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The pink breast cancer ribbon is in much the same vein as the red
Aids awareness ribbon in that it seeks to lend solidarity to those who
are suffering from breast cancer as well as raise awareness of the
prevalence and prevention of this often fatal disease.  However, the
last five to six years has seen a virtual explosion in breast cancer
ribbon merchandise and this obvious increase I believe also indicates a
much larger awareness and number of women committed to eradicating
breast cancer for good.

 According to the National Cancer
Institute, the increase in annual breast cancer rates from the 1940’s
to the 1980’s was approx a 1 percent increase per year. However, the
onset of the 1980’s saw an exponential increase in new cases per year,
leveling off in the 1990’s.  The breast cancer ribbon was a symbol of
the increasing number of breast cancer cases as well as a sign of
support to those women battling breast cancer and those who had lost
their lives. However, I believe that a marked shift in the meaning of
the breast cancer ribbon has occurred over the last several years.

With
ongoing research and new information being constantly uncovered, it is
quite obvious that early detection of breast cancer is the most likely
path to remission and survival.  Therefore, regular screenings and
being mindful of added risk factors such as family history is crucial
to stopping the spread of breast cancer and lessening the resulting
fatalities. Due to this new mindset, the breast cancer ribbon seems to
now apply to the woman’s community as a whole. No longer aimed solely
at women already suffering from breast cancer, it is also a reminder to
all women to perform self examinations, undergo regular mammograms and
be proactive in their overall health care.  And some progress is
evident; since 2003 the medical community has seen a steep decline on
the number of new breast cancer cases.  This decrease can be explained
partly through preventative care and early detection of abnormal cells
made possible through awareness.

Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer that affects women. 
Over the past few decades, leaps and bounds have been made in the
advancement of breast cancer treatment and now there is a very high
success rate of women who have been cured from breast cancer.  The
severity of breast cancer usually depends upon what stage of the
disease that the cancer is found.  There are 4 stages of breast cancer,
some stages having varying levels of severity.

Stage 0 of
breast cancer is used to describe a stage of breast cancer in which
there is not any evidence of the breast cancer cells breaking out
beyond the place of the breast in which the cancer started and has not
invaded any neighboring tissue.

Stage I of breast cancer
can be described as invasive cancer in which the cancer cells have
moved to other parts of the breast.  At this stage the tumor can
measure up to two centimeters but the lymph nodes of the breast have
not yet been affected.

Stage II of breast cancer is when the
tumor is at least 2 centimeters in diameter but no more than five
centimeters.  At this point cancer has spread to the lymph nodes under
the arm.  While the lymph nodes are now affected, they have not yet
stuck together or affected the surrounding tissue.

Stage III
of breast cancer can actually be divided into two stages commonly
referred to Stage IIIA and Stage IIIB.  Stage IIIA is a form of
invasive cancer in which the tumor is over 5 centimeters and there is a
lot of involvement with the lymph nodes which have begun to stick
together and affect the surrounding tissue.  Stage IIIB is differs
slightly and refers to invasive breast cancer in which the breast
cancer tumor has begun to spread to the chest wall, skin, or mammary
lymph nodes.

The final stage of breast cancer is when the invasive
breast cancer has spread beyond the underarm, breast and mammary lymph
nodes and may have spread to other body parts such as the lungs, liver,
bone, or even the brain.

Breast cancer is the most commonly occurring non skin cancer and is
the number two killer of American women behind heart disease. These and
other breast cancer statistics can help us understand the prevalence of
breast cancer over time, the mortality rates resulting from breast
cancer and how early detection and treatment affects the overall
prognosis.  Understanding breast cancer statistics enables researchers
to tease out other information in hopes of bringing us a more effective
treatment or perhaps closer to a cure.  By examining the breast cancer
statistics which chart the disease’s prevalence over the course of
several decades we can see that this research is having a positive
effect on survival rates. For example, the National Cancer Institute’s
breast cancer statistics show that although the number of overall cases
has increased, the overall death rate has steadily declined since the
1990’s. What this statistic seems to indicate is that medical advances,
as well as early detection from increased awareness, are having a
positive result in the fight against breast cancer.

More
breast cancer statistics worth examining are those which show higher
overall cases of breast cancer among the white population, but a higher
mortality rate for African Americans suffering from breast cancer.
These particular breast cancer statistics may point to specific genetic
factor adversely affecting African American women with breast cancer or
from a sociological perspective, may highlight a disparity between
medical care received among different racial groups. Again, by
researching the cause behind this statistic, medical advancements could
perhaps be gained or perhaps a closer look at social inequality may be
warranted.

A geographical look at breast cancer statistics
may allow us to pin point certain environmental factors contributing to
high rates of breast cancer. For instance, a manufacturing plant
utilizing a certain chemical may be adversely affecting the local
environment and the residents thereof.   By analyzing breast cancer
statistics from a geographical view, chemical alternatives could be
used or regulations placed on factories to minimize the danger. Breast
cancer statistics are a useful guide in showing the trajectory of this
devastating disease and increasing awareness of potential risk factors
and preventative care.

Cancer cells are abnormal, malignant cells which spread and grow
excessively, destroying healthy cells and tissue. Cancer cells are the
most basic underlying unit of cancer irregardless of the location of
the tissue affected.  However, depending on the location of the cancer
cells and the location of the body affected, the prognosis, treatment
and death rates vary quite widely.

Through the very
process of living, the human body is constantly reproducing new cells
to replace those which are dying off. This process, known as mitosis is
carefully regulated by the body to ensure that cells are not
multiplying at an excessive rate, thus upsetting the body’s natural
homeostasis. Sometimes however, mutations or alterations take place
within a cell causing it to become malignant and multiply as cancer
cells.  The failure to regulate the reproduction of malignant cells is
what allows the cancer to grow and spread at a much faster rate than
the healthy cells.  Because of their ability to exponentially increase,
early detection of cancer cells generally allows for a better prognosis
and increased chance of successful treatment and survival.

Treatment
for patients with cancer is aimed at the successful removal and
elimination of all cancer cells and the rejuvenation of healthy,
functioning cells. In many cases, the cancer cells have clustered to
form a tumor which must first be removed surgically along with any
surrounding tissue which appears to have cancer cells present. Once the
cancer cells are removed, chemotherapy or radiation theory may be used
to kill any last cancer cells which may remain, thus stopping their
reproduction and growth. Although these treatments are often painful
and hard to endure by the patient, it is only through the successful
eradication of cancer cells that remission occurs.  

In
conjunction with other treatments, doctor’s today are taking a more
holistic approach to eradicating cancer cells and restoring a patient’s
health. Some of this includes understanding the link between nutrition
and cancer as well as utilizing a patient’s own immune system to target
cancer cells with antibodies. Hormone therapy is used for specific type
of cancer cells which require the use of hormones to multiply by
blocking the specific hormone thereby stopping the spread of the
cancerous cells.

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Cancer is a disease that affects many people throughout the US and the rest of the world.  In fact, it is estimated that one half of men and one third of women sometime is there life.  Many people wonder if there is a certain cancer cure that can rid people of their disease.  While there is no specific cancer cure developed for all types of cancers, some treatments do provide a cancer cure for certain forms of the disease.  Some popular types of treatment for cancer include chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. 

Chemotherapy is often used as a cancer cure in somewhat serious, but not extremely advanced cases.  Chemotherapy drugs are usually given in a series of treatments that usually involve pills given in caplet form.  Chemotherapy drugs are meant to stop cancerous cells from dividing and reproducing.  These drugs are carried through the blood and can reach cancer that is in many parts of the body.  This cancer cure method is great because once the chemotherapy drugs damage parts of the body, healthy cells are about the fix the damage and cancer cells are not, and therefore the cancer cells eventually dies.  There are some side effects to chemotherapy because certain parts of the body are very sensitive to the drugs.  These sensitive body parts include the lining of the mouth, bone marrow, hair follicles (which is why people sometimes loose their hair during treatment) and the digestive system.

Another form of treatment used as a cancer cure is radiation.  While radiation does kill the cancer, it also can kill normal tissue and therefore can be very obtrusive to the patient.  Many people with cancer get radiation treatment, especially people in later stages of cancer; in fact, about 50 percent of all cancer patients get radiation treatment as part of their cancer cure plan.

New technologies such as cancer pictures are allowing doctors to
more easily diagnose cancer in hard to view areas of the body.  For
example, a cancer picture tonsil will allow doctors to more thoroughly
view the back region of the patient’s throat.  There are, in fact, a
growing number of cancer cases specific to the tonsils.  Cancer picture
tonsil technology gives a glimpse into the detrimental effects that
smoking and the juice from smokeless tobacco has on the throat and
tonsils.  In an effort to avoid this diagnosis, many anti-tobacco
advocates are including a copy of a cancer picture tonsil in the
information packets distributed to elementary, middle, and high schools
throughout the country.  The internet is also joining in the fight
against cancer as well.  There are many websites now dedicated to
revealing the stark and frightening reality of throat and tonsil cancer
by posting a cancer picture tonsil to raise awareness.

Many
doctors and experts agree that the risks associated with removing the
tonsils at a young age, irregardless of whether or not they are
infected with tonsillitis, may be far outweighed by the latter day
risks of contracting cancer in the tonsils.  Although this practice is
currently controversial, and the cause of much debate in the medical
community, removing the tonsils may also prevent cancer that is a
result of prolonged exposure to second-hand smoke, automobile
emissions, and chemical fumes in the workplace.  Another, and certainly
less controversial, method of preventing throat and tonsil cancer is
stressing the importance of avoiding tobacco products, as well as
second-hand smoke.  Likewise, most experts agree that a diet rich in
cruciferous vegetables including turnips, cauliflower, and broccoli,
significantly reduces the risks for developing cancer later in life. 
By combining these preventative measures and educating individuals via
methods that include the proliferation of images like a cancer picture
tonsil, the battle against throat and tonsil cancer is capable of being
won.

Are you a teen or young adult who is interested in pursuing a job in
cancer research?  Though it might seem like a long road to take, be
heartened; people who choose this career path often find it to be
highly stimulating and incredibly rewarding.

Some of the advantages to being involved in cancer research include:

Serving on the Front Lines

If
you like a challenge, cancer research is the ideal position for your
personality.  You’ll be able to tackle various types of cancer, almost
in a military fashion.  Like a general, you’ll try to discover the
weaknesses of your opponent, as well as how best to exploit those weak
areas.  You’ll know that you’re doing everything you possibly can to
make life easier for others.

Helping Your Neighbors

It’s
not uncommon these days to be affected by cancer either oneself or via
a family member or friend.  Thus, when you explore a career in cancer
research, you’ll know that you’re helping out someone next door to you…
or perhaps your future progeny.  It’s a wonderful feeling to be able to
make a noticeable difference in society.

Every Day is a New Challenge

Cancer
research is a growing, changing field.  And this means that every day
will bring with it new challenges.  You won’t be relegated to sitting
around doing the same old thing; you’ll always be searching for the
keys to unlock the secrets to cancer treatment and prevention.

You’ll Be on the Move

Though
you might not physically be moving all the time, your brain will
absolutely be kept on its proverbial “toes”!  You’ll need to use every
brain cell possible as a cancer research professional, which will lead
to a happier and healthier mental state.  Individuals who keep
themselves active intellectually tend to feel better about themselves;
they also tend to be able to stave off memory related diseases. 

So… does it seem like a career in cancer research is perfect for you or
someone you know who’s embarking on a professional path?  If so,
congratulations – perhaps you will be the person who finally solves
some of cancer’s riddles.

Moles, Warts & Skin Tags Removal

Of all types of cancer skin cancer is growing at an alarming rate leaving lung, breast and colorectal and prostate cancers far, far behind. One out of every three new cancer cases diagnosed in the United States is associated with skin. It has been estimated that one million Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer in 2007, posing a huge challenge for medical science and scientists.

Skin Cancer

Cancer skin is a malignant growth on the outer layers of the skin, epidermis – clearly visible that makes it detectable at the very early stages of cancer. Skin cancer is often linked to continual sunburns or continuous exposure to sunlight for a longer period. The huge influx of ultraviolet radiation in the atmosphere increases the possibilities of cancer skin.

Types Of Skin Cancer

Cancer of skin can be broadly classified into three-groups – Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC), Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) and Malignant Melanoma. Other uncommon types of cancer skin include – Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans, Merkel Cell Carcinoma and Kaposi’s Sarcoma.

Basal Cell Carcinoma: This is the most common type of skin cancer and is associated with hereditary factor. It does not scatter throughout the body, rather remains confined to its original place. Surgery or topical chemotherapy helps get rid of Basal Cell Carcinoma.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Squamous Cell Carcinoma occurs on both the outer skin and internal organs.  Greater exposure to the sun and other factors may cause Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Malignant Melanoma: Malignant Melanoma is the most dangerous of all skin cancers. If not treated early, it proves fatal. It is, however, the least prevalent among the different forms of cancer skin.

Symptoms Of Skin Cancer
 
Symptoms help to understand the nature of the disease so that one can seek proper medical guidance before it is too late. The common visible symptoms of cancer skin are sores or incurable changes in the skin, ulcers in the skin, discoloration and changes in existing moles.

Basal Cell Carcinoma: Basal cell carcinoma appears as swollen, smooth, pearly bump on the head, neck or shoulders that is more exposed to sun. Occasionally small blood vessels are visible within the tumor. Crusting and bleeding in the center of the tumor regularly develops, which is misunderstood as incurable sore.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma: The area of the skin exposed to sun shows signs of reddened scaling and thickened patch formation suggesting that an individual has come under the grip of squamous cell carcinoma. Ulceration and bleeding might occur. The lack of proper treatment may lead to the formation of a large lump in the affected area. 

Malignant Melanoma: Malignant Melanoma may appear in the form of brown to black looking lesions. If the mole starts showing signs of change in size, shape, color or elevation, one must realize the threat of malignant melanoma is knocking door.

Skin Cancer Treatment

Radiation therapy and cryotherapy helps to cure cancer skin which are of less risky nature but is not as successful as surgery.

• Excisions, wherein lesions are eliminated ensuring that the edges (margins) are free of tumor cells, have proved to be effective remedy for both early and high-risk disease.
• Moh’s Microsurgery removes the smallest quantity of tissue especially when excess skin is limited, in areas such as the face. Moh’s Microsurgery is an effective cosmetic surgery technique.
• If the cancer of skin has metastasized or spread, it demands further surgical procedures or chemotherapy.

It is very difficult to rule out the possibility of cancer skin, but small things like reducing exposure to sunlight and ultraviolet radiation, wearing protective clothing when outdoors and using a broad-spectrum sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB radiations help to lessen the possibilities of cancer skin.

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Though it’s never a good time to learn that you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer, it’s a relief to know that many cancer types are now highly treatable, with remission rates higher than ever before.

Here, we’ll explore the top five cancer types as of 2007 according to the American Cancer Society:

Prostate Cancer

About 218,000 men each year are diagnosed with prostate cancer, one of the most common cancer types.  Because its signs and symptoms are usually subtle (such as frequent urination, pain while urinating, or other genital-related discomfort), many men do not immediately as their doctors to check for this cancer type.  However, with early detection, prostate cancer has an excellent recovery and treatment rate.

Breast Cancer

Breast cancer affects approximately 178,000 women annually and its symbol, the pink ribbon, is well-known throughout the States thanks to the social rallying of hundreds of thousands of victims and their families.  The symptoms of breast cancer usually include breast tenderness, lumps in the breast, or hardening of the breast tissues.  Consequently, prevention of these cancer types includes monthly breast self-exams (BSEs) to ward off any problems.

Lung and Bronchus Cancer

Over 200,000 males and females will get lung-related cancer, usually caused by first- or second-hand smoking.  Obviously, the key to preventing cancer types that fall into this category is smoking cessation.  For those who have already received a lung & bronchus cancer diagnosis, the treatment options vary depending upon the cancer staging; in severe cases, surgery or removal of part or all of a lung may be necessary.

Colon and Rectal Cancer

Colon and rectal cancer attack around 150,000 men and women; unfortunately, this is one of the cancer types that is often not caught in its earliest stages.  Many sufferers of colon and rectal cancer “misread” the warning signs (such as blood in the stool, discomfort when having bowel movements, and similar pain in the colon area); additionally, they sometimes avoid telling doctors about their problems for fear of a colonoscopy (an excellent tool for discovering these cancer types early.)

Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

The diagnosis rate of non-Hodgkin lymphoma is around 60,000 new cases each year.  Fortunately, this type of cancer has a superior survival rate, hovering above 80% of all cases.  Symptoms include swollen lymph nodes, night sweats, and unexplainable weight loss; once indicated, non-Hodgkin lymphoma is typically treated with chemotherapy.

No one likes learning they have cancer. Some forms of cancer are far more serious than others and are caused by situations that could be the fault of others. One such cancer is mesothelioma, which is caused by asbestos exposure. There’s been an increase in mesothelioma law suits over the years from people that believe they wrongly developed mesothelioma due to improper asbestos removal. If you are living with cancer because of asbestos perhaps you should seek the advice of a specialized mesothelioma lawyer and see what your legal options are.

Cervical cancer is usually diagnosed during a woman’s annual
physical exam.  The tissues of the cervix are swabbed and sent to a lab
to detect any abnormal cells that could be pre-cancerous.  If this is
missed during the exam, it can still take years for pre-cancerous cells
to turn into cervical cancer (if they do at all).

The highest
risk factor for being diagnosed with cervical cancer is if you have
been infected with the human Papilloma virus (HPV).  HPV is a sexually
transmitted disease (STD) that in one manifestation can cause genital
warts.  Other way it infects woman is to cause cervical cancer by
changing the cells of the cervix.

The best way to prevent
infection of HPV is to use protection when having intercourse.  There
is also a vaccine available now for HPV that can potentially reduce the
amount of cases of cervical cancer that are reported each year.  As a
woman gets older (30 and up) her chances of catching HPV are lessened.

It
is important to note that just because you have been infected with HPV
it does not mean you are going to get cervical cancer.  By going for
your annual Pap test and getting the approved vaccine the chances are
slim that you will contract the disease from this virus.

There
are other risk factors associated with cervical cancer including other
STD’s – it is always recommended to have protected sex.  Some of the
other factors are prolonged use of birth control pills, smoking;
multiple full-term pregnancies and diet are a few more risk factors of
cervical cancer.

The single most important thing a woman
needs to do to prevent cervical cancer is to go for her annual Pap
test.  If she has had normal results, an annual test can be pushed back
to occur every 2-3 years.