There are many people making money in the name of cancer today. The internet is a boon for genuine patients to reach out for help, but it is increasingly becoming a double edged sword. There are many unscrupulous elements who also grab such chances to make the most by claiming to be victims of the disease. The article discuses how to tackle cancer and fraud.
You might have seen different aspects of cancer and its victims. There are numerous stories pouring out every second on the Internet about people suffering from cancer who appeal for funds to get treatment. There are also scamsters who go the extra mile and tell you about different treatments available which are supposed to be useful against cancer. This article gives you an orientation about what types of scams connect cancer and fraud.
The first type is the most dangerous, especially if you or a loved one suffers from cancer. Although this cannot be put into the fraud category per se, the absolute hazards of this category of scams in cancer and fraud, make it worthwhile to mention them. There are numerous websites which advertise cures for cancer. The websites cite users who have found the treatment helpful to completely cure themselves of the disease. This sort of false hope can be very dangerous for cancer patients and more so for those in terminal stages of the disease. The best course of action is to ignore such hoaxes and to consult and follow the instructions of a qualified oncologist.
The next category of cancer and fraud consists of people who are actually healthy but claim to have cancer. This way they garner support from family and friends and in some instances the whole community to raise funds for their purported treatment. There is an ethical dilemma because it would be painful to ask a genuine victim to prove his or her cancer and this would be the only way to ascertain the existence of the disease. Such scamsters also find it very easy to produce fake documentation regarding their claims. The punishment for such crimes is also lenient, making it a difficult scheme to stop. One way of protecting yourself from such fraud is to donate to a registered cancer society rather than to individual patients. You can also consider donating to hospitals which specialize in cancer treatment.
Another variety of scams connecting cancer and fraud are through emails. The con artists send emails to people claiming they are the sole heirs to a legacy and are afflicted with cancer. The email would further say that they would like to send all their money or a portion of their large inheritance to you on the condition that you give them important information like your bank account number or they might try to get you to pay a certain fee to entitle yourself to the inheritance. In any instance of an email fraud never respond to the email. You should never give personal information like bank account numbers over the internet either.
Cancer and Fraud
Bone Cancer - Types of Bone Cancer
Bone cancer types of cancer are a subcategory of cancers which afflict the bones. There can be two ways in which cancerous cells may affect the bones. They are called primary and secondary bone cancer respectively. The primary type of bone cancer is bone cancer type of cancer which arises from the cells of the bone itself. In secondary bone cancer, cancer cells from another part of the body, like the liver or the ovary, seed in the bone marrow and develop secondaries there. You will have to ascertain if the type of bone cancer is primary or secondary because treatment is directed at the focus of the cancer cells in most cases.
The different bone cancer types of secondary cancer that one may find is usually from the cancerous cells in the breast, prostate, lung, kidney or thyroid. This is by far the commonest type of bone cancer. It is caused by metastases when the cancer cells at the original site of cancer break away and seed in the bone marrow. They get to the bone marrow through the blood stream. The metastatic cells produce secondaries in the bone and make the bones brittle. This make the bones prone to fractures. Secondary foci may also affect the capacity of the bone marrow to produce the blood cells. The result is usually anemia, an increased susceptibility to infections and a bleeding tendency.
Primary bone cancer types of cancer are of different varieties. The varieties commonly seen include osteosarcoma, Ewing's sarcoma, chondrosarcoma and Spindle cell sarcoma. These varieties are based on the type of cell affected and the nature of the tumor. The osteosarcoma is by far the commonest primary bone cancer. This tumor has a predilection for younger ages and is common in children and teenagers. The sites where osteosarcomas are commonly found are the lower thigh, upper shin bone, upper arm and lower shin bone in decreasing order of frequency.
Ewing's sarcoma is another type of bone cancer, type of cancer being primary. This sarcoma arises from the soft tissues within the bone. The soft tissue generally refers to the connective tissue within the bone. This cancer is named after the surgeon who first described it. The cancer is common in teenagers. The usual sites for this cancer are the pelvic, thigh or shin bones. Contrast this cancer to the chondrosarcoma which is common in middle age. This type of cancer affects the catilage producing cells in the bone. It is a relatively slow growing cancer and is usually seen is the pelvis, thigh bone, upper arm, shoulder blade or ribs.
The last type of bone cancer type of cancer is spindle cell sarcoma. These cancers are more differentiated types of osteosarcoma and can be considered as the adult versions of osteosarcomas. There are 4 types of spindle cell sarcoma: undifferentiated sarcoma of bone, malignant fibrous histiocytoma, fibrosarcoma and leiomyosarcoma.Of these the undifferentiated sarcoma of bone does not have any special cell lineage and this undifferentiation makes it difficult to predict what type of cancer cells will originate from it.
Skin Cancer Relating to Tanning
The main cause of skin cancer is UV radiation. The UV radiation basically damages your skin and this damage later develops in skin cancer. Skin cancer takes a lot of time to show up. Any sunburn that you have got today has the potential to turn into skin cancer, although, this will happen only in about 20 years. Therefore by doing any tanning now by exposing yourself to the sun, you are putting yourself at risk to skin cancer relating to tanning. Therefore one can safely establish that no amount of tanning is safe for your skin.
When your skin is exposed to the UV radiation, the melanin rises to the surface of the skin and protects the skin from further damage. This is what causes the skin to tan. Most people like this tan as they say that it gives them an athletic look. To top all this, all of the tanning salons that are there in U.S. claim that tanning is good for the skin. Some of them even go far enough to spread myths about skin can cancer that say that tanning is necessary for the skin, so that your body gets adequate amount of vitamin D. They say that UV radiation is the only source of vitamin D. This is wrong as vitamin D is present in many other foods like cereals and fish. It would serve to repeat that no kind of tanning is useful for the skin. The UV radiation damages the skin and results in the formation of malignant melanoma and damages the immune system and weakens the inner skin tissues and thus causes skin cancer relating to tanning.
When you skin is exposed long enough to sun light, the cell damage that happens is so severe that it crosses the stage of constructive cell cellular repair mechanisms. This facilitates the formation of tumour in your skin and results in skin cancer relating to tanning. Hence, tanning is in no way useful and should be avoided as much as possible. Tanning has other harmful effects too. UV radiation is the primary reason our skin wrinkles. It is said that if we do expose ourselves to sun at any point in our life, we can have youthful skin even at old age. This is just in theory as they say that since you are not exposed to UV radiation, the wrinkling of the skin will not happen. Exposure to UV radiation also results in damage to blood vessels. It can also cause allergic reactions in some cases. Eye damage is another harmful effect of UV radiation.
To protect yourself from the sun's UV radiation, you must apply sunscreen on your skin at all times. Although it is said that sunscreen does not aid in the complete prevention and control for skin cancer, it is useful to reduce the skin's exposure to sun's radiation and hence reduces the chances of skin cancer relating to tanning. Sunscreen of any SPF is useful and you must apply it to the maximum extent possible to protect yourself from UV radiation.
Cancer: Between Diagnosis And Treatment
A cancer diagnosis knocks you flat and before you can get up off the floor, you are swamped by a tsunami of strange medical lingo, perpetual appointments, costly medications, dreadful treatments, possible surgery and an uncertain future. Everything moves along too fast to afford you the luxury of finding your emotional balance.
Just a simple statement from your doctor instantly topples everything familiar and comfortable. Your home, your relationships, your job and your future all change in an instant and will never again be quite the same.
Unfortunately, you simply cannot afford a delay between the cancer diagnosis and the treatment. The sooner you schedule chemotherapy, radiation and/or surgery the better. Unfortunately, your cancer has no sense of fair play and will not wait for you to get your bearings.
So you are suddenly forced to make incredibly important decisions, to re-organize your schedule and to fight the battle of your life while you are still emotionally, intellectually and physically off-center.
This is the worst possible time for you to lose your best, strongest and most stable inner self. So, it is essential that you find a way to center yourself quickly in spite of the turmoil in your life and to remember your former strong, confident, clear-thinking self.
ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT
Use the survival odds to inspire you rather than to fill you with dread. If only 3 out of 5 patients survive with your particular type of tumor, then someone has to be number 4 or 5! Decide that you will be on the good side of those odds.
You will spend a lot of time surrounded by masked strangers who are speaking a language you do not understand (probably Greek or Latin). You will shuffle along cold hallways in a paper dress and slippers. While everyone around you stands, you will be flat on your back or with your tail in the air. Remember that all these people work for YOU. They are part of YOUR personal medical team. They are completely focused on getting you through this.
SEEK HELP
Unless you have a medical degree, you are understandably out of your element. Ask questions and keep asking until you understand the answers. Write down the answers. No, they will not think you are stupid. They work for you, remember?
GIVE HELP
You will feel better when you help others feel better. You have important experience and unique wisdom to share with a support group, even from day one of your treatment. No one can quite understand what you are going through like others who are struggling through the same challenge. Participate in any studies that are pertinent to your condition. These studies are usually nothing more than a brief phone interview. Your efforts will contribute to saving others from going through this same experience.
KEEP RECORDS
It’s a bad idea to keep all pertinent phone numbers, chemo schedule, and various medications on scraps of paper. It is astonishing how quickly you will gather up important information. Buy a three-ring binder. Divide it into “lab reports,” “calendar,” “phone numbers,” “questions,” etc. Stick a funny cover or cartoon on it. When you are all well again, file it.
FIND YOUR CENTER
If you have practiced meditation, breathing exercises, Tai Chi or yoga in the past, stay with the practice so long as your doctors approve. Continue anything you do that absorbs you completely like playing a musical instrument, needlework or painting.
RE-THINK YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR BODY
Your body is only part of who you are and your cancer is only a tiny part of your body. Think of your body as something you wear rather than the totality of who you are.
NURTURE YOUR MIND, BODY AND SPIRIT
After all, it will take all of them to win this battle. Eat and sleep well. Allow quiet time to yourself. Don't allow yourself to get so bogged down in medical stuff that you lose sight of coming out of this stronger and wiser than before your diagnosis. Envision a healthy new you after chemo, after radiation, after surgery.
A Guide for Mesothelioma Treatments
Mesothelioma is a malignant tumor of the mesothelium caused by exposure to asbestos fibers. Because mesothelioma is very hard to control and is known for its late onset of symptoms, the U.S. National Cancer Institute (NCI) is sponsoring clinical trials that are used to find new treatments and efficient ways to use current treatments.
The most popular method is radiation therapy, also called radiotherapy, which involves using high-energy rays to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiotherapy affects only the treated area during the treatment. The radiation may come from a machine that produces radiation through thin plastic tubes into the area where the cancer cells are found.
A common treatment for the disease is surgery that involves the removal of part of the lining of the chest or abdomen and some of the tissue around it. In case of pleural cancer, a lung may be removed in an operation called a pneumonectomy. In few cases, a part of the diaphragm, the muscle below the lungs that helps with breathing, is also removed.
Anti-cancer drugs are used to kill these malignant cells throughout the body. This is known as chemotherapy and involves injecting the drug into a vein (intravenous or IV). Currently, doctors are also studying the effectiveness of putting chemotherapy directly into the chest or abdomen.
There are various procedures that are used for the treatment of mesothelioma. Generally, the treatment type depends on the location of the cancer, the stage of the disease, the patient's age, and general health. Pleural effusion that is caused by heart failure or infection can usually be resolved by directing treatment, however, when testing has realized no diagnosis and fluid continues to build or recur, doctors may recommend chest tube drainage and chemical pleurodesis. Chemical pleurodesis is a technique in which a sclerosing agent is used in treatment. It is used to abrade the pleural surfaces producing an adhesion between the parietal and visceral pleurae, which prevents from further effusion by eliminating the space in pleura. Talc is considered the most effective agent for pleurodesis.
Mesothelioma Treatments can be essential for the patients who are suffering from this dangerous disease. In order to get proper mesothelioma treatments the patients should contact with the experienced doctors of reliable treatment centers. New Mesothelioma Treatments is the best treatment center for mesothelioma patients as it has huge lists of mesothelioma treatment centers across the World.
6 Types of Asbestos
According to the U.S. Bureau of Mines there are about 100 mineral fibers that are "asbestos-like" fibers but only six of them are recognized and regulated by the US government. When mentioning asbestos, most of the time these 6 fibrous minerals are being referred to.
The six asbestos minerals recognized by the government are:
- tremolite asbestos
- actinolite asbestos,
- anthophyllite asbestos,
- chrysotile asbestos,
- amosite asbestos,
- crocidolite asbestos.
These six types are broadly classified into two groups: 1}Serpentine group consisting only of the chrysolite asbestos , 2} Amphibole group consisting of the remaining five different asbestos.
The difference between these two main groups is in their physical structure, the serpentine group is made up of minerals that have a layered form and curly fibers while the amphibole group contains minerals that have straight fibers with a chain-like structure.
1-Chrysotile asbestos
These are also known as white asbestos and they are made up of fine, silky, flexible white fibers. Chrysotile consists of minerals crystallized in a serpentine pattern that means it consists of crystals that are formed in sheets. It is the commonest type of asbestos accounting for approximately 95 percent of all asbestos commercially used in the United States. Due to the widespread use of this fiber, chrysotile accounts for the majority of asbestos-related health problems throughout the world.
2-Tremolite
This type of asbestos is found commonly in most metamorphic rocks. Its color ranges from a creamy white to dark green. Tremolite asbestos has been used for industrial purposes (though not as much as chrysotile) and has been identified as an ingredient in some household products, primarily talcum powder (which is also a known carcinogen). This form of asbestos is the main asbestos type found in the infamous vermiculite mine in Libby, Montana.
3-Actinolite asbestos
This is a relatively common mineral also found in metamorphic rocks. The colour of this type of asbestos is usually green, white, or gray and it is closely related to the tremolite mineral (actinolite contains a greater presence of iron over magnesium than tremolite). Actinolite does not have a strong history of commercial or industrial use, but it may be a contaminant in asbestos products. There are non-fibrous variants of actinolite that do not pose the same health threats associated with exposure to commercially exploited forms of asbestos.
4-Anthophyllite asbestos
This type of asbestos fibers is commonly identified by its brittle white fibers that are made of crystals and have a chain-like appearance. This type of asbestos is a common contaminant of talc. Although anthophyllite asbestos is not often used for industrial purposes, the fibers can occasionally be found among natural minerals that expand with the application of heat, such as vermiculite (which is commonly added to gardening soil).
5-Amosite asbestos
This type of asbestos is identified by its straight, brittle fibers that are light gray to brown in color. Amosite is also known as brown asbestos. In years past, amosite was often used as an insulating material and at one time it was the second-most commonly used type of asbestos. Throughout recent decades, commercial production of amosite has decreased and its use as an insulating material has been banned in many countries.
6-Crocidolite asbestos
These are commonly known as blue asbestos, and it is identified by its straight blue fibers. This form is believed to be the most dangerous form of asbestos. Crocidolite asbestos occurs naturally in locations such as Australia, South Africa, Bolivia, the former Soviet Union, and Canada.
New cancer drug 'shows promise'
Researchers say a new type of cancer treatment has produced highly promising results in preliminary drug trials.
Olaparib was given to 19 patients with inherited forms of advanced breast, ovarian and prostate cancers caused by mutations of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.
In 12 of the patients - none of whom had responded to other therapies - tumours shrank or stabilised.
The study, led by the Institute of Cancer Research, features in the New England Journal of Medicine.
One of the first patients to be given the treatment is still in remission after two years.
Olaparib - a member of a new class of drug called PARP inhibitors - targets cancer cells, but leaves healthy cells relatively unscathed.
The researchers, working with the pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca, found that patients experienced very few side-effects, and some reported the treatment was "much easier than chemotherapy".
Researcher Dr Johann de Bono said the drug should now be tested in larger trials.
He said: "This drug showed very impressive results in shrinking patients' tumours.
"It's giving patients who have already tried many conventional treatments long periods of remission, free from the symptoms of cancer or major side-effects."
Olaparib is the first successful example of a new type of personalised medicine using a technique called "synthetic lethality" - a subtle way of exploiting the body's own molecular weaknesses for positive effect.
In this case the drug takes advantage of the fact that while normal cells have several different ways of repairing damage to their DNA, one of these pathways is disabled by the BRCA mutations in tumour cells.
Olaparib blocks one of the repair pathways by shutting down a key enzyme called PARP.
This does not affect normal cells because they can call on an alternative repair mechanism, controlled by their healthy BRCA genes.
But in tumours cells, where the BRCA pathway is disabled by genetic mutation, there is no alternative repair mechanism, and the cells die.
Cancer cells with the BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations are the first to be shown to be sensitive to PARP inhibitors.
But there is evidence that olaparib will also be effective in other cancers with different defects in the repair of DNA.
Professor Stan Kaye, who also worked on the study, said: "The next step is to test this drug on other more common types of ovarian and breast cancers where we hope it will be just as effective."
The researchers say the process of drug evaluation and registration may have to be revamped to take consideration of the fact that new generation cancer drugs target specific molecular defects, rather than types of cancer.
Dr Peter Sneddon, of the charity Cancer Research UK, said: "It is very encouraging to see the development of 'personalised treatment', tailored to the requirements of the individual patient, becoming a reality as it offers the opportunity to design new drugs that are truly selective.
"Although development of this drug is in its early stages, it is very exciting to see that it has the potential to work when other treatment options have failed."
8 tips to cancer-proof your body
The average mouse doesn't care much about skin cancer. Outside of Disney cartoons, you won't see one slathering on sunscreen before heading out to dodge cats and search for cheese. But Gary Stoner, Ph.D., a professor emeritus of hematology and oncology at the Ohio State University medical center, does care about cancer. That's why he spends his days in a lab, feeding rodents polyphenols from seaweed and learning how to shrink skin cancer–like tumors. He's a mouse's best friend. Maybe yours, too.
Stoner is just one of many researchers working to bring new weapons to the cancer battle. Some study humans to take a fresh look at existing theories. Others, like Stoner, are testing tactics so bold that, so far, their only subjects have tails and whiskers.
But all these approaches (seaweed included) have one very positive thing in common: They're just plain good for you and bad for cancer cells. Here are eight strategies that just may turn the Big C into the Big See-Ya-Later. (Or, better yet, See-Ya-Never.) Drink pomegranate juice
Some say this luscious, lusty red fruit is Eve's original apple, but what the pomegranate truly banishes is cancer risk. The fruit's deep red juice contains polyphenols, isoflavones, and ellagic acid, elements researchers believe make up a potent anticancer combo. It's been shown to delay the growth of prostate cancer in mice, and it stabilizes PSA levels in men who've been treated for prostate cancer. And now University of Wisconsin at Madison researchers have learned that pomegranate may also inhibit lung-cancer growth. If you currently smoke, have smoked in the past, or hang around in smoky places (Cleveland, for instance), the juice of the fruit could bolster your defenses.
Use it: The mice in the Wisconsin study received the human equivalent of 16 ounces of juice per day, so quaff accordingly.
Eat blueberries
Got pterostilbene? Rutgers University researchers say this compound — found in blueberries — has colon cancer–fighting properties. When rats with colon cancer were fed a diet supplemented with pterostilbene, they had 57 percent fewer precancerous lesions after 8 weeks than rats not given the compound did. Eat blueberries and you'll also benefit from a big dose of vitamin C (14 milligrams per cup). In a study of 42,340 men, New England Research Institute scientists discovered that men with the highest dietary vitamin C intake (as opposed to supplements) were 50 percent less likely to develop premalignant oral lesions than men with the lowest intake werUse it: "About two servings daily is the human equivalent of what we fed the rats," says Bandaru Reddy, M.D., Ph.D., a chemical-biology professor at Rutgers. Load up at breakfast: A cup and a half of blueberries over cereal, plus 8 ounces of juice and half a grapefruit (for extra vitamin C), will do the trick. If that's too much to stomach at dawn, spread it out over the course of the day.
Relax a little
Purdue University researchers tracked 1,600 men over 12 years and found that half of those with increasing levels of worry died during the study period. Talk about flunking the exam. Only 20 percent of the optimists died before the 12-year study was completed. More anxiety-producing news: Thirty-four percent of the neurotic men died of some type of cancer. How neurotic are we talking? "Think of the biggest worrier you know — someone who stresses out over everything," says psychologist Daniel Mroczek, Ph.D., who conducted the study. "That man is probably above the 95th percentile in neuroticism. Then think of the most cool, calm, collected man you know. He's probably below the fifth percentile."
Use it: To develop that critical, casual Jeff Spicoli vibe, learn to slow down your fast times: "The more time you spend in the present moment, the more relaxed you'll be, because most mental anguish occurs over stuff that's already happened or that may or may not happen in the future," says Claire Wheeler, M.D., Ph.D., the author of "10 Simple Solutions to Stress." "For the most part, right now is pretty damn good. If you practice being present while shaving, for example, eventually you'll also be more present when eating, making love, and working."
Pop seleniumSelenium has long been thought of as a cancer fighter, but you can have too much of a good thing, says David J. Waters, Ph.D., D.V.M., director of the Gerald P. Murphy Cancer Foundation, in West Lafayette, Indiana. A study of almost 1,000 men, published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, found that when those with the lowest initial levels of selenium in their bodies received a daily supplement over a 4 1/2- year period, they cut their prostate-cancer risk by an impressive 92 percent. But men who started out with high selenium were rewarded with an 88 percent increase in total cancer risk when they took the supplements. Moral: It pays to get your selenium level right.
Use it: Selenium in the body is measured through toenail clippings. Send yours to the Murphy Foundation, and for less than $100 (price varies by state), they'll ship them to a lab and then inform you of your level 2 weeks later. If yours is out of range, the foundation will explain how to adjust your intake of Brazil nuts, tuna, meats, grains, and selenium supplements. Learn more at www.seleniumhealthtest.com.
Order sushi
As mentioned, Gary Stoner is using seaweed to fight the Big C. When he fed the polyphenols from brown seaweed to mice that had been bombarded with UV rays, their incidence of skin tumors dropped 60 percent. And the polyphenols shrank existing tumors by 43 percent. Better still, the doses that produced these effects were the equivalent of only 1 or 2 tablespoons in a human being. "Seaweed is low in calories and fat, yet it provides heart-helping fiber, bone-building calcium and iron," says nutrition consultant Molly Morgan, R.D., C.D.N., owner of Creative Nutrition Solutions, in Vestal, New York. "Dried, roasted seaweed sheets used in making sushi also provide vitamins A and C." Use it: "Eat more sushi rolls," says Stoner. "It's not quite the same seaweed, but it has some of the same compounds." As a bonus, sushi itself is a great muscle food. A typical spicy tuna roll has only 290 calories but packs 24 grams of protein. Also, look for a Korean-made, seaweed-fortified drink called EntroPower (entropower.com), which should be hitting U.S. health-food stores soon.
Spend more time outside
Scientists have viewed vitamin D as a potent cancer fighter for decades, but there's never been a gold-standard trial — until now. A Creighton University study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that women who supplemented their diets with 1,000 international units of vitamin D every day had a 60 percent to 77 percent lower incidence of cancer over a 4-year period than did women taking a placebo. "I don't think the effect is limited to women," says Joan Lappe, Ph.D., the lead study author. "Vitamin D is necessary for the best functioning of the immune system — it causes early death of cancer cells." Use it: Nature intended us to make vitamin D from the sun, but depending on where you live, the time of year, and how much of an agoraphobe you are, you may not reach the optimal level of 80 nanomoles per liter of blood that way. A blood test can give you a baseline. From there, Lappe recommends supplementing with 1,100 to 2,000 IU of vitamin D in a stand-alone pill every day. Vitamin D is also in sardines, salmon, shiitake mushrooms, and reindeer meat — which may explain Santa's longevity, despite the odd hours and jelly belly.
Clear your air
Secondhand smoke may be even worse for you than we thought. A recent American Journal of Public Health study reveals that nonsmokers working in smoky places had three times the amount of NNK, a carcinogen, in their urine than nonsmoking workers in smoke-free joints had. And their levels of NNK rose 6 percent for every hour worked. "There is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke, and the greater the exposure, the higher the risk," says the study's lead author, Michael Stark, Ph.D., principal investigator for the Multnomah County Health Department in Portland, Oregon.
Use it: Nine states have banned smoking in all workplaces, bars, and restaurants: Arizona, Delaware, Hawaii, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Ohio, Rhode Island, and Washington. So change locations, change professions, or change the laws. As you sip your pomegranate juice, sign up with Americans for Nonsmokers' Rights at no-smoke.org.
Invest a little sweat equity
Study after study has pointed to the cancer-beating power of exercise. Now research from Norway has found that even a tiny dose of exercise has big benefits. A study of 29,110 men published last year in the International Journal of Cancer shows that men who exercised just once a week had a 30 percent lower risk of metastatic prostate cancer than did men who didn't work out at all. Increasing the frequency, duration, and intensity of the exercise correlated with a further, gradual reduction in risk.
Use it: Just one bout of weekend warriorism — a company softball game, pickup basketball, racquetball with your crusty uncle — might qualify you for inclusion in the cancer-free 30 percent.
Testicular Cancer
Testicular Cancer Causes and Risk Factors
Testicular cancer runs in families. Young Caucasian men are at greatest risk for developing testicular cancer. Hispanics, Asians, and Native Americans are at medium risk, and African-Americans are at very low risk. Having an undescended testicle is the major risk factor. About 50 percent of men with testicular cancer have experienced trauma to their testes; however, it is not known whether trauma plays a causal role or whether it only brings attention to a pre-existing condition. Other factors that are possibly involved include having had the mumps, which often affects the testicles, having been born to a mother who was given estrogen or had X-rays during pregnancy and delivery, and having certain rare conditions affecting the sexual organs.
Testicular Cancer Facts
Cancer of the testes, the male reproductive glands, is the most common cancer in men between the ages of 15 and 35. There are different types of testicular cancer, most of which involve the sperm-producing cells. About 6,000 new cases are diagnosed in the United States each year, but with early detection and treatment, the cure rate for testicular cancer has increased greatly, to as high as 96 percent.
Testicular Cancer Prevention and Early Detection
Because of the increased risk from an undescended testicle, boys with this problem should have the condition surgically corrected before they reach the age of three. When corrected at a later age, the condition continues to pose higher risk.
Testicular cancer is very curable when found early. Your best protection is monthly self-examination, especially if you are in a high-risk group. Self-examination involves rolling each testicle gently between the thumb and fingers of both hands, and it is best done after a warm bath or shower. If you notice hard lumps or nodules, contact your doctor immediately.
Testicular Cancer Symptoms
There are usually no symptoms in the early stages of testicular cancer. A painless bump on the testicle or slight enlargement of a testicle and change in its consistency may be the first sign of a problem. Pain does not usually occur until a later stage of the disease, but a dull ache in the lower abdomen and groin, accompanied by a feeling of heaviness, may be an early warning sign.
Skin Cancer
Skin Cancer Facts
For all forms of skin cancer, years of exposure to strong sunlight seems to be the main cause. Other causes of skin cancer include repeated exposure to radiation or certain chemicals, such as coal tars and asphalt, scarring from disease or burns, and genetic and hormonal factors. Skin cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer. There are two main types: melanoma and non-melanoma. Melanoma begins in skin cells that produce melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. Two kinds of non-melanoma, basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma, originate in different types of cells in the epidermis, or outer skin layer. Melanoma is the "black mole" kind of skin cancer. It is less common and more dangerous because it tends to spread rapidly. Squamous cell carcinoma is less serious, but can also spread to other parts of the body. Basal cell carcinoma grows slowly, doesn’t spread quickly, and is usually not life threatening. Every year, about 32,000 new cases of melanoma and 700,000 cases of non-melanoma skin cancer are diagnosed in the United States. Skin cancer is the most easily detectable, curable and preventable cancer. The cure rate for non-melanoma skin cancers is about 95 percent when properly treated.
Skin Cancer Prevention
Skin cancer prevention tips:
* Avoid sun exposure and exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun.
* If you must be out in the sun, always use protection: wear a long-sleeved shirt or cover-up, a hat that shades your face and sunglasses.
* Always wear sunscreen (with a sun protection factor of at least 15) on exposed body parts, even during the winter, when sun reflected off the snow may be intense. Apply it 15 to 30 minutes (or more) before going out in the sun.
* Avoid sun exposure between 10 AM and 3 PM when the sun's rays are their most fierce.
* Check your skin monthly for unusual moles or changes in existing skin markings, using a full-length mirror and a hand mirror to see your back. See a dermatologist if you notice any changes and for regular skin checkups.
* Don’t use sunlamps or tanning centers.
Self-Examination:
The best way to detect skin cancer early is to perform monthly self-examinations. First, count and plot your moles so that you can note any changes. Then, each month examine each part of your body using a full-length mirror and a hand mirror. Be sure to check the front, back, sides, forearms, upper underarms and palms, backs of legs and feet, including spaces between toes, the back of the neck and scalp, under the hair and the back and buttocks.
Skin Cancer Risk Factors
Fair-skinned Caucasians living in sunny places are at greatest risk for developing skin cancer. People who work outdoors, the elderly, anyone who has had a severe sunburn and people repeatedly exposed to radiation or hydrocarbons found in coal tars, pitch, and asphalt are also at risk. Other risk factors include having skin damage or defects, being an albino and having a family history of skin cancer or a condition called dysplastic nevi syndrome, characterized by larger-than-normal moles that begin growing later in life. People whose immune systems are weaker than normal (such as chemotherapy patients and people with AIDS) are also at greater risk.
Symptoms of Skin Cancer
Any unusual skin condition, like a change in a mole or other pigmented growth or spot, or a wound that doesn't heal should cause concern. Scaliness, oozing, bleeding, a growing bump, itchiness, pain and tenderness are all possible symptoms of skin cancer. Melanoma may begin in or near a mole or other dark spot on the skin. Warning signs in moles are asymmetry (when the shape of one half doesn’t match the other half); ragged, irregular, notched or blurred borders; different shades of color and growth; and size (larger than a pencil eraser).
Prostate Cancer
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the abnormal growth of benign (not cancerous) prostate cells. In BPH, the prostate grows larger and pushes against the urethra and bladder, blocking the normal flow of urine. BPH can sometimes lead to bothersome problems with urination, such as frequent daytime and nighttime urination, dribbling, and difficulty starting and stopping urine flow.
Early Detection of Prostate Cancer
Follow these early detection guidelines for the best results:
* Have a digital rectal examination every year after the age of 50.
(If you are an African-American male or you have a family history of prostate cancer, have this examination every year after age 40.)
* Have a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test.
* Eat a low fat diet.
* See your doctor immediately if you notice any of the warning signs of prostate problems.
Prostate Cancer Causes and Risk Factors
Prostate cancer runs in families and is associated with a high fat diet. Prostate cancer is most common in Europe and in America, where African American men are at 30 percent higher risk. Increasing age is a factor, with men over 55 at greater risk. Other risk factors are multiple sex partners and venereal disease.
Prostate Cancer Facts
Cancer of the prostate gland is one of the most common cancers in men. It's estimated that one out of every 11 men will develop it. Fortunately, prostate cancer is usually a slow-growing type of cancer, and the highest risk is not until after age 55. Because of earlier detection and improvements in prostate cancer treatment, more than 90 percent of patients diagnosed early are alive five years after treatment.
Prostate Cancer Symptoms
There are usually no symptoms in the earliest stages of prostate cancer. Some symptoms of the condition benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), a harmless, but annoying enlargement of the prostate that frequently occurs in older men, may be mistaken for symptoms of prostate cancer.
You should see your doctor if you experience:
* Weak or interrupted flow of urine
* Inability to urinate or difficulty urinating
* Need to urinate frequently, especially at night
* Blood in the urine
* Painful or burning sensation when urinating
* Continuing pain in the lower back, pelvis, or upper thighs
PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen)
An elevated PSA blood test does not always mean cancer. A temporary PSA elevation is found in prostate infection, benign enlargement, prostate surgery and urinary retention.
Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian Cancer Causes and Risks
The cause of ovarian cancer is not known. Several risk factors are known, however. Family history plays a huge role. When two or more close relatives (mother, aunt, or sister) have had ovarian cancer, the risk can jump from 1 in 70 to as high as 1 in 2. This relationship is still being studied. Women who have never been pregnant are also at higher risk.
Ovarian Cancer Facts and Symptoms
Ovarian cancer, a tumor of the ovaries, is the second most common gynecologic cancer and it's the deadliest. Ovarian cancer causes more deaths than any cancer of the female reproductive system. And it is the fourth leading cause of death from cancer in women, behind breast, lung and colon cancers. The mortality rate is so high because ovarian cancer spreads quickly. And even when symptoms appear, they tend to be ignored because they are so vague, such as pressure, swelling, bloating, and discomfort in the lower abdomen. A tumor in the ovary can grow for some time before it causes any serious problems. In more than 75 percent of cases, the cancer has spread beyond the ovary before it is diagnosed.
Ovarian Cancer Prevention
How can you protect yourself from ovarian cancer? Birth control pills and pregnancy protect you to some degree. But the only sure way to prevent ovarian cancer is the removal of the ovaries. This type of surgery is recommended mainly for women who are approaching menopause or who are past it, when they are having some other type of gynecological surgery and for women having a family history of the disease, after their childbearing years.
Liver Cancer
Liver Cancer Facts
There are two types of liver cancer: primary and secondary. Liver cancer is considered primary if the cancerous tumors develop in the liver. Primary liver cancer is rare, accounting for just one to two percent of malignant tumors in patients in North America. Secondary liver cancer, which is approximately 20 times more common, results when cancer cells from another part of the body (breast, lungs, etc.) spread or "metastasize" to the liver. A secondary liver tumor is often not found until it causes symptoms.
Liver Cancer Risk Factors
Liver cancer is more common among persons who consume large amounts of alcohol than among persons who do not drink. Liver cancer occurs more frequently in persons with hepatitis B, hepatitis C, cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) and other chronic liver ailments than in persons without those diseases. Between 50 percent and 70 percent of all liver cancer cases in the United States are associated with cirrhosis. Liver cancer is also more likely to strike men than women and persons of either sex over 40 years of age.
Liver Cancer Symptoms
The symptoms of liver cancer are similar to those of other liver diseases: pain, especially in the abdominal area; unexplained weight loss; loss of appetite; pain or swelling in the upper right abdomen; and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and the whites of eyes).
Endometrial Cancer
Endometrial Cancer Causes and Risks
The cause of endometrial cancer is unknown, but a significant factor seems to be prolonged exposure of the endometrium to the hormone estrogen. Menstruating women are exposed to estrogen every month. Thus, women who are at high risk for the disease are sometimes prescribed birth control pills to decrease their production of the hormone. In postmenopausal women, estrogen replacement, a common treatment, greatly increases the risk for endometrial cancer. But this risk can be reduced when progesterone, another hormone, is added to the estrogen. Women who are "on the pill" automatically decrease their risk of developing endometrial cancer, as do those who maintain their ideal body weight. Also at higher risk are menopausal women who have never been pregnant and those with a history of infertility, failed ovulations, irregular periods (menses), or irregular bleeding.
Endometrial Cancer Facts
Cancer of the endometrium (the membrane lining the uterus) is the most common of the female reproductive tract cancers, ahead of ovarian and cervical cancer. It occurs mainly in women older than 50 and affects about 35,000 American women each year.
Endometrial Cancer Prevention
Prevention of endometrial cancer involves maintaining ideal body weight, avoiding unnecessary estrogens and, if at high risk, being screened at menopause for early signs of endometrial changes that might lead to cancer.
Symptoms of Endometrial Cancer
The main symptom of endometrial cancer, abnormal bleeding, occurs early, a factor leading to early diagnosis. For this reason, the overall cure rate is high, 70 to 80 percent.
Cervical Cancer
Cervical Cancer Causes and Risks
The cause of cervical cancer is unknown, but a variety of interacting factors are probably at fault. These include early sexual activity, multiple sex partners, and sexually transmitted diseases. Viruses associated with sexually transmitted diseases are also thought to play an important role, as are hygiene and douching practices. Smoking and a lower socio-economic status may also be involved.
Cervical Cancer Facts
Cervical cancer is a slow-growing, highly predictable cancer of the cervix, where the narrow, outer end of the uterus opens into the vagina. Caught early, it is easily cured. Each year in the United States, approximately 12,800 women are diagnosed with the disease and 45,000 more with carcinoma in situ, an early-stage cervical cancer. Many thousands more are treated for a pre-cancerous condition known as dysplasia.
Cervical Cancer Prevention
The risk for cervical cancer can be lowered by limiting the number of sexual partners, using condoms, avoiding sexually transmitted diseases, and getting regular Pap smears. Catching the disease early is simple and inexpensive, and in its early stages, cervical cancer can be completely cured. If you are at least 15 years old, if you are sexually active, and if you are not having Pap smears every year, do yourself this favor: make an appointment today for this important screening test.
Symptoms of Cervical Cancer
Symptoms of cervical cancer include painless vaginal bleeding, an unusual vaginal discharge, and painful intercourse. But often, the only way you will know is by having a Pap smear, a simple, accurate, inexpensive screening test used to identify the presence of abnormal cells in the cervix.
Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal Cancer Facts
Colorectal (colon and rectum) cancer is the second most common cancer in the United States. About 150,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. Most develop from polyps, growths that originate in the mucous lining of the colon or rectum. These grow slowly and can be detected by means of effective, easily performed tests, making colorectal cancer one of the most curable forms of cancer.
Colorectal Cancer Causes and Risk Factors
The cause of cancer of the colon and rectum isn't known, but it's believed that the disease is associated with a diet high in fat and low in fiber (roughage). Not surprisingly, colorectal cancer is more common in Western countries, where the diet tends to be highly refined, with less roughage. People over age 50 are more susceptible, and African-American men have a slightly higher risk. Anyone with a personal or family history of colorectal cancer, polyps in the colon, or ulcerative colitis is at particularly high risk and exposure to asbestos has been identified as a risk factor.
Colorectal Cancer Symptoms
The most common symptom is bleeding with bowel movements. Other symptoms include pain during bowel movements, change in frequency of bowel habits, change in stools, abdominal pain or swelling, fatigue, anemia, and weight loss.
Early Detection and Prevention of Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer is very curable when found early and there are several things you can do to lower your risks:
* Eat at least 25 to 30 grams of fiber a day.
* Eat lots of fruits and vegetables.
* Have a digital rectal examination every year after age 40.
* Have a stool blood test every year after age 50.
* Have a flexible sigmoidoscopy at age 50, and then, after two normal examinations a year apart, every three to five years.
* If you are over 50 and notice blood in your stools, see your doctor immediately.
Breast Cancer
Breast Cancer and The Pill
Although birth control pills have been only weakly linked to breast cancer in some studies, new research shows that the hormone-heavy pills used 25 years ago may have significantly increased breast cancer risk among women with a family history of the disease.
Breast Cancer Facts
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women. One in nine women will develop breast cancer during her lifetime. (Men may also develop breast cancer, but just one in every 100 cases of breast cancer is in a man). Over 180,000 cases of breast cancer are diagnosed each year in the United States and that number is increasing.
Breast Cancer Risk Factors
Increasing age: As women grow older, their risk increases. Breast cancer is rare before the age of 30 and is most common in women older than 65. In fact, the biggest known risk factor is age.
History of previous breast cancer: A woman with a history of cancer in one breast has a higher chance of developing cancer in the other breast.
Family history of breast cancer: Close female relatives—a mother or sister, for example, increase a person's risk. Still, only about five to 10 percent of women who get breast cancer have a family history of the disease.
Absence of pregnancy: Both pregnancy and breast-feeding are associated with lowered risk and the earlier the pregnancy, the lower one's risk. Women who have a full pregnancy before the age of 18 have just one-third the breast cancer risk of women who give birth after age 30 or who have never had a child.
Breast Cancer Symptoms
Most people associate breast cancer with a lump, but the symptoms can include a thickening within the breast or the overlying skin, redness of the skin, a change in the shape of the breast, discharge from the nipple, or a change in the shape of the nipple or its retraction. (Eight out of 10 breast lumps are benign; that is, they are not cancerous).
Breast Self-Examination (BSE) Technique
Breast Self-Examination (BSE) should be done every month.
When to do BSE:
* If you still menstruate (have your period) the best time is two or three days after your period ends. These are the days when your breasts are least likely to be tender or swollen.
* If you no longer menstruate, pick the same day of every month. It will be easy to remember.
* If you take hormones, check with your doctor about the best time for your BSE.
Facing a mirror
Standing before a mirror to look for asymmetry in breast size, nipple inversion, bulging, or dimpling is the preferred method to maximize visualization. Note any skin or nipple changes, such as a hard knot or nipple discharge.
Inspect breasts in the following 4 steps:
* Arms at sides
* Arms overhead
* Hands on hips - Press firmly to flex chest muscles.
* Bending forward
Lying down
Right breast
* Place a pillow under your right shoulder.
* Put your right hand under your head.
* Check the entire breast area with the finger pads of your left hand.
* Use small circles and follow an up-and-down pattern.
* Use light, medium, and firm pressure over each area of the breast.
* Feel the breast with the surfaces of the second, third, and fourth fingers, moving systematically and using small, circular motions from the nipple to the outer margins.
* Gently squeeze the nipple for any discharge.
Left breast
* Repeat these steps on your left breast using your right hand.
In the shower
Breast self-examination (BSE) can easily be performed during bathing or showering, because some women discover breast masses when their skin is moist.
* Raise your right arm.
* With soapy hands and fingers flat, check your right breast.
* Use the same small circles and up-and-down pattern described earlier.
* Repeat on the left breast.
Breast Test
A new, simpler technique for detecting abnormal breast cells before they develop into life-threatening breast cancer is in the pipeline. Called ductal lavage, the procedure involves a doctor inserting a catheter the width of two human hairs into the nipple and washing out enough cells from milk-producing ducts to screen for precancerous changes. Scientists have known for years that milk ducts are a great place to test for these scary cells. Unfortunately, insurers don't always pay for the test, which can cost from $350 to $700.
Gene Defects Linked to Breast Cancer
Gene defects that trigger an extremely rare and deadly childhood disease may also signal an increased risk of breast cancer. The discovery could help doctors screen women for cancer risks. The disease, Fanconi anemia, affects only about 500 families nationally, but the study found that six genes known to cause it are directly linked to one of the two genes responsible for the inherited risk of breast and ovarian cancer.
New Breast Cancer Drug Hot on Tamoxifen's Heels
A new breast cancer drug shows early signs of being better than the best currently available treatment at helping postmenopausal women with early-stage disease live longer after having surgery to remove their tumors. Women who have taken a newer type of drug called anastrozole, brand name Arimidex, were more likely to be alive and disease-free three years after surgery than women who took what is now considered the "gold standard" in breast cancer prevention, tamoxifen.
October Means Mammogram
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Many hospitals and clinics offer free mammograms. Please have one today! It could save your life.
Preventing and Detecting Breast Cancer
Because 75 to 80 percent of women who get breast cancer have no known risk factors, early detection offers the best hope for surviving the disease. The first step is to understand your risk factors - age, family, and personal history of breast cancer. The next is to follow the early detection guidelines recommended by the American Cancer Society:
* Self-Examination - Women should examine their breasts monthly beginning by age 20. Over 90 percent of breast cancers are found by women themselves. But because fewer than one third of women perform regular breast self-examinations (BSEs), these cancers are often found when they are over an inch across. In general, the smaller the lump found, the better a woman’s chance of long-term survival.
* Physician Examination - An exam by a physician is recommended every three years until age 40, and then every year. This is an important part of an overall physical exam, but only a supplement to monthly breast self-examinations.
* Mammography - This examination is recommended once between the ages of 35 and 40 as a baseline (for comparison), and then once a year beginning at age 40. Studies show very high survival rates in women whose breast cancer was first detected by mammography. When a mammogram finds a small breast cancer, usually only the tumor is removed, not the whole breast.
Cancer Tips
General Cancer Information
Alcohol Consumption
Chronic heavy drinking has been linked to an increased risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, liver, pancreas and rectum. Consuming as little as three ounces of hard liquor every day for several years can cause damage.
Aspirin Linked to Reduced Lung Cancer Risk
Aspirin has already risen from the ranks of a mere pain reliever to become a highly valued heart attack and stroke prevention tool, and now researchers say preventing lung cancer may be added to its list of benefits.
Cancer and Nutrition
To prevent cancer, avoid dietary fats. Eat a diet rich in soy, fruits, vegetables and fiber.
Cancer Risk Factors
The following are various types of cancer and their risk factors:
* Breast- Family history of breast cancer, obesity, late childbearing and childlessness
* Bladder- Smoking (nearly half of cases), hair dye - bladder cancer is more common in men than women
* Cervical- First intercourse at an early age, multiple sexual partners, smoking, history of genital herpes
* Colorectal- Being over 50 with colon polyps or ulcerative colitis, family history of these disorders or colon cancer, high-fat, low-fiber diet
* Leukemia- Exposure to radiation, benzene and other chemicals
* Lung- Smoking (83 percent of cases), exposure to asbestos resulting in mesothelioma, radiation and secondhand tobacco smoke
* Lymphoma- Being over 50, no other known risk factors
* Oral- Smoking, chewing tobacco and heavy alcohol use
* Pancreatic- Smoking, high-fat diet
* Prostate- Risk increases with age; more than 80 percent of cases occur after 65
* Skin- Fair skin, severe sunburn in childhood, frequent sun exposure, family history of skin cancer
* Uterine- Being post-menopausal with a history of infertility, ovulation failure or abnormal bleeding, also obesity, hypertension and diabetes
Early Detection
The earlier cancer is detected, the greater the chance it can be treated before it spreads to other areas of the body. That's why self-examinations (such as checks of the breasts, testicles and skin) are important to build into your routine. And it's why regular medical screenings (such as mammograms, fecal occult blood tests, Pap smears and prostate exams) are crucial even if you feel perfectly healthy.
More Precise Cancer Treatments
Once, a cancer was a cancer was a cancer. Now, scientists have succeeded in using DNA to determine whether a particular type of cancer will be resistant to certain therapies, paving the way to choosing more effective, tailor-made treatments for patients.
Nutrition and Cancer Patients
A great tasting, nutritious milkshake for cancer patients requiring extra calories in small amounts is made by adding 2 large scoops of ice cream and 1 package of vanilla-flavored Carnation Instant Breakfast to 8 ounces of milk and blending until smooth.
Orange Zest and Cancer
Don't toss away that orange peel -- it may help protect you against cancer. Grated citrus zest -- the outmost layer of the peel, not the white pith -- includes compounds may provide health benefits, such as inhibiting development of some cancers and lowering cholesterol. Scrub the rind with warm water and a drop of soap before starting to grate. Press a piece of wax paper onto the grater to make clean-up easier; the zest accumulates on the paper instead of getting stuck in the holes of the grater. Best of all, you can use the zest for a flavor boost in low-fat baked goods, pilafs, salad dressings, marinades and fruit salads.
Seven Cancer Warning Signs
1. A change in bowel or bladder habits
2. A sore that does not heal
3. Unusual bleeding or discharge
4. Thickening or a lump in the breast or other area
5. Chronic indigestion or swallowing problems
6. An obvious change in a wart or a mole
7. A nagging cough or hoarseness
Startling Facts About Smoking and Cancer
Eighteen little-known facts about smoking might motivate even a veteran smoker to give up the habit:
1. Cigarette smoke contains tar, made up of over 4,000 chemicals, including 43 known to cause cancer.
2. Chemicals in smoke include cyanide (a deadly poison), methanol (wood alcohol), formaldehyde (a preservative), acetylene (fuel used in torches) and ammonia (found in fingernail polish remover). It also contains nitrogen oxide and carbon monoxide, both poisonous gases.
3. Smokeless tobacco (snuff) exposes a person to at least 10 times more cancer-causing substances than smoking does.
4. Smoking filtered cigarettes lowers the risk of lung cancer by only about 20 percent.
5. Smokers are more likely to get pneumonia than are nonsmokers.
6. Smokers are more likely to have and die from stomach ulcers than are nonsmokers.
7. Smoking causes and worsens heart disease, emphysema, bronchitis, sinusitis, and cancers of the lung, mouth, larynx (voice box), and esophagus (swallowing tube), and increases the risk of bladder, kidney, pancreas, stomach and cervical cancers.
8. Women smokers experience earlier menopause and have less dense bones, making them more susceptible to osteoporosis and hip fractures.
9. Children whose parents smoke are at a higher risk for pneumonia and bronchitis.
10. Diseases caused by cigarette smoking kill about one in four smokers.
11. By the time lung cancer is diagnosed, it has usually spread to other parts of the body. The survival rate is low: only 13 percent are still alive five years after diagnosis, fewer than 10 percent after 10 years.
12. Lung cancer now kills more women than any other type of cancer.
13. Smoking takes an average of seven years off a person’s life.
14. Smoking causes one out of every six deaths in the United States.
15. Nine out of ten smokers say they want to quit.
16. More men have quit smoking than women.
17. More than 43 million Americans have quit smoking, and–over the past decade–the percentage of smoking adult Texans has decreased from 31 to 22 percent.
18. Between 1964 and 1985, approximately 750,000 deaths were avoided or postponed as a result of decisions to quit smoking or not to start.
And That’s Not All!
Lung cancer is the leading cause of death from cancer in America, but it could be prevented 80 to 90 percent of the time if only people would not smoke.
Tea for Tumors
Research shows one kind of tea can be up to 100 times more potent at blocking growth of cancer cells than another. While all tea (green, oolong or black) contains antioxidant compounds called catechins that protect against cancer (especially of the lung, breast, colon, stomach and skin) by neutralizing free radicals, green tea contains about 7 times more catechins than black tea. Green tea also has unique catechins that block an enzyme involved in breast, prostate and colon cancers. Green tea is 10 to 100 times stronger than black tea in blocking the growth of cancer cells. Catechins also prevent heart disease and stroke, primarily by defending against the harmful effects of artery-clogging LDL cholesterol.
Understanding Blood Counts
Counting and examining blood cells are very important in the diagnosis of blood cell diseases. Blood has several different types of cells in it:
* Red blood cells pick up oxygen as blood passes through the lungs and release it to the cells in the body.
* White blood cells help fight bacteria and viruses.
* Platelets are the cells that form a plug in response to a cut or wound. The platelets aggregate and plug up the site of bleeding.
Normal blood counts fall within the range that has been established by testing healthy men and women of all ages.
The approximate normal ranges of blood cell counts for healthy adults are as follows:
* Red blood cell (RBC) count: 4.5 to 6.0 million red cells per microliter of blood in men, 4.0 to 5.0 million red cells per microliter of blood in women
* White blood cell (WBC) count: 4.5 to 11 thousand white cells per microliter of blood
* Platelet count: 150 to 450 thousand platelets per microliter of blood
Hematocrit is the percent of the blood that is composed of red cells:
* 42% to 50% is normal in men
* 36% to 45% is normal in women
Hemoglobin is the compound in the red blood cell that carries oxygen.
* 14 to 17 grams per 100 milliliters of blood is normal for men
* 12 to 15 grams per 100 milliliters of blood is normal for women
White cell differential count, sometimes referred to as a "diff," measures the proportion of the total white cell count that is composed of one of the five principal white cell types. The observer can also tell if the white cells in the blood are normal in appearance. The five types of normal white cells that are counted are neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils. Blood contains about 60% neutrophils, 30% lymphocytes, 5% monocytes, 4% eosinophils and 1% basophils.
Vitamin E and Cancer
Vitamin E has been found to reduce cancer risk when consumed at recommended levels.
Want to Quit Smoking?
Most people who quit smoking have tried before, so don’t give up! Try these tips:
* List the reasons you want to quit. Refer to the list every time you want to smoke.
* Typical triggers to smoking include working under pressure, feeling depressed, having a drink, drinking coffee, driving a car, finishing a meal and watching someone else light up a cigarette. Learn to look for these triggers and then avoid them, for example, by cutting down on alcohol and caffeine.
* Reward yourself for not smoking. Spend the money saved from not buying cigarettes on a treat for yourself.
* Keep lots of low calorie snacks handy, including sugarless gum.
* Try taking a few deep breaths when you start to feel stressed.
* Quit smoking with a friend, bet someone you will quit, or get involved with a group having the same goal of quitting.
* Take your mind off smoking by keeping your hands busy with handwork or hobbies.
Watermelon and Cancer Prevention
Juicy, red watermelon is not only delicious, it may help prevent cancer. As long as you spit out the seeds, watermelon is the biggest supplier among fresh fruits and vegetables in the antioxidant lycopene, which is believed to play a big role in the prevention of the killer disease. Antioxidants such as lycopene work in your body by disarming free oxygen radicals, which are thought to contribute to the development of many cancers. A 2-cup serving of watermelon contains 15 - 20 milligrams of this vital plant pigment. Other sources include tomatoes, red grapefruits and guavas
10 tips to cut cancer risk
The American Cancer Society estimates that more than 560,000 Americans died from cancer-related causes in 2006. Some cancers are preventable, and people can cut their risk by maintaining some positive health steps.
Here are my top 10 tips for avoiding cancer:
1, 2 and 3) Do NOT smoke. If you're one of the more than 40 million American smokers, you need to stop. Smoking is linked to at least three in 10 cancer deaths, according to the American Cancer Society. That's more than 165,000 deaths a year.
4) Stay active. Inactivity and obesity are linked to cancer. Half an hour of exercise a day will significantly help your odds. (Related story)
5) Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. The American Cancer Society recommends at least five servings each day. In general, the most colorful fruits and vegetables have the most nutrients. (Related story)
6) Limit the amount of red meat and processed meats in your diet, and make sure the meat you do eat is lean.
7) Avoid deep-fat frying. Instead, use low-fat cooking methods like roasting, baking, broiling, steaming or poaching. Also, choose low-fat or non-fat milk and yogurt.
8) Limit your alcohol consumption or avoid alcohol altogether. (Related story)
9) Protect yourself in the sun. Wear sunscreen to limit your exposure to damaging ultraviolet rays. (Related story)
10) Girls should get the HPV vaccine before they are sexually active to help prevent cervical cancer. (Related story)
