Archive for the ‘Cancer Survival’ Category

Breast Cancer Treatment With Fruit

Friday, March 5th, 2010

New research indicates that substances found in pomegranates and mangoes may be natural alternatives to breast cancer medication and other treatment options. If you love sinking your teeth into juicy delectable fruits, you are in luck, particularly if you know someone with breast cancer or are a breast cancer patient yourself. Pomegranates and mangoes are considered to be superfruits, or fruits that are known for their exceptional nutritional richness and antioxidant qualities. Fruits are delicious, contain a variety of nutrients, and there are no side-effects as a result of their consumption, which makes them an excellent form of medicine.

Mangos

At Texas A&M University’s AgriLife Research department, laboratory experiments indicated that mango fruit prevented or stopped cancer growth in certain breast and colon cell lines. The experiments also showed that mango extract demonstrated some anticancer abilities when tested on prostate, leukemia and lung cancer cells. When tested on the most common breast and colon cancers, however, mango compounds were found to have even stronger cancer fighting abilities than when tested on the other types of cancer cells.

In the experiments, the researchers documented that the cancer cell division process was interrupted by the mango extract. In fact, the mango extract caused the colon and breast cancer cells to undergo apoptosis, or programmed cell death.

What do mangoes contain that may eventually have the scientific and medical communities singing their praises as worthwhile adversaries of breast cancer? The answer is polyphenols, the natural phytochemicals found in plants. Polyphenols are antioxidants with the potential to protect the body from disease.

When husband and wife food scientists Dr. Suzanne and Steve Talcott performed the experiments at Texas A&M, they evaluated specific polyphenols for effectiveness. What they found was that gallotannins were the most active cancer-fighting agents in mangoes. Gallotannins are a class of natural polyphenolic compounds believed to aid in the prevention or halt the growth of cancer cells.

Pomegranates

In reference to the results of a study published in the January issue of Cancer Prevention Research, researchers say they’ve found a natural substance in pomegranates that could prevent the development of hormone-dependent breast cancer and stop the growth of estrogen-responsive tumors. Pomegranate fruit contains phytochemicals, specifically Urolithin B, that work like aromatase inhibitors.

Aromatase inhibitors are used by physicians to block the synthesis of estrogen in an attempt to subdue the growth of estrogen-dependent breast cancer tumors. According to the Mayo Clinic website, AI drugs come choc-full of side effects such as severe joint pain, muscle aches, hot flashes, headaches, bone fractures, fatigue, and even a risk of heart disease.

The research team for the aforementioned study discovered that natural phytochemicals found in pomegranates suppress estrogen production, thereby preventing the spread of breast cancer cells and the growth of estrogen-responsive tumors. One particular substance found in pomegranates - dubbed Urolithin B - significantly inhibited the growth of cultured breast cancer cells in the laboratory.

So, mango and pomegranate lovers, eat and drink up! Both fruits have the potential to alter some of those dismal breast cancer statistics by preventing the spread of breast cancer!

By Jenny Heart. Research breast cancer medication through extensive breast cancer info resource site. Find doctors, breast cancer statistics and patient stories.

Traditional Versus Minimally Invasive Lung Cancer Surgery

Thursday, March 4th, 2010

There are a number of reasons surgery is performed on the lungs. The most common reason involves cancer. If a mass is identified within the lung tissue, a surgical team will be assigned to remove it. There are a few approaches that can be taken depending on where the mass is located as well as its size. Surgery may also be performed to correct a collapsed lung or to drain fluid that is accumulating nearby.

Today, minimally invasive techniques are used to reduce the likelihood of complications and provide a shorter recovery period for the patient. In this article, we’ll provide an overview of the differences between traditional thoracotomy and minimally invasive lung cancer surgery. While the former is still performed in some circumstances, the latter is becoming increasingly common.

Types Of Surgical Procedures

First, it’s worth reviewing the different operations performed on the lungs. As noted, most surgical procedures are done to cure lung cancer (LC). If the aforementioned mass is small and only found within a tiny portion of tissue, a wedge resection is performed to remove that portion.

In cases where the cancerous cells are detected within a larger portion of tissue, a lobectomy may be done. This is a procedure during which one entire lobe is removed. If it is necessary to remove two adjoining lobes, the procedure is called a bilobectomy.

When the diseased cells have spread throughout the lung, a surgeon will perform a pneumonectomy to remove the entire organ. Its absence will lower the patient’s quality of life, but the patient can live with only one lung.

Minimally Invasive Approaches

Traditionally, lung cancer surgery was performed through an open chest operation (i.e. thoracotomy). A long incision is made into the patient’s side between the ribs. The surgeon then uses a retractor to spread the patient’s ribs in order to provide enough room to work. With the ribs spread apart, the surgeon accesses the site and removes the tumor.

Thoracoscopy can accomplish the same results without the need to make a long incision or spread the ribs. Instead, the surgeon will make several smaller incisions. A thin, tubular instrument called a thoracoscope is outfitted with a video camera and inserted through one of the small incisions. As the surgeon guides the thoracoscope to the affected tissue, the video camera transmits images of the chest cavity back to the surgical team.

Once the site has been identified, other instruments are inserted and guided to the diseased tissue. The portion containing the cancerous cells is cut away and removed.

Differences Between Traditional and Minimally Invasive Surgery

Because thoracotomy is so invasive, patients are exposed to several potential complications. These can include respiratory failure, internal bleeding, pneumonia, and air leaks. Moreover, the patient is forced to cope with intense postoperative pain during recovery.

With minimally invasive lung cancer surgery, the potential for complications is significantly reduced. There is also far less postoperative pain and the recovery period is shortened. It’s not uncommon for patients to be released from the hospital after two or three days following surgery (compared to up to ten days following thoracotomy).

What To Expect After The Operation

After you undergo lung cancer surgery (assuming minimally invasive techniques are used), you will experience some level of tenderness near the incisions. The pain will eventually subside. Within a few days, you will be released to complete your recovery at home. Your doctor will prescribe pain medications to reduce any lingering discomfort. Once you no longer need these medications, you will be able to resume your normal activities. Most patients find they can return to their normal routine after four or five weeks.

Not everyone is a candidate for minimally invasive lung cancer surgery. Your doctor will want to perform a few tests to check whether this form of treatment is appropriate given the staging of the disease and your condition.

Find the right doctor for lung cancer treatments or mitral valve repair. Early diagnosis can lead to successful results

Self Healing CD About Cancer Information

Tuesday, March 2nd, 2010

How can Nancy Hopps’ CD “Cancer: Embracing the Healing Journey” help cancer patients?

In Nancy’s own words…(taken from a live interview)

“I think one of the most challenging things about navigating your way through a cancer healing journey is the feeling, at times, of being very scared and very, very alone. Having been through my own journey, I have a first-hand understanding, and a deep level of compassion for what a “cancer patient” may be experiencing at various stages of the journey.

“In the introduction of my double-CD set, “Cancer: Embracing the Healing Journey”, my intention is to help you, the listener, really feel that you’re not alone. I lead you into that place within your own being where you are more fully attuned to your own inner strength, more fully aware of the Higher Power, the Higher Source, (by whatever name you choose to call it) In this place you are attuned to the greatest and most profound healing power…the power of Love. This awareness can serve as an anchor, a source of courage and strength for you as you confront all the challenges, choices and decisions you’re faced with on this healing journey. It is also a journey with many potential blessings… even though it may not feel like it at the time.

There is a distinction that I talk about on the CD (and in the booklet) between healing and curing. Curing is defined as “to recover from a disease”. Healing is referred to as “to set right or to make whole”. It’s very important to realize that in addition to the cure you are seeking, there are also many opportunities for healing – in ways you might never have imagined.

You also may not fully realize the scope of the healing that’s occurring until you look back on it. But everyone I know who has gone through a cancer healing journey has been able to look back and say “thank you” – for the learning, the growth and the richness of the experience.

“So whether or not it makes sense to you in this moment, know that you are not alone. And please trust that there are deep blessings that come with a deeply challenging journey such as the one through cancer…You will come to know them, even if they’re not apparent right now.”

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These sentiments are also expressed in the introduction to Nancy’s award-winning CD and booklet, Cancer: Embracing the Healing Journey. This double CD set provides nearly two and a half hours of guidance, support, practical advice, encouragement and Love. As a cancer survivor herself, Nancy brings her personal and professional experience in mind-body-spirit healing to this unique and invaluable recording.

This comprehensive program, including an information rich 24-page booklet, combines deep relaxation with the power of healing guided imagery meditations and healing affirmations as it deals with diagnosis shock, treatment choices, decision-making, embracing emotions, being a proactive patient, trusting your inner knowing, enhancing healing and the post-cancer “re-entry” process. Clearly created by someone who’s been there, Nancy compassionately walks you through the healing journey with an authority that inspires deep trust, and a genuine warmth that eases the mind and opens the heart.

The power of guided healing visualization and positive healing affirmations, combined for holistic mind-body healing, cannot be overstated. Rather than simply “fight cancer”, you can learn to let Love be the most active, potent force in your self-healing process, enhancing overall mind body spirit healing.

As thousands of listeners have experienced, Nancy Hopps’ compassionate wisdom, skillful suggestions and “amazingly soothing voice” can greatly assist you to Relax Into Healing.

Whether breast, lung, brain, liver, skin, stomach, ovarian, uterine, cervical, prostate, lymphoma, or any other kind of cancer, this guided imagery CD, with its positive affirmations and compassionate wisdom is a perfect complementary or adjunctive therapy as part of any allopathic or alternative healing protocol.

To find out more about Nancy Hopps’ award-winning products, services and appearances, please visit RelaxIntoHealing.com.

Deep relaxation is the common foundation of Nancy Hopps extensive healing work. It is in this state of deep relaxation, when the body is stilled, the emotions soothed, the mind quieted, that one experiences the center of peace within… and it is in this place of quiet stillness, this essence of the being, that optimal healing occurs. For more information about Nancy’s work and CD’s, please visit http://www.RelaxIntoHealing.com.

Thyroid Cancer: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Tuesday, February 9th, 2010

The thyroid gland is a butterfly shaped gland which is there in the front of the neck. The thyroid gland produces two kinds of hormones. One of which is responsible for regulating the heart rate, energy levels and body temperature. And the other one controls the level of calcium in the body. The thyroid cancer is a medical condition, where the cells are produced and divided in the thyroid gland but then these wouldn’t die. In the body new cells are producing all the time and the die at the same rate and that is why there is a harmony. This harmony is broken by the birth if the cells which are consistently growing and dividing but these would not die. This abnormal growth of cells in the thyroid gland would be called thyroid cancer.

Every disease has a set of symptoms and thyroid cancer is no different. The cancer growth in the thyroid glad could be indicated by the lump or noodle surfacing up on the front neck just near the Adam’s apple. In case you are finding it difficult to talk or are feeling hoarseness could be an indication of thyroid cancer. Lymph nodes get swollen in the neck. The person affected by the thyroid cancer would have problems breathing and swallowing things and would be experiencing pain in the neck and the throat. All these symptoms would not necessary say that the person has thyroid cancer. These are indication that would call for a check up to know the root cause which may or may not be thyroid cancer. Physical examination by the doctor, a blood test, Radionuclide scanning and Biopsy would be the ways of ensuring if these symptoms are the indication of thyroid cancer.

The breaking of the news to a person about the thyroid cancer could be quite dramatic in nature and would be shocking and stressful not only for the patient but also for the family. It is important that the patient is supported by the family so that he is positive all the time. This would help many folds during the treatment process. Ideally the treatment should start within few weeks of the diagnoses. The doctor would refer you to the specialists who can treat cancer. The specialist would undertake various procedures to rest the cancer, depending upon the ground realities of the patient. Surgeons, medical oncologists, endocrinologists & radiation oncologists are certain treatment options. During the entire process the doctor and the patient should be talking in depth about the decision around the treatment.

It would be a good idea to take a second opinion on the advice given buys the first doctor. This doesn’t mean that you are distrusting the doctor; it is just a way to be very sure about what you are getting into. Finally when a treatment is decided, the same should be explained clearly to the patient and the patient should agree with the same and only then the same could be proceeded with a positive outlook is indispensable.

Abortion Pill Clinic. Dr. James S. Pendergraft opened the Orlando Women’s Center in March 1996 to provide a full range of health care for women, including Abortion Pill, physical examinations, family planning, counseling, laboratory services. Orlando Women’s Center. Abortion By Pill.

Bone Cancer: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Tuesday, February 9th, 2010

The word cancer could be the last thing that any one wants to hear. The cancer is caused when there is any abnormal growth of the cells in a specific part of the body. When this happens in the bone tissues, it is called the bone cancer. There are three kinds of bone tissues in the bone - Compact tissue which is the hard outside of the bone. Cancellous tissue is on the inside which makes blood cells and the Subchondral tissue which are the tissues of the joints. The abnormal cell growth can happen in any of these tissues causing bone cancer. Benign or noncancerous; Malignant or cancerous; primary bone cancer and the secondary bone cancer are the various kinds of bone cancer.

The bone cancer causes are not quite clear despite the development of the medical sciences. The doctors can’t really explain that why some one has bone cancer and the other person doesn’t. Though, they can say for sure that bone cancer is not contagious. The doctors can’t explain why, but they believe that if a person is exposed to certain risk factors, he could have or can develop bone cancer. The risk factors would include – being at a certain age, being a young adult or a child; previous chemotherapy or radiation; Paget’s disease history; any history of bone cancer in the family; inheritance of retinoblastoma.

The symptoms of bone cancer could be a little tricky. An even a slight sign that could possibly indicate that one has bone cancer should rush to the doctor without delay. The patient might experience bone pain; tenderness & swelling near the affected area would be surfaced; the bones would go weak and would be quite prone to fracturing; unintended weight loss would be noticed and the person would start feeling weak. Fever and anemia could be other signs of bone cancer as well.

The treatment of bone cancer would depend upon many factors – like the stage at which the patient is, can the same be treated by drugs, how severe the symptoms are. Surgery could be an option where the part affected is removed. The surgery for bone cancer would include one for removal of the entire limb, when the cancer is in a complicated area or is covering a large area for that matter. Surgery to remove the affected area only and not the limb could be the second type of surgery and then the surgery which would not affect the limbs. Chemotherapy and Radiation therapy are the other alternative treatments for bone cancer.

The patient should be aware of all the possible treatments in details, so that he would be able to make a prudent decision about the same. The family should take care that the patient is not too depressed because of the situation, meeting other people with cancer, could help coping up with the cancer. A positive outlook is really important for any treatment to work. One needs to take all the precautions and treatment as directed by the doctor.

Abortion Pill Clinic. Dr. James S. Pendergraft opened the Orlando Women’s Center in March 1996 to provide a full range of health care for women, including Abortion Pill, physical examinations, family planning, counseling, laboratory services. Orlando Women’s Center. Abortion By Pill.

Natural Tips To Fight Prostate Cancer

Sunday, February 7th, 2010

If you have just been diagnosed with prostate cancer, your doctor may have given you a choice of treatment options. But what to choose and how?

Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer among men, with over 200,000 cases diagnosed each year in the United States. It occurs when cells in the prostate, a gland located under the bladder that is necessary for proper sexual function in men, becomes cancerous due to a flux in testosterone. Most cases of prostate cancer don’t occur until after 50 years of age, but in recent years the percentage of men in their 30s and 40s diagnosed with prostate problems and prostate cancer has been steadily rising.

Conventional treatments for prostate cancer include surgery to remove the prostate gland or radiotherapy. These are aggressive options and complications including impotence and urinary incontinence can result from surgery, and the risk of secondary cancers is a concern since science already knows radiation exposure causes cancer.

The PSA blood test is another area of confusion. A report published in the June 2009 issue of “A Cancer Journal for Clinicians” shows routine PSA blood tests often result in over diagnosis of prostate cancer, which then results in unnecessary treatments. The PSA test can be deceptive. There can be different reasons for an elevated PSA level, including prostate cancer, benign prostate enlargement, inflammation, infection, age and race.

In the United States over one million prostate cancer tissue biopsy procedures are performed. Approximately 25% are reported as positive, indicating the presence of prostate cancer. The remaining 75% are reported negative. But the alarming fact is that one-third of the men who originally had prostate tissue biopsies that reported negative for prostate cancer actually do have prostate cancer but it was missed by the biopsy. There is also concern biopsies can spread cancer.

Prostate cancer is typically slow growing and is very much a disease that can be managed…if you make the appropriate lifestyle changes. Early detection is important and there are natural and nutritional agents that can help you to prevent and treat prostate cancer.

1. Get lots of sun exposure to drive up your vitamin D levels. A recent study found men with prostate cancer are seven times less likely to die if they have high levels of vitamin D.

2. A study conducted at the University of Illinois found a relationship between prostate cancer and the daily consumption of broccoli and tomatoes. These are natural lycopene foods, as are raspberries and watermelon, which contain compounds that can fight cancer.

3. Keep your insulin levels below three as high insulin levels drive and promote cancer.

4. Free radical damage from oxidative stress acquired through aging or exposure to cancer-causing substances is associated with an increase in a man’s risk for prostate cancer. Taking certain antioxidants, such as vitamin E, selenium and lycopene are thought to lower this risk.

5. We know that our diets are intimately linked to the formation of cancer, and yet most of us continue to eat poorly. One reason that a diet rich in fresh fruit and vegetables is cancer-preventative is due to its rich glyconutrient and phytochemical content. Studies in numerous scientific journals, including “Molecular Urology”, have shown that glyconutrients not only retarded human prostate cancer cell growth, but also encouraged their destruction. It is also believed that glyconutritional supplementation may enhance the effects of chemotherapy.

To find out more about natural and alternative ways of fighting prostate cancer click on the link below.

Click on Disease Fighting Report for natural ways of fighting cancer and improving the quality of your health. Ruth and Richard Webster are Health and Wellness Consultants who desire to help people struggling against major health issues. They have a successful global Health and Wellness business offering natural and alternative solutions for people looking to improve their health through natural means.

Cancer, The “C” Word: Dealing With Diagnosis Shock

Thursday, February 4th, 2010

(Note: the following is excerpted from Cancer: Embracing the Healing Journey, but is applicable to any serious illness or dis-ease):

Whatever your diagnosis, whatever your prognosis, simply being labeled a “cancer patient” suddenly changes your entire world. Your self-image changes, you may feel betrayed by your body, or by your concept of God. Or both. You may feel angry, or victimized, asking, “Why me?” or “What did I do to deserve this?”

You may feel guilty, like it’s your fault, wondering “How did I create this?”

The “why” “what” and “how” are not as relevant as the “what now?”

Although going through a “why me?” and “did I do something to cause this?” phase is a natural tendency, I encourage you to rephrase these questions as soon and as often as possible to “What can I learn from this?” and “How can I best support my own healing process?”

For most people, the diagnosis of cancer brings up a very deep level of fear. This fear affects you emotionally, mentally, and physically. It sends your mind racing, playing and replaying fear-based thoughts which, left unchecked, can lead to chronic anxiety, depression, a sense of helplessness and hopelessness.

This fear can also translate into a host of physical symptoms, including rapid, shallow breathing, increased heart rate, constricted blood vessels, increased blood pressure, tight, tensed muscles, headaches, nausea, gastrointestinal disorders… and the list goes on.

By combining simple relaxation, guided imagery and affirmation techniques, you can profoundly influence your body’s biochemical state, resulting in a general sense of well-being and calm. In this more receptive, more emotionally centered state, then, you are better able to receive and respond, rather than react to any information, conditions or circumstances you may encounter. You’re able to begin to move beyond the initial state of shock and fear, and think clearly about what decisions need to be made, and what opportunities this experience may hold for growth and healing on all levels of your being.

In this state, you allow yourself to literally “Relax into Healing”

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Notes on Nancy: Deep relaxation is the common foundation of Nancy’s extensive healing work. It is in this state of deep relaxation, when the body is stilled, the emotions soothed, the mind quieted, that one experiences the center of peace within… and it is in this place of quiet stillness, this essence of the being, that optimal healing occurs.

Nancy’s Cancer: Embracing the Healing Journey CDs (widely used in both personal and clinical healing settings) provide gentle assistance in dealing with the initial “my world’s been turned upside down” feeling that often accompanies a cancer diagnosis. In this double CD set and booklet, Nancy compassionately guides you through many aspects of the journey, including dealing with the shock of diagnosis, being a proactive patient, listening within for your own inner wisdom, embracing all emotions, and enhancing healing with guided imagery, affirmation, and deep relaxation – all essential elements for optimal body-mind-spirit healing. Nancy’s been there. As you listen, you will know you are not alone.

NANCY HOPPS is a nationally recognized author, speaker, and mind-body-Spirit healing consultant. Her award-winning RELAX INTO HEALING CDs have been mentioned in Reader

Prostate Cancer - Its Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010

Prostate cancer is any abnormal growth of cells in the prostate area of a man. As men go over the age of 40 the levels of a by-product prolactin of testosterone in man increases. This in turn stimulates the production of an enzyme known as 5 alpha-reeducates which causes the conversion of testosterone into gihydro testosterone (DHT). This DHT is what which causes enlargement of the prostate or prostate cancer.

The causes of prostate cancer can many ranging from genetic factors to hormonal imbalance. Some people may have a naturally enlarged prostate or even mineral deficiency like that of zinc deficiency can be a cause of prostate cancer. Obesity is another cause of prostate cancer as studies show that a high trans fat rich diet leads to hormonal imbalance which is one of the leading causes of the disease. Deficiency of testosterone and an over active production of estrogen is also another factor responsible for prostate enlargement or cancer.

The common symptoms of prostate cancer include nocturia. This is the condition of being awakened in the middle of the night to urinate more than one or two times. Another symptom is dysuria. Dysuria is a complication connected to genitourinary infections which cause painful urination. This is because the infection has spread to the urinary tract which further causes urinary tract infections. Asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis may also be diagnosed when there is the presence of infection fighting cells which cause common symptoms of prostatitis which are painful urination, fever, lower back and pelvic pain.

There are many natural foods which can prevent the condition of prostate cancer. Increasing your intake of tomatoes can help as tomatoes can higher levels of lycopene which can help protect the prostate and keep it healthy. Soya bean and legumes are also known to be good for prostate because they contain isoflavenos. It prohibits the growth of all types of cancerous cells and prevents enlargement of prostate.

Grapefruit contains high levels of Vitamin C, minerals and bioflavonoid and various other plant chemicals which prevent enlargement of the prostate and also protect against prostate cancer and other types of cancer as well. Leafy green vegetable like spinach and broccoli also are recommended for prevention of prostate cancer. Other foods like green tea, cold water fish, and beans also help in the prevention of enlargement of the prostate and cancer.

It is important to detect the symptoms of prostate cancer. A gradual enlargement in the prostate of men as they age is natural. Always keep track of the common symptoms like excessive urination in the night, painful urination, fever and urinary tract infections which recur. If you do notice any of these symptoms then consult your doctor or specialist at once. There are tests to determine if the enlargement of the prostate is leading to cancer or not.

Cancer if detected is definitely curable. There are radiation and chemotherapy treatments for the elimination of cancer from the body. Along with undergoing treatment for cancer it is important to stay positive and be happy. A positive attitude and a cheerful personality can go a long way in curing any kind of cancer not only prostate cancer.

Abortion Clinic. Dr. James S. Pendergraft opened the Orlando Women’s Center in March 1996. Florida Abortion Clinic, physical examinations, family planning, counseling. Late Term Abortion Clinic.

Avoid Shower Filters That Don’t Remove Cancer-Causing Chemicals

Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010

As you might have predicted, shower filters with a two stage or dual filter system provide considerably more protection against contaminants than a single filter media. Chlorine shower filters with only one filter media can reduce the level of chlorine in your water, but they may leave other impurities and harmful synthetic chemicals like THMs (Trihalomethane). Unlike a shower water filter that utilizes only one filter media, brands like the Aquasana shower filter system use a two stage filtration process with two filter media.

When taking a warm shower, the pores of your skin open up more than usual. When this happens, it’s not just chlorine that is absorbed through your skin. There are over 2,100 toxic chemicals in your tap water that can cause cancer, according to the Ralph Nader Research Institute. Dermal absorption and inhalation of chlorine and other chemicals while showering has now been linked to breast cancer, bladder cancer, asthma and many other diseases. Most shower filters with a single filter media use only Granular Activated Carbon (GAC), which is generally effective at reducing chlorine and certain other organic contaminants. This leaves a lot to chance considering the massive amounts of harmful chemicals that are coming from our showerheads and faucets.

For the best protection against absorbing and inhaling chemicals in your shower, research quality shower filters that feature a dual filter system. To show the power of a two stage shower filtration process, let’s look at the specifics of the Aquasana AQ-4100 Pure Shower Filter. Stage one utilizes 16 oz. of granular zinc and copper KDF-55D media. Together, the zinc and copper create an electro-chemical reaction that transforms harmful contaminants into harmless particles. The result is that chlorine and dangerous chemicals are filtered out of the water by as much as 99%. Additonally, the pH of the water is also enhanced. The second filtration stage uses 7.2 oz. of carbonized coconut shell medium for the removal of synthetic chemicals, THMs (Trihalomethane), and VOCs (Volatile Organic Chemicals).

While the threat of serious health conditions like cancer is enough to make many people see a chlorine shower filter as a necessity, the amazing cosmetic benefits that customers notice are easily worth the cost of 21 cents a day. If you have swum in a chlorinated pool, it is very likely that you noticed how it robs your skin and hair of moisture, and leaves your eyes red and irritated. However, many people are unaware that the chlorine level coming from a home shower head or sink faucet usually has as much or more chlorine than most swimming pools. Cosmetic conditions that occur from showering in chlorinated water can result in symptoms ranging from dandruff and irritated eyes to eczema and psoriasis. Dual stage shower filters offer the best protection against minor and major health problems.

With literally thousands of cancer-causing chemicals making their way into public water supplies, shower filters are considered by many to be a necessity rather than a luxury. Aquasana For Life is the only Aquasana store that offers a true risk-free 60-Day Guarantee by promising free return shipping if you are unsatisfied.

www.aquasanaforlife.com

Metastatic Breast Cancer: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment

Monday, February 1st, 2010

In women, breast cancer is the common type of cancer and it is affecting one out of eight women. At any time, this cancer may develop and the risk increases with developing of cancer as the women get older. In most of the post-menopausal women, it is common and with the increase in age will increase the risk as well.

When the breast cancer is spread beyond the breast, then it is said to be in metastatic state. This means that cancer has traveled from breast to another part of the body. The cells of cancer will travel through blood vessels or lymphatic system.

Causes

As of today, the breast cancer like any other forms of cancer is considered as one of the final outcomes of multiple hereditary and environmental factors. The risk of breast cancer will be increased by 70% in young people by inhaling the secondhand smoke and primarily menopausal women are affected by this.

Symptoms

So many fears are elicited by breast cancer including the ones that are related to surgery, loss of body image, death and loss of sexuality and however, if the breast caner is diagnosed earlier, then it is curable. Therefore, it always recommended doing a regular self screening of the body. Usually, the breast cancer will show thickening or lump in the breast tissues but not all the breast lumps are cancerous.

Often, the breast cancer will occur in left breast and also in the upper quadrant. Other than the lump, the indications of this cancer include skin dimpling, changes in breast shape and size, spontaneous discharge of single nipple or nipple inversion.

Treatment

In order to treat the breast cancer, controversies are still raging all over the world. The options to treat the breast cancer include chemotherapy, surgery, herceptin, hormonal therapies, radiotherapy and other complementary treatments.

Whenever the tumor is localized, surgery is the mainstay of the breast cancer treatment. Some of the surgeries include the possible hormonal therapy (with aromatase inhibitor or with the tamoxifen), radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy.

MammaPrint test is the first tests that became one of the first breast cancer predicator, which won the formal approval of the USFDA. This is a new type of gene test, which will predict whether women with the early stage of cancer will replace in about 5 to 10 years. This test will help to influence on how aggressively the tumor in the initial stages can be treated.

ILT (Interstitial Laser thermotherapy) is one of the innovative methods that are used to treat the breast cancer through minimal invasive manner. This method does not involve any surgical procedures. This procedure will not have any adverse effect on health and during the intermediate follow-up; the survival rate of the patient is high.

Routine mammography of the women aged more than 40 to 50 years is very much recommended by many science institutes. By doing so, if there is cancer, then it can be detected at the earlier stages and it can be treated effectively at early stages.

Abortion Clinic. Dr. James S. Pendergraft opened the Orlando Women’s Center in March 1996. Florida Abortion Clinic, physical examinations, family planning, counseling. Late Term Abortion Clinic.

How to Deal With Stress When You Have Cancer

Wednesday, January 27th, 2010

It is the diagnosis that nobody wants to hear. Despite all the advancements the field of medical science has made especially in the treatment and cure of cancer, cancer as a diagnosis is dreaded by all people alike. Cancers are of many kinds and they affect many parts of the body. Some cancers are found predominantly in women while others like prostate cancer are exclusively found in men.

Cancer can be extremely stress inducing. Stress is a state of physical or mental unrest. Stress is the condition when you find things not going your way and worrying and anxiously pondering over the situation again and again adds to the tension. Any illness can lead to stress and also stress can lead to many other illnesses like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, depression and even cancer.

Cancer has become very much treatable today and there are many individuals who have survived the once fatal disease. Having cancer can cause people to become depressed due to the thoughts of death and mortality which become very active in their subconscious. Depression if not checked can lead to further stress. Another stressful thought caused by cancer is the thought of the mounting medical bills. Chemotherapy and radiation sessions are not inexpensive. Add this to the hospital, medication and doctor’s costs and you have a huge medical bill in front of you. Your medical insurance many not cover all of these expenses and it could all lead to a drain on your finances. Worrying about depleting finances can lead to stress and other negative conditions.

It is important to keep a check on stress because untreated stress can lead to many other health complications. There are ways to tackle the stress which an illness brings on. It is important to stay in a positive frame of mind and in a cheerful demeanor. It is definitely not easy when one is undergoing treatment for a possibly fatal disease but at least that effort should be made. The treatment of cancer or any other life threatening condition becomes faster and quicker when a positive attitude is maintained.

In order to stay in a positive mind frame one can join a cancer group where patients with cancer or cancer survivors meet and speak about their battles or victories. These real life stories can be inspiring and can give one the determination and courage to go through the treatment. Another way to beat the stress is to read awe inspiring books about people who have beat the odds and come out victorious.

Taking the effort to make those little lifestyle changes while undergoing treatment for cancer can make the recovery faster and smoother. You can change your diet and increase the intake of fresh fruits, leafy green vegetables, and mineral and protein rich foods and anti oxidants rich foods like green tea for instance. The body becomes strongest and gains immunity which in turn is good for the treatment of cancer.

No matter what kind of cancer one has acquired, treatment and cure are not impossible if every sincere effort is taken along with constant prayers to God.

Orlando Vaccine Clinic. Dr. James S. Pendergraft opened the Orlando Women’s Center in March 1996. Pain Free Abortion, physical examinations, family planning and counseling. Abortion Clinic.

Safe Non-Toxic Deodorants May Lessen the Cancer Risk

Sunday, January 24th, 2010

Our generation has made revolutionary inventions and discoveries our forefathers never thought of during their era. We also now live in a world where everything is available in an instant. The trade-off however is, many of the products we now use are laden with toxic chemicals.

Research has shown that a lot of the home and personal care products we use daily expose us to toxins that can bring on ailments. Allergic reactions may also be brought about by intolerance to some chemical ingredients. Certain components of antiperspirants for example, contain aluminium chlorohydrate and parabens which have been suspected to contribute to symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and cancer.

Over the last quarter of the century, cases of breast cancer in Britain have doubled from about 20,000 per year in the late 1970s to almost 40,000 nowadays. One possibility for the alarming increase is that the majority of anti- perspirants contain chemicals such as zirconium and aluminium that are absorbed through the hair follicles and react with water to cause swelling of the area.

Scientists at Reading University have published new research that points to the possible link between the use of anti-perspirants (containing aluminium) and the rising rates of breast cancer. Researchers originally deduced that a build-up of toxins in the lymph nodes of the armpits was caused by inhibiting perspiration, which can cause changes near the breasts after some time.

Researchers now think there is another way in which anti-perspirants may increase the cancer risk. In recent laboratory tests aluminium and zirconium have been found to enter the cells and cause DNA mutation that could lead to cancerous growth and disrupt hormone levels.

Is there a link? Yes, since anti-perspirants contain aluminium salts with metal ions that mimic the effect of oestrogen, they may add to the breast cancer factor risk.

“Since oestrogen is known to be involved in the development of human breast cancer, any components

in the environment that have oestrogenic activity and which can enter the human breast could theoretically influence a women’s risk of breast cancer”, says Dr. Phillippa Daibre, author of the review who works in the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Reading.

So why should we take the risk then? True enough toxins are everywhere in our environment and we have developed some resistance to it, but why add to it when we can avoid it? If you prefer to remain cautious while research continues, choose your antiperspirants, deodorants, and other personal care products carefully. Check the labels, and avoid those that contain aluminium or parabens (listed as methyl, ethyl, propyl, or butyl parabens).

But do we have an alternative? Most leading brands today contain aluminium and zirconium-based components. It may be hard to look for one, but there is actually a safe alternative - Aloe Ever-Shield Deodorant Stick. Forever Living Products is proud to offer the safe alternative - an aloe-based product that has eliminated these risks by avoiding aluminium and zirconium in its state-of-the-art formulation.

The Aloe Ever-Shield Deodorant Stick is a very good gentle formula containing stabilised aloe vera gel that provides effective all-day protection against underarm odour and can be applied directly after showering. Its gentle formulation including soothing aloe vera means it can also be applied directly after shaving or underarm waxing without stinging.

Aloe Ever Shield can also be used during chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment, whereas most consultants will categorically tell their patients not to use chemical-based anti-perspirants during such treatments.

We don’t have full control over environmental factors that can damage our health - by using Aloe Ever-Shield Deodorant Stick, you are protected naturally without adding ingredients that could jeopardise your health. It makes sense. So use it!

I’m British American currently living in Mauritius. My husband and I have been in the natural health and personal growth field for over 25 years. We’ve helped hundreds of people take care of their health & vitality with natural products. We now run our online business from home so we can spend time swimming and surfing with our daughter, when we’re not helping people achieve total wellness! View revolutionary products that can give you TOTAL WELLNESS

How To Slash Your Prostate Cancer Risk – With Sunlight!

Saturday, January 23rd, 2010

According to a study published in the British Journal of Cancer 2009; 100: 450-454, men with prostate cancer are as much as seven times less likely to die if they have high levels of vitamin D – the “sunshine vitamin”.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in Australian men. Each year close to 3,300 men die of prostate cancer annually and around 20,000 new cases are diagnosed in Australia each year. So, for all you male readers, if you want to prevent prostate cancer, and protect your health, getting regular sun exposure to optimize your vitamin D levels is an absolute must.

Prostate cancer is typically slow growing, and the five-year survival rate for all stages of prostate cancer combined is 99%. So it is very much a disease that can be managed…if you make the appropriate lifestyle changes.

Why Sunlight Is An Important Cancer-Fighting Tool

A previous study found men with higher levels of vitamin D in their blood were half as likely to develop aggressive forms of prostate cancer as those with lower amounts. Numerous other studies also confirm the link between vitamin D deficiency and multiple types of cancer. The “sunshine vitamin” has a protective effect against cancer in many ways including:

• Increasing the self-destruction of mutated cells (they can lead to cancer if allowed to replicate)

• Reducing the spread and reproduction of cancer cells

• Causing cells to become differentiated (cancer cells often cannot be differentiated by the body)

• Reducing the growth of new blood vessels from pre-existing ones (which is a step in the transition of dormant tumors turning cancerous)

What Is The Optimal Vitamin D Level For You?

Vitamin D3 is produced by our bodies when UV radiation from sunlight hits our skin and reacts with a compound called 7-dehydrocholesterol. Ever since I was a child growing up in Australia we have been told to protect against UV radiation. But UV levels vary according to season, geographic latitude, smog, cloud cover and time of day. A UV level of 3 or higher, which usually occurs between 10am to 3pm daily in the tropics and during spring and summer in temperate regions, requires most people to apply sun protection. Either side of those times up to 10-15 minutes of sunlight at least twice a week is adequate for Vitamin D synthesis. During winter take advantage of sunny periods but usually 2-3 hours of sun exposure spread over a week is adequate.

Your doctor can measure your serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D to determine your vitamin D status. Your vitamin D level should always be above 32 ng/ml (nanograms per millilitre), and anything below 20 ng/ml is considered a serious deficiency state, which would increase your risk of prostate cancer.

The optimal level is 45-52 ng/ml but previous research has suggested that maintaining a slightly higher level of 55 ng/ml is optimal for cancer prevention. Optimizing your vitamin D levels is an important part of prostate cancer prevention, but it is far from the only method. Another sensible strategy is eating a healthy diet including natural lycopene foods such as tomatoes, raspberries, watermelon and broccoli.

In addition, supplementation with important micro-nutrients is also essential in preventing and fighting cancer. Research has shown that a group of saccarides called glyconutrients are essential for a healthy immune system. Recent studies in numerous scientific journals have shown that glyconutrients not only retarded human prostate cancer cell growth, but also encouraged their destruction.

If you would like to know more about glyconutrients and their importance in maintaining a healthy immune system and fighting cancer then click on the link below.

Click on Disease Fighting Report for natural ways to fight prostate cancer and improve the quality of your health. Richard and Ruth Webster are Health and Wellness Consultants who help people struggling against major health issues. They have a successful Health and Wellness business offering natural solutions and Free Consultations for people looking to improve their health through natural means.

How to Prevent Cancers Psychological Impact?

Thursday, January 21st, 2010

Cancer is, as we know, a life changing experience for the cancer sufferer, their friends and families. Cancer and cancer treatment both have instead drastic psychological and physiologic effectuates on the diseased person. Knowing of these effectuates earlier treatment may give you a head start and a adventure to mentally prepare yourself, just a little, for what is to come. This info may also helper you weigh up the odds, on whether you prefer to go through with treatment or not.

Physiological Effects of Cancer

Sexual Dysfunction: a few cancer patients and sub sisters may know a level of sexual dysfunction. This can occur to both male person and female person and there are ways around them.

Chronic Pain: The cancer patient may experience consistent, chronic pain later prolonged cancer treatment.

Infertility: Both male and female patients and survivors may experience infertility.

Constant Fatigue: Patients and sub sisters may feel like they’re constantly tired and don’t have the motivation or energy to total easy, daily tasks.

Numbness: Numbness is caused by a condition called Neuropathy. The numbness is common in the patient’s hands and feet.

Osteoporosis: Is a condition which causes your bones to get really fragile and weak.

Incontinence: Uncontrollable urination is effectuating a few patients may know.

Multiple Cancers: it’s possible to get a 2nd cancer, other than the one diagnosed for. It’s better to find this out through with your doctor, as soon as possible.

Hair Loss: Hair loss is basic during the treatment of cancer. Whenever this is a problem, consult with your doctor on ways to deal with the hair loss.

Ostomies: An Ostomy is a surgical opening, with a pipe linking to a bag on the outside of the body.

Psychological Effects of Cancer

Stress: A high ranking of stress is often attributed to cancer and can be common fallout.

Low Confidence: Due to the physical and mental changes cancer and cancer treatment can have on the patients it can often result in down self esteem and self confidence.

Depression: Depression is generally found in cancer patients and sub sisters. This could be attributed to the physical effects of the cancer treatment.

Whenever you see these side effects in either yourself or a dearest, later operation, please alert your doctor so that they can give advice on what steps to take next. If you’ve found out that you’ve cancer, or someone you know is named with cancer, try to help them understand fully what they’re up against before they’ve start the treatment. Get your doctor to explain everything in particular, the pros and cons and everything middle so that you can be mentally prepared for what is ahead.

Fear getting cancer? You are not lonely. The fear of cancer is one of the biggest long run anxieties plaguing modern man. A United Kingdom nonprofit survey has newly demonstrated that more than 15% of United Kingdom citizens consider the fear of cancer to be their biggest fear. In several persons, this fear can result in such that debilitating panic that it interferes with normal life. Has not cancer caused sufficiency pain already, to those who have it and their grieving friends and relatives? It’s a real tragedy that, in addition to the devastating effects of the disease itself, cancer must cause this second order anxiety among people who do not even have it.

Cancer Anxiety Can Hurt Your Life

several of those who live their lives dreading this fearful disease are embarrassed about their fearful state. These victims of phobia headache that their anxieties are not legitimate even though they cause them important pain, After all, what’s to be afraid of? Does not their imaginary suffering do ill service to real victims of the disease?

However, cancer phobia is a critical problem in one’s own right. This sort of terror can seriously interfere with a sufferer’s medical health. Those who fear cancer routinely reject to see medical health care provider or clinics, out of irrational dread of catching the disease or because they dread the prospect of being diagnosed.

Seomul Evans is a copywriter with an interest in: Website Marketing Services, Anxiety Disorders, and Mental Health Relief.

Do Alternative Cancer Therapies Work?

Monday, January 18th, 2010

Many people facing cancer choose alternative cancer therapies. These alternative cancer treatments are sometimes chosen in lieu of traditional treatments and sometimes they are taken in conjunction with the more traditional cancer therapies like chemotherapy and radiation. Deciding upon a course of treatment for cancer is a personal decision that shouldn’t be reached lightly. If you are dealing with cancer, you should thoroughly research alternative treatments and discuss them with your doctor so you can choose the best option for you.

Dietary changes are among the most popular alternative cancer therapies today. This includes juice fasting like the Gerson Diet and Hallelujah Diet which emphasize the consumption of freshly juiced raw vegetables. The Budwig Diet is another popular alternative cancer treatment where you eat specific foods, namely cottage cheese blended with flax oil in order to bring about healing in your body.

The idea behind using diets to treat cancer is that a proper diet will nourish your body and allow it to become strong enough to defeat cancer. In addition, some foods are known to feed cancer cells, like sugar, and some foods are known to fight cancer, like broccoli sprouts. Green tea is another popular food used to treat cancer and prevent its occurrence because of its reported antioxidant abilities.

Other alternative cancer therapies involve the use of certain cancer fighting herbs. One of the most widely known herbal formulations is known as Essiac and is taken in tea form. It is a combination of Indian rhubarb, slippery elm, burdock, and sorrel. Other herbs thought to fight cancer include red clover, turmeric, saw palmetto, wheat grass, and pau d’arco.

Mind body medicine also plays a big role in alternative cancer therapies. Using techniques like meditation to help relieve stress and visualization to kill cancer cells calls upon the powers of your mind to help your body fight off cancer cells. You can buy guided visualization CDs or download them from the internet that walk you through a meditation where you visualize an army of white blood cells destroying cancer cells in your body. Mind body techniques can assist traditional treatments and do not interfere with them like other techniques might.

Even though herbs might be all natural, they still have a medicinal effect upon your body and can interact with each other and with prescription drugs. Therefore, it is not a good idea to consume herbal remedies blindly. More is not necessarily better. Before you begin alternative cancer therapies, you should discuss what you plan to do with your doctor to make sure your chosen therapy will not have harmful side effects based upon your individual medical condition.

You may find that your doctor is not supportive of your decision to use alternative cancer therapies. In that case, you may want to seek advice from a holistic health care provider or herbal healer. You may even want to change medical doctors. Remember, it is your body and your health is your responsibility. While you want to make an educated decision, your course of treatment is ultimately up to you.

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The Use of Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy in Lung Cancer Treatment

Friday, January 15th, 2010

Lung cancer may be treated by a variety of therapies including surgery, but chemotherapy and radiation treatments are used extensively to treat the disease whether surgery takes place or not.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy involves drug medication which is designed to kill fast growing cells in the body – cancer cells are fast growing and it is this uncontrolled growth which causes tumors to develop. Unfortunately, the medications which are administered are unable to differentiate between cancer cells and other fast growing cells, such as the red blood cells and hair. As a consequence, there are side effects involved in receiving chemotherapy which includes hair loss and other debilitating symptoms.

Many patients do not like the idea of receiving chemotherapy because they have heard of the side effects usually associated with receiving the treatment. Management of the side effects has come a long way and in many instances, patients do not experience them to as great an extent as they originally anticipated.

Typically, chemotherapy will involve a combination of drugs which will target specific types of cancer cell – not all cancer cells are fast growing, and different drugs will attack different types of cancer cell depending on the stage it has reached.

Radiotherapy or Radiation Treatment

Radiation treatment uses ionizing radiation such as gamma rays to kill cancer cells. The radiation can be targeted very precisely at the area where the cancer has occurred within the body and in some instances is capable of being delivered so that it affects only the tumor and not healthy tissue.

Radiation treatment may also be used to reduce the size of a tumor so that it becomes operable.

Radiation stops cells from undergoing division and forming new copies of the DNA which they contain. If a cell is reproducing quickly, it is likely to be susceptible to radiation which will interfere in its development and as cancer cells are fast growing, they are especially vulnerable to the treatment. Unfortunately, cancer cells are not the only cells which are fast growing as we have already seen, and radiation therapy affects blood cells, hair and skin.

Side effects include hair loss, redness of the skin, itching, loss of skin through the outer layers sloughing off, pain and heightened sensitivity, skin pigmentation and swelling (known as “edema”).

Both therapies may cause a loss in appetite, changes in how your sense of taste and heart issues as well as nausea and vomiting. Patients undergoing these treatments tend to become tired very easily while receiving treatment and there is an increased risk of infection as the white blood cells are also adversely affected by the treatment.

We have already noted that radiation treatment may be used to shrink a tumor so it may be removed, but they also are used to tackle cancers which do not lend themselves to surgery in the first instance. Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) is usually inoperable and is treated by these joint therapies while operable lung cancers use these treatments both before and after surgery to ensure that any cells which have not been removed by surgery are killed off to prevent recurrence of the condition.

Find the right lung cancer doctors or mitral valve repair surgeons. Early diagnosis can lead to successful results.

The Diagnosis of Lung Cancer

Friday, January 15th, 2010

Many patients find that they have lung cancer either because they present symptoms such as persistent coughing and wheezing, sometimes coughing up blood or pain the chest and stomach. This usually prompts further investigation of the chest, typically calling for an x-ray (which may also occur as part of a routine health check) and the testing of sputum samples.

At this point more investigations will be called for dependent upon the results.

Detailed Diagnosis

The purpose of a chest radiograph or x-ray, is to detect enlarged lymph nodes in the chest or the existence of a mass in the lungs. More advanced techniques can be used to provide much more detailed information and include the following:

CAT Scan or CT Scan – a CT Scan is a computer assisted examination which provides a cross-sectional image of the body under examination;

MRI Scan – a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan uses hydrogen ions within the patient’s body which respond to magnetic fields when they are applied to the body or in this case, the chest. A computer then uses the results to create a chest image which allows for precise location of any mass which has been detected and whether it involves the lungs;

Bronchoscopy - this involves an examination of the airways (the windpipe and lung branches) and is usually conducted by a pulmonologist ( a physician who specializes in respiratory diseases). The examination may involve the taking of a swab from these areas or a biopsy (the removal of a tissue sample);

Needle Biopsy – a physician inserts a needle using the results of a CT Scan to guide where the needle, so a sample of tissue may be removed from the mass which has been detected; the tissue samples obtained are then “smeared” on a microscope slide and examined by a histopathologist to detect whether the cells are cancerous; and

Bone Scan – this test may be undertaken to check whether any cancer cells have spread (known as “metastasized”) to the bones from the original tumor.

A technological advancement is the CT/PET fusion imaging scan - this diagnostic tool uses an injected sugar solution which contains a radioactive element to highlight any cancerous mass. Cancer tumors are very fast growing and use a lot of energy so they rapidly absorb the sugar solution which is accumulates around and within the tumor. When a scan is then performed, the concentration of the radioactive sugar is detected and provides the location and detail of the cancer tumor. It should be borne in mind that there are other tissues which will cause the sugar solution to accumulate such as a bacterial infection, so even this test is not conclusive.

Once lung cancer has been diagnosed, the team of oncology physicians treating the patient will review the results to assess the treatment options for the lung cancer and to check whether any spread of the disease has occurred to other parts of the body. Where it is found the disease has not spread to other parts of the body, then a surgical inspection may take place to assess the disease in detail around the lungs, heart, windpipe and tissues of the chest. In addition, extensive blood tests will take place to look for cancer “markers” which are usually proteins that are associated with the development of lung cancer.

Find the rightlung cancer surgeon or mitral valve repair specialist. Early diagnosis can lead to successful results.

Lung Cancer Surgery Options

Friday, January 15th, 2010

Lung cancer may be treated by a variety of therapies which are frequently used in combination to provide an optimal outcome for the patient. Surgical resection is the process by which the tumor is surgically removed, and this is usually recommended when the cancer has not metastasized (or spread) beyond the lung into other parts of the body.

There are several options for performing a resection which may involve minimally invasive surgery or a full operation. Which technique is used will depend on a variety of factors, notably the size and stage of the cancer and whether the tumor can be accessed by the surgeon.

A thoracotomy is performed by the surgeon making an incision through the chest wall and a median sternotomy is performed by entering the chest cavity through the breastbone. Both of these methods are commonly employed in lung cancer surgery but they do involve considerable patient discomfort and extended stays in hospital with a longer recovery period.

Alternative surgical procedures include an anterior limited thoracotomy (ALT) which involves a small incision to allow entry, again through the front of the chest. It should be stressed that the incision is considerably smaller than in a standard thoracotomy or median sternotomy. An alternative is the anterior axillary thoracotomy (AAT) which involves a small incision on the chest front but near the underarm and finally, there is the postero-lateral thoracotomy (PLT) which involves an incision the back or side of the of the patient’s trunk.

Even with these improved surgical techniques, a patient will experience considerable pain if the operation involves opening the chest (sometimes referred to amongst doctors as “chest cracking”).

As a consequence of the extended recovery times and patient discomfort, surgical techniques have been developed which do not involve full-blown surgery – these are the so-called, minimally-invasive techniques.

Video-assisted thoracoscopy (VAT) uses a high powered video camera and hi-definition screen combined with diagnostic scans, such as CT or PET scan, to target the tumors in the patient’s lung. The incision required is much smaller and there is no need to open the chest cavity which results in much less discomfort for the patient and greatly reduced recovery periods. Using the video display, the surgeon is able to resect the tumors which have been identified during the diagnosis and staging phases.

Some doctors do caution the use of VAT however, as a traditional thoracotomy may reveal tumors and other metastasized cancers which have not been discovered in the initial scans and diagnosis. If these remain undiscovered the cancer can return and the patient will become ill again and for this reason, VAT is usually recommended for early stage (I & II) cancers and which have not spread to other parts for the lungs and body.

It is quite usual for any surgical procedure to be accompanied by a phase of chemotherapy or radiation treatment to ensure that the patient’s cancer has been completely removed or killed off. How the treatment proceeds and at what stage a particular therapy will be recommended will be determined by the type and stage of lung cancer a patient has got.

Find the right doctor for lung cancer surgery or mitral valve disease. Early diagnosis can lead to successful results.

Classification of Lung Cancer

Friday, January 15th, 2010

Most lung cancers are termed “carcinomas”, which are tumors caused by uncontrolled reproduction of epithelial cells; these are the cells which form the linings and surfaces of most of the bodies organs and internal structures. There are two main types of carcinoma which are classified according to the size and presentation of the cancerous cells.

After a biopsy has been taken (which removes part of the tissue suspected to be cancerous), a laboratory specialist, known as a “histopathologist”, places the biopsy sample under a microscope and is able to determine whether cancer is present and whether it is non-small cell or small cell cancer. The former accounts for the bulk of lung cancers (80%) but whatever classification is accorded, it is important because different treatment regimes are more effective at treating the different types (note that there are other classifications but these two are the major ones).

Non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC) are themselves further classified into three different types though the treatment therapies are very similar for all of them:

Squamous cell lung carcinoma;

Adenocarcinoma; and

Large cell lung carcinoma.

Squamous cell lung cancer occurs in around a quarter of all lung cancer patients and is usually located near the central bronchus, this is the main airway leading into the lungs themselves. Fortunately, these types of cancer are less aggressive and grow slowly.

Adenocarcinoma occurs in approximately 40% of patients and starts in the outer lung tissue and is most closely associated with smoking, though many non-smokers also present this form of the disease. Whether a patient is male or female and whether they have smoked or not will determine different treatment paths for them under this category.

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is much less common and usually presents itself in the larger airways (the “bronchi”), but while less common they are unfortunately, much more aggressive. While this form lends itself to treatment by chemotherapy or radiation treatment, however, in many patients by the time it has been diagnosed the cancer has frequently spread (or “metastasized”) to other parts of the body. The prognosis for SCLC is usually quite poor and is the type of lung cancer which is most commonly associated with smoking.

No matter what type of lung cancer a patient presents, it is vital that it is diagnosed as soon as is possible in order to maximize the chances of a positive outcome. Diagnosis and classification of the type of cancer is the first stage in the process of delivering effective treatment for patients, and as quickly as lung cancer has been diagnosed, it must then be “staged”. Staging is the process by which the degree of spread and size of a cancer has gotten to; there are four stages, I through IV, with stage I being the best assessment and IV the worst. Staging is important because it directly impacts upon the treatment regime which must be delivered as well as classification of the cancer type. Being educated about your condition is key to choosing the right treatment.

Find the right doctor for lung cancer treatments or mitral valve disease. Early diagnosis can lead to successful results.

Basic Information on Lung Cancer Surgery

Friday, January 15th, 2010

Early stage lung cancer (Stage I & II) is usually treated by surgical intervention and a combination of chemotherapy and radiation treatment. Stage II cancer may treated by surgery in certain instances, though generally later stage cancer is treated by chemotherapy alone or by combination of chemotherapy and radiation treatment – it is possible for tumors to be shrunk in size so a re-staging of the patient is warranted and surgery becomes a viable option.

The process of removing the cancer tumor is known as “resection”, or the cutting away of the cancer mass and suspected diseased tissue. There are a variety of surgical options available but the standard techniques are:

Thoracotomy – an incision is made through the chest wall; and

Median Sternotomy –where the surgeon cuts through the breastbone to access the chest cavity and the lungs.

As both of these techniques involve considerable recovery periods and pain for the patient, alternatives have been devised to provide access to lung cancer tumors and allow for less discomfort for the patient;

Anterior Limited Thoracotomy – known as “ALT” is performed on the front of the chest and involves a much smaller incision than thoracotomy or median sternotomy;

Anterioraxilary Thoracotomy – known as “AAT” involves an incision on the front of the chest close to the underarm; and

Posterolateral Thoracotomy – known as”PLT” involves an incision through the back or side of the chest area of the patient.

ALT in particular provides a less invasive option than a standard thoracotomy, and certainly results in reduced blood loss for the patient with a much reduced recuperation period and pain.

Video-Assisted Thoracoscopy or Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery (VATS)

VATS is a state-of-the-art surgical technique which allows for resection of tumors without the need for invasive, full-surgery. A video camera allows the surgeon to see the interior of the patient’s chest and the location of cancer tumors using a high-powered television screen. This provides a skilled surgeon with the ability to operate without actually opening up the patient and involves a much smaller set of incisions.

As the incisions and surgical-invasion is significantly reduced, the patient experiences far less pain and enjoys a much reduced recuperation period post-operation. The technique is not universally employed for two main reasons – firstly, the level of surgical skill required is very high and only highly skilled surgeons can utilize the technique successfully. In addition, as the surgeon is not provided with a full view of the area where the diseased tissue is located, it is possible to miss other cancer tumors or evidence of diseased tissue which a standard operation may uncover.

VATS is usually most appropriate for early stage lung cancer where there is no evidence that the disease has metastasized to other parts of the body or lungs themselves.

The Use of Other Therapies

Depending on the nature of the disease and the overall health of the patient, it is common for patients to undergo treatment pre and post-operation with chemotherapy and radiation treatment. In certain instances, where surgery is not advisable, a patient may undergo such alternative therapies in combination or as stand-alone treatments, but the exact treatment regime which is advised for a patient depends on individual circumstances and the findings of the oncology team providing treatment.

Find the right doctor for lung cancer treatments or mitral valve surgery. Early diagnosis can lead to successful results.

Claiming Compensation For Mesothelioma: Cancer of the Mesothelium

Saturday, December 19th, 2009

Mesothelioma is a terminal and debilitating illness which almost always results from asbestos exposure. If you are suffering from mesothelioma as a result of someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to claim compensation on a no win, no fee basis.

Here is some important information about the asbestos-related form of cancer, mesothelioma, and how to make a claim for compensation if you are suffering from this disease.

What is mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma (cancer of the mesothelium) is a terminal cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. Mesothelioma forms when malignant cancer cells develop along the mesothelium, or protective lining, which covers internal organs in the human body.

The lungs and chest cavity are the most common sites for mesothelioma. Cancer cells which lead to mesothelioma can also (more rarely) develop around the heart or abdomen.

Symptoms of mesothelioma can include coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue and weight loss.

Why is asbestos dangerous?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral which is now banned from use in the UK because of its toxicity. However, up until the early 1980s, and particularly in the 1970s, the mineral was widely used for industrial purposes due to its apparently valuable properties of heat insulation, electrical and chemical resistance, absorption and strength.

The many uses of asbestos over the years have included use in concrete, bricks, pipes, ceiling insulation, flooring, roofing and in fire resistant coatings. Asbestos has been so widely used for so long that hundreds of thousands of people have now been exposed to its toxic fibres, mostly without realising they were in any danger from the substance.

Claiming compensation

Some of the people who have been exposed to asbestos have gone on to experience asbestos-related illnesses such as mesothelioma. Sufferers of mesothelioma or asbestosis, who have been exposed to asbestos through work, without the dangers being explained to them by their employers, or who can attribute their exposure to someone else’s negligence, may be able to claim compensation.

This option is sometimes open to sufferers who have been exposed through work. It is also open to family members who have been exposed to asbestos due to fibres being brought back on a family member’s work clothes. If there is any evidence that negligence on the part of someone else has led to asbestos-related diseases, compensation may be payable to the sufferer.

In order to claim this compensation, it is possible to make a claim on a no win, no fee basis, through personal injury solicitors. Usually, a personal injury claim must be made within three years of an injury occurring.

However, asbestos-related diseases are an exception to this rule, since the symptoms can appear many decades after the exposure took place. Because of this, many asbestos-related personal injury claims are backdated many years.

In order to find out if you can make a claim, get in touch with a specialist solicitor as soon as possible after symptoms appear. They will be able to assess your claim and find out if you are eligible for mesothelioma compensation.

National Accident Helpline are specialists in mesothelioma compensation. Our solicitors help sufferers make a claims for compensation.

3 Things Dr Oz Didn’t Tell Us About Resveratrol

Saturday, December 19th, 2009

Unless you live in a cave, there’s no doubt that you’ve heard of the amazing anti-aging breakthrough called Resveratrol. Resveratrol ads are popping up everywhere and it’s been featured on 60 Minutes, Dr Oz & Oprah, Discovery Channel, ABC, CBS, Fox News, and MSNBC. In this article, you’ll find the inside scoop about the effects of Resveratrol and tips on usage and how to purchase it.

Resveratrol is classified as a polyphenol and is naturally created by certain vines, pine trees, peanuts, grapes, and other plants. Polyphenols make up a wide variety of plant compounds. One of them, Polygonnum cuspidatum is used in various traditional Asian medicines which are prescribed for liver and heart conditions. Resveratrol activates the “longevity gene” (sirtuin SIR gene). Harvard Medical School has done extensive research on Resveratrol and says that it is “the biggest medical discovery since antibiotics!”

1) What Will Taking Resveratrol Do For Me?

Resveratrol has many effects on the body. Plants create Resveratrol to help protect from bad weather, disease, and poor growing conditions. The same natural defense system can be activated in humans.

Resveratrol helps us burn fat and lose weight by naturally increasing the metabolism. The antioxidant compounds in it work as food inhibitors to the upper intestine receptors. This makes your brain think that your stomach is full.

Resveratrol also prevents the proliferation of various cancer cell types. It has anti-inflammatory effects which stop the enzymes that encourage cancer cell growth. Also, it has a natural antioxidant that destroys cancer cells by attacking the mitochondria and arresting its ability to function properly.

The reduction of free-radical activity is also a major benefit of Resveratrol. It reduces cell degeneration, boosts your energy levels, relieves IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), reduces wrinkles, clears up acne, and much more!

2) Resveratrol Usage:

Resveratrol should be taken three times a day about twenty minutes before meals. This helps your body absorb the nutrients most efficiently. It can come in two different types of isomers: trans-Resveratrol and cis-Resveratrol. The “trans-Resveratrol” is the biologically active of the two and therefore is the only one you want to use for health benefits. When purchasing Resveratrol, make sure it is “trans-Resveratrol” to receive all the wonderful effects that people are raving about.

3) Get Resveratrol Today!

Tens of thousands of people have been benefiting from the wonders of Resveratrol. The uses and benefits keep growing everyday. If you want to look younger, naturally lose weight, reduce the risk of cancer, have more energy and increase general health then try one of the many Resveratrol products available. Many companies offer a free trial or free bottle because they know you will fall in love with Resveratrol and come back to purchase more.

With all of the variations of Resveratrol available which one should you choose? It’s always a good idea to stick with reputable manufacturers like Market Health, Health Buy or Pacific Naturals. So now, with your new found knowledge, you can pick a good Resveratrol product and start enjoying better health today!

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3 Side Effects of Resveratrol

Saturday, December 19th, 2009

Resveratrol is a brand new anti-aging formula that helps you lose weight and look younger. It has been featured on CNN, New York Times, Barbara Walters, Fox News, WebMD, Dr. Oz, and Oprah. The Resveratrol craze is because of the profound effects it has on humans. Listed below are three main side effects and explanations for each:

Remember, side effects aren’t always negative are they? Resveratrol is an all-natural supplement that provides high levels of one of the most powerful natural anti-oxidants. Out of all anti aging supplements, creams and pills on the market, Resveratrol is the best thing available today. Here are some of the benefits:

1) Lose Weight And Burn Fat

Resveratrol activates the “longevity gene” the (sirtuin SIR gene). It mimics the effects of calorie restriction which calls in the body’s natural response to increase metabolism and burn fat more efficiently.

Thousands of testimonials have shown that people who were obese have slimmed down to a normal weight after taking Resveratrol twice per day, without changing anything else in their lifestyles or diets. Although it came as a shock to the scientists, antioxidant compounds found in Resveratrol work as food inhibitors to upper intestine receptors; in other words, they make your brain think that your stomach is full. This has been extensively tested on animals, and the outcome showed that they decreased their food intake by around 10%.

2) Prevent and Fight Cancer

In a widely publicized report, researchers at Harvard Medical School and BIOMOL Research Laboratories have demonstrated that Resveratrol inhibits the proliferation of a variety of human cancer cell lines.

Also, Stanford University School of Medicine researchers have concluded that the Resveratrol’s natural antioxidant that’s found in red grapes can destroy cancer cells by attacking the mitochondria and seizing it’s functionality. With Resveratrol’s anti-inflammatory effects, it also stops the activity of enzymes which encourage cancer cell growth. In addition, Resveratrol has been proven to put and end to the growth of tumors in mammary glands, which is revolutionizing the medical research of breast cancer.

3) Anti-Aging Miracle

Ponce de Le

Inhibiting Effects of Fruits and Vegetables on Cancer and Heart Disease

Thursday, December 10th, 2009

Aim

The purpose of this report is to analyse the role of fruits and vegetables in the prevention of cancer and cardiovascular disease.

Introduction

Recent studies have indicated strong relationship between fruit and vegetable consumptions and reduced risk of certain cancers and cardiovascular disease.

A diet high in vegetables and fruits is believed to be associated with reducing the risk of cancer of the mouth, oesophagus, stomach, lung, colon, rectum and some other cancers.

However there is no specific reason or evidence to clarify the mechanism and also the results of various researches in the roles of fruit and vegetables do not all agree.

Nutritionists recommend the consumption of a minimum of 400g of fruit and vegetables per day (except for potatoes and other starchy tubers) for the prevention of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes and obesity, in addition to the prevention and reduction of several micronutrient deficiencies, especially in less developed countries.

A number of scientific evidences have implied low fruit and vegetable intake is a major risk factor for several non-communicable diseases.

Increasing fruit and vegetable intake by as little as one serving per day can have a great influence on heart disease risk.

Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular disease is related to diseases of the heart and diseases of the blood vessel system (arteries, capillaries, veins) within a person’s entire body, such as the brain, legs, and lungs. “Cardio” refers to the heart and “vascular” refers to the blood vessel system.

Fruits and vegetable intake and its association with the risk of cardiovascular disease

According to many studies, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.

High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. So it is crucial to control its condition. Diet can be a very important factor for lowering blood pressure. The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension study indicated that there is a compelling relationship between diet and blood pressure (cited in Harvard School of Public Health 2005).

This trial analysed the influence on blood pressure of a diet that was significant in fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products and that inhibiting the extent of saturated and total fat.The researchers discovered that people with high blood pressure who adhered to this diet, their systolic blood pressure (the upper number of a blood pressure reading) by about 11 mm Hg and their diastolic blood pressure (the lower number) by virtually 6 mm Hg - as much as medications can effect.Furthermore, eating more fruits and vegetables can have a great effect on cholesterol.

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute’s Family Heart Study shows that men and women with the highest daily consumption (more than 4 servings a day) have a lower extent of LDL; low density lipoprotein (bad) cholesterol than those with lower consumption.

Cancer

Human body is composed of millions of tiny cells. Most of the cells divide and multiply occasionally; when an old cell is worn out or damaged, a new cell is formed to replace it.

Each cell contains genes (made from the DNA).The proteins inside the gene control when the cell is to divide and multiply. If the gene is damaged or modified (probably as a result of making too much or too little protein) the cell becomes abnormal.The abnormal cell can then divide and multiply without knowing the certain time to stop.A tumour is developed when a group of abnormal cells clump together.

There are two types of tumour: benign and malignant. Benign tumours are not carcenogenic and won’t attack or spread to other parts of the body.Malignant tumours are the real cancers. They can grow very fast, attack the adjacent tissues and organs which can result in serious damage. They may even spread to other parts of the body and cause secondary tumours (metastases).

te solid tumours- cancers of the blood, such as leukaemia, develop from abnormal blood cells, which then invade other parts of the body by circulating in the bloodstream.

Generally there are about 200 various types of cancer. Some of them are more dangerous than others, some are more readily treated, and others have better survival figures.Unfortunately, many people will be influenced by cancer at some point in lives. If they are diagnosed with cancer, the doctors require to identify what type of cancer they have and if it has spread, so that they can decide on the best period of treatment

Healthy Eating

Eat more fruits and vegetables – can offer an extensive range of vitamins and minerals and fibres required for body. Fruits and vegetables may prevent the risk of cancer probably due to containing anti-oxidant vitamins and minerals helping prevent the cells damage.

Eat more Fiber – is widely present in fruits an vegetables and wholemeal cereals. Some studies approve 20g per day consumption while some others don’t.

Reduce eating fat – The cancer Research UK (2003) discussed that greater fat intake can be related to slight increase of breast cancer. The study has also linked saturated fat and meat intake with slight but considerable increase of the risk.following low consumption, it is most recommended to eat mono-unsaturated and poly-unsaturated fats found in vegetables rather than saturated fats.

Cut down on sugar – There is no direct connection between sugar containing foods and breast cancer. However, excessive sugar intake may lead to putting on weight or sometimes contributing to obesity in which case there are some studies suggesting the link between obesity and breast cancer.

Cut down on salt – High salt consumption can result in high blood pressure.

Specific fruits and vegetables

Many researches imply specific fruits and vegetables may protect against certain types of cancer.

Fruits and vegetables contain a number of chemicals, such as the dithiolthiones and glucosinolates from cruciferous vegetables, which are believed to inhibit the growth of cancer cells and cancer occurrence in animals (Warren & Devine 2005).

The Harvard School of Public Health (2005) outlines the following categories of fruits and vegetables offering the most contribution against cardiovascular diseases:

Green leafy vegetables including lettuce, spinach, swiss chard and mustard greens, Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, brussels sprouts.

Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruit (and their juices) are said to be the most contributing factors against cardiovascular diseases.

It has been reported that broccoli and brussel sprouts and spinach are able to reduce the possibility of breast cancers. This hasn’t been statistically considerable, so reducing the reliability on the results (Warren & Devine 2005).

However a number of recently case-control studies have demonstrated inhibiting effect of carrots and spinach as well as species of broccoli (cruciferous) family against breast cancers. Some of these studies have also identified substantial effect of quantity consumed (eating more vegetables result in greater reductions in risk).

Furthermore, there is poor evidence that raw vegetables are likely to be more protective against the progression of breast and other cancers than cooked vegetables. This is probably due to some of the potentially protective chemicals present in vegetables which are damaged by heat process (Warren & Devine 2005)

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Can Vitamin D Help You Survive Melanoma?

Wednesday, December 9th, 2009

Recent research has given hope to melanoma patients: vitamin D can help you survive this very serious disease. Studies have shown that those melanoma patients with high amounts of vitamin D in their bloodstreams were up to 30 percent more likely to survive.

Vitamin D is produced by the body when sunlight strikes the skin. Although too much sunlight raises the risk of skin cancers, higher levels of vitamin D translate to less severe lesions in melanoma. There are also lower rates of relapse in those patients getting an adequate amount of vitamin D.

Vitamin D can also be taken as a nutritional supplement, and many doctors advise their melanoma patients to boost their vitamin D levels with the addition of supplements to their diet. Some researchers have recommended up to 2000 International Units of vitamin D daily, although the current supplement recommendations are 200 to 600 units daily.

The first study linking vitamin D levels to melanoma survival was undertaken a the Cancer Research UK and the National Institutes of Health. The researchers in that study concluded that melanoma patients with high levels of vitamin D had thinner lesions than those who had levels that were too low. These researchers also believe that it is common in Western countries for people to get too little vitamin D. This is partly due to the fact that people tend to stay out of the sun to lower their overall risk of skin cancer, making it more important to eat foods high in vitamin D and to take daily supplements of the vitamin.

A second study done at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute showed a lower incidence of death from colorectal cancer in patients with adequate vitamin D levels. People with higher blood levels were up to 50 times less likely to die from the disease. These researchers also plan to see if vitamin D has a similar effect on bowel cancer.

Vitamin D has many other health benefits as well. Adequate vitamin D levels protect against a number of diseases, including heart disease, infection, and general poor health and low energy. Vitamin D is necessary for the absorption of calcium, which is needed for proper bone health. Children with vitamin D deficiency are susceptible to rickets. This nutrient is essential to the maintenance and enhancement of the body’s health.

Many foods contain high vitamin D levels. This vitamin is found in fish, fortified milk and dairy products, eggs, and cod liver oil. Those who do not eat enough of these kinds of food and do not receive enough sunlight should take a daily supplement of this important vitamin.

For those suffering from melanoma, the new research into the effects of vitamin D is excellent news. The vitamin makes survival much more likely and mitigates the seriousness of the disease. Ingestion of vitamin D at adequate levels significantly lowers the incidence of relapse. There is much hope in the medical community and among cancer patients that vitamin D will help you survive melanoma.

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