Symptoms & Diagnosis Of Breast Cancer

Symptoms:
Early breast cancer usually does not cause pain. In fact, when breast cancer first develops, there may be no symptoms at all.
But as the cancer grows, it can cause changes that women should watch for:

- A lump or thickening in or near the breast or in the underarm area;
- A change in the size or shape of the breast;
- Nipple discharge or tenderness, or the nipple inverted into the breast;
- Ridges or pitting of the breast (the skin looks like the skin of an orange); or
- A change in the color or feel of the skin near the areola.

A woman should see her doctor about any symptoms like these. Most often, they are not cancer, but it's important to check with the doctor so that any problems can be diagnosed and treated as early as possible.

Diagnosis:
To help find the cause of any sign or symptom, a doctor does a careful physical examination and asks about personal and family medical history. In addition, the doctor may do one or more breast exams:

Clinical breast examination: The doctor can tell a lot about a lump by carefully feeling it and the tissue around it. Benign lumps often feel different from malignant ones. The doctor can examine the size and texture of the lump and determine whether the lump moves easily.

Mammography: X-rays of the breast can give the doctor important information about a breast lump.
Ultra-sonography: Ultra-sonography of both the breasts can often show whether a lump or lesion is a fluid-filled cyst (not malignant) or a solid mass (which may or may not be cancer). This test also tells about the total spread out of the disease in your breasts.

Biopsy: Often, fluid or tissue must be removed from the breast so the doctor can make a diagnosis. A woman's doctor may refer her for further evaluation to a surgeon or other health care professional that has experience with breast diseases. These doctors may perform:

- Fine-needle aspiration: A thin needle is used to remove fluid and/or cells from a breast lump. If the fluid is clear and there are no malignant cells then it is not necessary to perform further tests.
- Needle biopsy: Using special techniques, tissue can be removed with a needle from an area that looks suspicious on a mammogram but cannot be felt. Tissue removed in a needle biopsy goes to a lab to be checked by a pathologist for cancer cells.
- Surgical biopsy: In a surgical biopsy, the surgeon cuts out a sample of a lump or removes all of the lump or suspicious area and an area of healthy tissue around the edges. A pathologist then examines the tissue under a microscope to check for cancer cells.

Breast cancer can be easily curable if it is diagnosed at a early stage. Depending on the grade of the cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation can be done after the surgical biopsy.

About the Author:
Author Barney Garcia writes about on Symptoms & Diagnosis Of Breast Cancer to visit :- breast cancer, breast cancer treatment
Article Source: http://www.articles411.com

Diagnosed With Breast Cancer? Here Are Some Resources To Help!

There are more and more organisations and groups around the world who will offer support and advice to not just women but men as well who have been affected by breast cancer.

There are more and more organisations and groups around the world who will offer support and advice to not just women but men as well who have been affected by breast cancer.

Many of these groups and organisations not only spend time counselling people but they hold many fund raising events and campaigns to help pay for further research into the disease.

In some cases some of these groups or organisations will offer treatment to those patients diagnosed with the disease who can not actually afford to pay for the treatment themselves.

Below is a list of the various organisations and groups that can be found in the USA which have been specifically set up to fight this disease and provide support to those who have been diagnosed with it.

One such group in the USA is the American Cancer Society (ACS) who are a community based health organisation and which helps to fight all the various types of cancers that now seem to affect the population.

They also spend vast amounts of their time not just focusing on treatment of cancer but also its prevention and how to reduce the suffering felt by the patients and their families and saving lives.

They also help with costs for carrying out further research and educating people on the disease and making the population more aware of its effects.

Another organisation is Cancer Care Incorporated who provide a telephone support service for all cancer issues, and this includes medical information, cancer terms and definitions, counselling, guidance on local services, free information material, as well as information on local support groups to the patients area as well as an abundance of educational programs on cancer matters.

Now we come to CRFA (Cancer Research Foundations of America) which is a national group and which focuses on the prevention of cancer both through educating people and scientific research.

It is also able to provide people with information on other forms of cancer as well as breast such as prostate, lung, colorectal, skin and cervical.

Then you could if you wish contact The Living Beyond Breast Cancer Foundation which has been set up and provides a helpline where you are able to obtain support after being diagnosed with the disease.

You will discover that the people at the other end of the phone talking to you will have previously been diagnosed with the disease and survived.

They are able to provide you with first hand information on the treatments offered, the way in which it is diagnosed and how to survive it.

But don't forget the people at the other end of the phone can only offer you emotional support and not actual medical advice, for that you will need to see your doctor who will then refer you to a specialist.

Then there is the Medicare Hotline which is another breast cancer foundation and this one can offer the patient information on mammography and the way it is used in helping to detect breast cancer during the early stages.

Also we have the NABCO (National Alliance of Breast Cancer Organisations) who can provide people with answers to the many questions that they will have relating to the disease and they can either call them or send them an email to obtain the information they require on breast cancer and the many issues relating to it.

If you would like to obtain a more individual response regarding a question you have in respect of the disease it may be a case of you contacting the National Cancer Institute's Cancer Information Service, which can provide patients with answers to any specific question they may have relating to the disease.

Also a number of years ago a Foundation was set up called the Susan G Komen Breast Cancer Foundation which helps to fight breast cancer and are well known for organising lots of awareness programs as being a huge contributor in raising funds through various campaigns they have organised such as breast cancer walks.

This foundation also has a helpline where they have trained volunteers who can talk to individuals regarding the disease as they have suffered from it themselves.

The Susan G Komen Breast Cancer Foundation has been set up and is specifically committed to offering people with the latest information that is available concerning breast cancer and breast health to those that contact them.

Lastly we have the Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organisation which helps fight against both breast cancer and provides support to those suffering from the disease by providing them with a helpline that is operated by trained personnel only.

These people are volunteers but who have all survived breast cancer and are not only prepared but have the experience to answer the various types of questions that will be posed by the caller regarding breast cancer.

They can also provide emotional support to the men and women who have been affected by this disease.

About the Author:
Mike
What breast cancer information do you need to know more about? Click on over to www.ResourcesForBreastCancer.com and be sure to visit http://CancerReport.info
Submitted on 2006-11-05
Article Source: http://www.articlesarea.com/

Prostate Cancer: All About Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is a disease that affects adult males and is known to occur when the cells of the prostate begin to grow uncontrollably. Although prostate cancer can be cured if detected and treated early, most of its symptoms rarely cause concern for most men and are likely to be overlooked in the initial stages. Unfortunately, too often, cancer detection just may be postponed until it is too late.

Symptoms
Symptoms include the urge to urinate frequently, especially at night. There could be pain or bleeding while urinating and the patient may find himself suffering from frequent pain or stiffness in his lower back, hips or upper thighs. Since most of these symptoms seem to resemble fatigue or tiredness, they are often overlooked. It is recommended that a proper medical check up be undertaken at regular intervals to find track any indicative symptoms for prostate cancer.

Diagnosis
DRE and PSA tests are carried out to determine the extent of growth of your prostate cells. These tests may not prove the presence of prostate cancer, but conducting a biopsy will determine the presence of cancerous cells in the body. The biopsy method involves taking tissue samples, using needles and using ultrasound imaging to detect cancer cells. Although the biopsy procedure itself may be a short one, patients are often asked to be at the hospital stay on for a full day at the hospital where several tests are carried out. A diagnosis is also required to find out if any of the symptoms match the disease, because of the prostate cells in a cancerous condition or due to some other reason.

Grading and Staging the Disease
Gleason grading and scores help determine the extent to which the disease has spread and also to find out the damage caused by the presence of cancerous cells in the prostate. Localized, locally advanced and metastatic are the three stages in which a prostate cancer patient is classified as. These three stages are in order of the least to the most dangerous of stages of prostate cancer. Also, the chances of a cure and treatment are more possible in a localized stage and are almost impossible in the metastatic stage.

About the Author:
Author Barney Garcia writes about on Prostate Cancer: All About Prostate Cancer to visit :- prostate cancer, cancer prostate
Article Source: http://www.articles411.com

Are You At Risk For Breast Cancer?

Each year, millions of women learn that they have developed breast cancer. Despite most commonly being found in women, breast cancer can also be diagnosed in men. That is why breast cancer is often considered one of the most common types of all diagnosable cancers. Fortunately, you if you are diagnosed as having cancer, there are a number of treatment options that may help you become cancer free. However, before that can occur, you need to be diagnosed as having breast cancer.

When it comes to being diagnosed with breast cancer, a large amount of focus is placed on the signs and symptoms. While it is important to focus on the symptoms of breast cancer, they are not the only things that you should keep in mind. Although an exact cause of breast cancer has yet to be determined, there are a number of risk factors associated with the cancer. Determining whether or not any of these risk factors apply to you is one of the best ways, aside from regularly examining your body, to determine whether or not you may have breast cancer or end up developing it in the future.

You may be at a greater risk of developing breast cancer if someone else in your immediate family has also been diagnosed with having it. It has been noted that the BRCA1 gene and the BRCA2 gene have something to do with the development of breast cancer. Research is still being conducted on this; however, it is looking as if damaged cells, which may later account for breast cancer, are being passed down through family members. Therefore, if someone in your family has been diagnosed with breast cancer, there is a good chance that you may also develop it.

Your age may also increase your risk of developing breast cancer. While it is important to remember that breast cancer can occur at just about any age, there are a group of men and women who are more at risk. Those individuals are likely over the age of fifty. That is why it is recommended that all women over the age of forty undergo a yearly mammogram. Until that age, a self breast exam, performed by yourself or by a healthcare professional, should be enough.

When you first started your menstrual cycle, as well as when it ended, may increase your risk of developing breast cancer. It has been noted that those who began their periods before the age of twelve are at an increased risk for developing breast cancer, later on in life. The same, in a way, can be said for menopause. Recent studies have shown that the later a woman begins menopause, the more at risk she is for developing breast cancer. Menopause should begin around the age of fifty-five. If it starts to occur any later, you will want to be on the lookout for the signs and symptoms of breast cancer.

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and birth control pills have been known to increase a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer. These risk factors are not as high as the above mentioned risk factors, but a connection between breast cancer, hormone replacement therapy, as well as birth control pills has been established. Therefore, if you are currently on birth control pills or are undergoing hormone replacement therapy, it may be a good idea to speak to a healthcare professional. Your OBGYN or primary care physician should be more than willing to give you inside and updated information on the connection between breast cancer and these two widely used medications.

In addition to hormone replacement therapy, birth control pills, a family history, late menopause, early menstrual periods, and age, there are a number of other risk factors that have been connected to breast cancer. These additional risk factors include, are not limited to, radiation, and excessive alcohol consumption. Now that you know whether or not you are at an increased risk of developing breast cancer, you may be able to better prepare yourself for what you may find, now or in the future.

If, at any point, you notice a lump in your breast or have unexplained breast pain, you are advised to seek medical assistance immediately. The sooner breast cancer is detected, the sooner it can be treated and gone from your life, hopefully forever.

About the Author:
Anne Childs is a contributor to http://www.healthline.com who has also conducted many seminars to raise awareness on http://www.healthline.com/channel/breast-cancer.html, and other conditions which women are most susceptible to.
This article was posted on November 14, 2006
Article Source: articlecity

Pleural Mesothelioma – Cancer Of The Lung Lining

What is Pleural Mesothelioma?

Pleural Mesothelioma or malignant pleural mesothelioma is cancer in the layer of the lungs that can spread to the lungs. The spread of the tumor over the pleura results in pleural thickening. This hinders the reflexivity of the pleura and encases the lungs in an increasing restrictive belt. With the lungs thus restricted, they get constricted in no time and a person is always out of breath.

Pleural mesothelioma can be:

- Diffuse and malignant (carcinogenic)
- Localized and benign (non-cancerous)

Benign pleural mesothelioma can be removed surgically, but the malignant tumors are the real terror heads.

Most common among other mesothelioma cases, Pleural Mesothelioma is caused due to exposure to blue asbestos for a longer period of time, say 20 years, in which time the disease incubates only to show its fearful countenance via certain symptoms.

The symptoms of Pleural Mesothelioma

The symptoms of Pleural Mesothelioma include difficulty in breathing, difficulty in sleeping, pain in the chest and abdominal regions, blood vomits, weakness, weight loss, loss of appetite, lower back pains, persistent coughing, hoarseness of voice, sensory loss and difficulty in swallowing.

Diagnosis of Pleural Mesothelioma

The first step is to go through a chest X-ray or a CT scan (computed chest tomograph), which will reveal a pleural thickening and an effusion. This is followed by a bronchoscopy. However, it should always be left to a medical practitioner for a better understanding of the respective cases. Another method is a biopsy, which can be a needle biopsy, an open biopsy, or a thoracoscopy, where a mini camera is inserted inside the body and with that a tissue sample is attained for further diagnosis.

Treatment of Pleural Mesothelioma

Treatment is directly proportional to the time of the revelation of the disease, i.e., at an early stage the tumor can be removed through surgery.

A pioneering mesothelioma treatment option is immunotherapy, e.g., intrapleural inoculation of Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) is a useful mesothelioma treatment in which an effort is made to intensify the immune response.

Radiation treatment and chemotherapy is probably then the answer to the malignant pleural mesothelioma, but this can aid the pain management only; there's no escaping death with Pleural Mesothelioma.

Side effects of Treatment

The side effects and penalty of mesothelioma lung cancer treatment are more than its treatment, which is damaged healthy tissues, a state of absolute fatigue ness; excessive radiation causes the skin to become red, dry and itchy.

Other side effects of radiotherapy are nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, urinary discomfort and a sudden reduction in the number of white blood corpuscles.

The average life span of a person with Pleural Mesothelioma is up to 6 months to a year and the maximum can reach up to 5 years - the magnesium-silicate mineral fibers take its toll that's more than painful.

Other factors that may accelerate the possibility of pleural mesothelioma are chronic lung infections, tuberculous pleuritis, radiation (Thorotrast), exposure to the simian virus 40 (SV40) or mineral fibers (Zeolite) and tobacco smoking to a certain extent.

Pleural Mesothelioma does not give a person the avenue for fair play. Though the existence depends much on the various stages of the disease, it is an ultimate killing menace that sucks out the life of the common man.

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

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

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

How to Cope With Cancer

Picture yourself walking down the street where you live. Everything looks normal, but you have a feeling that something is not quite right. Suddenly there’s a rumble and the road buckles up around your feet. You struggle, unable to move forward. Your thoughts become erratic and scattered, just when you need clarity. People come to help you, but that sinking feeling remains and something is telling you that your life will never be the same.

If you have been diagnosed with cancer you know what I am talking about. A cancer diagnosis can knock you out like nothing you’ve experienced before, and your life won't be the same. The learning curve is steep, and you’re forced up that curve at an alarming rate so that you feel unsure of which turns to take. Sometimes you feel as if you’re in a swamp with no road at all, and you rush around desperately looking for solid ground so you can rest. Some of these experiences are common, but everyone walks a different road on the journey with cancer.

Fortunately there is a lot of help out there to guide you to safety. Sometimes there seems to be too much help – too much advice, too many decisions to make. The trick is to listen to your intuition, your “gut instinct” or that “still small voice within”. Take some time alone to ask yourself questions such as “How do I feel about that?” or “What is really important to me?” Listen for the answers which may come to you when you wake up, although it may take a few days or weeks to be clear.

Cancer gives you permission to evaluate your life and prioritize what is truly important to you. Look at your activities and the people around you to see where you gain or lose energy, and reduce the impact that energy robbers have on your health and on your life. If the problem is from a relationship or work, it may be necessary to make some changes. These decisions aren't easy, so make sure you have support from other sources. The process is worthwhile when the payoff is your health, so establish your priorities and values, and be prepared to draw a line in the sand to stay within your comfort level.

I was diagnosed with Stage II breast cancer in 1986 and 2 other minor cancers in 1987. I used the wake up call to figure out how to get rid of my excess anger and depression as well as cancer. From a variety of sources I noticed a common thread and created a list of categories which I call “Find Your Own Road” to serve as a guide in finding your unique road to health. It doesn’t mean that you walk the road alone, but that you make choices about which building blocks you will use to build your road, as it will be different from everyone else’s road. There are books, tapes and videos to suit every situation and help you “Find Your Own Road”. Take the time to choose what speaks to you. Read every book with a critical eye and take only what you need, place what you may need in the future on an imaginary shelf, and discard what does not work for you. The act of taking charge and playing an active role in your health care will move you towards a better state of health.

“Find Your Own Road” –an adjunct to conventional Western medicine
1. Nutrition
2. Exercise
3. Sleep and Deep Relaxation
4. Simplicity
5. Spirituality
6. Volunteer Work
7. Support System
8. Humor
9. Art / Music
10. Complementary Therapies
11. Visualization
12. Cognitive Therapy

Items 1, 2, and 3 are the main categories to evaluate for yourself. There are guidelines posted daily about the benefits of healthy food choices and regular exercise. Pay attention – they’re talking to you! With regard to making choices, ask yourself “Is this good for my health?” Listen for the answer, and use it to plan your diet and your exercise regime. Walking is the most basic and therapeutic exercise which can be incorporated into any lifestyle. The time spent sleeping is when your body heals, so give it ample opportunity to do that, especially if you are in active treatment for cancer. Surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy are effective in getting rid of primary cancers, but your body needs help to recuperate and maintain a healthy state afterwards. Deep relaxation means complete mental and physical relaxation for at least 15 minutes a day, this does not include time spent lying on the couch with a remote control. Deep relaxation comes from such things as deep breathing, meditation, prayer, massage.

4. Simplicity in life will help you to focus on your health. In this fast paced, high tech world we have lost sight of our basic needs and the advantages of a simpler lifestyle. Our materialistic wants can be blown out of proportion to what is really important and a cancer diagnosis serves to remind us where our priorities lie. Loving and being loved by others is a prime human need without which life just doesn’t make sense. Dealing with any unfinished business will help you achieve peace of mind and be comfortable with who you are.

5. Spirituality is an individual thing and may or may not include formal religion. Many people say that their faith has sustained them through an ordeal with cancer which is a wonderful thing for them. For those who have no formal religion, the world offers spirituality in many ways: spending time appreciating nature, and expressing gratitude for what you have, will help you to connect with your inner self and also see a bigger picture. Nurturing yourself will ultimately help you to connect with and nurture other people.

6. Volunteer work can provide you with many happy hours. When I was going through chemotherapy, I heard on the radio about a study which said that volunteering gives you satisfaction and promotes longer life. “Right, I can do that” I thought, and added one more block to build my road to health.

7. Building a support system keeps you moving forward on the road. I found support from my husband, other family members, and friends without whom I would not be where I am today. It’s tough to walk a cancer journey alone and well worth the effort to develop a strong support system. Working with other volunteers provides me with peer support; we even ran a retreat for women with breast cancer for 6 years. I am now a life coach and I coach people who would like additional support in coping with cancer.

8. 9. & 10. The fields of music, art and laughter offer a wealth of healing power. At the retreats we provided a variety of activities including music, art, and humor workshops which were well received. There were also sessions with practitioners of Massage, Therapeutic Touch, Reflexology, Reiki, Yoga, Qi Cong, Tai Chi, Spirituality, and others. The idea was to give people a sample of things that would help to promote wellness in their lives after cancer treatment.

11. We all use visualization to get us where we want to go. During my cancer treatment, I used visualization to strengthen my belief that I could do something constructive to heal myself. I found color pictures of T-cells killing cancer cells in the June 1986 edition of National Geographic magazine, and I spent many hours visualizing my cancer cells being snuffed out by hard working killer T-cells. Imagery is an individual thing so it’s important to visualize something that will work for you.

12. Cognitive Therapy has helped me to work through anger, and reduce negative self talk and depression. Positive thinking is encouraging, but without behavior change it can be superficial. Positive behavior comes from working through negative thoughts and letting them go, at the same time replacing them with positive thoughts and actions. Taking charge of your health helps to control stress from fear, anxiety or worry, and is a process which requires ongoing vigilance.

Western medicine can work wonders and I had excellent care through diagnosis, surgery, and chemotherapy in 1986 and 1987. I felt something missing though, and I struggled emotionally for a long time before I felt secure ground beneath me. Learning how to cope has now restored my confidence, but I continue to watch my step and stay focused on my road to good health. When my body tells me I’m a little off course, I make a conscious effort to get back on the road again.

Facing cancer has changed my life – I’m grateful to all the people who have been part of my journey and I appreciate every single day. I believe that by improving my quality of life, I have also been able to enjoy a greater quantity of life.


About the author:
Lynn Roodbol is a health care worker who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1986 and 2 other minor cancers in 1987. She has attended many seminars and workshops on cancer, and volunteered in many capacities . She is now a certified coach for people with cancer and lives in Ontario Canada. Lynn can be reached at http://www.cancersupportcoach.com
Copyright 2005 Cancer Support Coach
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Identifying the Signs of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women and the leading cause of cancer deaths.

Every woman's breasts are different so it is important for each individual woman to be familiar with her breasts in order to recognize any peculiarities.

Unfortunately, the early stages of breast cancer may not have any symptoms. This is why it is important to follow screening recommendations. As a tumor grows in size, it can produce a variety of symptoms including:

* lump or thickening in the breast or underarm * change in size or shape of the breast * nipple discharge or nipple turning inward * redness or scaling of the skin or nipple * ridges or pitting of the breast skin

If you experience these symptoms, it doesn't necessarily mean you have breast cancer, but you need to be examined by a doctor.

Breast cancer is very rare before age 20 and is rarely diagnosed in women younger than age 25. Past that age, the incidence rises steadily to reach a peak around the age of menopause. The rate of increase is lessened after menopause, but older women are still at increasing risk over time.

Although a specific cause for breast cancer has not been identified, there are risk factors that increase the likelihood that a woman will develop a breast cancer. These risks include:

* Maternal relative with breast cancer. * Women who start their menstruation early and/or go into early menopause, increasing the length of reproductive years, are at greater risk. * Obesity. Women who are overweight are at increased risk * Women who have never had children are at greater risk. * Women who had their first child over age 30 are at greater risk. * Previous breast cancer. * Previous endometrial cancer.

Aside from the genetic predisposition, the common factor in many of these risks is increased endogenous estrogen exposure over a long time.

It is recommended that women over 35 check their breasts monthly. However, it is also important that all women do regular breast checks. Your doctor can show you how to effectively check your breasts. Any lump, regardless of size, should be reported to your doctor. Many of these lumps are simply fatty lumps or cysts but it is far better to be safe than sorry.

Catching breast cancer early makes a big difference in the type of treatment needed as well as the overall prognosis.


About the author:
Anne Wolski has worked within the health and welfare industry for more than 30 years. To see many great health-related resources, go to http://www.magnetic-health-online.com
Copyright 2005 Anne Wolski
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The Day I Was Diagnosed Having Cancer

Sure you’ll going to be worried learning about this piece of news. It took a lot of courage in me to discuss a sickness that is so close to death. It would mean the end of everything….From the traveling that I enjoy the most. From breezing through the lights and sounds of Los Angeles, the eye-catching Hong Kong-based signature clothes, the scenery of New Zealand to the aroma of my home sweet home. It would mean the end of my sleepless nights of chatting, and writing testimonials in friendster and other forms of letters. It would mean the end of my favorite past time which is malling.It would mean the end of being with my family who cares and loves me so much and it would be the end of hanging-out with my friends. I can’t stand these realities that would soon unfold my future. I’m scared but I know I will survive.

It really is a fact that I upset a lot of people from the time I was born. Given that my name is SMILE, I should have brought smiles to people. Yet, I’ve been so hard-headed, inconsiderate, unforgiving, and most of all—selfish. I’ve been so crazy, oftentimes, fickle-minded. I’ve made decisions based from others’ perception not mine. I’ve been involved with my first boyfriend ever during junior year in College whom I love dearly until this very day. Yet, we are bound to take different paths and choices to make our lives worth living. My only consolation? We remained the best of friends.

On one hand, I often wondered why of all people I was the chosen one. I’m still young, active, and vibrant. But I guess there seems to have no choice but to accept my fate. Whatever reason it was, I don’t know. Let me tell you all time and again, I’m not complaining but yes, I am sad. Wish I could turn the situation into a lighter one but it would not be. I just pray that people will remember SMILE as a human being prone to all inconsistencies. Let my memories stay with you all….

“ATE SMILE, wake up!” shouted Joseph, my younger brother. Oh my goodness! It was just a bad dream! A dream that taught me not just lessons but revelations. All the while, I thought I’m dying with cancer but it was my SOUL and HEART that’s dying. What an eye-opener! Better wipe your tears away now my friends for SMILE is still around. But, I do hope this time a BETTER one.

About the Author:
MS.MERYL SMILE C. MATIENZO, is a B.S PSYCHOLOGY graduate from Letran-Calamba. She was the Vice-President of the Letran Supreme Student Council (2001-2002). She's a Senior Staff writer of the Knight Publication for three years and was a Dean's Lister during her College years. The author also was also nominated in the 2002 Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines. She now works as a Researcher.
Article Source: www.iSnare.com

What are the three main symptoms to lung cancer?

The main three symptoms to lung cancer that should not be ignored are shortness of breath, pain when breathing or coughing, and existence of a persistent cough, especially if it is accompanied by expectoration of sputum streaked with blood. Additionally, loss of appetite, fatigue, unusual losses of weight are three symptoms, which are indicative of lung cancer.

Because of the non-specific nature of symptoms of Mesothelioma, Mesothelioma tests are imperative to rule out incidence of the disease when lung cancer symptoms show up. Early detection of Mesothelioma cancer substantiated by clear information of patient’s exposure to asbestos can help define the course of treatment.

Early Detection Of Mesothelioma Cancer In Long Term Health Prognosis

The length of time between asbestos exposure and onset of lung cancer symptoms can be between 15-50 years. Therefore a complete medical history and information of possible asbestos exposure are critical in identifying patients who are prone for developing Mesothelioma lung cancer.

During physical tests for Mesothelioma lung cancer, the doctor may check breath sounds to see whether there is any indication of fluid in the chest cavity. A variety of diagnostic procedures also help to determine whether a patient has Mesothelioma lung cancer.

Results from imaging scans, tissue biopsies, pulmonary function tests, and other diagnostic techniques, combined with the findings from a careful medical history help to define the course of treatment in Mesothelioma lung cancer.

There are less common but more uncomfortable symptoms of lung cancer, which are usually associated with advanced stages of the disease. Such lung cancer or Mesothelioma patients may exhibit symptoms like a hoarse voice, difficulty swallowing, swelling of the face or in the neck, pain or discomfort under the ribs, and shortness of breath caused by fluid around the lungs.

If you suspect that you or any of your family members have lung cancer symptoms– DO NOT DELAY – consult your physician right away.

About the author:
Jon Butt publishes www.the-mesothelioma-guide.com With the web being packed with mis-information www.the-mesothelioma-guide.com is a leading free resource of Mesothelioma support, advice and legal help along with alternative remedies, natural supplements and more. Helping both you and your loved ones.
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