Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Preventing Breast Cancer Recurrence

Approximately 10% of women receiving radiation therapy and lumpectomy for the treatment of breast cancer are likely to get a recurrence in about 12 years. There is no possible method to entirely eradicate the probability of breast cancer recurrence. Though, there are some things that you can do to reduce the risk of return of the disease.

Lifestyle Changes

According to a research conducted by University of California, involving about 1550 women who earlier underwent a treatment, women with maximum plasma carotenoid ratio had lower chances for a recurrence by about 40%.

You can get high plasma carotenoid concentration from eating vegetables and fruits. Beta-carotene is present in carrots, cantaloupe, kale, and spinach etc., lycopene is present in apricots, pink grapefruits, and tomatoes etc., and lutien is present in broccoli, collards and leafy vegetables. All the desired nutrients are present in vegetables and fruits, so consuming more of them reduces the risks of cancer recurrence.

Overweight women have higher chances of a reappearance, so if you are overweight, you should try to reduce your weight, and consume less fats. Also, you should exercise more. You can go on morning or evening walks to increase your physical activity.

If you consume alcohol or tobacco, quit these habits now, as they highly enhance the risks of breast cancer recurrence.

Treatments

Some women take hormone therapy after their menopause. This enhances the risk of recurrence. Avoid any hormone therapy including transvaginal, tropical, and oral medications. If you are required to get estrogen replacements, make sure you also take progesterone supplements, as it reduces the hazards that estrogen has over breasts.

You can take tamoxifen, which is an SERM (Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator). It is given to both male and female breast cancer patients for suppressing estrogen and preventing the return of breast cancer. Tamoxifen should not be taken with juice of grapefruit. Also, pregnant women should not take this drug. Some common side effects of tamoxifen are menopause symptoms, like vaginal dryness, irregular menstrual cycle, headache, fatigue etc.

You can undergo precautionary surgery to decrease the chances of a recurrence. Undergoing bilateral mastectomy can reduce the chances of breast cancer recurrence by as much as 90%. It is the surgical removal of one or both breasts, and it greatly helps reduce the chances of return of breast cancer. Preventive mastectomy is of two types: subcutaneous mastectomy and total mastectomy. In subcutaneous mastectomy, the breast tissue is removed, but the nipple is left, whereas in total mastectomy, breast tissue is removed along with the nipple. According to American Cancer Society, removal of the ovaries decreases risk of breast cancer recurrence by 50%.

Generally, a woman who had cancer in one breast has more chances of developing cancer in the opposite breast. Prevention is very important when it comes to breast cancer. It is a deadly disease, and has high chances of recurrence. It is better to follow a healthy living style to be safe from the return of breast cancer.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Preventing-Breast-Cancer-Recurrence&id=3622477

Friday, July 31, 2009

Overview of Penile Cancer

Penile cancer is cancer of the penis, the male sex organ, and it is not as common as other forms. This penile disorder can develop in people aged 60 years or older, in people that have phimosis (the foreskin cannot be pulled back over the glans), people that have poor personal hygiene, people that have too many sexual partners and people that consistently use tobacco products. The symptoms of this horrible disease include redness, irritation, or the development of a sore on the penis. Another symptom of it includes the development of a lump on the penis itself. A physical exam, the history of the patient, or a biopsy can be used to determine whether or not a person has it.

The chance of recovery and how to determine the treatment options depends on the prognosis of the disease. The prognosis is determined by the stage of the cancer, the location and the size of the tumor, and whether the cancer was just diagnosed or is recurring. There are three main tests performed to determine how far along the cancer has become and those tests are an MRI, a CT Scan, and an Ultrasound. An MRI, short for magnetic resonance imaging, uses radio waves to make a series of pictures of the patient's body. A CT Scan is a procedure that makes a series of pictures of the body from different angles. An Ultrasound is a procedure in which high energy sound waves are bounced off internal tissues or organs which then make echoes. The echoes then form a picture of the body's tissues known as a sonogram.

There are six common stages of this. Those stages include Stage 0, Stage I, Stage II, Stage III, Stage IV and recurrent cancer. Stage O is when abnormal cells are found on the surface of the skin of the penis. These abnormal cells might form into cancer and spread to other parts of the body but they might not spread at all. Stage O is also referred to as carcinoma in situation. Stage I is when the cancer has formed and spread to connective tissue just under the skin of the penis.

Stage II is when the cancer has spread to the tissue of just under the skin of the penis and to one lymph node in the groin or erectile tissue and may have spread to one lymph node in the groin. Stage III penile cancer is when the cancer has spread to the connective tissue or erectile tissue of the penis and to more than one lymph node on one or both sides of the groin or has spread to the urethra or the prostate. Stage IV is when the cancer has spread to tissues near the penis and may have spread to lymph nodes in the groin or the pelvis or has spread to anywhere in or near the penis or to other distant parts of the body. Recurring penile cancer is cancer that has gone away and returned again. The cancer can come back in the penis or in other parts of the body.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Overview-of-Penile-Cancer&id=2283056

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Cancer Survival Statistics

Cancer survival statistics work like any other statistic, they express a statistical probability. So while pancreatic cancer survival statistics are not necessarily good, because it is an aggressive cancer, it is at the end of the day a statistic. A statistic is an estimate based on a sample of a population, providing an indication of the true population parameter. Which means in plain English that cancer survival statistics are an indication of how many people on average will survive cancer as an average, irrespective of personal conditions such as genetics, age, etc.

According to Sen. Mitch McConnell on Health-Care Reform

Remarks from the Senate Wednesday, June 10, 2009

"One thing most people like about health care in the U.S. is the quality of cancer care that's available here. Far too many Americans die from cancer. Yet for all the problems we have, the fact is, America boasts some of the highest cancer survival rates in the world".

How you handle your health before and after cancer has a direct affect on the prognosis of the disease. For instance the women that survive breast cancer are those that have examined their breasts regularly before they were diagnosed with cancer, and had regular mammograms. The statistics here are so good that those diagnosed in the earliest stages of breast cancer and who receive early treatment are a hundred percent.

That is not to minimize the treatment nor its affect on the patient, but it is amazing the mental difference that a hundred percent cancer survival prognosis can have. A bad mental attitude does not help being positive and upbeat is a vital process in adjusting cancer survival statistics in your favor. Despite the fact that most people are terrified when they first receive the news that they have breast cancer overcoming that fear is a major part of the prognosis. Understanding survival statistics can be extremely helpful in controlling your fears.

Few breast conserving treatment (BCT) data include women older than 70, yet a study of 910 women being treated by BCT for stage I-II breast cancer, when all patients received Radiotherapy (RT) found that a 65 month follow up found that a second cancer occurred in only 5.6 percent of cases. Six hundred and seventy six percent of cases were in complete remission (74.3%), 22 were evaluative (2.4%). 206 patients died (22.6%). The results of this study concluded that those that needed more aggressive treatment had been identified.

Improving the statistics is within your power, and empowerment regarding your treatment is the first of a series of steps that enable you to cheat the cancer survival statistics. Today cancer is a serious disease but it is not an automatic death sentence. The chance of surviving cancer depends firstly and foremost on the type of cancer, but your immediate environment, your diet, your mental state, your lifestyle all have an impact on whether your cancer survival statistics are better than the average.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Cancer-Survival-Statistics&id=2592022

Saturday, June 6, 2009

What is Asbestos and Where Has it Commonly Been Used

Asbestos is a natural fibrous mineral, and it is mined in a number of countries across the world. Historically, it has been a popular mineral to use in construction due to the fact that it is durable, flexible, resistant to chemical attack, an excellent insulator and able to withstand high temperatures. Even the name itself comes from the Greek language where it means 'un-extinguishable'.

In the UK, asbestos has been used since the industrial revolution when it was first used as insulation. Since then, it has been used in various applications such as fire retardant coatings, bricks, pipe lagging and lining of boilers.

There are three main forms of asbestos that occur naturally. The first is known as 'chrysotile', or white asbestos, and is by far the most commonly used type. It was usually mixed with cement to form corrugated roof sheets, or used to make flat sheets for walls and floors. Extremely flexible, it can be spun and woven like cloth which made it ideal as pipe insulation or even fireproof clothing. Considered to be dangerous to health, it was banned from the UK in 1999. It is estimated that this type accounts for up to 95% of all asbestos found in buildings.

The second type of asbestos is called 'amosite', or brown asbestos. In buildings it is most commonly found covering steel as fire protection or in walls as sound proofing. This type of asbestos is also considered harmful, and the import of amosite was banned in 1986.

The third form of asbestos is called 'crocidolite', or blue asbestos. It is a harder and less flexible form than the other types, but it is extremely strong and has a high acid resistance. It is considered to be the most dangerous of all asbestos types, and its use was strictly controlled from 1969 until it was finally banned in 1986.

It is essential that when asbestos it is found it is removed and disposed of correctly by a professional, licensed asbestos removal company, as the removal process can expose you to health risks if the correct procedures are not followed.

As asbestos has been used for over a century, it has been included in thousands of products. The list below gives some of the common uses for asbestos containing products so that you know what to be careful of when carrying out alterations to a property. While asbestos is generally safe if left alone, any damage can lead to the release of fibres which are dangerous to health.

Roof tiles and panels - asbestos is commonly found mixed with concrete to make either flat or corrugated panels. They are often seen as the roofs or walls of outbuildings and garages.

Roofing felt - asbestos can be found combined with bitumen in the felt often found covering flat roofs, where it gives flexibility and insulation. Some bitumen products containing asbestos were also used to make guttering.

Lagging - adding asbestos to cloth allowed it to be used to lag pipework and prevent heat loss or frost damage. Similar material was also used for fire blankets and some protective clothing.

Sound proofing - sprayed asbestos can often be found in under floors and in ceiling voids where it acts to prevent noise pollution.

Electrical insulation - Asbestos paper has been used to wrap electrical cabling and as the back of fuse boxes because of its non-flammable properties.

Spray coating - spraying asbestos on structural components of buildings provides protections against damage from heat and cold.

Loose packing - wall and ceiling cavities in older buildings may contain asbestos as it was frequently used as insulation.

Door linings - a flat sheet of asbestos under door panels provides resistance in the event of fire.

While this list gives you an idea of what to look for, it is not complete and if you are in any doubt a qualified asbestos surveyor should be contacted for advice. They will be able to assess the situation and advise you accordingly. If in any doubt ask a professional asbestos removal company to undertake an asbestos survey so that you are certain of what you dealing with before you start removing anything that could significantly harm your health.
http://ezinearticles.com/?What-is-Asbestos-and-Where-Has-it-Commonly-Been-Used&id=2408553

Sunday, May 3, 2009

Skin Cancer Warning Signs - Five Signs and How to Prevent Skin Cancer

Why is it important to know the five signs of skin cancer? It is important to know them because once you know the skin cancer warning signs, you can save yourself from getting worse. And if you do not have the signs, you should learn how to prevent it. This article will tell you what the five skin cancer warning signs are and how to prevent skin cancer.

The Five signs:

* You see a sore or spot on your skin for more than a month straight without healing
* You see a spot or experience a sore that itches, hurt, scab, crust or bleeding more than a month
* You see or experience an area of the skin that ulcerates or broke down without any obvious cause and does not heal in a month
* You see a shiny pink or red lump on your face, scalp, ears, hands, shoulders or back
* You see pink lumps that may bleed easily and ulcerate. It is often found on the face, neck and limps

These are some skin cancer warning signs and when you know it, you should really get a treatment. However, if you are NOT seeing any signs that you are having cancer, it is always important to prevent it and save yourself and decrease the likelihood. We all know that prevention is better than cure. Read on to learn how to prevent yourself from cancer.

What can you do to prevent cancer?

Studies have shown that those who take Resveratrol have better skin health. Resveratrol is a food supplement that has helps many people in achieving a healthier and better health. It can also help one to lower their blood sugar level significantly. Resveratrol has also been featured in the Oprah program and on other TV programs as well. It is also perfect for anyone who wishes to lose weight. Read below to find out more about what are the health benefits of Resveratrol.

What are health benefits of Resveratrol:

* Increase lifespan
* Prevent likelihood of having cancer
* More athletic nature
* Radiation protection
* Reduce Neurodegenerative Disease

These are just some of the benefits of Resveratrol. Its ability to cure sickness and prevent cancer has made it really popular in the market. Do not wait for the skin cancer warning signs to show up, prevent it as soon as possible with the help of Resveratrol.
http://ezinearticles.com/?Skin-Cancer-Warning-Signs---Five-Signs-and-How-to-Prevent-Skin-Cancer&id=2254326

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Misdiagnosis of Breast Cancer

In the U.S. close to 250,000 cases of breast cancer are being diagnosed every year. For women, this is the most common type diagnosed. This cancer is also one of the most misdiagnosis.

With the appropriate diagnosis and treatments, the survival rate increases for women. In addition, if the diagnosis does not happen early, the possible damage caused increases. There are also times when the misdiagnosis that occurs is that, in reality, there is no cancer at all. Women have gone through chemotherapy, radiation, and other treatments when they were not needed.

What Causes a Misdiagnosis of Breast Cancer?

Misdiagnosis has many factors that lead to it. This normally includes one or more of the following:

* Radiology/mammography/biopsy mistakes - such as misread results
* Not recognizing symptoms of breast cancer or confusing signs and symptoms with another illness
* Failure to perform necessary tests

Because of misdiagnosis there could be a delay in treatment, not getting the right treatment and in some cases it ends up in death.

Doctors Make Mistakes

In the journal Cancer there was a study published in 2006 that showed disagreements between doctors regarding misdiagnosis of breast cancer. These disagreements range from mammograms interpretation to advising treatments for them.

This study also highlighted the importance of a second opinion in cases regarding the diagnosis in order to decrease the risk of error. Doctors make mistakes and getting a second opinion can make a difference from having a fatal illness and not having a fatal illness.

Some doctors fail to refer their patients to go get a second opinion. It is important to remember other medical staff such as specialists, can make mistakes. Point being, patients who have been misdiagnosis have legal rights and they can take action.

Misdiagnosis and Medical Malpractice

A diagnostic error is a type of medical malpractice. Victims can file a claim against the responsible party. Some compensation victims can claim includes:

* Pain and suffering
* Mental anguish
* Treatment expenses
* Disfigurement
* Loss of companionship/support

If you are a victim of medical malpractice, you have a deadline to file. These statutes of limitations are different in every state. To find out the laws in your state contact an attorney. They will protect your rights.

Contact an Attorney Today

Speak to a medical attorney if you are a victim of any form of misdiagnosis. An attorney protects the right of victims of these cases or any other type of cancer claim. These attorneys have countless success stories regarding compensation for their clients they will answer questions and give you legal advice, so contact an attorney today.
http://ezinearticles.com/?Misdiagnosis-of-Breast-Cancer&id=2189110

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

New Treatment Options For Breast Cancer Patients

gery. To reduce the possibility of the recurrence of breast cancer, this treatment is given.

Pre-surgical chemotherapy "is to reduce the possibility of a large tumor and / or kill any stray cancer cells. This will also increase the possibility that the surgery will kill the cancer completely.

Regular chemotherapy, "this is usually the people who have breast cancer that has spread beyond the breast or the environment local area.

Hormone therapy may also occur, as many breast cancers, such as those having a broad estrogen or progesterone receptors are sensitive to changes in hormones.

Tamoxifen treatment of breast cancer

Women who are genetically at high risk of developing breast cancer may benefit from tamoxifen as it has previously been seen in reducing the incidence of the disease. Raloxifene, used to treat osteoporosis, is being studied for the treatment of breast cancer.

In some cases of breast cancer, a woman of natural hormones are suppressed with drugs, while other patients find benefits by adding hormones. Tamoxifen, for example, is currently the most commonly prescribed effective hormone treatment. It can be used to treat breast cancer and the prevention of breast cancer. Tamoxifen has few side effects and can significantly improve the lives of women who have advanced cases of breast cancer.

Fulvestrant treatment of breast cancer

Another treatment, Fulvestrant has recently been approved in the U.S.. It is planned to be used for the treatment of hormone receptor positive metastastic breast cancer in women who have been through menopause. Is given following antiestrogen therapy.

Monoclonal breast cancer treatment

Another treatment known as monoclonal antibodies is that they are antagonistic against the proteins, which are in or around the cancer cells. They recognize an invader like a cancer cell and attack him. This antibody therapy is currently being investigated has a lot of hope for those suffering from breast cancer.

Excessive intake of alcohol and obesity after menopause may increase the risk of developing breast cancer, although this increase is slight. Such women are physically active have a lower risk.

Preventive or prophylactic mastectomies

More and more women who are at high risk of developing breast cancer are taking preventive or prophylactic mastectomies to avoid developing breast cancer.

The main risk factors for women to develop breast cancer are age, sex and genetics. The woman can not do anything about some risks in order to prevent death due to breast cancer is recommended with newspapers.

Women should carry out regular screening, including self-examination, mammography and clinical breast exam.

I hope that reading the above information is both fun and educational for you. That is how things stand right now. Keep in mind that any subject can change over time in order to ensure that they keep abreast with the latest news.
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Cancer-Patients&id=1823906