Cancer has developed into an extremely lethal and common cause of death. With over 180,000 deaths attributed to it in the US over the last year, Cancer continues to be among the leading causes of death. However, treatments such as Chemotherapy and radiology have evolved continuously as well and offer a significant degree of cure. There are nonetheless, considerable side effects to chemotherapy cancer treatments.
Chemotherapy cancer treatments are based on specific drugs which stop the division and reproduction of cancer cells. They affect the healthy and the infected cells alike and so carry a number of side effects. It should be noted however that not all people react to the drugs the same way. Therefore, not all patients exhibit these side effects and even those that do, show varying degrees.
The main regions affected by chemotherapy cancer treatment are the sensitive areas, such as hair follicles, the lining of the mouth, skin and bone marrow. These are also the areas where cells reproduce most rapidly.
Bone Marrow is the body’s prime source of white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets. The side effect of stopping the production supply has severe consequences on the body since white blood cells are required to keep the immune system effective while red blood cells carry the body’s oxygen supply. Platelets are essential for stopping excessive bleeding and helping the blood to clot.
This can lead to an increased susceptibility to infections, since the body’s immune system stops working. The loss of red blood cells is also seriously counter productive since it causes less oxygen to go around the body. The patient starts to feel tired and lethargic as well as experiences dizzying spells. Chemotherapy cancer treatment also causes severe deficiency in blood platelets, which therefore reduces the body’s ability to clot blood from open wounds. This increases the risk of excessive bleeding.
Chemotherapy cancer treatment can also lead to hair loss since hair cells are among the most easily damaged ones in the body. However, they are also the most easily regenerated. The side effect of chemotherapy drugs is that the regenerative properties of the cells are subdued and thus new cells are not easily formed. This leads to continued hair loss.
Apart from these, there are other significant side effects of chemotherapy cancer treatments. These include diarrhea and constipation, inability to taste, soreness in the mouth and excessiveness dryness and similar skin problems.
Tampilkan postingan dengan label cancer. Tampilkan semua postingan
Tampilkan postingan dengan label cancer. Tampilkan semua postingan
Senin, 05 Juli 2010
Causes of Cancer
Cancer causes around 13% of deaths worldwide. It is one of the most commonly found and most lethal cause of death and although significant breakthroughs have been made in terms of finding cures and effective treatments, cancer continues to pose a serious challenge to humans.
Cancer is caused by multiple factors but it should be noted that an abundance of these factors does not automatically indicate cancer.
Cancer can be caused by factors such as:
Aging : Old age causes a significant increase in the probability of cancer since most cancers occur above the age of 65. However, cancer can occur at any age as well.
Tobacco use : Tobacco is one of the most common and preventable factors in cancer-related deaths. It accounts for more than 180,000 deaths in the US every year.
Sunlight : The Sun emits many types of harmful radiation but Ultra Violet radiation is the most dangerous in terms causing Cancer. It causes degeneration of the skin which leads to skin cancer.
Radiation : Apart from sun’s radiation, there are other sources of radiation on earth, including ionizing radiation, radioactive fallout, Radon gas and X rays. Ionizing radiation is caused by rays entering from outer space. Radioactive fallout occurs due to accidents at Nuclear plants or while testing atomic weapons. Radon gas is found in rocks and earth and is the primary cause of Cancer in miners. X rays are used in medical procedures so are not extremely harmful if exposed with appropriate measures.
Chemical industry : There are several other chemicals found in the paint industry or construction work which can also lead to Cancer.
Viruses : Certain viruses and bacteria can also be the cause of Cancer.
Hormone supplements : Certain hormone supplements prescribed by doctors, such as estrogen and progestin, can have significant side effects which may lead to Cancer.
Family history : Not all but certain types of Cancer can be passed on through genes and may affect multiple generations. These include melanoma (skin cancer) and cancers of the breast, ovary, colon and prostate.
Alcohol consumption : Having large amounts of Alcohol can also lead to Cancer.
Health imbalance : Poor diet or being overweight can also be the cause of Cancer.
These are not the only causes of Cancer however, but they are the primary reasons and people who have them or work in Cancer causing environments would be well-advised to consult a doctor.
Cancer is caused by multiple factors but it should be noted that an abundance of these factors does not automatically indicate cancer.
Cancer can be caused by factors such as:
Aging : Old age causes a significant increase in the probability of cancer since most cancers occur above the age of 65. However, cancer can occur at any age as well.
Tobacco use : Tobacco is one of the most common and preventable factors in cancer-related deaths. It accounts for more than 180,000 deaths in the US every year.
Sunlight : The Sun emits many types of harmful radiation but Ultra Violet radiation is the most dangerous in terms causing Cancer. It causes degeneration of the skin which leads to skin cancer.
Radiation : Apart from sun’s radiation, there are other sources of radiation on earth, including ionizing radiation, radioactive fallout, Radon gas and X rays. Ionizing radiation is caused by rays entering from outer space. Radioactive fallout occurs due to accidents at Nuclear plants or while testing atomic weapons. Radon gas is found in rocks and earth and is the primary cause of Cancer in miners. X rays are used in medical procedures so are not extremely harmful if exposed with appropriate measures.
Chemical industry : There are several other chemicals found in the paint industry or construction work which can also lead to Cancer.
Viruses : Certain viruses and bacteria can also be the cause of Cancer.
Hormone supplements : Certain hormone supplements prescribed by doctors, such as estrogen and progestin, can have significant side effects which may lead to Cancer.
Family history : Not all but certain types of Cancer can be passed on through genes and may affect multiple generations. These include melanoma (skin cancer) and cancers of the breast, ovary, colon and prostate.
Alcohol consumption : Having large amounts of Alcohol can also lead to Cancer.
Health imbalance : Poor diet or being overweight can also be the cause of Cancer.
These are not the only causes of Cancer however, but they are the primary reasons and people who have them or work in Cancer causing environments would be well-advised to consult a doctor.
Causes of Breast Cancer
Women are blessed with breasts as natural beauty. Besides adding in the beauty of women they help them to attract opposite sex and to feed their babies as well. Sometimes their beauty turns out to be beast for them, by developing sever diseases.
Breast cancer is the most common and dangerous disease a woman can have. Causes are many, however for woman probability of breast cancer increases, in view of the fact that it is not common for men. Women after 30 years of are most likely to have breasts cancer. White women are more vulnerable to breasts cancer as compared to American or African women in United States.
Radiation Exposure
Women who have received therapy at an early age at the chest are at a greater risk to have breast cancer. X-rays have been in practice to trace the problems related to lungs and other parts of body. That makes the women unsecured against the risk of breast cancer. Also women working in chemical factories are most likely to have breast cancer.
Diet
Countries where women consume extra fats as the part of diet report high rate of breast cancer. Obesity is the factory that adds in the causes of breast cancer. It is also observed that environmental factors also contribute to the development of breast cancer. Women in Asian countries have less chance to develop breast cancer than women in United States.
Countries where consumption of alcohol is high, women are most likely to have breast cancer.
Genetic
Breast cancer is also inherited. For that matter both maternal and paternal relatives can inherit the diseases. Usually first degree relatives are important for estimating the risk of breast cancer. If any of the first degree relative had breast cancer, then chances are there that you will have breast cancer. Apart from first degree relatives, grandparents and aunties, who lay in the category of second degree relatives can handover the genes of breast cancer making you susceptible to the diseases.
Hormonal
Having periods at an early age or experiencing a late menopause increases the risk of breasts cancer. Women having children at older age and women without children can also have breasts cancers. Also the women who have been using a combination of estrogen and progesterone for the hormonal treatment are most likely to develop breast cancer.
Risk of breast can be reduced by physical exercises and balanced diet. Women with kids can minimize the risk for breast cancer by feeding their babies properly. However it is advisable to have the breast cancer test in case of minor breasts diseases.
Breast cancer is the most common and dangerous disease a woman can have. Causes are many, however for woman probability of breast cancer increases, in view of the fact that it is not common for men. Women after 30 years of are most likely to have breasts cancer. White women are more vulnerable to breasts cancer as compared to American or African women in United States.
Radiation Exposure
Women who have received therapy at an early age at the chest are at a greater risk to have breast cancer. X-rays have been in practice to trace the problems related to lungs and other parts of body. That makes the women unsecured against the risk of breast cancer. Also women working in chemical factories are most likely to have breast cancer.
Diet
Countries where women consume extra fats as the part of diet report high rate of breast cancer. Obesity is the factory that adds in the causes of breast cancer. It is also observed that environmental factors also contribute to the development of breast cancer. Women in Asian countries have less chance to develop breast cancer than women in United States.
Countries where consumption of alcohol is high, women are most likely to have breast cancer.
Genetic
Breast cancer is also inherited. For that matter both maternal and paternal relatives can inherit the diseases. Usually first degree relatives are important for estimating the risk of breast cancer. If any of the first degree relative had breast cancer, then chances are there that you will have breast cancer. Apart from first degree relatives, grandparents and aunties, who lay in the category of second degree relatives can handover the genes of breast cancer making you susceptible to the diseases.
Hormonal
Having periods at an early age or experiencing a late menopause increases the risk of breasts cancer. Women having children at older age and women without children can also have breasts cancers. Also the women who have been using a combination of estrogen and progesterone for the hormonal treatment are most likely to develop breast cancer.
Risk of breast can be reduced by physical exercises and balanced diet. Women with kids can minimize the risk for breast cancer by feeding their babies properly. However it is advisable to have the breast cancer test in case of minor breasts diseases.
Cancer Treatment
Cancer research has made significant progress in finding the cures for Cancer over the past 20 years. It continues to develop new means to fight back this menace and with rapid progress in the fields of biomedicine, it is hoped that within the foreseeable future, a permanent cure for cancer may be found. At present, there are various forms of treatment as well.
These are:
Biologic Therapy : Biologic therapies help the body fight back cancer through substance occurring in the body itself. This form of cancer treatment stimulates the natural immune system and thus allows the body to counter the Cancer cells.
Bone marrow transplant : Bone marrow is the body’s own laboratory for manufacturing cells. It produces white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets. White blood cells are extremely important for the body’s immune system and thus, this form of cancer treatment helps the body restore its immune system.
Chemotherapy : Chemotherapy involves exposing the cancer cells to significant levels of radiation so as to kill them. This form of cancer treatment has significant side effects as well and is mostly used when cancer has reached serious levels.
Gene therapy : Genes are the body’s blueprint. Cancer treatments which involve manipulation of genes can also help prevent the risk.
Surgical oncology : In cases where the cancer has developed too far, it becomes necessary to surgically remove the cancer. Such cases carry a high risk of regeneration and are also painful.
Proton therapy : Proton therapy, which involves exposing the cancer cells to proton irradiation, has also been used as an effective cancer treatment.
Vaccine therapy : Vaccines help the body’s immune system identify and attack the cancer cells. This form of cancer treatment aims to spur the immune system and help it to produce effective antigens which can treat the cancer.
Photodynamic therapy : This form of cancer treatment involves a light source, such as laser, and a photo sensitive drug. When the drug is activated by the light source, it attacks the cancer cells and thus kills them off.
There continue to be advances in the field of cancer therapy and with time, it is hoped that cancer treatment can become common and affordable as well.
These are:
Biologic Therapy : Biologic therapies help the body fight back cancer through substance occurring in the body itself. This form of cancer treatment stimulates the natural immune system and thus allows the body to counter the Cancer cells.
Bone marrow transplant : Bone marrow is the body’s own laboratory for manufacturing cells. It produces white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets. White blood cells are extremely important for the body’s immune system and thus, this form of cancer treatment helps the body restore its immune system.
Chemotherapy : Chemotherapy involves exposing the cancer cells to significant levels of radiation so as to kill them. This form of cancer treatment has significant side effects as well and is mostly used when cancer has reached serious levels.
Gene therapy : Genes are the body’s blueprint. Cancer treatments which involve manipulation of genes can also help prevent the risk.
Surgical oncology : In cases where the cancer has developed too far, it becomes necessary to surgically remove the cancer. Such cases carry a high risk of regeneration and are also painful.
Proton therapy : Proton therapy, which involves exposing the cancer cells to proton irradiation, has also been used as an effective cancer treatment.
Vaccine therapy : Vaccines help the body’s immune system identify and attack the cancer cells. This form of cancer treatment aims to spur the immune system and help it to produce effective antigens which can treat the cancer.
Photodynamic therapy : This form of cancer treatment involves a light source, such as laser, and a photo sensitive drug. When the drug is activated by the light source, it attacks the cancer cells and thus kills them off.
There continue to be advances in the field of cancer therapy and with time, it is hoped that cancer treatment can become common and affordable as well.
Breast Cancer Stages
Doctors have started to use the staging system in order to determine the effect of certain different factors and in order to help them organize the procedure necessary. The main reasons are to understand the outcome of the disease, to guide the entire treatment process, as well as providing a way to describe the extent of breast cancer. Overall there are four or five stages that doctors use.
Stage 0 is the first stage which is used to describe the type of breast cancer. In this stage there is no treatment since there is no actual evidence of cancer cells breaking out or invading the surrounding tissues.
Stage I is used to describe the invasive breast cancers, which may break into surrounding breast tissue. The tumor may measure up to a total of 2 centimeters and there may be no lymph nodes involved.
Stage II is categorized into two, IIA and IIB. Stage IIA is the description that there is no tumor that can be found, but cancer cells are found in lymph nodes. It can also mean that there is a tumor that measures 2 centimeters which has spread to the lymph nodes. It can also mean that the tumor has grown, but is not bigger than a total of 5 centimeters and has not yet spread into the lymph nodes. Stage IIB is the description used for when the tumor has grown to 5 centimeters and has spread into the lymph nodes, or the tumor has become larger than 5 centimeters but has not yet spread into the lymph nodes.
Stage III is the description which is divided into three categories of IIIA, IIIB, and IIIC. Stage III overall deals with cancer being clumped or sticking to other structures including the lymph nodes, the size of the tumor spreading throughout the chest wall, the cancer entering below the collarbone, and even into the breastbones.
Stage IV is the last and final description that doctors may use to inform the patient that the cancer has spread throughout the organs of the body which include the brain, liver, bone, and usually the lungs.
Stage 0 is the first stage which is used to describe the type of breast cancer. In this stage there is no treatment since there is no actual evidence of cancer cells breaking out or invading the surrounding tissues.
Stage I is used to describe the invasive breast cancers, which may break into surrounding breast tissue. The tumor may measure up to a total of 2 centimeters and there may be no lymph nodes involved.
Stage II is categorized into two, IIA and IIB. Stage IIA is the description that there is no tumor that can be found, but cancer cells are found in lymph nodes. It can also mean that there is a tumor that measures 2 centimeters which has spread to the lymph nodes. It can also mean that the tumor has grown, but is not bigger than a total of 5 centimeters and has not yet spread into the lymph nodes. Stage IIB is the description used for when the tumor has grown to 5 centimeters and has spread into the lymph nodes, or the tumor has become larger than 5 centimeters but has not yet spread into the lymph nodes.
Stage III is the description which is divided into three categories of IIIA, IIIB, and IIIC. Stage III overall deals with cancer being clumped or sticking to other structures including the lymph nodes, the size of the tumor spreading throughout the chest wall, the cancer entering below the collarbone, and even into the breastbones.
Stage IV is the last and final description that doctors may use to inform the patient that the cancer has spread throughout the organs of the body which include the brain, liver, bone, and usually the lungs.
Breast Cancer Risk Factors
Breast cancer dose not happen all of the sudden, it takes certain time and condition to develop and grow. All these conditions are provided by the human themselves. As he doe not pay proper attention to the disease or do not even bother to examine breast, he is actually giving time to the breast cancer to grow. Risk factors of breast cancer are categorized into four types. These four broad types are
Personal and family factors
Age and gender are the most common risks associated with the breast cancer. Breast cancer is reported to be developed by females more than males. However women at the younger age are not seen to have breast cancer. The probability of breast cancer increases as the women cross the age limit of 30 years. However, there are situations where women at an early stage can have breast cancer.
Personal history of breast or any other type of cancer increases the chances if breast cancer. Women who have been getting hormonal treatment for birth control or other hormone or other hormone replacement treatments are most likely to have breast cancer. Also the women having menstrual periods at early time in life or at an older age is susceptible to breast cancer.
Breast cancer can also be inherited, for that matter first degree relatives take huge importance. For instance, if a woman has her mother or sister affected by breast cancer, she is most likely to have breast cancer. Second degree relatives (grandfathers and aunties) can also provide the risk of breast cancer.
Lifestyle
Smoking and alcohol acts as catalyst for breast cancer. Women who are smoker or consume alcohol as well have chances to develop breast cancer. Also women having no children or having their first child after 30 years of her age are vulnerable to the risk of breast cancer. With the same time women using birth control with higher level of estrogens can easily develop breast cancer, if they use oral contraceptive for a longer period of time.
Obesity resulted due to the consumption of fast increases the risk of breast cancer. Physical inactivity tends to increase the risk of breast cancer.
Environmental factors
Women who are exposed to chemicals e-g working on chemical factories and farm houses have greater tendency to develop breast cancer. Also environment of certain countries support the breast cancer to grow. For instance, Asian women are less likely to have breast cancer than women in United States.
Personal and family factors
Age and gender are the most common risks associated with the breast cancer. Breast cancer is reported to be developed by females more than males. However women at the younger age are not seen to have breast cancer. The probability of breast cancer increases as the women cross the age limit of 30 years. However, there are situations where women at an early stage can have breast cancer.
Personal history of breast or any other type of cancer increases the chances if breast cancer. Women who have been getting hormonal treatment for birth control or other hormone or other hormone replacement treatments are most likely to have breast cancer. Also the women having menstrual periods at early time in life or at an older age is susceptible to breast cancer.
Breast cancer can also be inherited, for that matter first degree relatives take huge importance. For instance, if a woman has her mother or sister affected by breast cancer, she is most likely to have breast cancer. Second degree relatives (grandfathers and aunties) can also provide the risk of breast cancer.
Lifestyle
Smoking and alcohol acts as catalyst for breast cancer. Women who are smoker or consume alcohol as well have chances to develop breast cancer. Also women having no children or having their first child after 30 years of her age are vulnerable to the risk of breast cancer. With the same time women using birth control with higher level of estrogens can easily develop breast cancer, if they use oral contraceptive for a longer period of time.
Obesity resulted due to the consumption of fast increases the risk of breast cancer. Physical inactivity tends to increase the risk of breast cancer.
Environmental factors
Women who are exposed to chemicals e-g working on chemical factories and farm houses have greater tendency to develop breast cancer. Also environment of certain countries support the breast cancer to grow. For instance, Asian women are less likely to have breast cancer than women in United States.
Breast Cancer Detection
Blood cancer can be detected easily; however that demands a careful and consistent examination of the breast. The simple method is the self examination of the breast, it doest not require much but the time.
To self examine your breast in order to detect the presence of breast cancer, lay down on a horizontal surface with your right hand under your head. Now press your right breast with the help of middle fingers of your left hand upside down. Three different pressure levels are used to feel any abnormality in the breast cells.
First press the press with light pressure to feel the tissue closest to the skin, think make second stroke bit harder to feel the tissues little deeper and make the last stroke stronger enough to feel the tissue closest to the chest and ribs.
Breast cancer affects the appearances of the breast also, for that matter put your hands down on hips firmly while standing in front of mirror. Now look at your breast to feel any change in shape, size, dimpling or redness of the nipple or rest of breast.
Also examine you underarm tissues for any abnormality, in case of abnormal appearance consult your doctor about it. However there are two basic methods that help to patients to detect the breast cancer.
Mammograms
Mammogram is an x-ray of the breast which is used to confirm the existence of breast cancer in women. Patients who discover abnormalities by self examining or the clinical examination of the breast are recommended to have their mammograms.
In mammograms, tissues of the breast are examined by pressing them between two plates. The result is obtained on a black and white sheet or film, which is examined to ensure the presence of the cancer cells. However, mammogram can only prove that there is an abnormality in the breast tissues, this can be another thing than breast cancer. Some tissues of the breast have to be removed and examined to further verify the nature of abnormality.
Magnetic resonance imaging
Women with high risk for breast cancer are recommended to have their MRI along with the mammogram. MRI produces more detailed result in the form of cross-sectional image. For that matter a contrast material is injected into the arm or vein carrying blood to the breast. Using contrast material increases the ability of MRI to produce detail image of the breast tissues.
However mammograms produce better result than MRI. Magnetic resonance imagining misses out most of the things that mammograms would not. Therefore mammogram is most preferred and used method among breast detection methods.
To self examine your breast in order to detect the presence of breast cancer, lay down on a horizontal surface with your right hand under your head. Now press your right breast with the help of middle fingers of your left hand upside down. Three different pressure levels are used to feel any abnormality in the breast cells.
First press the press with light pressure to feel the tissue closest to the skin, think make second stroke bit harder to feel the tissues little deeper and make the last stroke stronger enough to feel the tissue closest to the chest and ribs.
Breast cancer affects the appearances of the breast also, for that matter put your hands down on hips firmly while standing in front of mirror. Now look at your breast to feel any change in shape, size, dimpling or redness of the nipple or rest of breast.
Also examine you underarm tissues for any abnormality, in case of abnormal appearance consult your doctor about it. However there are two basic methods that help to patients to detect the breast cancer.
Mammograms
Mammogram is an x-ray of the breast which is used to confirm the existence of breast cancer in women. Patients who discover abnormalities by self examining or the clinical examination of the breast are recommended to have their mammograms.
In mammograms, tissues of the breast are examined by pressing them between two plates. The result is obtained on a black and white sheet or film, which is examined to ensure the presence of the cancer cells. However, mammogram can only prove that there is an abnormality in the breast tissues, this can be another thing than breast cancer. Some tissues of the breast have to be removed and examined to further verify the nature of abnormality.
Magnetic resonance imaging
Women with high risk for breast cancer are recommended to have their MRI along with the mammogram. MRI produces more detailed result in the form of cross-sectional image. For that matter a contrast material is injected into the arm or vein carrying blood to the breast. Using contrast material increases the ability of MRI to produce detail image of the breast tissues.
However mammograms produce better result than MRI. Magnetic resonance imagining misses out most of the things that mammograms would not. Therefore mammogram is most preferred and used method among breast detection methods.
Breast Cancer Prevention
Brest cancer is the most common disease in women; however the risk of breast cancer can be reduced. Diet plays an important role to minimize the risk of breast cancer. A balanced diet helps the body to work properly, eliminating risk of many diseases including breasts cancer. However consuming fats can cause serious health problems like high blood pressure, heart diseases and breast cancer as well.
Alcohol
It is proved with the help of research and studies that consuming alcohol increases the risk of breast cancer. In case of women consuming alcohol regularly has as much two times the possibility of developing breast cancer than women who do not consume alcohol. Avoiding alcohol can provide great help to reduce the risk of breast cancer.
Smoking
Smoking causes many diseases related to heart and lungs. However women smoking at an early age are more susceptible to the risk of breast cancer. As the smoke of the cigarette stay in the chest area for a longer time which causes the women different lungs and breasts diseases, however rate of breast cancer among smokers is higher. By quitting smoking, women can save their breast from developing cancer.
Physical exercise
Physical exercises tend to eliminate the risk of breast cancer. Exercise does not mean joining a gym, however studies have proved that women who walk briskly for 2.5 to 3 hours every week, reduce their chances to have breast cancer.
Breastfeeding
Breast milk is natural food for infants, however if they are not properly fed by their mothers. Chances are there that their mother will have breast cancer at an older age. It happens as the milk stays in the breast for a longer period of time, which helps it to react and create disease within the breasts. Therefore providing the required environment for the cancer to develop and grow in the breasts. Therefore it is recommended for women to breastfeed their babies instead of formula milk.
Hormonal treatment
Hormonal treatment for birth control increases the risk of breast cancer. Using the Combination of estrogen and progesterone raises the risk of breast cancer. It is also observed that personal history of women can also cause breast cancer to them, since it can also be inherited to them. In order to reduce that factor they should check their family history for breast cancer, so that it can be stopped before it gets too late.
All these methods can only prevent the breast cancer; they are not the cure for it. However it is better to prevent breast cancer instead of having painful and expensive surgeries afterwards.
Alcohol
It is proved with the help of research and studies that consuming alcohol increases the risk of breast cancer. In case of women consuming alcohol regularly has as much two times the possibility of developing breast cancer than women who do not consume alcohol. Avoiding alcohol can provide great help to reduce the risk of breast cancer.
Smoking
Smoking causes many diseases related to heart and lungs. However women smoking at an early age are more susceptible to the risk of breast cancer. As the smoke of the cigarette stay in the chest area for a longer time which causes the women different lungs and breasts diseases, however rate of breast cancer among smokers is higher. By quitting smoking, women can save their breast from developing cancer.
Physical exercise
Physical exercises tend to eliminate the risk of breast cancer. Exercise does not mean joining a gym, however studies have proved that women who walk briskly for 2.5 to 3 hours every week, reduce their chances to have breast cancer.
Breastfeeding
Breast milk is natural food for infants, however if they are not properly fed by their mothers. Chances are there that their mother will have breast cancer at an older age. It happens as the milk stays in the breast for a longer period of time, which helps it to react and create disease within the breasts. Therefore providing the required environment for the cancer to develop and grow in the breasts. Therefore it is recommended for women to breastfeed their babies instead of formula milk.
Hormonal treatment
Hormonal treatment for birth control increases the risk of breast cancer. Using the Combination of estrogen and progesterone raises the risk of breast cancer. It is also observed that personal history of women can also cause breast cancer to them, since it can also be inherited to them. In order to reduce that factor they should check their family history for breast cancer, so that it can be stopped before it gets too late.
All these methods can only prevent the breast cancer; they are not the cure for it. However it is better to prevent breast cancer instead of having painful and expensive surgeries afterwards.
Colon Cancer Prevention
Colon Cancer is among the most dangerous and widespread forms of cancer. However, it is also among the most preventable ones. Although the symptoms of cancer are easily detected it should be noted that Colon Cancer can continue to develop without manifesting itself. Therefore it is essential for people to use precautionary means to prevent Colon cancer from developing in the first place.
The most common ways of prevention are :
Symptoms : People should consult a doctor at the first sign of any symptom. Constipation, thinning of the stool, blood in stool, unexplained weight loss and nausea and vomiting are all indicators of Colon Cancer.
Screening : More than 90% of Colon Cancer patients are above the age of 50 while the average age of diagnosis is 64. It is essential for people to start medical screening after the age of 40 so as to prevent any incidence of colon cancer.
Diet : Diets high in cholesterol and fat, such as red meat and processed meat, have been shown to increase the risk of colon cancer. Eating a balanced is another important method of prevention.
Balanced weight : Studies have indicated that obese men tend to be more at risk of Colon cancer. Therefore maintaining a healthy weight is important.
Exercise : Increased physical activity has shown to reduce the risk of colon cancer by as much as 40 %.
Genetic Counseling : Colon cancer has been shown to affect certain ethnicities more than others so knowledge of one’s genes would be an effective mean of prevention as well.
Family medical history : Risk of colon cancer increases if a person has family history of this disease. It doubles if the person has direct family members suffering from Colon cancer.
Smoking : Smoking results in intake of carcinogens which can result in Colon Cancer. Tobacco has also been linked with increasing polyp size. Stopping from smoking is one of the most effective means of prevention.
Reduce radiation exposure : The sun emits many forms of radiation which may cause colon cancer. However, there remain other sources of radiation as well, including x rays and rocks. It is essential to keep away from such sources.
These methods of prevention do not rule out the possibility of colon cancer altogether but reduce the probability significantly.
The most common ways of prevention are :
Symptoms : People should consult a doctor at the first sign of any symptom. Constipation, thinning of the stool, blood in stool, unexplained weight loss and nausea and vomiting are all indicators of Colon Cancer.
Screening : More than 90% of Colon Cancer patients are above the age of 50 while the average age of diagnosis is 64. It is essential for people to start medical screening after the age of 40 so as to prevent any incidence of colon cancer.
Diet : Diets high in cholesterol and fat, such as red meat and processed meat, have been shown to increase the risk of colon cancer. Eating a balanced is another important method of prevention.
Balanced weight : Studies have indicated that obese men tend to be more at risk of Colon cancer. Therefore maintaining a healthy weight is important.
Exercise : Increased physical activity has shown to reduce the risk of colon cancer by as much as 40 %.
Genetic Counseling : Colon cancer has been shown to affect certain ethnicities more than others so knowledge of one’s genes would be an effective mean of prevention as well.
Family medical history : Risk of colon cancer increases if a person has family history of this disease. It doubles if the person has direct family members suffering from Colon cancer.
Smoking : Smoking results in intake of carcinogens which can result in Colon Cancer. Tobacco has also been linked with increasing polyp size. Stopping from smoking is one of the most effective means of prevention.
Reduce radiation exposure : The sun emits many forms of radiation which may cause colon cancer. However, there remain other sources of radiation as well, including x rays and rocks. It is essential to keep away from such sources.
These methods of prevention do not rule out the possibility of colon cancer altogether but reduce the probability significantly.
Detecting Colon Cancer
olon Cancer is among the most dangerous forms of cancer. Yet it is also among the most preventable. The symptoms, in which it manifests itself, are easily detectable and allow patients to stop the cancer from developing past its early stages.
These range from constipation and thinning of the stool to bleeding in stool and nausea. However, Colon cancer does not necessarily show it symptoms early. Colon Cancers which occur at the top of the Colon may not allow bleeding to be as obvious and thus may go undetected. Therefore, it is recommended that people above the age of 40 get regular checkups and screening. These screenings are conducted in various manners.
• Fecal occult blood test (FOBT): This test detects hidden blood in stool. Research has proven that FOBT conducted every 1-2 years among the age group 50-80, reduces the risk of colon cancer by 15 to 33 %.
• Sigmoidoscopy: This test is conducted by using a lighted instrument called a sigmoidoscope, to examine the rectum and lower colon. The process allows precancerous and cancerous growths to be identified and purged and has been shown to reduce the incidence of colon cancer sharply.
• Colonoscopy: Similar to sigmoidoscopy, this process however examines the entire colon using a lighted instrument called a colonoscope. Patients are occasionally administered a sedative to perform this test.
• Vitual Colonoscopy: This process involves the use of x rays to take images of the colon and rectum which are then processed in a computer. These images enable the computer to make a detailed image of the colon and detect any cancerous growths. As this process is less invasive, virtual colonoscopy is usually less painful and requires less time.
• Double contrast barium enema (DCBE): In this test, the patient is given an enema with a barium solution and air is introduced to allow the solution to outline the colon and the rectum. X rays are then taken to detect the presence of polyps. Although this test does not detect all of the small polyps, it does provide adequate imaging to prevent Colon cancer to an extent.
• Digital rectal exam (DRE): In this test, the medical examiner inserts a lubricated finger into the rectum to feel for any outgrowths. This procedure is only effective for lower parts of the Colon.
These range from constipation and thinning of the stool to bleeding in stool and nausea. However, Colon cancer does not necessarily show it symptoms early. Colon Cancers which occur at the top of the Colon may not allow bleeding to be as obvious and thus may go undetected. Therefore, it is recommended that people above the age of 40 get regular checkups and screening. These screenings are conducted in various manners.
• Fecal occult blood test (FOBT): This test detects hidden blood in stool. Research has proven that FOBT conducted every 1-2 years among the age group 50-80, reduces the risk of colon cancer by 15 to 33 %.
• Sigmoidoscopy: This test is conducted by using a lighted instrument called a sigmoidoscope, to examine the rectum and lower colon. The process allows precancerous and cancerous growths to be identified and purged and has been shown to reduce the incidence of colon cancer sharply.
• Colonoscopy: Similar to sigmoidoscopy, this process however examines the entire colon using a lighted instrument called a colonoscope. Patients are occasionally administered a sedative to perform this test.
• Vitual Colonoscopy: This process involves the use of x rays to take images of the colon and rectum which are then processed in a computer. These images enable the computer to make a detailed image of the colon and detect any cancerous growths. As this process is less invasive, virtual colonoscopy is usually less painful and requires less time.
• Double contrast barium enema (DCBE): In this test, the patient is given an enema with a barium solution and air is introduced to allow the solution to outline the colon and the rectum. X rays are then taken to detect the presence of polyps. Although this test does not detect all of the small polyps, it does provide adequate imaging to prevent Colon cancer to an extent.
• Digital rectal exam (DRE): In this test, the medical examiner inserts a lubricated finger into the rectum to feel for any outgrowths. This procedure is only effective for lower parts of the Colon.
Introduction on Colon Cancer
Colon cancer is a highly dangerous and extremely common form of cancer affecting millions of people around the world. It is the third most common form of cancer and although its rate of incidence is decreasing in the US, it still poses a huge risk. Americans have a 1 in 20 chance of acquiring colon cancer.
The risk of incidence starts to increase after the age of 40 and does so considerably after 65. Both men and women have similar probability of acquiring the disease but the after the age of 50, the risk increases for men.
Colon cancer occurs in rectum or the large intestine. It forms in the last 20-25 cm of the colon and since it usually affects both the anus and the rectum, it is referred to as Colorectal cancer. However, cancer in the anus is uncommon. If it does occur, it usually occurs in the outer part of the anus for men and the inner part for women.
Colon cancer can be caused by various products but most of these are related to dietary fat, particularly animal fat. The process of digestion which metabolizes this fat produces carcinogens (cancer causing agents), which irritate the lining of the intestine and thus lead to the formation of polyps (small outgrowth) which slowly develop into cancer.
There are several means of detecting colon cancer but it should be kept in mind that many colon cancers do not have any symptoms.
The symptoms include :
Abdominal pain : If a person experiences unusual pain in the lower abdomen brought on without any specific reason, he should get it checked.
Blood in the stool : This is usually a very serious condition and may be caused by an injury or problems in the digestive tract as well. It is therefore necessary to report it to a physician.
Diarrhea : Irregular bowel patterns can also indicate a risk of Colon cancer.
Intestinal obstruction : Any obstruction which reduces or blocks the path of faeces is a significant symptom of colon cancer as well.
Weight loss : Unexplained weight loss can also be a symptom.
It should be noted that Colon cancer does not only display these symptoms and there may be other factors which may vary the symptoms.
The risk of incidence starts to increase after the age of 40 and does so considerably after 65. Both men and women have similar probability of acquiring the disease but the after the age of 50, the risk increases for men.
Colon cancer occurs in rectum or the large intestine. It forms in the last 20-25 cm of the colon and since it usually affects both the anus and the rectum, it is referred to as Colorectal cancer. However, cancer in the anus is uncommon. If it does occur, it usually occurs in the outer part of the anus for men and the inner part for women.
Colon cancer can be caused by various products but most of these are related to dietary fat, particularly animal fat. The process of digestion which metabolizes this fat produces carcinogens (cancer causing agents), which irritate the lining of the intestine and thus lead to the formation of polyps (small outgrowth) which slowly develop into cancer.
There are several means of detecting colon cancer but it should be kept in mind that many colon cancers do not have any symptoms.
The symptoms include :
Abdominal pain : If a person experiences unusual pain in the lower abdomen brought on without any specific reason, he should get it checked.
Blood in the stool : This is usually a very serious condition and may be caused by an injury or problems in the digestive tract as well. It is therefore necessary to report it to a physician.
Diarrhea : Irregular bowel patterns can also indicate a risk of Colon cancer.
Intestinal obstruction : Any obstruction which reduces or blocks the path of faeces is a significant symptom of colon cancer as well.
Weight loss : Unexplained weight loss can also be a symptom.
It should be noted that Colon cancer does not only display these symptoms and there may be other factors which may vary the symptoms.
Risk Factors for Colon Cancer
A risk factor refers to anything which increases a person’s chance of acquiring a certain ailment. Cancers have their specific risk factors as well and just as increased sunlight may be a risk factor for skin cancer, colon cancer has its own specific risk factors. However risk factors do not necessarily indicate certainty. In many instances, colon cancers may develop without any of the known risk factors.
However, medical research has allowed researchers to highlight a number of risk factors for Colon Cancer. These are:
Age : More than 90% of people diagnosed with Colon cancer are above the age of 50. Therefore age is one of the important indicators in determining the presence of Colon Cancer.
Personal history : Any past incidences of Polyp formation are serious risk factors.
Inflammatory Bowel disease: Any personal history of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is also pertinent since the prolonged periods in which the Colon is inflamed may lead to higher probability of Colon Cancer.
Family history : Colon Cancer, like other forms of Cancer, has a higher incidence in people with family history. The risk is significantly higher when a direct family member (parent or sibling) is affected and more than doubles if more than one family member is affected.
Inherited syndromes : Around 5 % of Colon Cancer patients have inherited genes which make them susceptible to the disease. The two most common inherited syndromes are familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HPCC).
Racial and ethnic background : Specific races have higher rates of Colon cancer than others. African Americans have the highest rates of Colon cancer in the US while the Ashkenazi Jews have the one of the highest rates in the world.
Diet : Diet also plays an important role in determining the risk factor for Colon Cancer. A diet rich in red meats and processed meats has been shown to increase the risk factor while diet consisting of fruits and vegetables has proven to decrease the risk of Colon Cancer.
Alcohol Use : Heavy use of alcohol is also an increased risk factor. It is recommended that men not have more than 2 drinks a day and women, not more than 1.
Although there are several other risk factors as well, it is important to note that Colon cancer can develop without any of these present so vigilance is the best precaution.
However, medical research has allowed researchers to highlight a number of risk factors for Colon Cancer. These are:
Age : More than 90% of people diagnosed with Colon cancer are above the age of 50. Therefore age is one of the important indicators in determining the presence of Colon Cancer.
Personal history : Any past incidences of Polyp formation are serious risk factors.
Inflammatory Bowel disease: Any personal history of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is also pertinent since the prolonged periods in which the Colon is inflamed may lead to higher probability of Colon Cancer.
Family history : Colon Cancer, like other forms of Cancer, has a higher incidence in people with family history. The risk is significantly higher when a direct family member (parent or sibling) is affected and more than doubles if more than one family member is affected.
Inherited syndromes : Around 5 % of Colon Cancer patients have inherited genes which make them susceptible to the disease. The two most common inherited syndromes are familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HPCC).
Racial and ethnic background : Specific races have higher rates of Colon cancer than others. African Americans have the highest rates of Colon cancer in the US while the Ashkenazi Jews have the one of the highest rates in the world.
Diet : Diet also plays an important role in determining the risk factor for Colon Cancer. A diet rich in red meats and processed meats has been shown to increase the risk factor while diet consisting of fruits and vegetables has proven to decrease the risk of Colon Cancer.
Alcohol Use : Heavy use of alcohol is also an increased risk factor. It is recommended that men not have more than 2 drinks a day and women, not more than 1.
Although there are several other risk factors as well, it is important to note that Colon cancer can develop without any of these present so vigilance is the best precaution.
Types of Breast Cancer
There are many types of breast cancer, but two are more common in most women. They generally are named after the parts in the breast in which they start occurring. The first is ductal carcinoma and the second is lobular carcinoma. Those two are the most common types, and they appear in the breast’s milk ducts or the milk-producing glands.
In situ breast cancer or a noninvasive breast cancer is a type which the cells have remained within the place of the origin and have no spread around the breast tissue. Ductal carcinoma is a common type of noninvasive breast cancer as it keeps confined within the lining of the milk ducts.
Invasive breast cancers are ones which spread outside the membranes which line the lobule, or the ducts, and start to invade the surrounding areas. They travel to other parts in the body which are more commonly known as lymph nodes. Invasive ductal carcinoma consists of nearly 70% of breast cancers. The lining of the milk ducts eventually get thin and break; the cancer spreads through the wall and starts to apply itself to the breast tissue.
The cells may keep near the site of origin, but they still spread through out the body by using a woman’s blood stream. Invasive lobular carcinoma is less common but it invades in a similar way as it starts in the milk producing lobules then starts to break into the surrounding tissue, but they can also have the same type of spreading on different parts of a woman’s body. This type of cancer does not necessarily provide lumps, but thickens an area in general. The most aggressive types of breast cancer is inflammatory as it starts form sheets and nests instead of lumps underneath the soft tissues of the breast. It can easily be treated with chemotherapy and with some surgery later on. If caught early it is manageable and the survival rates are increasing.
The least common type of cancer is the cancer of the nipple, which is called Paget’s disease. It starts to look like a skin rash or rough skin around the nipple, which some people may consider as eczema, but those are just the minor signs of cancer being under the surface of the skin. The best way to treat this type of cancer is mastectomy, since it is around the nipple and milk ducts.
In situ breast cancer or a noninvasive breast cancer is a type which the cells have remained within the place of the origin and have no spread around the breast tissue. Ductal carcinoma is a common type of noninvasive breast cancer as it keeps confined within the lining of the milk ducts.
Invasive breast cancers are ones which spread outside the membranes which line the lobule, or the ducts, and start to invade the surrounding areas. They travel to other parts in the body which are more commonly known as lymph nodes. Invasive ductal carcinoma consists of nearly 70% of breast cancers. The lining of the milk ducts eventually get thin and break; the cancer spreads through the wall and starts to apply itself to the breast tissue.
The cells may keep near the site of origin, but they still spread through out the body by using a woman’s blood stream. Invasive lobular carcinoma is less common but it invades in a similar way as it starts in the milk producing lobules then starts to break into the surrounding tissue, but they can also have the same type of spreading on different parts of a woman’s body. This type of cancer does not necessarily provide lumps, but thickens an area in general. The most aggressive types of breast cancer is inflammatory as it starts form sheets and nests instead of lumps underneath the soft tissues of the breast. It can easily be treated with chemotherapy and with some surgery later on. If caught early it is manageable and the survival rates are increasing.
The least common type of cancer is the cancer of the nipple, which is called Paget’s disease. It starts to look like a skin rash or rough skin around the nipple, which some people may consider as eczema, but those are just the minor signs of cancer being under the surface of the skin. The best way to treat this type of cancer is mastectomy, since it is around the nipple and milk ducts.
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