Uplifting Tips from Breast Cancer Survivors

I put UPLIFT: Secrets from the Sisterhood of Breast Cancer Survivors together because, as a survivor, I saw the need for a book that treated breast cancer as a do-able experience -- and, indeed, the response to it has been remarkable. The book contains useful woman-to-woman hints -- things the doctor doesn't say -- practical advice on topics ranging from what deodorant to use during radiation, to what minimizes nausea during chemo, to how to feel feminine and upbeat. This advice comes first-hand, in the words of 370+ breast cancer survivors, their sisters, children, parents, lovers, and friends. The new 3rd Edition adds updates, five years later, from many of the original contributors.

The following are some uplifting tips from breast cancer survivors. I hope you find them as inspiring as I do:

The Worry Box "I found a box and glued colorful scraps of wrapping paper on the top. Inside it, each morning, I tucked handwritten notes about my worries and fears. Then I closed the lid and went on with the rest of the day." Nancy Burgess, in the "TAKING THE REINS" chapter.

The Art of Healing "Go to a theater, a museum, a concert or ballet. Art can take us out of ourselves, lift us beyond our immediate environment, enrich us spiritually and aesthetically. Opening yourself to great beauty is always a life-enhancer. In times of crisis, it's also healing." Susan Stamberg, in the "TAKING THE REINS" chapter.

Pins and Needles "Apparently, there is a dressmaker in Chicago who had prostheses made out of her pin cushions, so that she could conveniently stick her needles and pins into her chest when sewing and making alterations!" Darlene Jurow, in the "HUMOR" chapter.

Eating With Friends "I found conventional support group meetings difficult, so I formed my own support dinner group. We dine out every couple of months to discuss having breast cancer. We also share stories of our spouses, children, and travels." Deborah J.P. Schur, in the "SUPPORT GROUP" chapter.

Drinking Helps "Someone told me my chemo symptoms sounded like a really bad hangover! Their suggestion that Gatorade was good for hangovers led to my drinking gallons of it, which helped steady that queasy shakiness." Jane Vaughan, in the "CHEMO AND EVERYTHING ELSE" chapter.

Accentuate the Positive "Perhaps the most significant outcome of my battle with breast cancer is that I have changed my outlook on life. I now regard life as precious and try not to focus on negative things. Eliminating stress and resentment from my life and concentrating on the positive things has become my goal. I am now more at peace with myself. " Sandy Mark, in the "PURE UPLIFT" chapter.

Looking Ahead "It's been five years, nine months for me, but who's counting! I still think about my cancer, but less and less. I'm exercising more now. I really found out how good it was after my surgery and I got into a program for cancer survivors. I only wished I had started earlier in life. Now I faithfully visit the Y to start off my day." Judy Peterson, in the "FAST FORWARD" chapter.

For more tips and quotes visit Barbara Delinsky's site at http://www.barbaradelinsky.com/uplift/uplift.cfm

Barbara Delinsky is a bestselling author. Her novels are highly emotional, character-driven studies of marriage, parenthood, sibling rivalry, and friendship. They regularly appear on the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Publishers Weekly, and USA Today Bestseller Lists. UPLIFT: Secrets of the Sisterhood of Breast Cancer Survivors is Barbara's first non-fiction work.

Barbara donates all of her proceeds from the sale of UPLIFT to her charitable foundation for breast cancer research. So far, the sale of the book has allowed the Barbara Delinsky Charitable Foundation to fund three years of a breast surgery fellowship at Massachusetts General Hospital. The focus of the fellowship is to launch the career of a surgical oncologist with an additional year of training focused on innovative breast cancer treatments and research, hopefully offering returns to the field of cancer research for decades to come.

For more information on the foundation, please visit the UPLIFT website at http://www.barbaradelinsky.com/uplift/uplift.cfm

Copyright © 2006 Barbara Delinsky Charitable Foundation for Breast Cancer Research.

About the Author:
Barbara Delinsky is a bestselling author. For more tips and quotes visit Barbara Delinsky's site at http://www.barbaradelinsky.com/uplift/uplift.cfm
Submitted: 2006-09-08
Article Source: GO Articles

Healing Cancer And Cellular Memory

From the office of Dr. Laurence Magne, author of www.cancer-free-for-life.com

"Cellular memory" is defined as the capacity of living tissue cells to memorise and recall characteristics of the body from which they originated. Organ transplantation has applied the advances of technologically driven orthodox medicine for more than 50 years. However, its only in recent years that the recipients of donated organs have begun to report strange phenomena - atypical newfound memories, thoughts, emotions and preferences that are uncharacteristic, i.e. that "seem not to belong" to the recipient. These phenomena are new and often upsetting to the organ recipient; they are perceived to "belong" to their donor. How could this be, and has the phenomenon of "cellular memory" any applications in medicine?

Host rejection of donated organs is commonplace; with considerable failure rates. Orthodox medicine uses potent immunosuppressive drugs and other technologies to prevent organ rejection. Does the phenomenon of "cellular memory" elicit the cause of organ rejection. If so, are there any applications to prevent or treat organ rejection? To learn more about cellular memory, read Cancer Free For Life.

Holistic medicine views the body-mind-spirit as one and is based upon the theory of Yin and Yang. Yin and Yang originates from original Qi. Original Qi or Yuan Qi, originally transformed into the Qi of heaven and earth and underlies the entire infrastructure of Chinese medicine. In its primordial state, the existence of original Qi meant that all things were One. The Qi of Yin and Yang retains this connective or unifying potential.

In Yin-Yang theory, everything within the world is made-up of two opposing forces, each containing the seed of its opposite . The seed or eye grows at equal rates within each sphere until it limits are achieved. This allows a constant state of dynamic flux and balance. Yin-Yang principles guide all things. In the mutual victory or defeat of Yin-Yang, the situation will be of numerous varieties, so, Yin-Yang are the parents of variations. Yin-Yang interaction shapes everything and decides all outcomes. All situations and things of any kind depend on the relative strength or weakness of Yin and/or Yang, i.e. Yin-Yang interaction is the origin of all change or no change; it decides the outcome of everything. Everything on earth and in heaven is created from Qi and the qualities of Qi as described by Yin and Yang are rigorously expressed in all creation.

Therefore, everything contains the essence (seed) of the whole.

Yin-Yang theory is the same as its modern western equivalent; the holographic principle and is the basis of cellular communication with the body-mind in dynamic interplay. The holographic principle prescribes to the theory that "every piece contains the whole" and can be seen in the cellular structure of all living bodies. It is well known that every cell contains a copy of the master DNA blueprint. From these two identical theories, we may conclude that although each organ contains its own function, emotion, spirit and so forth, each organ contains the functional essence of all the characteristics of the u organs and the body as a whole.

Visit www.alternative-health-ebooks.com for more information and articles. This article is available for reprint for your website and newsletter, provided that you maintain its copyright integrity and include the signature.

About the Author:
Dr Laurence Magne
Article Source: ArticleToGo.com

Cancer Diet - Minerals

A cancer diet needs a good balance of minerals because minerals are needed by all cells for proper function. Patients are often found to be mineral deficient, so this is an area of the diet that needs particular attention.

There are two classes of minerals. Macrominerals, such as the well known calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium and phosphorus, and microminerals, such as boron, chromium, copper, iron, iodine, germanium, sulfur, silicon, vanadium, zinc, manganese and molybdenum.

The good news is we will get most of the minerals we need, provided we are eating a diet based on a wide variety of fruits and veggies, with the addition of nuts, seeds and grains.

Where we can get in to trouble is that minerals are washed out of soils with constant rain, and modern fertilizers don't usually contain the wide variety of minerals we need. Organic gardeners usually use rock minerals on their soils and this results in organic produce have a much higher and broader range of minerals.

Germanium is one micromineral that cancer patients are often low on. It is essential for immune function and is critical to tissue oxygenation. Cancer grows rapidly where there is low oxygenation of cells. Germanium is found in broccoli, celery, garlic, onions, rhubarb, sauerkraut and tomato juice as well as aloevera and ginseng.

Iodine deficiency has been linked to breast cancer in more than one study. Seasalt contains iodine and a variety of minerals rather than the isolated highly processed iodine additive in table salt. Asparagus, garlic, lima beans, soybeans, sesame seeds all contain natural iodine along with the nutrients needed for good absorption.

Large amounts of brassicas eg brussels sprouts, cabbage and cauliflower, along with peaches, pears and spinach can block absorption of iodine, so ensure there is a balance of iodine rich foods in your diet.

Selenium has been linked to cancer. Selenium and Vitamin E work together to attack free radicals. Selenium is critical for pancreatic function, and pancreatic enzymes are critical to the bodies ability to fight tumour activity. This mineral is generally found in meat and grains, however countries such as New Zealand and much of America is known to have selenium deficient soils.

As there have been several studies showing that good selenium levels have significantly reduced the risk of cancer, this is one mineral you want to have enough of.

Food sources that should be included frequently in a cancer diet are: brazil nuts, broccoli, brown rice, brewers yeast, chicken, kelp, onions, salmon, seafood, tuna, wheatgerm and whole grains. Garlic, chamomile, ginseng and parsley are all easy to use concentrated forms that can be added to the diet daily.

A couple of warnings:

Be very careful about self-dosing with minerals as several of them will block absorption of others if the dose is too high.

Again, eating a variety of foods, with particular notice taken of those that have high mineral levels is the safest way to go. If you wish to explore mineral supplementation further, talk to your naturopath or nutritionist. But whatever you do, don't ignore the importance of these vital elements to your well being.

About the Author:
Marilyn Bennett's partner Glenn was declared cancer-free after 11 months using a nutritional approach. They are now on a mission to "spread the word" re the many things they discovered we can all do to fight cancer. Please visit http://www.cancer-einfo.com
Added: 20 Nov 2005
Article Source: http://articles.simplysearch4it.com/article/17079.html

Identify Your Back Pain & Don't Let Cervical Cancer Flourish In You

Have you ever pondered over the fact that your chronic back pain problem is not a normal case of back pain, but of cervical cancer??

Probably not! You would never have thought that. But you can not rule out the possibility of cervical cancer taking its root in you. Many a time a patient in the early stages of cervical cancer is treated for normal back pain.

Consider this, without knowing that you are in the early stages of the cervical cancer, your doctor treats you for back pain as such! After the first round of medication, no improvement in the back pain is seen. He gives you stronger medicines. Yet, there is no improvement and he gives you injections and stronger pain-killers. Even when there is no improvement, he suggests you to undergo the surgery.

The researchers may not yet know it, yet every disease begins its attack with prior-warnings. It may not be a clear visible warning always, like the thunder before the rain, nevertheless symptoms are there, but your doctor's present knowledge and skills might fail to spot it. Cervical cancer is known to creep in quietly like the cat. Therefore, the question of screening Pap tests assumes importance.

Pain in urination and back pain or pain in the pelvic region, are the important symptoms that could lead to cervical cancer.

The researchers are bent upon waging an all-out war on various types of cancer, but cancer is also bent upon opening new fronts. A clear cut connection between back pain and cervical cancer is difficult to establish, but any prolonged back-pain needs to be viewed suspiciously and detailed investigations must follow. Why such back-pains are happening more often leading to deadly diseases like cervical cancer? And when they happen, why can't the doctors understand that this back pain is having some hidden agenda?

The saying goes, "Don't strike--if you strike, strike hard, so that there is no need to strike again." Cancer precisely does the same thing for you. It kills you twice. The day your reports indicate that you have cancer; you are emotionally dead, in spite of the best assurances given to you by your doctor and the words of encouragement from your family members. Secondly, you know it is your certain invitation to death. You are in the death row. When you will be hanged by the cancer, is for the cancer to decide!

The moment you realize that your back pain is somewhat different from the back pains you had in the past, be on the alert and contact your GP immediately.

You can also switch over to natural medications to get early back pain relief. These are not medicines as such, they are herbs that are harmless and can be consumed under normal conditions. Garlic and ginger need to be made part of your daily diet. There are instances where the grape-juice diet has cured cancer. Take honey regularly. It gets rid your body of all the toxic elements.

In a pure body impurities like the ones that give rise to cancer, can not remain. Trust this and live your life with strong will power. You have capability to beat back cancer!

Many Back Pain articles are available at Back Pain Treatment & http://www.backpaindetails.com/pain/

About the Author:
Javier Fuller
Many Back Pain articles are available at http://www.backpaindetails.com/pain/ for Back Pain Treatment.
Submitted: 2006-09-08
Article Source: GO Articles

Breast cancer for beginners

Introduction
Because of the social changes, which has brought increased number of workingwoman and hence delayed childbearing, there has been a steep rise in the number of breast cancer patients in the last few decades. But as the incidence of the patients has risen so has raised the modality of treatments and the success rates. Also scientists have devised methods by which the cancer can be detected in an early stage and it has been convincingly proved that early detection and treatment bears a better prognosis than the later stage.

Myths
There are many myths attached to breast cancer. Some think that any lump in breast is a breast cancer but to the contrary most of them are benign. Similarly it was a popular belief earlier that breast-feeding decreases one’s risk of the cancer but that has been now found to be untrue. Some say that mammography makes the breast cancer widespread but it’s not true. Similarly there are many other myths, which need to be cleared in mind of the general mass for the proper detection and management of the tumor.

Early detection
Breast cancer can be detected in an early stage if women are taught to self-examine their breast. In case of detection of any breast lump or of any slightest suspicion, mammography should be done to rule out any tumor. Mammography is a good tool to diagnose this type of cancer.

Statistics
The incidence of breast cancer is increasing at an alarming rate. It is said that every 2-3 minutes one American woman is diagnosed a breast cancer.

Cause
Although the cause is not fully understood but it is hypothesized that there are various factors such as genetic and environmental. The environmental factors are increased age, obesity, smoking and having the first child at late age.

Diagnosis
The findings that denote a cancer are single, non-tender and firm to hard mass with ill-defined margins. This can be later confirmed by mammography and biopsy. After the cancer has been diagnosed staging is done to find out the best treatment option as well as the prognosis.

Management
The management of breast cancer rests basically on two things. The first is the treatment and second is the counseling. The treatment can further be divided into three: medical, radiation, and surgery. The medical treatment consists of drugs such as tamoxifen, which is an anti estrogen, aromatase inhibitors such as aminoglutethimide and monoclonal antibodies such as trastuzumab. But similar to other drugs they have their own side effects profile. The side effects associated with tamoxifen are increased vaginal bleeding, endometrial cancer and cataracts. The aromatase inhibitors have the side effects of leg cramps, jaundice and weight gain while the monoclonal antibodies may cause sterility or certain birth abnormalities.
Generally the radiation and surgery are the modalities, which are needed for the treatment to ward off the body of the cancerous growth.

Counseling
This is one of the most important parts of the treatment both before and after the surgery. The patients are to be taught that this is only another disease, which has treatment available, and persons can lead a normal life after that.

Latest research
Latest research is being done on both the surgery and the medicine. For the surgery, surgeons are trying to find out the best way of surgery so that post surgery the patients have minimal disabilities. Similar medicines with lesser side effects are being researched.

About the author:
Mansi gupta writes about breast cancer topics. Learn more at http://www.breastcancerassistance.com.
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Cancer Mesothelioma – It Is A Born Killer

What is mesothelioma?

The pericardium is the mesothelial tissue that surrounds and acts as a safeguard to the heart. The pleural mesothelium membrane covers the lungs and chest cavity and peritoneum is the mesothelial tissue that enfolds the organs in the abdominal cavity.

What is actually cancer mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the mesothelium, a dual layered membrane with which our chest, lungs, abdomen and the heart is wrapped safely.

Cancer Mesothelioma can damage any of these cells, although pleural mesothelioma is more common; it metastasizes and at an advanced stage the disease reach to the other parts of the body like the lymph nodes, lungs, chest wall, or abdominal organs.

How is cancer mesothelioma caused?

Though asbestos exposure is the primary reason in 70% to 80% of the cases, mesothelioma can be caused by other means, like exposure to the chemical zeolite that is also present in asbestos.

Asbestos has become part of our daily life being in cement, brake linings, roof shingles, flooring products, textiles, and insulation. The asbestos fibers take their toll by going into our windpipe and settling in the internal organs causing the formation of carcinogenic tumors.

The overall scenario regarding cancer mesothelioma

Though there is a ban on certain asbestos products, around 1000 people in France and above 2000 people in the U.S are faced with this nightmare each year.

Mostly, workers from shipyards, asbestos mines and mills are prone to this mishap, due to a constant exposure to asbestos. However, it takes 30 to 50 years for the disease to surface and show symptoms though they are not always accurate.

Cancer mesothelioma is proving more than a menace and the average person live for 12-24 months; the earlier it is detected, the better is the cure process.

The recent picture

Today, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have put restrictions towards maintaining acceptable levels of asbestos exposure in the workplace. People who work with asbestos are geared up with individual protective equipment to lower their risk of exposure. Even the family members of the workers are prone to the disease, so they are advised to take a shower before leaving for home.

Symptoms of cancer mesothelioma

- Feeling out of breath and pain in the chest due to an accretion of fluid in the pleura

- Peritoneal mesothelioma comprises weight loss and abdominal pain and a bulging abdomen due to accumulation of fluid

- Bowel obstruction, blood clotting abnormalities, anemia, and fever

- Pain, trouble swallowing, or swelling of the neck or face

However, a registered medical practitioner can diagnose you correctly.

Diagnosis of cancer mesothelioma

Diagnosis commences with an assessment of the patient's medical history, as well as any history of asbestos exposure. A complete physical examination may be performed, including:

- X-rays of the chest or abdomen

- A CT (or CAT) scan or an MRI may also be useful. A CT scan is a sequence of comprehensive pictures of areas inside the body created by a computer linked to an X-ray machine

- In an MRI, a strong magnet connected to a computer is used to draw meticulous pictures of areas affected by cancer mesothelioma inside the body. These pictures are viewed on a monitor and can also be printed

- A biopsy regarding the taking out of a sample tissue for examination is needed to verify a diagnosis of mesothelioma. Types of biopsy depending on the location of the tumor are thoracoscopy, peritoneoscopy

Lastly, the stage of the disease is important to the doctor for the correct diagnosis.

Cancer mesothelioma treatment

Treatment of cancer mesothelioma yields results depending on the site of the cancer, the phase of the disease, and the patient's physical condition. The usual treatments for cancer mesothelioma are surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Occasionally, these treatments are combined.

Surgery is an effective way to remove tumor but the age of the person matters. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy are good ways to ward off the symptoms.

Often, high-end drugs are given to the patient to reduce the fluid formation in body.

Thus, it is better for the workers to get a medical check up at equal intervals and be aware of its symptoms. If a patient is diagnosed with cancer mesothelioma at the earliest stage, the treatments might do wonders for him.

About the Author:
Fred Lindell is a successful writer and publisher of health related issues, for more informative articles go to http://www.mesotheliomaplaza.com
Article Source: www.iSnare.com

AHCC - Immune System Enhancer Helps Fight Cancer

When it comes to cancer prevention and treatment, your bodys first defense is your best. A type of white blood cell called Natural Killer cells, may hold the key to the growth and spread of cancers. First discovered in the 1980s, cells are recognized as the immune systems front-line defense against cancer, viruses and other pathogens. In healthy individuals, Natural Killer cells routinely kill cancers while tumors are microscopic and before they are detectable.

Stimulating NK cell function and supporting the immune systems front-line defense has become one of the most promising avenues of cancer treatment and prevention. Since 1986, there have been 29 published scientific studies showing that the use of a proprietary natural compound called AHCC (Active Hexose Correlated Compound), can increase natural Killer cell cancer killing function by several hundred times. Made from a hybrid of mushrooms used in traditional Japanese medicine, AHCC also is sold in the U.S. under the brand name ImmPower.

Among the benefits of using AHCC, as experienced by a majority of cancer patients in several human clinical trials, is substantial improvement in the functioning of macrophages, another type of cytotoxic white blood cell that clears debris from cell damage, directly attacks disease causing cells, and displays antigens which stimulate antibody production by B-cell white blood cells. AHCC also helps increase the production of specific cytokines, immune system chemical messengers, that include:
Interferon, which directly inhibits the replication of viruses and other parasites and increases natural Killer cell activity.

Tumor Necrosis Factor, a group of proteins that help destroy cancer cells by triggering apoptosis.

There are many studies that show the benefits of AHCC Active Hexose Correlated Compound, but the most impressive is also the most recent, a study of patients with liver cancer presented. A treatment group consisting of 70 patients received 3 grams of AHCC per day; the balance were a matched control group that had surgery only. The object of the study was to see how AHCC would effect the over-all survival of patients with liver cancer and the pattern of reoccurrence.

How AHCC works?

AHCC is not battling cancer or a cancerous tumor directly. It is strengthening the immune system, so it can do what it is supposed to do - destroy cancer cells! This helps explain why the compound is effective for more than just liver cancer. A 1995 study published in the International Journal of Immunology showed that AHCCs beneficial effects are not cancer type specific. Three prostate, three ovarian, two multiple myeloma and three breast cancer patients had their tumor associated antigen markers measured before, during and after taking AHCC.

Most cancer patients use natural therapies to complement conventional anti-cancer therapies, so a study published in the journal Anti-Cancer Drugs showing how AHCC worked in combination with a widely used form of oral chemotherapy is particularly important. This study demonstrated that AHCC enhanced the beneficial effects of the chemotherapy, while reducing detrimental side effects. This studys findings showed that AHCC combined with UFT (an oral form of 5-FU). The Japanese have traditionally used natural compounds from mushrooms to support the immune system. The makers of AHCC, Amino-Up Chemical Company of Sapporo, Japan, have improved on tradition by creating a proprietary hybrid of Shiitake and other types of medicinal mushrooms with historically proven health benefits.

The safety of this new compound has been well established, both by itself and in combination with other therapies. In fact, AHCC is used in more than 700 hospitals worldwide in their treatment of cancer patients. There is even an AHCC research association that meets every year in Sapporo. This group records the details of hundreds of case histories and small studies that are reviewed and published annually. Even after years of use, this natural extract caused no toxicity, adverse reactions, or unwanted side effects. Furthermore, the effects of (AHCC) Active Hexose Correlated Compound dont appear to decline with extended use. Patients have been followed for up to 8 years, and after discontinuing use, the immune system doesnt crash from exhaustion or hyperstimulation.

Click Here For More Info: AHCC

About the Author:
Homeherb offers Nutritional Supplements, Weight Loss, Vitamins, Health Care, Anti aging, Vision Care, Herbal Teas, Natrol, Twin Lab, Now Foods, St. John's Wort, American Ginseng, Black Cohosh, Sports at Homeherb.com
Added: 13 Jun 2006
Article Source: http://articles.simplysearch4it.com/article/29355.html

Alternative Treatment Options for Skin Cancer

If you someday become diagnosed with skin cancer and survive, one of the most worrisome issues you will face will be preventing a recurrence of the cancer. After successful treatment, your doctor will continue to schedule regular follow-up appointments to ensure that you remain skin cancer-free. Even regular medical attention is no substitute for exercising good skin care habits.

First, make sure to avoid any kind of prolonged exposure to the sun. This means that you should avoid the prime daylight hours of ten in the morning to two in the afternoon. If you must be out, always wear an appropriate sun block, and avoid direct exposure to the sun by wearing long-sleeved shirts, wide-brimmed hats, and light colors that help reflect the sun away from your body. Most importantly, to prevent a recurrence of skin cancer, you must conduct regular self-examinations, and consult your doctor immediately if you note any discolorations or suspicious moles or lesions.

But, that is not always enough and sometimes the unthinkable happens. So, if you are diagnosed with skin cancer you should know what your alternatives are.

The most important objective in skin cancer treatment is to eliminate the growth and then contain the spread of the cancer. There are many alternatives that will be used depending on what the diagnosis is.

* Kaposi's sarcoma is very serious and must be treated by the use of chemotherapy.

* Melanoma, if it has spread, which is one of the dangers of this type of skin cancer, will be treated the same way once the initial growth has been removed.

* If Paget's disease is the type of skin cancer that must be treated then a mastectomy is likely the only alternative.

Nutrition

What about other alternatives to ensure that there will not be a reoccurrence? Some people believe, and studies have shown some evidence to collaborate this belief, that if you use other treatments alongside the standard medical procedures there are potentially better outcomes. Nutrition is believed to be a big factor in recovery.

Research shows that using proteins, antioxidants and folic acid that are found in a variety of foods, including fish, carrots and broccoli, a person is able to potentially protect their body from further damage by the cancer cells. Vitamin C is also thought to be a very useful fighter when is comes to skin cancer and its potential spread.

Green Tea

Some people faced with the worries of skin cancer choose to get the advice of health care providers who practice medicine differently like naturopathic doctors. Often their advice is on what herbs can be used to treat the cancer. They' tell you that green tea is believed by many to be a healthy drink because it contains polyphenois compounds. These are very storing antioxidants.

There is research to support this and studies have shown that polyphenois may not only prevent skin cancer but may play an important role in the treatment of diminishing skin growths. Some treatments suggest unusual action be taken like coffee enemas several times daily or castor oil intake, or restricting calories while eating lots of fruit and vegetables.

Other studies have shown that a certain enzyme that is found in a variety of foods; including, but not limited to broccoli, cauliflower, celery and cabbage are very beneficial. The enzyme those vegetables contain is called indoles. Indoles and lectins, found in beans, are a powerful combination against cancer growth. Although still in the experimental stages of research, with the high success rates of their experiments there is good reason to hope that eating foods high in these enzymes will be helpful in the fight against cancer.

Take time to consider the points presented above. What you learn may help you overcome your hesitation to take action. If you still have unanswered questions about skin cancer, you may find what you're looking for in our website: http://www.skincancer-infoguide.com

Summary:

If you someday become diagnosed with skin cancer and survive, one of the most worrisome issues you will face will be preventing a recurrence of the cancer. This article lists some simple, informative tips that will help you have a better experience with skin cancer.

About the Author:
Nishanth Reddy is an author and publisher of many health related websites. For more information on skin cancer basics, prevention methods and treatment options, visit his website at: http://www.skincancer-infoguide.com/
Submitted: 2006-09-08
Article Source: GO Articles

Beware The Sun

For the last decade or so Australians have been bombarded with information about the harmful effects of the sun, but it seems that we, along with others from all over the world, are still ignoring the advice and are continually exposing ourselves to not only the minor dangers but also the life-threatening concerns like skin cancer.

We all know that sunshine feels good; sometimes nothing invigorates you more than heading outside and feeling the warmth of the sun beating down on you. The one thing we all need to remember is that as in all things moderation and precaution are always wise.

Before you next head out to soak up the sun’s rays try to remember these points.

A suntan is not a sign of good health. It’s actually a sign that your skin has been damaged by the sun (ultraviolet radiation). When your skin is damaged by these rays melanin (the chemical responsible for skin colour) comes to the surface for protection against anymore harmful rays. Your skin becomes darker as more and more melanin is required for protection to help with the damage already caused.

The most dangerous type of skin cancer is the malignant melanoma, while not as common as other forms it can be fatal. At most risk are those with fair hair and skin, freckles, those who have difficulty tanning and tend to burn easily in the sun, and those with a family history. Though the good news is that if found early often melanomas can be easily and successfully treated.

Of course skin cancer is not the only problem caused by the sun. It can also cause premature ageing, wrinkles, dark spots (sometimes called age or liver spots) and rough or scaly patches of skin. It can also cause cataracts and other eye problems.

Another major point to remember is that ultraviolet radiation cannot be felt on your skin, so just because you don’t feel yourself burning doesn’t mean that you’re not. Ultraviolet radiation can damage your skin just as easily on an overcast day as what it can when the sky is clear.

Next time you plan on spending any amount of time outside, just remember to take a few precautionary steps. Not only should you use sunscreen, you should also keep yourself covered when possible and always wear a hat. As an often repeated commercial in Australia states: Slip, Slop and Slap – slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen and slap on a hat. Try not to be in direct sunlight in the middle of the day as this is when the ultraviolet index is very high: if it’s necessary remember to Slip, Slop and Slap before going outside and to reapply if you’ve been swimming, have sweated a lot or towel dried your skin etc.

By keeping those few points in mind, along with finding shade when possible and wearing sunglasses, we should all be able to reap the benefits the sun can provide and not worry about the long term negative effects it might have.

About the Author:
For more health related articles please visit V Brown at Health Other family related articles, information and advice etc can be found here Family Life
Article Source: ArticleToGo.com

How To Help During Cancer Treatment

Having a family member, friend or co-worker battle against cancer is one of the hardest and worst realities in life. No one likes to help someone deal with cancer, but at some point almost all of us will have the opportunity to walk beside someone we care about through one of the most difficult times of their life: cancer treatment.

I have had the privilege (and I do mean privilege) of helping out both of my parents and one of my closest friends during their weeks and months of cancer treatments. At first I was quite intimidated and unsure of how to help in such serious and life-threatening situations. I thought because I didn't know the perfect things to do that I couldn't do anything at all. Was I wrong.

Some of the best ways to help out a friend or loved one as their undergo cancer treatment is in the most practical ways. Don't look past how helpful cleaning their bathrooms, doing their dishes, or collecting their garbage can be. It is an amazing thing to get down and dirty on behalf of someone else. Look around and simply see what needs to be done. Mow their lawn, plant some fresh flowers, or get their car cleaned on the inside and out.

Taking care of the family of the one getting cancer treatment is one of the most helpful things you can do, especially when there are children involved. Offer to take the children to school and pick them up, or invite the kids over to your house for frequent sleepovers during the cancer treatment. It will be good for the parents and good for the kids to be separated during such a hard time. Involve the kids in doing something special for their parent who is in cancer treatment. Take the kids to a boutique that allows you to paint your own pottery, for example. Help the kids make something memorable for their loved one. You can do simple things for the family of someone who is in cancer treatment like go grocery shopping, prepare meals or take their family out to special meals.

Far too often people think that helping out during a time of crisis such as cancer treatment that they have to do extraordinary things. The truth is that it is the ordinary things that need to happen long before anything else will be helpful. There is no doubt that dealing with cancer or undergoing cancer treatment is extremely hard. But the support and help of friends and families can make even the worst things in life better.

About the Author:
Martin Stoleman has had practice helping out during cancer treatment, and he believes that doing the common things help the most. See more at www.finecancertreatment.info
Article Source: www.iSnare.com

The Truth About Heart Disease And Cancer

Heart disease and cancer are closely intertwined due to the fact that cancer treatments put a risk for heart disease...

Heart disease and cancer are closely intertwined due to the fact that cancer treatments put a risk for heart disease. Having cancer can predispose one to heart disease, the number one known killer. Not only does chemotherapy drugs affect the heart, but further research shows that cancer survivors are more likely to face heart and other cardiovascular diseases as these cancer therapy, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, tend to be toxic to heart muscles and organs as well as killing not only cancer cells but also other cells in the body.

Although at present the number seen on these cases are small, it presents a large potential future risk. Women who have been treated for breast cancer may even be at a higher risk since the treatment takes place close to the heart. However, some solutions may be coming, as a clinical trial for the FDA approved new ExAblate system for treating non-cancerous uterine fibroids is being studied as a treatment for breast and other cancers. This system combines magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound that potentially makes it a more heart-friendly treatment for cancers and other tumors.

Another fact that links heart disease and cancer is that they are perhaps two of the most feared problems in modern society. Emory University in Atlanta, GA scientists shows new research which sheds light on a new class of enzymes that may be both active in both of the illnesses. This enzyme converts oxygen to a destructive form called reactive oxygen and shows to play a role in abnormal cell growth in both heart disease and cancer. This destructive form reactive oxygen has been connected with damage to cells as well as damage to DNA.

The research studied a member of the new class of enzymes called Mox1 and found that it serves as a growth promoter to cells that produce the reactive oxygen. This oxygen in turn causes a quicker than normal division of cells, which is seen in some forms of heart disease and most common in cancer.

This abnormal cell growth results to a devastating effect in both diseases. In cancer it results to the formation of tumors, while in heart disease it results to the formation of plaques on vessel walls.

The experiment on Mox1 involved the cloning of the Mox1 gene which was inserted to mice cells. It showed that once inserted, the cells started to divide more quickly taking on the characteristic of abnormal cells. Tumors resulted when these cells were inserted into mice.

Before this research, reactive oxygen was not known as a causative agent for cancer and through the research it demonstrated that reactive oxygen can be a cause of cancer and the Mox1 enzyme can produce the reactive oxygen. However, scientists also found out that by removing reactive oxygen from the cells will reverse the process. They are hopeful that this new findings will lead to a new way of treating the two.

About the Author:
Joann
Read More On The Truth About Heart Disease And Cancer
Submitted on 2006-08-29
Article Source: http://www.articlesalley.com/

How to Prevent Cancer with Proper Diet and Supplements

By epidemiological studies and by direct trials, much evidence has by now been gathered about the cancer prevention effects of certain diet measures, of specific food sources and of specific supplements of natural substances.

GENERAL DIET ADVICES

A diet with the aim of preventing cancer is generally the same as a diet to prevent heart disease and other diseases. Here are the general diet advices

- Avoid or reduce the amount of food that are industrially processed, artificially made or heavily fried.

- Eat fish at least every second day. Also eat seafood and fouls.

- Do not eat very much red meat.

- Eat 5 fruits or vegetables each day. Each piece should be of the size of an apple or carrot. They should be raw or carefully boiled so that the nutrients are not washed out.

- Eat full corn bread, full corn cereals, peas, beans and potatoes.

- Eat just a moderate amount of fat.

- Ideally most fat you eat, should be of the type mono-unsaturated. You also need some poly-unsaturated fat of the types omega-3, and omega 6, but not too much of omega-6. The consumption of saturated fat should be moderate.

- In order to achieve right fat balance, much of the fat supply should come from a blending of sources like olive, olive oil, canola oil, nuts, nut oil, sunflower, sunflower oil, fish and fish oil.

- Use only a moderate amount of soy oil and corn oil in the diet. Only using such oil types will give you too muchmuch poly-unsaturated fat of the omega-6-type.

- Use just a very moderate amount of fat sources like butter, coconut oil and palm oil. A high consumption of these fat sources gives you too much saturated fat.

- Avoid altogether fat that has been chemically altered, giving so-called trans-fat. This type of fat is often found in margarine, cookies, snacks, fast food and other pre-made food.

- Consume just a very moderate amount of sugar, refined flour or refined cereals.

- Consume just a moderate consumption of tranquilizers and stimulants like alcohol and caffeine.

- Use just a moderate amount of salt in the food. However, in warm weather and by hard physical work, you will need more salt.

SPECIFIC FOODS AND DRINKS TO USE

Generally plants, fruits and spices with a strong colour or a strong taste have cancer preventing effects because of the contents of bioflavonoid and other anti-oxidants.

Broccoli, cabbage, mustard, kale, and cauliflower are vegetables with proven strong cancer preventing effects, probably due to the content of indole-3-carbinole.

Onion and garlic are also thought to help prevent cancer.

Whole grain and bread made of whole grain will help prevent colon cancer because of the fibre content and possibly also because of the vitamins and minerals contained.

Red peppers give a protecting effect against prostate cancer.

Eating fish, and especially fat fish, some times each week also have a protecting effect against prostate cancer.

Evidence points to the conclusion that green tea can help prevent cancer. However studies so far undertaken do not sort out all other variables that may give the same result.

Some studies have indicated that drinking coffee reduces the incidence of cancer, but others studies have thrown doubt upon these results.

SUPPLEMENTS OF VITAMINS AND OTHER SUBSTANCES

Her are listed the most important cancer preventing effects suggested by results from recent projects. However, research is going on, and these results are not yet complete or absolutely certain.

These substances give general cancer prevention effects: Sulforaphanes found in broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables.

Colo-rectal cancer: These substances help protect against colo-rectal cancer: Vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine), Folic acid / folate in combination with other B-vitamins, Selenium, Indol-3-carbinol from cruciferous vegetables, Genistein from soy, and possibly also vitamin D. Alfa-tocoferol (a kind of Vitamin E) may help, but project results are not conclusive jet.

Gastric cancer: Substances that may help prevent gastric cancer, and even help cure changes that can evolve into gastric cancer are: Vitamin C, Beta-carotene, (a precursor of vitamin A), Alfa-tocoferol (a kind of Vitamin E), Indol-3-carbinol from cruciferous vegetables, Genistein from soy.

Breast Cancer: The incidence of breast cancer can be lowered by: Folic acid / folate, Vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine), Selenium, and possibly vitamin D.

Prostate Cancer: These substances may help protect against Prostate cancer: Selenium and Alfa-tocoferol (a kind of Vitamin E). A long study is under way, but the results from the study are not conclusive yet.

Bladder cancer: The chance of getting bladder cancer is possibly lowered by alfa-tocoferol (a kind of Vitamin E).

Lung cancer: Substances that gives protection against Lung Cancer are: Isoflavones from soy. Indol-3-carbinol from broccoli and other crusiferous vegetables, Genistein from soy and possibly Vitamin D.

Results from research projects suggest that supplements added to the diet to prevent cancer should contain many working substances derived from natural sources, and that it is not wise to use heavy doses of just one substance.

NUTRIENTS THAT MAY HAVE THE OPPOSITE EFFECT

Beta-carotene and vitamin A supplements may increase the chance for heavy smokers of getting lung cancer and other cancers caused by smoking, according to results from epidemiologic studies.

However, these vitamins in the food do not increase this risk. It is not clear what effect beta-carotene have on lung cancer in combination with other supplements or by non-smokers. The results from these studies are also controversial.

Vitamin E supplements seem to protect against Cancer, but heavy vitamin E amounts may in fact increase the chance of getting heart problems and stroke.

REFERENCES

You can read more about food supplements and cancer prevention at these sites:
The Cancer Project: http://www.cancerproject.org
National Centre for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion:
http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/

About the Author
Knut Holt is an internet consultant and marketer focusing on health items. ----For natural products against common diseases: Over-weight, acne, eczema, hypothyroidism, fatigue, depression, hemorrhoids, joint pain, hypertension, high cholesterol, circulatory problems, digestive ailments, allergies, menstrual problems, respiratory diseases and more:----- http://www.abicana.com/shop2.htm
For supplements to prevent disease:------ http://www.abicana.com/shop1.htm
-----Free to reprint with the author's name and link.
Added: 14 Aug 2006
Article Source: http://articles.simplysearch4it.com/article/34041.html

Treatment Of Multiple Myeloma That Has Come Back!

Multiple Myeloma Treatments

There are several blood tests that have significance for the likely development of your myeloma. Your specialist will talk you through these. One test is called serum B2. A low level of this means your myeloma is less active and so is likely to develop more slowly. Another test is called serum albumin – a higher level for this is linked to a better outlook. There are many other tests, including chromosome tests.

It is a good sign if your myeloma responds well to treatment and goes into complete remission. This means that there is no clinical sign of your disease and no longer any abnormal immunoglobulin in your blood or urine. Remission can last for months or years, but unfortunately the myeloma is likely to come back eventually and need further treatment.

Treatment of Multiple Myeloma That Has Come Back!

Your doctor may call this relapsed myeloma. If your myeloma stays in remission for longer than 6 months after your treatment, your doctor may suggest that you have treatment with the same combination of drugs that you had before. But if it comes back sooner than that, the same treatment is less likely to help you a second time. Your doctor may suggest another treatment. This may be a different combination of chemotherapy drugs.

Plasmacytoma

In this type of plasma cell neoplasm, the abnormal plasma cells (myeloma cells) collect in one location and form a single tumor, called a plasmacytoma. A plasmacytoma may form in bone marrow or may be extramedullary (in soft tissues outside of the bone marrow). Plasmacytoma of the bone often becomes multiple myeloma. Extramedullary plasmacytomas commonly form in tissues of the throat and sinuses; these usually can be cured.

Treatment Goals for Multiple Myeloma

The goal of treatment is to relieve symptoms, since chemotherapy and even transplant rarely lead to permanent cure. Complete remission is unusual.

Chemotherapy and localized radiation therapy for relief of bone pain or treating a bone tumor may be useful. Bone marrow transplantation in younger patients has been shown to increase disease-free and overall survival, but it has significant risks.

Several promising new treatments including thalidomide, proteosome inhibitors, and arsenic trioxide are currently being investigated in clinical trials. Discuss participation with your doctor.

About the Author:
Melvin H.Gill
Several promising new treatments including thalidomide, proteosome inhibitors, and arsenic trioxide are currently being investigated in clinical trials. Find out more at http://www.eask.info
Article Source: www.iSnare.com

Smoking is Great!, ...Until You Want to Quit

How many times have you tried to quit smoking? If you are like most smokers, the answer is probably many! Even though we are all aware of the dangerous and life threatening diseases caused by smoking such as; lung cancer, buerger's disease (a serious circulatory disease), influenza and so many others, we just have to have one more cigarette, which becomes another and another. You have probably tried patches, pills and maybe even hypnosis and still have not been able to kick the habit. In spite of the horrible smell that plagues our breaths, clothes, cars and homes, the cigarettes rage on. Our teeth become darker yellow, our skin becomes old and wrinkly and we we walk around like a human coughing machine. It sounds almost humorous, but there is nothing funny about smoking. Do your children or grand children ask you, "Don't you care about us? Don't you want to watch us grow up?" Your heart probably sinks every time you hear that because you have tried and you know they are right. Yes, you do care about them! You have become a slave to cigarettes and just can't seem to quit. If this sounds like you, it was my story too. There really IS an effective method that WORKS. By following this system you can quite in days, even if you have been smoking for years! You will not suffer with bad side effects or cravings and gain twenty pounds. You will be able to quit and quit for good! When you quit smoking, your body immediately starts to heal itself. After 48 hours your nerve endings begin to heal and your sense of smell and taste start to return. After one year, your risk of getting coronary heart disease is cut in half. After 5 years your chance of having a stroke dramatically decreases. After 10 years your precancerous cilia are replaced with healthy ones. And after 15 years your lung rate becomes similar to a person who has never smoked! It really is never too late to quit smoking. You will be amazed at all of the benefits. You won't be damaging your health and spending hundreds of dollars every year on cigarettes. You will be on the road to regaining your health and spending more years with your family and friends. If you have tried everything and have not been successful, don't be discouraged. I was in the same boat as you eight months ago!

About the Author:
Mandy Morris lives in Chicago and is an author who finally quit smoking eight months ago. If you are interested, the program I decided to use can be found at http://articlelinkto.com/quitsmokingrightnow
Submitted: 2006-09-07
Article Source: GO Articles

Cancer Remission: What Is It Exactly?

From the office of Dr. Laurence Magne,author of www.cancer-free-for-life.com

Many people seem to have a distorted and incorrect definition of the word “remission,” as it is used in relation to cancer patients. Most commonly people seem to believe that going into remission means that the patient is successfully treated and safe.

However, according to the American Cancer Society, cancer remission is a “period of time when the cancer is responding to treatment or is under control. In a complete cancer remission, all the signs and symptoms of the disease disappear…Complete cancer remissions may continue for several years and be considered cures.”

So, someone who goes into cancer remission is not showing signs or symptoms of the cancer. It doesn’t matter how many cancer cells are still going strong and growing in the body of the patient, for any time frame that it isn’t causing “signs and symptoms,” the patient is said to be in remission.

Oddly enough, there isn’t much discussion in the advertisements for traditional cancer treatments regarding the extension in the length of life for the patient. And there aren’t many discussions about the quality of life for the patient.

These two concepts are not factored in when talking about “cancer remission” in a patient.Typically speaking, cancer remission refers to shrinkage in the size of a tumor or to the change in some of the tumor markers. Tumor markers are substances, usually proteins, which are produced by the body in response to cancerous growth or tissues. However, a lot of the markers are also found in non-cancerous conditions so they aren’t really a good diagnostic tool for cancer.

Traditional cancer therapies are successful in shrinking tumors and reducing tumor markers. For this reason, cancer remission is used as the indication of “successful” cancer treatment.

Cancer remission doesn’t necessarily mean the patient doesn’t die. For example, a patient is said to have been successfully treated for cancer if the therapies put them into remission, even if they die from pneumonia. Despite the fact that the pneumonia was only fatal because of the cancer therapies, because cancer remission existed, it was successful treatment.

To most people, no treatment that still results in death should be considered successful. However, when it comes to cancer remission, that’s exactly what can happen when they pursue only traditional cancer treatment options.

Visit www.alternative-health-ebooks.com for more information and free articles. This article is available for reprint for your website and newsletter, provided that you maintain its copyright integrity and include the signature tag.

About the Author:
My name is Laurence Magne, Ph D(c). For the past 25 years, I have been involved in the field of health and health research, investigating the reasons why we get sick, and whether we can get well outside of the medical field, using alternative solutions. I have read over 3,000 books on the related topics, counseled many clients and conducted many lectures and trainings.
Article Source: ArticleToGo.com

Cervical Cancer Shot Is For Adolescent Boys Too!!

Facts about cervical cancer.

fact 1. Cervical cancer is a cancer of the cervix.

fact 2. The cervix is the most important organ in the reproductive system.

fact 3. The human papilloma virus (HPV) is the main cause of the disease.

fact 4. The main way to contract the human papilloma virus is through sexual intercourse.

fact 5. Multiple sexual partners increase the risk of contracting HPV. Early sexual activity can also be a problem, due to the none-mature cell's increased ability to take on cancer cell growth.

fact 6. Cervical cancer is almost impossible to detect by oneself.

fact 7. Cervical cancer is a treatable survivable disease, especially with early detection.

fact 8. World wide, cervical cancer is the second most widely diagnosed cancer in women.

fact 9. In America,it is estimated that 12 thousand new cases of invasive cervical cancer will be diagnosed each year.

fact 10. We still lose between four and five thousand women a year to full stage cervical cancer.

fact 11. Most of the women who lose their lives due to cervical cancer NEVER had a pap smear.

fact 12. Anemia is frequently associated with cervical cancer, also, weight loss, fatigue, leg and severe lower back pain and the loss of regular appetite.

other symptoms to look for are

1. vaginal bleeding after intercourse
2. unusual vaginal discharge
3. pain during sexual intercourse
4. pelvic pain
5. heavy bleeding between menstrual cycle
6. increased urinary frequency

fact 13. Regular check-ups and clean habits are the simplest approach to preventing cervical cancer.

fact 14. The surest way to stay on top of this cancer is through a pap smear, performed quite painlessly by your gynecologist.

fact 15. Most pap smear test results come back with a class 1 rating. There are, however, 5 class ratings and in degree's of severity here is a breakdown.

class 1. normal
class 2. inflammation or irritation.
class 3. cervical dysphasia, this can range from mild to serious.
class 4. is one of a variety of cancers or pre-cancers.
class 5. is one of full on serious invasive cervical cancer signs.

fact 16. If your pap test comes back class 3 or above you will need to get an immediate second opinion from a different laboratory with a second opinion from another doctor. If that test comes back with signs of dysphasia, an outpatient procedure known as a cone biopsy is the next step to rule out cervical cancer.

fact 17. If cervical cancer is detected, do not prolong treatment. If left unchecked the disease can spread to the vagina and surrounding tissue.

fact 18. This disease can potentially damage the bodies reproductive organs and diminish the capacity for women to have children.

fact 19. The infected cancer cells can be surgically removed.

fact 20. A combination of chemotherapy and radiation (chemo-radiation) is very effective in the treatment of cervical cancer.

As of this writing ,June of 2006 there has been a shot developed and approved by the FDA to combat cervical cancer head on.

fact 21. This cervical cancer shot claims it has the potential to all but eradicate cervical cancer in our lifetime. It is a vaccination for the human papilloma virus (HPV).

fact 22. It might be a hard pill to swallow for some parents to take their adolescent girl (8 to 13 yr. old) in for a vaccination against a sexually transmitted disease. Some parents believe this will give the child a green-light to start having under-age sex.

fact 22. The HPV vaccine may be used on adolescent boys too!, before they become sexually active.

fact 23. If the HPV vaccine is to gain wide spread acceptance it will need to be promoted as a cancer prevention vaccine instead of a vaccine for sexually transmitted diseases.

fact 24. Some experts who are fighting this disease are hopeful that the HPV vaccine be included with other adolescent shots such as the meningitis vaccine, only time will tell.

fact 25. Early detection makes this a very treatable disease.

PLEASE GET REGULAR CHECK-UPS

(c) copyright 2006 Darren crumbleholme

About the Author:
Darren crumbleholme, born in England now lives in America with wife Laura and three daughters Sydney, Chelsea and Madison.If you would like to learn more about to days advances in medicine please visit his websites @ http://www.cervical-cancer-shot.com http://www.cancersniper.com and http://www.medicineiptv.com
Article Source: www.iSnare.com

Diagnosis of cancer and how you can control your emotions

For everybody it is a shocking time, if you receive the information from your doctor. Its very important, to bring your strong emotions under control. There are so many different aspect of living with cancer – from the pure medical issues, to emotional aspects, to the impact on the family as well as daily living considerations.

Are you sitting down? Accept that getting a cancer diagnosis is a shock to the system and people often go through the normal stages of grieving – from denial, bargaining, anger and depression and finally acceptance. How you deal with this depends much on the type of person you are and how they have dealt with similar issues in your life.

Don't go it alone. There are people who are professional counselors specifically trained to deal with people who have cancer. Sometimes it may be difficult to speak about your real feelings to family or friends, because they are also emotionally involved. A counselor is there for you and will help you come to terms with the things that you may be struggling with in a caring but neutral environment.

Join a support group. These are invaluable. Support groups go a long way towards helping people deal with the psychological aspects of living with cancer. Sharing experiences with people who are also experiencing firsthand what you are going through, goes a long way towards making things easier to live with. Here you can freely speak your mind without fearing that what you say might affect your relationships at home or with friends.

Deal with depression. Accept that there will be times when you feel lonely, depressed and sad. If you never feel this way, you are probably not facing up to the situation. Don't feel guilty when you feel depressed – it is a normal reaction in the situation. Learn to recognize the signs of depression – early awakening, excessive sleeping, a change in eating habits, and a lack of interest in things that formerly interested you, a feeling of continuous fatigue – and take action when they continue for longer than two weeks.

Decisions, decisions. It is possible those practical things may change for a while and that the person with cancer may need extra assistance and care. Discuss the options and deal with practical issues such as transport to and from medical appointments, possible home nursing if necessary, what to tell friends and family, medical costs, leave from work, the division of the household tasks for the time the family member with cancer may not be able to perform his/her share of the housework. There is no point at all in avoiding these topics as they are much easier to discuss beforehand than when they arise.

Family matters

Families will react in very different ways. In crises families tend to behave the way they always do, just more pronouncedly so. If a family is into avoidance, this is how this situation will be dealt with. Or if they are generally supportive, that will be the main trait of how they deal with a cancer diagnosis in one of the members of the family. Family counseling might ease the situation for everyone.

Decisions, decisions. It is possible those practical things may change for a while and that the person with cancer may need extra assistance and care. Discuss the options and deal with practical issues such as transport to and from medical appointments, possible home nursing if necessary, what to tell friends and family, medical costs, leave from work, the division of the household tasks for the time the family member with cancer may not be able to perform his/her share of the housework. There is no point at all in avoiding these topics as they are much easier to discuss beforehand than when they arise.

With our next information – we will inform you about the "Tips for daily living with cancer" – so you should have a look on this site in the next 2 weeks! If you have any question sends us your e-mail. Health-Service-Online Admin Fritz Frei http://www.cancer-info.info

About the Author:
Fritz Frei likes to inform you about important details on the diagnoses and tests of the cancer. To receive more information's about all cancer - http://www.cancer-info.info
Added: 04 Mar 2006
Article Source: http://articles.simplysearch4it.com/article/22788.html

The Cause Of Cancer

Cancer is the disease of the cells. It is an abnormal growth of cells, which tend to reproduce in an uncontrolled way and, in some cases, spread or metastasize. A cancerous growth or tumor is also known as a malignant growth or tumor. A growth or tumor, which is non-malignant is called benign. Such tumors are not cancer.

Cancer is not a single disease. It is a group of more than hundred different and distinctive diseases. It is not contagious. Cancer can involve any tissue of the body and have many different forms in each body area. Most cancers are named for the type of cell or organ in which they start. If a cancer spreads (metastasizes), the new tumor bears the same name as the original(primary) tumor.

Cancer is the Latin word for crab. The ancients used the word to mean a malignancy, doubtless because of the crab-like tenacity a malignant tumor sometimes seems to show in grasping the tissues it invades. Cancer may also be called malignancy, a malignant tumor, or a neoplasm (literally, a new growth).

In medicine, common term for neoplasms, or tumors, that are malignant is known as Cancer. Like benign tumors, malignant tumors do not respond to body mechanisms that limit cell growth. Unlike benign tumors, malignant tumors consist of undifferentiated, or unspecialized, cells that show an atypical cell structure and do not function like the normal cells from the organ from which they derive. Cancer cells, unlike normal cells, lack contact inhibition; cancer cells growing in laboratory tissue culture do not stop growing when they touch each other on a glass or other solid surface but grow in masses several layers deep.

Cancer results from mutations of certain genes that allow the cells to begin their uncontrolled growth. These mutations are either inherited or acquired. Acquired mutations are caused by repeated insults from triggers (e.g., cigarette smoke or ultraviolet rays) referred to as carcinogens. There is usually a latency period of years or decades between exposure to a carcinogen and the appearance of cancer. This, combined with the individual nature of susceptibility to cancer, makes it very difficult to establish a cause for many cancers.

The most significant avoidable carcinogens are the chemical components of tobacco smoke. Dietary components, like excessive consumption of alcohol or of foods high in fat and low in fiber rather than fruits and vegetables that contain antioxidants and necessary micronutrients, have also been linked with various cancers. Some cancers may be triggered by hormone imbalances. For example, some daughters of mothers who had been given DES (diethylstilbestrol) during pregnancy to prevent miscarriage developed vaginal adenocarcinomas as young women. Aflatoxins are natural mold byproducts that can cause cancer of the liver.

Certain carcinogens present occupational hazards. For example, in the asbestos industry, workers have a high probability of developing lung and colon cancer or a particularly virulent cancer of the mesothelium (the lining of the chest and abdomen). Benzene and vinyl chloride are other known industrial carcinogens.

Risk to humans from carcinogens depends upon the dose and a person's biologic susceptibility. Factors influencing a person's biological susceptibility to cancer include age, sex, immune status, nutritional status, genetics, and ethnicity.

About the author:
Canro Dicausa is the owner of RUS Cancer which is a premier resource for cancer information. for more information, go to http://www.ruscancer.com
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Skin Cancer - Early Treatment Increase Survival Rates

Skin cancer can usually be treated successfully, if it is caught in the early stages.

Have someone check your back regularly for any unusual spots or moles. The cancer can quickly spread to the lymphatic system and cause secondary tumors anywhere in your body. Cancer does not go away on its own and pretending everything is alright is a quick way to an early grave. You owe it to your partner, children and friends who all love you to look after yourself.

Men are worse than women at getting treatment, as with so many medical conditions. Men are more cowardly about going to a doctor than most women, perhaps because women are used to being probed and stared at through pregnancy. The result is that men have a worse survival rate than women for skin cancer, simply because they delay treatment for longer.

Exposure to ultraviolet light from the sun is strongly linked with an increased risk of developing skin cancer. The Australians have a slogan, slip, slap, slop. Slip on a shirt, slap on a hat, slop on the sunscreen. This is one of the best ways of reducing your risk of developing skin cancer.

Certain skin types are very short of the protective chemical, melanin. Red heads usually have very fair skin with freckles and need to be particularly sensible about exposure to the sun in summer.

There are certain parts of our skin that we rarely think to protect with sunscreen including earlobes, lips and hands among them. Special care needs to be taken with these areas. If you are going topless for the first time, apply lots of cream to your breasts and a sun block to your nipples. Sunburned nipples are very painful.

Skin cancer is often treated by cutting away the affected area, this may leave a scar, but usually removes the cancerous tissue completely, if caught in the early stages.

About the Author:
Ciara McGrath is a full time mother to four daughters. For more articles click here. For more related info visit Skin cancer and melanoma.
Article Source: www.iSnare.com

Fight Cancer Naturally

A sobering fact, cancer is the second leading cause of death in this country. It strikes men, women, and children. Cancer is caused by a variety of factors, including exposure to environmental toxins, smoking, an unhealthy lifestyle, and genetic predisposition.

However, the most staggering statistic is that improper diet accounts for almost 70% of cancers and is one of the main causes of death among human beings. Diet and cancer experts are beginning to identify more and more nutrients that may help reduce cancer risks and contribute to a longer, healthier lifestyle.

Healthy weight and good nutrition are important elements in the fight against cancer. Making some minor changes in your diet and lifestyle can greatly reduce the probability of getting cancer.

Suggested Dietary Guidelines to Lower Cancer Risk:

+Eat a primarily plant-based diet rich in a variety of vegetables and fruits, beans and peas, and minimally processed starchy foods.

+Eat five or more portions a day of a variety of vegetables and fruits, all year round.

+Eat at least three portions a day of a variety of cereals, whole grains, beans and peas, and root vegetables. Minimally processed foods are preferable.

+Limit consumption of refined sugar.

+Alcohol consumption is not recommended. If consumed, limit alcoholic drinks to less than two drinks a day for men and one for women.

+If eaten at all, limit intake of red meat to less than 3 ounces daily. It is preferable to choose fish and poultry in place of red meat.

+Limit consumption of fatty foods, particularly those of animal origin. Choose modest amounts of appropriate vegetable oils.

+Limit consumption of salted foods and use of cooking and table salt. Use herbs and spices to season foods.

+Do not smoke or use tobacco in any form.

Exercise and Fitness:

+Maintain a healthy weight. If you are overweight, lose weight. Obesity is now a leading cause of some cancers.

+Be physically active. If occupational activity is low or moderate, take a brisk walk or similar aerobic exercise daily. Swimming, elliptical training, and jogging are also excellent ways to move your body. Exercise vigorously for a total of at least two hours a week.

The consumption of a predominantly plant-based diet, when matched with regular physical exercise and the avoidance of tobacco, can decrease cancer risk by as much as 70%. A truly healthy body is far less vulnerable to cancer and more able to fight off its ravages. The guidelines listed above can help you in your fight against cancer.

About the Author:
Chris Chenoweth, author of the DO-IT-YOURSELF HOME HEALTH & MONEY GUIDE, writes articles pertaining to nutrition, health issues, and household budgeting tips: http://mysiteinc.com/djtrevayne/guide.html
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Added: 16 Aug 2006
Article Source: http://articles.simplysearch4it.com/article/34273.html

The Hidden Issues Of Ovarian Cancer

Dr Christiane Northrup has some interesting insights into the emotional and energetic issues associated with ovarian cancer. Whilst it is impossible to generalize emotional and energetic responses, she highlights the issue of rage in ovarian cancers. She describes the ovaries as being 'female balls' which means they relate to an active participation in the world in a way that expresses our unique creative potential, as women, on an individual basis.

She says: "...we as women must be open to the uniqueness of our creations and their own energies and impulses, without trying to force them into predetermined forms. Our ability to yield to our creativity, to acknowledge that we cannot control it with our intellects, is the key to understanding ovarian power." (p187, Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom).

She relates the issue of rage as deriving from being in an abusive relationship - not necessarily physically abusive, though of course this could be the case. And it may not necessarily be a personal or intimate relationship. It could be with work, societal, or even spiritual. But it embodies a way of relating and dealing with something or someone, where the woman involved feels controlled by the situation and does not believe in her ability to change it, or herself. It is a denial of her innate power and self-sovereignty. A denial of a woman's innate dignity, creativity, spirituality, and complexity.

Interestingly, Dr Northrup notes that ovarian cancer is linked to a diet high in fat and dairy food. Dairy products in Oriental medicine, are associated with the liver meridian. Meridians are energy conduits, and though they have a specific anatomy, they are not equated necessarily with the organs of the same name, as understood in conventional western medicine. The emotion associated with a liver meridian that is out of balance, is rage and anger.

Oriental medicine believes that diseases start in our energetic body first, and then progress to the physical body. And certainly not all women who have a high fat and high dairy diet develop ovarian cancer. Dr Northrup suggests that women take care of their ovaries and uterus by reclaiming and expressing whatever this deep creative energy is for them. She suggests taking the time to do this daily.

A recent scientific study has also found that drinking two cups or more of tea a day can reduce the risk of ovarian cancer by 46%. This study was done in Sweden over a 15 year period. Sweden is a country where there is a higher risk of ovarian cancer, as are other countries with a high dairy consumption (Denmark and Switzerland).

References:
http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/news/ng.asp?id=64537
Dr Christiane Northrup, Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom (Piatkus, 1995)

About the Author:
Rebecca Prescott
If you'd like to read more about supplements, herbs, and a deeper understanding of why we get sick, check out this article. If you enjoy the health benefits of tea, read this to discover why green tea is so beneficial, and how green tea weight loss helps.
Article Submitted On: January 29, 2006
Article Source: EzineArticles