Cancer Information

Cancer - We Know the Cause and the Cure

2012-01-17T07:15:00.001-08:00

Cancer - We Know the Cause and the Cure

One has to wonder why after the billions of dollars put into research and development of cancer treatments it is reported that you have a higher chance of getting cancer today than you did in 1950. As a matter of fact if you are diagnosed with cancer today your chances of survival are what they were in 1950, in a lot of cases, most in fact.

Our health care system and our government have been lying and misleading the public about the effectiveness of the traditional medical treatment for cancer. Chemotherapy, drugs, surgery, and radiation are the most profitable health industry services and products on planet. There is more profit in the treatment of cancer than any other disease. Most of us have no idea what a big business this is. Some families make billions of dollars a year in profits from treating cancer. When we say treating cancer that’s exactly what is meant. There is much less profit in curing it. Think if we cured cancer now so that cancer were eradicated from the planet trillions of dollars would be lost! And the treatments are government mandated. So those at the top of this economic pyramid would rather you had cancer than not. You are forced to treat it in the manner that makes money for those who profit from disease. And that is obviously true since they actively keep alternative cures off the market or make it very difficult to provide and to choose an alternative method to cure cancer.

With any disease if you find the cause then the cure follows. So, then what is the cause of cancer? Researchers tell us that we don’t know the cause. That is just not true. According to “Natural Cures They Don’t Want You To Know About”, by Kevin Trudeaux, “The causes of cancer are known at the highest levels of the health industry, and this information is being suppressed and hidden from the American public. This is exactly the same situation that occurred with big tobacco and with Ford and General Motors. Big tobacco knew as early as 1950 that their product caused cancer and disease. They lied about this to the American public, and even in congressional hearings. They hid the truth. Ford and General Motors knew that some of their products, including the Pinto and Corvair, would cause people to be maimed, deformed, injured, and die. They hid this information and lied about it. Today, the pharmaceutical companies and the heads of various organizations know the various reasons people come down with cancer. They have this empirical data, but they are lying about it and hiding this from the public.”

There are those such as Kevin Trudeaux and Dr. Hulda Clark who are actively getting the word out and helping numerous people.

Dr. Hulda Clark has been doing extensive research and actively curing this disease for many years. Below is taken from The Cure for All Cancers, which you can purchase from the [http://www.drclarkuniversity.org]

“The Cause

The Cause For many years we have all believed that cancer is different from other diseases. We believed that cancer behaves like a fire, in that you can't stop it once it has started. Therefore, you have to cut it out or radiate it to death or chemically destroy every cancerous cell in the body since it can never become normal again. NOTHING COULD BE MORE WRONG!

And we have believed that cancers of different types such as leukemia or breast cancer have different causes. Wrong again!

In this book you will see that all cancers are alike. They are all caused by a parasite. A single parasite! It is the human intestinal fluke. And if you kill this parasite, the cancer stops immediately. The tissue becomes normal again. In order to get cancer, you must have this parasite.

How can the human intestinal fluke cause cancer? This parasite typically lives in the intestine where it might do little harm, causing only colitis, Crohn's disease, or irritable bowel syndrome, or perhaps nothing at all. But if it invades a different organ, like the uterus or the kidneys or liver, it does a great deal of harm. If it establishes itself in the liver, it causes cancer! It only establishes itself in the liver in some people. These people have isopropyl alcohol in their bodies.

All cancer patients have both isopropyl alcohol and the intestinal fluke in their livers. The solvent, isopropyl alcohol, is responsible for letting the fluke establish itself in the liver. In order to get cancer, you must have both the parasite and isopropyl alcohol in your body.”

From the book "The Cure for all Cancers." Page 1.

Cancer can now be CURED:

From the book The Cure for All Cancers: Cancer can now be CURED, not just treated. We are not accustomed to thinking about a cure for cancer. We think of remission as the only possibility. But this book is not about remission. It is about a cure. This is possible because in 1990 I discovered the true cause of cancer. The cause is a certain parasite, for which I have found evidence in every cancer case regardless of the type of cancer. So lung cancer is not caused by smoking, colon cancer is not caused by a low-roughage diet, breast cancer is not caused by a fatty diet, retinal blastoma is not caused by a rare gene, and pancreatic cancer is not caused by alcohol consumption. Although these are all contributing factors, they are not THE cause. Once the true cause was found the cure became obvious. But would it work? I set a goal of 100 cases to be cured of cancer before publishing my findings. That mark was passed in December, 1992. The discovery of the cause and cure of all cancers has stood the test of time and here it is!

It is the pollutants in food and other products that leave us vulnerable to parasites and disease. Dr. Clark has invented a device called the Syncrometer, which is used to identify various toxins in food and products and ourselves. She has also developed a device called the zapper which kills the parasites in the body.

From the book "The Cure for all Diseases." Before contents, by Dr. Hulda Clark, and also available at www.drclarkuniversity.org or www.drhuldaclark.org .

“You may not have time to read this entire book first if you have cancer and are scheduled for surgery, chemotherapy or radiation treatment. You may wish to skip the first pages which describe how cancer develops.

Go directly to the cancer curing recipe and order your supplies. Using the herbal recipe together with the zapper is best. It only takes days to be cured of cancer regardless of the type you have. It does not matter how far progressed the cancer is, you can still stop it in 5 days.

After you have stopped the cancer, you can turn your attention to getting well. Read the case histories to see how easy it is to stop even terminal cancer. Learn from them to avoid mistakes.

Does this mean you can cancel your date for surgery, radiation or chemotherapy? YES! After curing your cancer with this recipe it cannot come back. This is not a treatment for cancer: It is a cure! But if you do not wish to make your doctor angry, you could follow her or his wishes, too. Be careful not to lose any vital anatomical parts in surgery though, because you may need them later when you are healthy!

Remember that oncologists are kind, sensitive, compassionate people. They want the best for you. They have no way of knowing about the true cause and cure of cancer since it has not been published for them. I chose to publish it for you first so that it would come to your attention faster.”

From the book "The Cure for all Diseases." After cover.

Different solvents accumulate in different organs, in the liver, Isopropyl alcohol, which completes the life cycle of Fasciolopsis, intestinal fluke. This begins the malignant process.

From the book Cure For All Diseases, also available at www.drclarkuniversity.org:

…The killing of all parasites and their larval stages together with removal of isopropyl alcohol and carcinogens from the patients' lifestyle results in remarkable recovery, generally noticeable in less than one week. Cancer could be eradicated in a very short time…

Cancer

The success rate for advanced cancer is about 95%. So you can count on this method, not merely hope it will work for you. It is a total approach that not only shrinks tumors, but also normalizes your blood chemistry, lowers your cancer markers, and returns your health. The small failure rate (5%) is due to clinical emergencies that beset the advanced cancer sufferer. However, if you combine the advice in this book with access to hospital care, even "hopeless" patients can gain the time necessary to become well again.

The promise

Step into a new world a world without chronic diseases. Step out of your old world. It has kept you a prisoner. Try something new.

The prison has no walls. It has only lines; Lines that mark the ground around you. Inside the lines are your old ideas. Outside are new ideas that invite you to step over and escape your prison. Dare to try these new ideas and your illness promises to recede. In a few weeks it can be gone.

From the book "The Cure for all Diseases." Page 1.

I highly recommend any of Dr. Clark’s books. They are remarkable and once you read them I believe you to will be convinced that the cause and the cure are now readily available and very affordable. In the Cure for All Diseases you will find cures for cancer, diabetes, MS, and many, many others it is a book I would not want to be without. If you already have cancer you might want to also pick up The Cure for All Cancers, and or the Cure for All Advanced Cancers.

Michele Michaels has been active in raising awareness for alternative and natural methods of curing and treating all manner of illnesses.

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

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/212352

Do Bacteria Cause Cancer

2011-09-20T05:08:00.000-07:00

Do Bacteria Cause Cancer?

By Frank Vanderlugt

Microbes are all around us, on our skins, in our nasal passages and in our intestines, and even in our blood and tissues.

Usually they exist in harmless balance with the immune system. Some are even beneficent : bacteria in the human intestine help digest food, produce vitamins, and crowd out toxic pathogens. In fact, the human body contains more bacterial cells than somatic (body) cells.

Mitochondria, organelles which produce energy within human cells, have their own DNA and are thought to be descended from free-living bacteria. Bacteria are highly integrated into functions of the entire human body.

The mainstream medical community is now willing to accept that a few type of bacteria or viruses may indeed be responsible for a few forms of cancer, such as Kaposi's sarcoma, stomach and cervical cancer, but they are unwilling to recognize that infectious agents may be inextricably linked to the development of most other tumors as well.

Yet, there scientific evidence dating back more than one hundred years which points to an bacterial cause cancer, a pleomorphic (many-formed) bacteria, related to or resembling mycoplasma, which has been seen in microscopic slides of numerous tumors.

At the beginning of the 20th century, bacterial genesis of cancer was considered a mainstream theory, and papers about it were published in the Lancet. However, it was eventually sidelined despite a large body of substantiating evidence.

Over the past century hundreds of independent researchers have noted a link between bacteria and cancer in both animals and humans, but their findings were treated as a scientific curiosity and rarely followed up by the general medical establishment.

However, the theory never went away, and individual scientists continued searching for ways to identify and eliminate the suspect bacteria.

In 1890 the German physician and bacteriologist Robert Koch formulated a standard criteria still in use today for judging whether a given bacteria is the cause of a given disease.

"Koch's Postulates," while not always valid, provide a useful benchmark for disease investigators.

Koch's postulates are as follows:

The bacteria must be present in every case of the disease.

The bacteria must be isolated from the host with the disease and grown in pure culture.

The specific disease must be reproduced when a pure culture of the bacteria is inoculated into a healthy susceptible host.

The bacteria must be recoverable from the experimentally infected host.

However, Koch's postulates have their limitations, which even Koch recognized. They may not hold if:

The particular bacteria (such as the one that causes leprosy) cannot be "grown in pure culture" in the laboratory.

Animal test subjects are immune to the infection.

In addition, a usually harmless bacteria may cause disease if:

It has acquired extra virulence factors making it pathogenic.

It gains access to deep tissues due to trauma, surgery, an IV line, etc.

It infects a patient with a compromised immune system.

Not all people infected by a bacteria develop serious disease; subclinical, low-grade infection may be more common than clinically obvious, symptomatic infection.

The different species of infectious agents linked to various cancers fit fairly well within Koch's postulates, since they can be isolated from tumors and grown in a petri dishes or cell cultures, and they sometimes produces tumors when injected into test animals.

However, many are also found in lower concentrations in healthy subjects, and it appears that these microbes only cause disease when their host is weakened.

The host's immune system limits the amount of damage any infectious agent can cause. For instance, H. pylori stomach infections can lead to stomach ulcers and gastric cancer, but many people are asymptomatic carries. Not every woman who has been infected with HPV develops cervical cancer.

Similarly, we should not expect all carriers of other "cancer microbes" to become ill. Also, these bacteria may have the potential to produce diseases besides cancer, since H. pylori can cause stomach ulcers as well.

History

Probably the first official mention of "cancer microbe" occurred on December 3, 1890 when William Russell, a pathologist in the School of Medicine at the Royal Infirmary in Edinburgh, gave an address to the Pathological Society of London. He described histopathologic findings of "a characteristic organism of cancer" that he observed microscopically in fuchsine-stained tissue sections from all forms of cancer that he examined, and also from some cases of tuberculosis, syphilis and skin infection.

The microbe was seen both around and within tissue cells, and ranged in size from barely visible to one and half times the size of a red blood cell. Russell felt that the large size of some of these organisms was suggestive of a yeast or fungal infection.

Russell tentatively called the microbe a possible "blastomycete" (a type of fungus); and called the round forms "fuchsine bodies" due to their bluish-red staining qualities.

Nine years later in 1899, Russell published a report in the Lancet on "The parasite of cancer," and stated that finding the suspect bacteria present in diseases other than cancer presented a "stumbling block" to the idea of a definitive function for the organisms.

Cultures yielded numerous species of bacteria, and injection of the bacteria into animals gave ambiguous results. Subsequently, many scientists concluded that Russell bodies were merely the result of cellular degeneration.

In the 1920s and 1930s, the scientist Royal Raymond Rife pioneered the use of radiofrequency devices to kill bacteria. Rife discovered that a certain spectrum of radio waves was lethal to bacteria, while harmless to human tissue. He also invented a new form of microscope which used monochromatic light, and was accurate enough to see viruses without the use of electron microscopy.

Working from a laboratory in La Jolla in the 1930s, Rife claimed to have a 100 percent success rate in treating cancer. Rife's lab was shut down due to political pressure by the American Medical association , most of his papers were destroyed, and currently the only known example of his microscopes exists in a museum.

Rife's discovery of radiofrequency devices to kill bacteria was picked up by Hulda Clark, a Canadian scientist, who began her work in the 1960s. Clark also claimed that many other diseases, including diabetes, allergies, epilepsy, Crohn's disease, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, are caused by bacteria and parasites such as liver flukes.

She improved on Rife's technology, and invented a small raidofrequency device she called the "Zapper" that she claimed eradicated bacteria and other parasites from the body. Instructions on how to build the devices were made available to the public, and can be found on the Internet today.

Clark was harassed by the American authorities until she left to set up her cancer clinic in Mexico, where in 2001 the authorities forbade her from offering alternative treatment for cancer. Like Rife, Clark claimed an extremely high success rate in treating cancer, nearly 100 percent, but no independent analysis of her claims, or those of Rife, exist.

In the 1960s, Dr. Virginia Livingston antagonized the scientific establishment by claiming to have found the microbe responsible for causing cancer, naming it "Progenitor cryptocides", which means "hidden killer". She felt that that the microbe had an intrinsic, symbiotic function in the human body, that was responsible for initiating life and for healing of tissue, and that the microbe was ultimately responsible for eventual degeneration and death of all life.

When the cultured organism was injected into animals, it caused tumors to develop in some, but not all, of the test subjects.

In 1974, Livingstone became the first scientist to discover that both cancer bacteria and cancer cells produce the human hormone HCG. This hormone, normally secreted by the human fetus to protect it from the maternal immune system, also protects cancers from immune system attack.

Livingstone concluded that bacteria secrete mutagenic factors such as actinomycin-D with damage human cell DNA, and that they can also interchange genetic material such as bacterial growth factors with human cells. Vaccines targeting HCG-producing and cancer-promoting bacteria deprive cancer cells of a key source of HCG.. As the levels of HCG are lowered, the immune system's ability to launch an assault on cancer cells increases.

Livingstone cultured patients' own bacteria from blood and urine to create "autogenous" vaccines to stimulate the immune system. She published many articles and books, such as "Cancer, A New Breakthrough" (1972); "The Microbiology of Cancer" (1977); and "The Conquest of Cancer" (1984).

Her research has been confirmed by other scientists, such as microbiologist Eleanor Alexander-Jackson, cell cytologist Irene Diller, biochemist Florence Seibert, and dermatologist Alan Cantwell, among others.

Milton Wainwright, a microbiologist at the University of Sheffield, UK, has written extensively about the bacteriology of cancer in recent publications such as: "Nanobacteria and associated 'elementary bodies' in human disease and cancer" (1999); "The return of the cancer germ; Forgotten microbiology - back to the future" (2000); "Highly pleomorphic staphylococci as a cause of cancer" (2000); and "Is this the historical 'cancer germ'"? (2003).

Currently, one of the most well-known popular proponents of the link between cancer and bacteria is Dr. Alan Cantwell, who has written numerous articles and books on the subject. Cantwell isolated and reported cell wall deficient bacteria in breast cancer, Kaposi's sarcoma and Hodgkin's disease. He states, " If a disease like cancer is indeed caused by microscopic bacteria, it would indicate physicians have been unable to see what was quite plain for some nineteenth and twentieth century scientists to observe using simple light microscopy.

And with powerful electron microscopes there is now little excuse for not "seeing" bacteria."

Mycoplasma

Mycoplasma, the oldest suspect in the bacterial theory of cancer, has also been implicated as a direct cause or a signficant cofactoer in a host of other degenerative and inflammatory diseases.

Mycoplasmas are frequently found in the oral and genito-urinary tracts of normal healthy subjects, with females four times more frequently infected than males, which just happens to be the same gender-skewed incidence rate as rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue and other related auto-immune disorders.

In 1997, the National Center for Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's journal, Emerging Infectious Diseases, published the article, Mycoplasmas : Sophisticated, Reemerging, and Burdened by Their Notoriety, by Drs. Baseman and Tully who stated:

"Nonetheless, mycoplasmas by themselves can cause acute and chronic diseases at multiple sites with wide-ranging complications and have been implicated as cofactors in disease.

Recently, mycoplasmas have been linked as a cofactor to AIDS pathogenesis and to malignant transformation, chromosomal aberrations, the Gulf War Syndrome, and other unexplained and complex illnesses, including chronic fatigue syndrome, Crohn's disease, and various arthritides."

The first strains of mycoplasma were isolated from cattle with arthritis and pleuro-pneumonia in 1898 at the Pasteur Institute. The first human variety was isolated in 1932 from a wound abscess.

The first connection between Mycoplasmas were identified as a cause of rheumatoid diseases in 1939 by Drs. Swift and Brown. In the late 1950's a specific strain was identified as the cause of atypical pneumonia, and named Mycoplasma pneumonia.

The association between immunodeficiency and autoimmune disorders with mycoplasmas was first noted in the mid 1970s in patients with primary hypogammaglobulinemia (an autoimmune disease) due to infection with four species of mycoplasma localized in joint tissue.

Since that time, more than 100 different mycoplasma species have been identified and recorded in plants, animals, and humans.

There are hundreds of studies from scientists all around the world linking various species of mycoplasma with cancer.

The research of Dr Shy-Chung Lo at the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology in Washington, D.C., confirms the multistage, malignant transformation of embryo cell lines persistently exposed to mycoplasma infection as well as animal models so exposed.

According to research by P.J. Chan, published in Gynecologic Oncology (1996), "The oncogenic potential of mycoplasmas was only recently realized when they were shown to cause chromosomal changes and in vitro cell transformations through gradual progressive chromosomal loss and translocations." Chan and colleagues also report the prevalence of mycoplasma DNA in ovarian cancer.1

In 1993, a research team led by C. Ilantzis at the McGill Cancer Centre, Montreal, Canada analyzed cancer-related markers which are specific to various organs in the body. These markers, called "organ-specific neoantigens" (OSNs), elicit specific immune responses. After analyzing OSN proteins from human colon adenocarcinomas, researchers found the OSNs to be mycoplasmal in origin.2

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(1). Chan P.J et al Prevalence of Mycoplasma Conserved DNA in Malignant Ovarian Cancer Detected Using Sensitive PCR-ELISA Gynecologic Oncology 1996 pp. 258-260(3)

(2). C Ilantzis, DM Thomson, A Michaelidou, S Benchimol Identification of a human cancer related organ specific neoantigen Microbiol Immunol, 1993;37(2):119-28

Microscopic Findings

The "cancer bacteria" have a variable appearance, both in tissue samples and in cultures. They can appear as cocci (spheres) 0.1 micrometer in size (a micrometer is 1/1000 of a millimeter), called "ultramicroscopic" since they can still be seen by an ordinary light optical microscope.

Scientists have used the term "nanobacteria" to describe extremely small bacteria which range from .05 to 0.2 micrometer in size. Viruses, which measure 0.01 to 0.02 micrometers, can be viewed only with an electron microscope. The smallest forms of bacteria pass easily through a standard viral filter with pores 0 .2 micrometers in size, which microbiologists assumed (until recently) would catch all bacteria, which tend to be much larger.

Once these tiny cocci are placed in a petri dish and the resulting culture is observed over time, the bacteria also produce larger rods and branching, fungus-like strands.

Mycobacteria are known to exist in different forms, and the tuberculosis microbe, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, is a good example of this complex life cycle. Some forms of the bacillus are round "coccoid" forms; other forms are more typically "acid-fast" and "rod" forms. All mycobacteria form a phylogenetic link or bridge between the bacteria and the "higher" fungi. "Myco" is Greek for fungus. This is the origin of the term "mycobacteria." Mycoplasmas also have a flowing plasma-like structure without a cell wall - hence "plasma".

Unlike common bacteria, the suspected cancer microbe Mycoplasma has no cell wall. It invades tissue cells, and uses the cell to replicate itself, much like a retrovirus. When the Mycoplasma breaks out of the cell, it takes a piece of the host cell membrane with it. When the immune system attacks the Mycoplasma, it may also mistakenly attack the host cell, causing an autoimmune condition. It can invade the Natural Killer cells of the immune system, causing immune system disorders. Because it can hide deep within cells, it is extremely difficult to detect and eradicate.

Treating Mycoplasma With Antibiotics

Antibiotic treatment must be tailored to the specific bacterial infection. Many bacteria, especially mycoplasma, are unaffected by many common antibiotics. However, some targeted treatments which are known to kill specific cancer-causing bacteria have proven effective, at least in the early stages of disease.

Mycoplasmal infections are treatable with long cycles of high-dose antibiotics such as doxycycline and tetracycline, followed by a long period of low dose antibiotics. Due to their lack of cell walls, mycoplasma are unaffected by penicillins. Since the organism is a slow-growing, intracellular species with a long life cycle, several long term courses of antibiotics may be necessary. The infection may need to be treated for several months or years, much the same protocol as for Lyme Disease.

No clinical trials have been published in regards to the treatment of cancer with antibiotics against mycoplasma.

Vaccines Against Mycoplasma

Maruyama vaccine is similar to BCG vaccine, both of which are made from mycobacteria tuberculosis isolates. Both have been used extensively as immune system stimulants in cancer patients. Murayama vaccine is made from mycobacteria tuberculosis isolates, and BCG is derived from an attenuated bovine tuberculosis bacillus. However, BCG has more side effects than Maruyama vaccine.

Maruyama vaccine, invented by Dr. Chisato Maruyama more than 50 years ago, can be used by itself or in combination with standard therapies. Some Japanese physicians claim to have achieved complete remissions in poor-prognosis cancers, but no large scale clinical trials exist. No negative side effects from the vaccine have been reported.

Murayama vaccine is approved by the FDA to treat terminal cancer patients. Some forms of health insurance will cover the cost if the vaccine is used as part of standard therapy, because it is officially approved only as an immune system stimulant to counteract the side effect of bone marrow suppression caused by radiotherapy.

Maruyama vaccine is supplied by The Research Institute of Vaccine Therapy for Tumors and Infections Disease, Nippon Medical School Hospital in Tokyo, as long as the patient supplies a request from their physician. It is not expensive, approximately 9000 yen (100 USD) for a 40 day course of treatment.

According to an article published in Cancer Detection And Prevention, 2003, by Tetsuo Kimoto M.D., Ph.D., Maruyama vaccine does not have direct cytotoxic effects on tumors, but rather causes their encapsulation by collagen fibers.

This leads to the containment and sometimes necrosis (death) of tumors and their metastasis. Survival time increased in both animal and human subjects with tumors, and Kimoto stated that Murayama vaccine "may benefit patients in whom the tumor is inoperable and resistant to conventional chemotherapy." 1

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(1). Tetsuo Kimoto M.D., Ph.D The antitumor effects of Maruyama vaccine (SSM) Cancer Detection and Prevention Volume 22 Issue 4 Page 340 - August 1998 .

Herpes Virus

Cervical cancer, caused by the human papilloma virus, strikes more than 10,000 U.S. women each year, killing more than 3,700. A new vaccine against the virus, Gardasil, was approved by the FDA in 2006. The vaccine is effective against HPV types 16 and 18, which cause approximately 70 percent of cervical cancers and against HPV types 6 and 11, which cause approximately 90 percent of genital warts.

Less well known is the fact that HPV is also implicated in squamous cell head and neck cancers, especially cancer of the tonsils. 1,2 Researchers at the Johns Hopkins Oncology Center tested tumor tissues from 253 patients with head and neck cancers and found 25 percent of the cases were HPV-positive. In 90 percent of those HPV-positive tumors, HPV16, the type of virus most often associated with cervical cancer, was present.3

Multiple studies confirm the link between HPV and head and neck cancer. Approximately 31,000 people in the United States are diagnosed each year with cancer of the oral cavity and pharynx, which causes 8,500 deaths annually.

The vaccine against HPV only works if it administered before infection, indicating the importance of immunization before potential exposure to the virus. Also, Gardasil does not protect against less common HPV types not included in the vaccine, thus routine and regular pap screening remain critically important to detect precancerous changes in the cervix to allow treatment before cervical cancer develops. It is a preventative measure, not a treatment for existing cervical or head and neck cancer.

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(1). Paz IB et al., Human papillomavirus (HPV) in head and neck cancer. An association of HPV 16 with squamous cell carcinoma of Waldeyer's tonsillar ring. Cancer 1997 Feb 1;79(3):595-604.

(2) Klussman JP et al., Human papillomavirus-positive tonsillar carcinomas: a different tumor entity? Med Microbiol Immunol (Berlin) 2003 Aug;192(3):129-32. Epub 2002 Sep 14.

(3). Gillison ML, Koch WM, Capone RB, Spafford M, Westra WH, Wu L, Zahurak ML, Daniel RW, Viglione M, Symer DE, Shah KV, Sidransky D, Evidence for a causal association between human papillomavirus and a subset of head and neck cancers. Journal of the National Cancer Institute. 2000 May 3;92(9):709-20

Stomach Cancer

In the December 2000 edition of the Journal of The National Cancer Insitute, a research team led by Columbian pathologist Pelayo Correa reported that antibiotics, vitamin C, or beta-carotene (precursor of vitamin A) can reverse precancerous stomach conditions caused by Helicobacter pylori.

Stomach cancer is the second most common cancer worldwide, and is most common in countries such as Colombia and China, where H. Pylori infects more than half of the population in early childhood. In the U.S., where H. pylori is less common, stomach cancer rates have decreased since the 1930s.

The two main risk factors for stomach cancer are H. pylori infection, and a diet low in vitamin C and beta carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A. There is also ample evidence that a diet including fresh fruits and vegetables, which are rich in those nutrients, protects against stomach cancer.

In 1992, the researchers studied 631 patients with aberrant gastric cell growth, which falls into one of three successive premalignant stages--multifocal nonmetaplastic atrophy, intestinal metaplasia, and dysplasia.

Patients received either a placebo pill, a vitamin C or beta-carotene supplement, or antibiotics against H. pylori. Some others received a combination of drugs and supplements.

The scientists took stomach biopsies of the patients after 3 and 6 years of treatment. Patients with atrophy were roughly five times as likely to experience regression of this premalignant cell growth as those getting a placebo.

Among those with metaplasia, the volunteers who were taking supplements or drugs were three times as likely to improve as those getting placebos were. However, patients with dysplasia, the last stage of stomach disease before cancer, showed no significant improvement with any of the treatments. "The earlier in the process [that we intervened] the better the chance of regression," Correa said. 1

This study is encouraging because it shows that treating carcinogenic bacteria produces clear benefits against precancerous conditions. However, once the tissue damage caused by infection had progressed to the premalignant stage, the antibiotics produced no benefits, and would likely produce no improvement in cases of outright malignancy either.

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(1). Correa, P., et al. 2000. Chemoprevention of gastric dysplasia: Randomized trial of antioxidant supplements and anti-Helicobacter pylori therapy. Journal of the National Cancer Institute 92(Dec. 6):1881-1888

Lymphoma

The common antibiotic doxycycline effectively treats a type of ocular lymphoma associated with chlamydia infection, according to a study published in the October 4 issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

A team of researchers led by Andres J. M. Ferreri, M.D., of the San Raffaele H Scientific Institute in Milan, Italy, gave 27 patients with ocular adnexal lymphoma (OAL) a 3-week course of doxycycline therapy, whether they tested positive or negative for chlamydia.

The researchers observed for tumor progression every 6 months, and found that doxycycline caused caused lymphoma to regress in patients regardless of whether they tested positive or negative for chlamydia.

The study suggested that doxycycline is a useful therapy even in patients where other treatments have failed, and it is a valid alternative to chemotherapy and radiation without causing the same toxic side-effects. Patients treated with doxycycline had a 66% rate of disease-free survival. 1

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(1). Andrés J. M. Ferreri, Maurilio Ponzoni, Massimo Guidoboni, Antonio Giordano Resti, Letterio S. Politi, Sergio Cortelazzo, Judit Demeter, Francesco Zallio, Angelo Palmas, Giuliana Muti, Giuseppina P. Dognini, Elisa Pasini, Antonia Anna Lettini, Federico Sacchetti, Carlo De Conciliis, Claudio Doglioni, Riccardo Dolcetti Bacteria-Eradicating Therapy With Doxycycline in Ocular Adnexal MALT Lymphoma: A Multicenter Prospective Trial Journal of the National Cancer Institute 2006 98(19):1375-1382

Cautionary Note On Indiscriminate Use Of Antibiotics

So far, no antibiotic treatment has been discovered that is successful in treating most types of cancer, and a study linking antibiotic use to an increased risk breast cancer appeared in the February 2004 Journal of the American Medical Association. The study, which examined 10,000 Washington state women, found that those who took more than 25 courses of antibiotics over an average of 17 years had double the risk of breast cancer compared to women who did not take antibiotics. Women who took between one and 25 prescriptions over the same period had a one-and-a-half times increased risk for breast cancer. 1

Correlation does not always imply causation, and this study raises intriguing questions as to the mechanism of this effect. Perhaps it is due to direct cellular damage by the antibiotic. Maybe the disruption of the body's normal bacterial homeostasis by antibiotics causes proliferation of pathogenic bacterial species.

It could be that women with poorly functioning immune systems (due to genetics or poor living conditions) are more prone to infections as well as cancer. A need for antibiotics may indicate an underlying inflammatory or infectious condition which is responsible for the development of cancer.

However, the study illustrates the perils of using broad spectrum antibiotics indiscriminately. This practice evidently does not ward off cancer, and cannot be recommended.

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(1). Roberta B. Ness, MD, MPH. Jane A. Cauley, DrPH Antibiotics and Breast Cancer--. What's the Meaning of This? Journal of The American Medical Association Feb 2004 291:77, 880-881

Antibiotics To Treat Cancer

In 2006, researchers at the University of Illinois discovered that siomycin, a poorly known antibiotic first discovered in the 1960s, caused cancer cells to undergo apoptosis (cell death) while leaving normal cells unharmed. This is due to a direct effect on the FOX M1 gene, which is activated in tumor cells and causes their rapid growth. Siomycin is currently being evaluated for possible clinical trials. 1

Neomycin, another old antibiotic first discovered in 1949, inhibits angiogenesis (development of blood vessels) of prostate tumors, and prevents them from growing and spreading in animal subjects, according to researchers Hu and Yoshioka in the Sept 2006 edition of the Proceedings Of The National Academy Of Sciences. 2

In both cases, the action of these antibiotics is due to a direct chemotherapeutic effect, not antibacterial action. However, both of these agents show promise for the development of chemotherapy without the current horrendous side effects.

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(1). Senthil K. Radhakrishnan, Uppoor G. Bhat, Douglas E. Hughes, I-Ching Wang, Robert H. Costa and Andrei L. Gartel Identification of a Chemical Inhibitor of the Oncogenic Transcription Factor Forkhead Box M1 Cancer Research 66, 9731-9735, October 1, 2006

(2). Hu G-F. Neomycin inhibits angiogenin-induced angiogenesis. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 95: 9791-9795, 1998

Integrated Treatment Clinics

Livingstone-Wheeler claimed an 82% success rate in her book "the Conquest of Cancer".

One of the largest clinics offering treatment based on the bacterial hypothesis of cancer is the Livingstone Wheeler Foundation Medical Center, San Diego, California. Livingstone-Wheeler claimed an 82% success rate in her book "the Conquest of Cancer". Here, patients are given vaccines and other measures purported to enhance immunity to the pleomorphic bacterium believed to be the cause of cancer.

BCG vaccine is used along with a multifocal treatment program: vegetarian diet, vitamins, antioxidants, detoxification, nutritional counselling, support groups. Patients are monitored with tests of immune function and vitamin levels.

However, a 2001 study by the Centre for Alternative Medicine Research at the University of Texas found poor outcomes the 191 clinic patients followed, approximately half of whom had metastatic cancer. Only 28 patients out of 193 were found to be still alive five years later, giving a five-year survival rate of 14.5%, no better than conventional therapy for advanced cancer. These results refute Livingstone's claims of success.

However, other practitioners have had better results. The Issels Clinic, founded in 1951 in Germany by Dr. Josef Issels, specializes in immunotherapy (along with other alternative treatments) and and has a significant success rate documented by independent studies.

Since the late 1960s, German public health insurance has covered treatment at the Issels Clinic. From 1981 until his retirement in 1987, Dr. Issels served as expert in the Federal German Government Commission In The Fight Against Cancer.

In the Clinical Trials Journal (London 1970) a peer-reviewed study showed that Issels treatment plus standard therapy (chemo and radiotherapy) improved the five-year survival rate of patients with metastatic cancers to 87%, as compared to 50% with standard therapy alone.

In 1959, A. G. Audier, M.D., from the University of Leiden, Holland, reported that Issels therapy produced a 16.6% cure rate in 252 patients with metastatic malignant melanoma, which has only a 2% cure rate by conventional therapy.

This was confirmed by a study in 1971 by John Anderson, M.D., from King's College Hospital, which found a 17% cure rate for metastatic melanoma. The Issels clinic has documented long term cures (greater than 10 years) of advanced metastatic cancer, including astrocytomas (malignant brain tumors) and melanomas, which are virtually incurable by conventional treatment.

There are two Issels Medical Centers in the United States, in Phoenix, Arizona, and Santa Barbara, California.

Summary

Evidence for a causal link between infection and cancer appears to be overwhelming, but so far no universally applicable treatment has been developed from this knowledge.

In some cases, such as intraocular lymphoma, eradication of infection cures cancer; but in other cases, such as gastric cancer, it has no effect once the disease has progressed from pre-malignant to cancerous. So far, some success has been achieved by immunotherapy, but be sure to look for a reputable clinic with proven results, since patient outcomes vary greatly between practitioners.

This is definitely a field to watch closely, since new discoveries are being made constantly.

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

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/641484

Five Signs of Skin Cancer - Identifying Skin Cancer

2010-10-29T00:59:00.000-07:00

Five Signs of Skin Cancer - Identifying Skin Cancer

The five signs of skin cancer are a general guide used in identifying this disease. More often than not, people don't really know what to look for until something drastic and ugly appears on their skin. The biggest concern to look for is always `change`. Change in color, change in shape, change in size, elevation, etc.

Whether you go to a dermatologist or see your primary care doctor, they both will likely tell you the same thing if the condition is precancerous. If you were to have a precancerous basal cell, you may be told to keep an eye on it and be watching for changes. That has been my experience.

Some cancers develop very slowly, but that's not always the case. For example, basal cell usually does not spread, but could. It is usually not aggressive, but could be. It's important to try to recognize spots of concern on your skin while they are precancerous. That precancerous basal cell could develop into basil cell carcinoma without you realizing it.

The five signs of skin cancer guide can be very helpful in raising your awareness of changes taking place on your skin and identifying it in its early stages.

Your better off if you can spot it even before your doctor. Another point worth mentioning is that your primary care doctor is less likely to take it seriously as a dermatologist would. And always let your dermatologist know every detail, including a history of skin cancer in your family.

O K, by now you're probably wondering when I'm going to get to the five signs of skin cancer. So here they are; think of them as an A-B-C-D-E guide.

• A - is for Asymmetry The two halves do not match. Normally freckles and moles do have equal sides. See your doctor if the two sides are not the same.

• B - is for Border Any mole, spot or freckle that has jagged, blurry or undefined and rough edges, See your doctor.

• C - is for Color Usually, normal spots are all one color. If you're seeing more than one hue or the color is changing, becoming lighter or darker, then see your doctor.

• D - is for Diameter Anything larger than a pencil eraser, about ¼ inch or 6mm. Even if it doesn't have any of the other signs, it needs to be checked out by a doctor.

• E - is for Evolving Any mole, freckle or lesion that looks different from the rest or starts changing, itching or elevating, Again, see your doctor.

This guide can be generally used for all types of skin cancer, but I might add that it does not always appear exactly as described in the five signs of skin cancer. Mine did not and it was not recognized by a general physician.

3 types of skin cancers most common are Basil Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, and Melanoma. To learn more, including rare types, you may visit my informational site shown below.

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

Finally A Cure For Skin Cancer

2010-10-05T01:43:00.000-07:00

Finally A Cure For Skin Cancer

A vaccine which was originally developed to combat the herpes virus attacks cancerous tumors causing skin cancer, a therapy helping patients to fully cure from melanoma, according to some American researchers, even at an advanced stage,

What has really surprised and encouraged us was to see that this vaccine Onco VEX did not addressed only to cells that were injected, but worked on cells in other parts of the body that we could not reach, said Dr. Howard Kaufman from the Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. In other words, the vaccine triggered an immune response that spreads throughout the body thanks to the bloodstream.

Mr. Kaufman is now well prepared to launch a Phase III clinical trials, which will involved 430 patients across the United States. During Phase II, fifty patients with melanoma at the stage of metastasis have been vaccinated. Eight of them have fully recovered and four partially responded positively to the treatment.

Few treatment options

There are currently only very few treatment options for patients with advanced melanoma cancers, and none of them are satisfactory. Therefore, oncologists are enthusiastic about the results we had in phase II of our research, commented M. Kaufman. In 2008, some 4.600 Canadians have received a diagnosis of melanoma cancers, and more than 900 people have died of that disease, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada.

About 1.2 percent of all deaths from cancer in Canada are due to melanoma. According to the Canadian Cancer Society, melanoma is not attributable to a single cause, but some factors increase the risk of developing the disease: Exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun or other artificial sources of UV light; moles of irregular forms, or thicker or darker than normal moles, large quantity of moles (over 50); light color eyes or light color hair; skin that burns easily or freckled skin; personal history or family history of melanoma; severe sunburns during childhood.

In particular with the treatments offered today including surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy around 90 percent of melanoma cases are cured if treated quickly.

Twenty doses have to be received

When the disease is only superficial, the lesions can easily be removed during a biopsy. But if the cancer is progressing, the worse prognosis of survival are averaging from six months to two years.

The vaccine can be injected directly into the lesion, with or without ultrasound. This procedure is usually done in the doctor's office and includes several injections every two weeks for a total of 24 doses.

Patients who participated in the study have been followed for two years after receiving the treatments and seems to be completely cured of the disease.

By: rodolphe cote

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Mesothelioma Symptom Relief And Palliative Care For Breathlessness

2010-08-08T20:14:00.000-07:00

Mesothelioma Symptom Relief And Palliative Care For Breathlessness

Mesothelioma symptom relief is the central focus of care for the mesothelioma patient deemed incurable. Pain management will vary with each patient. The mesothelioma patient’s pre-existing conditions and exacerbating conditions are factors in determining the best mesothelioma symptom relief and palliative care plan available. However, there are similarities in mesothelioma treatment and symptomatic relief for pleural mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma.

Almost every cancer patient, mesothelioma cancer patients included, experiences painful difficulty breathing during the last stages of cancer. Medical studies have indicated that as many as 70% of terminal cancer patients experience painful difficulty breathing. With diseases such as pleural mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma and lung cancer, painful breathing and shortness of breath occurs during all of the cancer stages, not just the terminal stages.

Difficulty breathing is frightening for the mesothelioma patient, the caregiver and family members. The fear of imminent death and helplessness suddenly becomes unexpectedly more real. Mesothelioma symptom relief for breathing difficulties should include emotional care as well as physical symptom relief. Relaxation techniques should be taught, and it should be stressed that there needs to be adaptations to daily activities to reduce breathing difficulty. Lifestyle changes will be in order to control mesothelioma breathing difficulties, and the most stubborn mesothelioma patients need to be convinced that this is the best mesothelioma treatment for them. Defining a new lifestyle as a “well deserved vacation” can help instigate a transition.

Mesothelioma symptom relief for physical pain from breathing difficulties can be provided by learning, advising and providing for the patient the best position of their body for proper air flow. A fresh stream of air from a window or a fan can provide mesothelioma symptom relief during breathing difficulty. Teaching the patient hyperventilation techniques can be very useful for the patient’s self-monitoring of their mesothelioma treatment. A mesothelioma patient with trouble breathing needs to learn how to purse their lips at the first sign of breathing trouble, stay calm, relax their shoulders, back, neck and arms, then “flop” themselves into relaxation. Until this technique is mastered, learning how to breathe out slowly is an important step in breathing management.

Mesothelioma patients must realize that anxiety breeds anxiety. If a patient is afraid that they are going to die at the moment they are experiencing breathing difficulty, their body will respond by producing more anxiety, and more breathlessness. This is an emotional and physical response, not merely emotional.

Oxygen is sometimes prescribed for mesothelioma symptom relief; however physicians report that some patients become unnecessarily dependent on oxygen. For other patients, oxygen is their lifeline of mesothelioma treatment. Oxygen therapy also requires a review of whether intermittent or continuous therapy provides the best relief for their mesothelioma symptoms. Mesothelioma treatment with oxygen therapy will also consider whether to use oxygen tanks or an oxygen concentrator.

There are also medications for mesothelioma symptom relief of breathlessness. Anxiolytic drugs Lorazepam, Diazepam, Midazolam, and Methotrimeprazine can be prescribed for mesothelioma treatment of breathlessness. Benzodiazepines are anxiolytic drugs that have a sedative effect and use muscle relaxation as pain treatment of breathlessness.

Mesothelioma symptom relief for breathing requires educating the patient, the caregiver and the family in palliative care. Mesothelioma treatment for pain also requires monitoring and adapting mesothelioma pain treatment plans to meet the patient’s medical needs, as well as their emotional needs. Listening to the patient’s perception of pain is crucial to determining the appropriate pain management treatment for mesothelioma symptoms. The patient feels the pain. With mesothelioma symptom relief and palliative care from knowledgeable and loving caregivers, the patient can enjoy the last years of their life as pain free as medical science allows.

By: Avi Solutions

http://mesothelioma-cancer-best-information.blogspot.com/2009/02/mesothelioma-symptom-relief-and.html

Know About Skin Cancer Treatment

2010-07-05T21:55:00.000-07:00

Know About Skin Cancer Treatment

Discussion of skin cancer is usually divided by far the most dangerous form. The non-melanoma skin cancers include basal cell cancers and squamous cell cancers.

The non-melanoma skin cancer treatment has a high success rate, the skin cancer is detected at an early stage. Australians should regularly check their skin for new growths, any changes in the color, shape or size of existing skin spots. Doctor can also check for skin cancers. History of skin cancer, you should have regular medical checks of the previously treated areas and other areas are susceptible to new cancers.

Diagnosis of skin cancer

Doctor will look at the suspect skin spot and have a skin cancer; doctor will suggest a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. Biopsy is a quick and relatively simple procedure carried out with a local anesthetic. The surrounding tissue of spot will be removed so it can be tested at a laboratory. Often the whole cancer is removed at this stage, and you may not require further treatment.

You may also need additional tests, such as x-rays, scans and a lymph node biopsy, to show if there has been any spread of the cancer to other parts of the body.

Skin cancer treatment

When doctor planning the treatment, take a number of factors into account.

* the type and size of the cancer;

* where it is situated; and

* whether it has spread to other parts of the body.

When your doctor knows to what stage the cancer has progressed, they can make a decision on the type of treatment required. The treatment often includes some type of surgical procedure or radiation therapy.

Types of non-melanoma skin cancer treatment are surgery and mohs’ surgery.

Surgery

The whole skin cancer is removed only treatment necessary when obtaining a biopsy. However, if the skin cancer is large or spreading, a larger amount of skin may need to be removed and a skin graft may be needed to cover the area.

Mohs' surgery

In mohs' surgery, specialised form of skin cancer surgery and micrographic surgery can be used to remove large, deep or recurring cancers. It is also used for cancers in areas that are difficult to treat surgically. The mohs’ surgery process involves methodically removing the visible skin cancer and a thin layer of tissue, staining and cutting the removed tissue into sections and marking on a diagram (mohs' map), then preparing and examining the removed tissue under the microscope to check that the deep ‘roots’ of the cancer have been removed and process is going on till the entire skin cancer has been removed.

Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy technique uses extreme cold to treat pre-cancerous skin conditions. Liquid nitrogen is applied to the tumour to freeze and kill abnormal cells. A small white scar may remain over the treated area.

Curettage and cauterisation

Curettage and cauterisation (diathermy) surgery, the doctor will numb the area with local anaesthetic using a small, sharp, spoon-shaped instrument called a curette, scoop out the diseased area. The doctor will use a diathermy instrument to run an electric current into the area to control bleeding and destroy any remaining cancer cells and technique often leaves a flat, light-coloured scar.

Radiotherapy or radiation therapy

Radiotherapy technique is generally used for hard cancers to treat with surgery on the eyelids or nose. Over several weeks, the treatment uses high-energy x-rays to destroy complete cancer cells. Radiation therapy treatment can make the area red and sore, and can produce changes in skin colour and/or texture in the long term.

Chemotherapy

In this technique, a drug is applied directly to a pre-cancerous lesion or sunspot in the form of a cream, for example, efudix cream is applied twice every day for several weeks, with the area becoming red, followed by blistering, peeling or cracking.

Immunomodifiers

Imiquimod is a cream that can be used as a treatment for some skin cancers and pre-cancerous lesions. It stimulates the immune system to recognise and destroy cancer cells.

Photodynamic laser therapy

Photodynamic laser therapy is the combined use of laser light and drugs to make the cancer cells sensitive to light so destroyed by follow-up laser treatment. Treatment is suitable for pre-cancerous lesions and some superficial skin cancers.

By: Carolyn Edwards

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Water Filters - Chlorine and Cancer - The Shocking Facts

2010-03-10T06:28:00.000-08:00

Water Filters - Chlorine and Cancer - The Shocking Facts

By Ismay Ramus

Chlorine contaminated water is now linked to rising incidences of cancer. Researchers have shown that there is a correlation between chlorinated water and cancers involving the bladder and rectum. These types of cancer were once relatively rare but they have now been shown to be on the rise. If you and your family do not have a water filter installed in your kitchen and bath you may be subjecting yourselves to a nasty little bonus in the water that you are using.

Once it was possible to drink and bathe in water that was pure and clean when it rushed from the faucet, but times have changed and not in a positive way. Chlorine is commonly used during the reclamation and cleaning processes for waste water but this chemical is capable of unleashing some deadly attacks once it is inside the body.

Think about how your eyes and nose sting and burn when you splash in a pool that has been chlorinated. That same stinging, blistering feeling is what happens on the inside of your body when you drink water that contains chlorine chemicals and has not been cleaned by running it through a simple water filter.

It is rather mind-boggling when you think about it, isn't it? There are over 60,000 chemicals used in the United States today. It is honestly hard for anyone to say just how many of them end up in your drinking water but chlorine is almost always in the mix.

In addition to the link between chlorine and cancer this chemical can cause breathing problems when the vapors are inhaled. You might be wondering how and when you could be exposed to chlorine vapors at home. This is easy to answer, just think about those long, hot, steamy baths and showers.

Without a water filter being installed on your bathtub faucet or showerhead the hot water creates a steamy mist that you are inhaling each time you bathe or shower. In fact these vapors can be carried to the other rooms of your home and then your children and other family members are breathing fumes that contain this caustic chemical residue.

Chlorine is a powerful agent that can be used to fight bacteria in water but that does not mean that it is a safe substance to have in the water you are drinking. In addition to the link between chlorine and cancer there have been numerous cases where chlorine related skin rashes, allergies and respiratory problems have been reported. This just reaffirms how necessary it is that people consider using an inexpensive water filter in their home. Everyone should at least filter the water they are using for drinking and cooking, if nothing else.

There are procedures that are in place that are supposed to help protect consumers from these toxic contaminants. Unfortunately there are more than 50,000 unsafe substances that have been identified in different bodies of water in the US and the Safe Drinking Water Act only regulates 91 of them. This means that more than 49,000 toxic substances might exist in water that is being supplied to homes and offices every day. Are you ready for more bad news about your drinking water?

The government has not added any toxins, contaminants or chemicals to the regulated list for more than a decade. Of course there are groups that are trying to help get our drinking water cleaned up but a water filter a good idea right now?

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

Reason Why There Is So Much Skin Cancer Today

2009-10-28T03:54:00.000-07:00

Reason Why There Is So Much Skin Cancer Today

The cause of skin cancer and melanomas does not lie entirely with the sun. If it did our ancestors would not have survived and we wouldn’t be here. It was almost unheard of 100 years ago and it’s been slowly increasing over the last 40 to 50 years. Cases of melanomas have doubled in the U.K. in the past 30 years.

The sun hasn’t got any stronger and the ozone layer is still intact, but the foods we consume on a daily basis have changed vastly. It’s the sun, combined with nutritional deficiency that causes skin cancer. It’s the irritation caused by the sun burn that will determine where the cancer will take hold, but it’s the nutritional deficiencies and other lifestyle factors that causes it to grow, that’s why it keeps appearing after treatments. The only ways to cure any skin cancers or melanomas are to address the underlying causes.

Cancer is not a 100 different diseases as we have become to believe but one disease in over 100 different locations. All cancers have mostly common causes. Remember that many people get skin cancer in areas of the body that don’t see a lot of the sun, like the soles of the feet or the palms of the hands. Also dark skin people get skin cancer just as much as fair skin people. The reasons why a person develops any cancer are well known, and to cure it, all these issues you must address.

The underlying causes are our lack of fresh fruit and vegetables, the use of too many toxic chemicals, many of which are know to be carcinogenic, our sedentary lifestyle, which because of it, our built in defence system which is our immune system has become sluggish and lastly emotional stress which does have a major health impact on the human body, including cancer.

Melanomas can be very aggressive so if one wants to cure themselves, they need to address all the factors mentioned above. Today we consume many foods which are not suitable for human consumption. For instance, processed foods which nearly all contain fat, salt or refined sugar and those 3 items are known contributors to cancer. The toxic chemicals we use on a daily basis which are mostly in personal care products and are absorbed into our body through our pores. Then we can thank the ubiquitous automobile for our lack of exercise. We need exercise to rid the body of toxins, as it boosts the immune system making it work more efficiently.

Emotional stress or unresolved conflict, not letting go of a problem, which might be the loss of a close friend, a business crisis or bankruptcy can have a major effect on the immune system and all cancers are simply disease of a weak immune system.

There is no mystery about the causes of skin cancer or any other cancer. If you want to achieve a permanent cure, it is essential to eat freshly grown food everyday which is of paramount importance, remove all toxic chemicals, and get some exercise. If you are in the sun use some common sense and cover up during the hottest part of the day. That is the only way to become free of the disease….for good!

Skin cancer and melanomas are an entirely preventable and curable disease and our modern medical approaches are not necessary the most effective approach to healing cancer patients.

By: Alan-nz

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Skin Cancer: Understanding The Three Types Of Skin Cancer

2009-08-10T10:57:00.000-07:00

Skin Cancer: Understanding The Three Types Of Skin Cancer

These days thousands of cases of skin cancer has been reported. Skin cancer is increasing day by day with the increasing rate. The skin cancer can be defined in three parts. All of these skin cancers are dangerous for he humans. These three skin cancers are as follow:

Melanoma- This is the first amongst three types of skin cancers. This can start with a point that is in the moles and this rapidly spread all over the body and this can lead to the death of the infected person. It is advised that if anyone has moles which have irregular borders and are of multiple colors must get checked through a specialist.

Usually people takes it lightly, some takes it as the season changing effects and some takes it in any other way but this has to be treated well because if this is take n lightly then this can lead to the death of the patient. The moles which are extremely opposite to these that is the moles with the regular borders and with the single colors are out of the reach of the skin cancer threat.

Squamous cell cancer- This is also a very dangerous skin cancer type. This type of skin cancer do not spread regularly as it shows its impact occasionally and when it spreads all over the body it could be much more dangerous that melanoma even. It is again advised that whenever one feels that with a very low speed he is receiving some sorts of infection then he must consult a specialist before it gets uncontrollable.

Basal cell skin cancer- This is the third, last and the most common type of the skin cancer. This type of skin do not spread through body and there are very rare chances that if this spreads from the body also this is the only type of skin cancer which can be cured by the 100% of the lesion. These cancers can not be stopped if they reach their speed and the only way to stop them is to wait until they get through with their entire activity and up to that period the patient will not survive.

Therefore, it is recommended that people must take care of them because if they get trapped by any of this type then this would be very difficult even for the doctor to cure them.

The symptoms for the basal cell skin cancer are that it develops some scaly surface on the area which is usually exposed in the light. There are special creams available to remove this kind of infection which is known as actinic keratosis and the special cream which is advised to remove this is imiquimod. Usually what people do is that they leave that red area as it is and that infection gets enough time to make his own way and this is the reason why the person get trapped by this skin cancer.

Always keep in mind that early detection is your best weapon against any types of cancer.

To Your Health!

By: James S. Pendergraft

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Skin Cancer Of The Foot And Ankle: An Epidemic

2009-06-04T07:50:00.000-07:00

Skin Cancer Of The Foot And Ankle: An Epidemic
Skin cancer of the legs, ankles, and feet are some of the most overlooked cancers.

They are found in locations where most people consider skin cancers unlikely. Over 90% of skin cancers appear on sun-exposed skin, usually found on the face, neck, ears, forearms, and hands, but an alarming number are also found in the legs, ankles, and feet.

Why does sun cause skin cancer? Overexposure to sunlight damages the top layer, or epidermis of the skin. The most dangerous skin cancer is called melanoma, meaning a tumor of pigment producing cells.

Melanomas can spread early to the lungs, liver, and brain making it a rapidly fatal cancer. It is expected tha something over 8,500 people will die from skin cancers this year! Most melanomas can be cured with early diagnosis and treatment.

Squamous Cell Carcinomas occur commonly on the forehead, lips, and handsbut they can be found on the arms hands, legs, and feet. These cancers can spread and early diagnosis and treatment is critical.

Basal Cell Carcinomas rarely spread to distant structures, but, if untreated, can destroy large portions of the face, scalp, nose, ears, and vast areas of skin. They can result in gross disfigurement if not treated early. Fair-skinned people are at greater risk for these cancers.

My heartfelt advice:

1. Please, have your moles and skin lesions checked. To put off doing so could be fatal. Ask your primary care physician or dermatologist to do a yearly skin check, all over. Don't be modest about this. Your life could be at stake. I routinely check patients for suspicious moles and lesions on their legs, ankles, and feet. You need at least a yearly check-up with your podiatrist.

2. Use sun blocks to protect exposed skin, even in winter and don't forget your legs and feet if they will be exposed!

3. Learn the ABCDs of skin cancer:
Asymmetry - The sides don't match.
Border - It looks uneven or ragged.
Color - It has more than one color. These colors may have an uneven distribution.
Diameter - They appear wider than a pencil eraser. Also, look for ulceration, craters, donut-shaped edges, bleeding, or slow healing if the lesion is ulcerated. Any mole on the toes or the bottom of the foot is suspicious. If you notice a mole on a friend or family member that meets any of these criteria, gently encourage them to get it checked "to be safe".

By: Ronald Worley

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Spices Shield Against Skin Cancer

2009-05-14T22:09:00.000-07:00

Spices Shield Against Skin Cancer

Spices Save Your Skin

Skin cancers are the commonest cancers globally and by far the majority of these ubiquitous tumours are caused by excessive exposure to the sun.

The sun's ultraviolet rays (UVR) are those responsible for inducing several pre-malignant processes in the skin. Not only do they damage DNA directly but they also cause inflammation, excess free radical production and immunosuppression. These factors combine to form a tumourigenic cocktail that increases the risk for melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers.

In spite of their potentially damaging effects UVRs also provide crucial health benefits; therefore it is important that the human skin is exposed to the sun for limited periods of time. The most important of these benefits is UVB rays' involvement in the production of vitamin D from dehydrocholesterol in the deep layers of the skin.

There is also evidence that a lack of exposure to the sun's rays is a significant factor in the development of diseases such as multiple sclerosis and certain malignancies other than skin cancer.

It is worth noting that the human body does attempt to prevent the accumulation of radiation damage and does so by initiating repair mechanisms at relatively low levels of radiation exposure.

These processes involve both intrinsic and extrinsic (plant derived) antioxidants, enzymes and other protective plant based compounds and work in the following ways:

1. Activation of mechanisms that counter free radical damage and oxidative stress.

2. Acceleration of programmed cell death (apoptosis) of pre-cancerous cells.

3. Activation of DNA repair mechanisms at low levels of radiation exposure.

There is a dichotomy in relation to UVR. On the one hand, in order to sustain normal physiological processes, we need a certain amount of exposure to the sun. However, if we are exposed to excessive amounts of UVR and have inadequate protective biological processes, we increase our risk for several different types of skin cancer.

It seems obvious that, as humans have lived for eons with constant exposure to the sun, our bodies would have adapted protective strategies to counter the damaging effects of UVR while still obtaining the benefits thereof. We now know what some of these strategies are but, in order to understand how to enhance them, we need to take a look back over thousands of years at the vital role nutrient dense plant foods play in this regard.

Only a few thousand years ago our hunter-gatherer ancestors roamed, more or less naked, predominantly in the sun-drenched regions of the planet. Thanks to a more extensive ozone layer, they were probably exposed to slightly lower doses of UV radiation per unit time than we are today. However they undoubtedly spent long periods of time in the sun while they hunted and collected plant foods. They also had dark skins that gave them an extra measure (but by no means complete) of protection against excessive UVR exposure. There is evidence that they lived well into their sixties and were therefore subject to significant UVR exposure for several decades.

Protective phytonutrients

The key to our forefathers' success in countering UVR damage was their consumption of a diet rich in phytonutrients. Owing to their active lifestyle, hunter-gatherer communities consumed a high calorific diet. The difference between their high calorie diet and a contemporary high calorie diet is that the former consisted largely of richly flavoured (spicy), phytonutrient-dense plant foods while the modern diet is dominated by relatively bland nutrient deficient plant foods.

The nutritional characteristics of the plants that hunter-gatherers consumed were different to ours in that they had far higher phytonutrient/calorie ratios to the plants we eat today. Those that are available nowadays are generally energy dense plant foods with much lower phytonutrient/calorie ratios.

There are two reasons for this. Firstly, we eat many grain based foods that have very high carbohydrate levels and relatively low phytonutrient levels. Secondly, over the centuries, we have bred varieties of most of our grains, fruit and vegetables that are far bigger, sweeter and starchier than they were in their natural state.

Add to this modern chemical farming methods and we now have plant foods with very low phytonutrient/calorie ratios that consist primarily of water and carbohydrates. These provide far fewer protective compounds than they did several thousand years ago. This translates into reduced intake of phytonutrients that, in adequate amounts, could protect us against UVR and other carcinogenic environmental factors.

The only food categories that have more or less escaped the plant breeders' attentions are the spices. Spices are the plant foods closest to those that our ancestors ate. They have extremely high phytonutrient/calorie ratios and contain large concentrations of a wide variety of powerful antioxidants and other protective nutrients.

Recent scientific evidence has shown that several spices contain compounds that are very effective in countering UVR damage to the skin. These molecules possess the ability to act as direct and indirect antioxidants. They have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties and can activate genes that control lasting protective processes against UVR damage. Scientists working in this field have also noted that multiple antioxidant compounds (found in phytonutrient-rich plants) have a better protective effect than high doses of single antioxidant supplements.

Spices known to have specific protective effects against radiation damage are:

Turmeric contains the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, curcumin that has remarkable cancer fighting abilities against several cancers including melanomas.

Mustard contains sulphorafane, a non-antioxidant compound also found in cruciferous plants such as broccoli. Sulphorafane works by activating the body's intrinsic cellular defenses against UVR and has been shown counter skin malignancies when used both internally and topically.

Curcumin and sulphoraphane are only two of the spice-based compounds that are currently being studied as possible treatments for a range of skin and other cancers. However, as spices provide a wide array of antioxidant and other protective compounds, it is highly likely that there are many more of them that can help us contain skin cancers as they undoubtedly did for our hunter-gatherer ancestors.

A combination of selective plant breeding, modern agricultural methods and poor dietary habits means that, without an injection into our diets of a significant quantity and variety of phytonutrient-rich foods such as spices, it almost impossible to obtain the optimum quantities of protective plant compounds. Until we do so we will continue to see a rise in the incidence of skin cancers and other malignancies.

By: Keith Scott MD

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Dangers Of Lung Cancer

2009-05-07T07:45:00.000-07:00

Dangers Of Lung Cancer

The cause of lung cancer has been seen to be the abnormalities in cells. The body of human beings automatically regulates the production and growth of cells when the body needs them. If there is uncontrolled growth of cell in the tissues of the lungs, then final results may be developing of lung cancer.

Symptoms of lung cancer vary depending on the location and the spreading effect of the tumor but one cannot easily identify early warnings of lung cancer. The best thing one can do is consult a doctor in cases of a new persistent cough or the worsening of an existing chronic cough, if there is blood in his sputum, chest pains and difficulties in breathing and unexplained weight loss

Cancer of the lungs can be categorized into primary lung cancer and Mesothelioma. The primary lung cancer is cancer that starts in the lungs while the Mesothelioma or also referred to as secondary lung cancer normally results when the origin of the cancer was from another part of the body spreading to the lungs. The causes of lung cancer can be through smoking, radon gas, asbestos or viruses not forgetting the genetic risk.

Smoking: Smoking of cigarettes is the leading cause of lung cancer. In the developed world, cigarette smoking accounts for more than 80% of lung cancer related deaths. People who start smoking at a tender age are at a higher risk of developing lung cancer earlier in life due to the high exposure period. Non-smokers can also develop this type of cancer when they inhale smoke released by smokers found in their midst. All these modes are equally dangerous that is, the active pipe or cigar smoker and the passive smoker.

Radon Gas: This gas is natural in occurrence and is known to pass from the soil to building foundations. Exposure to these gases will very much vary as per the locality and the underlying soil and rocks in that area.

Asbestos: Individuals who have had prolonged contact with asbestos stand a higher chance of developing lung cancer especially in the event they do smoke for the combination of asbestos and tobacco will tend to act as one thus increasing the risks. Heavy exposure to asbestos may result to far greater risks of developing lung cancer.

Viruses: In early times, viruses where thought to only cause lung cancer in animal. However, recent studies show that they can cause cancer I humans too. These viruses include JC virus, simian, papillomavirus and others.

To prevent lung cancer, people should stop smoking.

By: DouglasGrahame

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A Look At Skin Cancer Treatments

2009-04-22T06:00:00.000-07:00

A Look At Skin Cancer Treatments

If you have been told that you have skin cancer you could well be unsure about the treatment you will receive as, even if you have already had your treatment options explained to you in detail by your doctor, you might still be confused by all the technical and medical jargon that was used. You might not have been able to take in the information because of the shock following the diagnosis.

Here therefore is a brief description of a few of the treatments which are commonly used when treating skin cancer.
The specific type of treatment you will receive will depend upon a variety of different factors including such things as your age and whether or not your cancer has spread to other parts of your body.

Your treatment could consist of surgery in which the surgeon could decide to remove the cancerous region itself together with some of the surrounding skin. Precisely how much health skin should be surgically removed will depend on the specific form of cancer found and how deep that cancer is. Usually an area of approximately one or two centimeters of surrounding skin will be removed.

Some forms of skin cancer can be treated by freezing using liquid nitrogen or treated with drugs like Imiquimod which is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the use on superficial basal cell carcinoma.

More extensive surgery might be necessary where a sentinel lymph node shows cancer cells after a biopsy of any suspect area. This type of surgery removes lymph nodes close to the cancer along with affected skin and is frequently followed by radiotherapy.

Another recent development for skin cancer treatment is what is referred to as immunotherapy cancer vaccination although research into this particular form of treatment is still being conducted and it is not yet widely available. Chemotherapy could also be recommended if your cancer has spread into other areas.

There is no definitive form of prevention for skin cancer but there are various things that you can do to minimize your chance of developing the problem and the most important and often disregarded is to reduce your skin's exposure to the sun.

Everyone, no matter what the color or type of skin you have should use a sunscreen that has a protection factor of at least 15. It is also a good idea to wear sufficient clothing and remain out of the sun as much as you can, particularly between the hours of 11am and 3pm when the sun’s rays are at their strongest. By the same token, it is not advisable to use sunlamps and sun beds as these too produce harmful rays.

Finally, keep an eye on your skin and pay particular attention to any alterations to moles and lesions. If you notice any changes then you should see your doctor as soon as possible so that you can be treated while the problem is at an early stage

By: Donald Saunders

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Understanding Prostate Cancer

2009-04-01T04:58:00.000-07:00

Understanding Prostate Cancer

In case you are unfamiliar of what the prostate is, it is a gland within the male reproductive system which is located right underneath the bladder and right in front of the rectum. When you have a health prostate, it is similar to the size of a walnut. In the event that the prostate enlarges, it will squeeze the urethra and it will either slow or completely stop the urine from making its way from the bladder to its final destination, the penis. Within this article, we are going to discuss prostate cancer so that you may be better aware of what this cancer entails.

The very first thing that you should know is that all prostate enlargements aren't cancer. In all actuality, there can be many causes of prostate enlargement other than cancer. For instance, benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH is used to describe a condition where there is abnormal growth of the benign cells which is noncancerous. Within this condition, the prostate enlarges and as a result it squeezes the urethra, which prevents the normal urine flow.

Within the United States, BPH is known to be a very common problem among men that are over the age of fifty. There are some men that may experience symptoms that are so severe that they need treatment. For all men that are fifty years old and older, screening is recommended for prostate cancer. A simple blood test will be able to test for all of signs of cancer, not to mention that there is an examination known as the digital rectal examination.

First, the blood test will be conducted, and the only time that the digital rectal examination is performed is if there is some type of indication that there could be a problem. Below, you will learn all of the risk factors that are known to increase your likelihood of developing prostate cancer.

1. Smoking: By now you should realize that smoking will put each and every individual at a much higher risk of developing all different types of cancer.

2. Age: All of the men that are over the age of fifty are more than likely going to develop the disease in comparison to younger men.

3. Race: All of the men that are of the African American race are more likely to develop prostate cancer than any of the other ethnic groups.

4. Family History: In the event that within the family, there is a history of developing prostate cancer, your risk is going to increase.

5. Diet: Any diet that consists of high amounts of animal fat is believed to increase your risk of developing the prostate cancer.

In the event that you think you may be suffering from prostate cancer, it is very important that you contact your physician right away.

By: Marlon Dirk

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Skin Cancer - Warnings And Signs About Skin Cancer

2009-03-16T01:58:00.000-07:00

Skin Cancer - Warnings And Signs About Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States – an estimated million cases are diagnosed annually and around 20% of people will show signs of skin cancer at some point during their lifetime. Less than 1,000 people die from skin cancer in a typical year, although if you have any skin cancer symptoms or experienced any skin cancer warning signs, it’s important to have them checked.

People of all skin tones can develop skin cancer, including those with darker skin tones; and it’s important to know what some of the skin cancer warning signs are. Skin cancer tends to develop more on those parts of the body that are more often exposed to the sun – face, neck, chest, back, arms and legs – although it can also develop on areas not usually exposed to sunlight.

There are several types of skin cancer; melanoma is the most serious and causes the most deaths. Anyone can get melanoma, although if there is a history of it in your family, you are more susceptible. And if you spend lots of time outdoors, live at a higher altitude where UV rays are not filtered as effectively, or have had several bad sunburns, you also have a higher risk of developing melanoma.

Moles and freckles are two of the biggest warning signs of melanoma. A melanoma can not only form on the skin, but will frequently grow from an existing mole or freckle. One of the biggest differences between normal moles and melanomas is the color – a normal mole or freckle is black or brown, with a well-defined edge; a melanoma is often multicolored, has different shades, or may ooze fluid.

It’s possible to examine your own body regularly to try to keep track of any freckles, moles or blemishes. Be particularly careful of any that seem to grow in size, are different colors or won’t heal. If in doubt, always have any suspicious moles or freckles examined by a doctor – the sooner they are treated, the less chance of the disease spreading to other parts of the body.

Basal cell carcinoma is the commonest form of the disease also. Warning signs include a flesh-colored or brown lesion on the back or chest, or a waxy bump on the neck, face or ears. This type of skin cancer is not likely to spread to other areas of the body; it’s also fairly easy to treat. Squamous cell carcinoma is also easily treated; warning symptoms of this include a lesion with a crusty surface on the arms or face; or a red nodule on the face, neck or arms.

There are several less common forms of skin cancer. Merkel cell carcinoma is rare, although it can spread rapidly. The warning signs are firm, shiny nodules found in hair follicles and just below the skin on areas of the body exposed to the sun. Also rare is Kaposi’s sarcoma, found mainly in people with a weakened immune system; warning signs are purple patches on the skin. Sebaceous gland carcinoma is characterized by hard nodules on the body, especially on the eyelid.

Skin cancer is completely curable, if found and treated early enough. The hard part is perhaps determining what the warning sign of skin cancer is and what is normal – if in any doubt, have it checked out by a doctor or skin specialist.

By: E B Ezidiegwu

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Signs Of Skin Cancer

2009-02-19T06:00:00.000-08:00

Signs Of Skin Cancer

A survey of the American Cancer Society says that three out of every four
American families have at least one family member diagnosed with cancer. A cancer diagnosis affects not only the cancer patient, but also their family, friends & co-workers. Any kind of relationship with a cancer patient should provide them with some amount of support, proving you to be an understanding person, who is able to appreciate their situation.

A cancer diagnosis can be a real crisis; everything seems to going in a haphazard way. There is also a need to provide a superficial feeling of ‘the helping hand’, as you struggle to comprehend your own feelings. Escorting a cancer patient to navigate the maze of details like finding an oncologist, understanding their treatment options, furnishing health updates etc are a few of the important functions that you ought to perform.

Below are some tips to help you cope when someone you love is diagnosed with cancer:

• One way to keep the mind free from being vulnerable and besieged is to offer support. Taking things in a pragmatic way such as driving them to treatments or doctors’ appointments, running errands, baby-sitting, doing household work etc helps a lot. Ask them what they are most concerned about not being able to do.
• Some questions posed at the doctor if and when you accompany your loved one to their appointments will definitely not go amiss.
• Don’t get startled if any change occurs in their behavior and mood.
Cancer medications, sickness, and stress can cause your loved one to become arrogant or morose. For example: - Generally this kind of behavior is seen in skin cancer patients. So you need to maintain some amount of tolerance while dealing with a cancer patient.
• Keep them as active and independent as possible, which will help your loved one to regain a sense of confidence and control over their life.
• Be practical and realistic in terms of daily requirements. Get enough sleep, eat properly, and take some time off for yourself, because you will not be able to work in times of help or need if you are exhausted and sick.
Take care of yourself and your needs; it will be easier to meet the needs of your loved one.
• Ask other family members and friends to help. They will appreciate the opportunity to do so.
• Maintain a positive attitude.
• Accept that there are things that are beyond your control.
• Be assertive instead of aggressive. Assert your feelings, opinions, or beliefs instead of fuming, being belligerent or passive.
• Fight stress, learn to relax. Exercise regularly.
• Avoid confrontation; feel at ease with their answers.
Join a support group for friends and families of cancer patients.

Remember that you are not alone if someone you love is diagnosed with cancer. You are likely to experience a conflicting range of emotions, including disbelief, anger, relief, worry and even guilt. Fears of mortality, puzzling family roles, having your own needs met, and uncertainty about the future can surface when your loved one is diagnosed with cancer. These are customary feelings which may prove to be a problem. It will hence be beneficial to talk to others who are undergoing the same problems. These were some common points led down by American cancer society.

By: Deborah Smith

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Symptoms Of Lung Cancer

2009-01-08T06:59:00.000-08:00

Symptoms Of Lung Cancer

The early symptoms of lung cancer are one of the most important things that those who are at risk for the disease can do. Lung cancer is the most treatable when it is discovered early, and the only way to discover it early enough is to recognize and report the early symptoms of lung cancer. If you are noticing a combination of these lung cancer symptoms, be sure to talk to your doctor.
One of the early symptoms of lung cancer is a nagging cough that simply will not get better. Often the cough worsens with time and is accompanied by chronic chest pain. Coughing up blood is another of the many early symptoms of lung cancer. In fact, coughing up blood is one of the biggest symptoms that sends lung cancer patients to their doctors. Recurring bronchitis or pneumonia sometimes indicates that the disease is present. Fatigue and shortness of breath are more symptoms to watch out for if you suspect the disease.

Lung Cancer
Cancers form when certain cells in the body grow and multiply in an uncontrolled fashion. When such uncontrolled growth affects lung tissues, a lung cancer forms. Lung cancer is classified into two main types- small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer. An estimated 80 percent of lung cancer patients have non-small cell lung cancer.
Smoking or inhaling second hand smoke, environmental exposures such as asbestos and radon gas, and a family history of lung cancer increase the risk of an individual getting lung cancer. However, some lung cancers arise in the absence of these risk factors. Factors that may protect people from lung cancer are not smoking, avoiding second hand smoke, a diet rich in fresh vegetables and fruit, and limiting exposure to potential carcinogens in the environment such as radon.

Lung Cancer Stages
Cancers are staged depending on how far they have spread. Staging a cancer correctly is essential to select the most appropriate treatment option. A number of diagnostic tests, such as CT scans, MRIs, bronchoscopy, blood tests, bone scans, and biopsies are used to find out how far the cancer has spread.
Non-small cell lung cancers, which account for about 80 percent of lung cancers, are staged using the Roman numerals 0 through IV. If a cancer is too small to be detected, it is called an occult or hidden cancer and not assigned any numeral. Stage 0 cancer, or carcinoma in situ, is limited to the lung and only involves a few layers of cells. Stage I cancer is still limited to the lung, with an area of normal tissue surrounding it. Stage I cancers are further divided into Stage IA and Stage IB, depending on the size of the tumor. In stage II cancer, the cancer may have spread to nearby lymph nodes, the chest wall, the diaphragm, or to the tissues lining the lung (pleura) and the heart (pericardium). In stage III cancer, lymph nodes in the central chest or on the other side of the body from the original tumor are involved.

Lung Cancer Treatment
The most commonly used treatments for lung cancer are surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. The exact treatment a lung cancer patient receives will depend on several factors. These include the type of cancer, the stage or extent to which it has spread at the time of diagnosis, and the overall health of the patient.

Non-small cell lung cancer, which accounts for about 80 percent of lung cancer cases, is treated depending on its stage at diagnosis. Lung surgery is the mainstay of treatment for the early stages of lung cancer. Cancerous tissue, along with a margin of healthy tissue, is removed. Patients who are unable to have surgery may be treated with radiotherapy.

While cure rates for early lung cancer are good, it is rarely detected in its early stages. As non-small cell cancer spreads within the chest, it is treated with some combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Once cancer has spread to other parts of the body, chemotherapy and radiotherapy replace surgery as the main treatment options. A number of drugs are available, and many more are being tested in clinical trials. Radiotherapy is palliative, and while it may ease symptoms such as pain and cough, it will not stop cancer growth. If the cancer obstructs a major airway, using a laser, freezing the tumor or keeping the airway open with a stent or tube may remove the obstruction.

By: "Rich jammes"

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Colon Cancer Symptoms

2009-01-05T05:32:00.000-08:00

Colon Cancer Symptoms

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. In the United States, around 1000 patients die each day from complications of cancer. Approximately 2.4 million Americans are expected to be diagnosed with the dreaded disease in 2007. The exact cause of cancer is unknown. It is only characterized by the abnormal cell division and growth. Genetics, exposure to chemicals and lifestyle are just some of the risk factors in cancer.

Colon cancer is a particular cancer in which the primary affected area is the colon. Many studies showed that people with colon cancer are those who have been smoking, drinking excessively, suffers from inflammatory bowel disease and are obese. Regular colon cancer screenings should be accomplished if you are considered to be at risk. This kinds of screenings can help you fight against any kind of colon cancer that might decide to rear its ugly head. It's important to take care of the matter before it becomes too much of a problem.

If you are exhibiting the following colon cancer symptoms, you should be evaluated for colorectal cancer at once.

1. Irregular bowel movements: you could have less or more bowel movements if you have colon cancer. You can even experience constipation more often. This is because the tumor in your colon is already obstructing the regular flow of your bowel.

2. Stomach Cramps- due to bowel obstruction, you will feel stomach cramps and sometimes even bloating. As the tumor grows bigger, it could actually be perforating the bowel wall causing pain and discomfort.

3. Bloody Stool- you might observe bleeding in your bowel. Sometimes the blood will be present in a very small amount and not be noticed. But there are also cases, where the stool is really bloody. A fecal occult blood test can confirm presence of blood in your stool.

4. Unexplained weight loss- one of the classic sign of cancer is weight loss. If you are losing weight even if you are not trying, you should ask your doctor.

5. Fatigue- another colon cancer symptom to look out for is unexplained tiredness. Some experts link this symptom to anemia or iron deficiency. To be sure, you should have your blood checked.

6. Nausea and vomiting- because of the tumor in your colon area, you might feel nauseous and even vomit for no apparent reason.

7. Gassy- obstruction of the colon by a tumor causes air to be trapped.

Diagnosing colon cancer can be done in a number of ways. Your doctor could perform a digital rectal exam to check for abnormal areas in your rectum. Another way is to take endoscopic images of your colon. This is done by inserting a lighted device in you rectum and images are transmitted to a monitor. This is a very accurate test and could also differentiate between a polyp and a tumor growth.

If detected early, colon cancer can be treated by surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy. The key is early diagnosis. Chances for survival are higher for people who are diagnosed at the early stages of colon cancer. This is the reason why you should be evaluated or screened by a cancer expert especially if you are exhibiting classic colon cancer symptoms.

By: Sven Ullmann

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Bone Cancer Types,symptoms And Treatment

2008-12-24T00:40:00.000-08:00

Bone Cancer Types,symptoms And Treatment

Cancer of the bone or bone cancer is a general term used when cancer cells are seen in the bone. Cancer that begins in the bone is called primary bone cancer. It is found most often in the arms and legs but it can occur in any bone in the body. Children and young people are more likely than adults to have bone cancers.

Primary bone cancers are called sarcomas. There are several different types of sarcoma and each type begins in a different kind of bone tissue. The most common sarcomas are osteosarcoma, Ewing’s sarcoma, and chondrosarcoma.

In young people, the most common type of bone cancer is osteosarcoma, usually occurring between the ages of ten and twenty-five. More often, males are affected than females. Osteosarcoma frequently starts in the ends of the bones; where new bone tissue forms as a young person grows, usually affecting the long bones of the arms and legs. Ewing’s sarcoma usually affects teenagers, and is mostly found in people between ten and twenty-five years old. This cancer forms in the middle part (shaft) of large bones and most often affects the hip bones and long bones in the thigh and upper arm, but can also occur in the ribs. Chondrosarcoma is a type of tumor that forms in the cartilage (rubbery tissue around the joints) and are found mainly in adults. Other types of bone cancer include fibrosarcoma (malignant giant cell tumor) and chordoma. These are rare cancers and most often affects people over thirty.

The most common symptom of bone cancer is pain. However, symptoms may vary depending on the location and size of the cancer. Sometimes firm, slightly tender lump on the bone can be felt through the skin. Sometimes bone cancer interferes with normal movements and can also weaken or cause bones to break. Tumors that occur in or near joints may cause swelling and tenderness in the affected area. Other symptoms may include fatigue, fever, weight loss, and anemia. It is important to check with a doctor when you experience these symptoms, but these symptoms can also be caused by other less serious conditions.

Treatment for some bone tumors may involve surgery, such as limb amputation. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are effective in some tumors (such as Ewing's sarcoma) but less so in others (such as chondrosarcoma). After treatment has been done for bone cancer, it is very important that regular follow-up or check-ups are done with your doctor, to be sure that cancer has not come back and treat it promptly if it does. Check-ups may be physical exam, x-rays, scans, blood tests, and other laboratory tests.

People who have been diagnosed of bone cancer may have many physical, emotional, practical worries. They may worry that removal of a limb or other surgery will affect not only how they look but how other people would feel about them. Patients can be helped to overcome all these through special support groups for youngsters with cancer and their families. The American Cancer Society, for example, is a nonprofit organization that has many services for patients and their familes.

By: Jonathan Bell

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Signs Of Skin Cancer

2008-12-24T00:38:00.000-08:00

Signs Of Skin Cancer

A survey of the American Cancer Society says that three out of every four
American families have at least one family member diagnosed with cancer. A cancer diagnosis affects not only the cancer patient, but also their family, friends & co-workers. Any kind of relationship with a cancer patient should provide them with some amount of support, proving you to be an understanding person, who is able to appreciate their situation.

A cancer diagnosis can be a real crisis; everything seems to going in a haphazard way. There is also a need to provide a superficial feeling of ‘the helping hand’, as you struggle to comprehend your own feelings. Escorting a cancer patient to navigate the maze of details like finding an oncologist, understanding their treatment options, furnishing health updates etc are a few of the important functions that you ought to perform.

Below are some tips to help you cope when someone you love is diagnosed with cancer:

• One way to keep the mind free from being vulnerable and besieged is to offer support. Taking things in a pragmatic way such as driving them to treatments or doctors’ appointments, running errands, baby-sitting, doing household work etc helps a lot. Ask them what they are most concerned about not being able to do.
• Some questions posed at the doctor if and when you accompany your loved one to their appointments will definitely not go amiss.
• Don’t get startled if any change occurs in their behavior and mood.
Cancer medications, sickness, and stress can cause your loved one to become arrogant or morose. For example: - Generally this kind of behavior is seen in skin cancer patients. So you need to maintain some amount of tolerance while dealing with a cancer patient.
• Keep them as active and independent as possible, which will help your loved one to regain a sense of confidence and control over their life.
• Be practical and realistic in terms of daily requirements. Get enough sleep, eat properly, and take some time off for yourself, because you will not be able to work in times of help or need if you are exhausted and sick.
Take care of yourself and your needs; it will be easier to meet the needs of your loved one.
• Ask other family members and friends to help. They will appreciate the opportunity to do so.
• Maintain a positive attitude.
• Accept that there are things that are beyond your control.
• Be assertive instead of aggressive. Assert your feelings, opinions, or beliefs instead of fuming, being belligerent or passive.
• Fight stress, learn to relax. Exercise regularly.
• Avoid confrontation; feel at ease with their answers.
Join a support group for friends and families of cancer patients.

Remember that you are not alone if someone you love is diagnosed with cancer. You are likely to experience a conflicting range of emotions, including disbelief, anger, relief, worry and even guilt. Fears of mortality, puzzling family roles, having your own needs met, and uncertainty about the future can surface when your loved one is diagnosed with cancer. These are customary feelings which may prove to be a problem. It will hence be beneficial to talk to others who are undergoing the same problems. These were some common points led down by American cancer society.

By: Deborah Smith

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Types Of Skin Cancer

2008-12-17T00:29:00.000-08:00

Types Of Skin Cancer

Although there are several types of skin cancer, the most common are melanoma, basal call carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma.

Although melanoma is not found as often as other skin cancers, it is one of the most well known because it causes the most deaths related to skin cancer. Melanoma is hard to treat, with the most effective option being simply removing the part of the skin that is affected. However, this has to be done early in order to be at all successful. There are approximately 160,000 new cases of melanoma each year.

Approximately 48,000 people die of melanoma each year. Melanoma can be caused by exposure to the sun. This is particularly significant if a person has had a bad sunburn during childhood. White males usually get melanoma more than any other group, and people living in sunny climates are at higher risk. There is also a genetic risk factor.

Melanomas are usually noticed by detecting a change in skin moles. If there is any change to the mole, this might mean that a melanoma is present. Individuals should check their moles to see if the size, color or shape has changed.

They should also alert their doctor if a mole becomes itchy or starts to bleed. If a patient has a family history of melanoma, they should be examined by a doctor at least once a year as part of a preventative plan.

Squamous cell carcinoma is a tumor of the epithelium cells. It occurs in many areas of the body besides the skin including the mouth, lungs and cervix. Squamous cell carcinomas make up about 20% of all skin cancer cases.

It is most often caused by continuous exposure to sunlight over a long period of time. If an area is suspected to be cancerous, a biopsy will be done. If cancer is found, surgery will be done to remove the area.

The most common form of skin cancer is basal cell carcinoma. In the United States, there are approximately 800,000 new cases per year. It occurs most commonly in individuals who have fair skin and have been exposed to the sun.

There is also a genetic component, as this cancer also occurs in areas which are not exposed to the sun. Luckily, basal cell carcinomas rarely cause death and can be treated successfully in most cases. They can cause disfiguration when the cancer is on the nose, lips, ears, or eyes.

If you suspect that you might have skin cancer, you should contact your doctor or a dermatologist to have the area examined. It is also a good idea to have your doctor check out your skin during your yearly physical.

By: John Grimes

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Skin Cancer - Are You At High Risk For Skin Cancer?

2008-12-02T18:09:00.000-08:00

Skin Cancer - Are You At High Risk For Skin Cancer?

If you have been reading newspaper or listening to news regularly over the past few years, you should have come across several warnings telling us to protect ourselves from skin cancer. Whilst there are many who do pay attention to these cautions, a shocking count of women still ignores them.

If you are amongst those women that ignore these warnings, you are likely to think that it's impossible for you to get affected by skin cancer. Again, you might feel it to be no harm, if you miss applying sun tan lotion while moving out.

Skin cancer is not a rare phenomenon, as people consider it to be. Whilst it's true that staying unprotected in the sun for short duration seldom leads to cancer, you might still face its wrath. Most women get affected with skin cancer after exposing themselves to the sun for a long period of time.

As a matter of fact, almost 75% of women diagnosed with it every year have a history of constant sun exposure. Although cancer might occur after severe sunburns, it usually results for many years in the sun.

Do you stay long in an open environment for long periods and get frequently bathed by sun without having any protection on your skin? If you do, then are you at high risk for skin cancer? Again, is there any spot on your skin, which has been bothering you for long? Can it be cancerous? If you even have a feeling that the spot can be cancerous, you should immediately schedule a visit with your doctor!

Definite diagnosis can only be made once a biopsy is performed.

Over 99 percent of women, who are diagnosed with cancer on their skin, have:

Basal cell skin cancer: Women developing these sores find that a pimple or a scab grows on their skin, bleeds or drains, and then scabs again. This cycle is seen to continue repeatedly and has been found tough to heal completely.

Squamous skin cancer: It looks similar to basal carcinomas. They also appear rough and have scaly patches on the skin, which do not disappear.

These 2 cancer types usually appear in nose and similar other regions of the skin, which frequently receives direct rays from the sun.

Skin of your nose is very much tender, and can be at high risk for non-melanoma cancer. Both basal cell and squamous skin cancer are treatable, if you choose to remove them surgically.

Usually, women develop non-melanoma cancers on their nose or face. However, sometimes melanoma occurs on their face too. Such cancer types spread rapidly and can be deadly, if it stays undetected and untreated in its initial stages. Sometimes, it's difficult to differentiate the two types.

This is the reason why you should see a doctor, whenever you notice something wrong with your skin.

If you have a belief that you are at high risks of skin cancer, you should immediately schedule appointments with your doctor. Skin cancers can be successfully treated, if they are caught in their initial stages.

Your life might totally depend on the early detection & diagnosis of a bothersome sore on the skin. So don't even think about delaying!

By: James S. Pendergraft

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Prostate Cancer Treatment

2008-11-18T23:52:00.000-08:00

Prostate Cancer Treatment
by Thomas Johnson

Cells of the prostate gland grow abnormally and invade the nearby tissues and other parts of the body. This uncontrollable growth of cells of prostate gland is called prostate cancer. The Prostate gland is located in middle of the bladder and rectum and its main function is to produce and store fluid which comes out from a man’s penis during ejaculation. The prostrate gland encircles the urethra tube that carries urine from the bladder to penis. Due to growth of cancer cells in the prostate, it enlarges and causing early symptoms of Prostate Cancer such as urination problem as well various other complications.

The abnormal growth of tissues is called tumor and they are classified as benign and malignant tumors. The benign tumors are not life threatening as they cannot attack the nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body. In case of elderly men, the prostate gland often enlarges. This is usually not due to cancer, and it is called 'benign prostatic hyperplasia'.

Only malignant tumors are dangerous as it can spread to other parts of the body. Usually prostrate cancer develops slowly and there is also possibility of quick growth of cancer cells. As men have only prostate gland, it is the most common cancer of men. The early prostate cancer is identified in a routine test such as Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) and Digital Rectal exam (DRC).

Symptoms of Prostate Cancer:

In the initial stage of prostate cancer, symptoms may not occur. In the severe stage, the following symptoms of prostate cancer occur

§ Trouble starting urination

§ Urinating much more frequently than usual

§ The feeling that you can't release all of your urine

§ Pain on urination or ejaculation

§ Blood in your urine or semen

§ Impotency

§ Bone pain

§ Frequent pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips, or upper thighs
If prostate cancer spreads to the lymph nodes in the pelvis, the following symptoms occur.

§ Swelling in legs

§ Discomfort in the pelvic area
Advanced prostrate cancer which spread to bones may show the symptoms like

§ Bone pain that doesn’t go away

§ Bone fractures

§ Compression of the spine

Treatment of prostrate cancer in India is not a great hurdle to a foreign patient. Our medical team will guide you to receive efficient treatment of prostate cancer at Apollo Hospitals. One will avail the treatment at an affordable price with free consultation with cancer specialists and no waiting periods. Medical treatments in India is now updated with modern infrastructure of treatments and medical resources.

By: Thomas Johnson

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Skin Cancer Types, Risk Factors, Signs and Treatment

2008-11-11T15:19:00.000-08:00

Skin Cancer Types, Risk Factors, Signs and Treatment
By Dick Aronson

Skin cancer represents the most commonly diagnosed malignancy, surpassing lung, breast, colorectal and prostate cancer. Tumors develop primarily on areas of sun-exposed skin, including the scalp, face, lips, ears, neck, chest, arms and hands, and on the legs in women.

Contrary to popular conception, skin cancer affects people of all skin tones, including those with darker complexions. Most skin cancers appear after age 50, but the sun's damaging effects begin at an early age, therefore protection should start in childhood in order to prevent skin cancer later in life.

Types of Skin Cancer

The main types of skin tumours are:

1. Melanomas are skin cancers that form in melanocytes (skin cells that make pigment). Even though it is rare, malignant melanoma is responsible for 75 % of all skin cancer related death cases.
2. Basal Cell carcinomas are skin cancers that form in basal cells (small, round cells in the base of the outer layer of skin).
3. Squamous Cell carcinomas are skin cancers that form in squamous cells (flat cells that form the surface of the skin).

Rarer types of skin tumors are:

1. Neuroendocrine carcinomas which form in neuroendocrine cells (cells that release hormones in response to signals from the nervous system.) carcinoma of the skin.
2. Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans.
3. Merkel cell carcinoma.
4. Kaposi's sarcoma.

Risk Factors

Risk factors for non melanoma and melanoma skin cancers include: unprotected and or excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, fair complexion, occupational exposures to; coal tar, pitch, creosote, arsenic compounds, radium, family history, multiple or atypical moles, and severe sunburns as a child. Anyone with a family history of skin cancer also has an increased risk of developing skin cancer.

Signs of Skin Cancer

Signs of melanoma may include: A large brownish spot with darker speckles located anywhere on your body, a simple mole located anywhere on your body that changes in color, size or feel or that bleeds, a small lesion with an irregular border and red, white, blue or blue-black spots on your trunk or limbs, shiny, firm, dome-shaped bumps located anywhere on your body, dark lesions on your palms, soles, fingertips and toes, or on mucous membranes lining your mouth, nose, vagina and anus.

Signs of basal cell carcinoma can vary depending on the type and may include skin changes such as a: Firm, pearly bump with tiny blood vessels in a spider like appearance (telangiectasias). Signs of squamous cell carcinoma include any: persistent, firm, red bump on sun-exposed skin.

Treatment

Depending on the type of skin cancer, dermatologic surgical treatments include: surgical excision; electrodessication and curettage which involves alternately scraping or burning the tumor in combination with low levels of electricity, cryosurgery and laser surgery. Other dermatologic treatments include radiation therapy and photodynamic therapy (a chemical is applied to the skin prior to exposure to a light source).

Mohs micrographic surgery is preferred for large basal cell carcinomas, those that recur after previous treatment, or lesions affecting parts of the body where experience shows that recurrence is common after treatment by other methods.

Skin cancer can be deadly, but nearly all skin cancer can be treated if it is detected and diagnosed early, however skin cancer can recur, so it is important that you examine your skin regularly for any changes and see your doctor for a check-up every six to 12 months

source : http://www.thearticle1.com/2008/11/skin-cancer-types-risk-factors-signs.html

What Are the Options For Cancer Treatment?

2008-11-06T02:37:00.000-08:00

What Are the Options For Cancer Treatment?
By Lester Lee

Cancer is a deadly disease that is rapidly affecting many people around the world. It is the number one killer claiming millions of lives globally every year. In the U.S. alone, more than a million new cases are diagnosed with cancer and more than half a million death from this disease yearly.

Cancer has overtaken heart diseases, stroke and infectious diseases as the number one killer. It has become such a huge problem that countries worldwide are spending millions of dollar annually in cancer research with the hope to discover the best treatment methods and cures for cancer. This article will discuss a few of the cancer treatment options that are available today.

The first and most obvious form of cancer treatment is surgery. In some cases, cancer can be completely cured through surgery, but this often is not the case. If the cancer has metastasized or spread to other areas of the body, surgical removal of the cancer is almost impossible. However, if surgical removal is possible it usually involves the removal of just the tumor or an entire organ if needed.

Radiation therapy is another type of treatment that is used for cancer. Radiation therapy is the use of ionizing radiation to kill the cancer cells. The radiation is applied either by an external beam, or internally with brachytherapy.

The radiation is often localized just in the place where the cancer is so it doesn't affect the other healthy cells around it. However, it does tend to affect the healthy cells close to the tumor, but these cells are more likely to recover and the cancer cells aren't.

Chemotherapy is another form of treatment that is often used with both surgery and radiation therapy. Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to attack and destroy the cancer cells. The drugs affected rapidly dividing cells, which is what cancerous cells do, however cancerous cells aren't the only ones that do this.

Chemotherapy has a tendency to attack the healthy rapid growing cells as well. The chemotherapy drugs interfere with cell division or the duplication of DNA or the separation of newly formed chromosomes. This method of cancer treatment, although effective, have many undesirable side effects as well.

These three are the main kinds of treatment used to treat cancer. There are other not so common but highly specific cancer treatments such as targeted therapies, immunotherapy, hormonal therapy, angiogenesis inhibitors, gene therapy, vaccine therapy and symptom control therapy.

Natural treatment methods, such as acupuncture, acupressure, herbal therapy, natural food diets, vitamins supplements and so forth are also gaining popularity in the treatment and cure of cancer. There are many documented proof to show that these methods cured many cancer patients including those at very terminal stages.

source : http://ezinearticles.com/?What-Are-the-Options-For-Cancer-Treatment?&id=1651051

The Many Types of Skin Cancer

2008-10-27T04:20:00.000-07:00

The Many Types of Skin Cancer
By Sandy Griffin

The three basic types of skin cancer include:

-Basal cell carcinoma
-Squamous cell carcinoma
-Malignant melanoma or melanoma

Basal Cell Carcinoma
The most common of all the three types of skin cancers, basal cell carcinoma is often referred to as non-melanoma skin cancer. It is easily detected and it first appears as a small lump on those areas that are exposed to the sun and the air, such as the head, neck and hands. This form of cancer rarely spreads to the other parts of the body and it has a very high cure rate. People with light-colored skin and light eyes are more prone to this form of cancer; basal cell carcinoma is almost never seen in dark-skinned individuals.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Many of the distinguishing characteristics of squamous cell carcinoma are similar to that of basal cell carcinoma; the only difference being in the location of the symptoms. The symptoms of squamous cell carcinoma are typically present on the face and more commonly in the areas near the ears or lips. This form of cancer is also more prevalent in light-skinned individuals the success rate of its treatment is very high. However, squamous cell carcinoma has a higher tendency to spread and in its advanced levels, it is likely to spread to the lymph nodes. It is scaly and reddish in appearance.

Malignant Melanoma
Malignant melanoma, one of the rarer but most treacherous of all kinds of skin cancers is located in the pigment-producing part of the skin. Like all other skin cancers, malignant melanoma is also predominantly found in light-skinned individuals.
This form of cancer spreads rapidly to all other parts of the body via the blood stream and the lymph nodes. Though it is primarily a form of skin cancer, melanoma is sometimes present in the other internal parts of the body too. Melanoma is responsible for about 75% of all deaths resulting from skin cancer.

Early detection of malignant melanoma symptoms is critical in restricting the rampant spread of this disease. People who are more at risk for malignant melanoma include:

-Individuals who have red or blonde hair
-Individuals who have blue eyes -Individuals who have freckles
-Individuals who do not acquire a tan easily
-Individuals who have a family history of melanoma
-Individuals whose siblings have had melanoma

Prevention is better than cure for this form of cancer and it important to learn to tell the difference between moles that are indicative of melanoma and those that are not.

Skin cancer is most rampant in Australia, followed by South Africa and it is the second most common form of cancer in the United States. If you are a citizen of any of these nations, it is absolutely essential to learn to recognize the different forms of skin cancer.

Checking your skin for unusual signs that could indicate skin cancer should part of your daily skin-care regimen as early detection could result in higher success of treatment

source : http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Many-Types-of-Skin-Cancer&id=1472975

Chemotherapy Medications

2008-09-19T00:09:00.000-07:00

Chemotherapy Medications

By Kate Savage

Chemotherapy is the treatment used to kill or stop the growth of cancer cells. Chemotherapy drugs disturb the life cycle of cancer cells and prevent their reproduction. It may be used as single drug or in combination. Chemotherapy treatment may be used before, after or alongside with surgery, biological therapy, radiation therapy and bone marrow transplants.

There are various ways to give medications such as oral medications that are given in pill and liquid form to sip and some can be applied directly on the skin as creams, patches and lotions. Others drugs are given as injection that is injected using syringe and needle into the muscles and body cavity or directly into cancerous area.

The gadget like needle, used for medication is usually inserted into a vein in the arm or lower arm when the treatment session begins and can be removed at the end of session. The other gadget is the catheter, which consists of a thin, flexible tube that is inserted into a larger vein of chest, spine, arm, abdomen and pelvis.

Catheter is of several types in which some are thread up towards the heart and some with several openings. Catheter may be used for long term chemotherapy to minimize the number of needle sticks that patient must need to continue. There is another way or gadget used to treat the cancer that is the port, in which the catheter is attached used to small metal or plastic disc placed under the skin.

Chemotherapy treatment can be given in a patient's home, physician's office, hospital or clinic. It is given as an outpatient or as an inpatient. Sometimes, chemotherapy needs high doses of specific areas that are known as regional chemotherapy. There are some examples of regional chemotherapy such as Intra- arterial (Artery), Intraplural (chest), Intravesical (bladder), Intraperitoneal (abdomen) and Intrathecal (central nervous system).

Chemotherapy treatment depends on the type, stage, current health of patient and the quantity of dose to be given. You can use combination of drugs that help to increase the effectiveness. Chemotherapy may cause some side effects like omitting, nausea, weight loss, hair loss, memory loss, mouth sore etc. These side effects may be temporary or permanent.

source : http://ezinearticles.com/?Chemotherapy-Medications&id=1480744

How to Check for Skin Cancer Symptoms

2008-06-17T19:50:00.000-07:00

How to Check for Skin Cancer Symptoms
By eHow Health Editor

When checking for skin cancer symptoms, it is important to know the three basic types of skin cancer, and how to correctly identify them. While cases of melanoma, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are increasing every year, early detection is the key to success in treatment.

By frequently checking your body for changes in moles, lesions, or unusual changes in your skin, and by immediately reporting any concerns to your dermatologist or oncologist, you may help to reduce your chances of having a life-threatening condition.

Know the Different Types of Skin Cancer

Step1

Educate yourself about melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer, which usually takes the form of a mole which is either irregularly shaped or is changing. People who spend a lot of time with their skin exposed to the ultra-violet rays of the sun are at risk for melanoma.

Step2

Know about basal cell carcinoma, the most common form of skin cancer, which afflicts 800,000 people per year. This type of skin cancer happens almost exclusively to caucasians, and is marked by thickening patch of skin.

Step3

Research the facts about squamous cell carcinoma, usually identified as a large reddish patch of skin that becomes scaly, crusted or ulcerated. 160,000 people per year are diagnosed with this form of skin cancer.

Check for Symptoms of Skin Cancer

Step1

Ask a doctor or loved one to assist you by checking the areas of your body you cannot see yourself.

Step2

Check all moles for symptoms such as asymmetry, border irregularities, color variation and increasing diameter. If a mole has changed significantly in any way, have it checked by a dermatologist.

Step3

Follow up with your doctor over any concerns that you have. Ask the doctor whether you you fall under any high-risk categories for skin cancer.

Tips & Warnings

Be aware of your patient rights, according to the Consumer Bill of Rights and Responsibilities, in regards to treatment options and participating in all treatment decisions.

The most significant lifestyle changes you can make to help prevent skin cancer are to use sunscreen with a high SPF whenever you are out in the sun and to avoid tanning beds.

The prospect of having skin cancer can be quite stressful for most people, so it is important to be prepared for any emotional or psychological issues that may occur before or during treatment. Ask your doctor about any medications or counseling that may assist you through the treatment process.

source : http://www.ehow.com/how_2033573_check-skin-cancer.html

Learn How To Prevent Lung Cancer

2008-04-16T23:37:00.000-07:00

Learn How To Prevent Lung Cancer
by Michael Russell

Lung cancer is a malignant disease commonly associated with people who smoke heavily.

It is estimated that a higher number of men are suffering from this form of cancer.

Lately however, the number of women affected with lung cancer is steadily catching up with the number of men affected with the disease.

Diet is an important measure in preventing lung cancer.

The risk of developing lung cancer for smokers and non-smokers alike are lowered when they eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables daily.

Among the most important fruits and vegetables that should be included in your diet are apples, tomatoes, melons, mangoes, dark leafy greens and onions.

Apple and onion are rich in cancer-fighting flavonoids. According to a study conducted in Finland, people who consume more apples are 58 percent less likely to develop lung cancer than those who do not eat apples at all.

Try to add some tomato sauce in your cooking. Research shows that tomatoes, especially cooked ones, seem to exhibit protective properties against lung cancer.

Taking in high amounts of beta-carotenes can also lower the risk of lung cancer in smokers.

Carotenoid compounds are found in certain produce like peaches, mangoes, melon, squash, sweet potatoes, pumpkins and green leafy vegetables.

Beta-carotene supplement however should be avoided.

A study conducted by a Finnish group indicated that an 18 percent rise in lung cancer cases was seen in heavy smokers who were taking beta-carotene supplements.

Moreover, the National Cancer Institute researchers also stopped their study on the effects of vitamin A and beta-carotene after smokers who were taking the supplements showed 28 percent more lung cancer than those taking placebos.

Another important measure in the prevention of lung cancer is a routine medical check-up. This should also be accompanied with prophylactic medicines and supplements.

An x-ray is necessary especially for those people who smoke and are at the age of 50 and above.

A yearly chest x-ray will be especially beneficial for those people who are at high risk of developing lung cancer.

A chest x-ray is a preventive measure done to screen for lung cancer. A routine chest x-ray will enable doctors to diagnose lung cancer early so that proper treatment procedures will be implemented.

Aspirin has been shown to ward off lung cancer especially when a dosage of 81 to 325 mg is taken daily.

However, you should consult your doctor about the prophylactic advantage of taking aspirin since this form of therapy comes with known side effects.

Selenium that is often found in multivitamin and mineral supplements also shows properties that ward off cancer especially when taken over a long period of time.

Some studies show that those who are taking selenium supplements exhibit about 46 percent lower lung cancer rate.

Vitamin C is also good in the prevention of lung cancer.

Some studies suggest that people who regularly take 140 mg or more of vitamin C have lower risk of developing lung cancer than those who only get 90 mg or less of vitamin C dosage.

Lifestyle change is also vital in the prevention of lung cancer.

People who smoke should consider quitting the habit.

When a person stops smoking, his lung cancer risk is lowered by almost half in 10 years.

Finally, the second most common cause of lung cancer is exposure to radon, a colorless gas found in the ground.

Test your home for any presence of radon.

You can either buy a do-it yourself kit to check for radon which is available in your home supply stores or you can hire a professional to do it for you.

What Is Skin Cancer? Risk Factors and Detection

2008-04-08T20:31:00.000-07:00

What Is Skin Cancer. Risk Factors and Detection
By Adam Hefner

Our bodies are made up of individual cells which are designed to reproduce, allowing for growth and an extended, healthy life.

By serving their purpose, reproducing, and dying, they leave new, fresh, and fully functional cells to continue to perform bodily functions.

After many cycles of reproduction, due to natural cellular degeneration over time or outside influences causing mutations, some cells fail to reproduce and die at the normal rate, and can start reproducing too much and form growths.

These growths may be benign, or they may be malignant, in which case they are referred to as cancerous tumors.

Ultraviolet radiation can cause skin cells to mutate and create growths, some benign and some malignant.

What is a benign growth and what is skin cancer is a question you should ask your doctor.

If you have a rash, lump, or wound that doesn't seem to heal, this could be a cancerous tumor.

Rather than ignoring these symptoms, you should see a doctor and find out what they are, although something like this should be an obvious reason to talk to a doctor regardless of the cancer risk.

The symptoms mentioned above may indicate squamous or basal cell carcinoma, which are the two most common nonmelanoma skin cancers.

Squamous cells are the top layer of the skin.

They are round and flat and protect against the environment. Beneath this layer of cells are the basal cells, which can also form tumors.

Most people have an average of 10 to 40 moles or nevi, which are benign, noncancerous growths.

They often appear in the face, back, and arms, places which are frequently exposed to sunlight. Nevi are growths formed from mutated melanocytes, the cells which pigment the skin.

These are located between the dermis, where sweat glands and hair follicles are located, and the epidermis, made up of basal and squamous cells.

Melanocyte growths which turn cancerous are called melanoma.

Check your skin regularly for any abnormalities, especially if you have dysplastic nevi, which are irregularly shaped moles.

If these nevi change in any way, including in size, shape, color or texture, or if the surrounding tissue becomes irritated, you should consult a doctor.

If a new dysplastic nevi forms on your body, a doctor may want to do a biopsy to see if it is cancerous.

This is generally done by removing the entire mole, and this may be all the treatment you need to get rid of the cancer.

If the cancer is allowed to metastasize, additional tumors may form in other parts of the body by wandering cancerous cells which reproduce elsewhere, so early detection is extremely important.

You should not expose yourself to UV radiation if you can avoid it.

When you go out in the sun, you should use sunscreen or protective clothing.

Do not tan yourself too much and avoid sunburns, and do not use tanning beds.

New research shows that tanning beds are an important risk factor for melanoma, which is the most serious form of skin cancer.

Ask a doctor if you have any suspicious irregularities in your skin, and familiarize yourself with your skin and moles so you can do self-examinations.

Any irregularity should be examined by a doctor, who can tell you what is skin cancer and what may be a normal growth or another condition

How to Prevent Mouth Cancer

2008-03-24T01:21:00.000-07:00

How to Prevent Mouth Cancer By eHow Health Editor

Cancer of the mouth, or oral cancer, refers to cancer that occurs in the tissues of the mouth that include the tongue, lips, gums and cheeks. Mouth cancer is one of the most serious cancers, but is also one of the most preventable. With only a few known major risk factors, oral cancer is one of the rare cancers that people can avoid by making good choices about diet and the use of tobacco and alcohol.

Know the Risk Factors for Mouth Cancer

Step 1:

Recognize that the use of tobacco is by far the greatest risk factor for oral cancer. Do not use chewing tobacco, cigarettes, cigars or pipes if you want to prevent mouth cancer.

Step 2:

Do not put yourself at risk for mouth cancer by consuming large amounts of alcohol. Drinking large quantities of alcoholic beverages is associated with increased risk for mouth cancer.

Step 3:

Know that age and gender can also be correlated with the risk of developing oral cancer. The risk of getting cancer of the mouth increases in people over the age of 45, and the cancer occurs more commonly in men than in women.

Step 4:

Be aware that exposure to the sun can be a risk factor when it comes to contracting cancers on the lips.

Take Other Measures to Prevent Mouth Cancer

Step 1:

Use lip balms with UV protection to lower your risk. In addition to avoiding the major risks associated with tobacco and alcohol use, protect yourself by using sunscreen on and around your lips.

Step 2:

Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and avoid eating foods high in fats and sugars.

Step 3:

Have your doctor and dentist check for signs and symptoms of mouth cancer during regular checkups and physicals, especially after the age of 45

Tips & Warnings

If you believe that you might be at risk for oral cancer or think you may have symptoms of mouth cancer, you should see a physician.
Ask your physician about self examination procedures to recognize symptoms of oral cancer.
Remember that as a patient, you have the right to be informed of all your treatment options and be a decision maker in the treatment

Sunlight and Skin Cancer

2008-03-23T23:45:00.003-07:00

Sunlight and Skin Cancer by Michael Russell

Sun "light" is actually a form of electromagnetic radiation. There are three types of electromagnetic radiation that are emitted by the sun that make it through the atmosphere and reach us; ultraviolet radiation, visible light and infrared radiation.

It is the ultraviolet radiation that makes us feel warm when we are out in the sun but it is also the form of sun's radiation that is believed to cause skin cancer. On the scale of electromagnetic waves, visible light is only a very narrow band of waves in the middle between ultraviolet and infrared radiation.

If you think about visible light as being the color red at the low frequency end and going up to the color violet at the high frequency end, ultraviolet is the next higher up form of radiation from the visible color violet and infrared is the band of waves just down from the visible color red. You can't see either ultraviolet or infrared radiation.

Except for rare cases, visible light and infrared radiation from the sun are not dangerous to your health. Ultraviolet radiation however can be very dangerous to your skin and is a significant contributor to skin cancer.

There are 3 types of ultraviolet radiation: UVA (tanning rays). UVB (sunburn rays) and UVC (dangerous cancer causing rays). UVA is the shortest frequency and longest wavelength of the three and is not filtered out by the earth's atmosphere at all.

Since it is not filter out UVA is pretty much the same intensity from sunrise to sunset. Glass windows do not block UVA. It used to be thought that UVA was not a danger as far as skin cancer is concerned but recent studies indicate that the cumulative effect can be just as dangerous as UVB and UVC.

UVB is partially filtered by the earth's ozone layer and is at its greatest intensity at noon. It is currently the most dangerous form of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and can burn, wrinkle, age your skin and cause skin cancer. UVB and UVC cannot go through glass. UVC is currently completely blocked out in the atmosphere by the earth's ozone layer. But as the ozone layer recedes there is a danger that more and more UVC will not be filtered out and contribute to the spread of skin cancer.

Several government agencies and weather reporting services have developed a UV Index to help people avoid the dangers of UV radiation. The UV index is a number from 0 to 11 or more that is a daily forecast of the predicted risk if you are out in the sun too much. A UV index of 2 or less means the risk is low, wear sunglasses if it is bright out and cover up if out for more than an hour.

If the UV index is over 6 many weather reporting agencies will issue a UV Warning asking that you actively reduce your exposure to sun and stay indoors between 11 AM and 4 PM. In most northern climates, the UV index rarely gets to 6.

The skins reaction to UV radiation varies widely from person to person. Heredity, skin coloration and exposure to industrial chemicals are all considered to be contributing factors. However, there is little doubt that the more time you spend out in the sun the greater is your danger of getting skin cancer.

Striving For Skin Cancer Cures

2008-03-23T23:45:00.002-07:00

Striving For Skin Cancer Cures
by Adam Hefner

More people are diagnosed with skin cancer in the United States than any other type of cancer. Survival rates are excellent if the condition is found and treated early in its development. Early treatment offers the best possible chances for skin cancer cures.

Doctors define success in cancer treatment based on whether a person is alive and without signs of cancer after five years from the date on which they were diagnosed. The cure rate, also known as the five-year rate of survival, varies with the type of skin cancer with which a person is diagnosed.

Individuals diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma, for instance, have the highest survival rate. This is because the cancer is so slow-growing and rarely spreads beyond the initial site. These persons can anticipate a treatment success rate of greater than 99 percent.

In comparison, people who have had squamous cell carcinoma can anticipate a five-year survival rate of slightly more than 95 percent. Although this cancer is a nonmelanoma, and fairly slow growing, it can spread to the lymph nodes and blood if not treated early.

If a person diagnosed with malignant melanoma is treated when the cancer is still in one location, the cure rate is about 88 percent. About eight in ten persons detect their cancer at this point. If the cancer has already begun to spread to lymph nodes, chances of survival are only about 58 percent. If the cancer has metastasized, or spread to other major body organs, about one in ten persons will be alive five years after diagnosis.

Doctors use different treatments to attempt to cure people with skin cancer. Some cancers are more easily cured than others. Basal cell tumors, for example, are typically so small that a person is considered cured after the tumor is removed. Squamous cell cancer, however, may require additional treatment, especially if the cancer has spread. Chemotherapy and radiation are the most common forms of treatment.

Because melanoma is so difficult to cure, physicians often rely on a combination of medications, radiation, chemotherapy, or other procedures that are undergoing clinical trials to attempt to cure this cancer. Some of these investigational treatments include photodynamic therapy and biological therapies.

Diagnosing skin cancer early is extremely important. Skin cancer cures are most likely when the cancer is found early. Indeed, some doctors believe that more than 99 percent of all people who develop skin cancer can be cured if the cancer is discovered early and treatment is begun immediately

Proper Cancer Pain Relief

2008-03-23T23:45:00.001-07:00

Proper Cancer Pain Relief by Fatima Edris

We hear nearly everyday there is another person who has been diagnosed with one type of cancer or another. Even so, the topic has always been left undiscussed. There could be a few reasons contributing to this. The common reason is many of us feel that by mentioning, discussing or showing concern to the cancer patients as being not sensitive, for fear that the motions will be taken differently by the patients.

One thing for sure, we have to know that the pain they may be experiencing right at the time may be small, but as the cancer progress, the need for proper cancer pain relief grows and grows until it is all ended either because it is cured or until the person passes away. The cancer pain relief medications used are used somewhat to cover the pain and not to get well from the problem.

What are The Cancer Pain Relief

For most people they just know particular few types of medications that are prescribed for cancer pain relief and one of those given will most often work for the patient. There are many of them who will get or have achieved excellent results for them.

However, when the person suffering from cancer has been given a medication that does not work, then they are closely monitored and selectively given another type to try in the hope that it will be effective.

The emotional trauma that comes along for those with cancer is so great that it is paramount to make them physically as comfortable as possible through the cancer pain relief that have been proven working.

When They Are Near the End

We have many friends or relatives who have cancer, and we will always hope that they will recover and have access to cancer pain relief. Even though there are millions of people who recover from their cancer, there are always going to be a number of people who just could not make it.

As the cancer progresses further and further, the person will be in more pain and it will ultimately get to a point that patient claim they would just rather quickly pass then suffer the pain any more. For these people, in spite of their outlook is not having the chance to survive it, they are still in need of some effective cancer pain relief.

The cancer pain relief is giving the patients chances to be feeling a little better and spending more time with friends and family till their last days.

Frequently, for people who find themselves in that situation, there seems to be little effect from the cancer pain relief medications that are normally given and this is when doctors start to give a lot more medications at a lot higher doses in hopes of doing something.

These people are commonly given so many medications that end up not working; their bathroom cabinet could begin to parallel to a pharmacy. For these people, it is just more about finding something, anything that will help them get through the few days they have left so they can make the most of them.

Delta-24-RGD - A Virus Found to Target and Eliminate Cancer Cells of the Brain

2008-03-23T23:12:00.000-07:00

Delta-24-RGD - A Virus Found to Target and Eliminate Cancer Cells of the Brain By Derek Kroll

Cancer is quite a hot topic in the scientific research community today, due to the obvious lack of knowledge underlying certain biological processes. Without the mastery of these biological pathways, it is not feasible to devise surefire treatment and/or prevention methods against specific types of cancer. One does not have to look very far to find criticism or an attempt at exploitation of these biological voids by the media. Despite the frequent scrutiny, the field of oncology (the study of tumors/cancer) has improved exponentially in understanding the manifestation, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of cancer. A simple look at the declining morbidity rates of cancer patients over the last few decades should provide some comfort even to the most skeptical individuals.

Despite the frequent advances in cancer research, the findings manage to fly under the radar of mainstream media. It lies within these small findings, which are the basis of future treatments and cures. Recently, a group of researchers came one step closer to solving their life saving puzzle.

The study, conducted by researchers at the UT-Houston M.D. Anderson Cancer Center and funded by the National Cancer Institute, analyzed the destructive effects on brain tumor stem cells of mice by introducing a tailored adenovirus (Delta-24-RDG). By tailored adenovirus, I mean a specific virus produced by scientists. This was tested on the most aggressive brain tumor, glioblastoma multiforme, which is known to be resistant to chemotherapy and radiation. The particular intrigue in this project stems from their attempt to build on well-known and studied research performed in 2003.

The 2003 study found that Delta-24 eliminated brain tumors in 60% of mice. The recent study however, was conducted on the actual stem cells that drive the continued tumor growth postoperatively, hence the testing on glioma stem cells. This led to a direct comparison in survival time between the control group (received no intervention) and the treatment group (received Delta-24 injection). The survival time of the mice who received treatment nearly doubled that of the control group. The result is obvious: the mice that received the injection of the adenovirus demonstrated prolonged life-spans. The success of the study did not simply end there.

The researchers attempted to analyze more than mere cause and effect. They sought to gain information on the actual physiological process contributing to the death of the stem cells in the brain. For the first time, adenovirus-mediated cell death (by autophagy) was noted as the direct method of cellular death in tumor stem cells of the brain. It was also noted that the therapeutic virus did not alter normal brain tissue. This finding carries with it tremendous hope because the tumors formed in the brains of these mice closely resemble brain tumors in humans.

This resemblance lies in their irregular form and invasive metastatic, or spreading, properties. The study did mention the limitations of these findings and the need for further research, but it does postulate an exciting and possible method of cancer treatment, which may not be limited to the brain. This study only hints at the remarkable and constant efforts put forth by cancer researchers. One must remember that our race for a cure is not a sprint, but an ongoing marathon that must be carefully and methodically ran.

Can Milk Thistle Prevent Liver Cancer

2008-03-23T21:50:00.001-07:00

Can Milk Thistle Prevent Liver Cancer by Nicole Cutler

Toxic substances surround us every day, in our food, water, medications, and especially the air we breathe.

These toxins are extremely detrimental to the health of your liver, and your choice of liver support supplements can drastically affect this very important organ.

Milk thistle has long been known for its liver supportive and protective qualities, and is the number one herbal supplement prescribed for most liver ailments.

It has proven in various clinical studies to have a profound effect on the progression of fibrosis, and has been quite effective in slowing the rate of advancement of liver damage.

Most people are aware of the stages of liver disease: inflammation, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and liver failure.

If not treated in the early stages, liver cancer (Hepatocellular carcinoma, or HCC) can develop.

Milk thistle has been proven to help protect liver cells against further damage from harmful toxins, which speed up the progression of the above stages of liver disease.

Supplementing with milk thistle in the early stages can keep the disease from quickly advancing towards liver cancer. In addition to keeping liver cells healthy, milk thistle can also help this vital organ regenerate new liver cells, in an effort to prevent any additional scar tissue from developing.

Milk thistle, or silymarin, is made up of three main components - and silybin is the most beneficial to the liver.

This highly concentrated part of milk thistle has the most therapeutic effects on the liver.

Research shows that not only is milk thistle anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory, but it has potent antioxidants and can block toxins from invading the liver.

Because it is an herbal supplement, the FDA has not approved milk thistle as a treatment for any condition or disease, including liver cancer.

However, the clinical research offers hope that milk thistle's proven ability to help fight liver disease makes it a viable liver cancer preventive method.

Anyone with advancing liver disease can benefit from this therapeutic supplement that has no known contraindications or interactions.

Epigenetics - An Individualized, Future Approach to Cancer Treatment

2008-03-23T21:50:00.000-07:00

Epigenetics - An Individualized, Future Approach to Cancer Treatment by
Derek Gene Kroll

Trivial findings are immense in the scientific community, especially in the field of oncology. Much emphasis is aimed at building upon previous laboratory discoveries; let's use the treatment of cancer as a broad example.

As many of you know, it is now common to combine independently discovered chemotherapy treatments, with or without radiation and/or surgical intervention. The heart of cancer breakthroughs have stemmed from this methodical combination. In recent news, a new and stirring foundation for future therapeutic combinations has surfaced.

The discovery can be attributed to vigilant scrutiny of biological processes within the tumor cell. The review, in the March issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, focuses on a specialty known as epigenetics. Epigenetics is associated with inheritable disparity in gene expression while retaining the same base sequence of DNA.

This essentially allows the cells, while stably maintaining the same DNA sequence, to assume different characteristics. Epigenetics is most commonly associated with x-chromosome inactivation in females, gene silencing, and post-transcriptional modification of amino acids.
Tumor cells are identifiable by numerous intracellular processes. For relevance and simplicity, I will only briefly discuss DNA methylation. Epigenetic processes can be marked by this methylation, which is vital to proper cellular function.

Upon observing a metastatic tumor cell, one would find an increasing degree of hypomethylation as the tumor became more invasive. The actual comparison of DNA methylation (normal cells) and hypomethylation (tumor cells) was originally observed in 1983 during the research of colon cancer. Dr. Manel Esteller, who authored the more recent review, explained that the tumor cells were in a DNA methylation paradox depending on the location of the nucleic acid in question.

The varying locations of DNA methylation directly contribute to the disturbance of chromosomes, or mutations, and inactivation of tumor suppressor genes, hence the abnormal behavior of tumor cells. How can this be related to future treatment options though?
Methylation can actually predict one's response to therapeutic treatment via protein analyzation.

The targeted protein is MGMT, also known as O6-Methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase, which is known to be significant in DNA repair. Observing MGMT for its degree of methylation allows the scientist a unique look at their prognosis with respect to certain DNA damaging drugs. For example: if MGMT is found to be hypermethylated, one can deduce the benefit of introducing DNA damaging drugs because the tumor cell will not be able to repair the DNA, leading to its death.

In conclusion, epigenetic markers can provide great insight into the potential of certain chemotherapeutic treatments: stepping away from mere protocol steps and into more individualized medicine. After all, it is the building upon minute discoveries and postulated treatments that will lead to the next breakthrough in cancer treatment

Antioxidants To Prevent And Cure Cancer

2008-03-23T21:17:00.000-07:00

Antioxidants To Prevent And Cure Cancer

Cancer is one of the major causes of death in the world. Although it seems like a life-threatening disease, a lot of developments and findings in medicine, technology, and science are able to contribute to the prevention, proper diagnosis, and finding the cure necessary for each case.

Cancer is basically a group of several related diseases that start within your cells, which are your body's building blocks. Cells normally grow and divide to give way to newer ones that can help keep our bodies healthy. However, there are times when this process can go wrong.

This happens when old cells fail to die even if they should and there are newer cells in the body even if you do not really need them yet. Because of the extra cells, a mass of tissue forms, which is more commonly known as a tumor. The tumor can either be malignant or benign but only the malignant ones are cancerous.

It is important to note that this malfunction in cell metabolism is caused by several factors from our environment and lifestyle.

Through years of extensive research, scientists and medical experts realized that cancer is mainly caused by changes in our genes and abnormal cell metabolism that is brought about by our lifestyle and environment.

The changes in our genes are usually caused by our diet, smoking, exposure to UV rays from the sun, and exposure to carcinogenic substances. In some cases, the changes in your genes are inherited from your parents.

Still, it is important to take note that having an inherited cancer gene will make you susceptible to cancer. This only means that your chances of getting the disease are increased. Because of this, scientists and doctors are continuously examining the various factors that can affect your chances of developing cancer.

Nowadays, nutritionists and medical experts are recommending you to eat more fruits and vegetables as part of a healthier lifestyle. Basically, the idea is centered around providing your body with more means for detoxifying harmful toxins and substances from it. Aside from that, the antioxidants found in some fruits can help restore your body's natural functions especially when it comes to cell metabolism.

Antioxidants are helpful in cell protection against damage due to free radicals that can often lead to cancer. Using antioxidants, your body can stabilize the free radicals to prevent them from causing damage to your cells and your body in general. Among these antioxidants include lycopene, vitamins A, E, and C, and beta-carotene.

Laboratory and scientific evidence indicated that antioxidants are able to prevent or slow down your chances of developing cancer