Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Treatment For Prostate Cancer With Omega 3 Fish Oil Supplements


Prostate cancer is the second most common cause of death from cancer amongst men in the USA. The most common being lung cancer. Over twenty seven thousand men are estimated to die from cancer of the prostate annually.The good news is that research has shown that a diet which has a high Omega 3 fatty acid content can reduce the potential for getting prostate cancer and reduce the effects of cancer of the prostate. The research focused on the amount of oily or fatty fish in the diet of the men studied. The conclusion of the studies was that men who ate more fatty fish were less likely to be affected by prostate cancer. It was also concluded that where cancer of the prostate was diagnosed the growth rate of the prostate tumor could be reduced by increasing the amount of Omega 3 fats in the diet.Diet is all important when it comes to preventing or treating prostate cancer. Increasing the amount of Omega 3 fats in the diet can reduce the risk of death by cancer of the prostate and allow a man diagnosed with prostate cancer to live with the tumor to a normal life span.Omega 3 fatty acids are known as essential fatty acids because they are required for healthy body functioning. However they must be provided in the diet because the human body cannot manufacture them itself. Cold water oily fish are the most common source of Omega 3 fats. These include fish such as sardines, tuna and salmon which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids.It is important to balance the ratio of Omega 3 fatty acids against Omega 6 fatty acids. This ratio should be as near to one to one as possible. The diet of most western men is in excess of twenty to one as a result of the large amount of meat and low amount of fish eaten. This is one of the important factors affecting the statistics for prostate cancer and cancer of the prostate deaths in western and eastern men. Western men being more likely to be affected by prostate cancer and die of this disease.Genetics also plays an important role in the tendency to develop cancer of the prostate. Men with a variant of the COX-2 gene are known to have a higher likelihood of developing cancer of the prostate than other men. This variant of the COX-2 gene is passed from generation to generation among men. This susceptibility to cancer of the prostate caused by genetics can be positively affected by diet. An improved diet can have a positive outcome for these men.By increasing the amount of Omega 3 fatty acids in the diet the genetic cancer risk can be reduced. Men with the COX-2 variant can change their prostate outlook by changing their diet. They have a choice of eating more fatty fish or adding an Omega 3 fish oil supplement to their diet.Men prone to prostate cancer would be those who benefit most by changing or improving their diet by increasing their consumption of Omega 3 fatty acids. However all men should consider the importance of Omega 3 fats in their diet.Men over the age of sixty are also more likely to develop cancer of the prostate and should consider dietary changes. Changing their diet to increase the amount of Omega 3 fatty acids can prevent the development of prostate tumors and has been shown to slow the development of existing prostate tumors. Men diagnosed with prostate tumors have been able to control the further growth of the tumor and live out a normal life span.Fatty fish or Omega 3 fish oil supplements can be used to increase the Omega 3 fats in the diet and thus have a positive benefit for the prostate.Omega 3 fish oil supplements are rich in the required Omega 3 fatty acids and are an excellent alternative to fish. Produced from raw fish oil using a process called molecular distillation Omega 3 fish oil capsules are not only rich in the essential Omega 3 fatty acids but also free of the contaminants such as mercury and heavy metals that are often present in fish.Omega 3 fish oil capsules are concentrated, pure and an easy to take alternative for fish.
Take action today to prevent or reduce your risk from prostate cancer by increasing your daily intake of Omega 3 fats. Use an Omega 3 fish oil supplement to boost your bodies ability to fight this deadly cancer and live a longer happier life.
Source by ezinearticles.com

Multinational Clinical Trial Underway for ovarian cancer


According to the American Cancer Society, more than 22,000 cases of ovarian cancer will be diagnosed this year, and 15,000 women will die from it. More common in women over 55, there is about a one in 69 chance that a woman will contract ovarian cancer during her lifetime. Ovarian cancer remains the fifth leading cause of cancer deaths among women, and though it is a survivable disease, early detection is vital.If detected and treated before it spreads past the ovaries, 93 percent of women will live longer than five years. Unfortunately, only about 20 percent of the cases are caught before this crucial stage. Fewer than half of women diagnosed with ovarian cancer will survive beyond those five years.Ovarian cancer frequently becomes resistant to standard chemotherapy drugs, which is known as "chemoresistance." Chemoresistance makes it difficult to successfully manage and treat ovarian cancer.
A Proactive Approach Towards Detection
Although ovarian cancer was once coined "the silent killer," today, increased knowledge regarding what symptoms to look out for has made it easier for women to detect the cancer in its earliest stages.According to the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance (OCNA), some symptoms appear much more frequently in women with ovarian cancer than other women. These symptoms include bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, difficulty eating or feeling full quickly, and urinary problems such as excessive urgency or frequency.OCNA encourages women to see a doctor, preferably a gynecologist, if they experience these symptoms almost daily for more than a few weeks or simply feel abnormal. Women with family histories that include cancer should be especially alert to these types of changes in their bodies. "Better safe than sorry" is the idea, and doctors will conduct pelvic exams, blood tests and transvaginal ultrasounds to look for ovarian cancer.Once diagnosed, treatments vary widely. Depending on what stage the cancer is in, treatments can include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy or investigational treatments in clinical trials. Phenoxodiol, one investigational (experimental) drug researchers are studying, is currently beginning Phase III of the clinical trial process. Phenoxodiol, which has designated "Fast Track" status by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, is believed to help chemotherapy drugs, such as carboplatin, kill chemoresistant cancer cells by removing factors in the cells that block the killing action of chemotherapy. In laboratory studies, phenoxodiol has demonstrated that cancer cells pretreated with phenoxodiol were killed with lower doses of chemotherapy drugs. Importantly, phenoxodiol has been shown not to adversely affect normal cells in animal and laboratory testing.A clinical trial called "OVATURE," for OVArian TUmor REsponse, is underway to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of phenoxodiol. The trial, which aims to recruit 470 patients, is being conducted at clinical sites in the U.S., Europe and Australia. Researchers hope that when used in conjunction with chemotherapy (carboplatin), phenoxodiol will battle the cancer better than the chemotherapy can on its own.In 2007, the National Institutes of Health will invest $106 million in ovarian cancer research. Yet despite continual advances in medicine, ovarian and other cancers remain difficult to detect and treat. It remains important for women to be alert to changes in their bodies and maintain a willingness to take action when something doesn't feel right. While perhaps ovarian cancer can no longer be called a "silent killer," it is still a quiet one. Increased awareness and more research are keys to helping women fight this deadly disease.
Source by ezinearticles.com

Monday, January 3, 2011

What You Can Do to Prevention Lung Cancer


It is estimated that the overall five-year survival rate from lung cancer is just 15%. Given this depressing statistic, it is obvious that lung cancer prevention should be of primary importance in dealing with this killer disease.So what can you do to prevent lung cancer? Here are a few things you should guard against this disease.
•Avoid smoking / give up smoking
•Minimize your exposure to second hand tobacco smoke
•Eliminate exposure to radon, asbestos and other dangerous substances
•Cut down exposure to pollution
•Take steps to avoid falling prey to diseases like tuberculosis
Smoking the big enemy
Smoking (and exposure to second hand tobacco smoke) is the number one cause of lung cancer by far. Those who have never smoked in their lives have a significantly lower risk of developing lung cancer than those who have smoked for at least some time. Also, the risk of contracting lung cancer goes down with time once you quit smoking.Some research points out that the socalled low nicotine / low tar cigarettes do not really cut down the chances of getting lung cancer.This goes contrary to all the advertising done by tobacco companies who are eager to push these "light" cigarettes on people as a "healthier" alternative to regular cigarettes.Make no mistake about it the best path to lung cancer prevention is to give up smoking completely. Even better, avoid taking up this deadly habit in the first place. Your lungs, your body and your family will thank you for it.
Exposure to second-hand smoke is bad too
Second hand smoke is formally known as Environmental Tobacco Smoke or ETS. People who inhale second hand smoke are called passive smokers. And here is the shocker passive smoking can be even more dangerous than smoking a cigarette!Why is this so? The reason is that tobacco smoke enters the lungs of passive smokers without any filtering at all. This makes it much more likely that passive smokers will develop lung cancera bigger payload of dangerous carcinogens enters their lungs.Many countries including America, Australia, the UK and others have sought to curb the menace of second hand smoke by banning smoking in public places like restaurants, buses, trains, aircrafts, etc. More and more countries around the world are taking similar steps. It is expected that these restrictions will gradually bring down the incidence of lung cancer (and many other health issues) from passive smoking.
Pollution can increase risks of cancer
Pollutants like automobile exhausts, industrial smoke, etc are known to cause several health problems. There is also some evidence that they may contribute to lung cancer. So part of your lung cancer prevention plan should be to minimize exposure to these pollutants.
Asbestos and radon exposure can lead to cancer
Both radon and asbestos are directly linked to lung cancer. They also cause other health issues. Use one of the radon detection kits available at hardware stores to measure the levels of radon in your home or office environment. If radon is present, enlist the services of an expert who can suggest corrective measures to get rid of the radon.Similarly, it is a good idea to hire a licensed asbestos inspector to go over your home with a fine tooth comb to see if it contains any asbestos. If your home is asbestos-free he will issue a certificate stating this fact.Taking sensible lung cancer prevention steps can go a long way towards ensuring that you remain free of this killer disease.
Source by ezinearticles.com

Cannabis Alleviates Symptoms of Lyme Disease


Emedicine.com "Ticks are arthropods, like spiders. There are more than 800 species of ticks throughout the world." I'm sure we all remember one time or another child or adult, discovering one stuck on us. Emedicine.com-"Ticks are the leading carriers (vectors) of diseases to humans in the United States, second only to mosquitoes worldwide." That is a staggering comparison statement considering West Nile Virus is at fault to so many lost lives through the years. Along with other life threatening illnesses mosquitos' carry pose a high threat as well. In schools nationwide, health classes teach children proper behavior to prevent Deer Tick bites. Promptly remove the tick with tweezers, making sure to remove all the legs from the skin, wrap it in foil, bring to your doctor to have it cleared as a tick with Lyme disease or not. Deer tick bites left untreated show a red, target like ring around the surface area of the bite, resulting in " Lyme Disease" or "Lyme Borreliosis." It takes away the enjoyable aspects of life and can make you're everyday routine miserable. We all know suffering from intense pain is no laughing matter, and being nauseous constantly is a burden within it's self. This is what this disease places in you're body, sucking precious time from your life, you're mind as well.Many doctors treat this disease with a regiment of antibiotics. This is the efficient way to cure this disease. Although antibiotics can upset you're stomach, affecting appetite severely. Which can result in weight loss as the disease progress. Regular sleeping patterns will be constantly interrupted causing chronic fatigue and disrupting ones circadian rhythm. Brutal sharp pains running all the way up your temples causing pain in your forehead and eyes. Stiffness down your neck, back, legs and joints can make you feel helpless, tired and irritable. In most severe cases, this is classified as " Chronic Lyme Disease" with people suffering constantly, not in spurts. Many people with Lyme disease may not think cannabis could be one of the more affective long-term medicines to help alleviate symptoms. Cannabis is a safer, more soothing medication that can eliminate pain in all forms. Medically, cannabis can be used for many reasons. It fights the aches in your joints and pain throughout your whole body. The more potent the strain brings on the more potent medication. This could be the answer to questions about cannabis being an alternative medicine with the people suffering from "Lyme Disease" who are looking for other, more natural methods of healing. After a great night sleep, you could wake up feeling refreshed instead of sore and tired. In the morning cannabis is an incredible way to help loosen your joints and stiffness from previous nights tossing and turning. Ingesting cannabis will make your appetite stronger, bringing some much needed nutrition. If all other methods of alleviating pain become hopeless cannabis could officially help you. Like a general, Lyme disease truly shows no mercy and no surrender; its time to show it whose going to be the last one standing. See additional articles in The Cannabis Times.
Source by ezinearticles.com

A Few Plain Truths about Metastatic Colon Cancer


It is estimated that over 100,000 Americans discover that they have colon cancer annually. Many of these cases include those who have been diagnosed with cancer that has metastasized (metastatic colon cancer). Most of us already know that at this stage, treatment may become more complicated and difficult. Some cases though still have some hope for a few years' survival.Once colon or colorectal cancer has metastasized, it is no longer restricted to the tissues of the colon. It has already moved beyond to other organs of the body. The lymphatic system may be affected first. The cancer cells can then be transported through this same system to other organ cells in the lungs and liver. Other organs may ultimately be affected too.Those who have been diagnosed metastasized cancer should still consider undergoing treatment. Proper treatment can improve one's chances of extended survival compared to those who do not undergo treatment. Most patients treated for metastatic colon cancer have a 20% to 30% chance of surviving for five more years after diagnosis. Those who do not have cancer cells that have spread to the lungs or liver, have an even higher rate of survival.
Preventing Cancer
It is unfortunate that many people have very mild or no symptoms at the initial stages of cancer during which treatment is most effective. A number of people therefore do not find out about their condition until it is at an advanced stage. The best way to save yourself from the possibility of developing this kind of cancer is to simply prevent it. Although it can strike anybody, you can take precautions against it.The first aspect that you should check is your lifestyle. There are some lifestyle habits and preferences that could increase a person's chance of developing colon cancer. This includes smoking, eating a lot of fatty foods, not eating enough fibrous and nutrient rich foods and being overweight all are considered cancer risk factors.You can also help prevent the advancement to metastatic colon cancer by regularly scheduling yourself for screening. You should always consider this if you have any of the above-mentioned risk factors. Regular screening is also usually advisable for people over 50 years old. What to Look For
Aside from modifying your lifestyle and regular screening, you can help ensure proper and prompt treatment by watching out for the signs and symptoms of possible colon cancer.Clear colon cancer symptoms often appear only when the disease is at an advanced stage. There may be some clues though in the initial stages that may tell you that a visit to the doctor should already be scheduled. Consider asking for a doctor's opinion if you have increasingly irregular bowel movements, blood in the stools, and abdominal pains. You can have some other digestive problem but it is better to be sure.If the cancer cells have metastasized, you could experience a variety of symptoms that will depend on the area that is affected. If the metastatic colon cancer cells move to the lungs, a patient will have evident breathing problems. At this point, stomach bloating and various bodily pains may also emerge.
Source by ezinearticles.com

Sunday, January 2, 2011

Natural Health Therapies and Cancer - Part II

The nationwide increase in cancer has been parallel to the decline in our eating habits.Several areas of our society's diet are excessive. In clinical studies, these excesses have been found to significantly increase cancer risks. The key sections of the American diet that contribute to cancer are:
  • Excessive intake of animal protein (meat, cheese, dairy) - can increase the risk for cancer in the breast, colon, pancreas, kidney, prostate, and endometrium; certain preparation and cooking techniques (such as pickling, smoking, frying) add to the cancer risks; fatty meats contain higher levels of carcinogenic pesticides
  • Intake of contaminated fish - mercury, nickel, oil, and PCBs found in many marketplace fish; 1/10 of a teaspoon of PCBs is enough to cause illness or cancer
  • Excessive fat intake - can increase risk for cancer of the breast, colon, rectum, uterus, prostate, and kidney; partially hydrogenated vegetable oils are considered major problems along with insufficient intake of healthy Omega-3 fats
  • Excessive intake of refined carbohydrates and table sugar - lowers immune system function; elevates insulin levels (which can promote breast cancer); tumors thrive in a high-glucose environment
  • Excessive intake of iron - associated with red meat, fortified breads and pastas; cooking in iron pots and skillets can add to your iron exposure
  • Excessive intake of alcohol - can increase risk for cancer in the breast, mouth, throat, pancreas, liver, head and neck; alcohol suppresses Natural Killer cells that help repel cancer
  • Excessive intake of caffeine - cancer rates are higher for those who drink more than 3 cups of coffee a day; caffeine can cause DNA damage, adding to cancer risk
  • Although it looks like our diets doom us to destruction, there are steps we can take to reduce the cancer risk. Here are some ways to combat and prevent cancer through some simple changes in your diet -
  • Eat more fruits and vegetables
  • Drink green tea, fresh juices
  • Eat nuts, seeds, legumes
  • Avoid all red meats, dairy products, eggs and shellfish
  • Avoid refined, sugary foods
  • Avoid caffeine and alcohol
  • Avoid all vegetable oils especially hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils
  • Use olive, pumpkin seed, flaxseed, walnut, and sesame oils
  • Avoid margarine, fried foods, creamy sauces and dressings
  • Eat salmon, halibut, red snapper, and flounder for healthy Omega-3 fats
  • Avoid cooking in iron or aluminum cookware
  • Use stainless steel or glass cookware
  • Avoid microwave use, particularly with plastic containers
  • Eat organically-grown foods when possible
More advanced nutritional therapies include Vegan and Macrobiotic diets. These nutritional regimens consist of raw, natural foods and specific food preparation techniques. These diets are used to help cleanse the digestive system, allowing the elimination of excessive toxins.Nutritional supplements can play a major role in cancer prevention and cancer therapy. There are many different approaches being practiced successfully. For example, antioxidants, such as Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Alpha-Lipoic-Acid combat the free radical damage associated with cancer. Sea vegetables such as kombu are linked to a lower breast cancer rate in Japanese women. Garlic appears to boost the Natural Killer cell function and block cancer cells in the bloodstream. Certain types of digestive enzymes can be used to break down the protective coating on certain cancer cells. Minerals such as selenium, magnesium, calcium, and zinc are also used in varying dosages for certain cancer therapies.As you may know, my PhD research is on the connection between nutrition and health. I'm concentrating on the importance of 8 basic carbohydrates called glyconutrients that help the cells communicate properly. 'Glyco' means sugar and these 8 simple sugars are involved in every cell interaction. The relatively new scientific field of glycobiology is making amazing discoveries on the impact of these simple sugars on our health. The studies show that many of these glyconutritional sugars, such as fucose, inhibit growth and/or tumor cell metastasis in certain cancers. The inhibition of cancer growth by glyconutritional sugars, such as mannose, appears to be partially related to immune system activation of Natural Killer cells, the white blood cell that destroys cancer cells. Research also demonstrates that glyconutritional sugars appear to inhibit tumor cell metastasis by preventing the attachment of tumor cells to normal cells. They do this by competing for glyconutritional sugar binding sites on the cell surfaces.I personally know individuals that have had outstanding results against cancer with the use of these nutrients. Various glyconutrients are traditionally found in mother's breast milk, pectin from apples and oranges, specific types of mushrooms, and limu. However, most of these glyconutrients are not in our diets. Luckily, our bodies can manufacture many of these nutrients through a lengthy metabolic process. Unfortunately, the effects of stress, medications, and other environmental factors make this process difficult and prone to errors. For that reason as well as the nutrition lost from the over-processing of our foods, the only way to insure that you get all 8 glyconutrients is through nutritional supplements. For additional information on glyconutritional supplements, you may also refer to material posted at www.glycoscience.com or at www.glycoinformation.com. You can also research these nutrients on PubMed under glycobiology or by name of the sugar such as fucose, mannose, etc.
Source by ezinearticles.com

Breast Cancer Detection, Treatments and Prevention


Breast cancer is the number one disease that women in the United States fear the most, and for compelling reasons. According to the American Cancer Society, this year about 175,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer and about 43,300 deaths from breast cancer will occur among women in the USA.Breast cancer is a rapid, uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in one or both breasts. Researchers have identified lots of risk factors (such as age, diet, cigarette smoking, alcohol intake, and family history), but the specific causes of breast cancer remain elusive.There are five main stages of breast cancer. If breast cancer is detected in its early stages, the 5 year survival rate is greater than 95%.Breast cancer is more easily treated and often curable if it is found early. Monthly breast self-examinations should begin at age 20. Recommended screening methods include breast self-examination and mammography. Treatment for breast cancer usually depends on the type of cancer and whether the cancer has spread outside of the breast to the rest of the body. Treatment options include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and endocrine/anti-hormone therapy. It's very important to diagnose inflammatory breast cancer quickly so that treatment can begin. After surgery, radiation treatment is used to try to kill any remaining cancer cells.Possible surgical treatments are either a mastectomy (complete removal of the breast) or breast conserving therapy. Even if a mastectomy is needed (about 30-40% of patients need this), building a new breast, called reconstruction, offers a natural looking breast replacement. Breast-conserving surgery (which removes only some of your breast) often works just as well as a mastectomy (which removes all of your breast).Mammograms can detect tumors in the earliest stages, however, a standard mammogram can miss 15-20% of cancerous tumors. Heightened awareness of breast cancer risk in the past decades has led to an increase in the number of women undergoing mammography for screening, leading to detection of cancers in earlier stages and a resultant improvement in survival rates.Research suggests that routine exercise may help prevent breast cancer. Up to 10 percent of breast cancer patients eventually suffer a recurrence in the other breast. The cause of breast cancer is unknown. Early detection of breast cancer is therefore vital as it increases the chances of successful treatment. The chance of a woman in her 40s developing breast cancer is about one in 70, whereas the risk of a woman in her 80s developing breast cancer is one in 25. When breast cancer is confined to the breast the five year survival rate is over 95%. For women aged 40-49, the evidence that screening mammography reduces mortality from breast cancer is weaker, and the absolute benefit of mammography is smaller, than it is for older women.The good news is that breast cancer is a disease that can be treated and cured. More than 90 out of 100 women whose breast cancer is found early will be cured. While there is still no cure for the disease, the experts and leading organizations such as the American Cancer Society, Susan G. Doctors and scientists are working on finding cures for all types of breast cancer. Finding and treating breast cancer early is the best way to increase your chances of survival and cure.
Source by ezineaarticles.com

A detailed overview of brain cancer


Brain cancer tumors may originate in the brain (primary site) or they may metastasize to the brain from another site. Prostate cancer, for example, may metastasize to the liver, the lung, the hip, and then to the brain. Metastasized brain tumors have a poor prognosis because of the already advanced state of the cancer.The human brain anatomy is complex system responsible for many body functions. Injury that causes damage, traumatic experiences, or brain tumors can greatly alter one's life.Cancerous tumors that form in the brain (primary) tend to stay within the brain and not branch out to other organs. Their growth can take up the space needed by the healthy brain and cause many conditions, including hearing loss and stroke. The ratio is about 50/50 regarding the occurrence of metastasized and primary brain tumors. The leading cause cancer related death in people in people younger than 35.The most dangerous chemical in terms of causing this type of cancer is Vinyl Chloride. This is used 'all over' in plumbing, furniture, and house wares. This is presumed to be safe to use unless it is heated as in a microwave oven, which evaporates and drives the substance into the food being heated.For this reason, always use glass or other microwave safe containers in the microwave oven. Don't burn plastic such as plastic wrapping and containers in a bon fire or fireplace. The smoke can be 'hazardous to your health'.Typical Symptoms: Any impairment in hearing, sight, judgment, speech, cognitive skills such as reasoning or remembering, or stroke symptoms such as paralysis of one side of the body, inability to walk properly, can be symptomatic of a tumor in the brain.The treatments are generally the same for other kinds of cancer and tumors. One innovative treatment is the use of the GLIADEL WAFER. These are packed into the space formerly occupied by the tumor and slowly release chemotherapy agents in order to destroy any cancer cells that may have not been removed. This has increased life expectancy for some kinds of brain tumors by fifty percent.
Source by ezinearticles.com

Saturday, January 1, 2011

Can What You Eat Really Affect Skin Cancer?


Skin cancer is something we are all well aware of. The dangers are constantly around us, and we are led to believe that the only way we can possibly get skin cancer, is if we expose our skin to too much sunlight without wearing protection.However, there are some studies which claim that what we eat can also have a drastic effect on our chances of developing the condition. On the other hand some studies say that our diet cannot affect the condition. So what are we supposed to believe? Can our diet really affect our chances of getting skin cancer? Or is it just a load of rubbish?
Skin Cancer and Our Diet
There is also some kind of research going on in order to find links between our lifestyle and cancer. We all know that our diet affects our skin, but did you know that your diet could also affect skin cancer?The suns UV levels are apparently a good source of vitamin D for our bodies. Whilst that may be true, there are people that go off into the sun without adequate protection, thinking that Vitamin D will help them reduce the risk of skin cancer, as well as other cancers, and that they will not be harmed because Vitamin D is good for them.However, whilst it is true that the sun does help our bodies to have a higher Vitamin D production, it is still well known for giving us skin cancer. This means that we need to get our Vitamin D from other sources, for example in our diets.It is thought that fatty diets increase our risk of developing skin cancer. Studies have been done on mice, where scientists have underfed a group of them, exposed them to chemicals which promote skin cancer, and they have found that fewer underfed mice developed the condition compared to the other group of mice who did not have their calorie intake reduced.So this showed that somehow, eating healthier and having a calorie restricted diet, somehow helped to promote a protective hormone, which stopped some of the mice developing skin cancer. However, the studies have not shown fully which gland produced the hormone, so those tests are currently incomplete.There is no denying that the diet plays a big part in our skin condition, and it is more than likely that it does in fact affect our chances of developing skin cancer. So what foods should we be eating?Oily fish is extremely good for the skin and fish such as salmon can really help to cut chances of skin cancer down. This is because the omega three fatty acids help to repair DNA damage caused by the cancer.Eating oily fish three times a week has been proven to reduce a persons risk of burning in the sun right down after a month, and after three months, the risk of burning in the sun is further reduced by up to 33%.However, whilst they may help to cut down the risk, they are still no match for fierce sun levels and sun protection should still be worn.It is thought that a healthy diet is your best defense against all forms of cancer, and eating plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables is definitely the way to go! Cutting down on salty and sugary foods is also definitely a good idea, as is increasing the amount of calcium you get daily.Overall there is research to say that diet affects skin cancer, and research to suggest that it does not. If you are unsure your best bet is to simply eat healthier anyway. Eating healthy is good for the skin whether you are trying to prevent skin cancer or not.Trying to get at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day is what you should be aiming for, and also cutting down on really fatty foods. If you are unsure about anything you can always consult a doctor or nutritionist and they will be able to give you more advice.
Source by ezinearticles.com

Learn How To Prevent Lung Cancer


Lung cancer is a malignant disease commonly associated with people who smoke heavily. It is estimated that a higher number of men are suffering from this form of cancer. Lately however, the number of women affected with lung cancer is steadily catching up with the number of men affected with the disease.Diet is an important measure in preventing lung cancer. The risk of developing lung cancer for smokers and non-smokers alike are lowered when they eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables daily. Among the most important fruits and vegetables that should be included in your diet are apples, tomatoes, melons, mangoes, dark leafy greens and onions. Apple and onion are rich in cancer-fighting flavonoids. According to a study conducted in Finland, people who consume more apples are 58 percent less likely to develop lung cancer than those who do not eat apples at all.Try to add some tomato sauce in your cooking. Research shows that tomatoes, especially cooked ones, seem to exhibit protective properties against lung cancer.Taking in high amounts of beta-carotenes can also lower the risk of lung cancer in smokers. Carotenoid compounds are found in certain produce like peaches, mangoes, melon, squash, sweet potatoes, pumpkins and green leafy vegetables. Beta-carotene supplement however should be avoided. A study conducted by a Finnish group indicated that an 18 percent rise in lung cancer cases was seen in heavy smokers who were taking beta-carotene supplements. Moreover, the National Cancer Institute researchers also stopped their study on the effects of vitamin A and beta-carotene after smokers who were taking the supplements showed 28 percent more lung cancer than those taking placebos.Another important measure in the prevention of lung cancer is a routine medical check-up. This should also be accompanied with prophylactic medicines and supplements. An x-ray is necessary especially for those people who smoke and are at the age of 50 and above. A yearly chest x-ray will be especially beneficial for those people who are at high risk of developing lung cancer. A chest x-ray is a preventive measure done to screen for lung cancer. A routine chest x-ray will enable doctors to diagnose lung cancer early so that proper treatment procedures will be implemented.Aspirin has been shown to ward off lung cancer especially when a dosage of 81 to 325 mg is taken daily. However, you should consult your doctor about the prophylactic advantage of taking aspirin since this form of therapy comes with known side effects.Selenium that is often found in multivitamin and mineral supplements also shows properties that ward off cancer especially when taken over a long period of time. Some studies show that those who are taking selenium supplements exhibit about 46 percent lower lung cancer rate.Vitamin C is also good in the prevention of lung cancer. Some studies suggest that people who regularly take 140 mg or more of vitamin C have lower risk of developing lung cancer than those who only get 90 mg or less of vitamin C dosage.Lifestyle change is also vital in the prevention of lung cancer. People who smoke should consider quitting the habit. When a person stops smoking, his lung cancer risk is lowered by almost half in 10 years.Finally, the second most common cause of lung cancer is exposure to radon, a colorless gas found in the ground. Test your home for any presence of radon. You can either buy a do-it yourself kit to check for radon which is available in your home supply stores or you can hire a professional to do it for you.
Source by ezinearticles.com

Thursday, December 30, 2010

Living with Ovarian Cancer


Living with ovarian cancer can be very tough on a woman. Even if she gets her cancer diagnosed early, the treatment process itself can produce complications that can make her life miserable. For example, chemotherapy is known to make people sick, while surgery carries with it a lot of pain. But at least these options will bring about long-term survival, when they are used with ovarian cancer in its beginning stages. Yet, what about women who are living with ovarian cancer that has progressed to something much worse? They suffer both the complications of treatment and the fact that their chances of living long aren't very high.With that being said, what's the best way to go about living with ovarian cancer? Well, first a woman should network with other women who are also living with ovarian cancer. These women can be found on ovarian cancer message boards and/or at ovarian cancer support groups. Sometimes you can contact people who are part of these groups as they are often in a similar situation as you.Secondly, you should consider going to clinical trials. These are research studies in which new drugs or other ovarian cancer therapies are tested. Granted, there's no guarantee that such things will stop your ovarian cancer, but it at least gives you some form of hope. You are also providing invaluable research data for scientists who are looking to see what will kill the cancer tumors and what won't. Even if the treatment can't save your life, perhaps through your participation researchers can gain the knowledge they need to form future treatments that could save the lives of other women.Finally, when you are living with ovarian cancer, you should find a way to develop your spiritual side. This doesn't necessarily equate to being religious, though if you are religious it doesn't hurt to hold on to it even more. But with true spirituality, you are looking at things on a level higher than obeying commandments or even seeking 'heaven'. With true spirituality you are looking at your existence in relation to the overall universe and God. Even atheists can become more spiritual, by partaking in the things of life that bring an ethereal sense of joy. For example, going camping and enjoying the beauty of nature is one way of increasing a person's spirituality. Embarking on your own personal talents, such as painting or writing is another way you can get in touch with your spirituality.In conclusion, you do not have an easy road ahead when you are living with ovarian cancer. However, you can make life more bearable by: talking about your disease with other women who also have it, partaking in clinical trials and developing a deeper sense of spirituality in spite of living with ovarian cancer. These things won't make your cancer go away, but they may help you find more comfort as you go through each day.
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5 Common Herbs To Help With Your Stress


The use of herbs for stress is getting much more common. Herbal treatments have become readily obtainable, from special teas to pills and capsules. A lot of people are looking to natural stress and anxiety remedies instead of the traditional medicine for a wide range of stress associated signs or symptoms. When it comes to reducing the side effects of stress on the body, herbs tend to be the ideal solution as they assist to decrease stress associated build ups of harmful toxins, to calm an over active mind and to help break down adrenaline as well as reinforce the heart and breathing system. All of which are under attack through continuing stress and anxiety.Here I have chosen 5 common herbs for stress that can help reduce your levels: Siberian Ginseng, Ashwagandha, Rhodiola Rosea, Valerian Root and Chamomile.Today taking natural herbs for stress is an easy and often inexpensive way to overcome stress.Siberian Ginseng is an especially useful herb in the treatment of stress. It can increase energy levels and diminish irritability. It can combat mental and physical fatigue, relieve depression and anxiety and increase resistance to stress by strengthening the nervous system.Ashwagandha is a famed Indian herb used against stress for thousands of years. It is an adaptive herb that improves our ability to adapt to change and to productively react to external and internal stress factors. It is particularly useful if you suffer from fatigue. The anti-inflamatory properties of Ashwagandha are very important in times of stress, as excess stress can cause systemic inflammation.Another of the important herbs for stress is Rhodiola Rosea. It also stimulates the immune system which helps fight off illness and disease.One of the most common symptoms of stress is insomnia. The benefits of using natural herbal remedies to reduce your stress are numerous. Most herbs for stress can be found in many different forms such as teas, tablets, capsules or liquids.
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Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Exercise & Prostate Cancer Risk


There is an increasing body of research evidence to suggest that many cases of cancer can be prevented through lifestyle and diet modifications. (More enthusiastic cancer prevention experts have suggested that 80 percent of cancer cases, or more, might be preventable with rigorous lifestyle and diet changes.) Given that, in the best case, modern cancer treatment results in the long-term survival of only about 60 percent of all cancer patients, and that the survival rate for many of the most lethal cancers still remains far more dismal, an ounce of cancer prevention is certainly worth much more than a pound of cancer cure.Prostate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer that occurs in men, and the second most common cause of cancer death in men. In 2009, an estimated 192,000 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed, and approximately 27,000 men will die of this disease. Prostate cancer currently afflicts 1 out of every 6 American men during their lifetimes, and accounts for 25 percent of all cancer diagnoses in men (similar, I might add, to the percentage of breast cancer cases among all cancer cases diagnosed in women). The relationship between prostate cancer risk and exercise has not been entirely clear, thus far, as various clinical studies have produced contradictory findings. Some of these studies have suggested that high levels of daily physical activity may reduce the risk of prostate cancer, while other studies have not confirmed a link between prostate cancer risk and physical activity levels.A new prospective public health study, just published in the British Journal of Cancer, adds further important evidence that increased levels of physical activity may indeed reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer. Importantly, the researchers conducting this study took the extra step of conducting 7-day physical activity evaluations to verify that the study's participants actually engaged in the levels of physically activity that they claimed on the questionnaires. (This additional validation step confirmed the accuracy of the questionnaire information supplied by the study's volunteers.) The incidence of prostate cancer, and the death rate associated with prostate cancer, among these 45,887 middle-aged and elderly men were then analyzed at the conclusion of this very large prospective epidemiological study.When the men who engaged in physical activity at the highest levels were compared with those at the lowest levels, some very important differences in prostate cancer risk emerged. Overall, very high levels of physical activity were associated with a 16 percent reduction in the risk of developing prostate cancer. Additionally, among the men who spent at least half of their work days being physically active, the risk of prostate cancer was 20 percent lower when compared to men who spent most of their work day sitting down. Additionally, the risk of developing advanced prostate cancer appeared to be further lessened by regular daily physical activity.The results of this study mirror those of other high-quality cancer prevention studies for other types of cancer (including, most notably, breast cancer). Cancer is the number two cause of premature death when including people of all ages, and the number one cause of premature death below the age of 80 in the United States. Regular exercise, including relatively moderate activities such as brisk walking or bicycling, have been shown to significantly reduce the risk of death due to cardiovascular disease, as well as, increasingly, the risk of developing or dying from multiple different types of cancer.
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Prognosis of Ovarian Cancer, Nothing is Set in Stone


The definition of a prognosis is a professional medical opinion about the most likely course and outcome of a particular disease based on records from hundreds of patients with the disease.However, there are many factors that can influence your individual ovarian cancer prognosis. Some of these factors include a patients overall health, their response to treatments and the stage of the cancer. This is why an ovarian cancer prognosis can never accurately predict the future for a woman with ovarian cancer.It is easy to see why women who have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer are worried about their future. Among women, ovarian cancer is the fourth leading death from cancer. In order to help patients and their family plan for treatment, lifestyle changes and financial issues it is best to learn as much about the disease as possible so you know what is likely to happen in the future months. Often those who are diagnosed with ovarian cancer are anxious to hear their prognosis. As a result, many go to their doctors or research statistics associated with ovarian cancer.The simple definition of an ovarian cancer prognosis is the fact that it provides a patient with their probability of pulling through and recovering from the cancer or suffering a recurrence. A return of the cancer is always an issue with whether or not a patient wants to continue treatments.Some of the factors a doctor will consider when making an ovarian cancer prognosis include the following:
•The type and location of the cancer
•The stage of the cancer and how far it has spread to other areas of the body
•The age, overall health and treatment reaction of the woman
Before a doctor discusses a patient's prognosis and attempt to determine what will happen, all of these factors are considered carefully. Doctors will also base their prognosis on data from researchers that has been gathered throughout the years from hundreds or thousands of cancer patients. These statistics will often help a doctor to consider patients in a similar situation to that of the individual they are treating.When a patient has a positive response to cancer treatment then they will often get a positive prognosis. However, if a patient has a poor response to treatment then they will likely get a unfavorable prognosis. It is important for women to remember that a prognosis is simply a prediction of what the doctor thinks will happen, but it is never completely accurate regarding the final outcome of a patient's treatment.A doctor who has spent a lot of time with the patient will have the most current information about the patient's illness. This is why it is important for cancer patients to stay with the same doctor in order to increase the strength of the prognosis.It is important to realize that a doctor can't guarantee a prognosis to be accurate. A prognosis can quickly change if the cancer spreads or if there is a positive response to treatment. An ovarian cancer prognosis should simply be a guide to help a patient prepare for how they are going to deal with the illness.
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Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Facts About Colon Cancer in Women


Contrary to the popular misconception, colon cancer is a common ailment that affects both men and women. Indeed, it is seen as the third most common reason for cancer deaths in women. Hence, women should never underestimate their ability to develop cancerous enlargements on the inner walls of their colons. This terrible fallacy of it being a 'man's disease' needs to be replaced with education on the risk factors for women, how they can curtail the occurrence of colon cancer, and the proper ways to receive screening and treatment, diminishing its impact.What are the risk factors for women with regards to cancer of the colon? Well, it has been stated that as a woman increases in age, she is more likely to develop colon cancer as this hazard increases two fold every five years. This is not made better with the process of menopause or if colon cancer runs in the family.Unfortunately, women with other types of cancers such as breast and uterine cancer, are also viable prospects for colorectal cancer. But when all is said and done, there are ways in which a woman can protect herself from developing colon cancer or in cases where it already exists, decrease its impact. These include receiving the proper screening, more formally known as a colonoscopy. This test detects the early signs and symptoms of colon cancer so that it can be treated. This is why it is important for women to not have a high fat or low fiber diet but one rich in fruits and vegetables, as it reduces these risks. Furthermore, hormone replacement therapy is a good method used with women who have gone through menopause to reduce the likelihood of colon cancer as well. All in all, regular exercise and daily supplements such as calcium should be taken, which has been proven to have reduced the risk of having a cancerous colon by 30-50% in women.Finally, as the colonoscopy has been proven to be the best tool employed for early detection of cancer of the colon, women should know all about such a procedure. A colonoscopy gives doctors a clear view of the lining of the colon to identify any signs of growths or enlargements resulting in this cancer. This 15-30 minutes examination involves the insertion of a slender, supple scope with a camera and an illuminator into the anus. With a running cost of $500 to $1000, the patient is made to take a number of pills or to drink a lot of a special fluids to release the bowels beforehand so that when the individual is sedated and examined, a clear depiction of what is going on inside the colon can be obtained.There is really nothing to be scared about while going through this process. You will normally be sedated and made as comfortable as possible while you are examined. Besides, it is all for a good cause, which is maintaining your health. Because colon cancer is becoming so common in women, it is better to be in the know than to be clueless until it is too late. Be proactive and get yourself tested today!
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