast cancer incidence is much higher in industrialised Western countries, whether in Europe or North America, than in developing countries. North American women have the highest incidence of breast cancer in the world. Among women in the U.S., breast cancer is the most common cancer and the second-most common cause of cancer death (after lung cancer). Women in the U.S. have a 1 in 8 (12.5%) lifetime chance of developing invasive breast cancer and a 1 in 35 (3%) chance of breast cancer causing their death. In 2007, breast cancer was expected to cause 40,910 deaths in the U.S. (7% of cancer deaths; almost 2% of all deaths)

Breast cancer is the most common cause of cancer in women and the second most common cause of cancer death in women in the U.S. While the majority of new breast cancers are diagnosed as a result of an abnormality seen on a mammogram, a lump or change in consistency of the breast tissue can also be a warning sign of the disease. Heightened awareness of breast cancer risk in the past decades has led to an increase in the number of women undergoing mammography for screening, leading to detection of cancers in earlier stages and a resultant improvement in survival rates.

Breast cancer is the number one disease that women in the United States fear the most, and for compelling reasons. It is the leading cause of death among women between 40 and 55 years of age and is the second overall cause of death among women (exceeded only by lung cancer). Unfortunately, it is also on the rise worldwide. According to the American Cancer Society, this year about 175,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer and about 43,300 deaths from breast cancer will occur among women in the USA.

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy affecting women in North America and Europe. Close to 200,000 cases of breast cancer were diagnosed in the United States in 2001. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in American women behind lung cancer. The lifetime risk of any particular woman getting breast cancer is about 1 in 8 although the lifetime risk of dying from breast cancer is much lower at 1 in 28. Men are also at risk for development of breast cancer, although this risk is much lower than it is for women.

Breast cancer is more easily treated and often curable if it is found early. Monthly breast self-examinations should begin at age 20. Recommended screening methods include breast self-examination and mammography.

The most serious cancers are metastatic cancers. Metastasis means that the cancer has spread from the place where it started into other tissues distant from the original tumor site. The most common place for breast cancer to metastasize is into the lymph nodes under the arm or above the collarbone on the same side as the cancer. Other common sites of breast cancer metastasis are the brain, the bones, and the liver.

Death rates from breast cancer have been gradually declining and continue to decline. These decreases are likely due both to increased awareness and screening and improved treatment methods.

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Stomach Cancer – Causes of Stomach Cancer

2008-04-15T13:38:00.000-07:00

Stomach cancer is more readily treated when caught early. Unfortunately, by the time stomach cancer causes symptoms, it's often at an advanced stage and may have spread beyond the stomach. Yet there is encouraging news. You can reduce your risk of stomach cancer by making a few changes in your lifestyle. It is hard to diagnose stomach cancer in its early stages. Indigestion and stomach discomfort can be symptoms of early cancer, but other problems can cause the same symptoms. In advanced cases, there may be blood in your stool, vomiting, unexplained weight loss, jaundice or trouble swallowing.
Stomach cancer is more common in developing nations, while becoming less common in Western countries including Australia. At present, stomach cancer is still the fourth most common cause of death from cancer. There appear to be two types of gastric (stomach) cancer. Cancer of the stomach, or gastric cancer, is a disease in which stomach cells become malignant (cancerous) and grow out of control, forming a tumor. Almost all stomach cancers (95%) start in the glandular tissue that lines the stomach. The tumor may spread along the stomach wall or may grow directly through the wall and shed cells into the bloodstream or lymphatic system. Once beyond the stomach, cancer can spread to other organs.
Cells from malignant tumors can spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body. Cancer cells spread by breaking away from the original tumor and entering the bloodstream or the lymphatic system. The cells invade other organs and form new tumors that damage these organs. The spread of cancer is called metastasis. There are about 9,000 new cases of stomach cancer diagnosed every year and it's more common in men, particularly in late middle age. Stomoch cancer is on the decrease and is now about half as common as it was 30 years ago.

Causes of Stomach Cancer

Tobacco and alcohol use. Tobacco use can irritate the stomach lining, which may help explain why smokers have twice the rate of stomach cancer that nonsmokers do. Alcohol has been associated with an increased risk of stomach cancer, but the link between the two isn't clear.

Type A blood: Blood type groups refer to certain substances that are normally present on the surface of red blood cells and some other types of cells. These groups are important in matching blood for transfusions. For unknown reasons, people with type A blood have a higher risk of getting stomach cancer.

Cancer can either be malignant or benign. Benign cancer is curable, meaning that there is some medical way of being able to provide a curing solution to the cancer-hit part of the body. On the other hand, malignant cancer is a lot more serious since this means that cancer has developed into something complicated where medical resources have close to lesser chances of medicinal resolution.

People who have pernicious anaemia (an autoimmune condition where the lining of the stomach becomes thin, less acid is produced and anaemia develops due to lack of vitamin B12), atrophic gastritis, or a hereditary condition of growths in the stomach are at a higher risk of developing this type of cancer.

A diet high in salt and nitrates and low in vitamins A and C increases the risk for stomach cancer. Other dietary risk factors include food preparation (e.g., preserving food by smoking, salt-curing, pickling, or drying) and environment (e.g., lack of refrigeration, poor drinking water). A diet high in raw fruits and vegetables, citrus fruits, and fiber may lower the risk for stomach cancer.

Stomach polyps may become cancerous (malignant) and are thus removed. Adenocarcinoma of the stomach is particularly likely to develop if the polyps consist of glandular cells, if the polyps are larger than ¾ inch (2 centimeters), or if several polyps exist.
Exposure to certain dusts, molds, fumes, and other environmental agents at home or in the workplace has been linked to a higher than average risk of stomach cancer.Some experts believe that smoking might increase stomach cancer risk.

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Breast Cancer - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

2008-03-28T05:05:00.000-07:00

Breast cancer is a malignant (cancerous) growth that begins in the tissues of the breast. Over the course of a lifetime, one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Breast cancer is a cancer of the breast tissue, which can occur in both women and men. Breast cancer may be one of the oldest known forms of cancer tumors in humans.Worldwide, breast cancer is the fifth most common cause of cancer death (after lung cancer, stomach cancer, liver cancer, and colon cancer). Breast cancer kills more women in the United States than any cancer except lung cancer. Today, breast cancer, like other forms of cancer, is considered to be a result of damage to DNA. How this mechanism may occur comes from several known or hypothesized factors (such as exposure to ionizing radiation, or viral mutagenesis). Some factors lead to an increased rate of mutation (exposure to estrogens) and decreased repair (the BRCA1, BRCA2 and p53) genes. Alcohol generally appears to increase the risk of breast cancer.

Breast cancer can also occur in men, although it rarely does. Experts predict 178,000 women and 2,000 men will develop breast cancer in the United States. There are several different types of breast cancer. First is Ductal carcinoma begins in the cells lining the ducts that bring milk to the nipple and accounts for more than 75% of breast cancers. Second is Lobular carcinoma begins in the milk-secreting glands of the breast but is otherwise fairly similar in its behavior to ductal carcinoma. Other varieties of breast cancer can arise from the skin, fat, connective tissues, and other cells present in the breast. Some women have what is known as HER2-positive breast cancer. HER2, short for human epidermal growth factor receptor-2, is a gene that helps control cell growth, division, and repair. When cells have too many copies of this gene, cell growth speeds up.

Causes of Breast Cancer

Simply being a woman is the main risk for breast cancer. While men can also get the disease, it is about 100 times more common in women than in men. The chance of getting breast cancer goes up as a woman gets older. Nearly 8 out of 10 breast cancers are found in women age 50 or older. About 5% to 10% of breast cancers are linked to changes (mutations) in certain genes. The most common gene changes are those of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Breast cancer risk is higher among women whose close blood relatives have this disease. The relatives can be from either the mother’s or father’s side of the family. Woman with cancer in one breast has a greater chance of getting a new cancer in the other breast or in another part of the same breast. This is different from the first cancer coming back Many experts now believe that the main reason for this is because they have faster growing tumors. Asian, Hispanic, and American Indian women have a lower risk of getting breast cancer. Certain types of abnormal biopsy results can be linked to a slightly higher risk of breast cancer.Women who have had radiation treatment to the chest area (as treatment for another cancer) earlier in life have a greatly increased risk of breast cancer

Some pregnant women were given the drug DES (diethylstilbestrol) because it was thought to lower their chances of losing the baby. Recent studies have shown that these women (and their daughters who were exposed to DES while in the uterus), have a slightly increased risk of getting breast cancer. Use of alcohol is clearly linked to a slightly increased risk of getting breast cancer. Women who have 1 drink a day have a very small increased risk. Those who have 2 to 5 drinks daily have about 1½ times the risk of women who drink no alcohol. The American Cancer Society suggests limiting the amount you drink.Being overweight is linked to a higher risk of breast cancer, especially for women after change of life and if the weight gain took place during adulthood. Also, the risk seems to be higher if the extra fat is in the waist area. Breast-feeding and pregnancy: Some studies have shown that breast-feeding slightly lowers breast cancer risk, especially if the breast-feeding lasts 1½ to 2 years. This could be because breast-feeding lowers a woman’s total number of menstrual periods, as does pregnancy. Women who began having periods early (before 12 years of age) or who went through the change of life (menopause) after the age of 55 have a slightly increased risk of breast cancer.

Symptoms of Breast Cancer

1.Lumps.

2.Rash.

3.Breast Pain.

4.Cysts.

5.Nipple Discharge.

6.Inverted Nipple.

Treatment of Breast Cancer

1.Hormonal therapy (with tamoxifen).

2.Chemotherapy.

3.Radiotherapy.

4.Surgery.

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Cancer - One in Two Men and One in Three Women Will Get It. What to Do?

2008-03-28T04:59:00.000-07:00

There is nothing that puts more fear in people than a diagnosis of Cancer. Statistically speaking, we now have one in two chances (male) or one in three chances (female) of getting cancer before the end of our life (American Cancer Society statistics for the year 2003). At the beginning of the 20th century, statistics gave us one in 500 chances of getting cancer.

All cancers considered, if you have a primary cancer (in one location only) the most optimistic statistics only give you 28% chances of recovery. If you have metastatic cancer (in more than one location) then your chances of recovery are 0.1% or in other words, one chance in one thousand to recover - (statistics from Dr Philip Binzel book "Alive and Well" published by American Media).

The news is bleak to say the least. However, as we will see later on, this need not be the case.

Ever since I can remember, I have read newspaper articles, heard claims on TV or radio, reporting new "wonder" cures on the war against cancer. Victory against this terrible disease was, according to these reports, just around the corner. Why is it then that so many people are still dying from this disease? Are the 600 UK cancer charities (The largest UK charities being Imperial Cancer Research Fund, Cancer Research Campaign and Institute of Cancer Research) lying to us?

The "American Cancer Society" is the richest charity in the world. All debts paid, it would still have half a billion dollars in the bank!

Linus Pauling, the winner of two Nobel prizes, seemed to think so when he said: "Everyone should know that most cancer research is largely a fraud and that the major cancer research organisations are derelict in their duties to the people who support them."

What is Cancer?

Modern researchers have for many years been exploring the virus connection at a cost of billions of dollars and pounds. The pitiful result is that "no cancer that was incurable 25 years ago is curable today and that, for the most common cancers that kills 90% of patients today chemotherapy is no better than snake oil" (The Cancer Handbook. What Doctors don't tell you publication. By Lynne Taggart).

When you are diagnosed with cancer, what the doctor is really saying is that you have one or several tumours in your body and that at least one of the tumours contains some cancer cells. They see the tumours as the enemy that has to be fought and destroyed and all their efforts are directed against eradicating the tumours.

What is a tumour though? A tumour is only a symptom; it shows that something has gone wrong in your body and that your immune system is no longer available to fight it. Many researchers claim that we all have tumours in our body and that several times in our life we get cancer. However, we do not all die from cancer. The reason is that our body's defence mechanism spring into action when a tumour is formed and gets rid of it or at least neutralises it. If cancer cells are beginning to form, these are killed off by our immune system and all is back to normal.

However if for some reason our immune system is severely deficient and we are unable to fight off the formation of the cancerous cells, then disease spreads.

What needs to be done to fight the tumour is not so much to remove it (surgery), burn it (radiation) or poison it (chemotherapy) as all these will weaken our immune system (damaging both our liver and kidneys to a point where it is difficult for our body to fight off any health problem). But to find out why the tumour formed in the first place and remove the cause.

Fighting it according to Dr Binzel is no good, our body now has in its memory the recipe to form tumours and uses the negative ingredients we feed it with to form new tumours and it will rarely stop doing so unless we remove the cause. The lack of positive ingredients (Vitamins, minerals and essential enzymes) to fight off the tumour is just as important.

Let me compare this reasoning with the simple example of a tooth infection. There is no point in taking painkillers to fix the tooth. I grant you that they will probably relieve the pain but I profess that they will not cure the tooth. What needs to be done is to get rid of the infection with antibiotics or have the tooth removed.

What do cancer cells feed on?

Several factors such as diet, negative emotions/ stress and environmental toxins are usually responsible for the development of cancer. Dietary speaking, cancer cells need food to survive. Dr Otto Warburg received the Nobel Prize for scientifically proving that cancer feed from the fermentation of sugar:

"in cancer cells [the feeding] is replaced by an energy-yielding reaction of the lowest living forms; namely, a fermentation of glucose" (quoted in prevention - May 1968).

According to Macrobiotic medicine theory, cancer cells also feed on animal protein (all types of meat, especially chicken but also very much on dairy, eggs etc..)

Detecting cancer

Currently, surgeons often perform a biopsy when cancer is suspected. A biopsy is a way of extracting a quantity of matter from a tumour and test it to see if it is cancerous. The problem with this method is that if the tumour is cancerous and the tumour is punctured, there is a definite risk that the cancerous liquid will spread to surrounding cells and spread the cancer around the body (Roger Delin - medical analyst - Philippines.

Breast cancer is often diagnosed using a mammogram. The main manufacturer of mammographic equipment is a company called "Smarlight Mammographics". They state: "We expected error rates to be around 30%, but the wide range of results (10%-90%) was an eye-opener." Amazing admission from the largest manufacturer of what is considered as the ultimate test to detect breast cancer. Unbelievable !

It is interesting to learn that autopsies have shown that many undetected cancers were present in the body of people who died from other causes. This makes a mockery of medical statistics and confirms that in fact a substantial number of cancers are never detected and do not obligatorily cause death.

A Swedish study has revealed that 15% of major cancers were not revealed before death and around half were of a type normally considered fatal (ref: wddty).

Modern approach and progress on cancer

The modern approach to treat cancer is surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, hormones and immunotherapy. The percentage of oncologists (cancer doctors) who would not participate in chemotherapy trials is an alarming 75% (due to its toxicity).
John Robbins

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Detect your Cervical Cancer With Pap Test!

2008-03-28T04:57:00.000-07:00

Cervical cancer is the cancer of the cervix. It is a disease caused by the abnormal growth and division of cells that forms in the lining of the cervix. It is the second common form of cancer that affects women today. It is very common in middle age women and older.

The statistics of cervical cancer in the United States, according to American Cancer Society (ACS), shows that about 11,150 women are diagnosing with this cancer and approximately 3,670 women die from this cancer every year.

To understand more about cervical cancer, it is important to note what a cervix is first. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus (womb) that connects the uterus to the vagina (birth canal) in a woman's body.

Usually, cervical cancer exhibits no symptoms to detect the presence of cancer in your body. It is known as a slow growing form of cancer. When cancer develops in your body, the healthy cells in the cervix begin to change into abnormal cells, which then turn into pre-cancerous cells. If left untreated, these pre-cancerous cells will turn into cancer.
Risk factors of cervical cancer:
Although the cause of cervical cancer is not known there are certain risk factors that increase the risk of developing this cancer. Risk factors are the things that will affect the chances of developing a disease greater.

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), a sexual transmitted disease is highly associated with invasive cervical cancer.

Sexual transmitted diseases occur due to sexual contacts with an infected person. Chlamydia, syphilis, gonorrhea, genital herpes, HIV/AIDS are some of he examples of sexual transmitted diseases.

Other risk factors that increase your chances of developing cervical cancer are: a history of sexual transmitted diseases, having sexual intercourse with multiple partners, having sexual activities in very young age (without using contraceptives).

Smoking doubles your risk of having cancer of the cervix. Weakened immune system, regular usage of birth control pills, age, giving birth to many children, and irregular pap tests increases your risk of developing cervical cancer.

As the cause of cervical cancer is unknown, it can be detected with regular Pap tests or pap smears. It is very important for you to have regular Pap tests to identify the condition early to take appropriate treatment and prevent cervical cancer from developing.
Pap test to detect cervical cancer:
With Pap tests, you can detect the cancer in the early stages before it spreads to other parts of the body. Pap smear is a procedure where scraped cells from the cervix are examined under a microscope to check for the changes in the cells of your cervix that leads to cervical cancer.

The rate of cervical cancer in women has greatly decreased in recent years in the United States due to regular pap smears.

As cervical cancer is a malignant tumor, it is very important for you to have Pap tests done annually. Remember, it is not a good idea to wait for signs to consult a doctor as early detection is the key to being treated successfully. Visit Online Cancer Blog

Information About Various Types of Cancer

2008-03-24T11:15:00.000-07:00

The organs and tissues of the body are made up of tiny building blocks called cells. Cancer is a disease of these cells. Cells in different parts of the body may look and work differently but most reproduce themselves in the same way.

Cells are constantly becoming old and dying, and new cells are produced to replace them. Normally, cells divide in an orderly and controlled manner. If for some reason the process gets out of control, the cells carry on dividing, developing into a lump which is called a tumour.

Cancer is a term for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control and can invade other tissues. Cancer cells can spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph systems.

Brain Cancer

A brain tumor is a group or clump of abnormally growing cells that can be found in or on the brain. They're rare in kids Brain tumors can either start in the brain or spread there from another part of the body - some cancers that start in other parts of the body may have cells that travel to the brain and start growing there.

Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world. It is a leading cause of cancer death in men and women in the United States. Cigarette smoking causes most lung cancers. The more cigarettes you smoke per day and the earlier you started smoking, the greater your risk of lung cancer. High levels of pollution, radiation and asbestos exposure may also increase risk. Cancer that forms in tissues of the lung, usually in the cells lining air passages. The two main types are small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer.

It usually spreads to different parts of the body more slowly than small cell lung cancer. Squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, and large cell carcinoma are three types of non-small cell lung cancer. Small cell lung cancer also called oat cell cancer, accounts for about 20% of all lung cancer.

Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. The two most common types are basal cell cancer and squamous cell cancer. They usually form on the head, face, neck, hands and arms. Another type of skin cancer, melanoma, is more dangerous but less common. Skin cancers are the fastest growing type of cancer in the United States. Skin cancer represents the most commonly diagnosed malignancy, surpassing lung, breast, colorectal and prostate cancer. 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

Ear Cancer

Cancer of the outer ear occurs chiefly in instances where the outer ear has been exposed for many years to direct sunlight. A small and at first painless ulcer, with a dry scab covering it, that slowly enlarges and deepens may be a skin cancer. It is diagnosed by removing a small bit of tissue from the edge and examining it under a microscope.

Head And Neck Cancer

Tobacco is the most preventable cause of these deaths a lump in the neck Cancers that begin in the head or neck usually spread to lymph nodes in the neck before they spread elsewhere. A lump in the neck that lasts more than two weeks should be seen by a physician as soon as possible. Of course, not all lumps are cancer. But a lump (or lumps) in the neck can be the first sign of cancer of the mouth, throat, voice box (larynx), thyroid gland, or of certain lymphomas or blood cancers. Such lumps are generally painless and continue to enlarge steadily.

Ovarian Cancer - Don't Ignore the Warning Signs

2008-03-24T11:14:00.000-07:00

Around 1.5 percent of women are likely to develop ovarian cancer at some stage of their life. It is less common than breast cancer but is considered as the most serious and fatal of all gynecological cancers.

The reason for this is that the cancer is usually advanced before it is diagnosed, making treatment difficult. The ovaries cannot be easily examined and, because the warning signs are unclear, late diagnosis is common.

Because of the lack of screening tests available, it is imperative to know the early symptoms and the possible risk factors.

Understanding ovarian cancer

The ovaries are two small organs that are a part of the female reproductive system and they are situated each side of the uterus. These ovaries contain germ cells that become eggs which are released when the woman menstruates.

They also produce estrogen and progesterone, the hormones that adjust the menstrual cycle and have an effect on the growth of breasts and body hair as well as affecting the development of the female body shape.

What types of tumors are there?

This normally happens in an organised manner but occasionally they grow abnormally and form a growth that we know as a tumor.

This tumor may be benign or it may be malignant. If it is benign, it is not cancerous and does not spread to other parts of the body. A malignant tumor, on the other hand, is cancerous and will often spread, making mestastases or secondary cancers.

Ovarian cancer is malignant and can occur in either one or both of the ovaries. There are three main groups that are related to the cells where the cancer starts.

Epithelial ovarian cancer, as its name implies, grows in the epithelium which is the surface of the ovary. It is the most common and accounts for around 90 percent of ovarian cancer. It mainly affects post menopausal women.

Another kind of epithelial tumor is a borderline tumor which grows much more slowly than its regular counterpart. These can normally be removed successfully even if diagnosed at an advanced stage.

There is a very rare form of ovarian cancer called germ cell ovarian cancer that starts in the cells that develop into eggs. This only accounts for about 5 percent of ovarian cancers and usually occurs only in women under 30.

The other five percent of ovarian cancers are generally sex-chord stromal cell ovarian cancer that affects the ovary cells responsible for female hormones. It can affect women of all ages.

Who is at risk of getting ovarian cancer?

The cause of ovarian cancer is unknown but there are some risk factors that have been identified through research. Although having these risk factors may increase your chances of developing ovarian cancer, they do not mean that you will necessarily get the disease. However, knowledge of these risk factors can be helpful. If you are concerned by having any of these risk factors, it is important to talk to your healthcare professional.

Factors that may increase your risk of ovarian cancer include:

Age- Around 90 percent of ovarian cancers affect women over 40.

Cultural background - Caucasian women in western society have higher rates of ovarian cancer than African or Asian women.

Number of pregnancies - Women who have never been pregnant appear to have a higher risk of ovarian cancer.

Family history - Between 5 and 10% of ovarian cancers are genetic. Researchers believe that the genes responsible for breast cancer (BRCA1 and BRCA2) are involved in almost all cases of familial ovarian cancer as well as familial breast cancer. It is also thought that these same damaged genes may be responsible for some endometrial and colon cancers. If you are genetically predisposed to any ovarian, breast, endometrial or colon cancers, you may have an increased risk of getting ovarian cancer.

Infertility and taking fertility drugs - Women who have had fertility drugs may be at a higher risk although infertility itself is a risk factor so this cannot be taken as a clear indication.

Hormone Replacement Therapy - The use of estrogen only HRT which is usually when you have had a hysterectomy, has been identified as a possible risk factor for ovarian cancer, particularly if you have been on this therapy for over ten years.

Lifestyle factors - Obesity is a risk factor associated with ovarian cancer as is a diet that is high in fat.

Can I reduce the risk of ovarian cancer?

Currently, there are no known procedures to prevent or detect early ovarian cancer but there are ways to reduce the risks. Some of these are:

Oral contraceptives - Research has found that the use of oral contraceptives can cut the risk of ovarian cancer by up to 60 percent if taken for a period of five years during your life.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding - Breastfeeding delays ovulation after childbirth and therefore decreases your risk of ovarian cancer. However, there is no guarantee that breastfeeding will stop you from developing ovarian cancer.

Enjoy a low fat diet - A high fat diet has been identified as a risk factor in ovarian cancer. Therefore, it makes sense to stick to a low fat diet with lots of fresh fruit and vegetables.

Tubal ligation or hysterectomy - These operations are only performed with a valid medical reason but it is believed that they both reduce the risk of ovarian cancer.

People with a strong family history of ovarian cancer may opt to speak to a genetic counselor that can assess whether you are at risk of developing the disease. If your family history suggests the damaged genes associated with ovarian, breast, endometrial, or colon cancer, it may be wise to have genetic testing. If these tests show the damaged BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes, you may be refe.rred to a gynecological oncologist to consider ways to reduce your risk.

Early symptoms of ovarian cancer

Because there is no screening test available for ovarian cancer, it is recommended that you have a regular pelvic vaginal checkup to see if there are any changes in your ovaries. It is also vital that you consult your healthcare specialist if you notice any possible signs of this illness. Because the symptoms are often common to many other medical conditions, diagnosis of ovarian cancer can be difficult

However, if you have any of the following symptoms that are unusual for you and that persist for more than a week, see your doctor without delay.

Some symptoms of ovarian cancer may include:

Stomach discomfort of pain in the pelvic area

Persistent nausea or wind.

Feeling constantly bloated or ‘full'.

Unexplained weight gain.

Loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss

Bowel changes

Frequency or urgency in urination

Lethargy.

Pain during intercourse.

Unexplained vaginal bleeding.

Sometimes, ovarian cancers are wrongly diagnosed as irritable bowel syndrome or menopause so if you are concerned, ask to be referred to a gynecological oncologist who can order tests to rule out ovarian cancer. It is rare that these symptoms will be ovarian cancer but if it is, early detection gives an excellent chance of survival.

Diagnosing ovarian cancer

If your doctor suspects ovarian cancer, you will be referred to a gynecological oncologist who will organize tests which may include any or all of the following:

An internal pelvic examination.

Blood tests

Chest and stomach x-rays.

A barium enema to rule out bowel problems

Ultrasound scans

If the results show a likelihood of ovarian cancer, you will be recommended to have an operation to confirm the diagnosis (none of the abovementioned tests can be sure). During the operation, if the surgeon finds ovarian cancer, they will normally remove the cancer as well as the ovaries.

It is important to understand before the surgery that this may happen so learn all you can about your illness and the outcomes before the operation.

Anne Wolski has worked in the health and welfare industry for more than 30 years. She is a co-director of http://www.magnetic-health-online.com and http://www.betterhealthshoppe.com which are both information portals with many interesting medical articles. She is also an associate of http://www.timzbiz.com which features many articles on internet marketing and resources.

Human Papilloma Virus and Cancers

2008-03-24T11:09:00.000-07:00

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.

Noni Juice Health Benefits

2008-02-20T05:45:00.000-08:00

None is the Cook Islands name for what we here call "Noni". In the Cook Islands the fruit has been used medicinally for hundreds of years. Botanically the fruit is called: Morinda Citrifolia. It grows on a shrub type tree and the size of the fruit is about the same size as a medium avocado pear. The skin has warts on it similar to a pomegranate. The shrub shows fruit some 10 months after planting. It reaches maturity in about 18 months and then yields between 4 to 8kg of fruit every month, all year round. Although the most significant nutrient feature of noni pulp powder or juice is its high vitamin C content, this level in TNJ provides only about half the vitamin C of a raw navel orange.

There are now approximately 300 companies marketing noni juice in a global market estimated at more than $2 billion annually. Sold in capsule form, pulp powder was the first noni product brought to the commercial market in Hawaii by Herbert Moniz of Herb's Herbs in 1992 after patenting a unique noni dehydrating method.

Each of us is unique in terms of age, health status, and tolerance for different types of medicines. At any given moment there are thousands of chemical reactions taking place within our bodies. This accounts for a wide variety of individual reactions to Noni. Some people will notice a difference immediately, while others may take longer to experience the benefits. Noni juice does have a few benefits, none of them with medical validation though. here are a short list of some of the benefits you can expect:

• Improvement of overall health and well being
• A boost of the body’s natural immune system
• Support of the body’s natural healing processes
• Improves absorption of nutrients from food
• Aids the body to rid itself of harmful free radicals
• Increased energy during physical performance

Noni juice needs to be taken regularly on a daily basis and hence its taste is important to sustained disciplined consumption. Removing the inherent taste and smell of Noni juice is a trade secret since this knowledge is not easily acquired. As a result almost all Noni juices are mixed with other fruit juices to override its unpleasant taste and smell.

Because of the number of people who began taking noni juice based on the marketers' claims, issues began to be tracked more closely that involved juice taking. Two separate studies in 2005 found that noni juice was causing acute hepatitis - a liver disease - in those who consumed it. Further studies are being done in 2006 to try to track down exactly what aspect of the noni juice is causing this harm. No noni products have achieved sufficient scientific foundation for being licensed as medicines or therapies. Companies today must still apply to the European Commission for Health and Consumer Protection Directorate-General to have their own brand of noni juice included as a novel food under the initial approval.

Rachel Broune

The Wonderful Benefits Of Detoxification

2008-02-20T05:43:00.000-08:00

Technology and industrial advancement may have led to creation of buildings, industries and astonishing machines and equipment that make our lives easier and faster. Due to the increasing population and industrial wastes, however, the environment has suffered so much. There is air and water pollution everywhere you go. Almost everything that you put inside your mouth and inhale through your nose is filled with toxic chemicals, soot and other harmful substances.

Because of man's utter disregard for the environment, it is not surprising that there is a rise in incidences of cancer, diabetes and strains of different lethal viruses, such as the bird flu virus. The immune system and your bodily functions can no longer operate at their peak because of the toxins, chemicals and wastes that each of us ingest through our nostrils and eat and drink through our mouths.

Reading the statements above, you might think that the future prospect is bleak. Do not despair. There are actually a lot of things you can do to help your body regain its health and vitality. An important first step to a healthy body and mind is detoxification, a process by which you eliminate wastes, chemicals, allergens and toxins out of your body through eating and drinking natural-based products. Here are the wonderful benefits of detox:

Cleanse The Body Of Harmful Substances

The primary goal of detox, or what is popularly known as gut cleansing, is to remove all the harmful substances in your colon. If you have been eating fatty, sugar-rich, processed, and junk foods all your life, your gut is probably filled with rotting waste products right now.

Although you may be eliminating poop regularly, not all of the fecal matter are purged out of system, especially if you are not fond of eating fiber-rich food. These decaying substances, which are left inside your gut for a long time and are eventually absorbed by your body, are the leading causes of many of the serious diseases that are rampant nowadays. If you go on a detox program, these old and rotting feces will completely be eliminated from your intestines.

Strengthens The Immune System

Another main benefit of detoxification is the improvement of immunity. A number of individuals who tried a colon-cleansing plan have not experienced bouts of food sensitivity, allergic reaction, cold, cough, sinusitis, and flu after completing the program.

It is important to note that the immune system needs a lot of vitamins and minerals in order to function at its peak. If the foods that you eat are nutrient-deficient or if your body is not absorbing nutrients well, then your body's ability to fight viruses, bacteria and other microbes are greatly compromised. After a detox program, you will get rid of layers upon layers of decaying matter so you will be able to absorb the vitamins, minerals and antioxidants your body needs.

Improves Functions Of Other Body Organs

After the cleansing process, you will notice that your body is stronger and your mind sharper. If you have been feeling a little sluggish before the program, you will feel robust and on the go immediately after the detox. The reason behind this is that the colon cleansing does not only affect your gut, but the other organs in your digestive system as well. Your kidneys, gall bladder, liver, and even your skin will be revived and restored.

Aids In Kicking Out Unhealthy Habits

Losing weight and getting rid of your cravings for sugar-rich food is as hard as quitting smoking, drugs and alcohol. However, as your body eliminates unhealthy substances from your body, the cravings and addiction will start to disappear. Thus, if you have been trying for years to stop smoking or to ditch your candy snacking, then you need to get on a detoxification program immediately. One highly recommended detox system is Colpurin. If you want to know more about this product and read about other people's testimonies, just go to http://www.colpurin.com/.

by Janet Martin

Smoking Statistics - Are You One Of 440,000 That Will Die From Smoking This Year?

2008-02-20T05:42:00.000-08:00

When you read through some of the latest smoking statistics it's amazing that cigarettes can still be freely bought. Here I've brought together some of the main statistics relating to smoking and health.

Smoking as a cause of death

Smoking causes the deaths of 440,000 people a year in the USA out of a total of 2.4 million deaths a year. By 2020 the World Health organization expects 10 million people a year to die from smoking throughout the world. Although smoking is declining in many developed countries, it's on the increase in many developing countries.

Smoking and cancer

It is estimated that in the USA, 87% of cases of lung cancer are due to smoking. Men who smoke are increasing their chances of dying from the disease by 22 times. Smoking is the cause behind 30% of the deaths due to cancer in the USA.

Smoking and heart attack

Studies from the UK show that smokers in their 30's and 40's are five times more likely to have a heart attack than their non-smoking peers.

Passive smoking statistics

Passive smoking is the inhaling of smoke from the cigarettes that other people are smoking. This could occur at work, in the home or during leisure at bars, cafes etc. In the USA, it's believed that 3,000 people die every year from lung cancer due to passive smoking.

In the UK, more than 17,000 children under the age of 5 are admitted to hospital due to the effects of passive smoking, every year. Studies have shown that children from homes where both parents smoke, there is an increased risk of them developing a disease of the respiratory system. At a time when asthma rates in children are on the rise, this should be a serious concern.

Non-smokers who are exposed to cigarette smoke in the home are at a 25% increased risk of developing heart disease or lung cancer.

Can drugs help?

Here are the statistics from one of the newest drugs that can help you stop smoking. The product is called Chantix (Champix in the UK) and is based on the active ingredient varenicline. In a 12-week study, 44% of smokers that were receiving the product were able to quit. This compared to only 18% that were receiving a placebo, and 30 % that were receiving Zyban (bupropion). These results are fairly impressive but it does mean that more than half the subjects in the study failed to quit smoking.

by Paul Elms

Hypercalcemia Treatment Information

2008-02-19T15:50:00.000-08:00

Hypercalcemia is the most common life-threatening metabolic disorder. Hypercalcemia is an excessive amount of calcium in the blood. Hypercalcemia can be life threatening and is the most common metabolic disorder associated with cancer, occurring in 10% to 20% of people with cancer. The main cause of hypercalcemia is overactivity in one or more of the four glands that regulate calcium in your body (parathyroid glands). Women older than 50 are most likely to develop hypercalcemia caused by overactive parathyroid glands. Other causes of hypercalcemia include cancer, certain other medical disorders.

Some medications and excessive use of calcium and vitamin D supplements. Hypercalcemia per se can result in fatigue, depression, confusion, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, constipation, pancreatitis or increased urination. In more severe cases, kidney failure and coma can be observed. Cardiac arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats) may also occur. Parathyroid hormone (PTH) and vitamin D regulate calcium balance in the body. PTH is produced by the parathyroid glands -- four small glands located in the neck behind the thyroid gland. Vitamin D is obtained from exposure of skin to sunlight.

Successful management of hypercalcemia requires management of the underlying disease. Hormonal therapy (estrogens, antiestrogens, androgens, and progestins) may precipitate hypercalcemia. Thiazide diuretics extend renal calcium reabsorption and may precipitate or exacerbate hypercalcemia. Glucocorticoids increase urinary calcium excretion and decrease intestinal calcium absorption. Glucocorticoids to help counter the effects of too much vitamin D in your blood caused by hypercalcemia. Loop diuretic medications (such as furosemide) to help flush excess calcium from your system and keep your kidneys functioning.

Hypercalcemia Treatment and Prevention Tips

1. Calcium and vitamin D supplements can be avoided this condition.

2. Dialysis usually used in severe hypercalcemia complicated by renal failure.

3. Supplemental phosphate should be monitored and added if necessary

4. Calcitonin blocks bone resorption and also increases urinary calcium excretion.

5. Loop diuretic medications to help flush excess calcium from your system.

6. Glucocorticoids (corticosteroids), to help counter the effects of too much vitamin D in your blood.

Herbal Treatment for Women's Problems

2008-02-19T15:48:00.000-08:00

The female reproductive system consists of the external and internal genital organs. Breast disorders may be noncancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant). Most are noncancerous and not life threatening. Often, they do not require treatment. In contrast, breast cancer can mean loss of a breast or of life.

Thus, for many women, breast cancer is their worst fear. However, potential problems can be detected early when women regularly examine their breasts themselves and have mammograms.

Symptoms

Common symptoms include breast pain, lumps, and a discharge from the nipple. Breast symptoms do not necessarily mean that a woman has breast cancer or another serious disorder. However, if a woman has any of the following symptoms, she should see her doctor:

A lump that feels distinctly different from other breast tissue or that does not go away
swelling that does not go away
puckering or dimpling in the skin of the breast
scaly skin around the nipple
changes in the shape of the breast
changes in the nipple, such as turning inward
Discharge from the nipple, especially if it is bloody.

Herbal Treatment

Apply a warm compress for 15-20 minutes on your breast, by using a heated towel or a heating pad to get relief from breast tenderness. This problem occurs mainly before, after or during your monthly period. For such times you can use a cold compress with the help of ice packs or frozen packets of fruits and vegetables wrapped in towel.

Sometimes not wearing bar can be a good enough reason for breast pain. Wear bras that support your breasts. See to it that the bras are well-padded if you are wearing an under-wired bra. If nothing works try a sports bra.

Soya products contain isoflavones which lessen breast tenderness. Include soy food such as soybeans, soy milk, soy burgers and other soy products in your diet. Cutting down on your salt intake will help reduce water retention which in turn relieves pain. Avoid caffeine in any form as it contains methylxanthine that stimulates breast tissue and causes pain.

Food: sensitivity or allergy can disrupt hormone balance, and it may be that either eliminating certain culprit foods, or increasing your nutrition to make up for deficiencies causing allergies, or both, will help the body to regain its balance.

Aromatic seeds, such as anise, cumin, fennel, caraway, coriander, and dill increase milk production and tone the digestive system. Their powers are carried through the breast milk, curtailing colic and indigestion. To brew, simply put a heaping spoonful of dried seeds in a cup and fill to the top with boiling water. Let steep for 5-10 minutes. Drink warm with honey. Up to two quarts a day can be consumed.

Avoid soap, cologne, deodorant and powder on your nipples or breasts. Do not wash nipples with soap. Soap predisposes the nipples to chapping and cracking.
Nourishing herbs, such as raspberry leaves, stinging nettle, oatstraw, and red clover blossoms - prepared as strong infusions*, not taken in pills, capsules, tinctures, or teas - not only encourage a plentiful supply of breast milk, they support the overall health of mother and child. The minerals in these herbs are amazingly abundant, so they counter mineral loss from nursing, and help keep mom calm and alert during those first few weeks of round-the-clock infant care.

Obesity: Symptoms and Their Effects

2008-02-19T15:47:00.000-08:00

Obesity

Overweight and obesity are defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to health. A crude population measure of obesity is the body mass index (a person’s weight (in kilograms) divided by the square of his or her height (in meters). Overweight and obesity are major risk factors when people eat more calories than they burn off; their bodies store the extra calories as fat. for a number of chronic diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Obesity is an abnormal accumulation of body fat, usually 20 percent or more over an individual's ideal body weight. Obesity is associated with an increased risk of illness, disability, and death. It may be simply an extreme degree of overweight - but a person can be overweight without being obese.

Symptoms of Obesity

Adiposity (fat cells) in the breast region in boys

Large abdomen (white or purple marks are sometimes present)

Increased adiposity in the upper arms and thighs.

Accumulation of excess fat below the diaphragm and in the chest wall may put pressure on the lungs, causing difficulty in breathing and shortness of breath, even with minimal exertion.

There is indigestion aggravated by so much abdominal fat. Urinary incontinence is an often undisclosed but embarrassing symptom, particularly for women, and is very common for the obese. Snoring and sleep apnoea have a strong association with abdominal obesity

Strain on the weight bearing joints.

Extra body fat

High blood pressure

Heart and blood vessel problems, such as stroke and coronary heart disease

Health effects of obesity

Heart Disease-The risk of heart attack, congestive heart failure, sudden cardiac death, and angina or chest pain is increased in persons who are overweight or obese. High blood pressure is twice as common in adults who are obese than in those who are at a healthy weight. Obesity is associated with high triglycerides and decreased HDL cholesterol.
Cancers-Obesity is associated with an increased risk for some types of cancer including endometrial (cancer of the lining of the uterus), colon, gall bladder, prostate, kidney, and post-menopausal breast cancer. Women gaining more than 20 pounds from age 18 to midlife double their risk of post-menopausal breast cancer, compared to women whose weight remains stable.
Health Risk of Arthritis-Osteoarthritis is a painful degenerative joint disorder that has been called "wear and tear”. Arthritis since it is caused by physical stress on joints. It most often affects knees, hips, and lower back vertebrae. Extra weight can place pressure on these joints, accelerating the wearing away of the cartilage that normally protects them. Gout is a joint disease, but it is caused by high levels of uric acid. Uric acid can form crystal deposits in the joints, causing pain and inflammation.
Psychosocial effects - In a culture where often the ideal of physical attractiveness is to be overly thin, people who are overweight or obese frequently suffer disadvantages. Overweight and obese persons are often blamed for their condition and may be considered to be lazy or weak-willed. It is not uncommon for overweight or obese conditions to result in persons having lower incomes or having fewer or no romantic relationships. Disapproval of overweight persons expressed by some individuals may progress to bias, discrimination, and even torment.

Prostate Cancer: Why Eating Well Is The Best Defense?

2008-02-15T06:49:00.000-08:00

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.

About The Author:
Robert Thatcher is a freelance publisher based in Cupertino, California. He publishes articles and reports in various ezines and provides prostate cancer resources on cancer-resources.info">http://www.all-prostate-cancer-resources.info.

Breast Cancer, Prevention, and Life After Hormone Replacement Therapy

2008-02-15T06:48:00.000-08:00

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!

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

Alternative Cancer Treatment: The Controversy in Virginia

2008-02-15T06:43:00.000-08:00

What do you suppose the first thought a person just diagnosed with cancer has? Do they think about death? Do they think about chemotherapy and other medical treatments? What would you think of first if you found out you had cancer?

For me, I've already decided that if I ever do get cancer, I will not seek out the conventional medical cancer interventions and treatments that are the society standard today. I've decided I will seek a natural route, one that does not involve chemotherapy and the destruction of my healthy cells as well as cancer cells. I've decided I will seek a treatment that does not weaken me physically, but rather helps to empower and strengthen my body.

This decision has come to me over my lifetime, and personally seeing relatives suffer through this type of treatment, only to quickly deteriorate, and in my opinion, die a faster, more painful death than if they'd had not treatment at all. Dramatic statement, I know, but nonetheless, this is my opinion.

I do not know what natural therapy or lifestyle changes I would actually choose if I were in that position, but I do know this is how I would choose to fight my battle, and I would hope that with some prompted research, the natural choice would make itself apparent. This is my personal choice, and no one could change my mind.

Now, consider this. What if I were only 16 years old, and I had come to this same conclusion, with the added caveat that I had actually had chemotherapy and been severely debilitated by it once already? Does the government or a judge have the right to intervene and order medical treatment, which I do not believe in, and in fact, which I believe will actually kill me, if not dramatically jeopardize my quality of life?

That's exactly what is transpiring right now for a 16 year old Virginia man (I say man, because this particular teen carries himself like an adult), with 2nd stage Hodgkins disease, a form of cancer that is very treatable the first time around, but upon recurrence, is less treatable and more deadly, requiring more drastic traditional chemotherapy and radiation.

Initially, the teen did undergo chemotherapy when the cancer was first discovered. He was weakened so badly, and in so much pain, that when his oncologist ordered a second round of more agressive chemo and radiation when the cancer returned, he refused and sought out an alternative cancer treatment called the Hoxsy method.

It is important to note that this natural, herbal method of cancer treatment, which is paired with a sugar free diet, has been banned by the FDA in the US, and he had to travel to Mexico in order to receive the daily herbs he had to take as well as intructions on how the treatment worked.

What are the three main symptoms to lung cancer?

2008-01-10T07:30:00.000-08:00

The main three symptoms to lung cancer that should not be ignored are shortness of breath, pain when breathing or coughing, and existence of a persistent cough, especially if it is accompanied by expectoration of sputum streaked with blood. Additionally, loss of appetite, fatigue, unusual losses of weight are three symptoms, which are indicative of lung cancer.

Because of the non-specific nature of symptoms of Mesothelioma, Mesothelioma tests are imperative to rule out incidence of the disease when lung cancer symptoms show up. Early detection of Mesothelioma cancer substantiated by clear information of patient's exposure to asbestos can help define the course of treatment.

Early Detection Of Mesothelioma Cancer In Long Term Health Prognosis

The length of time between asbestos exposure and onset of lung cancer symptoms can be between 15-50 years. Therefore a complete medical history and information of possible asbestos exposure are critical in identifying patients who are prone for developing Mesothelioma lung cancer.

During physical tests for Mesothelioma lung cancer, the doctor may check breath sounds to see whether there is any indication of fluid in the chest cavity. A variety of diagnostic procedures also help to determine whether a patient has Mesothelioma lung cancer.

Results from imaging scans, tissue biopsies, pulmonary function tests, and other diagnostic techniques, combined with the findings from a careful medical history help to define the course of treatment in Mesothelioma lung cancer.

There are less common but more uncomfortable symptoms of lung cancer, which are usually associated with advanced stages of the disease. Such lung cancer or Mesothelioma patients may exhibit symptoms like a hoarse voice, difficulty swallowing, swelling of the face or in the neck, pain or discomfort under the ribs, and shortness of breath caused by fluid around the lungs.

If you suspect that you or any of your family members have lung cancer symptoms- DO NOT DELAY - consult your physician right away.

Source: Free Articles

Treatment for Lymphoma Cancer

2008-01-10T07:28:00.000-08:00

Lymphoma is a deadly form of cancer that causes a disease in your body's cells. Once the cancer grows, it makes your cells abnormal and may become a tumor. Lymphoma is named after the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is your body's main defense against disease because it contains glands and vessels.

Hodgkin's disease is a part of lymphoma cancer and is very well known. The risks for getting this disease are due to lifestyle, genetic or environmental factors. Males that contract Hodgkin's are usually in the age group of 15-40 or after the age of 55. Brothers and sisters of people with Hodgkin's have an above average chance of getting the disease as well.

There is no way to prevent lymphoma from occurring unfortunately. But, there are many ways and treatments to help you cope with it. Your treatment depends on where the lymphoma is in your body, how progressed it is, your health status and age. Your doctor will be able to determine all these factors and devise a plan to keep your health at a maximum and your cancer at bay.

Like other cancers, Hodgkin's is treated with chemotherapy and radiation. The main purpose of these treatments is to kill the cancer completely. Sometimes, more than one type of drug is used to try and eradicate all of the cancer. This can be a very trying and painful process for the patient but it is necessary for their recovery.

Surgery is used only in Hodgkin's to determine how advanced the cancer is. Hodgkin's lymphoma doesn't require a surgery as treatment like other cancers do. The one good news you'll receive about Hodgkin's is that 90% of people diagnosed with it are cured. It is known as the most curable cancer but a few thousand people will still die per year from it. Early detection is key, so see your doctor regularly.

Source: Free Articles

Cancer Awareness Gift Basket

2008-01-10T07:27:00.000-08:00

Surely you know someone who has, or had, cancer. Whether it was a friend, family member, co-worker, or even yourself, now days everyone knows someone who has suffered from a form of cancer. And, with all the media attention and cancer awareness groups out there, no doubt that you have seen the pins, t-shirts, stuffed animals, cards, jewelry, and other gifts that all support cancer and cancer awareness.

One of the fastest growing trends in cancer awareness gifts is cancer awareness jewelry. This jewelry started just as small rubber wristbands and has moved from there into beautiful works of art that are created to make people aware, and remember those who have lost their battle with the disease.

Cancer awareness jewelry can be found in gold, silver, platinum, and other precious metals. These pieces of jewelry can be found, or ordered, in any style and with any stone that you would like to make it a unique work of art that will help you to remember that special person or your personal struggle. Bracelets are the most common, with a large centerpiece that is usually engraved with names and dates. But, necklaces, rings, and earrings can all be personalized as well to ensure that you let everyone know.

If you prefer a more casual approach to cancer awareness jewelry, there is always the sports wristbands and the thin, rubber wristbands that come in a wide variety of colors and messages. These can be personalized as well, so no matter where you are, working out or at work, you will always have your reminder to help you talk to people about cancer and help to spread the word for early detection, especially with breast and colon cancer.

Many of the companies who personalize cancer awareness jewelry also do cancer awareness gift baskets. So, if you are ordering a piece of jewelry for a friend, family member, or co-worker, you can have it put in a cancer awareness gift basket with other goodies, like stuffed animals, ribbons, candy, chocolates, perfumes, bath and body creations, and many, many other gifts, all that can help to promote cancer awareness. These make great gifts for survivors and those who have just been diagnosed with cancer, since it lets them know that not only are you thinking about them, but you are also trying to help with the research for the treatments and cure. Most of the proceeds from the jewelry and the gift baskets will go toward cancer research to help find better treatments and, eventually, a cure.

Source: Free Articles

Kidney Cancer Synopsis

2007-12-21T08:02:00.000-08:00

Kidney cancer is a type of cancer that effects your kidneys, which are located behind your stomach, in your lower back just below your ribs. There are two of them and they are each about the size of your fist. They are important organs and you can exist with only one kidney but if you lose them both, that is not the case. Your kidneys are part of the urinary system and serve an important part in the process of waste removal in your body.

They are also part of the process of red blood cell production and work to control blood pressure. Each kidney is a package of many small filtering units, called "nephrons". Kidney transplants are a fairly common operation now and it is possible for a person to donate one of their kidneys and live the rest of their lives, using the one remaining kidney. Just like any other organ in your body, your kidneys can develop cancer.

In its early stages, kidney cancer very rarely shows any symptoms, so unless it is detected by a doctor, by a urinalysis test, the chances of a person noticing anything unusual, or out of the ordinary, relating to the cancer, are very slim. Children and adults tend to develop two different types of kidney cancer. The type that adults are most likely to develop is called (renal adenocarcinoma) and the type of kidney cancer that children are most likely to develop is called (Wilm's tumor).

In its later stages, when it generally does start to show some physical symptoms, these symptoms will tend to be as follows. Noticeable blood in the urine. It is possible to have blood in your urine in such small quantity that it is not noticeable to the naked eye. Small amounts of blood can be detected by a doctor by testing the urine for blood. Another symptom of kidney cancer is a loss in weight.

Some people can tend to see weight loss as a blessing. Particularly weight loss that has occurred through no effort. Sudden unaccounted for weight loss however is a symptom of many types of cancer and diseases. So unless a person has made an effort to lose weight, it is wise to view unaccounted for weight loss, particularly large weight loss that occurs suddenly, with some measure of concern. Another symptom of kidney cancer is back pain that doesn't seem to go away.

Like so many other cancers, an early detection is a key to a full recovery. The longer a cancer, like kidney cancer, remains undetected the better the chance it has to spread to other parts of your body. When a cancer spreads to another part of your body it is said to "metastasize". If detected early though, the chances for a full recovery are very good. There are several forms of treatment for kidney cancer and what stage the cancer is in, can be a major determinating factor in what type of treatment is used to attack the cancer.

In the past, surgery for kidney cancer involved the removal of the entire kidney. Research has led to a change of procedure in recent years. It was determined that by removing only the tumor and leaving the kidney intact, when it was possible, the patient faced a lesser chance of kidney failure and an increased quality of life after the treatment.

Another type of treatment for kidney cancer is referred to as "arterial embolization". This is a procedure where the vessel that supplies blood to the cancerous kidney is blocked. Other treatments include radiation therapy and chemo therapy and immunotherapy, which uses your bodies own immune system to fight the cancer.

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

Article Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com

What Are The Risk Factors for Breast Cancer?

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

Breast cancer is a largely unknown disease until today, despite the fact that it affects almost ten percent of the women above the age of forty years all over the world. The causes of this killer cancer are not known even after decades of research into it. Similarly it is unknown why some women have higher chances of getting breast cancers than others.

Though the causative factors are not known, some risk factors have been identified. There is no medical proof why these factors make the disease more probable, but this is a study of observation. In a vast cross-section of women with the observed risk factors, it has been found that the chances of getting breast cancers are very high.

The various risk factors for breast cancer are as follows:-

1. Family History of Breast Cancer

If a near relative like a mother or a sister has had breast cancer, then there is a very high chance that the cancer will occur sometime in life. This propensity is observed even if far relatives such as cousins and aunts have had breast cancer, though the chances are lesser as the relatives are more removed. Even if a male relative has had breast cancer or prostate cancer, then there is a chance of getting breast cancer. This clearly indicates that breast cancer runs through family lines through inheritance. Certainly the chances are very high if more than one family member has had breast cancer.

2. Personal History of Breast Cancer

If a woman has had breast cancer in the past, then there is a great chance that the breast cancer may recur. This is true even if the cancer had been removed in its benign stage itself. Sometimes the cancer cells spread into the nearby lymph. This makes a possibility that the cancer will occur in the opposite breast. In fact, women who have had cancer in one breast have 50 to 75% more chances of developing the cancer in the other breast.

3. Diseases of the Breast

Several breast diseases can increase the chances of having breast cancer. Changes in the cells of the breasts can lead to atypical hyperplasia. This condition can cause a three to fourfold increase in the possibility of getting breast cancer in the later years. This risk also exists if the atypical hyperplasia has occurred in other women of the family. Another such condition is the benign breast tumor condition known as fibro adenoma. However, women with fibrocystic breasts generally do not have any added vulnerability to breast cancer. Yet, such conditions could make the breasts lumpy and hide the real tumors (if any) during mammography.

4. Lifestyle

In today’s world, lifestyle is the single largest contributing factor for the proliferation of breast cancer among women. Several elements of the lifestyle have been found to be directly accordant with the prevalence of breast cancer. Smoking and alcoholism in women are among the chief factors. Even diet has been pointed out as an important risk factor. Women who consume a diet with more high-cholesterol fats in them have higher chances of breast cancer. At the same time leading a sedentary lifestyle without indulging much in physical activity are also potentially dangerous.

5. Radiation

It has been found that women who undergo radiation therapies in their chest region at a young age have an increased risk of developing breast cancer in their later lives. Radiation therapy is generally prescribed for women with conditions like Hodgkin’s disease or non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. So women who have undergone such treatments may get breast cancer in their later years.

6. Hormonal Imbalances

There are several factors that can change the hormone balance of the body. Some of them are:-

a) Beginning the menstrual cycle early, i.e. before the age of twelve years,
b) Having the first pregnancy after the age of thirty years,
c) Having no pregnancy at all,
d) Having a late menopause.

All these conditions can increase the level of estrogen in the body. This increases the risk of getting breast cancer to a mild extent. Apart from that women who take regular birth control pills, breast enhancement supplements, antidepressants and antihistamines and hormone modifying supplements stand at a higher risk to get breast cancers.

The above are the major risk factors for breast cancers. But since the study on breast cancers is not yet complete, the above is by no means a complete list. There are several other indications of breast cancers, like breast implant operations; but these have not yet been confirmed. The implants used in the earlier days were made of silicone gels. These were riskier in terms of breast cancer. However, nowadays the silicone gel implants have been replaced by saline implants. This has reduced the risk to a great extent.

It must be also noted that women have much higher chances of getting breast cancer than men. In fact, most people think that breast cancer is a disease that affects only women. This is not true. Men also get breast cancers, but to a much lesser degree than women. Also, age is a very important factor. The chances of getting breast cancer are much higher when the woman has crossed the age of 50 years.

How To Tackle Breast Cancer Successfully?

2007-12-21T07:58:00.000-08:00

Breast cancer could very well be placed at number one among all the killer diseases in women today. This type of cancer accounts for 26% of all the cancers in women. As such, it is largest killer cancer of all people in world, except maybe lung cancer. With so many women becoming victims of breast cancer each year, it should be thought that the medical fraternity must be having very detailed information about it. But that is hardly the case. Despite the millions of women dying each year, the causes, mechanisms and treatment of breast cancer still remains shrouded in mystery.

A simple layperson’s definition of breast cancer is that it is an abnormal growth of a mass of cells known as a tumor anywhere within the breast. This growth is felt as a lumpy mass in the early stages of the cancer. This is when the woman must rush to the doctor. In fact any sudden inexplicable abnormality in the shape of the breast must be given medical attention immediately. There is no cause for alarm, as most changes could be perfectly harmless. But it is wise to rule out the possibility of blood cancer.

Another aspect of urgent medical attention is that breast cancer is fully treatable if it is seen to early. In all women suffering from breast cancer, the tumor will undergo an initial benign stage. At this stage the tumor has not started its abnormal multiplication. If it is removed when it is benign, the cancer does not spread, and in most cases, the woman gets totally cured of the disease and leads a normal life.

Nothing can be said about how long the tumor will remain benign. That depends on several inherent factors with the woman’s physiology. The period of benign tumor is another part of breast cancer about which very little is known. But the presence of a tumor or such other symptoms is a strong indicator of occurrence of breast cancer. Apart from the tumor, there could be changes in the coloration of the skin over the breast. Other skin changes such as crimpling and folding could occur. The symptoms of breast cancer are also observed over the nipple and the areolas. The nipples could become inverted without reason, or there could be deformities in their shapes. The same could occur at the areolas, which are the dark circles around the nipples. In the later stages of the breast cancer, there could be a discharge of fluids from the nipples. This discharge could be pus-like, or it could even be a discharge of blood.

Even though the exact causes of breast cancer are not known, there are some women who are termed by the medical facilities as high-risk groups for the disease. Topping this list are the women who smoke and consume alcohol on a regular basis. Women who are obese due to lack of exercise or a physiological problem come next. Breast augmentation surgeries such as breast implants were once considered to be a primary reason for breast cancers. This was in the days silicone gel was used as the implanting material. However, today with the replacement of silicone gel with saline gel, the incidences of women getting cancer due to implants has become drastically less. It is also found that breast cancer cases run in families. Hence if a close relative has breast cancer, there is a great chance that the other women in the family could get it too. This indicates a hereditary factor influencing breast cancer.

Though the causes of breast cancer are unknown, there is a proliferation of the amount of literature about its prevention. Most of these methods are just hogwash, but there are many precautionary points that women must consider. Women must give high priority to losing their body weight, especially if there has been a case of breast cancer in the family. It is also a good idea to have a regular checkup. The checkup could also be done at home with finger pressure. With two fingers, the entire breast must be gradually touched, poking at points to check if there is any undue hardness felt.

Some women take drugs that contain estrogen in them. These could be for almost about anything – from increasing the sexual drive to increasing the amount of milk during lactation. But it must be remembered that any kind of hormonal disarray in the body could only make matters worse. It is not yet proven, but it can be assumed that an increase in the amount of estrogen in the blood could hasten the chances of blood cancer.

There are some foods that have been identified by dieticians to be good for preventing breast cancer. These include cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli and legumes. Even oranges, tomatoes and other citrus fruits could have some effects. Soy and its products are also good. A low carbohydrate diet is suggested. At the same time, it is needless to say that the woman must abstain from smoking and alcoholism.

Indulging in regular exercise and maintaining an overall positive outlook towards life could be important to remain away from breast cancer. Some alternative therapists believe that mental tensions could be one of the causes of breast cancer.

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Read more about Breast Cancer Information and other breast care issues at http://www.mysecrethealth.com

Also read more about the Benefits of Natural Breast Enlargement.

Article Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com

Sun Damage: the Main Culprit to Skin Problems

2007-12-19T07:03:00.001-08:00

The vast majority of our skin problems, including so-called laugh lines, crow feet’s, and wrinkles, are due to what dermatologists call “photo aging,” or damage caused by exposure to the ultraviolet (UV) rays produced by the sun. Compare the condition of the skin of on your face to the condition of the skin on any other part of your body that is usually by clothing. The difference is striking. The skin that has rarely seen the light of day will look decades younger. UV light is the reason. Damage from UV light is cumulative and can take years before it is apparent. Generally, by the time we reach our mid-thirties the long–term effects of UV exposure start to become visible in the form of the fine lines, wrinkles, and telltale changes in skin tone and color. No one is immune.

Do not assume just because you are not a regular sun bather or you do not spend a lot of time at the pool or on the tennis court that you are safe. Most of us get a heavy dose of UV rays when we are going about our daily business, even when we are going to and from work or the grocery store. Over a lifetime this kind of brief but chronic exposure leaves its mark.

There are two types of ultraviolet rays: UVA and UVB. Both types stimulate the formation of free radicals on the skin. These free radicals are the very same highly reactive oxygen molecules that promote aging inside the body and are causative factors in such diseases as diabetes commonly associated with aging. By the way, if you smoke cigarettes, you are essentially inhaling thousands of free radicals with each puff. By age forty smokers tend to have wrinkles comparable to people ten years older.

UVBs rays, commonly referred to as the burning rays, inflict immediate damage on the epidermis. Even brief exposure to UVB rays can turn sensitive skin red and cause pain and inflammation. UVB rays are particularly nasty because, in addition to promoting the formation of free radicals, they give off intense heat that actually “cooks” the DNA in the nuclei of skin cells. This causes genetic changes that can lead to serious problems, including skin cancer. Al the antioxidants in the world can’t protect you against the wrath of UVB rays.

UVAs rays do not usually cause perceptible reddening of the epidermis. Rather, UVA rays inflict their damage by injuring the cells of the dermis and the subcutaneous layer of fat that are underneath the outer layer. This causes the kind of hidden damage that shows up years later as lines and wrinkles, and sometimes even as skin cancer.

The full effect of UV exposure is not immediately apparent. Our bodies’ own antioxidant defense network deactivates some free radicals before they can inflict harm. But as you know, our antioxidant levels decline as we age. Every time you expose your fact to the sun, your skin is being robbed of the antioxidants that protect it and keep it healthy and young looking.

Cosmetic changes to the skin are the most innocuous effects of UV exposure. Skin cancer can be deadly. One million new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed each year in Unites States. That number is expected to grow, especially as baby boomers age. Baby boomers grew up in an era when leisure time was abundant, sunbathing was fashionable, and a suntan was considered a sign of good health. Remember those advertisements for suntan lotions which boasted that the products filtered out the bad burning rays but allowed in the good tanning rays? Today we know that there is not a sign of health but is instead a sign that skin has been injured.

UV damage does not stop at the skin’s surface, its effects are felt well beneath it. In fact, exposure to UV radiation can severely weaken the immune system’s ability to fend off viruses and bacteria and to halt the growth of malignant tumors. This proves once again how neglecting one organ system can have a profound impact on another and how by fortifying one system you also exert a positive effect on the other.

Dr. Bunny Vreeland’s Quit Smoking Tips

2007-12-19T07:02:00.000-08:00

You've probably heard how smoking can be harmful to your health and the health of those around you. Here are some ways quitting can be helpful. If you quit, you will:

1. Prolong your life.
2. Improve your health. Smoking increases your risk of lung cancer, throat cancer, a lung disease called emphysema, heart disease, high blood pressure, ulcers, gum disease, and other conditions.
3. Feel healthier. Smoking can cause coughing, poor athletic ability, and sore throats.
4. Look better. Smoking can cause face wrinkles, stained teeth, and
dull skin.
5. Improve your sense of taste and smell.
6. Save money.
How can I quit smoking?
At Dr. Bunny Vreeland’s practice the philosophy is that there's no one way to quit smoking that works for everyone. A smoking cessation program may be helpful to you. Ask your doctor about smoking cessation programs in your community. As a board certified Clinical Hypnotherapist, I know that hypnosis can be extremely successful for most clients. Some things that will help you ease the process are:

1. Pick a date to stop smoking, and then get ready for it.
2. Record when and why you smoke. You will come to know what triggers you to smoke.
3. Record what you do when you smoke. Try smoking at different times and different places to break the connections between smoking and certain activities.
4. List your reasons for quitting. Read over the list before and after you quit.
5. Find activities to replace smoking. Be ready to do something else when you want to smoke.
6. Ask yourself, “What do I do when I quit smoking?”
What happens when I quit smoking?
After 20 minutes of not smoking:
1. You stop polluting the air.
2. Your blood pressure and pulse decrease.
3. The temperature of your hands and feet increases.

After 8 hours of not smoking:
1.The carbon monoxide level in your blood returns to normal.
2. Oxygen levels in your blood increase

After 24 hours of not smoking:
1. Your chance of heart attack decreases
After 48 hours of not smoking:
1. Your nerve endings adjust to the absence of nicotine
2. Your ability to taste and smell begins to return

After 72 hours of not smoking:
1. Bronchial tubes relax

After 2 weeks to 3 months of not smoking:

1. Your circulation improves
2. Your exercise tolerance improves

After 1-9 months of not smoking:
1. Coughing, sinus congestion, fatigue, and shortness of breath decrease
2. Cilia in the lungs regrow, increasing the ability of the lungs to handle mucus, clean the lungs, and reduce infection
3. Your overall energy level increases

After 1 year of not smoking:
1. Your risk of dying from heart disease decreases to half that of a lifelong smoker's risk
2. After 5 years of not smoking:
3. Your risk of dying from lung cancer decreases to half that of a lifelong smoker's risk

After 10 years of not smoking
3. Your risk of dying from lung cancer drops to almost the same rate as a lifelong NON-smoker
2. Your risk of other cancers -- of the mouth, larynx, esophagus, bladder, kidney, and pancreas -- decreases
I've tried quitting before, but it didn't work. Why not?
To quit smoking, you must be ready emotionally and mentally. Some people are more ready to quit than others. Look at these five stages of change that people go through to successfully quit smoking.
Stage One: Pre-contemplation. You don't want to quit smoking, but you may try to quit because you feel pressured to quit.
Stage Two: Contemplation. You want to quit someday. You haven't taken steps to quit, but you want to quit.
Stage Three: Preparation. You take small steps to quit such as cutting back on smoking or switching to a lighter brand.
Stage Four: Action. You put a plan for quitting into action. You make changes in your actions and environment to help cope with urges to smoke. You cope with urges to smoke by following the plan and remain smoke-free for six months.
Stage Five: Maintenance. You have not smoked for one year.

Green Tea Great For Fighting Colon Cancer

2007-12-17T06:05:00.000-08:00

When you receive the Seal you begin to take care of your body, and nurse it back to health. One of the little things you can do for your health is switch from coffee to green tea, which recent studies show has even more health benefits.

The new research was unveiled at the Sixth Annual Conference on Frontiers in Cancer Prevention which was held by the American Association for Cancer Research.

The research shows that a polyphenol preparation made from green tea (called Polyphenon E) inhibits the growth of colorectal tumors in rats when they are also being treated with something that causes the tumors.

Colorectal tumors happen when colon cancer is growing. So when Polyphenon E stops the growth of the tumors, it is stopping the spread of colon cancer. It has not been done in humans yet, but it reveal yet another health benefit of green tea.

The researchers say that rats eating a diet containing Polyphenon E are "less than half as likely" to suffer the spread of colon cancer. These results confirm those from a study done in China showing that green tea caused lower rates of cancer.

A number of other studies have also concluded successfully that green tea suppresses cancer growth. How does it do it? By the powerful effects of its main antioxidant, epigallocatechin 3-gallate, also known as EGCg.

Free radicals are molecules which can roam free in the body and damage healthy cells. They can damage your DNA so you no longer produce the same healthy cells, but you now produce only damaged cells.

If you drink large amounts of alcohol or smoke tobacco your body will suffer a greater number of free radicals roaming about inside it. Your natural defense against free radicals is antioxidants like those found in green tea.

The EGCg found in green tea is a particularly powerful antioxidant when it comes to fighting free radicals. It is 100 times more powerful than Vitamin C, 25 times more powerful than Vitamin E, and twice as powerful as resveratrol, the antioxidant found in red wine.

Green tea is considered effective in preventing and curing from other types of disease too. Rheumatoid arthritis is a common one that green tea fights while it is trying to develop.

Another couple of big killers green tea can help put to rest are high cholesterol levels and cardiovascular disease. Green tea is also helpful in weight loss, although for weight loss oolong tea is more effective.

Diabetes is another disease becoming much more common. Green tea can help stifle the development of diabetes. And Alzheimer's disease is becoming more popular with many people in the West aging. Green tea fights Alzheimer's.

And there is yet another health benefit of green tea that does not involve one of the well-known and deadly diseases but it yet a quite important measure of prevention. Green tea helps fight tooth decay, killing the plaque which is always trying to grow on your teeth.

Just like it kills plaque, green tea kills the bacteria which could lead to food poisoning, protecting you from yet another threat to your health. And green tea is good for the skin, preventing acne as well as improving the appearance of the skin.

When you are sealed you begin to notice the wonders of God's Creation. He gave you green tea to help your body fight against a multitude of diseases. You will begin to notice this and other wonders of His creation when you receive the Seal.

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And now Jason would like to invite you to get your FREE report Are You Making These Mistakes as a Christian? and donate to get the ebook Seal of the Soul Jason Witt

Vitamin D - The Natural Health Optimizer

2007-12-17T06:04:00.000-08:00

Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin that exists in several forms, the most common being calciferol. Vitamin D is found in some foods, but is also produced by the body with help from the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays.

Vitamin D is most necessary to maintain the right level of phosphorus and calcium within the blood. Along with several other minerals, vitamins, and hormones, Vitamin D is needed to form and maintain strong, healthy bones that will not break nor become brittle. Vitamin D deficiencies may result in increased risks of hip and bone fractures, particularly in older women.

Another possible health benefit of Vitamin D being studied and researched through clinical trials is the promotion of a healthier immune system, and cancer prevention. Regarding the latter, there has been some concrete evidence that vitamin D may have the potential to protect the body from certain types of cancers such as colon cancer. However, more research is needed to determine if it is the increase of the vitamin that actually protects the cells from cancer, or whether instead it is a deficiency of Vitamin D that increases one's cancer risk.

In the United States, Vitamin D deficiencies were rampant in the 1930s, prompting the government to implement a fortified milk program. Rickets, which is a weakening and softening of the bones, usually occurs in children suffering from a lack of Vitamin D, but is relatively unheard of in the U.S. since the advent of fortified foods. Osteomalacia is a condition that causes a weakening of the bones without an adequate supply of Vitamin D that affects adults, as well as the potential for osteoporosis.

Sources of Vitamin D

Sunlight: UV rays from the sun cause a process within the skin known as Vitamin D synthesis. The liver and kidneys are also vital to the absorption of Vitamin D as they both work to chemically convert it into its active form, the essential dihydroxyvitamin D.

10 to 15 minutes of daily sunlight exposure is an adequate amount. However, factors such as the time of day and year, clouds, pollution, and sunscreen all affect the absorption of Vitamin D.

Food: Foods that naturally contain Vitamin D include:

- Cod liver oil - Eggs (yolks) - Fatty fish (mackerel, salmon, sardines) - Liver (beef)

Some foods that are fortified with vitamin D include:

- Bread - Breakfast/snack bars - Cereals - Crackers - Ice cream - Margarine - Milk - Pastries - Pudding (made with fortified milk)

Recommended Daily Requirements

The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of Vitamin D will vary depending upon a few factors, such as a person's age, with the number of International Units (IUs) increasing as we grow older. The RDA refers to the amount of vitamins that are needed to meet all of the minimum requirements needed for good health.

Age 19 to 50 : 200 IUs daily Age 51 to 69 : 400 IUs daily Age 70 and over : 600 IUs daily

While getting the right amount of sun exposure and consuming fortified foods are usually enough to maintain a healthy level of Vitamin D, there are some groups of people who may still need a dietary supplement to meet the daily requirements.

Infants who are only fed breast milk may need a daily supplement of fortified formula during the first few months of life. Older adults, people who are homebound, or who have limited exposure to the sun, such as those living in the northern hemisphere, may need a dietary supplement to avoid a Vitamin D deficiency.

With all of the positive health benefits that come from Vitamin D, it is important to make sure we are regularly getting adequate amounts. Fortunately, in addition to the many supplements and numerous sources of fortified foods, getting enough of the "sunshine vitamin" is as easy as stepping outside on a nice, sunny day.

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Colin Albert is the owner of the CalciumShop website. The site provides information about a new product called SolarCal, a natural supplement that includes coral calcium and Vitamin D to aid the body in maintaining optimal health.

Mesothelioma Cancer: The fight against Asbestos

2007-12-17T06:03:00.000-08:00

About 2,000 new cases of Mesothelioma are diagnosed in the United States each year. This numbers of Mesothelioma cases are growing at exponential sizes because of the big Asbestos exposure that the citizens have in our days. Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that is almost always caused by previous exposure to asbestos. With the Mesotheliomas Cases growing exponential the requirements of trustful information are huge.

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that is almost always caused by previous exposure to asbestos. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer (malignancy) that most frequently arises from the cells lining the sacs of the chest (the pleura) or the abdomen (the peritoneum). Mesothelioma that affects the pleura can cause these signs and symptoms:chest wall painpleural effusion, or fluid surrounding the lungshortness of breathfatigue or anemiawheezing, hoarseness, or coughblood in the sputum (fluid) coughed up. Mesothelioma is described as localized if the cancer is found only on the membrane surface where it originated. Mesothelioma development in rats has been demonstrated following intra-pleural inoculation of phosphorylated chrysotile fibres. Mesothelioma occurs more often in men than in women and risk increases with age, but this disease can appear in either men or women at any age. Mesothelioma is not contagious and cannot be passed from one person to another. Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include weight loss and cachexia, abdominal swelling and pain due to ascites (a buildup of fluid in the abdominal cavity). Other symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma may include bowel obstruction, blood clotting abnormalities, anemia, and fever. These symptoms may be caused by mesothelioma or by other, less serious conditions.

Most people with malignant mesothelioma have worked on jobs where they breathed asbestos. Others have been exposed to asbestos in a household environment, often without knowing it. An exposure of as little as one or two months can result in mesothelioma 30 or 40 years later. People exposed in the 1940s, 50s, 60s, and 70s are now being diagnosed with mesothelioma because of the long latency period of asbestos disease. Since epidemiologic studies have shown that more that 80% of mesotheliomas may be associated with asbestos exposure, documented mesothelioma in a worker with occupational exposure to asbestos may be compensable in many parts of America.

Mesotheliomas, both pleural and peritoneal, are also associated with asbestos exposure. In contrast to lung cancers, these tumors don not appear to be associated with smoking. Relatively short-term asbestos exposures of 1to 2 years or less occurring some 20 to 25 years in the past have been associated with the development of mesotheliomas (an observation that emphasizes the importance of obtaining a complete environmental exposure history). Some Mesotheliomas Statistics say's that the risk for this type of tumor peaks 30 to 35 years after initial exposure. Since maximum exposure took place in the United States between 1930 and 1960, peak incidence of disease in men occurred in 1997, with a total of 2300 cases. Incidence is expected to decline over the next 30 years to about 500 cases per year. However with the terrorist attacks of 2001 in New York and Washington, hundreds of people were exposed to asbestos, when the buildings collapsed and the asbestos dust was were expanded in the environment. With this in mind the mesothelioma cases can increase in the next years. The information it's an important active. To be informed about mesothelioma and other cancer related topics could be useful in terms of prevention. Be an active reader, it's a great investment to your health.

The Mesothelioma Review its an informational site about mesothelioma cancer and other health related topics. Get more mesothelioma informationa at http://www.themesotheliomareview.com

Top 7 Tips To Treat And Prevent Cancer Pain

2007-11-22T08:07:00.000-08:00

Treating cancer pain depends on a variety of factors such as the type of cancer you have, the extent of the disease, and your individual tolerance for pain. But while the source of the pain can vary, one thing is for certain. Most of the time, it can be controlled. Cancer pain can stem from physical factors such as a tumor pressing on nerves or bone or from side effects from treatments such as chemotherapy. It may also be aggravated by anxiety or depression. The pain can be chronic or acute. To conquer the pain, here are some tips that you can consider to adopt to manage the pain effectively.

1. Heal Your Veins

To help ease tenderness and swelling caused by repeated injections. Apply aloe vera straight from the plant, if possible to the injection sites. Or make a paste of goldenseal powder and water and pack it onto the affected areas before you go to sleep, leaving it on all night. Both treatments can help soothe the pain.

2. Try Hypnosis

Hypnosis has long been known to control pain. Hypnosis can help you dissociate from the pain. It is like turning down the dial from 10 to 2. You can find a qualified hypnotherapist through the American Society for Clinical Hypnosis.

3. Honor Your Emotions

Anxiety, depression, worry, fear, all of these emotions can influence how much pain affects you. Recognize that these emotions play a role in the perception of pain and, if necessary, ask your doctor to refer you to a psychotherapist or counselor. You may also opt to join a cancer support camp.

4. Learn to Relax

Stress-management techniques such as visualization and meditation may help reduce the sensation of pain. The most basic relaxation technique is to sit quietly and focus on your breathing for 5 to 10 minutes at a time. Or ask your doctor or nurse to recommend a relaxation audiotape.

5. Take A Stroll

Walk regularly, if possible. Even taking a brief walk around your room can improve your circulation and help your body metabolize pain medication, thereby controlling any side effects.

6. Get A Massage

Massage can help reduce emotional stress and thereby lessen your perception of pain. Massage can also relieve tight, tense muscles and help maintain your flexibility and range of motion.

7. Exercise, If You Can

Even gentle exercises can help release endorphins, your body's natural painkillers. Get whatever exercise you can, within reason.

Raymond Lee
http://www.bodyfixes.com

Do you realize you are what you eat?

2007-11-22T08:06:00.000-08:00

Each time you sit down to a meal you are making a life - death decision. Does that sound scary? I hope it does because whatever you are eating determines whether you will be healthy or unhealthy. This has been proven over and over again that you are what you eat. Now granted you may eat some things periodically that are not good for you but it's not wise to continue to do so day after day.

I've heard some of my friend's say. " I eat whatever I want, If I can't eat what I want I just as soon die." Well some of them have died and others have some serious illnesses or diseases. So I believe this is a very foolish thing to say. Why would anyone want to subject their bodies to foods that cause discomfort and health problems?

It's really amazing how many natural things are available to help us be healthy and keep us healthy. Yet this information is not widely known by the general public. Most doctors don't tell you. The drug companies sure won't tell you. You very seldom ever hear it or read it in the press either

I never became as conscious of my health or my wife's health until she was diagnosed with breast cancer about four years ago. Even though we believed we were eating healthy we didn't realize that some foods we were eating were not very healthy to eat. That's when I met a naturopathic doctor and got more advice. I even started doing some research on my own too.

Wow! Did I get a terrific education on health matters. Since then I have kept up my research and education even more intensively now. I learned that food can be your "Miracle Medicine" More than 9,000 scientific studies have proven beyond doubt that food is your best medicine.

I know you have heard the famous saying, "an apple a day keeps the doctor away" I never knew how true this was until I started my research. Apples have been proven to be potent weapons against cancer, heart disease, asthma, and type 2 diabetes.

Strawberries and raspberries contain a compound called ellagic acid. One of the best cancer fighters Mother Nature ever created. When eating these fruits this compound enters the bloodstream to help vanquish cancer cells on contact. By eating a bowl of oatmeal for breakfast or eating pears you can regulate your cholesterol. They can help keep your LDL (bad) cholesterol below 130 and HDL (good) cholesterol above 65.

It's also helpful to consume foods that contain soluble (dissolves in liquids) fiber, such as beans, barley, oats, peas, apples, oranges and pears. Soluble fiber reduces the absorption of cholesterol from the intestines into the bloodstream.

There is virtually a cure or prevention for every disease or illness. So for anyone who has not learned the benefits of healthful eating let me encouraged you to start your own education on the subject today. You can find a lot of good information on the Internet. There are also health newsletters you can subscribe to. And many books on all kinds of health issues are widely available today.

It's sad that most people are not getting honest answers about their health. It's sad people are swallowing large amounts of worthless prescription drugs that are sometimes causing more serious ailments then before they ever started taking them in the first place.

So I guess the only thing to do is to keep preaching good health ideas to people I know and meet. I'll also continue spreading healthy information in my bimonthly newsletter and the articles I write and submit to directories. Hopefully someday if there are enough of us preaching healthy information wherever we can we will eventually convince people that they truly are what they eat.

Sonny Julius
http://www.Sunnyviews.com

Treatment for Lymphoma Cancer

2007-11-06T10:15:00.000-08:00

Source: Free Articles

The PSA Test - How Does It Work

2007-11-04T12:16:00.000-08:00

The purpose of this article is to remove some of the mystery surrounding the PSA test and its use in signaling the potential presence of prostate cancer.

The cells of the prostate gland produce prostate-specific antigen. A rectal exam and a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test will help detect prostate cancer in men age 50 or over. The Federal Drug Administration approved the use of the PSA test to detect prostate cancer and to see if the cancer has recurred. A high PSA level is a sign that cancer is present. There are other reasons for a high PSA level and PSA screening has some limits.

The PSA test measures the level of protein produced by the prostate gland. The doctor will take a blood sample and send it to a laboratory. This test is sometimes called a biological marker for cancer tumors. Men normally have low levels of PSA in their blood. If the rate is high, it could point to prostate cancer but it can mean there are other non-cancer conditions present in the prostate. As men get older, prostate cancer and other prostate problems become more of a problem. Enlarged prostate and prostatitis may raise the PSA levels in the blood. Neither of these problems causes cancer but it is possible for a man with one of these problems to develop prostate cancer.
The PSA level will not tell the doctor if the patient has a benign prostate problem or cancer. The doctor will use the PSA test to decide if there should be a check for other signs of prostate cancer.

The Federal Drug Administration approved the PSA test to be used with a rectal exam to check for any abnormalities in the prostate. The doctor will insert a gloved finger into the rectum to check for lumps or areas that seem abnormal. The PSA test is used with this rectal exam to detect cancer in men, especially those who have no symptoms. The FDA also approved the test for patients who have had prostate cancer to see if the cancer has come back.

The PSA test is highly recommended for men over the age of 50. If the patient has a high risk factor for prostate cancer, the doctor may recommend PSA testing to start at age 45. There are some risk factors a man should look at if a doctor recommends routine screening. Age is the most common risk factor, but if there is a family history of prostate cancer you have a greater chance of having it too. African-American has the largest risk of contacting prostate cancer. Native American and Asian men have the lowest rates of this disease. Some think this might be because a diet that is high in animal fat may increase the chance of getting prostate cancer.

If a man shows a high PSA level in his blood the doctor may look for other causes before doing more screening for prostate cancer. If the patients have no other symptoms, you may be advised to watch for any changes in urination habits and take another PSA test in a few months.

Source: Free Articles

Cancer Awareness Stuffed Animals

2007-11-04T12:15:00.000-08:00

It seems that lately, we all know someone who has suffered from some form of cancer. From breast to colon to lung to stomach, it seems that every day there is someone else we know who has been diagnosed with the disease. While on the outside, our friends, family, and co workers all seem strong, on the inside, they are terrified, not knowing what the future will hold for them. Now, several different companies have come up with items to help them make it through. Cancer awareness stuffed animals have burst onto the scene with huge success, giving those who are diagnosed with the disease something to hug and talk to, when they just don't feel like talking to anyone else. These animals, coupled with cancer awareness wristbands can help even the toughest cancer patient make it through.

Cancer awareness stuffed animals come in about every color that you can think of. From the normal black, brown, and white, to pinks, purples, greens, and blues, you can always find one with a unique message to help uplift someone's spirits. Some of these bears, puppies, kitties, and other animals even have their own clothing lines that all sport wonderful pictures or sayings to help your friend or loved one make it through even the toughest of times. Cancer awareness stuffed animals can be a major helping hand to those in treatment.

Cancer awareness wristbands have been around for a while, and are still a favorite of cancer patients, survivors, and supporters. These wristbands come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. Some cancer awareness wristbands come in cotton, polyester, and rubber, and will fit anyone's wrists. These wristbands are used for workout bands, jewelry, and just plain old fun to wear and support cancer research. You can also find these wristbands in a variety of colors, from pinks and purples to red, white, and blue, you are sure to find one to fit anyone's style and needs.

The great thing about these cancer awareness stuffed animals and wristbands is that most of the proceeds go toward cancer research and other cancer programs to help cancer patients. So, not only are you getting a great gift for yourself or someone you care about, you are also helping the cause so one day there will be a cure. You can order these gifts online or you can find them at most stores throughout the country and across the world.

Source: Free Articles

Risk of Getting Prostate Cancer

2007-11-04T12:05:00.000-08:00

Men have the highest risk of getting prostate cancer but it is not known exactly why. There are quite a few risk factors that contribute to the possibility of acquiring this disease and only a few of them can be changed through good lifestyle choices. Cancer is a deadly disease that affects millions of people each year. So, anything you can do to ensure that you don't get prostate cancer- or any other cancer is helpful.

You cannot help the fact that as you get older, your odds for getting prostate cancer increase. But, you can continue to take great care of yourself so you remain as healthy as possible. Don't stop excising because it could help lessen your odds of getting this disease. Maintaining a healthy weight and exercise routine will make you feel and look great at the very least. So, don't put off this crucial step in keeping your body in tip top shape.

African-American men are much more likely to get prostate cancer than Caucasians. So, if you're African-American, it would be to your advantage to visit your doctor regularly for checkups.

Your diet is something you have complete control over and will aid you in staying healthy and prostate cancer free! You have a much greater chance of getting this cancer if you are always eating red meat and dairy foods that are very high in fat. Try your hardest to cut back on these items and eat as many fruits and vegetables as possible. If you love eating meat, opt for chicken instead of steak. Also, try to start eating fish more and you might even want to look into veggie burgers or veggie protein meats. Keeping your body and mind healthy should be your main priority. If you do this, many benefits will come along with it.

So, start eating right, exercise and hopefully, your chances for getting prostate cancer or any other disease will lower dramatically.

Source: Free Articles

Early Detection Of Any Disease Is The Key So What Are The First Symptoms Of Lung Cancer?

2007-10-31T10:18:00.000-07:00

Source: Free Articles

Why the opposite breast should be evaluated with MRI?

2007-10-31T10:15:00.000-07:00

Breast cancer is a worldwide problem with which causes 502,000 deaths per year worldwide. In the United States breast cancer is the most common form of cancer diagnosed in women. Every year more than 40,000 women in the United States die of breast cancer. It is estimated the a woman living in the United States have one in eight chance of developing breast cancer and one in thirty three chance of dying from the disease.

Incidence of breast cancer shows a dramatically increasing trend since 1970s and this increased incidence is thought to be related to the changes in life style. Compared to 1970s more women are now delaying their first pregnancy and have relatively smaller families. These factors have an effect on the level of hormonal exposure during life time and this is considered to be a major factor in the increasing breast cancer incidence in the western world.

With breast cancer being so much of a prevalent disease everything should be done to prevent the occurrence of the breast cancer and to detect the breast cancer early once it develops.

Mammogram is a technique that is very commonly used to screen women for early detection of breast cancer. Mammogram helps to detect breast cancer at a very early stage when it is more likely to be cured by surgery with or without chemotherapy and radiation therapy. MRI is a better technique to detect breast cancer early and it is proven to be more sensitive and effective in detecting breast cancer early. However this technique is not very widely available and is much more expensive compared to mammogram. Because of this reason MRI is not routinely recommended for the purpose of screening for breast cancer. However MRI is widely used in cases where the women in question are high risk for the development of breast cancer or when the mammogram result is inconclusive.

A recent study that was published in the New England Journal of Medicine has shown that women who are diagnosed with breast cancer on one breast have high risk of having breast cancer on the other breast at the time of diagnosis. This study showed that more than 3% of women who are diagnosed with breast cancer had another cancer in the other breast. These were not detected by mammograms and if mammogram alone was used these 3% of women would not have found out that they have cancer in the other breast. Because of this finding it would be best if every woman with diagnosis of a breast cancer try to obtain an MRI of the opposite breast to evaluate for small breast cancer that may be present in the opposite breast. Mammogram is not enough in this setting.

Source: Free Articles

Cancer Information: Preparing for the Worst

2007-10-31T10:14:00.000-07:00

According to the 2007 report of the World Health Organization, the next thirty years will witness a significant global rise, in the number of deaths due to non-communicable diseases, especially cancer. This prediction is mainly due to the ageing of the population of the world.

However, even without that bit of news, we are aware of cancer being a major killer. But we do know that a cancer, when detected in its earliest stages, is generally curable. Hence, it is advisable to make sure that we are privy to various kinds of cancer information.

To begin with, it helps if you know about the different common types of cancer. Among the most common are bladder cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer, skin cancer, and prostate cancer.

Leukemia is another common type, where the cancer forms in the tissues where blood is formed, such as in the bone marrow. This then leads to the production of a large number of blood cells, and these large numbers of blood cells then enter the blood stream.

If you have a suspicious looking mole, you really should have it checked, as you do not want to risk it's being cancerous. It may be nothing, but you really should not sit on it worrying that it might be melanoma. The word "melanoma" comes from "melanocytes". Melanocytes are the cells in which melanin pigment is formed. Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that begins in these cells.

NHL (Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma) is yet another common form of cancer. This refers to a the growth of a large group of cancers that affect the immunity system. The symptoms of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma are those of fever and weight loss, a sure sign that the immunity system has been affected. This is a cancer that can affect any age group, and its treatment is completely dependent on the stage of detection of the cancer.

Of course, these are only a few of the many kinds of cancers that afflict people all over the world. There are cancers that can be easily treated, and those that cannot. On the Internet, there are various sites that are devoted to providing cancer information. So you have the official sites, websites created by cancer specialists, and sites created and maintained by people who have either battled cancer or know people who have.

So, at least if you are looking for basic information, there are a large number of authoritative websites that provide cancer information. Prepare yourself with all the cancer information that you can, so that you will be better placed to deal with the countless problems that a cancer brings in its wake.

Source: Free Articles

Prevention of Cancer

2007-10-31T10:13:00.000-07:00

If you or someone you know is diagnosed as having cancer it can be traumatic. You want to know how and why this could have happened and if there is
anything you can do to cure the cancer. There is no easy answer to those questions as there are numerous types of cancer and various contributing factors.

At present there are over 200 recognised forms of cancer that affect different regions of the body. It does not necessarily follow that one type of cancer that affects an area of the body will spread to another. The other important point to note is that cancer is caused by a variety of factors and does not usually have any one cause but is often brought about by a combination of them.

There are a number of more common factors that lead to a higher risk of developing cancer and these are age, genetic make up, levels of immunity, diet,
environment and viruses.

Cancer is caused by cells changing over time and therefore the older we are the more susceptible we are to developing the disease.

Our genetic make up can make us predisposed to getting cancer if we were born with cells that are already altered from a normal state which makes them more likely to become cancerous.

Of course our body's immune system helps us to fend off the development of cancerous cells but if its effectiveness has been reduced by certain medical conditions then we are at a higher risk than average of developing cancer.

Our diet has an impact on our likelihood of getting cancer too. It is no coincidence that people who have a higher fat intake are more likely to end up with the disease than those who have a healthy and balanced diet.

We are also exposed to certain risk factors in our daily lives. Being exposed to tobacco smoke for example is believed to significantly increase our chances of having cancer in later life. Radiation exposure is also a hazard that we often ignore.
The increased use of microwave ovens and cell phones are put forward as contributing to the rising number of cancer cases. People living in the vicinity of nuclear power plants have been trying to prove for years that they are at a greater
risk from cancer than those who live elsewhere.

Source: Free Articles

Increased Risk Factors To Developing Prostate Cancer

2007-10-23T10:07:00.000-07:00

Prostate cancer is a disease that affects more than 200,000 men each year in the United States. A detection often occurs at the fairly advanced rather than the early stages. This happens as most men are not aware about what early symptoms to look out for. In some cases, symptoms do not show up until much later. It is therefore important that men who are at higher risk to getting prostate cancer have proper tests done. For most forms of cancer, early treatment can increase survival and recovery rates. Hence, it is possible to treat prostate cancer successfully, if cancer cells can be arrested early enough before spreading to the rest of your body. Age. Age is the biggest risk factor. This disease usually strikes when men hit over fifty years of age. You should therefore go for a regular prostate exam once you hit about 40 years of age. If you are over 40 and never have had your prostate checked, you need to bring it up with your doctor. Family History. If you have a family member who has had prostate cancer, your risk to this form of cancer increases. In fact, your risk rises if the family member with the prostate cancer is your father or grandfather. So, it is important that you let your doctor know about your family history. This may mean that you should do more regular check ups. Race. Studies indicate that racial identity plays a part in increased risk levels to getting prostate cancer. African-Americans appear to be most at risk, according to official statistics. The next group of males is Americans and Europeans. Interestingly enough, Asians from the East and Southeast areas are least likely to get prostate cancer. Diet. More studies are being conducted lately to examine the link between diet and prostate cancer. Although no direct relationship has clearly been established at this point in time, it is true that when you try to eat healthier, your chances for cancer of any type are generally reduced. Even if you have increased risks to getting prostate cancer, this does not necessarily mean that you will definitely develop one. You can mitigate your chances by being healthy through proper diet and regular exercises. Regular exercises also help in ensuring that you are well equipped with a greater ability to fight off diseases, including cancer.

Breast Cancer – Problem Faced by Women

2007-10-23T10:02:00.000-07:00

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

2007-10-23T10:01:00.000-07:00

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.

What are the Prostate Treatments Available?

2007-10-11T09:41:00.002-07:00

The cancer of prostate is about the size of a small walnut shape in men producing a seminal fluid, this fluid carry on nutrients and transport the sperm. Many prostate cancer sufferers is traumatic for every man who have this disease, this is not only the threat to your life but also to his sexual lifestyle.

The consequences involve for those men who have prostate cancers are bladder control problems, erectile dysfunction or impotence is a great matter for every man.

Treatment

There is more treatment options involved for treating prostate cancer. Some of the individuals who have this disease choose a combination of treatments. This is like having combination of radiation paired with hormonal therapy; this seems the best possibility treatment offered.

The treatments is including factors such as how fast the progress in cancer, how much it has spread, the age span, life expectancy and the benefits, as well the side effects in treatment.

The most common treatments for prostate cancer include:

Radiation

You will be receiving a radiation therapy by the methods of external beams or radioactive implants:
External-beam radiation therapy (EBRT). In external beam radiation therapy treatment they use a high-powered X-rays in killing the cancer cells, a machine will be used to deliver the beam rays. The type of radiation is very effective and efficient in destroying the cancerous cell; they might be scarring the adjacent healthy tissues in the body.
Radioactive seed implants. The radioactive seed is implanted in the prostate gland having gained the popularity at recent years as treatment in the cancer of the prostate. These implants are also known as brachytherapy, they are delivering high doses of radiation than with the external beams, and all over this is a substantially longer moment of time.
Hormone therapy

The prostate cancer affects male sex hormones or androgens, thus stimulating the progress or spread, growth of cancer cells. This main type of androgen hormones are testosterone. The hormonal therapy is using drugs in trying to stop your body from building the male sexual hormones, thus involving surgery to remove testicles that produce the most number of your testosterone. These types of hormonal therapy controlling hormones in getting to the cancer cells. Sometimes doctors also use the combination drugs in order to achieve both.

Something Good About Spine Surgery

2007-10-11T09:41:00.001-07:00

Spine Surgery was found a more effective treatment for degenerative spondylolisthesis with spinal stenosis than were non-surgical methods according to an article in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Surgery is commonly used as a treatment for degenerative spondylolisthesis with spinal stenosis. There has been controversy regarding it's effectiveness in comparison with non-surgical methods.

Degenerative spondylolisthesis is a condition in which breakdown of the cartilage between the vertebrae of the spine causes one vertebra to slip over the one below. This can result in narrowing of the spinal column -- spinal stenosis, which places pressure on the nerves, resulting in pain in the buttocks or legs while walking or standing.

This study tracked 370 patients who received a type of surgery known as decompressive laminectomy and 235 who received non-surgical treatments like physical therapy, steroid injections and analgesic medications. These patients were tracked over the course of two years. This trial showed a significant advantage to surgery at 3 months, which decreased only slightly over the course of the two years in terms of mobility and the return of pain.

Low Fat Diet Linked to Reduced Risk of Ovarian Cancer

2007-10-11T09:40:00.001-07:00

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.

Mesothelioma Cancer

2007-09-24T13:26:00.000-07:00

Asbestos is an organic substance. It is made of strong flexible fibres. Asbestos was used during post war building because of it's heat and fire resistant properties. This fact alone made asbestos a cheap favoured material for any product that was required to be fireproof. Thousands of products were manufactured during the 1940's and onwards that contained asbestos while scientists were ignorant of the lung damage that exposure could have on people.

It is often thought that asbestos was used mainly for insulating lofts and for factory buildings to keep the risk of fire damage to a minimum but asbestos was used in more personal items such as race car helmets and it is thought that the film star Steve McQueen died of mesothelioma lung cancer due to his use of racing helmets. In fact, any product that was used in a fire risk nature was probably made partly from asbestos before the deadly nature of the material was fully discovered. It can take 50 years before mesothelioma cancer develops after exposure to asbestos but what makes this cancer different is the fact that is almost entirely attributable to asbestos unlike other forms of cancer that have numerable cause factors and influences. During the 1980's the deadly effect of asbestos was fully understood and this has led to widespread removal of the substance from office buildings, factories, private homes, building materials and products used in fire and safety. But the effect that asbestos had already had on those living and working around it is still presenting itself in litigation cases and injury claims today with no real idea of when this trend will tail off.

The terrorist attacks on New York in 2001 left many people debating the extent of the asbestos inhalation during the immediate aftermath but as for the predicted number of mesothelioma claims which will follow it is anyone's guess. Some are predicting a litigation time bomb but in a country like the US this would seem like a contradiction in terms.

Dr. Nathan Sturley is a British researcher living in Kent, UK. He has written on numerous health issues and is currently writing a new book on compensation culture and the growth of litigation in western countries. To find out more about mesothelioma compensation visit Mesothelioma Lawyers & Attorneys

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

Gastric Cancer On The Decline

2007-09-24T13:25:00.001-07:00

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

Lymph Nodes Cancer

2007-09-24T13:23:00.001-07:00

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

4 False Skin Cancer Myths

2007-09-19T10:55:00.001-07:00

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

Alternative Cancer Prostate Treatment

2007-09-19T10:54:00.001-07:00

cancer is a disease characterized by the uncontrolled growth, called a tumor, of abnormal cells. Prostate cancer is any type of malignant growth in the prostate. The prostate is one of the male sex glands, located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum. The prostate is about the size of a walnut and it surrounds part of the urethra the prostate makes fluid that becomes part of the semen. In the U.S. prostate cancer is the most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer deaths in men. Statistics show that from 1985 to the present, the number of men diagnosed with prostate cancer has tripled, with an estimated 50.000 expected to die from the disease in 1995.
If the cancer is located in the prostate gland and considered slow growing, some doctors may recommend a conservative approach of "watchful waiting." During this time, the patient will receive no treatment, but the doctor will closely monitor the size and growth of the tumor and regularly test for elevated PSA levels. Tumor growth is determined by the Gleason system - the tumor appearance under a microscope distinguishes its grade. The grades of tumors are from 1 to 5. A grade 2 tumor appears as clumped together cancer cells with well-defined edges and is less likely to grow rapidly. A higher-grade tumor is dispersed with uneven edges that are apt to spread rapidly. However, after taking into account the tumor stage, the tumor grade, the man's age and the man's overall health, some doctors would recommend other treatment methods. There are herbal and natural treatment - are used to remove, destroy or control the cancer cells in a specific area.

Holistic Health Care Society & Research Center an herbal compound for the treatment of advanced prostate cancer 96. An olive oil based herbal extract preparation called Zyflamend suppresses the growth of prostate cancer cells and induces Bemis and colleagues observed that treatment of prostate cancer cells You are here: Herbal Treatment for Cancer: Prostate Cancer Herbal cleanse Support Mix Alternative Cancer Treatment Guide Herbal and vitamin therapy for cancer including agaricus blazei immune Research has found that higher calorie consumption can double men's risk of prostate cancer. About acupuncture and Holistic Health Care Society & Research Center. Located in U.S Public health and prevention perspectives along with general information are provided by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Of 6 men with advanced metastatic prostate cancer the herbal SPES a dietary supplement for the treatment of hormone refractory prostate cancer with the use of cancer herbal prostate treatment and now the all-new cancer natural prostate treatment we can natural prostate treatment. But virus the alternative prostate treatment is also part of cancer prostate cancer cure for prostate cancer.

Some of the benefits of using herbal prostate treatment: prostate cancer prevention anti inflammatory of the prostate anti bacterial prostate health maintenance urinary system maintenance supports Prostate Cancer Herbal Treatment from dr. jhonson Herbal Treatments New York US & International. An herbal treatment for prostate cancer. Help keep your prostate kidney and bladder healthy a carefully blended herbal Prostate Cancer Treatment Prostate Cancer

Prostrate Cancer alternative Medicine and Natural Treatment an alternative Prostate Treatment that works and the Natural Herbs Prostate Formula for Prostate Cancer a General information resource from the Holistic Health Care Society & Research Center, which discusses such topics as diagnosis staging treatment and remission. Prostate Cancer Treatment and Healing explains your options for treating and healing prostate cancer a cancer specialist who is consulted in one's own community will have a natural Natural Progression Prostate cancer tends to be a slowly progressive cancer. Absolute In this study of patients diagnosed with prostate cancer in Connecticut who did not have initial treatment the Spicy Spin on Treating Prostate Cancer A natural chemical in hot peppers called capsaicin may Treatment Delay OK for Prostate Cancer Men with low risk prostate cancer can safely wait up to six months Because of the variation in biologic behavior and the natural history of prostate cancer observation may be the best treatment option for certain patients with prostate cancer. It is also important to understand the natural history of the Prostate cancer Options in treatment.

Drrao

Green Tea And A Healthy Cancer Prevention Diet

2007-09-19T10:52:00.000-07:00

Tea is the world's most popular beverage after water and is made from the young leaves of the Camellia sinensis bush which is a shrub native to Asia. Research has shown that a number of readily available foods such as green tea, actually appear to have a major impact on cancer prevention. These cancer fighting foods seem to have the ability to interfere with the development of cancerous tumors. Cancer fighting foods all contain large amounts of certain phytochemicals. Phytochemicals were developed by nature to protect plants against damage caused by insects, disease and environmental stress. These phytochemical molecules are the ones that give fruits and vegetables healthy foods.

The tea leaf contains large quantities of phytochemical polyphenols called flavonols, commonly known as catchetins. Although green tea and black tea start out from the same plant leaf, their chemical composition is different because of the way they are processed. Apart from an initial brief steam roasting to stop fermentation, the production of green tea is largely a manual process. Japanese green teas contain more catchetins than Chinese green teas. On the other hand black teas are allowed to go through a fermentation process before they are roasted. This process destroys most of the cancer fighting flavonols. Some black teas like Darjeeling still contain significant quantities of catchetins. Oolong tea is only partially fermented and retains cancer fighting properties somewhere between green tea and black tea.

Green tea has been thought for years to help lower cholesterol and blood pressure as well as improve digestion and help protect against ulcers. It has been promoted as an herb that can prevent certain bacterial infections. Green tea is widely consumed in Japan, China, and other Asian nations and is becoming more popular in Western nations. Some reports indicate green tea may have the ability to help prevent many types of cancers. However results of studies on human populations are still preliminary. On the other hand, studies on mice have shown that the catchetins in green tea give mice protection against all stages of cancer development. These catchetins may cause cancer cells to die just like normal cells and in a process called angiogenesis - it may also stop new blood vessels from forming to supply the tumor.

The amount of green tea needed to achieve beneficial effects is unknown. Asians usually drink at least 3 cups per day using 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried leaves steeped in a cup of boiling water. Tea should be steeped longer than 7 or 8 minutes to extract the maximum amount of catchetins. Green tea is generally considered safe as large numbers of people have consumed this tea for thousands of years with few dangerous side effects. However drinking large amounts of tea may cause problems because of the caffeine content which can cause nausea, sleeping problems and frequent urination. Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding should not drink green tea in large amounts as caffeine can cross the placenta and also be passed along in breast milk.

Eating a healthy balanced diet can provide our bodies with tens of thousands of different phytochemicals. Much of the available research on cancer prevention foods still comes from laboratory cell studies, animal studies and epidemiologic observational studies comparing populations. Clinical trials on humans are being conducted but it takes many years for results to be validated. Not all fruits, vegetables and other plant products provide the best anti-cancer phytochemicals. The ten best groups of anti-cancer foods are discussed in our website http://www.benefits-of-antioxidants.com . They include: berries and citrus fruits, cruciferous vegetables, garlic and onions, green tea, omega-3 essential fatty acids, olive oil, tomatoes, soy products, red wine and dark chocolate.

Mark Ransome their brilliant colors, provide the smell to garlic and the astringent taste to tea. It is very likely that these phytochemicals, not the vitamins and minerals, that are the source of the cancer prevention capabilities of these

Lowering Risk of Breast Cancer

2007-09-13T12:28:00.000-07:00

Brest cancer is the most common cancer among women.
Usually, the body creates healthy, normal cells, but if a cell changes into an abnormal, harmful form, it can divide quickly and making many copies of itsel, a tumor, abnormal body cells form a lump.
If you are a woman and live an otherwise full and healthy life, there is about a 15% chance you’ll develop breast cancer by the age of 90. That may not sound like a lot, but as far as cancer risks go that’s one of the highest out there. The best thing you can do to lower that risk is to frequently go in for a breast cancer test.

Risk factors to get breast cancer: genetic makeup or internal environments, hormones, illnesses, and feelings and thoughts. The external the food, water, air, smoking, and medicines, home, workplace.

The 15% likelihood of developing breast cancer is slightly skewed in that you are actually much more likely to get it if there is a history of such cancer in your family, and significantly less likely to develop it if there isn’t. This is good news if you don’t have any one in your immediate family that had breast cancer, but unfortunately many families do have such a history. With or without a family history, you still need to stay vigilant and go in for breast cancer tests regularly.

Regular mammograms with self-exams are the best ways for women to protect themselves.
The breast cancer test I’m referring to is of course your basic mammogram. Unpleasant, uncomfortable, and only a few steps away from medieval torture, it is the most effective affordable breast cancer test available. Waiting for symptoms to develop before getting treatment is a bad idea, as symptoms don’t usually become clear until the cancer is already in its later stages of growth. In these later stages, it is harder to treat, and it is much more likely to have spread throughout the body. So mammograms may be unpleasant, but terminal cancer is definitely worse.

It’s also important to develop some breast cancer tests of your own, that you can do on a regular basis in between mammograms. As soon as you hit puberty, it’s a good idea to conduct self breast cancer tests as this begins the period where your chances of getting breast cancer begin. Most cases of breast cancer are in women over 40, but there are a number of cases found in girls as young as early teens every year. Also, most people don’t realize that breast cancer can also occur in men! While it’s limited to about one percent of the total cases, there are still more men than you’d think that are diagnosed with breast cancer each year.

Since your chances for survival are so much better if breast cancer is found early, keep up with the breast cancer tests! Don’t panic if you find a lump; most of the time it is something benign, and lumps are often common in women undergoing hormonal shifts.
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Prostate Cancer Symptoms - Benefits of Early Diagnosis

2007-09-13T12:27:00.002-07:00

Cancer of the prostate is typically a slow progressing cancer and symptoms often do not arise for many years. If the cancer is caught at an early stage, there might be no noticeable symptoms. Some men, however, will experience symptoms that could indicate the presence of prostate cancer. These might include:

• A need for frequent urination, particularly at night • Difficulty starting urination • Weak or interrupted urine flow • Pain or a burning sensation during urination • Difficulty in obtaining an erection • Pain during ejaculation • Blood in the urine or in semen • Recurring pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips, or upper thighs

Sometimes the first symptoms will be lower back, hip or pelvic pain caused by cancer which has already spread.

It is important to be aware that the symptoms of both benign enlargement of the prostate gland (i.e. non-cancerous) and malignant tumours (cancer) are similar and might include any of the following symptoms:

• Difficulty starting urination • Frequent urination, particularly at night • Pain during urination • Blood in the urine

Also, men over 50 years of age often have an enlarged prostate gland due to the non-cancerous condition of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or hypertrophy.

Therefore if you notice any of the above symptoms it is important that you see your doctor and have them investigated. But note that most enlargements of the prostate are not due to cancer and can regularly be dealt with quite effectively.

EARLY DIAGNOSIS OF PROSTATE CANCER

Prostate cancer can often be discovered at an early stage by testing the amount of prostate specific antigen (PSA) in the blood. Prostate cancer can also be detected early by your doctor performing a digital rectal examination (DRE). Since the prostate gland is situated close to the rectum, a doctor can physically detect if there are any cancerous signs in your prostate.

Unfortunately the PSA and DRE tests are not totally accurate and conclusive. This can lead to anxiety and confusion, or even to a false sense of security. So important things to consider are your age, your general health and your lifestyle. If you are young and develop prostate cancer, if not caught early enough, it could shorten your life. If however you are older or in poor health, then prostate cancer might never become a serious problem due to its slow-growing nature.

The American Cancer Society recommends that men commence having the prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test and digital rectal examination (DRE) annually from the age of 50. Those at higher risk, such as African Americans and those with close relatives who developed prostate cancer at an early age are recommended to commence testing at 45.

The prognosis for prostate cancer sufferers has improved dramatically in recent years. In the past twenty years the overall survival rate for all stages of prostate cancer has increased from 67% to 97%. Thus more men are living significantly longer after diagnosis. In all likelihood this is due to early detection programs, increased public awareness, particularly of prostate cancer symptoms, and the adoption of healthier lifestyles.

Dr Tavares is a medical consultant with experience in traditional and complementary medicine. Her writing about prostate cancer symptoms can be found at Prostate Cancer Answers.

Lung Cancer - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

2007-09-13T12:27:00.001-07:00

Lung cancer is the malignant transformation and expansion of lung tissue, and is the most lethal of all cancers worldwide, responsible for 1.2 million deaths annually. It is a leading cause of cancer death in men and women in the United States. Cigarette smoking causes most lung cancers. The more cigarettes you smoke per day and the earlier you started smoking, the greater your risk of lung cancer. High levels of pollution, radiation and asbestos exposure may also increase risk. There are many types of lung cancer. Each type of lung cancer grows and spreads in different ways and is treated differently. Treatment also depends on the stage, or how advanced it is. Treatment may include chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. Lung cancer that originates in the cells of the lungs is called primary lung cancer; however, cancer may also spread to the lung from other parts of the body. Metastatic cancers spread to the lungs most commonly from the breast, colon, prostate, kidney, thyroid gland, stomach, cervix, rectum, testis, bone, and skin (melanoma). More than 90% of primary lung cancers start in the bronchi such lung cancer is called bronchogenic carcinoma. The specific types of lung cancer are small cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, large cell carcinoma, and adenocarcinoma. The last three types of lung cancer are often referred to as nonsmall cell lung cancers. Alveolar cell carcinoma originates in the small air sacs of the lung (alveoli). Although alveolar cell carcinoma can occur at a single site, it often develops simultaneously in more than one area of the lung. Less common lung tumors are bronchial carcinoid (which may be cancerous or noncancerous), chondromatous hamartoma and sarcoma. Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system; it may start in the lungs or spread to them.

Lung cancer is the rapid growth of abnormal cells in the lung. It can start anywhere in the lungs and affect any part of the respiratory system . When we breathe in, the lungs take in oxygen, which our cells need to live and carry out their normal functions. When we breathe out, the lungs get rid of carbon dioxide, which is a waste product of the body's cells. Cancers that begin in the lungs are divided into two major types, non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer, depending on how the cells look under a microscope.

Causes of Lung Cancer

1. Breast cancer

2. Colon cancer

3. Rectal cancer

4. Stomach cancer

Symptoms of Lung Cancer

1. Shortness of breath, wheezing, or hoarseness.

2. Difficulty swallowing.

3. Fatigue.

4. Loss of appetite or weight loss.

5. Constant chest pain.

6. Breathlessness.

Treatment of Lung Cancer

1. Chemotherapy

2. Radiation therapy

3. Surgery

Juliet Cohen writes articles for [cancer treatment] (link: http://www.health-doctor.org/).

Sugar Feeds Cancer?

2007-09-10T15:51:00.000-07:00

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

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

Colon Cancer and Nutrition

2007-09-10T15:50:00.000-07:00

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.

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

What are the Four Stages of Mesothelioma Cancer?

2007-08-24T17:23:00.000-07:00

One rare form of cancer is called Mesothelioma, a malignant tumor in the mesothelial tissues of the lungs and the abdomen, arising from the inhalation of asbestos. Its rarity is one of the reasons why a lot of people are not aware of this kind of fatal disease. In fact, many people die of Mesothelioma undiagnosed. Although there is now a growing awareness of the hazards of asbestos to health, still many have not heard of Mesothelioma and thus, have not understood its nature, cause, signs and treatment. Even some physicians find it hard to detect Mesothelioma because its symptoms are akin to other diseases like lung cancer and pneumonia. Furthermore, it takes decades for a patient who was exposed to asbestos to develop Mesothelioma — fifty years, at most.

Being unaware of Mesothelioma poses higher risks since it deters diagnosis and treatment. A person undergoing treatment must know the different stages of the cancer or the extent of the disease. Chances of recovering from Mesothelioma and the kind of treatment depend on the stage of the illness. There are basically two staging systems used for Pleural Mesothelioma (lungs): TNM system and Brighan system. These staging systems are also used in other kinds of cancers; however, the first is commonly used. There is no established method in determining the stage of the Peritoneal Mesothelioma cancer (abdominal) so the TNM system is used.

There are three variables in the TNM system: tumor, lymph nodes and metastasis. In the earliest stage of Mesothelioma, stage I, the malignant Mesothelioma cells start to grow and multiply only one layer of the pleura. The pleura is the membrane that encloses the lungs and lines the wall of the chest cavity. However, there are some instances wherein the pericardium (membrane that covers the heart) and diaphragm cover are already affected. In this case, the cancer patient is still in stage I Mesothelioma.

In the second stage, the two layers of the pleura are already affected by Mesothelioma. Take note, however, that in this stage, only one side of the body is affected. Normally, the pleura produces only small amount of lubricating fluid that allows easy expanding and contracting of the lungs. The excess fluid is absorbed by the blood and the lymph vessels so there’s a balance between the amount of fluid produced and removed. During the second stage Mesothelioma, fluid starts to build up between the membrane of the lungs and the membrane of the chest wall, resulting to pleural effusion. The increase in the volume of fluid produced causes shortness of breath and chest pain. Other Mesothelioma cancer patients experience dry and persistent cough. Diagnosis of the pleural effusion is achieved through a chest x-ray.

Stage III Mesothelioma means that the malignant cells have already spread to the chest wall, esophagus and the lymph nodes on one part of the chest. The patient may suffer severe pain near the parts affected. When not treated immediately or when the Mesothelioma patient doesn’t respond well to medication, the cancer may advance to the fourth stage. The fourth stage Mesothelioma is formidable since at this stage the Mesothelioma cells have penetrated into the bloodstream and other organs in the body like the liver, the bones and the brain. The lymph nodes on the other side of the chest may also be affected by Mesothelioma in stage IV.

Brighan staging system, on the other hand, determines whether the Mesothelioma can be surgically removed or not and whether the lymph nodes are affected or not. In stage I Mesothelioma, the lymph nodes are not yet affected and the patient can still recover through surgery. In stage II, surgery can still be executed but some lymph nodes have already been infiltrated by the cancer cells. In stage III, the heart and chest wall are already affected; thus, surgery is no longer advisable. The lymph nodes in this stage, however, may or may not be affected. In the final stage, stage IV Mesothelioma, cancer cells have already gone to the bloodstream and other parts of the body like the heart, brain, bone and liver. In most cases, a patient who has reached stage IV Mesothelioma only has four to twenty-four months to live.

Smith & Chen

Adopt A Vegetarian Detox Diet For Cancer Prevention

2007-08-24T17:22:00.000-07:00

Cancer is a stealthy and dangerous disease that is not well understood. There have been links made between cancer and high risk behaviors, but there is no clear recipe for either the development of or the avoidance of cancer. Many naturopathic doctors, however, say that cancer prevention is possible when you adopt a detox diet.

A detox diet can help you to cleanse and remove toxins from your body. Naturopathic doctors suggests that cancer is likely to result when you have too much toxins in your body. A detox diet is primarily vegetarian. Vegetarian foods are biochemically more acceptable to your body as compared to junk food like potato chips and diet pepsi. They are fiber rich and are better able to help you cleanse waste products much better.

A vegetarian detox diet can help you with lowered risks when it comes to cancer. Whether you are looking out for your future and you have never had cancer or you are recovering from cancer, getting into a vegetarian diet may be a good consideration.

The Meat Association
Meat has been linked with the risk for developing cancer. Red meat is especially notorious for being listed among the offenders. While no one is certain why the meat is linked to cancer, there are a few theories.

When red meat is grilled or broiled , it is blackened on the outside. Charcoal is also suspected to be a carcinogen. When you eat the blackened surface of your hamburger or steak, you are actually eating charcoal.

Another theory is that the animals reared nowadays for human consumptoms are often fed with hormones to hasten growth. It could be that those hormones continue to work after the cow is dead. Instead of stimulating healthy muscle growth though, they start to affect healthy cells negatively. Chickens and pigs are also similary fed hormones nowadays. Hence, consider switching or eating more vegetarian foods for cancer prevention.

Health Benetifs Of Antioxidants
Antioxidants are chemical compounds found in many of the plant foods that you eat. They work together with your natural defenses to combat disease. They are especially useful when it comes to promoting healthy tissue growth rather than cancerous tissue growth.

Spinach as well as blueberries, apples and several other plant foods are rich in antioxidants. The great news is that these foods are highly nutritious and are also very flavorful.

Cleansing Foods
To improve your health and for cancer prevention, select a plan that emphasizes on foods that can help you to remove bowels easily and on an everyday basis. A vegetarain detox diet ought to fit the bill!

Sandra Kim Leong

Should We Treat Cancer or Prevent Cancer?

2007-08-24T17:20:00.000-07:00

Cancer is one of the biggest killers around the world. In America alone, 25% of all deaths are related to cancer.

Many people think of cancer as a single problem but in fact, it is a number of problems spread throughout the body. Generally speaking, if cancer is caught in the early stages of development, it can be treated and cured.

Although there are several different types of cancer, the most common ones are Lung, Prostate, Breast, Testicular, Skin and Colon cancers.

Genes control the multiplication and growth of cells. If these genes are defective in the first place, then the cells will not be able to grow or divide properly. As a result of this abnormality, cancerous cells are born.

There are a number of factors which cause cancer. Factors which are controllable by humans are smoking, toxic elements and radiation. These can be controlled to some degree and therefore it would be wise to avoid them by changing lifestyle habits. However, there are certain elements which are outside our control.
These include mutation and inherited DNA.

As a result of studies conducted by the American Cancer Society, more than 180,000 people have died as a direct result of smoking. Another 200,000 people have died due to lack of changing lifestyle habits. Obesity, laziness and malnutrition can have an effect on the growth of cancer. Needless to say, cancer has risen by more than 50% since 1995.

Let's take a look at some of these cancer causes in more detail.

Smoking: The most prevalent and easily avoidable type of cancer is the one caused by the use of tobacco. This includes the use of cigarettes, cigars and pipes. Even though smokers are addicted to nicotine, the fact that 200,000 people die every year due to smoking caused cancer should be enough motivation to quit. Some experts say that cessation of smoking can increase lifespan by up to 20 years.

Although nothing has been proven, studies indicate that stress may also be a contributing factor to cancer. Many cancer patients are also employed in stressful jobs. Some theologians believe that stress lowers the bodies immunity to cancer.

Exercise and Healthy Eating: Healthy eating and exercise is universally known to be beneficial in many aspects. But, many people don't know that food full of nutrition can reduce the risk of cancer. Specific foods such as fruit and veg can help prevent cancer whilst fatty foods such as meat can increase the likelihood of cancer.

Skin cancer can easily be avoided by simply listening to good advice. Wear sunglasses, hats, sun cream and other sensible items of clothing to avoid the onset of this type of cancer. Although this may seem like common sense, more than one million people have been diagnosed with skin cancer in a single year.

In summary, some cancers can be avoided. New research and studies are being conducted all the time. So, rather than concentrating on how to treat cancer patients, maybe we should all be looking for more ways to prevent the cancer in the first place.

Amin Sadak

Can Caffeine Cut Your Risk of Skin Cancer?

2007-08-24T17:18:00.000-07:00

A recent study into the effects of caffeine seems to indicate that the risk of some skin cancers can be reduced by consuming moderate amounts of caffeine. The mechanism or trigger appears to involve skin cells that are in a precancerous stage due in part to overexposure to ultraviolet radiation. Ultraviolet radiation or UV rays are a product of the sun and the specific UV rays referred to in the study were UVB rays which oscillate at a slightly slower rate than UVA rays. Both types of ultraviolet radiation make up ninety percent of the UV rays that strike the earth surface.

Tanning is big business with billions of dollars spent worldwide on indoor tanning sessions, lotions, self-tanning sprays and the like. In spite of recent warnings about spending too much time in the sun, there still seems to be a very strong societal connection between having a tan and maintaining the appearance of health and youth. It is almost as though we can not help ourselves and let us be honest, the warmth of the sun just feels good, especially for those of us who live in less temperate climates and spend the long months of winter yearning for the warmth of the summer sun. So the continued study of how best to deal with the potential for increased risk for developing skin cancer has taken on new urgency.

The study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences cited research conducted on mice that had been exposed to UVB and as a result sustained levels of cellular damage in the skin that destroyed or severely damaged the cells DNA. A total of groups of mice were studied with one group of mice receiving a measured dose of caffeine equal to two or three cups of coffee for humans. Another group of mice was dosed with caffeine and made to exercise on a running wheel. A third group of mice just used the running wheel and still a fourth group or control group was given neither exercise nor caffeine.

The researchers stressed that the conclusions were certainly reason for further study. The experiment seemed to indicate a correlation between ingesting caffeine combined with exercise and a reduction in the number of precancerous skin cells. There was said to be a reduction in the number of precancerous cells in the groups that just exercised or were just dosed on caffeine. The study claimed that a significant reduction was seen in the group of mice that were dosed with caffeine and exercised by a factor of four times. The mechanism is said to replicate the process of apoptosis described as the process of damaged cells self-destructing. This self-destruct mode may be act as a natural defense against disease.

The results of the study are said to be very preliminary and should not induce a mass movement to the nearest coffee shop for a few cups of coffee and then a quick trip to the gym. Though not a guarentee against the development of skin cancers or other UV related skin disorders, there are some common sense steps we can all take to protect our skin. Try to avoid overexposure to the sun especially during the hottest times of the day and use a good quality sunscreen with a high SPF rating. Wearing a broad brimmed hat can shield the face and UV rated sunglasses can help to protect the eyes.

Mitch Endick

Should We Treat Cancer or Prevent Cancer?

2007-08-08T04:54:00.000-07:00