Cancer...

How do People Get Mesothelioma ?

2007-08-28T11:24:00.001-07:00

The cancer of the mesothelium is known as Mesothelioma. Mesothelioma damages the tissues and other organs of the body and can also affect the cells and spread throughout the body. Asbestos is the main factor for this disease. People in factories or offices who work under the asbestos roof or people who manufacture asbestos sheets or asbestos related products tend to get this disease. Around 70-80 percent cases for mesothelioma are because of asbestos.

However, there are some cases where the person with mesotheliioma has no exposure to asbestos. The tiny particles or asbestos dust float in the air, and when they are inhaled, it leads to health problems. Exposure to asbestos also increases the possibility of lung cancer, and other types of cancers. Smoking as well as exposure to asbestos could lead to cancer in the air passageways.

Before the Internet era it was hard to find any information on mesothelioma. Now, with the advent of Internet, information about the causes, diagnosis, treatments etc can be gained with a click of a mouse. Around 2000 mesothelioma cases are diagnosed in the United States alone every year. In the past 20 years mesothelioma cases have shot up. Mesothilioma mainly affects men rather than women.

Some symptoms of mesothelioma are shortness of breath and chest pain. Mesothelioma is treated by surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy etc.

Alternative Breast Cancer Treatments

2007-08-28T11:22:00.000-07:00

When diagnosed with breast cancer, many people feel helpless and out of control. Suddenly inundated with doctors and treatment decisions that are difficult to understand, it s easy to feel that you no longer control your own health or destiny. More and more, however, breast cancer patients are turning to alternative therapies as an adjunct to traditional treatments.

These are decisions and treatments that the patient can control and even administer themselves, giving back some control over their health.

Few patients opt for alternative therapies alone. The vast majority still undergo chemotherapy or radiation and sometimes a lumpectomy or mastectomy.

But, studies have shown that there are several alternative therapies that can be effective. In particular, these alternative therapies often have the ability to make the traditional treatments more effective.

If you re a breast cancer patient, you may want to consider adding alternative therapies to your current medical regimen. Following are some of the most effective therapies to consider:

Green Tea

Tea leaves contain catechins, part of the flavan-3-ol class of flavonoids, which are anti-oxidants. EGCG is one of the catechins contained in tea, and is a potent anti-oxidant. Anti-oxidants have been shown to slow down the aging process, and prevent diseases, including cancer.

However, more recent studies have shown that the EGCG and polyphenols in green tea may make traditional breast cancer treatments more effective.

There have been several studies that have shown that chemotherapy drugs commonly used to treat breast cancer appear in higher concentration in cancerous cells when green tea is administered along with the drugs. The green tea makes the cancer cells less resistant to the drug, so that it can be more effective.

Green tea is also helpful for treating cancer because it seems to slow down the progression of the disease. Cancer cells appear to stop growing and replicating when green tea is part of the treatment regimen. It is believed that green tea may be effective in preventing metastasis of cancer.

Diet

Watching your diet carefully while you re undergoing cancer treatment can also be an effective way to treat your disease naturally. First of all, you should ensure that your diet is rich in anti-oxidants.

This includes eating a lot of fruits and vegetables, and including power foods like blueberries, pomegranates, and tomatoes. In addition, as mentioned above, green tea is also a good way to improve the number of anti-oxidants in your diet. It is also important to increase the fiber in your diet.

This will happen automatically if you increase your intake of fresh fruits and vegetables. However, eliminating white flour and replacing it with whole grains will improve your fiber intake as well.

Herbs and Vitamins

Of course, herbs and vitamins have been used for centuries to promote healing. After all, herbs were the very first medicines. There are several herbs and vitamins that can either soothe side effects of cancer treatment or improve the effectiveness of the treatments. Some of the most important are:

Ginger Root While ginger root doesn t appear to affect cancer cells one way or another, it is a powerful tool for reducing the nausea that often accompanies chemotherapy.

Calcium D-Glucarate - This vitamin and mineral supplement has been shown to reduce mammary cancer in animals. There are no side effects, so adding this to your diet seems a safe alternative therapy.

Melatonin This is a pineal hormone. It is often used as a natural sleep aid. However, it is also a potent anti-oxidant that has been shown to inhibit estrogen responsive breast cancer cells. It also increases the effectiveness of tamoxifen, a commonly prescribed cancer drug.

St. John s Wort This herb has been relied upon for centuries to reduce anxiety, relieve stress and promote a regular sleep cycle. It has also been used to treat depression.

Because of its possible interaction with your cancer drugs, it is not recommended that you use St. John s Wort while you re going through chemotherapy. However, it may be an effective treatment before and after your chemotherapy treatment.

Mind, Body and Soul Treatments

Participating in activities that help you relax and that relieve pain and other physical symptoms can also be very effective at helping your body respond to your medicine. When undergoing chemotherapy, it s not unusual to feel tired and nauseous.

Any treatments you can find to help relieve these symptoms can help you get better over the long haul by keeping your body strong. Some of the most popular treatments are:

Acupuncture- This ancient healing practice is known to be very effective at relieving chemotherapy induced nausea and it is also effective at reducing pain.

Yoga, Meditation and Hypnosis All three of these techniques are associated with reducing stress. A reduction in stress may alleviate side effects that occur from cancer treatment and contribute to an overall sense of well being. Keeping our stress in check is helpful in healing our bodies from any ailment.

It s important to evaluate all your options when you re battling cancer. It s critical to keep your doctor informed of any alternative treatments you d like to include in your therapy. However, if your doctor is aware, you should feel free to explore the many alternative therapies that can be used to enhance your cancer treatments or relieve your side effects.

If you d like to read more about the therapies mentioned here, as well as other alternative treatments, take a look at this article from HerbClip .

By: Jon M. Stout

Jon Stout is Chairman of the Golden Moon Tea Company. For more information about tea, black tea and wholesale tea go to the Golden Moon Tea website

Mesothelioma Cancer: Early Warning Signs and Causes

2007-08-28T11:21:00.000-07:00

What is Mesothelioma?

Chances are you may never have heard of mesothelioma cancer unless you or a relative have the disease. Still considered as a rare cancer, it has been popularized by its linkage to asbestos.

Exactly what is mesothelioma cancer or malignant mesothelioma? Malignant mesothelioma is a deadly cancer of the mesothelium, or lining of the lung and chest cavity. However, it sometimes can be a deadly cancer of the peritoneum (the lining of the abdomen). It is almost always caused by exposure to asbestos, and is slow forming often taking between 20-50 years to develop after exposure to asbestos.

Malignant Mesothelioma Symptoms

Symptoms of malignant mesothelioma in the lung and chest cavity are as follows:

Shortness of breath
Cough
Weight Loss
Chest Pain

Symptoms of malignant mesothelioma in the abdomen are as follows:

Abdominal swelling and pain
Weight Loss

Wondering How You Could Have Gotten Mesothelioma Cancer?

Several diseases are associated with exposure to asbestos. They include: malignant mesothelioma, asbestosis, pleural effusion, pleural plaques and thickening, and lung cancer.

Prior to 1975 asbestos fibers were commonly used. You could have been exposed to asbestos while working at any number of different industries. Chief among the possibilities would be jobs at asbestos mining and milling plants, shipyards, fireproofing and heating, construction, automotive repair, insulation, pipefitting and boilermaking.

If you did not work in one of these industries or another that used asbestos, it is also possible that you could have been exposed if someone in your household worked with asbestos and carried asbestos fibers home on his or her clothing, hair or body. You may also have been exposed indirectly by living near asbestos mines.

Although it is true that most patients with malignant mesothelioma, lung cancer or other asbestos-related diseases likely had prolonged exposure to asbestos over a long period of time, it is also possible for one to develop one of these diseases from a brief exposure to asbestos.

The odds of developing lung cancer from smoking also increases significantly from exposure to asbestos. Although most people with lung cancer are told that their lung cancer was caused from smoking, if you or someone you know has lung cancer and also worked in an environment that gave you exposure to asbestos, it is highly recommended that you contact an attorney that specializes in handling mesothelioma and lung cancer cases caused by exposure to asbestos. The justice system has been very generous in its rewards to people who suffer diseases caused by asbestos exposure.

To learn more about mesothelioma cancer I recommend you visitMesothelioma Cancer Online when searching for web resources covering mesothelioma cancer. Mesothelioma-Cancer-Online.com is an excellent resource center that offers recommendations and directory listings for numerous websites related to mesothelioma cancer, along with articles and books about mesothelioma cancer.

Causes and Symptoms of Esophageal Mesothelioma Cancer

2007-08-28T11:19:00.002-07:00

Esophageal mesothelioma cancer occurs in about 11,000 Americans per year. This accounts for less than 1% of all cancers. However, the incidence of esophageal cancer is increasing.

Cancer can develop in any part of the esophagus. It can spread to surrounding lymph nodes, the windpipe, and the large blood vessels in the chest, and other nearby organs. Treatment for esophageal mesothelioma cancer depends on a number of factors, including its exact location, size, extent, and type of cancer cells. It's also important to consider age and general health to develop a treatment plan to fit each patient's needs.

Causes of Esophageal Mesothelioma Cancer

Esophageal mesothelioma cancer occurs in the larynx (voice box) and oropharynx that is the part of the throat at the back of the mouth. There is sufficient to suggest that asbestos exposure is a cause of laryngeal cancer. There is insufficient evidence at this time to prove that asbestos is a cause of pharyngeal cancer.

Types of Esophageal Cancer

Squamous cell carcinomas occur in the cells that line the esophagus. Adenocarcinomas occur in the glandular tissue in the lower part of the esophagus and can spread to other parts of the body.

Symptoms of Esophageal Mesothelioma Cancer

Difficulty in swallowing, a feeling of fullness, pressure, or burning as food goes down the esophagus, a feeling of food getting stuck behind the breastbone.

Methods of Diagnosis

Esophagram (also called a barium swallow), is a series of x-rays of the esophagus. To prepare for this test, the patient drinks a barium solution. The barium, which shows up on x-rays, coats the inside of the esophagus for easier viewing. Esophagoscopy is a thin, flexible, lighted instrument (an endoscope) which is passed through the mouth and down the throat to the esophagus to view where the esophagus joins the stomach. Biopsy is a removal of a small amount of tissue through the endoscope to test for the presence of cancer.

Staging

The nature of the tumor is primarily evaluated by a CT scan of the chest. A CT scan reveals if the tumor has travelled into the trachea (windpipe) and large blood vessels or lymph nodes.

Esophageal ultrasound is similar to esophagoscopy, but with the addition of a built-in ultrasound devise.

PET scanning can also be used to evaluate esophageal cancer.

Treatment of Esophageal Mesothelioma Cancer

Treatment for esophageal cancer is contingent upon a number of factors, including its exact location, size, extent, and type of cancer cells. The doctor also considers the patient's age and general health to develop the best treatment plan.

Surgical resection (removal) of the tumor is the preferred treatment. Recently, surgeons have been using minimally invasive surgical techniques to remove esophageal cancers.

Chemotherapy and radiation are also frequently used, either in conjunction with surgery or independently.

Several additional options are available, including laser treatment, tumor stenting, or photodynamic therapy. For most patients, their ability to eat can be restored satisfactorily using these procedures.

A multidisciplinary team: gastroenterologist, surgeon, oncologist (cancer specialist), radiation oncologist, nurse, dietitian, and social worker join in the facilitation of patient treatment and care.

The In Depth Study of Mesothelioma Part 2 - Peritoneal Mesothelioma

2007-08-28T11:19:00.001-07:00

If you ve not read my first part about the three main branches of mesothelioma, then that s fine. I would recommend you find it and read it, but I am writing these in such a manner as have them stand alone. This article is on the second common type of mesothelioma cancer.

The second common type of mesothelioma is peritoneal mesothelioma. Peritoneal mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the thin cell membrane around the abdomen. This part of the body is called the peritoneum. Peritoneal Mesothelioma is the second most common type of Mesothelioma cases. The percent of which is about 10% of the total amount of asbestos related cancers.

Peritoneal mesothelioma is unfortunately terminal, though there is the possibility of slowing the progress of the cancer in order to prolong life. Although this is a more rare form of mesothelioma peritoneal mesothelioma claims many lives each year and thus far there is no cure for this disease. Peritoneal mesothelioma is just another rare and aggressive asbestos-related malignancy.

As told in my previous description of pleural mesothelioma, the mineral called asbestos is the main cause of most mesothelioma cases. Although some cases of peritoneal mesothelioma have also been reported following exposure to erionite and Thorotrast. The majority of mesothelioma patients were exposed to asbestos.

Although at this time incurable, treatment options are currently the same as other mesothelioma cases: radiation therapy, chemotherapy, surgery, and constant draining of fluid in the body. Since treatment for peritoneal mesothelioma varies so much, and is dependent upon a number of factors, it is recommended that research be done to find the best option for treatment.

In conclusion, I would like to add that the finding of malignant mesothelioma such as peritoneal mesothelioma have increased dramatically over the last 20 years, but despite this, mesothelioma is still a comparatively rare form of cancer, and should not be feared. But take fair warning that you guard yourself if you re working with any asbestos related products, and know your rights if you are ill prepared or warned.

Diet and Breast Cancer

2007-08-28T11:17:00.000-07:00

Breast cancer is a cancer of the glandular breast tissue. Breast cancer affects one in eight women during their lives. Breast cancer may be one of the oldest known forms of cancer tumors in humans. Breast cancer kills more women in the United States than any cancer except lung cancer. Breast cancer is the most common cause of cancer in women and the second most common cause of cancer death in women in the U.S. While the majority of new breast cancers are diagnosed as a result of an abnormality seen on a mammogram, a lump or change in consistency of the breast tissue can also be a warning sign of the disease. Breast cancer is the most common cause of death in women between the ages of 45 and 55.

Although breast cancer in women is a common form of cancer, male breast cancer does occur and accounts for about 1% of all cancer deaths in men. Breast cancer usually begins with the formation of a small, confined tumor. Some tumors are benign, meaning they do not invade other tissue; others are malignant, or cancerous. Malignant tumors have the potential to metastasize, or spread. Some risk factors, such as your age, and family history, can't be changed, whereas others, including weight, smoking and a poor diet, are under your control.

A woman's risk of breast cancer is higher mother, sister, or daughter had breast cancer. The risk can actually be lower if you have a short menstrual life, large family or first child before age 18 years. Men have a lower risk of developing breast cancer (approximately 1.08 per 100,000 men per year), but this risk appears to be rising. Other risks include being overweight, using hormone replacement therapy, taking birth control pills, drinking alcohol, not having children or having your first child after age 35 or having dense breasts. Alcohol appears to increase the risk of breast cancer, though meaningful increases are limited to higher alcohol intake levels. Breast cancer constitutes about 7.3% of all cancers. Symptoms of breast cancer may include a lump in the breast, a change in size or shape of the breast or discharge from a nipple. Most breast lumps are benign , that is, they are not cancer. Benign breast tumors are abnormal growths, but they do not spread outside of the breast and they are not life threatening.

Treatment of breast cancer include Radiation Therapy, Chemotherapy, Hormone Therapy, and Immune Therapy. Certain foods, vitamins, or minerals may interfere with cancer treatment. Drink plenty of fluids but avoid drinks during meals because they may cause a bloated feeling. Proteins: May provide protein, iron, zinc, and B vitamins. Meats, beans, nuts, and seeds provide these benefits. Some seeds, like almonds, are good sources of vitamin E. Dairy products: Milk and cheese provide calcium, protein, and vitamin B12. Grains: Breads, pasta, rice, and cereals provide carbohydrates and B vitamins. Carbohydrates are an important source of energy. Eat cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, bok choy, and brussel sprouts - which contain plant phytochemicals that lower blood estrogen levels by increasing the estrogen detoxification capacity of the liver. Try cool foods. Warm foods may worsen nausea. Do not eat or drink until vomiting is under control.

Breast Cancer Treatrment and Diet Tips

1.Eat a diet lower in fat, ideally no more than 18% of your daily caloric intake.

2. Use "good" fats -- monounsaturated and omega-3 fats - from olive oil, flax seed oil, almond oil and canola oil, as well as fats from deep-sea fish.

3. Eat cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, bok choy, and brussel sprouts.

4. Eat a diet high in fiber, with plant-based sources of protein.

5. Soy, aim for 1 to 2 servings of soy products per day.

6. Tea (black or green), aim for 3 to 5 servings per day.

7. Nitrates and nitrites, avoid cured meats when possible.

8. Carbohydrates are an important source of energy.

About the Author

Juliet Cohen writes articles on diseases and conditions and women health care. More information on health related topics visit our site at http://www.health-care-articles.info.

The Best Prostate Cancer Treatment Is Early Treatment

2007-08-28T11:16:00.001-07:00

Prostate cancer is a serious affliction that affects upwards of 200,000 men each year. Risk factors for prostate cancer can include age, race and health history. If diagnosed with prostate cancer your treatment options will be determined by these factors. Just like with any other form of cancer, the best prostate cancer treatment is available at the early stages.

Once diagnosed with prostate cancer, two main options will be presented. Choices are either surgery or radiation. Neither treatment has conclusively been found to be better. Chances are when faced with prostate cancer treatment options; your doctor will simply present the option they are most comfortable with as the best prostate cancer treatment. A consultation with a hospital oncologist should strongly be considered. An oncologist's expertise mainly centers on drug therapies like chemotherapy in treating cancer. Since prostate cancer (localized) cannot be treated with a drug therapy, you are sure to get an unbiased opinion as to your treatment options. One positive aspect of prostate cancer compared to other cancers, is the fact that it is remarkably slow. You may have several years before prostate cancer begins to spread, while naturally you are not going to take years to decide on a treatment plan, it is nice to know you have some time to make the right choice.

A hospital that centers on cancer treatment is going to provide the most treatment options and will have specialists in each field to render the best care. Don't settle for just one opinion. With a condition like prostate cancer, many doctors suggest waiting to see what the cancer will do. While "waiting" may sound like a bad idea when it comes to cancer, prostate cancer will usually afford you enough time to make a well thought out decision. Don't rush, but take time to do research as to what will be the best prostate cancer treatment for you.

What are the Three Main Symptoms to Lung Cancer?

2007-08-28T11:15:00.001-07:00

The main three symptoms to lung cancer that should not be ignored are shortness of breath, pain when breathing or coughing, and existence of a persistent cough, especially if it is accompanied by expectoration of sputum streaked with blood. Additionally, loss of appetite, fatigue, unusual losses of weight are three symptoms, which are indicative of lung cancer.

Because of the non-specific nature of symptoms of Mesothelioma, Mesothelioma tests are imperative to rule out incidence of the disease when lung cancer symptoms show up. Early detection of Mesothelioma cancer substantiated by clear information of patient s exposure to asbestos can help define the course of treatment.

Early Detection Of Mesothelioma Cancer In Long Term Health Prognosis

The length of time between asbestos exposure and onset of lung cancer symptoms can be between 15-50 years. Therefore a complete medical history and information of possible asbestos exposure are critical in identifying patients who are prone for developing Mesothelioma lung cancer.

During physical tests for Mesothelioma lung cancer, the doctor may check breath sounds to see whether there is any indication of fluid in the chest cavity. A variety of diagnostic procedures also help to determine whether a patient has Mesothelioma lung cancer.

Results from imaging scans, tissue biopsies, pulmonary function tests, and other diagnostic techniques, combined with the findings from a careful medical history help to define the course of treatment in Mesothelioma lung cancer.

There are less common but more uncomfortable symptoms of lung cancer, which are usually associated with advanced stages of the disease. Such lung cancer or Mesothelioma patients may exhibit symptoms like a hoarse voice, difficulty swallowing, swelling of the face or in the neck, pain or discomfort under the ribs, and shortness of breath caused by fluid around the lungs.

If you suspect that you or any of your family members have lung cancer symptoms DO NOT DELAY consult your physician right away.

Wilkes Barre: A region where mesothelioma is current

2007-08-28T11:13:00.000-07:00

Statistics show that there is $210 million construction industry in the Wilkes Barre Pennsylvania area. This shows the vast growth of the construction industry in the area which contributes jobs and money to the city. With this in mind, it is important to anticipate the effects this industry will bring to the people of Wilkes Barre. It has been known that asbestos has been one of the materials widely used in the construction industry because of its heat resistant and fire resistant properties. And as the construction industry shoots up,

the asbestos use is in direct proportion to the inflation of the industry. Studies have shown that asbestos causes a type of cancer, which is mesothelioma. It is then logical to zero in the effects of this rising industry to the health of the people in Wilkes Barre.

People who are in the construction industry are at high risk for mesotholomia, which is the cancer of the mesothelium. The mesothelium is the tissue found as coverings of our internal organs in the abdominal cavity and the lungs. The cancer mainly damages the mesothilial cells, which makes up the mesothelium. Exposure to asbestos leads to mesothelioma. This happens when the little fibers is breathed in to the lungs, or coughed up and swallowed to make its way to the abdominal cavity giving rise to pleural mesothelioma (lung covering) and peritoneal mesothelioma (abdominal cavity organ covering). It can be spread to others when the asbestos collected in the clothing of the worker exposed to asbestos comes in contact with the family, relatives and friends. Mesothelioma is not an easy effect of the construction industry to deal with. Cancer can be physically, emotionally, spiritually draining.

The people living in Wilkes Barre should be made aware of this health concern brought about by the rising construction industry in the city. Extra effort should be made in order for the workers and family to properly protect them from mesothelomia. Wearing safety gear such as masks and gowns should be stressed when they will be in close contact to the environment where there is asbestos and/or changing their clothing before they interact with their families and friends after leaving the vicinity with asbestos before they come home from work.

Construction companies that offer jobs in Wilkes Barre should also be aware of this health concern. They should offer health insurance to their workers who might develop mesothelomia in the future or they could hold the permission to let their workers work in an environment that can lead to an increase exposure to asbestos. If exposure to asbestos can not be avoided they should take proper precautions and follow guidelines in order to decrease the detrimental effects of asbestos exposure to the workers.

For the workers and the companies' protection, there are lawyers specializing in this field, specifically construction law, where they can get valuable information especially on the legalities of this matter. They can also explain where each one stands so the parties concerned will know exactly what to do to work out the situation. These lawyers practice in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania and would gladly be of service to the people in the city. People grab opportunities when they see one, but before plunging into a situation, people must be aware of the pros and cons. They should take appropriate action to protect them if the cons will cause them liability. Everyone should be aware of one's rights as a worker and as a citizen of a city where one lives in. Health should not be disregarded for profit. It pays to do something before it is too late. If this matter brings up a concern to someone you know, give them a favor and ask them to do something now. Act now because you don't want a disease like mesothelioma not be detected just because you live a fast-paced life in a place like Wilkes Barre.

About the Author
For more information on mesothelioma and lung cancer, please go to: http://mymesotheliomacancer.com/?page_id=625 http://mymesotheliomacancer.com http://www.drnathaliefiset.com

What Are The Symptoms Of Prostate Cancer?

2007-08-28T11:12:00.000-07:00

The answer to the question of what the symptoms of prostate cancer are is not an easy one. Just as the causes of prostate cancer are still somewhat unknown to the medical community, prostate cancer tends to sneak up on its victims because there are not many early warning signs.

Prostate cancer involves the dangerous duplication of malignant cells in the male prostate gland, or the reproductive organ that sits right below the belly and above the urethra. Almost half of men will suffer from problems with their prostate, but even those diagnosed with prostate cancer will likely have an excellent prognosis. The key is to detect the cancer as early as possible.

Prostate cancer is a tremendously slow-moving disease. Often, men will die from other causes before they even realize they have prostate cancer. This is because there are no symptoms of prostate cancer in the disease s beginning stages, at least not typically. And when they do occur, they can be associated with benign prostatitus, a relatively harmless problem with the prostate gland that affects 50% of men at least once in their lifetime. It is only advanced prostate cancer that has symptoms. Symptoms of prostate cancer that has already developed includes bone pain, leg weakness, and incontinence.

Still, if you re one of those people who want to be on your toes about your prostate health, there is an early symptom or two that can prop up if you have prostate cancer. And because the cancer is the second-leading killer of American men every year, it s probably not a bad idea to pay attention to the following symptoms of prostate cancer:

- Enlarged, swollen, and/or tender prostate gland
- Little bladder control
- Difficulty and pain urinating
- Sexual dysfunction, including difficult and painful ejaculation

Again, these symptoms of prostate cancer are usually symptoms of nonmalignant prostatitus, which has a very easy fix, as long as it s treated early on.

Lung Cancer - Causes, Symptoms And Treatment

2007-08-28T11:10:00.000-07:00

Lung cancer is the malignant transformation and expansion of lung tissue, and is the most lethal of all cancers worldwide, responsible for 1.2 million deaths annually. It is a leading cause of cancer death in men and women in the United States. Cigarette smoking causes most lung cancers. The more cigarettes you smoke per day and the earlier you started smoking, the greater your risk of lung cancer. High levels of pollution, radiation and asbestos exposure may also increase risk.

There are many types of lung cancer. Each type of lung cancer grows and spreads in different ways and is treated differently. Treatment also depends on the stage, or how advanced it is. Treatment may include chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. Lung cancer that originates in the cells of the lungs is called primary lung cancer; however, cancer may also spread to the lung from other parts of the body. Metastatic cancers spread to the lungs most commonly from the breast, colon, prostate, kidney, thyroid gland, stomach, cervix, rectum, testis, bone, and skin (melanoma). More than 90% of primary lung cancers start in the bronchi such lung cancer is called bronchogenic carcinoma. The specific types of lung cancer are small cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, large cell carcinoma, and adenocarcinoma. The last three types of lung cancer are often referred to as nonsmall cell lung cancers. Alveolar cell carcinoma originates in the small air sacs of the lung (alveoli). Although alveolar cell carcinoma can occur at a single site, it often develops simultaneously in more than one area of the lung. Less common lung tumors are bronchial carcinoid (which may be cancerous or noncancerous), chondromatous hamartoma and sarcoma. Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system; it may start in the lungs or spread to them.

Lung cancer is the rapid growth of abnormal cells in the lung. It can start anywhere in the lungs and affect any part of the respiratory system . When we breathe in, the lungs take in oxygen, which our cells need to live and carry out their normal functions. When we breathe out, the lungs get rid of carbon dioxide, which is a waste product of the body's cells. Cancers that begin in the lungs are divided into two major types, non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer, depending on how the cells look under a microscope.

Causes of Lung Cancer

1. Breast cancer

2. Colon cancer

3. Rectal cancer

4. Stomach cancer

Symptoms of Lung Cancer

1. Shortness of breath, wheezing, or hoarseness.

2. Difficulty swallowing.

3. Fatigue.

4. Loss of appetite or weight loss.

5. Constant chest pain.

6. Breathlessness.

Treatment of Lung Cancer

1. Chemotherapy

2. Radiation therapy

3. Surgery

By: Juliet Cohen
Juliet Cohen writes articles for health doctor. She also writes articles for depression treatment and cancer treatment.

Symptoms and Treatment of Mesothelioma Cancer

2007-08-28T11:08:00.000-07:00

Mesothelioma cancer is often caused by exposure to asbestos. People who have received asbestos exposure of as little as one or two months to very low doses are at risk of mesothelioma cancer. A person exposed to asbestos could develop mesothelioma after 50 years of exposure. The 2 common types of mesothelioma are pleural mesothelioma (lung cancer) and peritoneal mesothelioma (abdomen organs).

There are no immediate symptoms of mesothelioma cancer. The symptoms of mesothelioma may appear in 30 - 50 years after exposure to asbestos.

Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma cancer: shortness of breath and pain in the chest.

Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma cancer: abdominal pain and weight loss, blood clotting abnormalities, anemia and fever.

Please note that these symptoms may be due to other reasons.

Treatment Options for Mesothelioma Cancer
Following are the options for mesothelioma treatment:

Radiation therapy
Chemotherapy
Surgery
Photodynamic therapy

Radiation or chemotherapy combined with surgery may increase the survival time by double.

By P. Mehta

Recommended Treatments for the Different Stages of Colon Cancer

2007-08-28T11:06:00.001-07:00

Treatment of Stage 0 Colon Cancer

Treatment of Stage 0 colon cancer (carcinoma in situ) may include the following types of surgery:

Local excision, which is surgery to remove the colon cancer without cutting through the abdominal wall.

A polypectomy, which is surgery to remove the colon cancer from the bulging piece of tissue.

Resection/anastomosis, which is surgery that removes the colon cancer by taking out a section of the colon and rejoining the cut ends of the colon. This procedure is done when the cancerous tissue is too large to remove by local excision.

Treatment of Stage I Colon Cancer

Treatment of Stage I colon cancer is usually resection/anastomosis (removal of colon cancer by joining the cut ends of the colon) because the cancerous tissue is usually too large at this stage to be removed by local excision.

Treatment of Stage II Colon Cancer

Treatment of Stage II colon cancer may include the following:

Resection/anastomosis

Clinical trials of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or biological therapy after surgery

Treatment of Stage III Colon Cancer

Treatment of Stage III colon cancer may include the following:

Resection/anastomosis with or without chemotherapy.

Clinical trials of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and/or biological therapy after surgery.

Treatment of Stage IV Colon Cancer

Treatment of Stage IV colon cancer may include the following:

Resection/anastomosis

Surgery to remove parts of other organs such as the liver, lungs, and ovaries where the cancer may have spread.

Chemotherapy.

Clinical trials of chemotherapy or biological therapy.

Radiation therapy may be offered to some patients as palliative therapy (to relieve symptoms).

Treatment of Recurrent Colon Cancer or Cancerous Cells

Treatment of recurrent colon cancer depends on where the cancer has recurred (come back) and the general health of the patient. Treatment for recurrent colon cancer may include the following:

Surgery to remove cancer that may have spread to the liver, lungs, or ovaries.

Surgery to remove cancer cells that have recurred in the colon.

Radiation therapy as palliative therapy.

Chemotherapy as palliative therapy.

Clinical trials of biological therapy or chemotherapy.

lawsuit asbestos lawyer

2007-08-28T11:05:00.000-07:00

The number of asbestos lawsuits filed and the number of asbestos lawsuit lawyers who will take up an asbestos lawsuit case are a sad reflection of a long-time construction mistake that may lead to the ill health of over 250,000 Americans by the year 2020. If you think you may have been exposed to asbestos without proper protective filter masks, you may be entitled to file a lawsuit with the help of an asbestos lawyer.

A natural, fibrous form of a number of minerals, asbestos was used since ancient times in fabrics because of its durability and fireproofing ability. For over seventy years, asbestos was used in the insulation of and as fireproofing material in numerous buildings. Over 30 millions tons of asbestos in America alone made its way into the walls of commercial buildings, home, schools, shipyards, and industrial sites. Construction workers labored with asbestos without protection.

In the 1970s, however, the medical community, faced with an overwhelming number of construction workers coming down with illnesses, found that inhaling asbestos can lead to mesothelioma, a form of lung cancer, and the material was immediately banned for use in construction. Over the years, scientists have also linked asbestos to pleural disease, gastrointestinal cancer, and a disease specifically diagnosed for asbestos exposure, asbestosis.

A lawyer who specializes in asbestos lawsuits can tell you that each year asbestos surfaces in over 3000 new people and 10,000 people die of asbestos-related disease. As asbestos can line the lungs and accumulate over long periods of years before the body exhibits any symptoms, even workers who haven't worked in the construction field for twenty to fifty years have come down with asbestos-related diseases.

Asbestos lawsuit lawyers have filed lawsuits for more than just construction workers, though. Even some family members of construction workers have exhibited some form of asbestos disease because asbestos fibers can travel on clothing. Buildings over thirty years old that were made with asbestos likewise can seep asbestos to its occupants over time, although some efforts have been made to correct those buildings.

Do you think that you have been exposed to asbestos at a work site or by living in an asbestos-filled building or with a worker who was exposed to asbestos? You may be able to file a lawsuit, so contact an asbestos lawsuit lawyer. Some asbestos lawsuit lawyers have gotten their clients as much as $7.5 million dollars to offset the medical bills, pain, and suffering that have resulted as a consequence of this massive construction oversight.

If you feel that you may have been contaminated by asbestos, don't hesitate to see a doctor. If you find that you have suffered from asbestos complications, consult an asbestos lawsuit lawyer to decide where you should go from there. For one asbestos lawsuit firm that gives good information about asbestos contamination sites in the US and offers a free asbestos lawyer case evaluation, visit abestoslawsuitinfo.com.

About the Author

frank j vanderlugt owns and operates http://www.lawsuit-abestos-lawyer-abcmesotheolioma.info 2 Lawsuitabestoslawyerabcmesotheoliomainfo

Reducing Ovarian Cancer Risks Through Diet

2007-08-28T11:02:00.000-07:00

Cancer reduction risks and diet seem to go hand in hand with any type of cancer. Research shows that with ovarian cancer it is no different, in fact studies shows you can drastically reduce your risks by slightly altering your diet. Women who develop a dietary strategy for reducing cancer can also reduce their risk of ovarian cancer.

Most cancer research and even the American Cancer Society do suggest eating an assortment of healthy foods. Diets, which are high in vegetables are recommended by nearly all studies and researchers. Those woman who eat five helpings of fruits and vegetables each day seem to reduce their risks of all cancers by 50% and ovarian cancer is included in those reduced risks. Also recommended is whole grain type foods; beans, pasta, rice and some types of cereal. There is still some debate on how much these foods reduce ovarian cancer, however no one has suggested that they would cause ovarian cancer or hurt you in anyway. In fact the proof that vegetables do not prevent or reduce ovarian cancer is not even available, yet there is some question as to whether research in this area of research on ovarian cancer have enough data to be conclusive.

It would pay for you to develop a diet strategy to reduce your risk of all types of cancer and to do some research. Think on this.

Understanding The Other Sides Of Cancer

2007-08-28T10:58:00.000-07:00

I believe that all of us are drivers of our own vehicles. We are all on a very special and challenging trip called life. As we take our own journeys, we may meet different forms of hardships and obstacles on the road. Some of these natural phenomenon like stormy weather that makes the road slippery, or it maybe big and huge rocks on the road that hinders us in continuing our trip.

Problem really comes on our way. In fact nobody is exempted. All of are experiencing it. It only varies in forms and shape, but I believe that all have sixes and dimensions. And one of the biggest problems that we consider is when we are in a crucial situation like a matter of death and life. Having a disease or illness that is almost incurable is a good example. And one these diseases is the big C or the cancer.

One of the public health problems worldwide is cancer, which is a deadly disease that afflicts of all ages and races. It varies greatly in cause, symptoms, responses to treatment and possibility of cure. But do you know what cancer really is?

Cancer is a kind of disease characterized by uncontrolled division of cells and the ability of these cells to invade other tissues, either by direct growth into its neighbor tissue or by implantation into distant sites by metastasis.

A process called staging helps in assessing the prognosis and in determining the most appropriate treatment to the unrestrained growth of cancer cells. It is used by physicians to describe the extent of spread of a cancer. In this system, cancer is being classified into four stages. The early stage of cancer is stage I where in there s no involvement of lymph nodes and no spread of the cancer from metastases or its original site. Stage IV is the advance cancer, with both distant metastases and lymph node involvement.

Cancer, which is the unrestrained growth and spread of cells, has the ability to affect almost any tissue of the body. The five most common cancers in the world include the stomach, lung and colorectal cancer. Among men, lung and stomach cancer are the most common cancer worldwide while cervical cancer and breast cancer are the most common types of cancer for women.

The first year of life is the age of peak incidence of cancer in children. The most common infant malignancy is leukemia, followed by neuroblastoma, and the central nervous system cancers. Other common types of cancer in children include lymphomas, Wilm s tumor, retinoblastoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, osteosarcoma and Ewing s sarcoma. There s a rising incidence of pediatric cancers like leukemia.

Every year, more than 11 million people are diagnosed with cancer and about 77% of all cases were diagnosed at ages 55 and above. About 25% of all deaths in the USA and other developed countries are caused by cancer. Annually, 0.5% of the population is diagnosed with cancer. There s an estimation that 16 million new cases of cancer will be diagnosed every year by 2020.

Exposure to environment factors such as tobacco, smoke, radiation, alcohol and certain viruses can cause cancer. Some of these can be avoided but the sad fact that there is no known way to entirely avoid the disease.

Cancer is just one of the monsters of life. We can minimize the chance of meeting this monster and deadly disease if we clearly understand it.

By: rafael

I would like to share my views and opinions to other people who are making this community a rich source of information. I would like also to share some of my views about the most dreadful disease of the world - CANCER. My resources include Famous Person and Learn English

Experience Really Is Important When It Comes To Prostate Cancer Surgery

2007-08-28T10:55:00.000-07:00

With the majority of things in life it is fair to say that the more practiced and experienced you are the better your performance will be and this is most certainly true when it comes to prostate cancer surgery.

One of the biggest problems with cancer is that, despite the best efforts of your surgeon, it has a nasty habit of recurring in a number of cases. In the case of prostate cancer following the removal of the prostate by radical prostatectomy recent studies have revealed that, while the likelihood of a recurrence are around about 18 percent when surgery is performed by a fairly inexperienced surgeon, this figure falls to less than 11 percent in more experience hands. So exactly what do we mean when we talk about 'experienced hands'?

A recent study examined nearly 8,000 prostate cancer patients who underwent radical prostatectomy in the United States between 1987 and 2003 involving some 72 surgeons from 4 major academic cancer centers around the country.

Interestingly enough the study showed that there is an extremely steep learning curve when it comes to carrying out prostate surgery and that it takes a significant amount of practice to master this particular surgical technique. Indeed, the study revealed that it was not until surgeons had performed at least 250 operations that a marked improvement in recurrence rates was evident.

So exactly what can we learn from this study if we are faced with the possibility of requiring prostate surgery?

First it is very important for patients to select a surgeon who regularly carries out this type of surgery. Indeed, it may well be advisable to select a surgeon who specializes exclusively in prostate surgery, or whose work revolves largely around such surgery. In most general hospital settings surgeons will perform such surgery very infrequently, perhaps as rarely as just once a year, and this is simply insufficient to provide them with the expertise necessary to provide you with the best possible change of a low recurrence rate.

Against this background therefore your first choice should without doubt be a specialist cancer treatment center and of a surgeon whose work involves exclusively, or at least very largely, prostate surgery.

The study also revealed however that there is a marked improvement in recurrence rates not merely for specialist cancer centers, but also for teaching establishments. This is undoubtedly because, within an academic environment, a great deal of emphasis is placed upon supporting mechanisms designed to assess the outcome of procedures and to provide feedback in an effort to create an environment of continuous improvement. This is not always the case in non-academic environments. Additionally, academic centers have a tendency to attract people who are especially interested not just in the outcome of their work but in correcting their errors and improving their surgical technique.

So, if you find yourself in the position of needing prostate surgery then you would be well advised to choose to have surgery with an experienced and practiced surgeon who is employed in a specialist cancer center housed within a major teaching facility.

By: Donald Saunders

ProstateProblemCenter.com provides information on prostate cancer symptoms and all aspects of prostate cancer treatment

Bladder Cancer

2007-08-28T10:53:00.002-07:00

The growth of cancerous tissue within or on the surface of the bladder is known as bladder cancer. Bladder cancer does not target one gender more than another, and it can strike at any age. Obviously, the presence of prostate, cervical or urethral cancer will increase a patient s likelihood for developing bladder cancer.
Type your summary here.

Painful urination and the presence of blood in the urine are both signs that a person needs to be examined right away to determine if the cause of these symptoms could be cancer. There are three specific cancers that attack the bladder.

The first is Transitional cell carcinoma. This is how most bladder cancer begins. The inner lining of the bladder is made up of transitional cells. The reason that the cells are called transitional is that they can change size easily to accommodate the stretching of the bladder.

Next, Squamous cell carcinoma. When a person experiences a long bladder infection, this type of cancer can sometimes result.

The Adenocarcinoma variety is the most intense type of bladder cancer. This type of cancer tends to affect all layers of tissue in the bladder and to spread easily and quickly to other parts of the body. Frequently, the surrounding lymph nodes are affected in Adenocarcinoma.

Treatment is case specific, although surgery is best avoided for most patients. Chemotherapy and radiation are the more effective types of treatment frequently recommended by oncologists and urologists who specialize in the treatment of bladder cancer patients.

Small Cell Lung Cancer

2007-08-28T10:53:00.001-07:00

Small Cell Lung Cancer is second only to breast cancer in terms of deaths. There are about 175,000 reported cases of Small Cell Lung Cancer in the U.S. each year. Of these, about 160,000 will result in the death of the patient. Small Cell Lung Cancer is so deadly because it is hard to catch in time. Small Cell Lung Cancer develops in cells that are actually so small that they do not show up on normal x-rays. By the time they are found the cancer is usually already into an advanced state.

The leading cause of Small Cell Lung Cancer is smoking. Smokers run a much higher chance of contracting Small Cell Lung Cancer as compared to non-smokers. Anyone who is a smoker should see a doctor for regular examinations.

The best chance someone has if they contract Small Cell Lung Cancer is catching it early. Those who catch the cancer in the first stage of development have up to a 40% chance of survival with the correct treatment.

There are two forms of lung cancer, Small Cell Lung Cancer and Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer is the least dangerous of the two. About 50% of the lung cancer cases reported are Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. These are treatable. Patients often see a full recovery. Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer has 5 stages of development. The recovery percentages decrease the more advanced it becomes.

Small Cell Lung Cancer only has two stages: mild and severe. When it reaches the severe state it spreads very rapidly throughout the body. This is why it is much tougher to fight. By the time Small Cell Lung Cancer is detected it is usually in the severe stage. At this point most patients only have 18-20 months to live.

Breast Cancer: a Curse To Every Female Species

2007-08-28T10:51:00.000-07:00

As the name suggests it s a cancer in the breast of a person. Previously only female species were observed effected by this disease but in the recent years it is found that some of the males are also falling prey to breast cancer. This disease is generally seen among matured women in the age group of 50 years and above. Every year lots of women become victim of breast cancer that ultimately leads to their death.

Our medical science has not yet reached to the roots of this disease, however during the recent years our scientists and experts in the related fields are continuously progressing in the fight against breast cancer. Today one can find many options in the treatment of breast cancer and can opt according to the stage and requirements of the disease.

Stages of breast cancer
The disease of breast cancer can be divided into many stages according to the symptoms and the nature of occurrence. The measure of the tumor inside the breast also plays an important role in deciding the stage of the disease. The different stages can be described into three parts as follows:

- Early stage- The early stage of breast cancer can be subdivided into these three different stages:

1. Stage 0- in this stage there is no evidence of cancer cells breaking through the normal tissue.

2. Stage I- In this stage the cancer cells are seen breaking through or invading the neighboring tissue and in this stage the tumor measure upto 2 cm.

3. Stage II- In this stage the tumor measure at least 2cm or upto 5cm and the cancer start spreading in the lymph nodes under the arm on the same side of the cancer.

- Lower stage- The lower stage of breast cancer is divided into sub stages described as under:

1. Stage III A- In this stage the tumor measures more then 5cm and the cancer spread through the lymph nodes and the nodes are sticking to the surrounding tissues.

2. Stage III B- In this stage a tumor of any size start spreading in the breast skin, lymph nodes and includes inflammatory breast cancer.

- Advanced Stage- the advanced stage known, as the stage IV is the most crucial stage of breast cancer where the tumor spreads beyond the breast, underarm, and internal mammary lymph nodes. The tumor can also spread to lungs, liver, bones or brains ultimately leading to death of the person.

Symptoms and diagnosis

There are many symptoms showing the occurrence of breast cancer, listed as under:

- Inverted nipple
- Nipple discharge
- Nipple rash
- Cysts
- Breast pain

The above symptoms if observed the person should immediately consult a doctor and should discuss about the required treatment. The best treatment of breast cancer is the early detection of the disease. However now days one can choose from much diagnosis available namely surgery, radiotherapy, tomoxifen drug, chemotherapy etc and can easily get rid of this disease and can even prevent it from occurrence in the near future.

By: Julia Martinez
Julia is a Cancer researcher and author. Her blog is online at www.cancerblogonline.com.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Businesses Supporting the Cause

2007-08-27T11:24:00.000-07:00

Currently, the month of October is designated as the official National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM). For over two decades, NBCAM has successfully educated women of all ages about early detection, treatment, and diagnosis of breast cancer. Non-profit organizations such as Karmanos Cancer Institute, American Cancer Society, Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and the National Breast Cancer Foundation are devoted to raising money for breast cancer research and educating women (and men) about the disease,

supporting those with breast cancer, and celebrating the individuals who have survived it.

Companies such as Macy s and Target are inviting their consumers to join them in the fight against breast cancer. The Pink Ribbon Items are sold to help support breast cancer research. These companies have agreed to donate a portion of the proceeds to breast cancer charities. Most items related to breast cancer awareness can be identified with a pink label or a pink ribbon. Ford Motor Company has supported breast cancer research for over 10 years by donating money and selling pink silk scarves specifically for breast cancer charities. All businesses are invited to invest in unique corporate gifts that help support breast cancer research. There are corporate gifts available that are embellished with the breast cancer awareness pink ribbon . Some of the other gifts are manufactured in pink and can be personalized with a monogram. These breast cancer awareness business gifts range any where from heart-shaped luggage tags to pink leather totes.

Breast cancer awareness is not limited to woman only. Men are encouraged to support the cause as well. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, 1600 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year. Even the most masculine man should rethink wearing pink when it comes to supporting a great cause.

Although, October is designated as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, supporting the cause can be a year-round commitment. Those who are unaffected by breast cancer should help join the fight against breast cancer for their loved ones. Whether you decide to participate in an American Cancer Society sponsored walk, donate money to breast cancer charities, or invest in business gifts that help support breast cancer research, you will certainly contribute to saving someone s life.

What is a Mesothelioma Lawyer?

2007-08-27T11:20:00.000-07:00

Mesothelioma lawyers deal specifically with cases concerning people being exposed to asbestos in the work environment. Asbestos was used as a building material years ago because it was not flammable and did not conduct electricity. However, later studies have shown it can cause some forms of cancer. Mesothelioma, a form of cancer that affects the inner lining of the chest, is one of those forms of cancer. Because asbestos was a common building material and is still found, there has been a call for mesothelioma lawyers to look into cases of people who were exposed to asbestos and have been diagnosed with this form of cancer.

Mesothelioma lawyers deal specifically with cases concerning people being exposed to asbestos in the work environment. Because asbestos was a common building material and is still found, there has been a call for mesothelioma lawyers to look into cases of people who were exposed to asbestos and have been diagnosed with this form of cancer.

The Mesothelioma Lawyer and Asbestos Cases
Before asbestos was found to be a potential cause for cancer, it was seen as a great building material. Therefore it was used a lot, and both workers who installed it and employees who worked in these buildings were unknowingly exposed to a cancerous element. These people are only now seeing the effects of their exposure to asbestos, and are bringing cases against the companies that either installed it or owned the buildings. The cases are increasing, causing a need for a specialized brand of lawyer - the mesothelioma lawyer.

Some types of asbestos that can cause cancer:

Amosite
Anthophyllite
Chrysotile
Crocidolite
Mesothelioma Lawyers and the Courtroom
Though has not yet been definitively proven that asbestos cause Mesothelioma, many studies have been done to prove a link between the two... enough studies to make mesothelioma lawyers very busy. The asbestos is made of loosely bonded fibers, which can easily be separated. These fibers can float in the air and easily get into your respiratory system. Before these studies, when asbestos was used as a common material, no one suggested the need for proper safety procedures - a fact that mesothelioma lawyers point to as a reason their clients now have this form of cancer.

Symptoms and Treatment of Mesothelioma Cancer

2007-08-27T11:19:00.000-07:00

Information on Inflammatory Breast Cancer

2007-08-27T11:18:00.000-07:00

Inflammatory breast cancer is a rare cancer that happens in a very small percentage of women. It is an aggressive type of locally advanced cancer.

In general, women with inflammatory breast cancer are diagnosed at a younger age. In extremely rare circumstances, this form of breast cancer is diagnosed in men. Inflammatory breast cancer usually develops as a sheet rather than a lump.v

Symptoms of inflammatory breast cancer include:

Breast becomes red, purple, pink or bruised;
Breast becomes firm and enlarged;
A warm feeling in the breast;
Itching of the breast;
Pain;
Skin texture similar to an orange peel;
Enlarged lymph nodes under the arm;
Flattening of the nipple;
Swollen skin on the nipple;
Change in color of the skin around the nipple.

It is very easy to mix up the symptoms of inflammatory breast cancer with those of a breast infection. If you become aware of any of the signs of inflammatory breast cancer, see your doctor immediately.

This form of cancer is not caused by an inflammation or infection. Inflammatory breast cancer happens when cancer cells clog the lymphatic vessels in the skin overlying the breast.

In the past, inflammatory breast cancer was treated by surgery and was associated with a 100% mortality rate. Fortunately, major progress has been made in recent years using a combination of treatments, including surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy.

These treatments have greatly improved the prognosis for a woman with inflammatory breast cancer. Recent studies have shown as much as a 50% survival rate after 5 years and a 35% survival rate after 10 years.

Mesothelioma Cancer

2007-08-27T11:17:00.000-07:00

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer involving mesothelial tissues of body organs usually lungs or abdominal. It is often caused by exposure to asbestos. However, there are 30-50% of patients without any history of asbestos exposure. People who have received asbestos exposure of as little as one or two months to very low doses are at risk of mesothelioma cancer. Even people who wash clothes of asbestos exposed people are at risk. A person exposed to asbestos could develop mesothelioma after 50 years of exposure.

People in the occupations such as construction jobs in shipyards, insulators, boilermakers, etc. are at the risk of contracting asbestos disease.

The 2 common types of mesothelioma are:

Pleural mesothelioma (lung cancer) and Peritoneal mesothelioma (abdomen organs).

The survival time for a patient with diffuse malignant mesothelioma is from 4 to 24 months from the observance of the symptoms. Mesothelioma is also difficult to diagnose.

The chance of recovery for a patient with mesothelioma depends on size and location of the cancer, age of the patient and his response to the treatment.

Presently, the treatment options for mesotheliomas are:

Radiation therapy
Chemotherapy
Surgery and Photodynamic therapy

There is some evidence that provitamin A or beta-carotene may decrease the risk of mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma Cancer
www.FatFreeKitchen.com

Colon Cancer

2007-08-27T11:16:00.000-07:00

Colon is one of the important parts of our digestive system. Growth of malignant tissue in colon is termed as colon cancer. Colon cancer can really harm our digestive system and colon cancer is one of the more dreaded cancers.

Causes of colon cancer

Colon related diseases and incorrect eating habits are said to increase the risk of colon cancer. High fiber diet (i.e. vegetables and fruits) can help in reducing the risk of colon cancer. Colon cancer is also linked to genes and there are theories that suggest that people with family history of colon cancer are at greater risk of developing colon cancer. However, colon cancer is generally found in older people i.e. people who are above the age of 50. Frankly speaking, the exact and specific causes of colon cancer are still not known and there is a lot of research underway to find the same.

Symptoms and diagnosis of colon cancer

Abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, blood spots in stool or any unusual bowel related activity/uneasiness can be a symptom of colon cancer. However, these are not conclusive symptoms of colon cancer since these could be just normal digestion related problems. In any case, you should get the advice of a qualified doctor and tell him all the symptoms properly in order to facilitate fast and correct diagnosis. The doctor may prescribe certain tests/ examinations for proper diagnosis of colon cancer. Most colon cancer tests require empty bowel, so you need to do a bit of preparation before going for the tests. Special kind of x-ray tests and colonoscopy (that uses a fiber-optic camera or colon scope) is used to diagnose colon cancer. These tests can be a bit painful since they require insertion of instruments/ substances through your anus to your colon. Biopsy is also used as a technique for detecting colon cancer.

Treatment of colon cancer

Effectiveness of the treatment of colon cancer is governed by how early it is detected/ diagnosed. There are various ways of treating colon cancer and researchers are always looking for newer and better ways of treating colon cancer. However, as of now, surgical procedures are one of the prime treatments for colon cancer. The objective is to remove all the cancerous tissues and hence prevent the cancer from spreading. Other treatments of cancer include application of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

How To Detect Breast Cancer

2007-08-27T11:15:00.001-07:00

The Best Way to Beat Breast Cancer

There's not much you can do to relaly avoid getting breast cancer, but there's an awful lot you can do about beating it if you're unfortunate enough to get the disease. Early detection is really important - and the way to detect breast cancer early is by examining your breasts properly every month.

The good news is - it's pretty easy to do.

What are the important things to note? You need to look for any changes in your breasts from how they looked before. That may signal breast cancer - although it doesn't necessarily mean that, so keep calm! You will begin to recognise the feeling and appearance of your breasts and will be able to easiy detect any changes.

Most lumps, bumps, patches and other irregularities which you find will not be breast cancer; in fact, they won't be any disease at all - but you are taking the best possible precautionary measure against breast cancer by examining your breasts.

When should you start to examine your breasts? Your twenties are the best time to begin breast exams, before breast cancer is likely and after puberty, when your breasts are fully developed. During puberty, breasts are often lumpy as they develop.

Start in your twenties should give you plenty of time to know what your breasts feel like when they are healthy, so you will know if there is a cause for concern - from breast cancer or any other medical issue.

Is there a good time to examine your breasts? Breast exams should be carried out three to five days after your menstrustion ends. If you are already through the menopause, congratulations on taking this great move towards controlling breast cancer and looking after your health - and you should use a memorable date, such as your birthdate.

How to conduct a breast examination First, examine your breasts in a mirror. They may not look the same size. That's normal and nothing to worry about; nearly all women have one breast that is larger.

You should look out for any change in the size or shape of your breasts or their normal position, as well as any changes in skin tone from your previous breast exams. Any puckering, soreness or change in skin color should be noted as that too can be a sign of breast cancer or some other disease. Look closely at your nipples too and watch out for any soreness, any flaking skin or a change in the way your nipples point from when you last examined them.

Then put your hands on your hips, turn to the side and look at your breasts from different angles so that you can see all of your breasts. Be aware of any changes in the shape of your breasts from previous exams; your breasts may differ from each other in shape though.

Check that there is no nipple discharge, even if they are lightly squeezed.

Make sure there are no lumps in your armpit. People often don't know that breast cancer can show up there, rather than the breast itself.

Put one of your hands at the back your head, which tends to flatten out your breast and any lumps will be easier to feel. Press your fingertips gently all over your breast. To make sure you cover the whole area, do this up and down first, then round in circles, radiating out from your nipple. Remember to examine both breasts - and your nipples themselves.

If you find a worrying change in your breast, or a lump, stay calm. Remember almost all breasts lumps and discoloration are not breast cancer. Regular breast exams will help you detect problems early - speak to your doctor if you find a lump or a change in the texture and colour of your breasts and the skin on them. It probably won't be breast cancer, but your doctor may still be able to help.

About the Author
frank j vanderlugt owns and operates http://www.2pis.com 2 Pis Com

Staging Colon Cancer

2007-08-27T11:14:00.001-07:00

Staging is a method of evaluating the progress of colon cancer in a patient. That is, it looks at the colon cancer (tumor) and the extent to which the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Once doctors know how far along the colon cancer is, they can decide on the best course of treatment.

Today, the most common used system for the staging of colon cancer is the American Joint Committee on Cancer's (AJCC) TNM staging system. This staging system places patients into one of four stages (Stage I, Stage II, Stage III and Stage IV).

American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) Staging System

Stage 0 Colon Cancer

In Stage 0, the colon cancer is found in the innermost lining of the colon only. Stage 0 colorectal cancer is also called carcinoma in situ.

Stage I Colon Cancer

In Stage I, the colon cancer has begun to spread, but is still in the inner lining of the colon or rectum. In Stage I, the colon cancer has not reached the outer wall of the colon. Another name for Stage I colorectal cancer or Duke A.

Stage II Colon Cancer

In Stage II, the colon cancer extends more deeply into and/or through the colon or rectum. The colon cancer may have invaded nearby tissue. In Stage II, it the colon cancer has not reached lymph nodes (Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped structures found throughout the body that filter substances in a fluid call lymph to help fight infection and disease. Another name for Stage II colorectal cancer or Duke B.

Stage III Colon Cancer

In Stage III, the colon cancer has spread to lymph nodes, but has not been carried to distant parts of the body. Another name for Stage III colorectal cancer or Duke C.

Stage IV Colon Cancer

In Stage IV, the colon cancer has been carried through the lymph system to distant parts of the body. This is known as metastasis. The most likely organs to experience metastasis from colorectal cancer are the lungs and liver. Another name for Stage IV colorectal cancer or Duke D.

Recurrent Colon Cancer or Cancerous Cells

Recurrent colon cancer is the return of cancerous cells that have already been treated. The cancerous cells could return as colorectal cancer, and/or return in any other part of the body.

Women s Heart Health: How Bad Does It Become ?

2007-08-27T11:11:00.000-07:00

Women s reproductive health is often as important as other aspects of their health and they need to gain a better perspective of their reproductive system to enable them to understand just how sensitive their reproductive organs really are. A woman who becomes concerned with women s reproductive health may need to understand how her hormones as well as organs come together to produce a monthly cycle. Women s reproductive health is also dependent on the diet they consume because the food that they intake will impact and influence their reproductive system s functioning.

Need to Understand how Hormones and Organs Function Together

A woman s system often goes out of control and this would affect their menstrual cycle and lead to their not becoming pregnant. To ensure those women s reproductive system stays in sync, women need to get regular pap smears. An abnormal smear test often causes distress and fear among women even though it is not necessarily a sign of cancer or risking developing it in the future.

Since cervical cancer is the second most common cancer other than breast cancer, taking a smear test is vital as it helps identify early warning signs of possible cancer and also lead to halting further growth of cervical cancer. Cancer is destructive of women s reproductive health and apart from cervical cancer; women may also have to contend with uterine cancer or ovarian cancer. In addition, she may also get ovarian cysts, chronic pelvic pain as well as fibroids.

That is not to imply that women s reproductive health is only centered on the pelvic region because even the breasts are an important part of the women s reproductive system which enables the woman to breast feed her children for years or just months. The risk of contracting breast cancer is a serious worry to women s reproductive health which may cause damage to the breasts and lead to infertility. In the case of a woman who has had mastectomy it may be rather disconcerting to have just one breast, but using reconstructive surgery, it is now possible to have both breasts back again.

Other major causes of worry to women s reproductive health are when the reproductive system gets affected by infections such as yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis even though these are treatable conditions. However, pelvic inflammatory disease can cause scarring and even infertility if not treated in time. Thus, it is important for women to get to their doctors and keep their health in check.

By: Roland Parris Jefferson III

Roland Parris Jefferson III is an online researcher based out of Los Angeles, California. For free tips, resources and expert advice on Women's Health, please visit our Womens Heart Health Resource.