Category: Cancer

Prostrate cancer is characterized by the presence of malignant cells
within the male prostate gland, located under the bladder, or the
surrounding tissue.  Prostrate cancer is the second leading cause of
death for men in the U.S. behind lung cancer. The American Cancer
Society (ACS) estimates 180,000 new cases of prostrate cancer are
diagnosed annually with approx 32,000 individuals dying as a result. 
Likewise, the ACS found that if the cancer is still localized in the
prostate at diagnosis, as 79 percent of cases are, the five year
survival rate is nearly 100 percent. As with all cancers, early
detection is crucial for successful treatment and survival.  After
puberty, most men undergo physical examinations which include a manual
prostate exam and could potentially lead to additional tests if the
doctor deems necessary.  Additionally, if a family history of prostate
cancer exists or potential exposure to environmental risk factors such
as the element cadmium is likely, the frequency of prostate exams may
be increased to ensure immediate treatment if necessary.

Several
other risk factors for prostrate cancer are thought to be age, African
American descent and a newer school of thought which suggests that a
diet rich in animal fat may contribute to prostate cancer.  In fact,
African American males in the U.S. have the highest occurrence rate in
the world for prostrate cancer, a marked 37 percent most than white
males living in the United States.  It has also been noted that
prostate cancer rarely occurs before the age of 40 and is mostly
concentrated in those over age 65.  And although animal fat may be
linked to prostate cancer, a diet rich in tomato based products which
contain the antioxidant lycopene may decrease the overall risk. In
fact, eating just two servings of tomato sauce per week can
significantly decrease a man’s risk of developing prostate cancer.

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.

Deciding on a prostate cancer treatment with your doctor is an
understandably difficult journey and series of tough decisions. First,
it is important to note that prostate cancer treatment options vary
according to patient’s age and overall health as well as the stage of
the cancer, if it is the first appearance or a reoccurrence, and if it
is confined to the prostate gland or has spread. These factors also
influence the overall prognosis and probable success of treatment. 
Once all of the individual’s physical and psychological needs are
factored into deciding a prostate cancer treatment, there are four main
types of treatment which may be offered. The National Cancer Institute
deems the four standard prostate cancer treatment options as: watchful
waiting, surgery, radiation and hormone therapy.

Watchful waiting
is a process in which a patient’s health is carefully monitored and
treatment does not begin until a change or onset of symptoms.  This
gives the doctor valuable insight as to the rate of growth and stage of
cancer, thereby narrowing to the best possible treatment option. 
Surgery provides the removal of the cancerous cells, in hopes to slow
and stop their growth. The type of surgery depends on the location of
malignant cells and may remove the lymph nodes from the pelvis area,
tissue surrounding the prostate, or the entire gland itself.  Radiation
therapy may be used in conjunction with surgery and utilizes high does
of radiation targeted at the cancerous cells in an attempt to kill
them. Radiation can come from an external source via machine or
internally through the use of needles and catheters.  A newer course of
treatment called hormone therapy blocks or suppresses certain hormones
which are used by the cancer to spread.   Although these are currently
the standard prostate cancer treatment options, there are many clinical
treatment trials in the works as medical technology advances.

Get Back Your Health
QUIT SMOKING TODAY!

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.

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.

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.

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.

Determining what the cells of bladder cancer look like under a
microscope determines what type of cancer you have.  The four different
types of bladder cancer are urothelial cancer, squamous cell carcinoma,
adenocarcinoma, and small cell cancer.  Like many different types of
cancer, it is not known what causes bladder cancer but there are some
factors are known to increase a person’s risk of being diagnosed.

Smoking
is the most common risk factor in a lot of different types of cancer. 
In bladder cancer, people that smoke are twice as likely to be
diagnosed as a non-smoker.  Exposure to toxic chemicals on a regular
basis has been linked with bladder cancer.  A few of the professions
that are at high risk because of their exposure to certain dyes and the
chemicals that make dyes are:

-Professional house painters
-Hairstylists who dye client’s hair
-Workers who operate a print press
-Truck drivers loading or unloading dye making materials on their truck

If
you have quite a few bladder infections or bladder stones you may be at
an increased risk of developing bladder cancer.  If there is arsenic
present in your drinking water or you do not drink enough water in a
day you are increasing the risk of developing this disease.

You
should go and see your doctor if you notice any changes in your urine
or when you go to the bathroom (such as the presence of blood).  If
this occurs and you have any of the above risk factors present, you
will be tested and screened for bladder cancer.  The first test that
will be conducted will be a urine sample to rule out any other
infections of the bladder.  There are many more tests and procedures
that your doctor will utilize to diagnose you.

If you or someone you care about is concerned about colorectal
cancer, you’ll want to read this article.  Below, we give all you need
to know to help with the prevention and treatment of this disease that
affects around 160,000 Americans annually.

Colorectal Cancer Prevention Options

Colorectal
cancer is often seen in patients who have a history of colorectal
cancer in their families.  Thus, the key to prevention for them is
early and regular screening.  Starting at the age of 50, both males and
females with a history of the disease in their families should begin
getting checked for possible colorectal cancer. 

A personal
history of chronic inflammatory bowel disease can also increase the
risk factors for being diagnosed with colorectal cancer.  Consequently,
if you or someone you care about has dealt with chronic inflammatory
bowel disease in the past, it’s imperative to get colorectal cancer
screenings on a regular basis, even if you’re not yet “middle age.”

Finally,
obesity and poor diet may also lead to colorectal cancer.  Many
patients who are diagnosed with the disease (and have no genetic
predilection toward it) seem to be overweight and choosing
inappropriate food.  This lack of nutrition and exercise could be an
aggravator of colorectal cancer; thus, joining a gym and eating foods
low in fat an high in fiber and vitamins might save your life.

Colorectal Cancer Treatment Options

Should
you or someone you love be diagnosed with colorectal cancer, take
heart.  In its earliest stages, it’s highly treatable and the recovery
rate hovers around 64% for a five-year survival rate. 

Surgery is
usually attempted in most colorectal cancer patients, and chemotherapy
may be used afterwards.  However, this is not always necessary,
especially when polyps are removed and no other cancers have been
detected in the area surrounding the colorectal cancer affected
region.  Radiation may also be indicated depending upon the stage of
colorectal cancer, followed by medication and drug therapies.

Think all breast cancers are alike?  Guess again.  The newly
recognized inflammatory breast cancer may be one of the sneakiest
combatants in our war against this type of condition. 

Below, we’ll look at the “ABCs” of inflammatory breast cancer, including how it’s detected and how it’s treated. 

A.  What is Inflammatory Breast Cancer?

Inflammatory
breast cancer (also known as “IBC”) is a very serious form of breast
cancer with a lower-than-average survival rate.  Because it affects the
breasts differently than “standard” breast cancer, lumps do not form. 
Instead, hardening of the breasts and breast enlargement take place;
unfortunately, these symptoms are often misdiagnosed or ignored.

Though
mastectomies are an excellent way to detect inflammatory breast cancer,
they are not always a surefire method; in addition, a biopsy and
bloodwork may be necessary to ensure a proper diagnosis. 

B.  What are the Symptoms of Inflammatory Breast Cancer?

As
noted previously, inflammatory breast cancer’s signs are much different
than one might expect.  No lumps are present; instead, the breast is
tender, sore, usually swollen, and often “hardened.”  Severe pain may
also be present, though that’s not always the case.

Again,
many females ignore these symptoms of inflammatory breast cancer at
first, assuming that they are simply having “PMS” or are experiencing a
hormone-related concern.  But it’s important to never underestimate or
avoid talking with a physician about symptoms, even those that appear
at first to be mild, because inflammatory breast cancer can spread
rapidly.

C.  What are the Treatments of Inflammatory Breast Cancer?

Like
other breast cancers, treatment of inflammatory breast cancer usually
includes a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation.  The
length of treatment and the response to treatment will vary from
patient to patient; however, when diagnosed in Stage 1 or 2,
inflammatory breast cancer is highly treatable and the remission rate
is excellent.