Sunday, October 16, 2011
We should stop breast cancer before it starts
Sunday, August 8, 2010
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.
Friday, August 6, 2010
Skin Cancer and Sunscreen Facts
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."
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Alternative Cancer Treatment Through Herbal Medicine and Its Advantages
Significance
Herbal substances has been known to be a good alternative to chemotherapy and other laser treatments. The reasons that surround it mainly consist of being natural and effective. Herbal medicine is derived from medicinal herbs which can be found in nature. It doesn't involve much processing so its materials are raw. What is usually done is that the chemical is extracted from the plant. Other procedures done to the extracted sample involve making it safe for human use.
It Works
Herbs have been known to contain certain chemicals that directly attack cancerous cells. This is done in many forms. For example, the herb Periwinkle has chemicals which act as an inhibitor of cancer cells. This helps other treatments function better because the cancer is kept at bay. Another herb is the Nothapodytes tree. Its chemicals manipulate the cancer cells' DNA, ultimately stopping it from division. After that, your own body has the capability of destroying these inactive cells. One downside to herbal medicine is that some of them may be poisonous under certain conditions. It is always imperative that you consult your doctor before taking any herbal medicine.
Laser Treatments
Herbal solutions may be noted as an alternative to laser treatments. But, they can also work together to cure a patient. This is done by the direct effect of herbal help and then the remedy that laser treatment imposes on the patient.
Herbal treatments weakens the cancerous cells to the point where they lose function. This does not, however, render them useless. They are still in your body, so you would need a way to remove them. Laser treatments apply radiation to destroy these cells. You can also consider that herbal medicine is a catalyst in the cancer treatment process.
Treatment of cancer may become difficult and ineffective if you take the wrong procedures. Herbal medicine, with proper consultation, has been noted to produce results that really help you in the end. These natural remedies aid in the curing of cancer, so they are always something everyone should look into.
Friday, July 23, 2010
The Best Natural Cure For Cancer Does Exist
The author Bill Henderson, whose wife died of ovarian cancer is despite several operations and chemotherapy, she had experienced. There is no doctor, but because of his tragic experience, he was motivated to find a cure alternative. A mission to avoid the fate of many people of his ex-wife. Twelve years of research and work are closely linked to thousands of survivors of cancer, cancer doctors, nutritionists, nurses, cancer specialists of all kinds led to the publication of this "cancer-free" leaders that the best alternative and natural healing for all types of cancer.
He believes that the treatment itself was the cause of the death of his wife. Conventional treatments such as chemotherapy, attack the tumor, as if it was the enemy and kill the cancer cells, including those in good health are essential for the body of other organs.
In a study by McGill Cancer Center has been cited that 75% of Americans received cancer chemotherapy prescribed by her oncologist diagnosed.
But ...
75% of oncologists also said that if they had cancer, they would not use chemotherapy. Why? Due to its "ineffectiveness and unacceptable toxicity.
It is the 27th Annual San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium has been reported effective as the spread of cancer cells and chemotherapy, the results of this extensive metastases months or years later, long after he is suspected, the cause for the spread of cancer.
Although chemotherapeutic agents to tumors and cancer cells trying to kill it interfere inadvertently dividing with other normal cells, including cells in hair follicles, nails, mouth, gut and bone marrow (which produces blood cells.) In this case, the patient side effects of hair loss, fatigue, anemia, memory loss, nausea, vomiting, infections, infertility, diarrhea and weight loss changes. In addition to the spread of cancer cells, chemotherapy affects the immune system so that the body is weak to defend itself against future cancers. The end result is that the chemotherapy patient is lethal as a "cure".
People tend to seek alternative treatment, Bill Henderson as a last resort, after her doctors have given to them. Meanwhile, there are thousands who are "free of cancer, including terminal cancer patients with all forms and stages of cancer in the world. If people follow his simple diet and supplement regimen for 6-8 weeks you will be able to reverse their cancer.
The pattern of healing in the book contains six different theories of how to treat cancer cells. These six forms of treatment are mild, nontoxic and safe. They are all working together on building up your healthy cells of the immune system to defeat the evil that cause diseases. The four conditions that can be overcome before any cancer needs to be corrected, are:
* Weak immune system
* The lack of oxygen consumption of cells
* Excessive toxins
* Acid
It is believed that cancer victims have to delay this treatment six to eight weeks, while other treatment. If this does not work, it offers more "coaching" by telephone, where the interaction issues to information in the book is to clarify and discuss what to try, next on the basis of the experiences of patients.
Apart from the "Guide to Self-therapy, there is also information on the location of the holistic doctors, clinics and other resources. They will also discuss how to test the level of cancer cells in the body are taught.
You get bonus books on aging, nutrition, exercise, diabetes, and cure of back pain. Everything that can greatly help in your campaign for better health, naturally.
It is important to learn the real causes of cancer and discover the best treatments that really work. If you still decide the conventional way, this natural, nontoxic, without side effects cure is still working hand in hand to use the side effects of the so-called "medical treatment" offset. It will achieve a great help in the restoration of health and a life without cancer, you've always wanted.
Cancer is a disease really single cell to a cell that has gone wrong, is divided up quickly and spreads to produce tumors. It is therefore logical that this disease by strengthening and unifying the treatment of the cells by the natural cleansing, proper nutrition, detoxification, and generally set up the immune system. Our bodies are designed to protect against infection and to heal nature.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Basic Facts About Cancer
What is cancer?
Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells, lead to death if not controlled or treated. Cause cancer as well as external factors such as tobacco, chemicals, radiation ... and internal factors, such as hereditary, mutation, hormones, immune conditions and ...
It is generally 10 or more years spent exposure to external factors and detectable cancer.
Cancer treated with surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, biological therapy and targeted therapy.
Can cancer be prevented?
Cancers, which are the result of smoking a cigarette and heavy alcohol use can certainly be avoided. Approximately 170 000 Americans are expected to die in 2008 due to smoking.
Total cancer deaths expected to occur in 2008 is about 565.650. Approximately 188 000 of these related to overweight or obesity, physical inactivity, mal-nutrition and could be prevented.
Many of the more than one million skin cancer cases could have been avoided if proper sun protection is used and to avoid indoor tanning
Cancers associated with pathogens such as hepatitis B virus (HBV), the HIV virus (HIV), and many others, and it could also prevent the lifestyle and behavioral changes, vaccines or antibiotics.
Regular screening can detect, diagnose and remove the cancer at an early stage when it is treatable.
Other facts:
Everyone is at risk of developing cancer
National Cancer Institute estimates that approximately 10.8 million Americans who have previously had cancer were alive in January 2004, some were cancer-free, and some were still in treatment
About 1.43718 million new cancer cases is expected to be diagnosed in 2008.
Approximately 565 650 Americans are likely to die of cancer, more than 1,500 people a day.
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States next to heart disease
Cancer accounts for 1 of every 4 deaths in America.
5-year survival rate for all cancer patients observed from 1996 to 2003 is 66%.
There are usually four stages of cancer. I have an early phase and phase IV has evolved.
If cancer cells are present in only a layer of cells where they developed and has not spread, a step is location. If cancer cells have spread over the original layer of tissue invasive cancer.
Prevention, early detection and treatment can save your life!
Paying attention to the water you drink every day is one way to prevent the development of cancer. Approximately 70% of organ weight is water. It is the very thing your body needs most. Water is responsible for many body functions. Drinking enough clean and fresh water will not only improve your overall health and wellness, it may also prevent you from many ailments and diseases. Give your body the water quality it deserves and in turn it will serve you the optimal health and appearance you've always wanted.