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Saturday, 12 November 2011
Two Substances That May Reduce the Risk Of Cancer
Phytochemicals are non-nutritive substances found in plants. They protect us against diseases when they are in our body. Isoflavones and Lycopene are phytochemicals.
Isoflavones decrease the risk of breast cancer for premenopausal women, while Lycopene decreases the prostate cancer risk in middle aged men.
Soya is a great source of Isoflavones like genisteinm and daidzein. Although isoflavones are weak estrogens, the established hypothesis has been that isoflavones exert antiestrogenic effects when placed in a high-estrogen environment (pre-menopausal women) and estrogenic effects when in a low-estrogen environment, (post-menopausal women).
Daidzein was found to inhibit the growth of cancer cells in many studies.
Genistein:
- Reduces the protective mechanisms of cancer cells.
- Acts as an antioxidant.
- Inhibits several enzymes in cellular signaling pathways.
- Increases levels of transforming growth factor-beta' that inhibits the growth of tumor cells.
- Inhibits the growth of wide range of both hormone-dependent and hormone-independent cancer cells.
Decreased rates of breast, uterus and prostate cancers are associated with Soya consumption because of its antiestrogenic action.
Lycopenes:
Tomatoes, watermelon and other orange-to-red colored vegetables and fruits like
paprika, rose-hips etc. contain abundant lycopenes. A better level of Lycopene is
produced from tomatoes when they cooked with olive or canola oil.
Lycopenes are natural carotenoids that act as antioxidants. They also block the conversion of food mutagens found in fried, cooked meats and fish in the form of heterocyclic amines.
Lycopenes are good inhibitors of cell proliferation and lower the oxidation of LDL-cholesterol thus minimizing the heart disease risk.
Lycopenes reduce the risk for stomach, breast, colon, lung and prostate cancer. Both raw and cooked tomatoes have same amount of cancer fighting power. Lycopenes stimulate the enzymes that block the carcinogenic damage to the cell.
Early Detection Of Any Disease Is The Key So What Are The First Symptoms Of Lung Cancer?
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.
What You Need To Know About Lung Cancer.
Cigarette smoking is known to be a cause of lung cancer. The risk of developing the disease increases with the number of cigarettes smoked particularly if the person starts to smoke at a young age. The person’s risk of developing lung cancer may be reduced slightly if you smoke filtered and low tar cigarettes, but it is still far greater than that of a non-smoker. Lung cancer has always been more common in men, particularly those over the age of 40, as more men used to smoke than women. Considerably, there are a growing number of women having lung cancer since women have started smoking. About 90% of all lung cancer deaths among women are from smoking. The risk of lung cancer goes down quite quickly if the person stops smoking and after about fifteen years, the person’s chances of developing the disease are similar to that of a non-smoker. Passive smoking or the breathing in other people’s cigarette smoke, slightly increases the risk for lung disease and lung cancer, although the risk is still much less that if you smoke yourself.
Usually, the symptoms of lung cancer do not appear until the disease is in an advanced stage. Some are diagnosed early because they are found as a result of tests for other medical conditions. Screening examinations are done to detect a disease in people without symptoms of the disease. And since lung cancer usually spreads beyond the lungs before causing any symptoms, an effective screening program to detect the cancer early could save many lives. So far there is not screening test that has been shown to prevent the ill person from dying of the cancer. It has been concluded that the tests could not find many lung cancers early enough to improve a person’s chances for a cure. Because of this, lung cancer screening is not a routine practice for the general public or even for people at increased risk like smokers.
Symptoms of lung cancer could be continuing cough or change in a long-standing cough; a chest infection that does not get better; increasing breathlessness; coughing up blood-stained phlegm; a dull ache or a sharp pain when coughing or taking a deep breath; and loss of appetite and loss of weight. If you think you are having any of these above stated symptoms, then it is important to have your condition checked by your doctor even if you know that any of these symptoms may be caused by illness other than cancer.
Treatment for lung cancer could be through surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy which may be used separately or together depending on what your physician requires you to undergo with. Basically, the doctor will plan your treatment, taking into account your general health condition, the type of lung cancer you have and the size of the tumor as well as its stage. There are differences in the treatment for different people depending on their needs. You should not be afraid to ask your doctor and it often helps making a lot of queries about the disease and your condition from your doctor.
Choosing a Mesothelioma Doctor
Mesothelioma Doctors are well educated in the cause of Mesothelioma Cancer, diagnosis of Mesothelioma Cancer, the affects of Mesothelioma Cancer and the available treatment for Mesothelioma Cancer.
Therefore, when choosing a Mesothelioma Doctor, ensure that they have expertise, or quality experience in the area of Mesothelioma Cancer. This can be achieved through your general GP’s general enquiries on your behalf, or through conducting your own research.
You might even consider making enquiries with the American Cancer Society, who hold a variety of information about different types of Cancer and where to seek help. When seeking help it is best to research all your available options and then choose the best one for you.
Some of the important information that you might need to tell your Mesothelioma Doctor include, what types of symptoms you are experiencing, how long ago since you were exposure to an Asbestos related substance and for how long where you exposed to the Asbestos related substance.
After you receive and initial consultation from your Mesothelioma Doctor, you may be required to undergo either a Chest CT scan, or a biopsy, depending on which type of Mesothelioma Cancer your Mesothelioma Doctor considers that you have.
Essentially, there are three possible types of Mesothelioma Cancer that you could have. These include, Pleural (Lungs) Mesothelioma Cancer, Peritoneal (abdominal) and Pericardial (heart).
Once your Mesothelioma Cancer doctor has made a definitive diagnosis, he/she will then be able to tell you which type of Mesothelioma Cancer you have, at what stage the Mesothelioma Cancer is, whether it has spread to surrounding organs, or whether it is contained within the original area of the diseases initiation.
Your Mesothelioma doctor will then discuss your treatment options in relation to the type of Mesothelioma Cancer that you have and what stage the Cancer is at. Your Mesothelioma Doctor should explain these options in detail, including any side affects and the recovery period.
Your Mesothelioma Doctor should also explain to you what the results of not undergoing these recommended treatment options could be. Essentially, your Mesothelioma Doctor should give you a detailed explanation of your entire prognosis.
Your prognosis should include details regarding any risks that you may be subjected to, the chances of the Cancer reoccurring following treatment and how long you are expected to survive once treatment has been implemented.
Keep in mind that through ongoing research into Mesothelioma Cancer, treatments are becoming more effective and patients diagnosed with Mesothelioma Cancer, who undergo treatment, are surviving for longer periods of time.
The Cause Of Cancer
growth of cells, which tend to reproduce in an
uncontrolled way and, in some cases, spread or
metastasize. A cancerous growth or tumor is also
known as a malignant growth or tumor. A growth or
tumor, which is non-malignant is called benign. Such
tumors are not cancer.
Cancer is not a single disease. It is a group of more
than hundred different and distinctive diseases. It is not
contagious. Cancer can involve any tissue of the body
and have many different forms in each body area. Most
cancers are named for the type of cell or organ in which
they start. If a cancer spreads (metastasizes), the new
tumor bears the same name as the original(primary)
tumor.
Cancer is the Latin word for crab. The ancients used
the word to mean a malignancy, doubtless because of
the crab-like tenacity a malignant tumor sometimes
seems to show in grasping the tissues it invades.
Cancer may also be called malignancy, a malignant
tumor, or a neoplasm (literally, a new growth).
In medicine, common term for neoplasms, or tumors,
that are malignant is known as Cancer. Like benign
tumors, malignant tumors do not respond to body
mechanisms that limit cell growth. Unlike benign
tumors, malignant tumors consist of undifferentiated, or
unspecialized, cells that show an atypical cell structure
and do not function like the normal cells from the organ
from which they derive. Cancer cells, unlike normal
cells, lack contact inhibition; cancer cells growing in
laboratory tissue culture do not stop growing when they
touch each other on a glass or other solid surface but
grow in masses several layers deep.
Cancer results from mutations of certain genes that
allow the cells to begin their uncontrolled growth. These
mutations are either inherited or acquired. Acquired
mutations are caused by repeated insults from triggers
(e.g., cigarette smoke or ultraviolet rays) referred to as
carcinogens. There is usually a latency period of years
or decades between exposure to a carcinogen and the
appearance of cancer. This, combined with the
individual nature of susceptibility to cancer, makes it
very difficult to establish a cause for many cancers.
The most significant avoidable carcinogens are the
chemical components of tobacco smoke. Dietary
components, like excessive consumption of alcohol or
of foods high in fat and low in fiber rather than fruits and
vegetables that contain antioxidants and necessary
micronutrients, have also been linked with various
cancers. Some cancers may be triggered by hormone
imbalances. For example, some daughters of mothers
who had been given DES (diethylstilbestrol) during
pregnancy to prevent miscarriage developed vaginal
adenocarcinomas as young women. Aflatoxins are
natural mold byproducts that can cause cancer of the
liver.
Certain carcinogens present occupational hazards. For
example, in the asbestos industry, workers have a high
probability of developing lung and colon cancer or a
particularly virulent cancer of the mesothelium (the
lining of the chest and abdomen). Benzene and vinyl
chloride are other known industrial carcinogens.
Risk to humans from carcinogens depends upon the
dose and a person's biologic susceptibility. Factors
influencing a person's biological susceptibility to cancer
include age, sex, immune status, nutritional status,
genetics, and ethnicity.
The Risk of recurrence in prostate cancer
Prostate cancer - the most common form of cancer in men is Prostate cancer, the second leading cause of cancer death. The Main risk factors include age (incidence increases in men over the age of 65 years). It is more prevalent in the western world and about 10% of cases can be linked to family history. The recurrance Rate of the prostate cancer is high.
Mostly, the Prostate cancer is a continuum; progressing through localized, locally advanced, advanced and hormone-refractory stages In general it is a slow growing cancer. He is primarily under hormonal control i.e. testosterone. The choice of treatments which include watchful waiting, surgery (prostatectomy), radiotherapy, hormonal therapy and chemotherapy are dependent on the stage of disease.
1. Most important, that If detected early, using PSA determination, DRE examination and biopsies, and treated appropriately, survival rates are excellent.
2. The most critical focus for the treatment of prostate cancer is to treat those cancers where it is necessary.
3. The Decisions about the best management of prostate cancer can be very complex and depend upon the:
- Pathology of the cancer (unlike other cancers, prostate cancer often progresses very slowly)
- The impact that treatment can have on quality of life, including sexual activity
- Stage of the disease (non-metastatic (localized or locally advanced), metastatic or hormone refractory)
- Age and general health of the patients at diagnosis
- Patient’s preference for treatment
- PSA at diagnosis
4. The treatment options for prostate cancer are:
- Deferred treatment often called ‘watchful waiting’ or 'active surveillance'
- Surgery – Radical Prostatectomy
- Radiotherapy – External Beam and/or Brachytherapy
-Hormonal (endocrine) therapy – Androgen Ablation e.g. anti-androgens, medical castration (LHRHa) or surgical castration
- Chemotherapy
- Palliative Therapy e.g. chemotherapy
- Investigational Therapies
Prostate Cancer Recurrence Rates ***
Prostate cancer is now detected at earlier stages due to heightened awareness and improved screening techniques. Despite definitive therapy, cancer cells may remain and can go undetected for years until they develop into metastatic disease. The risk of recurrence is high, suggesting there is a need to improve treatment approaches. Therefore, it is important to predict pathological stage and risk of disease recurrence early, so that appropriate treatment and/or monitoring can be initiated. The result's of all new treatments will bring us in the future the chance of a lower prostate recurrance.
**You can inform you about the recurrence Rates on:
http://www.prostateline.com/prostatelinehcp/9898_15850_8_0_0.aspx
This gives you an overview with a study case – and the results.
Health-Service-Online
Admin Fritz
Press Release Lorenzen Cancer Foundation Urges Cancer Drug Coverage in the Prescription Drug Benefit Act
In the interests of cancer patients and oncologists nationwide, the Lorenzen Cancer Foundation (LCF), a non-profit dedicated to fighting pancreatic cancer, has joined the public interest law firm Washington Legal Foundation (WLF) and others today in presenting a written comments statement to the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) voicing support for the Section 641 demonstration project and expressing concerns regarding CMS’s proposed restrictions limiting coverage of the drug benefit to exclude off-label uses of FDA-approved drug or biological therapies.
Monterey, CA July 7, 2004 -- In the interests of cancer patients and oncologists nationwide, the Lorenzen Cancer Foundation (LCF), a non-profit dedicated to fighting pancreatic cancer, has joined the public interest law firm Washington Legal Foundation (WLF) and others today in presenting a written comments statement to the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) voicing support for the Section 641 demonstration project and expressing concerns regarding CMS’s proposed restrictions limiting coverage of the drug benefit to exclude off-label uses of FDA-approved drug or biological therapies.
Once the Food and Drug Administration approves a drug for marketing, physicians may prescribe the drug for purposes other than those that the FDA has given specific indication. Off-label prescribing is common in cancer treatment as drugs often work well for many types of cancer. A General Accounting Office analysis in 1991 demonstrated that over half of cancer patients received at least one off-label medicine in the course of their care.
In enacting Section 641 of the Medicare Prescription Drug and Modernization Act of 2003, Congress did not exclude off-label uses from the demonstration project related to Section 641. To the contrary, Section 641(a) directs that the project be conducted following the standards of the part D benefit program which does not exclude off-label use.
Recently announced proposed eligibility criteria by the CMS effectively exclude the coverage of off-label use of FDA-approved agents for cancer therapy and in other serious diseases.
Today’s statement urges CMS officials to reverse this position and to make clear to the public and to medical providers that Medicare will reimburse for off-label use for medications and biological therapies in the demonstration project related to Section 641. And further, to make clear that any proposed or actual restriction on off-label use in the demonstration project is not a precedent for full enactment of the part D prescription drug benefit program.
Pancreatic Cancer Facts:
· Pancreatic cancer is the most virulent of the major cancers
· Pancreatic cancer research is the least funded of the major cancers
· Pancreatic cancer causes more than 1% of all death in the U.S.
· Pancreatic cancer is the fourth most common cause of cancer mortality
The Lorenzen Cancer Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the fight against pancreatic cancer. LCF is oriented to increasing awareness and education about pancreatic cancer, helping physicians and patients create optimal treatment strategies, and fostering the development of a molecular or genetic marker to aid in diagnosis. For more information visit www.pancreatica.org
Media Contact:
Aaron Stoertz
Media Relations
Lorenzen Cancer Foundation
(831) 658-0600
Company Contact:
Ellen Pansky, esq.
Director of Public Policy
Lorenzen Cancer Foundation
(831) 658-0600
How Diet Influences Cancer Risk
Diet is one of the most important lifestyle factors and has been estimated to account for up to 80% of cancers of the large bowel, breast, and prostate. Diet affects the risk of many other cancers, including cancers of the lung, prostate, stomach, esophagus and pancreas.
Prostate Cancer:
High consumption of meat, especially red meat, substantially increases the risk of prostate cancer.
Vegetables, especially cooked tomatoes, reduce the risk of prostate cancer. In one clinical trial, the role of Vitamin E as a prostate cancer reducing factor was established. In this study there was a 32% decrease in prostate cancer incidence and 41% decrease in prostate cancer mortality in people receiving Vitamin E supplements when compared to controls.
Breast Cancer:
In Japan, people consume Tofu, a soya product. It contains isoflavones that moderate the estrogen receptors in the body such as breast tissue. The incidence of breast cancer is low in Japan when compared to Western women; only 1/4th of the mortality rate of Western women. Japanese women's low fat diet, high fish consumption and drinking green tea also decrease their breast cancer risk.
One case control study found that regular consumption of soy foods was associated with a marked decrease in breast cancer risk in premenopausal women. No effect in post-menopausal women.
A Japanese case-control study also found that tofu intake (3 times/wk compared with less than 3 times/wk) was associated with decreased risk of breast cancer in premenopausal women. Again, soy intake was not protective against post-menopausal breast cancer.
In one study conducted in America, the relation between soy intake and breast cancer risk found that tofu consumption was protective in both premenopausal and post menopausal Asian women.
Lung Cancer:
Lung cancer risk is substantially decreased by a variety of carotenoids. Carotenoids act as antioxidants and thus minimize cell damage.
One study in Boston focused on the effect of different types of carotenoids on lung cancer risk. It was observed that lung cancer risk was significantly lower in subjects who consumed a diet high in a variety of carotenoids. This was especially true with non-smokers who had 63% less risk.
One study conducted in Hawaii reported further evidence for a protective effect from certain carotenoids against lung cancer and that greater protection was afforded by consuming a variety of vegetables compared to only foods rich in a particular carotenoid.
Stomach Cancer:
Nitrates in food and other preservatives added to food including meat are converted into 'nitrites' in the human stomach. The nitrites undergo nitrosation to form 'nitrosamines' and 'nitrosamides'. This increases the risk of stomach cancer in people eating vegetables from nitrate rich soil.
In one study, Vitamin C appeared to protect against the risk of stomach cancer by inhibiting formation of nitrates in stomach.
Cancer of the stomach is 5 times more common in Japanese people compared to Western populations. When Japanese people migrated to the United States, they progressively acquired the low incidence of the US due to changes in their diets.
In one study conducted in Hawaii that involved both Japanese and Caucasians, the stomach cancer risk was associated with consumption of rice, pickled vegetables, and dried/salted fish, and a negative association with vitamin C intake.
One ecological study in Belgium showed a relation between the nitrate and salt consumption and stomach cancer. The analysis of this model showed that the significance of nitrate as a risk factor for stomach cancer mortality increased markedly with higher sodium levels.
Dietary habits and stomach cancer risk was studied in Shanghai, China. According to this study, risks of stomach cancer were inversely associated with high consumption of several food groups, including fresh vegetables and fruits, poultry, eggs, plant oil, and some nutrients such as protein, fat, fiber, tea and antioxidant vitamins.
By contrast, risks increased with increasing consumption of dietary carbohydrates, frequent consumption of preserved, salty or fried foods and hot soup/porridge, with irregular meals, speed eating and binge eating. This provides evidence that diet plays a major role in stomach cancer risk.
No single food can completely prevent cancer but a balanced combination of different groups can help. Appropriate diet can prevent 3-4 million cancers each year.
Understanding The Relation Between Asbestos Exposure And Mesothelioma Lung Cancer
Mesothelioma and the Role of Carcinogens:
What is mesothelioma cancer and how does the lining of the lung become cancerous? Cancer is a tumor that is malignant in nature. Tumor is formed when there is abnormal cell division and cell multiplication in the cancerous cells. Exposure to carcinogens or cancer-causing material like cigarette smoke, asbestos and silica dust is instrumental in this abnormal cell division and formation of tumor.
Mesothelioma cancer is directly linked to asbestos exposure. However, those already exposed to asbestos have a greater chance of developing lung cancer if they are exposed to other carcinogens such as cigarette smoke. A study reports that the workers with a history of asbestos exposure and cigarette smoke are more prone to lung cancer than the non-smokers and those with no history of asbestos exposure.
Complications Associated with Mesothelioma Cancer:
Normally, the latency stage for asbestos-related diseases in general and mesothelioma cancers of the lining of lung in particular, 20-50 years, which makes detection of Mesothelioma a complicated issue. This situation is further aggravated particularly where the worker is also addicted to cigarette smoking. By the time, the disease shows its symptoms, a considerable exposure to additional carcinogens linked to cigarette smoking has already taken place. This makes a worker more vulnerable to lung cancer besides the vulnerability to mesothelioma cancers.
Mesothelioma Cancers and Legal Redress:
The Government is conscious of the ill effects of asbestos exposure and the seriousness of mesothelioma cancer. The employees working in factories with significant risk of asbestos exposure are eligible for Mesothelioma compensation, if the exposure is the cause of Mesothelioma. There has been a spate of lawsuits for seeking compensation for mesothelioma and lung cancers. In many cases, the courts have awarded heavy sums as compensation against the asbestos manufacturing companies.
Support Cancer Research, Wear Cancer Wristbands
There are some major efforts being done to correct this but funds have been dwindling making these researches an effort that needs the aid of many people. Many foundations, colleges and other medical groups are doing intensive scientific endeavors to understand fully the development of cancer and what possible treatments, therapies and cure could be done to prevent cancer and its growth. They are called cancer research. In cancer research they discover new methods of treating cancer with the development of new technology and new discoveries about the disease. With proper funding, cancer researches would be able to flourish and hopefully find the perfect cure.
Many organizations have been doing their best to help fund this research facilities, doing fund raising projects and programs for public awareness. It is essential for the public to take notice of this programs because anyone from anywhere can be afflicted with cancer. Gradually, more and more people have found ways in doing both, raising funds for cancer and spreading awareness. When doing such, you hit the head of a nail twice making it more beneficial for cancer victims. Any method is appreciated as long as it spread awareness and help bring in money to aid cancer research. The current popular method is by selling cancer wristbands, which are inscribed with inspiring and informing statements.
Cancer wristbands have been the craze lately, many are wearing them because they are cool and fashionable and yet they help out in finding a cure for cancer. Remember the ribbons everybody used to wear for AIDS. Cancer Wristbands now are what the AIDS ribbons were then. This stretchy cancer wristbands, usually made from either from rubber or silicone, are a great way to do fundraising. They are one size fits all and don’t cost too much. There is a 100 percent profit in cancer wristbands, which may be donated to cancer researches and also boost cancer awareness. In doing so, you not only get a cool looking cancer wristband, you are also helping out the countless cancer victims all over the world.
Many say that this trend started out when Lance Armstrong came out yellow “LiveStrong” wristband to promote and fund cancer research. That promotion had all the right ingredients to capture the people’s interest. Present was the revered American icon asking the people for help, the item was very affordable, was a good conversation peace and it showed that if you were wearing it, you were concerned about other people and their needs. It was also for a cause everyone wanted to help in and deserved all the help t can get. Soon enough, everyone was wearing them, from high profile people, to entertainers with big names straight to the president.
After that, many cancer wristbands went into the market spreading the word, many organizations joined the bandwagon and produced their own cancer wristbands. It has come to be that the color of the cancer wristband represented which type of cancer was to be benefited; for example, pink bracelets were in aid for breast cancer. Messages and statements would be inscribed in the bracelets empowering the knowledge of the people about cancer and tugging their hearts and the hearts of others to help out for the worthy cause.
Cancer wristbands are not only cool, they also help out, many small organizations can help out by browsing the internet and order them from reputable manufacturers who pledge assistance for every cancer wristband you purchase. You may also do your own fundraising; some sites offer very low prices for wholesale purchases so that you can sell them at a markup price so you can have earnings to donate to research facilities. Be aware, support cancer wristbands to help cancer research.
BREAST CANCER
Women are much prone to develop breast cancer that men. Only 1% to 2% of men have been known to have cases of breast cancer. The early onset of menstruation in women at the age of 12 increases the risk for a breast cancer on the other hand an early menopausal period may reduce the risk of breast cancer. The risk for women to have breast cancer increases with age in fact a study shows that women over 50 are more likely to develop breast cancer. Nevertheless, the incidence of breast cancer among younger women is also increasing in an alarming rate that is why more women of ages 20s to 30s have subjected themselves to be diagnosed.
Breast cancer is not only acquired but also can be inherited. For women who have genetic mutation such as BRCA1 or BRCA2 has an 80% risk of developing breast cancer. Women who have first-degree relative diagnosed to have breast cancer increase their risk of also acquiring breast cancer. Moreover, women with first-degree relative that are diagnosed to have breast cancer before menopause increase the risk for them in acquiring breast cancer.
Some factors contribute to the occurrence of breast cancer and these are as follows: smoking, alcohol and radiation exposure. Women who are smoking will increase their chances to have breast cancer. Aside from that, high intakes of alcohol have been found to be a source of breast cancer. Radiation exposure is another factor that contributes to breast cancer. Studies have shown that women as well as children who have undergone high-dose radiation therapy have a much higher chance of having breast cancer.
Haven’t you got your breast cancer awareness bracelet yet?
If he has planning to pitchfork cancer awareness into society's consciousness, Lance Armstrong has done a really good job. His rubber bracelets are ubiquitous today, an ever present awareness tool for cancer, and a fund-raising tool for cancer research.
Among cancer awareness bracelets, next to Armstrong's rubber wristbands come the breast cancer awareness bracelets. However, unlike the 'LiveStrong' rubber band bracelets, these breast cancer awareness bracelets come in different colors. The most popular color for breast cancer awareness bracelets is pink.
But why pink? There is a story behind it: Charlotte Haley, a 68-year-old woman, began making and distributing peach ribbons in the 1990s with cards that read: "The National Cancer Institute annual budget is $1.8 billion, only 5 percent goes for cancer prevention. Help us wake up our legislators and America by wearing this ribbon." Haley's daughter, sister and grandmother had breast cancer. Self magazine wanted to use Haley's ribbon but she refused saying they were too commercial. The magazine came up with another color then -- pink. Focus groups say pink is 'soothing, comforting and healing.' Soon the pink ribbon became the worldwide symbol for breast cancer, and Charlotte Haley's peach ribbon was history.
The National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. says that more than 211,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in America in 2005. Of these 43,300 will die. One woman in eight either has or will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. In addition, 1,600 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 400 will die this year.
However, the breast cancer awareness bracelets can come in all colors, a rainbow of them, depending on the organization or charity selling them. These bracelets usually have some message, such as 'Support Breast Cancer Research And Education' stamped on them.
Well, the breast cancer awareness bracelets needn't be made of rubber or silicone either. The bracelets can be made of pearl, or cats eye, or metal, or any other suitable material. There are even stainless steel breast cancer awareness bracelets! The difference between them is, of course, the price. The rubber ones would sell for around $1 a piece. The metal ones would sell higher. Some pearl breast cancer awareness bracelets sell for around $30 a piece. Such bracelets serve two purposes -- they are jewelry and also spread the message of charity and breast cancer research.
The advantage with rubber breast cancer awareness bracelets, apart from the price, is that they are infinitely customizable. Yes, you can order them in any color and with any message stamped on them. You needn't take them off while washing or playing -- they are all-weather bracelets. And you don't have to worry about losing them, unlike the pearl or cats eye ones.
The rubber breast cancer awareness bracelets can be ordered in bulk or bought in packets of a dozen or so from many Web sites.
Prostate cancer sun and vitamin D
New studies in prostate cancer indicate that the men who spent more time in the sun in their live usually can reduce prostate cancer in about 50%
About the above point shown that the prostate uses Vitamin D to promote the normal growth of prostate cells and in consequence to slow the spread of prostate cancer cells to others parts of the body.
Sun exposure prevent prostate cancer and the new research suggest vitamin D in supplement may be a safer option today for men.
Previous studies have shown that many places which long winter like Canada and North America men do not adsorb Vitamin D and others nutrients.
In Canada men do not adsorb vitamin D in consequence one of the seven can develop prostate cancer in their lives;
USA new researches indicate that one of the five men can develop prostate cancer.
Researchers shown that vitamin D has many micronutrients promote and prevent the prostate cancer in men.
Should We Treat Cancer or Prevent 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.
Male Breast Cancer - what you should know about!
Have a look on the last news!
The special Risk Factors for Male Breast Cancer
- Only approximately 1-1.5% of all breast cancer cases occur in men.
- Several risk factors have been identified that make some men more likely to develop breast cancer than others.
These risk factors include:
The Age: The average age of men diagnosed with breast cancer is between 60 and 70 years old.
The history of the family:
- 20% of men with breast cancer have close female relatives who have (or have had) breast cancer.
The Radiation exposure:
- Prior exposure to radiation (usually for treatment of a cancer) is a risk factor for male breast cancer.
The Liver disease:
- If the liver is normal function, she helps with hormone metabolism by binding proteins that carry hormones in the blood. If the Man's has liver diseases such as cirrhosis, they tend to have lower levels of androgens (male hormones) and on the other hand a higher estrogens levels (female hormones).This reality puts them at an increased risk of developing gynecomastia (non-cancerous tissue growth) and breast cancer.
Symptoms Male Breast Abnormalities
- The most male breast changes are due to benign (non-cancerous) abnormalities, such as gynecomastia (non-cancerous tissue growth)
- So, the men should report any persistent breast changes to their physicians for clinical evaluation.
-The Symptoms of male breast cancer may include:
-a breast lump,
-swelling,
-skin dimpling or puckering,
-nipple retraction (the nipple turns inward),
-redness or scaling of the nipple or breast skin,
-and nipple discharge http://imaginis.com/breasthealth/nipple.asp.
How to treating Male Breast Cancer
This will be depending on the type and stage http://imaginis.com/breasthealth/staging.asp of breast cancer.
The following treatment will most likely be used:
Surgery - Radiation therapy - Chemotherapy - Hormone therapy
About the Survival Rates for Male Breast Cancer
Today, the survival rates are similar the women cancer, when the treatment of the tumour begins at the same stage.
Anyway, the male breast cancer tends to be diagnosed in later stages than female breast cancer.
The following chart is an approximate survival rate for each stage of breast cancer. The percentages are only averages. The chances of survival will differ for each man depending on his own medical situation and several other factors, including new treatment options, how he responds to treatment, etc.
STAGE 1 TUMOR SIZE less than 2 cm No Lymph Node 5year Survivalrate 100 %
STAGE 2 TUMOR SIZE Between 2-5 cm No Lymph Node 5year Survivalrate 95 %
STAGE 3 TUMOR SIZE More than 5 cm No Lymph Node 5year Survivalrate 84 %
Stage 4 TUMOR SIZE not applicable YES Survivalrate 52 %
All about the Planning Treatment and the Research
More about this you get it on http://imaginis.com/breasthealth/staging.asp#what
Additional Resources and References
·The American Cancer Society provides information on male breast cancer at http://www.cancer.org/
·The National Cancer Institute provides information on male breast cancer at http://www.cancer.gov/
·The University of Pennsylvania's Oncolink document, "NCI/PDQ Physician Statement: Male Breast Cancer," is available at http://cancer.med.upenn.edu/