Health Article Center |
- Most cancers are caused by what’s in your food and environment
- Life, and insurance, after breast cancer
- Breast Cancer
- Cervical Cancer Surgery | We Care India
- Colon Cancer Treatment In India At Affordable Cost
Most cancers are caused by what’s in your food and environment Posted: 01 Mar 2011 04:21 PM PST
Cancer can be defeated” This phrase has served as a rallying cry for sick cancer patients for decades, but a growing number of scientific research henceforth come to the conclusion that the most effective weapon against this disease remains prevention. “We know that the epidemic of cancer today is due to many carcinogenic substances in the air, water and food,” said Liz Armstrong who co-authored the book Cancer: 101 Solutions to Preventable Epidemic. Most products we use daily, whether at home, at school or at work, contain many carcinogenic substances. Some pesticides, for example, have mostly been associated with lymphoma, leukemia as well as cancers of the prostate, lung, breast and ovaries cancers. When polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, found in both the exhaust from trucks and cars and second hand smoke from cigarettes, they are associated with lung cancers, skin cancers, bladder cancers and kidney cancers. In addition, a causal link was established between formaldehyde (a substance commonly used in furniture manufacturing chipboard) and cancer of the lymphatic system and brain tumors. In identifying and eliminating carcinogenic agents present in the environment, we contribute to the prevention of this devastating disease. Half of the cancers can be prevented In its annual report titled General Statistics for cancer in 2010 and made public last month, the Canadian Association of Cancer says that “at least 50 percent of cancers can be prevented through a healthy lifestyle and policies to promote a healthy environment. Same stories from our southern neighbors, who wrote in their annual report of the National Cancer Institute’s President’s Cancer Panel, published last May. ” According to our researches, at least one half of all new cancer cases and all deaths caused by this disease at a global scale could be avoided. In addition to our right of access to information and our duty of inquiry, we also have an obligation to act,” said the cancer survivor and research scientist and author of Living Downstream,Sandra Steingraber. After her, the key to cancer prevention is based on the abolition of all known carcinogenic agents. “Actually, the public history of cancer is very encouraging. It tells us that the environment plays a role much greater than we thought. Each person represents a given point and our goal is to succeed in finding a solution to the problem. “ Rare genetic causes Carcinogenic agents cause mutations in certain genes, which ultimately lead to cancer, it is estimated that approximately two thirds of all cancers are caused by the presence of these substances in the environment and they could be completely eradicated. I would have become very depressed if science had proved that our genes were to blame, “says Steingraber, but in reality, only 5 percent of all cancers are caused by our genetic factors. We can not change the past, but we can ensure that our systems and agricultural industries no longer depend on all sorts of toxic products. We can prevent cancer by protecting people against the causes of the disease. Products associated with various types of cancer 1,3-Butadiene May cause cancer of the lymphatic system. Source: Production of synthetic materials and rubber. Trichloroethylene May cause leukemia and cancer of the kidney or liver. Sources: Dry Cleaning, Production of textiles, steam cleaning of metals. Pesticides Can cause soft tissue sarcoma, malignant lymphoma, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, also leukemia, prostate cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer and ovarian cancer. chromium May cause cancer of the lung, pancreas, kidney, prostate and breast. Source: electroplating, leather tanning, textiles protection. Cadmium Causes cancer of the lung, pancreas, kidney, prostate and breast. Sources: Coal, power plants, incineration, production of plastic materials. Asbestos May cause mesothelioma Source: Isolation coverage, cement, jacket fireproof linings. Trichlorethylene May cause cancer of the cervix uterus, kidney and liver, Hodgkin’s disease and multiple myeloma. Sources: Degreasers, adhesive products, paints, coatings. Benzene Can cause a severe form of myeloid leukemia. Sources: Emission of carbon dioxide, water purifying plants, smoking. Polycyclic aromatic compounds Can cause cancer of the lung, skin, of the bladder, kidney and larynx. Source: Heating, carbon dioxide, second hand smoke. Formaldehyde Can cause leukemia, lymphatic cancer, and brain tumors. Sources: Construction material (wood agglomerate), second hand smoke, combustion appliances. Dioxins and furans Can cause lung cancer, soft tissue sarcoma, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Sources: waste incinerators, steel mills, diesel, wood fireplace, power plants. Prevention measures 1. Filter your tap. 2. Store your water in steel containers. (this will reduce exposure to contaminants and the production of plastic materials) 3. If you use a microwave oven, heat your food in a ceramic container rather than a plastic container. 4. Avoid using pesticides. 5. Eat organic food. (No pesticides, fertilizers or growth hormones) 6. Reduce your consumption of red meat and avoid processed meats. 7. Throw away expired medicines, store your paints and Household products in a suitable location. 8. Buy No toxic products. 9. Watch out for high emissions of radon inside your home. 10 Avoid second hand smoke. |
Life, and insurance, after breast cancer Posted: 01 Mar 2011 03:48 PM PST Breast cancer strikes fear in women’s hearts. It is the leading cause of cancer in women, with 207,090 women expected to be diagnosed with the disease this year alone, and is expected to claim the lives of more than 40,000 women in 2010, according to the American Cancer Society. Many of its victims are scarred by the trauma of going through treatments and possibly losing part of their womanhood. But there is cause for hope. The likelihood of surviving the disease and subsequently getting life insurance has improved over the last several years. As a result of earlier detection, improved treatment and decreased incidence, death rates from breast cancer have been steadily decreasing since 1999, according to Cancer Facts & Figures 2010—Atlanta: American Cancer Society report. Survivors can obtain life insurance after they’ve been successfully treated for the disease. How long after depends on a number of factors including the stage or severity of the cancer, whether it spread to other organs and if it is a repeat cancer, says Anna Hart, principal and consulting underwriter with ARH Consulting in Eastland, Tex. Treatment and follow-up is key “Those with small, early stage, good risk breast cancer can get life insurance as soon as they have completed treatment and had a follow-up visit. For a later stage breast cancer, the postpone period may be 2-5 years. For more advanced breast cancer and recurrent breast cancer, the postpone period may be 5-10 years,” says Dr. Ann Hoven, chief medical director of The Hartford’s Individual Life Division. She says insurance companies don’t look at the type of treatment used to cure the cancer—mastectomy versus chemotherapy—but at its overall success. Life insurance companies base their charges on several rating categories, with preferred plus being the best and cheapest and substandard the lowest and most expensive. Hart says most survivors would be offered standard rates. Some companies will offer preferred rates for Stage 1 cancer and after a minimum of 10 years without reoccurrence, she says. She says those with recurring cancer are generally uninsurable. Those with cancer in both breasts have a higher risk and therefore, a higher rating, than those with cancer in just one breast, Hoven adds. Hart says family history is considered as a screen for preferred exclusion, but not for possible denial. Hart says both men and women breast cancer survivors receive the same rates. Survivors could be eligible for both term and whole life insurance. If you’ve been denied life insurance in the past, Hart and Hoven recommend you try again, provided your treatments are completed and you’ve undergone the wait period. Hoven urges women to get annual mammograms and screenings for other cancers, following a healthy diet and exercise routine and taking care of other health issues like high blood pressure to improve your chances of getting life insurance. If you’re still undergoing treatment, Hoven says The Hartford can often offer a joint life policy if your spouse/partner is in good health. Debunking breast cancer myths
Using antiperspirants and shaving your underarms increase a person’s risk of developing breast cancer. The American Cancer Society, National Cancer Institute and U.S. Food and Drug Administration agree there is no good scientific evidence to support this claim. The ACS says an epidemiologic study of this issue published in 2002 found no link between breast cancer risk and antiperspirant or deodorant use. Another study published in 2003 reported younger women who were diagnosed with breast cancer said they used antiperspirants and started shaving their underarms earlier and more often than women who were diagnosed when they were older. But this study did not include a control group of women without breast cancer and has been criticized by experts, the ACS reports. Wearing a bra for a whole day compresses the lymphatic system of the breast, resulting in accumulation of toxins that cause breast cancer. The ACS says there are no scientifically valid studies that show wearing bras of any type causes breast cancer. The claim making its way through e-mails appears to be based on the writings of a husband and wife team of medical anthropologists who link breast cancer to wearing a bra. However, their study was not conducted according to standard principles of epidemiological research and did not take into consideration other variables, including known risk factors for breast cancer, the ACS notes. Paget’s disease, which looks like a rash around the nipple, is a rare form of breast cancer that can be misdiagnosed as a dermatological condition. This e-mail myth is actually a very plausible description of a case of this rare disease, says the ACS’s medical editor, Ted Gansler. “I do not doubt that some cases of Paget’s disease might be initially overlooked and attributed to a benign skin condition,” Gansler states. Paget’s disease starts in the breast ducts and spreads to the skin of the nipple and then to the areola, the dark circle around the nipple. Paget’s disease accounts for only 1 percent of all cases of breast cancer. The skin of the nipple and areola often appears crusted, scaly, and red, with areas of bleeding or oozing. The woman may notice burning or itching. See a doctor if any change occurs, such as development of a lump or swelling in the breast or underarm area, skin irritation or dimpling, nipple pain or retraction (turning inward), redness or scaliness of the nipple or breast skin, or a discharge other than breast milk, the ACS recommends. Power lines, microwave ovens and TV could cause breast cancer. There have been several studies over the past 15 years evaluating children’s and adults’ residential exposure to electro-magnetic fields in relation to breast cancer, brain cancer and leukemia, most of which have been inconclusive, the National Cancer Institute says. Still, the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences recommends increasing the space between devices that emit EMFs, including TVs, microwaves and electric blankets, and yourself and discouraging children from playing near power lines. EMFs are emitted from devices that produce, transmit or use electric power. You can only inherit breast cancer from your mother’s side of the family. Not true, says the NCI. Genes related to breast cancer can be inherited from your father’s side, too. |
Posted: 01 Mar 2011 02:49 PM PST http://bilalhealthclinic.com/breastcancer.html
Breast cancer is a cancer that starts in the breast, usually in the inner lining of the milk ducts or lobules. There are different types of breast cancer, with different stages (spread), aggressiveness, and genetic makeup. With best treatment, 10-year disease-free survival varies from 98% to 10%. Treatment includes surgery, drugs (hormone therapy and chemotherapy), and radiation.
Breast cancer is usually, but not always, primarily classified by its histological appearance. Rare variants are defined on the basis of physical exam findings. For example, inflammatory breast cancer (IBC), a form of ductal carcinoma or malignant cancer in the ducts, is distinguished from other carcinomas by the inflamed appearance of the affected breast.In the future, some pathologic classifications may be changed.
The first symptom, or subjective sign, of breast cancer is typically a lump that feels different from the rest of the breast tissue. According to the The Merck Manual, more than 80% of breast cancer cases are discovered when the woman feels a lump. According to the American Cancer Society, the first medical sign, or objective indication of breast cancer as detected by a physician, is discovered by mammogram. Lumps found in lymph nodes located in the armpits can also indicate breast cancer.
Indications of breast cancer other than a lump may include changes in breast size or shape, skin dimpling, nipple inversion, or spontaneous single-nipple discharge. Pain ("mastodynia") is an unreliable tool in determining the presence or absence of breast cancer, but may be indicative of other breast health issues.
Another reported symptom complex of breast cancer is Paget's disease of the breast. This syndrome presents as eczematoid skin changes such as redness and mild flaking of the nipple skin. As Paget's advances, symptoms may include tingling, itching, increased sensitivity, burning, and pain. There may also be discharge from the nipple. Approximately half of women diagnosed with Paget's also have a lump in the breast.
Most symptoms of breast disorder do not turn out to represent underlying breast cancer. Benign breast diseases such as mastitis and fibroadenoma of the breast are more common causes of breast disorder symptoms. The appearance of a new symptom should be taken seriously by both patients and their doctors, because of the possibility of an underlying breast cancer at almost any age.
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Cervical Cancer Surgery | We Care India Posted: 01 Mar 2011 02:37 PM PST What is Cervical Cancer ? Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers that affect a woman’s reproductive organs. Various strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection, play a role in causing most cases of cervical cancer. When exposed to HPV, a woman’s immune system typically prevents the virus from doing harm. In a small group of women, however, the virus survives for years before it eventually converts some cells on the surface of the cervix into cancer cells. Half of cervical cancer cases occur in women between ages 35 and 55. Thanks largely to Pap test screening, the death rate from cervical cancer has decreased greatly over the last 50 years. Still, every year more than 11,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with invasive cervical cancer, and nearly 4,000 die of cervical cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. Around the world, cervical cancer is the third-leading cause of cancer death in women. Symptoms of Cervical Cancer You may not experience any cervical cancer symptoms – early cervical cancer generally produces no signs or symptoms. As the cancer progresses, these cervical cancer symptoms and signs may appear : - * Vaginal bleeding after intercourse, between periods or after menopause * Watery, bloody vaginal discharge that may be heavy and have a foul odor * Pelvic pain or pain during intercourse Causes of Cervical Cancer Cervical cancer most commonly begins in the thin, flat cells that line the bottom of the cervix (squamous cells). Squamous cell carcinomas account for about 80 percent of cervical cancers. Cervical cancer can also occur in the glandular cells that line the upper portion of the cervix. Called adenocarcinomas, these cancers make up about 15 percent of cervical cancers. Sometimes both types of cells are involved in cervical cancer. Very rare cancers can occur in other cells in the cervix. What causes squamous cells or glandular cells to become abnormal and develop into cancer isn’t clear. However, it’s certain that the sexually transmitted infection called human papillomavirus (HPV) plays a role. Evidence of HPV is found in nearly all cervical cancers. However, HPV is a very common virus and most women with HPV never develop cervical cancer… Treatments of Cervical Cancer Limited, noninvasive cancer Treatment of cervical cancer that’s confined to the outside layer of the cervix typically requires treatment to remove the abnormal area of cells. For most women in this situation, no additional treatments are needed. Procedures to remove noninvasive cancer include : - * Cone biopsy (conization) : – During this surgery, the doctor uses a scalpel to remove a cone-shaped piece of cervical tissue where the abnormality is found. * Laser surgery : – This operation uses a narrow beam of intense light to kill cancerous and precancerous cells. * Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) : – This technique uses a wire loop to pass electrical current, which cuts like a surgeon’s knife, and remove cells from the mouth of the cervix. * Cryosurgery : – This technique involves freezing and killing cancerous and precancerous cells. * Hysterectomy : – This major surgery involves removal of the cancerous and precancerous areas, the cervix and the uterus. Hysterectomy is usually done only in certain selected cases of noninvasive cervical cancer. Invasive cancers Cervical cancer that invades deeper than the outside layer of cells on the cervix is referred to as invasive cancer and requires more extensive treatment. Treatment for cervical cancer depends on several factors, such as the stage of the cancer, other health problems you may have and your own preferences about treatment. Treatment options may include : - * Surgery : – Surgery to remove the uterus (hysterectomy) is typically used to treat the early stages of cervical cancer. A simple hysterectomy involves the removal of the cancer, the cervix and the uterus. Simple hysterectomy is typically an option only when the cancer is very early stage – invasion is less than 3 millimeters (mm) into the cervix. A radical hysterectomy – removal of the cervix, uterus, part of the vagina and lymph nodes in the area – is the standard surgical treatment when there’s an invasion of greater than 3 mm into the cervix and no evidence of tumor on the walls of the pelvis. Hysterectomy can cure early-stage cervical cancers and prevent cancer from coming back, but removing the uterus makes it impossible to become pregnant in the future. Expect about six weeks of recovery time. Temporary side effects of radical hysterectomy include pelvic pain and difficulty with bowel movements and urination. * Radiation : – Radiation therapy uses high-powered energy to kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy can be given externally using external beam radiation or internally (brachytherapy) by placing devices filled with radioactive material near your cervix. Radiation therapy is as effective as surgery for early-stage cervical cancer. For women with more advanced cervical cancer, radiation is often the best treatment. Both methods of radiation therapy can be combined. Radiation therapy can be used alone, with chemotherapy, before surgery to shrink a tumor or after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells. Side effects of radiation to the pelvic area include upset stomach, nausea, diarrhea, bladder irritation and narrowing of your vagina, which can make intercourse difficult. Premenopausal women may stop menstruating as a result of radiation therapy and begin menopause. * Chemotherapy : – Chemotherapy uses strong anti-cancer chemicals to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy drugs, which can be used alone or in combination with each other, are usually injected into a vein and they travel throughout your body killing quickly growing cells, including cancer cells. Low doses of chemotherapy are often combined with radiation therapy, since chemotherapy may enhance the effects of the radiation. Higher doses of chemotherapy are used to control advanced cervical cancer that may not be curable. Side effects of chemotherapy depend on the drugs being administered, but generally include diarrhea, fatigue, nausea and hair loss. Certain chemotherapy drugs may cause infertility and early menopause in premenopausal women. Please log on to : Cervical Cancer Please log on to : Cancer Treatment in India We Care Core Values “We have a very simple business model that keeps you as the center.” Having the industry’s most elaborate and exclusive Patient Care and Clinical Coordination teams stationed at each partner hospital, we provide you the smoothest and seamless care ever imagined. With a ratio of one Patient Care Manager to five patients our patient care standards are unmatched across the sub continent. |
Colon Cancer Treatment In India At Affordable Cost Posted: 01 Mar 2011 08:51 AM PST
Colon Cancer
Definition Colon cancer is cancer of the large intestine (colon), the lower part of your digestive system. Rectal cancer is cancer of the last 6 inches of the colon. Together, they’re often referred to as colorectal cancers. About 112,000 people are diagnosed with colon cancer annually, and about 41,000 new cases of rectal cancer are diagnosed each year, according to the American Cancer Society. Most cases of colon cancer begin as small, noncancerous (benign) clumps of cells called adenomatous polyps. Over time some of these polyps become colon cancers…
Symptoms A change in your bowel habits, including diarrhea or constipation or a change in the consistency of your stool for more than a couple of weeks Rectal bleeding or blood in your stool Persistent abdominal discomfort, such as cramps, gas or pain Abdominal pain with a bowel movement A feeling that your bowel doesn’t empty completely Weakness or fatigue Unexplained weight loss…
Causes In general, cancer occurs when healthy cells become altered. Healthy cells grow and divide in an orderly way to keep your body functioning normally. But sometimes this growth gets out of control — cells continue dividing even when new cells aren’t needed. In the colon and rectum, this exaggerated growth may cause precancerous cells to form in the lining of your intestine…
Risk factors Factors that may increase your risk of colon cancer include : - Age : – About 90 percent of people diagnosed with colon cancer are older than 50. Colon cancer can occur in younger people, but it occurs much less frequently.
A personal history of colorectal cancer or polyps : – If you’ve already had colon cancer or adenomatous polyps, you have a greater risk of colon cancer in the future.
Inflammatory intestinal conditions : – Long-standing inflammatory diseases of the colon, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, can increase your risk of colon cancer.
Inherited disorders that affect the colon : – Genetic syndromes passed through generations of your family can increase your risk of colon cancer. These syndromes cause only about 5 percent of all colon cancers. One genetic syndrome called familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is a rare disorder that causes you to develop thousands of polyps in the lining of your colon and rectum.
& many more…
When to seek medical advice If you notice any symptoms of colon cancer, such as blood in your stool or a persistent change in bowel habits, see your doctor as soon as possible. Keep in mind that colorectal cancer can occur in younger as well as older people. If you’re at high risk, don’t wait until symptoms appear. See your doctor for regular screenings. Talk to your doctor about when you should begin screening for colon cancer. Guidelines generally recommend colon cancer screenings begin at age 50. Your doctor may recommend more frequent or earlier screening if you have other risk factors, such as a family history of the disease.
Tests and diagnosis Screening Most colon cancers develop from adenomatous polyps. Screening can detect polyps before they become cancerous. Screening may also detect colon cancer in its early stages when there is a good chance for cure. You may be embarrassed by the screening procedures, worried about discomfort or afraid of the results. Discuss your screening options and your concerns with your doctor. Most procedures are only moderately uncomfortable, and working with a doctor you like and trust can help ease your embarrassment…
Diagnosis If your doctor suspects you may have colon cancer based on your signs and symptoms, he or she may recommend colonoscopy to look for colon cancer. Colonoscopy allows your doctor to look for polyps or unusual areas in your colon. Your doctor can also remove a sample of tissue from your colon to look for cancer cells. In some cases, barium enema or flexible sigmoidoscopy may be used to diagnose colon cancer.
Treatments and drugs The type of treatment your doctor recommends will depend largely on the stage of your cancer. The three primary treatment options are: surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Surgery (colectomy) is the main treatment for colorectal cancer. How much of your colon is removed and whether other therapies, such as radiation or chemotherapy, are an option for you depend on the location of your cancer, how far cancer has penetrated into the wall of your bowel, and whether it has spread to your lymph nodes or other parts of your body…
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