Alternative Colon Cancer Treatments

Dr. John Harvey Kellogg, well-know surgeon and inventor of Kellogg's Corn Flakes, believed most health issues are due to a poorly functioning colon, hence his creation of a bran cereal to aid in colon function. There are many colon cancer treatments to revive an under-performing colon. This means you no longer have to rely solely on the conventional medical treatments that have serious side effects.

Alternative Colon Cancer Treatments

There are many different alternative colon cancer treatments that you may choose to undergo. Most of which you can try on your own. Though you will need to talk to your doctor before trying any of these treatments. One of these treatments is called oxygenation. The oxygen treatment is rooted on the idea it can eliminate cancerous cells. It is also comforting to know that there are no man-made chemicals in this treatment unlike in chemotherapy.

The Royal Society of Medicine did a major study and found that a multifunctional large intestine (colon) is the substantial contributor to 85% of all disease and illness. Considering this, another treatment to purify the colon is detoxification. Harmful toxins are flushed out by this method. Some believe that the toxins enable cancer to spread more quickly. So this method is thought to prevent further spread. The detoxify cure can be self-administered or assisted by a medical staff.

There are also vitamins and homeopathic remedies, watermelon cleanse & celery seed tea, that are said to help the fight. There are many different ones that you may use some may be used in conjunction with others and some may be used alone. This will depend on the type of herbal remedy that you are under going.

Ty has lost 7 close family members due to cancer. He devoted the last decade of his life to medical research to find alternative colon cancer treatments so you and your family don't have to experience the same tragedy.

New Discoveries in Cancer Treatments Offer More Options

According to the World Health Organisation the number of cancer deaths worldwide could double by 2030 to reach 13 million. Patients who are suffering from lethal types of cancers, like brain, lung, liver, ovarian and pancreas, do not respond well to existing therapies. This is bad news. However there is good news too. Recent discoveries in cancer treatments are raising more hope for researchers as well as patients.

Cancer experts who met at the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology last month were encouraged by the recent victories in treating cancer. Instead of the conventional way of standard chemotherapy, new therapies are taking a bigger role in targeting key tumour functions and destroying the cancer cells by boosting the immune system.

Patients with advanced or metastasized cancers, with limited treatment options, have shown increased rates of survival. Researchers have discovered that an experimental drug, ipilimumab, can extend the lives of patients suffering from advanced melanoma, a deadly form of skin cancer that is increasing at a faster rate than other types of cancer.

Crizotinib, another experimental drug, was also shown to shrink tumours in advanced lung cancer patients.

Patients of advanced ovarian cancer have shown good progress in clinical trials of Avastin, a drug that cuts off supply of nutrient-rich blood to the tumours.

The life expectancy of men suffering from advanced prostate cancer can be significantly improved by adding radiation to hormone deprivation therapy. Researchers are able to produce cancer vaccines that are more effective by using a common diabetic's drug known as Metformin. They discovered that this anti-diabetic drug works better by boosting the number of cancer fighting T-cells. These T-cells have immunological memory and can fight off a tumour that might occur later.

This discovery could revolutionise current strategies for therapeutic and prophylactic vaccines. Therapeutic vaccines are meant to treat illnesses that have already occurred and can be developed to treat many types of cancer including breast, prostate and lung.

Prophylactic vaccines are designed to prevent diseases from developing in healthy people, and can be developed to treat liver and cervical cancers.

In Singapore, scientists have discovered a way to halve chemotherapy costs for advanced breast cancer patients by using a $9 anti-fungal drug meant for dandruff and athlete's foot infections. Scientists at the Cancer Science Institute of Singapore found that Ketoconazole, the anti-fungal drug, complements chemotherapy treatment as it impedes an enzyme in the body from breaking down a drug used to treat cancer.

Chemotherapy treatment uses a drug known as Docetaxel to treat breast, stomach, lung and prostate cancers. Patients undergo a total of four cycles, each cycle once every three weeks and this cost between US$1300 to $1800. Using Docetaxel together with Ketoconazole, the concentration level of the chemotherapy was reduced by 40 per cent and in turn halving the cost while maintaining the desired results.

In a separate trial done recently involving 2000 women from nine countries, it was found that a single dose of radiation during surgery was just as effective for breast cancer patients as receiving weeks of radiation.

This new technique, called Targeted Intraoperative Radiotherapy, could save patients many weeks of post-operation radiotherapy that can include 20 or 30 visits to hospital. It also reduces damage to organs such as the heart, lung and oesophagus from radiation exposure. Although this new technique was applied to women with a similar type of breast cancer, researchers were excited by the findings.

Hopefully before the end of 2010, there will be more great news for cancer patients. Stay tuned.

Is There a Lung Cancer Cure?

About 13 percent of all lung cancer is curable, meaning that those diagnosed with it survive for at least five years. Regardless, all patients with lung cancer can benefit from targeted treatments that can expand lifespan and improve quality of life.

Treatment options for a specific lung cancer cure depends upon the type and stage of the cancer. While a non-small cell cancer in an early stage may find a cure with surgery alone, a small cell cancer in a similar stage may require a combination of chemotherapy and radiation, and sometimes surgery as well. In both small cell and non-small cell lung cancers, an early stage indicates that the cancer is still localized and has not spread from where it originated, while a later stage signifies that the cancer has spread to other organs.

Surgery has the potential to cure lung cancer, but only in early stages in which the cancer has not spread outside the chest. Among the procedures employed to surgically remove cancer are: wedge resection, in which a small section of the lung, including the tumor, is removed; segmental resection, in which a larger section of the lung is removed; lobectomy, in which an entire lobe of one lung is removed; and pneumonectomy, in which the entire lung is removed. However, these procedures are only possible if the patient can tolerate the surgery and does not have additional complications such as severe bronchitis or heart disease.

Many small cell lung cancers are treated with chemotherapy, either alone or in combination with surgery. This therapy involves taking drugs that kill cancer cells. The drugs may be taken either orally, as a pill, or intravenously, through a vein in the arm, and involve multiple treatments over several weeks or months. Patients on chemotherapy need to take breaks from the therapy occasionally to allow their bodies to recover. Though chemotherapy has side effects like nausea, vomiting, and hair loss, it undoubtedly prolongs lifespan and improves quality of life for patients with lung cancer.

Radiation therapy is similar to chemotherapy in that it targets and kills cancer cells. But unlike chemotherapy, radiation therapy can work from outside the body, using high-powered radiation like X-rays to kill the disease. Another option is to use needles, seeds, or catheters inside the body to channel the radiation near the cancer cells. It is sometimes used at the same time as chemotherapy.

Certain drugs also exist on the market for curing or managing lung cancer. These products work by exploiting abnormalities in cancer cells.

A less conventional path to take for treatment of lung cancer is clinical trials. Patients can enroll in these studies and receive experimental treatments, a good option for those whose current treatment isn't working or who have limited treatment options. Each year, hundreds of lung cancer patients enroll in clinical trials; the data collected through this method of research is put to use in creating new therapies and treatments for the disease. Often, the goal of a clinical trial is simply to determine the benefit of one treatment over another.

If all these treatments fail or are not available for a treatment, the patient may opt for supportive care rather than searching for a cure. Instead of harsh or experimental treatments, supportive care can ease symptoms and comfort patients, allowing them to make the most of their remaining time without the burden of treatment side effects.

Lung Cancer - Classification, Stages, Symptoms, Causes, Effects, Prevention, Detection and Treatment

Lung cancer is caused by uncontrolled rapid growth of cells in tissues. This type of cancer is most common and results in more than a million deaths every year. This form of cancer is indicated by weight loss or coughing up blood or regularly going out of breath. It can be noticed on chest radio graph also called CT Scan. The treatment that one gets depends on the stage that one is in. Treatment of cancer include surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

CLASSIFICATION

Lung cancers are classified after studying under them microscope. Classification is necessary as different type of cancer is treated differently. Large portion of lung cancer are carcinomas - malignancies that grow from epithelial cells. Lung-carcinomas are categorized into two types: non -small and small-cell lung carcinoma. Non-small cell lung carcinoma and small cell lung carcinoma account for 80. 4% and 16. 8% frequency of lung cancer, respectively.

1. NON -SMALL CELL LUNG CARCINOMA

The non -small cell lung carcinomas are grouped together as their prognosis and management are same up to some extent. They are further classified into three types: squamous cell lung carcinoma, adenocarcinoma and large cell lung carcinoma. Squamous cell lung cancer originates near a central bronchus. They account for 25% of lung cancers. Adenocarcinoma starts in peripheral lung tissue. The cases of adenocarcinoma are a result of smoking. They accounts to 40% of non -small cell lung cancers.

2. SMALL CELL LUNG CARCINOMA

This type of lung cancer is rare. It is sometimes referred to as "oat cell" carcinoma. Most of the times they originate from larger airways (primary and secondary bronchi ) and from there they grow at a rapid pace. This type of lung cancer if mostly associated with smoking.

SECONDARY CANCERS

These cancers are classified on the basis of site of origin like breast cancer but has spread to the lung. Majority of the lung cancers in children are secondary.

STAGING OF LUNG CANCER

Lung cancer staging is used to asses the degree of spread of the cancer from its place of origin. It is an important factor that determines the potential treatment of lung cancer. The degree starts from 1A to 4, 1A being best prognosis and 4 being worst.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Following are the symptoms of lung cancer: 1. Voice becoming hoarse. 2. Sudden loss of weight. 3. Feeling pain in chest region or abdomen. 4. Difficulty in swallowing. 5. Loss of appetite. 6. Running out of breath. Many of the symptoms mentioned above are non -specific. By the time they notice symptoms or signs, cancer has already spread from place of origin. Very few people with this cancer have signs at time of diagnosis, these cancers are noticed on routine chest radio graph.

CAUSES

The three main causes of cancer are: carcinogens (which is found in tobacco ), viral infection and ionizing radiation. If exposed, it causes changes to DNA in tissue lining the bronchi of the lungs. With more and more tissues getting damaged, cancer develops.

1. SMOKING

Smoking is the main cause of cancer. In one cigarette, there are 60 different known types of carcinogens like radioisotopes and nitrosamine. Smoking is believed to cause 80% of these type of cases. The risk is generally less in non -smokers. The time that a person smokes proportionately increases the chances of this cancer. There has been cases that if a person stops smoking, the damaged cells gradually gets repaired. In non-smokers, passive smoking is the main causes of lung-cancer. Passive smoking is one inhaled from another person smoking.

2. RADON GAS

The gas produced from breakdown of radium. This gas is colourless and odorless. Exposure to radiation ionize the genetic material, causing mutations that sometimes turn cancerous. Exposure to radon gas is the second major cause of lung-cancer after smoking.

3. ASBESTOS

Asbestos is responsible for causing a number of cancer, one among them is lung cancer. In UK, asbestos accounts for 2 to 3% of the total cases of this cancer.

4. VIRUS

Viruses are responsible for causing lung-cancer in animals. And research has shown of similar potential in humans.

5. PARTICULATE MATTER

Particulate matter has a direct link to lung cancer cases. The size and quantity of particles in air determines the risk of getting lung-cancer. If concentration of particles increases beyond 1%, then the chances of getting this increases by 14%.

PATHOGENESIS

Just like may other cancer forms, lung cancer is started by activation of ocnogenes or inactivation of tumor suppressing genes. Ocnogenes are those genes that make people more vulnerable to cancer. Ocnogenes are produced from proto-ocnogenes, when the latter is exposed to particular carcinogens. In k-ras proto-oncogene, mutations takes place which are responsible for 10 to 30% of lung adenocarcinomas. Tumor invasion, angiogenesis, apoptosis, cell profileration are regulated by the Epidermal growth factor receptor. Mutations and amplification of EGFR are common in non -small cell lung cancer. The basis for treatment with EGFR-inhibitors are also provided by Mutation and amplification of EGFR. Chromosomal damage can lead to loss of heterozygosity which can result in inactivation of tumor suppressor genes. Damage to four of these chromosomes:3p, 5q, 13 q and 17 p are common in small cell lung-carcinoma. The p53, which is a tumor suppressor gene, located on chromosome 17p is affected in most of the cases. c-MET, NKX2-1, LKB1, PIK3A and BRAF are also mutated or amplified. Various genetic polymorphisms are supplementary to this cancer. Some of them include polymorphisms in genes coding for interleukin-1, cytochrome p450, apoptosis promoters such as caspase-8, and XRCC1, which is DNA repair molecule. People having these polymorphisms are more likely to develop lung cancer on being exposed to carcinogens. The research has revealed that MDM2 309G allele is a low-penetrant risk factor for developing this in Asians.

DIAGNOSIS

If a person has reported symptoms that might suggest cancer related to lungs, then chest radio graph is performed in the first step. The test reveals the widening of mediastinium, atelectasis and pleural effusion. Even if there are no radio graphic findings but the hint of this is high because of things like the person being heavy smoker with blood-stained sputum then CT-Scan may provide the necessary data. If findings are unnatural in cells in sputum, then they multiplies the risk of this type of cancer. Early detection can be done by Sputum cytologic examination together with other screening examinations. The differential diagnosis for those patients who show irregularities on chest cardiograph consider cancer related to lungs along with non malignant diseases. These consider infectious reasons like tuberculosis or pneumonia. The above mentioned diseases can lead to lung nodules.

PREVENTION

Prevention, just like always, is better than cure. Steps in this direction have been taken by may countries by identifying carcinogens and banning them but tobacco, which is the major cause of lung cancer, is still common. Eliminating cigarette smoking is first hand target in the prevention of lung cancer. Steps to lessen Passive smoking have also being taken by banning smoking in public places and workplaces. New Zealand has restricted smoking in open places. A similar step is also taken by Chandigarh, India. Bhutan has criminalized smoking since 2005.

SCREENING

Screening is used to detect disease by doing medical tests when the patient is not showing any symptoms. Chest radio graph or computed tomography are the tests used for screening of lung cancer. But, results have shown, that screening tests for lung cancer rarely has shown any benefit.

TREATMENT

The treatment of lung cancer can be done in following ways, depending on the stage or degree of cancer:

1. SURGERY

If doctors have detected lung cancer, then CT scan and positron emission tomography are usually applied to check if the disease is placed and surgery can be done or it has moved to the point where performing surgery is not possible. Surgery can only be performed if spirometry reveals good respiratory reserve, but if it is poor, then surgery is not possible. Even surgery has a death operative rate of 4. 4% but that is because of patient's lung function and other factors.

2. CHEMOTHERAPY

Chemotherapy, along with radiation, is used to treat small cell lung carcinoma. Primary chemotherapy is also used in metastatic non -small cell lung carcinoma.

3. RADIOTHERAPY

Radiotherapy, with chemotherapy, is given when patient is not fit to under go surgery. This type of high intensity radiotherapy is called radical radiotherapy. CHART (continuos hyperfractioned accelerated radiotherapy ) is refined version of this technique in which a high dose of radiotherapy is given for a short period of time. When cancer affects a short section of bronchus, then brachytherapy is given.

EPIDEMOLOGY

Lung cancer is the most widely reported cancer. There are 1. 35 million cases every year and 1. 18 million deaths. Lung cancer develop among those who have a history of smoking over a long period of years i. e 50 years and above. In addition to smoking, passive smoking is also a factor that causes lung cancer. Even the emissions from factories, automobiles, power plants pose a threat to human health. Lung cancer is found to have a reciprocal effect with sunlight and UVB exposure. This is due to effect of Vitamin D, produced in skin during exposure to sunlight.

Could Natural Therapies Be the Cure For Mesothelioma Cancer?

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer which occurs in the cells surrounding the organs called the mesothelial cells. Mesothelioma occurs most frequently in the tissues covering the lungs and is nearly always caused by exposure to asbestos.

It is usually over 20 years before asbestos related cancer is diagnosed and the prognosis for patients is hardly ever positive. Traditional treatment include chemotherapy, but in recent years there has been more effort and time spent researching alternative treatments that will help to eradicate the disease or improve a sufferer's quality of life.

A lot of these treatments are still in testing and research stages, but an increasing number of those suffering with the disease are willing to take a chance to see if these treatments can help them.

Vitamin C has been trialled as a cure at the Vale of Leven Hospital in Scotland and reportedly had 'excellent results'. It was administered in quite high doses by the chief surgeon and was deemed successful, although in other studies have reported minimal or no success.

Iscador, a natural remedy, is the trading name of Viscum album, a particular species of mistletoe,, which has been said to reduce the effects of cancer. Very few experts suggest Viscum album reduces tumour size, but stimulation of the immune system, an improved in general health well being, and a reversion of cancerous cells into less damaging forms are some of its benefits.

Astragulus is another plant based remedy, which is a native Chinese plant which has been studied as a remedy in China. One such study concluded that if chemotherapy was combined with injections of Astragulus then the development of tumours could be inhibited and the function of the immune system could be improved.

No alternative therapies have been completely endorses as successful as of yet, but the advancements in the way we can treat and reduce the effects of asbestos cancer imply that experts are getting closer to finding ways of increasing life expectancy in patients, or perhaps even finding a cure.

Alternative Approaches to Breast Cancer Treatment

If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer you may be wondering if there are alternatives to traditional treatments of chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery. In fact there are many alternate approaches to treat breast cancer. Alternative approaches are not necessarily less expensive as traditional treatments but they may have a less negative impact upon your body.

If you are considering alternative treatments you should discuss this with your physician, especially if you are undergoing traditional treatments. Do not withhold information from your physician for fear of a negative reaction. If your physician does not support your decisions you may consider looking for one who will. Even so, keeping information from your physician regarding alternative treatments may compromise your health and the potential success of either treatment.

Many alternative approaches are based upon the belief that cancer is a result of a variety of possible causes. Ionizing radiation, viruses, free radicals, chemicals and heavy metals may be a cause of breast cancer. You lifestyle can contribute to your risk of having breast cancer. Weight gain of more than fifty-five pounds after turning eighteen increases your breast cancer risk.

Therefore some alternative approaches include megavitamins, meditation, diet therapy, relaxation and positive imagery. If you want to improve your chances to overcome cancer your mind needs to be in a positive place, or so it is felt by many alternative approaches.

Immunobiological treatments are another alternative approach to breast cancer. Theses treatments attack the cancer while restoring your natural defenses that include your bodies' detoxification paths and immune system. Many practitioners use an integrated approach based in holistic as well as traditional medicines.

While cancer cells develop in everyone the inability of an individual's ability to fight the cancer cells forming into a tumor and metastasizing is the real problem that needs to be addresses. The body has a natural defense that fails when breast and other cancers form. If the bodies' natural defense mechanisms can be restored then it can fight to eliminate the cancer.

While traditional methods to cure focus on destroying the cancer cells, alternative treatments focus on trying to fix the underlying cause that lead to the cancers development. Unless the underlying causes are fixed the cancer may return or progress to a worse degree.

Some alternative treatments include correcting nutritional deficiencies. This includes ensuring the correct levels of Vitamins C, D and E and selenium that have been shown to protect against cancer. Also included are programs to remove toxins that have accumulated in the body and repair the pathways for the natural elimination of toxins.

Inflammation reduction, dysfunction of cellular mitochondria, high carbon dioxide and low oxygen levels are other focus of alternative therapies for breast cancer treatment.

With all the advancements of both traditional and alternative treatments the chance of survival has never been better. You do have choices if you have been diagnosed with breast cancer.

There is research happening allover the globe on to find a breast cancer cure. It is not far away a perfect cure for breast cancer will be found.

Skin Cancer and Sunscreen Facts

Enjoying the Outdoors While Protecting Your Skin

BERKELEY HEIGHTS, NJ – As we are all out enjoying the warmth of the summer while simultaneously trying to stay cool from the excessive heat, we are also busy catching waves and soaking up rays. As we frolic on the beach, enjoy outdoor sports, and tend to our gardens, we do not realize the impact as the sun beats down on our skin.

"It’s OK," we reassure ourselves with a false sense of security. "I’ve applied my sunscreen."

Sunscreen helps, but it alone is no match for the biggest star in our galaxy, that flaming ball in the sky, our sun.

The radiance from its beams offers challenges and dangers to our skin as we delight in our activities and spent our recreational time basking in it.

And the sunscreens, those veils of protection, which we rely on to guard our dermal layers, may not be doing the job some manufacturers assure us they will do.

Or worse yet, we may decide to do without, and forgo the sunscreen entirely. "It’s OK," we reassure ourselves again. "It’s only one time."

What many may not realize is an innocent day relaxing in the sun, or in the water (water absorbs light) can contribute later to skin cancers, including the deadly melanoma variety.

Additionally, year round, we deal with an onslaught of ultraviolet rays, even in the wintertime as it reflects off the snow onto our skin.

Plus, according to Dr. Naheed Abbasi, a Dermatologist with Summit Medical Group in Berkeley Heights, NJ, we absorb incidental ultraviolet rays throughout the day, as we sit in our cars during our commutes.

"We are all under a constant barrage of ultraviolet exposure, regardless of our skin type," said Abbasi.

Abbasi said a cumulative exposure to sun over a lifetime, rather than short exposure, increases vulnerability to skin cancers. Up to 75 percent of a person’s lifetime sun exposure comes during the first 25 years of life.

She suggests a daily and routine application of sunscreen and regular annual skin care exams as part of a person’s skin care regimen. Adults over the age of 18 should see a dermatologist once a year for a screening. Abbasi said a skin screening is typically covered by insurance.

Skin cancers tend to appear in a person’s 40’s or 50’s, although Abbasi has seen it appear in patients age 40 and younger.

Some Facts About Skin Cancers

A study from the Archives of Dermatology shows 2 million Americans develop non-melanoma skin cancers annually, which may manifest itself in the form of a non-healing sore or an uneven mole. These skin disturbances may be caused by basal cell carcinoma, which is non-deadly but can damage the skin and its surrounding areas. There has been an increase in this type of cancer of 4.2 percent this year over last year.

Melanomas, on the other hand, can have deadly consequences. They are less common than the average skin cancer, but cause 75 percent of deaths from skin cancer.

Abbasi said the greatest danger with melanomas is they spread more readily than the non-melanoma varieties, making them the most deadly.

"Melanoma is a big deal, it is a fatal form of cancer," she said.

New Jersey ranks higher than the national average in terms of melanomas. In a 2006 analysis of United States Cancer Statistics (USCS) by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 21.4 percent of the cases of melanomas of the skin were recorded per 100,000 people. The national average was 18.2 percent per 100,000.

New Jersey is one of the top 13 states in the nation for incidences of melanomas.

Per New Jersey’s State Cancer Profile from the National Cancer Institute melanomas of the skin are especially in an upward trend in Burlington County. Burlington County is the largest county of the state, stretching across the lower half of New Jersey from the Delaware River to the Atlantic Ocean.

Abbasi said in her own practice most of the cancers she encounters are non-melanoma types, in the form of basal or squamous cell skin cancers. According to the American Cancer Society, basal cell carcinoma comprises 8 of 10 skin cancer cases and squamous cell, 2 of 10. Basal cell grows slowly, does not usually spread to lymph nodes, and may return in the same place where it was removed. It can deepen to fatty tissue and bone, if not treated. Squamous cell usually manifests on the face, and back of hands, and are more aggressive. They may migrate to lymph nodes, fatty tissues and other parts of the body.

"Most think cancers come in the form of a funny looking mole," said Abbasi. But this may not always be the case. Oftentimes, Abbasi said, patients will come in complaining of a persistent, reddish, scaly patch they have difficulty treating. This can be a sign of a pre-cancerous skin condition or skin cancer.

Regarding the higher incidence of skin cancers in New Jersey versus other states in the nation, Abbasi said, "There is no good data to explain the higher incidence." However, based on trends, and Abbasi’s clinical experience, she said one factor may be the higher use of tanning beds in New Jersey, as well as the state’s proximity to the ocean. The intermittent and intense sun exposure from both of these sources could be major contributors, Abbasi said.

About Ultraviolet (UV) Light

The CDC reports, "Research shows that most skin cancers can be prevented if people are protected from UV light."

UV radiation, as described by the Skin Cancer Foundation, derives from invisible wavelengths from the sun. There are three types: UVA, UVB, and UVC. UVA and UVB are the only ones people need to be concerned about; UVC rays are blocked by the earth’s ozone layer.

UVA is a longer type of ray than UVB. UVA radiation comprises 95 percent of the total. They are not as strong as UVB, but they are 30 to 50 percent more common, and sneak their way through clouds, and glass.

UVA rays are more responsible for wrinkling, and for damaging skin cells in the deeper layers of the skin, where skin cancers are typically born.

Tanning results from overexposure to UVA rays and, the change in our skin tone is due to injury from the UVA exposure.

Here enters UVB rays, the culprit for sunburn. These are also helper rays for skin cancer and also contribute to some tanning and photoaging, or premature aging to the skin from sun exposure.

Both of these rays not only raise the levels of premature aging to the skin and skin cancers, but they hamper the immune system, lowering its defenses against premature aging and skin cancers.

If a person is looking for the lesser of two evils, UVA and UVB rays are equally dangerous. UVA rays may tan, but they also penetrate the skin to its deepest levels of the dermis.

"UV radiation causes DNA damage after a certain level, and gives way to the carcinogenic," said Abbasi.

Tanning Salons as an Equal Danger

People may have an additional false impression of tanning salons being a safer alternative. On the contrary, tanning booths essentially crank out ultraviolet rays 12 times greater than the sun.

Abbasi said young women under the age of 30 are typically led to tanning salons. "They go to get color and look healthy and they tell me they know they’re not supposed to be doing it," Abbasi said.

At the same time, she describes the tactics of tanning salons as sneaky. "They are not portraying the risks as they should." Additionally, tanning salons may try to state there are benefits by using the beds, and how tanning improves Vitamin D synthesis.

"I tell patients there are no true benefits, and Vitamin D synthesis can come from taking in casual sunlight while coming in or out of the store, or getting in and out of a car, and through diet, and supplementation," Abbasi said.

In sum, about tanning beds, she said, "They expose people to unhealthy doses of UVA and UVB rays and the melanoma risk increases 75 to 90 percent."

Abbasi tells patients a safe alternative to tanning beds are the spray tans, performed often by many salons. "They are perfectly safe and a nice idea."

How Do People Protect Themselves From UV Rays?

The Skin Cancer Foundation suggests a sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) 15 or higher. Fifteen means it will take 15 times longer for the skin to get redder than it would without sunscreen, and it blocks 93 percent of the UVB rays.

Abbasi recommends an SPF level minimally at SPF 30 or higher. She urges patients to use a facial moisturizer with an SPF 15 and in the summer, even higher, with SPF 30. The products she advocates the most includes those by Aveeno and Neutrogena.

To effectively block the sun, UVA and UVB protection is the best bet. Ingredients such as Avobenzone, Ecamsule (Mexoryl), Oxybenzone, Titanium Dioxide, and Zinc Oxide provide sun-shielding properties.

The Environmental Working Group (EWG), a team of researchers, thoroughly investigated the sunscreens on the market. They, however, are opposed to the use of Oxybenzone and Vitamin A sunscreens because of their hormone disrupting properties. They give a thumbs up to sunscreens with Zinc and Titanium Dioxide.

They relegate some particular brands of sunscreens in their "Hall of Shame": those which come in a powder form, or have high SPF’s of 50 to 100 when they do not offer the protection they claim, or have contradictory labels (for example a sunscreen product for babies, claiming mildness but having warnings to keep out of reach of children).

Overall, they rate many of the popular sunscreens on the market for their effectiveness, claims and other health concerns they may present.

Abbasi said the SPF does matter; however, a sunscreen must protect against UVA and UVB radiation. She noted that there are products on the market with SPF’s up to 100.

A consumer may also prefer a sunscreen which is clear when applied, for example, or may shun those which apply filmy or white to the skin. Abbasi said it is up to the consumer to find the sunscreen they are most comfortable with.

In any case, Abbasi advocates sunscreen application every two to three hours (first apply a half hour before going outdoors), as the sunscreen sweats off, or comes off in the water. She said to carry the sunscreen with you and reapply.

Other tips for sun protection include: avoiding the sun between 10am and 4pm when it is the strongest and wearing an attractive wide-brimmed hat, cotton and linen clothes or sports clothing with UV protection in the fabric, and UV blocking sunglasses.

"The key is to find strategies that don’t cramp your style," Abbasi said. "Doctors don’t tell people to be hermits and hide indoors. Being in the sun and outdoor exposure is a normal part of life and we recognize that. A doctor’s job is to mitigate those risks and promote smart living."

Sausages and bacon up bladder cancer risk

Additives in processed meat such as sausages and bacon could increase risk of bladder cancer by 30 per cent, says a new study.

Salts like sodium nitrite and nitrate in these foods can react with stomach acid to form cancerous products during digestion.

Scientists at the National Cancer Institute in Rockville, United States assessed the relationship between the intake of the meat additives and the risk of developing bladder cancer.

According to the Telegraph , Dr Amanda Cross, who led the study, said that not enough data was available to draw conclusive findings, and called for further studies.

A few other studies have already proven a link between meat and cancer of the bladder and bowels.

The new research is to be published today in the online journal of the American Cancer Society.

Traditional And Natural Cancer Treatment Options

While there's a whole gamut of cancer treatment options available; which is the best one to use depends upon the type of cancer as well the stage that the cancer has reached. Though the prevailing trend is to resort to more traditional cancer treatment options, cancer patients are not restricted to them. There are a variety of alternative and natural options (some new, some old) for treating cancer.

Traditional Cancer Treatment Options

Traditional cancer treatment options are often referred to as cut, poison and burn (surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation).

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy, which involves the use of chemical agents or drugs to destroy cancerous cells, forms the core treatment of malignancies. These drugs work by targeting fast-growing cells and the type and combination of drugs depends upon the type of cancer. Though chemotherapy has been proven to be effective, it can give rise to a host of side-effects including hair loss, fatigue, diarrhea, loss of appetite, anemia or low red blood cell count, neutropenia or low white blood cell count, mouth sores and shortness of breath.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy involves the use of high-energy ionizing radiation from varied sources including x-rays, gamma rays, protons and neutrons to shrink tumors and kill cancerous cells. It is used almost half of all cancer patients; either by itself or in combination with other cancer treatments. External-beam radiation therapy, which involves using radiation that is emitted from a machine outside the body is more common than internal radiation therapy, in which a radioactive material is implanted in the body near the tumor or cancer cells.

Surgery

Surgery often entails a biopsy, which is done for diagnostic purposes. Surgery that is done to remove the cancerous tissues is often followed by chemotherapy or radiotherapy, which reduces the risk of the cancer recurring and also to destroy any cancer cells that may be left behind in the affected part of the body.

The kind of surgery depends on which part of the body has been affected by cancer as well as the extent of the cancer. In breast cancer patients the options could include lumpectomy, in which only the lump is removed; segmentectomy, in which part of the breast is removed or mastectomy, in which the entire breast is removed.

Alternative Cancer Treatment Options

Traditional cancer treatment options form only art of the story. An increasing number of health professionals are now exploring alternative cancer treatment options that encompass the whole individual.

Nutrition Therapy

Maintaining a healthy, well-balanced diet that includes foods rich in antioxidants and beta-carotene, is the best way to provide your body with the nourishment it needs to fight cancer. Proper nutrition helps minimize nausea and fatigue that are the main side-effects of traditional cancer treatments and are a critical component of the healing process.

Buah Merah or Red fruit, found primarily in the Indonesian island of Papua, has very high levels of anti-oxidants, beta-carotene and tocopherol and offers hope to all cancer patients. Beta-carotene and tocopherol have strong anti-carcinogenic properties and help by boosting the immune system and retarding the growth of cancer-causing cells. Buah Merah also contains Omega 3 and Omega 9 as well as linolenat, oleat, dekanoat and linoleat acids; all of which act as active medicinal compounds and also help in the prevention of diabetes mellitus, heart diseases, hypertension, stroke, diabetes, hepatitis and HIV/AIDS.

Naturopathy

Naturopathy is a system of treatment that focuses exclusively on using the healing powers of nature such as sunlight, water and air. It is supplemented with therapies such as massage as well as a wholesome diet. Naturopathy is by and large a holistic kind of treatment and includes homoeopathy, ayurveda, therapeutic nutrition, hydrotherapy or botanical medicine. It is based on the belief that the body is self-healing and will recover and repair by itself spontaneously if it is given a healthy, conducive environment.

Pain Control

Though, to a certain extent medication can be used to manage pain, Acupuncture is gaining popularity as a means to control the pain experienced by cancer sufferers. The pain could be brought on by the cancer itself or as a side-effect to the cancer treatment. Prevalence and severity of pain depend on the extent, location and type of cancer as well as pain threshold of the person afflicted by cancer.

Oxygen Therapy And Cancer

Oxygen Therapy And Cancer
Oxygen therapy has an incredible healing effect on a wide range of diseases as well as in its ability to rejuvenate the aging body. Oxygen therapy is essential for many functions in our body, especially in regard to oxygenating the cells in our body, for the health of the nervous system and brain. Many cities with high pollution levels have shown an increased cancer rate.

The cancer rate in places especially mountain areas where negative ions are emitted was only about 10% to 0% of that in America and Europe and it was practically non-existent in the rural areas of the Himalayas. Madison Cavanaugh was one of the prominent researchers to investigate oxygen therapy.

Madison was looking for a solution to heal sickness and diseases especially cancer, because he found that traditional treatment could not help. Oxygen therapy as provided by the one minute cure was by far the best solution for this problem in all areas.

Madison also found that oxygen therapy to be a powerful immune-stimulant, after he performed some experiments. He found out that cells are highly oxygenated and the white blood cells destroyed up to three times more microbes than before, after the application of this treatment.

Oxygen therapy was found to be beneficial in a wide range of diseases by some health professionals. They found an excellent preventative effect on cancer and cured precancerous conditions such as hyperkeratosis, leukoplasia and chronic mastitis. They are surprised by many of these patients experiencing bursts of energy and euphoria.

Mountain Regions that are rich with negative ions had less cancer and sickness than those who live in urban cities, according to studies. Experts discovered also that if the treatment is applied. They also found that oxygen therapy was effective with bronchitis, asthma, emphysema and pneumonia.

Indian scientists demonstrated how the incidences of tumors of the breast, could be reduced from 100% to between 46-57% by the application of oxygen therapy, Vitamin C, Vitamin A or selenium. Tumor incidences were further reduced to between 25.9-31.8%, in combination of two. And finally tumor incidence was reduced to only 12%, when all four nutrients were given.

As a substitute for those mountain regions that are rich in negative ions don’t forget to have a copy of this excellent ebook the one minute cure that deals with oxygen therapy and cancer

Holistic and Non-traditional Cures for Cancer

Holistic and non-traditional cancer treatments focus on the whole body, rather than just on the illness or part of the body. These treatments focus on the physical, mental, spiritual and emotional elements of the body, which are interconnected to maintain wellness. These therapies are used to prevent illness, reduce stress, prevent or reduce side effects and control or cure disease.

Holistic and Non-Traditional approaches to Cure Cancer

Holistic and non-traditional treatment looks at disease as primarily resulting from internal imbalance. Non-traditional therapies are unconventional, unproven therapies that reject conventional treatments. While holistic therapies are used in combination with standard medical care and given by licensed or certified therapists.

Non-Traditional Cancer Treatments

Non-traditional therapies are used instead of conventional cancer treatments. Many of the most popular non-traditional therapies are including psychosocial such as relaxation practice, meditation and visual imagery are unlikely to pose threats to patients’ health. Besides these, there are certain important therapies such as,

• Acupuncture: It is a technique of insertion of filiform needles into acupuncture points with an intension to restore the health and well-being.

• Aromatherapy: It is the therapeutic use of aromatic essential oils to promote physical and psychological well-being.

• Magnetotherapy: This therapy used by the application of magnets to the surface of the patient’s body. It is used to stimulate the recovery of the whole metabolism and reduce the deficiency of bone mineral substance.

• Coffee enemas: These are the quick ways to remove toxins from the colon and body. A non-traditional doctor, or physician should only perform them under supervision.

The other non-traditional therapies are, Cellular Therapy, Diet therapy, Herbal Therapy, Psychic Surgery, Shark cartilage therapy.

Holistic Cancer Treatments

An increasing number of health professionals are now exploring holistic cancer treatment options that encompass the whole individual, where the traditional treatment options form only art of the story.

• Nutrition Therapy: Maintaining a healthy diet is the best way to provide the body with the nourishment it needs to fight cancer.

• Naturopathy: It focuses only on using the healing powers of nature such as air, water and sunlight.

• Pain Control: To certain extent medication can be used to manage pain. The pain could be brought on by the cancer itself or as its side effects.

• Zeolite: It is a fast and powerful mineral substance with the ability to destroy cancer cells. They improve the alkalinity of the body and activate the P21 gene that can destroy the nucleus of cancerous cells.

• Oxygen Therapy: It is a form of holistic treatment based upon the premise that all harmful bacteria, germs and viruses are anaerobic. They cannot resist in high oxygen environments. To maintain good health and vitality, the human body requires a rich supply of oxygen.

Thus, holistic and non-traditional treatment approaches from several angles to cure cancer and suggests that a person should not only treat the illness but also have to reach a higher level of wellness.

Get Rid Of Cancer Once And For All

President Richard M. Nixon stated war on cancer during 1971 in the USA. All the billions of dollars spent on cancer research have gone into finding new ways of chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. The conventional medical system ignored inexpensive, time tested, natural therapies used successfully for decades around the world. Millions of people worldwide have successfully been treated of cancer using low cost, natural, alternative cancer treatments since the 1920's.

The cancer may start with just one or a few cells somewhere in the body and become malignant, or cancerous. The cells divide and reproduce themselves, and the cancer grows. Most cancers arise on the surface of a tissue, such as the skin, the lining of the uterus, mouth, stomach, bowel, bladder, or bronchial tube in the lung, or inside a duct in the breast, prostate gland, or other site. After that, they grow from a microscopic clump to a visible mass and would begin to invade underlying tissues. The cancer is localized as long as the cells remain in one mass.

In a process called metastasis, some of the cancer cells split off and are taken into the lymph channels or bloodstream to the other parts of the body. It will rapidly invade the rest of the body, unless it is arrested, with death the almost certain result. Some cancers grow with malevolent rapidity; some are dormant by comparison. Some respond to various therapies, like chemotherapy; but others do not. Almost half of the known types of cancer are incurable at any stage. It is obviously imperative to diagnose and treat the remaining half as early as possible.

If you are seriously considering alternative cancer treatment therapies, you shouldn't rush yourself into any kind of medicine. You should take your time because there are a lot of information that you must know and mistakes you must avoid. There are a lot of natural treatments available but you must remember that they only work on a minority of people who use it correctly. It also depends on the body chemistry of the patient. There isn't a best treatment for a certain type or stage of cancer.

Conventional doctors don't use alternative cancer therapies. They just put themselves at legal and professional risk unless they use chemotherapy, radiation, surgery and expensive drugs. The judgment of doctors as to what is best for you can never be imposed unless the medical politics at the federal level and state level approve of it. Unfortunately, FDA only promotes pharmaceutical drugs and has a long record of not approving anything alternative. No matter how well alternative treatments work, MDs can never use these because they don't want any problems that can damage their careers.

The success of these so called alternative cancer treatments is either overstated by the community for alternative cancer treatment, or understated by the traditional ones. But if you really want to treat your cancer through alternative therapies, doctors around the world have found these 6 basic kinds of natural alternative cancer treatments that should be used together:

1. Whole Body Detoxification 2. Nutrition & Oxygenation 3. Immune system building 4. Enzymatic therapy 5. Mental and emotional counseling 6. Non-toxic, natural chemotherapies