Posts Tagged ‘cancer’

Finding Out The Signs Of Prostate Cancer

March 10th, 2010

Cancer is one of the diseases of mankind which is a global health problem. Cancer is the expansion of abnormal cells in the body. Sometimes there’s a growth of new cells whether or not the body does not need them therefore they form into cancers in certain organs of the body. They can attack or metastasize in surrounding tissues or other areas of the body. Due to its effects to the body, ongoing research has been done for new treatments even if treatment for cancer has been discovered already. Cancers are named after the organ where it started. One of the commonest cancers among men is prostate trouble.

Prostate problems is affecting the gland in the male reproductive system. The local growth of the cancer cells can affect the urinary system of the males. It can metastasize to other parts especially to the bones and the lymph nodes. The reason behind prostate trouble is still unknown but it has certain risk factors that predispose it to happen in males.

The signs and indications of prostate cancer are generally not noticed by the person influenced that’s why it is already diagnosed when complications are felt in the later years. Signs might not be considered as symptoms at first by the person concerned. During the beginning stages, he may just feel them as urinary issues which may not prompt him for medical help. But for cancer, it’s much better to track it down at an earlier stage to prevent its spreading which could lead to sudden death.

Screening tests can be done to diagnose prostate cancer at an early stage. One being the PSA blood test. PSA is a protein released by the prostate gland into the blood stream. When the prostate isn’t working well or if it has a growth, it produces PSA which is more than the standard and it is awfully obvious in the blood works. A second screening test is an aggressive procedure of digital rectal examination. A lubricated gloved finger is inserted in the rectum to determine any irregularities particularly in the size and sort of the prostate. These two screening tests will give reliable prostate problems signs that the medical team will use to prepare a diagnosis.

Apart from the tests, subjective signs and symptoms of prostate problems can be observed by males. The most typical being a difficulty when it comes to pissing and ejaculation. The prostate is found just below the bladder that’s why it affects the excretion of an affected person. Customarily someone may feel a requirement to have frequent urination especially at night. Another symptom is an issue in starting pee or may often lead to an inability to piss. There’s pain and a burning sensation when urinating also. These symptoms are not only felt when urinating but also upon ejaculation. There is a trouble in erection and pain on ejaculation. Frequent discomfort in the hips and lumbar region is mostly felt.

When these signs and symptoms are felt, it’s much better not to let it pass without consultation from the medical practitioners. Enlargement of the prostate doesn’t straight away mean that it is cancer but it could also be helpful in the early detection of cancer. That’s why, it is advisable to find medical advice when these signs and symptoms happen. Prostate trouble is a type of condition that occurs in males. Early detection of prostate trouble is better for prompt treatment. To have further information on the signs and evidence of prostate trouble, just click http://www.prostatecancersigns.org.

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Spicy Cancer Fighting Herbal Compound: Apigenin

March 10th, 2010

The news that someone close to us or someone particularly famous has been diagnosed with a malignant disease, may cause us to pause for thought. When this happens we often stop to think that, when it comes to cancer, the odds are pretty much stacked against us and that it is only a matter of time before we have to confront that “suspicious” lump or a sinister shadow on the X-ray plate.

These thoughts are not really surprising considering the large number of different cancers that have the potential to invade our bodies – common cancers such as those of the breast, prostate, colon, lung as well as the not so common cancers such as leukemia and thyroid cancer.

If we are wise we will be making an effort to reduce our cancer risk by eating sensibly, not smoking, reducing our alcohol intake and by exercising regularly. What we should also be doing, according to a growing body of research, is eating more foods containing the natural compound apigenin.

SOURCES OF APIGENIN

Apigenin is an antioxidant flavonoid found in herbs, spices and other food plants. Examples of foods that contain apigenin are the herbs and spices, coriander, licorice, marjoram, parsley, oregano, rosemary and tarragon. Other foods such a citrus, tea, celery and wheat also contain significant quantities of this yellow cancer fighting compound.

SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH

Although most of the research into this compound has been confined to the laboratory, scientists studying apigenin have discovered that it exhibits several different mechanisms that all work to counter the complex factors underlying cancer cell growth.

As well as interfering with a number of cancer signaling processes, apigenin also inhibits the growth of new blood vessels that malignant cells need to grow and proliferate.

HER2 BREAST CANCER GENE

As far as breast cancer is concerned, it also inhibits the expression of the HER2/neu gene. Woman who carry HER2/neu are much more susceptible to an aggressive, treatment-resistant form of cancer for which, until recently, there was no effective treatment.

Apigenin has been shown to suppress the activity of this gene and, in this regard it joins its fellow green tea based flavonoid, epigallocatechin-gallate as a potent preventive agent in those unfortunate to inherit the HER2/neu gene.

CANCERS SUSCEPTIBLE TO APIGENIN

To date apigenin has been found to inhibit the following cancer cell lines: breast, prostate, lung, leukemia, colon, ovary, skin and thyroid – malignancies that account for the vast majority of cancers to which most of us fear falling prey.

PREVENTION RATHER THAN CURE

It will be a long time before research is done into the use of apigenin in the TREATMENT of these malignancies.

And, on a cautionary note, there is also some evidence that high doses of apigenin may actually interfere with one or two chemotherapeutic agents used in the treatment of leukemia.

In other words a higher dosage of a useful anti-cancer phytonutrient is not always better than the lower dosages that are effective in preventing the onset of the disease.

EAT MORE SPICES

Instead of waiting for that to happen we should be more proactive and eat foods that contain this important phytonutrient.

A regular intake of herbs and spices such as coriander (cilantro), licorice, marjoram, oregano, parsley, rosemary and thyme (as well as other foods such as whole wheat, celery, tea and citrus) should provide protective amounts of apigenin.

Moreover, these and other spices supply many other compounds that have proven cancer inhibiting capabilities.

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Mushrooms Used as Remedies throughout History

March 9th, 2010

In 3,300 B.C., a tribal elder from Val Venosta, Italy, trekked across an Alpine glacier in an attempted getaway from enemies. But his foes got the better of him and with a well-aimed arrow pierced his subclavian artery, leaving him to bleed to death in a glacial cave where his mummified remains were discovered in 1991. Among the belongings of Oetzi the Iceman were two medicinal mushrooms, the earliest evidence in existence of mushrooms used as remedies.

There is good reason to believe he carried both of these mushrooms along as natural remedies. Whipworm parasite eggs were found in Oetzi’s intestines. Birch polypore mushroom Piptoporus betulinus is a traditional de-worming remedy. The other mushroom in his possession, Tinder fungus (Fomes fomentarius), may have been used to cauterize the wound on his right hand.

Both of these are polypores, so named because they have pores instead of gills underneath. No species of polypore is known to be poisonous. They usually grow on trees, dead or alive.

Polypores are usually considered inedible due to the fact that they are hard and wood-like. But for ancient peoples all across the globe – from China and India to Europe and the Americas – polypore teas and poultices have none-the-less been indispensible allies to human health at least for as long as written and oral traditions can recount.

Oral traditions of Native Americans bear tale of many types of polypores being used to help against the diseases brought by the Europeans, including Birch polypore but also Reishi (Ganoderma resinaceum), Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor), Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) and the now almost vanished species Agarikon (Fomitopsis officinalis).

As it so happens, Agarikon is also the oldest mushroom referenced in European medical literature. It was listed by Dioscorides in the Materia Medica of 65 B.C. as a treatment for tuberculosis. In confirmation of this, Polish researcher K. Grzywnowics published an article in 2001 titled Medicinal mushrooms in Polish Folk Medicine where he states that Agarikon tea was historically used in his country as a remedy for lung conditions, as well as rheumatoid arthritis, open bleeding and infected wounds.

Up to this point, we’ve only covered the use of medicinal mushrooms in the West. However, their use has been far more widespread in Asia. There are at least three Asian species that would be criminal to leave out of any article on the history of medicinal mushrooms.

First is the polypore Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), which has been used in China and Japan as a health bestowing mushroom of immortality for at least two millennia. It was first mentioned in the 2,000 year old book Shen Nong’s Herbal Classic. Many ancient wood-carvings and temple engravings in the Orient bear testament to the homage paid to this acclaimed cure-all mushroom.

Next is a mushroom from Tibet known as Cordyceps, a small fungus growing out of the bodies of silk caterpillars. Its first mention was in The Classic Herbal of the Divine Plowman, 200 A.D. Traditionally used as an aphrodisiac, today it’s popular with athletes to improve strength and stamina.

Last but not least is the medicinal mushroom Shiitake, better known as a culinary delight. However, Shiitake is also one of the most research mushrooms for medical properties. Commercial cultivation of Shiitake began about a thousand years ago in China. Medicinal uses include immune enhancement, antibiotic and more. Shiitake extracted Lentinan polysaccharide is approved as an anti-cancer drug in Japan.

Scientific research on medicinal mushrooms began in Japan in the late 1960’s. A ground-breaking study by Dr. Ikekawa found that mushroom growers and their families had lower cancer rates then the communities in which they lived. Today, medicinal research into mushrooms has expanded exponentially around the world and is still increasing. Medicinal mushrooms are still making history.

Note: The article is informational only. The FDA has not approved mushrooms for medicinal use. Always consult a licensed medical practitioner before using any product to treat an illness.

Dr. Markho Rafael has worked in the natural health field since 1996 as a researcher and author, now specializing in mycomedicinals. Click medicinal mushrooms for more articles and mushroom products. Material for this article comes from several different sources. However, a significant portion comes from the books of medicinal fungus expert Paul Stamets, who deserves special credit and thanks.

How to Easily Prevent 75% of All Cancer Deaths and 100,000 Cases Every Year

March 9th, 2010

During the last decade, several noted Vitamin D research studies have determined that higher levels of the active and circulating form of vitamin D, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, are linked to dramatically lower rates of colon, prostate, breast, ovarian, kidney and pancreatic cancers.

Doctors and researchers once thought that its function was to only regulate our bones and calcium metabolism. But recent research has clearly demonstrated its importance in regulating literally thousands of our genes. Vitamin D is also different from other vitamins, such as C and E which are anti-oxidants. Vitamin D is in fat a hormone that plays a critical role in ever cell in our bodies.

Recent research studies have linked its deficiency to flu epidemics, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, asthma, osteoarthritis, chronic pain, and other diseases.

Population studies and recently uncovered actions of vitamin D suggest a new model of cancer causes accounts for vitamin D’s actions.

If the active level of vitamin D (25-hydroxyvitamin D) is increased to 50 to 60 ng/ml, Dr. Cedric Garland of the University of California believes the death rates of all cancers could be reduced by 75%. He also suggest that over 100,000 new cases of breast and colon cancer combined could be prevented in the US and Canada combined.

There are no unreasonable risks from intake of 2000 IU per day of vitamin D3, or from a population serum 25(OH)D level of 40 to 60 ng/mL. Dr. Garland asserts that the time has arrived for a nationally coordinated action to substantially increase Vitamin D intake that would not only prevent the occurrence of these tragic and costly diseases, but also tremendously improve our national level of health and the quality of life.

This is stunning information, in my opinion, especially for people with a family history of these cancers. I’ve seen people worry themselves chronically about the possibility of cancer developing. Now, with a simple test for the vitamin D3 level and taking supplements, what could be easier? And consider the relief of mind from the worry surrounding yearly tests, checkups, etc.

Sometimes, the easiest solutions are the most challenging ones to accept.

Source: http://www.annalsofepidemiology.org/article/S1047-2797%2809%2900105-7/abstract

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Looking For Prostate Cancer Statistics

March 8th, 2010

Thru understanding the stats of prostate problems, doctors with their patients must have a better knowledge of what their probabilities are in thrashing the malignancy and help them for staying inspired. The prostate growths spread relatively slowly and it offers a fair fighting chance to those patients to be freed from the cancerous cells, just when the malignancy cells are detected early and been destroyed for the exact time.

In the U. S. , roughly 27,000 men might have died of the prostate growth as part of the 192,000 men who were uncovered with that illness in 2009. This may have meant that just about 15% of blokes who were diagnosed with prostate problems might surrender with the illness. However, it has got a consideration of an almost 85% can still live on. Away with this, about 8% of men were foretasted to be at the span of ages fifty and seventy. It implies the risk facing by the North American men of toning prostate tumor through their lifetime.

Different types of prostate trouble statistical data stated that one for every six men in the united states might have been affected by the prostate cancer with the specter of acquiring the disease enhances radically with the elder men. The journey of people who dies of prostate trouble among the years 2003 to 2006 in the united states was distinguished that black American has the higher risk in obtaining and dies from the prostate problems. At the existing 100,000 black American men that suffered from the illness, 53 have died. As of the white American men, with the current 100,000 that suffered from prostate illness, twenty-three white men have died.

Asian men have the lowest death ratings in the U. S. , with approximately ten men amongst 100,000 expiring from the illness. The prostate problems figures similarly showed clearly that about nineteen Hispanic men have died from the present 100,000 patients across the same period. Patients with the prostate cancer have the high probabilities of endurance if the tumor was perceived and treated early. Nearly eighty percent of the malignancy patients were detected from the cancer stage one or the cancer is just beyond the organ and didn’t spread away.

Approximately 12% of the patients with cancer were detected on the following and 3rd stages where the carcinogenic cells have spread away from the organ affected and transmitted to the near or surrounding organs of the prostate. While about 4% of the tumor were discovered with in the fourth stage, or have reached the metathesis stage where in the cancerous cells have spread up to the other organs of the body.

Although the rates of surviving the malignancy were around 100 pieces in the 1st three stages, it falls down about 30% for people that had reaches the metastasis stage. White men in the U. S. have about 99% of the survival chances much up to a 96% survival possibilities of black American.

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Pancreatic Cancers

March 8th, 2010

Introduction
Pancreatic cancers also described as the cancer of the pancreas is one of the serious genetic diseases and have increased the mortality rates among the Americans. It’s ranked fifth among the genetic diseases that are very fatal. The number of people affected in about 28,000 every year in America which is estimated to be a rate of about five people out of 100,000 is a patient of this condition. The Johns Hopkins Medical Institute doctors describe ‘pancreatic cancer as a 21st century challenge’.

The pancreas is the gland after by this cancer hence the name pancreatic cancer. It’s located behind the stomach and extends across the abdomen. It’s made up of two glands the exocrine and the endocrine glands. The pancreas is responsible for the enzyme that digests fats and proteins and it’s secreted by the exocrine pancreas. Some of the cells of the organ are endocrine and secret hormone like insulin and glucagons hence assist in metabolism of sugar.

Creating Cancer
Perhaps the big question is to ask; how do these cells of the pancreas develop cancer? The human cells are susceptible to oncogenesis meaning that they can easily develop tumors, American Cancer Society (2008). It’s been established that exocrine tumors are very prevalent. Nonetheless, all the tumors are usually not cancerous. Smaller fractions are usually benign. In the study of pancreatic cancer it’s important to note that the malignant cells are the worst that lead to serious states of cancers. Pancreatic cancer involves very critical aspects of pathology just like other diseases and these include the causes, signs and symptoms, mortality, prevalence, risk factors, diagnosis and medication (Sulyak et al 2003 & Reber 1998).

Another critical question is; what are the causes of the cancer of the pancreas? Its not been established exactly but some risk factors potent so much probability of the disease and are usually considered as the causes of the dieses by some researchers. For instance, smoking, old age, Diabetes mellitus and pancreatitis especially caused by excessive alcoholic consumption, American Cancer Society (2008). These leads to the nest question which is what are the risk factor for developing pancreatic cancer? There are a number of events and circumstances that have been associated with higher prevalence of the disease condition. Basically there is need to found out what is a risk factor? This is something that enhances the possibility of getting the disease condition in question like in this case the pancreatic cancer. Some risk factors like smoking can be managed while others are out of our ability like age, and race cannot be changed. The following are some of the common risk factors; age- most of people older than 55 year have higher risk (90%) (Jemal et al 2004); gender – men are more prone to pancreatic Cancer at a ratio of 1:3 compared to women; race- the prevalence is very high in African American compared to Caucasian and Hispanic Americans; smoking- smokers have a 2-3 higher risk of developing cancer; diet- foods very rich in proteins and very fatty are very hazardous while fruits and vegetable reduce the chances. Obesity is also a risk factor; other factors include diabetes, liver cirrhosis, and family history of the disease, work exposure and genetic changes (Sulyak et al 2003).

What are the symptoms of this condition? The major signs and symptoms that are common for pancreatic cancer patients include; abdominal pain and the lower back, notable loss of weight and is often linked to lack of appetite, bloated stomach, diarrhea (especially steatorrhea) and occasionally in diabetics. These symptoms are however very vague and are easily confused for other common diseases which are less serious. This had been very upsetting as many of the discovered condition are already in advanced stages- early diagnosis is very difficult hence higher mortality as well (Swiezewski 1999).

So how is pancreatic cancer diagnosed? It’s usually very difficult to diagnose but physical examination is done to establish private conditions and family history, Physical signs, pulse, blood pressure and so on. Other operations to be done include x-rays for blood vessels (angiogram), trans-abdominal ultrasound, CT scan for the pancreas picture, and a special x-ray for the bile, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatogram (the ERCP) and lately new technology has introduced Endoscopic ultrasound (Michaud et al 2001). However a biopsy is the surest way to determine the presence of cancer. A critical concern is whether pancreatic cancer can be prevented? Scientists have not established a sure way to prevent this condition but avoiding the risk factors that are avoidable is essential like smoking, diet and exercise, eMedicineHealth (2009).

What is the prevalence? According the predictions by the cancer society of the U.S, there are about 35, 180 people infected with the disease this year and the mortality will be about 32, 800. The society also estimates that the five year rate of survival following diagnosis was only 4%. It’s 4th leading cause of death as a cancer (Jemal et al 2004). Since the condition is very fatal, what is the available treatment? This question is very important; the treatment cancer is very difficult and is essentially dependent several factors among them the type of cancer, degree (stage) and size of the tumor plus the age of the patient, eMedicineHealth (2009). The disease can only be cured when diagnosed in its early stages. Several methods of treatment are available and they include chemotherapy, surgery, radio therapy and radiation.

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The Growing Concerns on Cell Phone Radiation

March 7th, 2010

There are at least over a hundred million people who have started using cell phones by the end of the 19th century. With this growing number, the number of cell sites and satellites to provide for the growing need of good reception has expanded at an enormous rate. But with this rapid growth in technology, serious matters regarding electromagnetic exposure and radiation are coming to light.

There was an issue that popped up regarding a man claiming that his wife developed brain tumor because of RF or radio frequency from their cell phone. Of course, there was no substantial evidence to back up his claim that the cell phone was the cause. His wife’s habits were just like anyone else’ so the case was promptly dropped after two years. But this has started a wave of panic and uncertainty amongts the civilian population. What if there was an amount of truth to this crazy claim?

The concern over this hysteria is from the fact that cell phones emit RF or radio frequency waves, which are found between the area of FM radio waves and microwaves in the spectrum. The intensity will vary on the exposure time and from person to person, since location from base station can affect the frequency. The model also affects the amount, since newer models tend to emit a lesser degree of it.

Any person that lives near or is in the range of a base station’s tower would be bombarded by radio waves. Older modeled cell phones would emit larger quantities of these waves in comparison to that of the newer ones. But there is still no link that can be found at all. Most brain tumor patients would claim that they had lower hours of cell phone usage compared to normal people. There was no relation to the side of the brain that grew a tumor in connection to where the cell phone was mostly placed in.

No study could ever provide a clear link between the two, both cancer and cell phone. Though it is proven that radiation can cause cancer, the amount it emits is below the margin of danger. And benefits are more numerous than the harm it may possibly not cause. Who would want to throw away something convenient because a half-baked scare tactic?

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Cancer Stages Guide

March 7th, 2010

When cancer is diagnosed, the doctor will go through steps to figure out the stage of the cancer.

Cancer stages are often used to help doctors form a treatment plan and to help patients understand the extent of the cancer as well as the prognosis.

It is actually not that difficult to understand staging cancer, even it may seem confusing.

Major Staging

Cancer stages are determined through a process called staging. Staging determines the severity of the cancer.

It is based on the extent of how much the cancer has spread in the body.

Doctors will usually perform another test to find out where the cancer is, where it began, and to check if the cancer is spreading.

Staging Importance

It is very important process to determine how to treat the cancer.

Staging process is also useful for future research as well as understanding how that cancer reacts in the body.

Here is why staging is very important:

* Staging helps form a treatment plan

* Helps in forming a prognosis

* It is helpful in research studies

Staging Elements

Staging is done by examining at different factors.

When determining cancer stages in order to help maintain a level of consistency for staging, there are certain elements that must be included. These elements are:

* Location of where the cancer began

* Size and number of tumors

* Cancer location in the lymph nodes

* Cell type and grade of tumor

* Extent of metastasis

Generally, cancer stages are based upon 5 stages chart, and here is how it looks:

Stage 0 : Only pre-cancerous cells are present or early.

Stage One, Two, and Three: Cancer may have spread in the localized area.

Stage 4: Cancer has spread everywhere in the body

It is not easy to understand cancer stages, but is actually very important. A person receiving a diagnosis of stage one cancer will know that the cancer is a lot easier to treat, and so their prognosis will be good.

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Tips And Info On Cervical Cancer Stages

March 6th, 2010

Usually cervical cancers affect girls that are their middle age or perhaps older but it can be diagnosed in any reproductive-aged lady. Knowing the stages of the disease is important, for it’s the most powerful predictor of the patient’s survival and for them to have proper treatments because the treatments are based primarily on the stage of the disease or how much the carcinoma has spread.

Cervical growths are categorized as either pre-invasive where the lower third of the epithelium compose unnatural cells or aggressive in which the full thickness of the epithelium contains abnormally proliferating cells. Cervical cancer established in the liner of the cervix, it is the lower part of the uterus or the womb that enters the vagina. This type of cancer does not always spread but if spreads it usually goes to the lungs, the liver, the bladder, the vagina or the colon.

Cancer starts to develop from cell changes and it is due to the human papilloma virus or AKA HPV, in which it is spread through genital skin to skin contact during sexual activity. Cervical cancer appears more superior to most women who smokes.

Having numerous sexual partners, an individual that have a history of sexually communicated illness and having sexual intercourse at a young age are a few illustrations that expand the danger of infection to HPV and HIV. In the initial stage of cervical cancer could be entirely asymptomatic. Losses of appetite, weight control, fatigue, pelvic agony, back stiffness, leg discomfort are some of the symptoms of sophisticated cervical cancer.

Girls with low fruits and plant diets can increase the risk for cervical cancer. When a ladies takes up oral contraceptives in a substantial period of time the chance of cervical cancer goes up but it may come down for as long as the girls stops taking those pills.

To stop this kind of disease, it is generally preferred to take some vaccination shots against HPV and cervical cancer. In addition on the way to prevent cervical cancer, an individual must add some more vitamins A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and folic acid on their diet, eating more fruits and vegetables are also one that will hinder you from having cervical cancer.

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Possible Indicators And Warnings Related To Cancer

March 6th, 2010

Several cancers do not have particular or evident signs and symptoms. Consequently, prevention and proper screenings for cancer are of the utmost value. A lot of cancer screenings are generally age-specific. A primary care physician should advise the appropriate screenings for cancer during yearly check-ups.

Presently there are numerous risk factors that are known to effect and increase the threat of cancer. Healthcare experts advised that individuals take actions to handle their risk by making essential modifications to chosen lifestyle and routine which usually can help minimize their threat of developing several forms of cancer. The National Cancer Institute has reported that some of the most commonly known cancer risk factors include: advancing age (becoming older), the use of tobacco, unprotected exposure to sunlight and ultraviolet rays (UV), ionizing radiation (such as x-rays and radiation treatments), particular known chemicals, biological family history of cancer, use of alcohol, poor diet and higher than suggested body weight.

It is important that older adults discuss health concerns and concerns regarding cancer with their physician simply because the age group with the greatest cancer risk is adults over the age of 65. Just like a lot of other health conditions, cancer is most effectively fought when found and addressed early so preventative steps and age-appropriate screenings are important.

The use of tobacco is one of the leading causes of cancer. Use of tobacco is also one of the leading causes of avoidable deaths and illnesses in the United States. Over four hundred thousand people die each and every year from tobacco-related illnesses, but still a surprising portion of the American population (including young people in junior high and high school) continue to use tobacco and smoke. Quitting the use of tobacco (chewing and smoking) can reduce your own risk of getting various sorts of cancer such as: cancer of the mouth, lung, larynx, mouth, bladder, kidney, stomach, pancreas, cervix, and esophagus. Quitting smoking may also lessen the risk for heart attacks.

Experts recommend avoiding unprotected exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays especially during the hottest part of the day which is mid-morning to mid-afternoon. . Unprotected exposure to ultraviolet rays is known to increase the risk for melanoma and can also cause damage to the skin as well as premature aging. It is recommended that when out in the sun, individuals wear clothing (ideally long sleeve, long pants) with UV protection as well as UV protective sunglasses and a protective head covering such as a hat. Taking appropriate precautions and protecting the skin and eyes against UV rays can reduce the risk of cancer.

Ionizing radiation (such as x-rays and radiation therapy treatment) is a known risk factor for cancer. Go over your issues regarding ionizing radiation with your healthcare provider. Frequently the risks associated with x-rays are low and the positive aspects of radiation therapy can often outweigh the risks. Patients are prompted to have open discussions with their doctors regarding the risks related to ionizing radiation.

Workers in industries which regularly use and expose employees to certain chemicals (such as some construction workers, painters, etc) have an elevated risk of cancer. Some chemicals such as asbestos, carcinogens, pesticides, formaldehyde, and vinyl chloride have been confirmed to increase the risk of cancer.

Family history appears to increase the risk of certain types of cancers such as: skin, breast, ovary, prostate, and colon cancer. Some genes that are predisposed to cancer may be passed from parent to child. If you are concerned about your family history, it is important to talk to your doctor about prevention and screenings for early detection.

Disproportionate use of alcohol over many years has been shown to increase the risk of cancer. Experts recommend women drink no more than 1 alcoholic drink per day and men should not indulge in more than 2 alcoholic beverages per day; Drinking more than these amounts in considered excessive and may increase your chances of developing cancer. Drinking alcohol in combination with tobacco use can also increase the risk of cancer.

Lifestyle and weight may contribute to a person’s risk of developing cancer. It is believed that a poor diet that is high in fatty foods increases the risk of cancer of the colon, uterus, and prostate. It is recommended that a person eat a diet rich in vitamins, minerals and fiber. Whole grains, vegetables and fruits are included in a health diet as well as limited intake of fat. Inadequate physical activity and being overweight may increase the risk of developing breast, colon, esophagus, kidney, and uterus cancer. Most doctors recommend that adults get at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity each day.

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