Common Causes of Lung Cancer

There are a various risk factors that are linked to lung cancer. The most common known causes are as follows:

Cigarette Smoking
Cigarette smoking is probably the most closely related link to developing lung cancer. A person who smokes two packs or more of cigarettes per day has a one in seven chance of developing lung cancer. Those that smoke one pack of cigarettes per day have a twenty-five times greater chance of developing lung cancer than a non-smoker. In addition, those people that smoke a pipe or cigar have a five times greater chance of developing lung cancer than a non-smoker.

The risk of developing lung cancer increases with the number of cigarettes smoked over your lifetime. Cigarette smoking damages the cells in your lungs. The moment you stop smoking, your lungs begin healing themselves, replacing damaged cells with healthy, normal cells. Your risk of developing lung cancer begins decreasing almost immediately when you quit smoking. Every year that you do not smoke, your chances of developing lung cancer drop further. By the fifteenth year, your chances of developing lung cancer are about the same as those of a person who has never smoked.

Secondhand Smoke
Also known as passive smoking, people exposed to secondhand smoke on a regular basis will have a higher risk of developing lung cancer, even if they do not smoke themselves. Studies have shown that those who live with a smoker have a 24% greater risk of developing lung cancer than most non-smokers. Doctors estimate that about 3000 lung cancer deaths a year are related to secondhand smoke.

Asbestos Exposure
Exposure to asbestos is another well-known cause of lung cancer and mesothelioma - cancer of the pleural lining of the lungs. Asbestos was widely used in construction and everyday products in the late 1800s through the 1960s. Asbestos separates into fine silica fibers that become trapped in the tissues of the lungs. Mesothelioma is inextricably linked to asbestos exposure. There are no reported cases of mesothelioma in people who were not exposed to asbestos either in the workplace or through their environment. A non-smoker who was exposed to asbestos has a five times greater risk of developing lung cancer than a non-smoker who was not exposed. Smoking increases the risk dramatically - a smoker who was exposed to asbestos has a risk of developing lung cancer that is 50 to 90 times greater than that of a non-smoker.

Radon Gas
It is estimated that about 12% of lung cancer deaths can be attributed to radon gas, a colorless, odorless gas that is a natural byproduct of the decay of uranium. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that as many as 15% of homes in the United States have unsafe levels of radon gas, which will account for 15,000 to 22,000 deaths from lung cancer annually.

Air Pollution
Scientists estimate that as many as 1% of all lung cancer deaths are attributable to air pollution. They believe that prolonged exposure to very polluted air can raise the risks of developing lung cancer to about the levels of a passive smoker.

About the Author:
David Chandler
For more information about lung cancer and help to quit smoking, visit http://www.lungcancerinfoguide.com and http://www.quitsmokinganswers.com
Added: 18 Feb 2006
Article Source: http://articles.simplysearch4it.com/article/21963.html

Menopause and Cancer

AFTER the menopause, a woman may experience changes that may or may not be related to decreased hormone levels. These include serious conditions like cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and cancer. Early measures taken may prevent or detect these conditions early.
There is no increased risk of cancer with the menopause. Cancer is not as common as heart attacks or strokes. There are different types of cancer that affect women. All women, especially senior women, must be aware of the common cancers that affect them.

Breast cancer is the commonest cancer. It is feared most by women and is frequently the focus of the media so much so that many women think it is a very common condition.

In fact, its incidence is much less than cardiovascular disease or osteoporosis. When detected and treated early, it is very amenable to treatment.

Death rates have declined in recent years. The five-year survival rate for localised cancer is more than 90%. The factors that increase the risk of breast cancer include:

• Age. The risk increases with age reaching about 10% by 80 years of age.
• Heredity. A woman's risk is increased if her mother or sister had the condition, especially if before the menopause.
• Early age of first period.
• Never been pregnant.
• Obesity
• Alcohol consumption.
• Sedentary lifestyle.
• Long term ( ie.more than five years) hormone therapy (HT) has been reported to be associated with a slightly increased risk of breast cancer.
• Radiotherapy for other cancers.

Cervical cancer is very treatable if detected early with five-year survival rates of more than 90%.

It is thought to be caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, which is acquired through sexual intercourse. Most HPV infections do not result in cervical cancer. The risk of HPV increases with early sexual intercourse, multiple partners, smoking and HIV infection. Neither the menopause nor the use of hormone therapy increases the risk of cervical cancer.

Endometrial (uterine) cancer is very treatable if detected early with five-year survival rates of 95%.

The risk factors of endometrial cancer include:

• Early age of first period.
• Late menopause.
• Never been pregnant.
• Obesity.
• Diabetes.
• Hypertension.
• Use of oestrogen without progestogen.
• Use of tamoxifen.

Previous pregnancy and the use of the birth control Pill appear to provide some protection against endometrial cancer.

Ovarian cancer is not common yet it causes more deaths than any other cancer of the reproductive organs, mainly because it usually presents at an advanced and less curable stage. One of the main reasons for its late detection is the absence of symptoms in the early stages. If detected and treated early, five-year survival rates can exceed 90%.

The risk of ovarian cancer increases with age, especially in women who have never been pregnant or those with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer. The risk is lower in those who have been pregnant, used birth control Pills or had tubal ligation. Neither the menopause nor the use of hormone therapy increases the risk of ovarian cancer.

Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer death in women in many developed countries. The increase parallels the increasing number of women who smoke cigarettes. As such, it can be expected to pose a problem for Malaysian women in future.
Colorectal cancer is not associated with the menopause but with increasing age, a family history of the cancer, colorectal polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, physical inactivity and smoking.

Most cancers can be successfully treated today. The most important factor in treatment success is early detection. Regular check ups and the early seeking of medical attention is advisable for not only menopausal women but all seniors.

About the Author:
Anonymous
www.medical-explorer.com
Added: Wed Apr 26 2006
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Lung Cancer Survival Rate

Several factors influence lung cancer survival rates. The type of cancer, the stage it is at when diagnosed, and the overall condition of the patient all play a role in determining survival. Cancer survival is usually expressed in terms of a five-year survival rate, which is the percentage of patients with cancer who survive at least five years after their cancer is diagnosed.

Studies have shown that five-year survival rates among non-small cell lung cancer patients vary by stage. Stage 0 patients have the best survival, of close to 50 percent at five years. Approximately one-quarter of stage II patients survive to five years, as compared to eight percent of stage III patients and only two percent of stage IV patients. In general, small cell lung cancer tends to proceed more rapidly to terminal disease. Ten to fifteen percent of patients with limited-stage small cell lung cancer, and between one and two percent of those with extensive-stage cancer, survive to five years.

Estimates of cancer survival do not reflect current treatment advances that may lead to better chances of survival, because they are typically calculated for a five-year period that does not include the previous year. Further, each patient responds to treatment in a unique way; aggregate estimates do not account for individual factors that may improve or worsen the likelihood of survival.

The overall number of deaths in the United States from lung cancer rose throughout the 1980s, and began to drop for men in the 1990s. However, a similar decrease has not been observed among women. Over fifty thousand current and former smokers have been enrolled in the National Lung Screening Trial to find out if chest x-rays and CT scans taken before the onset of lung cancer symptoms may improve early diagnosis and therefore survival.

About the Author:
Steve Valentino
Asbestos Lung Cancer provides detailed information on Asbestos Lung Cancer, Lung Cancer, Lung Cancer Stages, Lung Cancer Survival Rate and more. Asbestos Lung Cancer is affiliated with Asbestos Exposure.
Added: Thu Apr 20 2006
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Is Your Back Pain Symbolic Of Future Lung Cancer?

The reasons for back pain are many and the symptoms of lung cancer are many more.

Whether you have lung cancer due to back pain or back pain due to lung cancer…the symptoms are so confusing and inter-related, that at times, the diagnosis becomes even more complicated.

Many a times, the cough or shortness of breath is accompanied by back pain. And you had thought that it is a respiratory illness! This could be the early stage of cancer and the right time and state to treat it indeed!

Pain in back, chest or shoulder that does not go away and gets worse with deep breathing, accompanied by swelling in the neck and face, with increasing fatigue and weakness could be the symptoms of cancer in the lung. And the underlying back pain will cause you recurring respiratory infections such as pneumonia along.

Figures and statistics from the USA regarding the back pain are mind boggling. It is reported that 80% of the Americans cope with back pain at some point of their lives. 7 million people are treated for back pain every year. The new cases of pack pain reported every year are 2 million. The loss/amount spent every year on medical bills, disability and lost productivity at work is estimated to be 100 billion dollars!

There is so much confusion with regard to the treatment of the back pain itself…that the back pain related to lung cancer is ought to be confusing for the patient. The first step you need to take when it is a case of continuous back pain is to have a detailed medical checkup. Instead of doing guesswork, and trying out various antibiotics, pain-killers and taking pot shots at the state of your health, you need to adopt a line of treatment. This definitely must be followed over the preliminary investigation stage.

No over the counter medication has cured any back pain completely. If your back pain is confirmed to be of the chronic type, it is most likely to trouble you over a long period of time.

You need to prevent your back pain from getting into the lung cancer fold. To fight lung cancer, what is required is you need to have perfect metabolism within your body. No diseases can come at your back or any other parts of your body, if your internal system is free of toxins. So adopt healthy lifestyle changes and resort to yoga exercises as they are the perfect treatment for back pain. This is now accepted world over.

About the Author:
Javier Fuller
To read more articles on Back pain and lung cancer, Living with backpain and Diagnosis of backpain visit http://www.backpaindetails.com/pain/
Added: 16 Oct 2006
Article Source: http://articles.simplysearch4it.com/article/39529.html

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month

The Three Leading Causes of Lung Cancer

1. Smoking According to the American Cancer Society,lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in American men and women today. Smoking is the number one risk factor for lung cancer. It is estimated that 87% of lung cancer deaths are caused by smoking. As soon as you quit, your body reaps the benefits of being tobacco free. Quitting smoking is the BEST defense against lung cancer as your body will begin to heal within hours.
2. Radon Gas EPA estimates that about 20,000 lung cancer deaths each year in the U.S. are radon-related. Exposure to radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. Radon is an odorless, tasteless and invisible gas produced by the decay of naturally occurring uranium in soil and water. Radon is a form of ionizing radiation and a proven carcinogen. Lung cancer is the only known effect on human health from exposure to radon in air.
3. Second Hand Smoke The current Surgeon General's Report concluded that scientific evidence indicates that there is no risk-free level of exposure to second hand smoke. Short exposures to second hand smoke can cause blood platelets to become stickier, damage the lining of blood vessels, decrease coronary flow velocity reserves, and reduce heart rate variability, potentially increasing the risk of heart attack. American Lung Association

What you can do

Stop Smoking –

• In Ohio – Advanced Laser Solutions National Network of Tobacco Cessation Quitlines 1-800-quitnow (1-800-784-8669) a single access point to the National Network of Tobacco Cessation Quitlines. Callers are automatically routed to a state-run quitline, if one exists in their area.

If there is no state-run quitline, callers are routed to the National Cancer Institute (NCI) quitline, where they may receive:

• Help with quitting smoking
• Informational materials mailed to you
• Referrals to other resources
• Protect Yourself from Radon Gas
  Who can Test or Fix Your Home for Radon? Free consumers guide to radon detection
• Refuse Second-Hand Smoke
  Do not allow smoking in your home or in your car. Choose smoke-free restaurants, and smoke-free care facilities. Learn more about becoming proactive from the Mayo Clinic Web Site

Additional Resources

Are you breathing polluted air outside? Find out how clean or polluted your air is. Find out how your state and city rate.

Are you breathing polluted air inside? According to the EPA, the air inside your home may be up to 100 times more polluted than the air outside, and people spend approximately 90% of their time indoors. Create a cleaner, healthier environment at home with the exceptional cleaning power of Oreck Air Purifiers. In Ohio – call 440-801-1067 to locate the nearest retail store which offers a 30 day trial with a full refund guarantee. Are You at Risk? Free Lung Cancer Screening Test

Founder of Senior Approved Services

About the Author:
Barbara Mascio
Added: Fri Oct 27 2006
To find other free health content see e-healtharticles.com

Many compounds in milk thistle, have shown potent anti- prostate and anti-lung cancer activity

Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) : Milk thistle have antioxidant properties that help the liver function and stay healthy

Milk thistle is sometimes called silymarin, which is actually a mixture of the herb's active components, including silybinin (also called silibinin or silybin). Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum) herb is a tall, stocky, plant that grows fruit, and is native to the Mediterranean. Milk thistle supplement has been used for thousands of years as a remedy for a variety of ailments, especially liver problems. Milk thistle supplement is a very powerful antioxidant and as such helps to remove toxic elements from the body. In regards to liver function, milk thistle seed extract has the ability to stimulate the flow of bile from the liver. It is this bile stimulation that is believed to account for the effectiveness of milk thistle in treating ailments of the liver and aiding digestion.
Studies show silymarin, silibinin, and other flavonoids found in milk thistle liver. Silymarin is a powerful antioxidant that is ten times as potent as vitamin E Silymarin in milk thistle which is assumed to protect liver cells in the following ways:

- Silymarin has antioxidant properties. Antioxidants are thought to protect body cells from damage caused by a chemical process called oxidation.
- Silymarin has anti-inflammatory effects, which keeps liver cells from swelling in response to injury.
- Silymarin seems to encourage liver cell growth. By changing the outside layer of liver cells, it prevents certain toxins from getting into liver cells.

Many compounds in milk thistle, for instance silibinin, have shown potent anti- prostate and anti-lung cancer activity.

History of Milk Thistle

Milk thistle extract was still grown in old-fashioned British gardens at the end of the nineteenth century. The young leaves (with spines removed) were used in spring salads and as a spinach substitute. Young stalks, peeled and soaked, are eaten like asparagus. The roots, soaked in water overnight to remove bitterness, are eaten like salsify. In Germany during the nineteenth century, doctors commonly treated jaundice and other liver diseases with an extract from milk thistle seeds. The scientific study of herbs continued to be concentrated in Europe, and in 1949, German researchers found that milk thistle tea appeared to protect the livers of animals exposed to high doses of carbon tetrachloride, a potent liver toxin.

In Medieval Europe, the milk thistle was a remedy for snakebite and rabies. The plant has veins that contain a white, milky-appearing liquid, so was naturally considered useful for encouraging lactation. The milk thistle acquired the additional names of Marian thistle and lady's-thistle.

Milk Thistle Benefits

Milk thistle extract is most closely associated with treating ailments of the liver and digestive system, but it has shown promise in treating a number of other ailments as well. These include
- Gallstones
- High Cholesterol
- Allergies
- Skin cancer

Athletes and bodybuilders may benefit from the use of milk thistle supplements. Athletes and bodybuilders typically use many nutritional supplements at one time, in order to boost performance. The use of a number of supplements at one time may produce synergism that results in enormous stress being placed upon the liver.

After a cycle of anabolic steroids, pro-hormones, thermogenics, or any other supplement, athletes may find it helpful to allow the body to rest from supplementation, while taking herb milk thistle to promote liver health.

Numerous studies from Europe have shown conclusively that taking milk thistle supplements helps extend the life of patients suffering from cirrhosis. Researchers tracked patients diagnosed with cirrhosis for five years, and found that those taking 200 milligrams of milk thistle extract three times a day had improved liver function and death rates that were approximately 50 percent lower than those taking placebos. Several European studies have also shown that silymarin helps normalize liver function in people with hepatitis A, B, and C.

More Detail About Milk Thistle

About the Author:
Author By Rosa parks
Added: 10 Oct 2006
Article Source: http://articles.simplysearch4it.com/article/38697.html

Lung Cancer Symptoms

In approximately 25% of people with lung cancer, there are no symptoms and the cancer is detected during screening or a routine physical examination. However, in three-quarters of lung cancer patients there are warning symptoms and signs that can alert the patient or their physician.

Most commonly, lung cancer patients experience respiratory symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, hoarseness and a persistent cough. These symptoms are very common among smokers, and are also present in a number of other conditions such as asthma, emphysema and chest infections. A new cough should always be evaluated, as it may be a symptom of lung cancer. Lung cancer may spread to the chest wall, causing chest, shoulder and back pain. If cancer cells erode lung blood vessels, the patient may cough up blood. There may also be other generalized effects that occur with most cancers, such as fever, fatigue, appetite loss and weight loss.

As a lung cancer grows, it increasingly compromises the normal functioning of an affected lung. Secondary complications may occur, such as collection of fluid in the tissue lining the lungs (pleural effusion), lung collapse, airway obstruction, and repeated lung infections. Lung cancer may also spread or metastasize to other parts of the body such as the lymph nodes, bones, liver and brain. Bone pain and abnormal liver or brain function may result.

The absence of symptoms does not necessarily indicate early disease, and the presence of non-specific chest symptoms can often go unheeded. Both these factors contribute to the fact that only about 15 percent of lung cancer patients are diagnosed in the early stages of disease. The later lung cancer is diagnosed, the less effective treatment options are. Delays in diagnosing lung cancer patients result in an overall survival rate of only 15 percent at five years after diagnosis.

About the Author:
Steve Valentino
Lung Cancer provides detailed information on Asbestos Lung Cancer, Lung Cancer, Lung Cancer Stages, Lung Cancer Survival Rate and more. Lung Cancer is affliated with Asbestos Exposure.
Added: Sat Apr 22 2006
To find other free health content see e-healtharticles.com

Lung Cancer - RADIATION As A Treatment Option

Because of the advanced stages of some lung cancer, surgery is not an option. This depends on the location of the tumor/tumors or the overall health of the person. In these types of cases, an oncologist will most likely advocate radiotherapy for the treatment. Even though surgery may be an option, you may find the doctor suggesting this type of treatment either before surgery to help shrink the tumor or after the surgery to help eradicate any of the remaining cancerous cells.

Radiation therapy - what is it?
Radiotherapy - is high powered x-rays that are 'beamed' at the location of the cancer cells which in turn destroys the rapidly dividing cells. Unfortunately, during this process the radiotherapy kills off both the healthy cells as well as the cancerous cells in that location. However, there are methods of delivering the radiotherapy that will minimize the side effects on the healthy cells.

EBT - external beam therapy or radiotherapy, is a highly focused beam of radiation that is aimed directly at the edges of the tumor site. Due to the concentration, EBT minimizes the chance of damaging the healthy cells. EBT is delivered in 'fractions', i.e. short durations of radiation that are spread out over several weeks time. According to current studies, the best effects are achieved when there are more frequent, shorter fractions than in larger fractions spread out over a longer period of time. Talk with your doctor about which will be the best timing for you.

Often times this therapy will be used to alleviate symptoms even though it won't actually cure by itself. Doctors may prescribe radiotherapy before or after a surgery and is designed to shrink the tumor or make it less active. Doctors may suggest brachytherapy instead of using an external beam. Brachytherapy is a procedure which implants small radioactive seeds directly at the site of the cancer. Brachytherapy can open up blocked airways by reducing the size of the tumors blocking the bronchi or windpipe. Brachytherapy can also help stop bleeding in tumors.

Conformal radiation therapy is another type of therapy. With this therapy a CAT scan helps create a 3-D image of the tumor and shape the x-ray beams precisely to the size and shape of the tumor. When using conformal radiation therapy, the damage to the surrounding tissues is nearly eliminated completely. Intensity modulated radiation therapy can be fine tuned so that it only affects certain areas of the tumor. This form of precision therapy works with a CAT scan to target only the cancerous cells.

Any suspicion that the tumor may have spread, as is often the case with small cell, your oncologist will very likely suggest a course of chemotherapy either before, after or concurrently with radiotherapy. Radiotherapy is localized therefore the beam is focused directly at the cancerous cells. Using radiotherapy in conjunction with chemotherapy, will normally offer a better chance of clearing up the tumor completely and preventing a recurrence. Radiotherapy is rarely recommended as the sole treatment.

About the Author:
Carlie Edwards publishes online articles & useful information for Women. For more info visit Resource Tips For a variety of related topics visit Health-And-Beauty-Worx.Com
Article Source: http://www.articles2k.com

Lung Cancer Stages

Cancers are staged depending on how far they have spread. Staging a cancer correctly is essential to select the most appropriate treatment option. A number of diagnostic tests, such as CT scans, MRIs, bronchoscopy, blood tests, bone scans, and biopsies are used to find out how far the cancer has spread.

Non-small cell lung cancers, which account for about 80 percent of lung cancers, are staged using the Roman numerals 0 through IV. If a cancer is too small to be detected, it is called an occult or hidden cancer and not assigned any numeral. Stage 0 cancer, or carcinoma in situ, is limited to the lung and only involves a few layers of cells. Stage I cancer is still limited to the lung, with an area of normal tissue surrounding it. Stage I cancers are further divided into Stage IA and Stage IB, depending on the size of the tumor. In stage II cancer, the cancer may have spread to nearby lymph nodes, the chest wall, the diaphragm, or to the tissues lining the lung (pleura) and the heart (pericardium). In stage III cancer, lymph nodes in the central chest or on the other side of the body from the original tumor are involved. Stage III cancer is further divided into stage IIIA and stage IIIB. In stage IV cancer, the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, such as the liver, bones or brain, or to a lobe of the other lung. Cancers that are stages 0 through IIIA may be treated with surgery. Treatment of stage III and stage IV cancers requires chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Small cell lung cancer has two stages. Limited-stage cancer is limited to only one lung, the tissues between the lungs, and nearby lymph nodes. In extensive-stage small cell lung cancer, the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. The brain is commonly involved in extensive-stage cancer.

About the Author:
Steve Valentino
Asbestos Lung Cancer provides detailed information on Asbestos Lung Cancer, Lung Cancer, Lung Cancer Stages, Lung Cancer Survival Rate and more. Asbestos Lung Cancer is affiliated with Asbestos Exposure.
Added: Mon Apr 10 2006
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Quit Smoking-try Chantix

Introduction
How many times have you felt that you are getting irritable, tensed, over-anxious, fat, fatigues, nervous, and uncomfortable for no reason? Nicotine is playing the devil's work in you perhaps! O.K., so you decide to quit but don't know how! Here is what you should be looking for from the local drug store-Chantix!

The first time you puffed nicotine you knew that it could be an addiction in the later stages. However, what you thought over the years is that its upto you to control it, right? No it's not! Smoking is a chronic medical condition that makes quitting difficult. So instead of rationalizing and trying to fight the addiction here is what you should do! Consider Chantix today!

Why should you quit smoking?
When you puff nicotine, it's a hard habit to break. When smokers inhale smoke from a cigarette, nicotine reaches the brain within seconds and binds to nicotinic receptors, which activates the reward pathway in brain circuitry. This stimulates the pleasure center in the brain. The initial effects recede quickly and a cycle of craving and withdrawal takes hold.

What is Chantix?
Chantix is a smoking cessation medicine used together with behavior modification and counseling support to help you stop smoking. Chantix or Varenicline can be four times as effective in helping a smoker give up cigarettes successfully, according to a report in JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association). Chantix was approved in the U.S. market by FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) in May. 2006. This drug has been officially the first new prescription medicine approved and manufactured by Pfizer Inc.

Chantix made some ground-breaking discoveries!
Chantix's approval was based on a comprehensive clinical trial program including four pivotal trials involving more than 2,000 cigarette smokers. Subjects on average had smoked about 21 cigarettes per day for an average of approximately 25 years. In two identically designed studies, patients receiving a 12-week course of Chantix therapy (1 mg twice daily) nearly quadrupled the likelihood of quitting than those taking placebo and had nearly twice the likelihood of quitting than those patients taking buproprion (150 mg twice daily), after the 12-week course of therapy. Enrolled patients were provided with educational materials. Patients were followed for an additional 40 weeks without treatment. After one year, approximately one-in-five patients who received the 12-week course of Chantix remained smoke-free. For those patients who quit at the end of 12 weeks, an additional course of 12 weeks treatment with Chantix resulted in a greater likelihood of long-term success in quitting smoking.

Conclusion
In the clinical trials, the most common adverse effects of Chantix were nausea, headache, vomiting, flatulence, insomnia, abnormal dreams, and dysgeusia (change in taste perception). However, these symptoms are nothing compared to what nicotine does to your system-cancer, heart and lung diseases, and even infertility. The choice is yours to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Buy Chantix today; live life longer the healthy way!

About the Author:
Daniels Charles, an associated editor to epharma.md, is a contributing author to the http://www.epharma.md/ for distinct article sites/journals. Please feel free to visit http://www.epharma.md/ for more information on General Health related issues like weight loss, men's health etc.Or write to him at epharm@gmail.com. Any comments and /or suggestions will be highly appreciated. Please note that this article is not a substitute for medical advice.
Submitted: 2006-09-07
Article Source: GO Articles

The Most Fatal Killer - Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is one of the most fatal cancers worldwide, causing up to three million deaths annually...

Lung cancer is one of the most fatal cancers worldwide, causing up to three million deaths annually. Only one in ten patients diagnosed with this disease will survive the next five years. Although this was an illness that previously affected predominantly men, this disease rate for women has been increasing in the last few years because of the rising ratio of female to male smokers. In many developing countries, public education about the dangers of cigarette smoking and effective cessation programs has contributed to the slowly falling rate. Nevertheless, lung cancer still remains to be the most common form of cancer in men worldwide and the fifth most common form of cancer in women.

This fatal disease like all other cancers, results from abnormality in the body's basic unit of life, the cell. Normally, the body maintains a system checks and balances on cell growth so that cells divide to produce new cells only when needed. Interruption in the balance of this system causes an uncontrolled division of cells that eventually forms a mass known as a tumor. Any of the tissues in the lung can become cancer, but most commonly, the cancer comes from the lining of the bronchi. Since this disease tends to spread very early in its course, it is very life-threatening and one of the most difficult cancers to treat. Although it can spread to any organ in the body, the adrenal glands, liver, brain, and bone, are the most common metastases.

Recent research point to the factor with the greatest impact on risk of lung cancer is long-term exposure to inhaled carcinogens. Most common of which is exposure to tobacco smoke. The occurrence of lung cancer is strongly linked with cigarette smoking, with about 90% of the disease arising as a result of tobacco used. The numbers of cigarettes smoke over time increases the risk. Among those who smoke two or more packs of cigarettes per day, one in seven will die of lung cancer. Passive smoking or inhalation of tobacco smoke from other smokers sharing or working quarters, is also an established risk factor for the development of the disease. Non-smokers who reside with a smoker have 24% increase risk for developing lung cancer compared with non-smokers. In the U.S. an estimated 3,000 deaths that occur each year are attributed to passive smoking. Exposure to asbestos fiber, silicate fibers that can persist for a lifetime in lung tissue following exposure to asbestos, also increases the risk of the disease. Radon gas is also a known cause of the disease with an estimated 12% of deaths. Familial predisposition or genetic susceptibility is also one cause of this killer disease, studies have shown that the disease is more likely to occur I n both smoking and non-smoking relatives of those who have had this deadly illness than in the general population. The presence of certain lung diseases, particularly chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with a slightly increased risk for development. Air pollution from vehicles, industry, and power plants, can raise the likelihood of developing the disease in exposed individuals.

What are the signs of lung cancer?
The early stages of the disease may not have any symptoms, but as the tumor grows in size, it can produce a variety of symptoms that includes:
* cough (especially one that doesn't go away or gets worse in character)
* chest pain
* shortness of breath
* coughing up blood or bloody phlegm
* new onset hoarseness or wheezing
* recurrent problems with pneumonia or bronchitis
* weight loss
* loss of appetite
* fatigue
* bone pain
* dizziness or double vision
* numbness or tingling in your arms or legs
* turning yellow (jaundice)

Treatment of lung cancer can involve a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy as well as newer experimental methods, but prevention of the development of the disease through smoking cessation is most important.

About the Author:
Joann
Read More On Lung Cancer
Submitted on 2006-08-29
Article Source: http://www.articlesalley.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

Air Pollution, the Leading Cause of Various Disease Worldwide

There is sound facts starting hundreds of the studies conducted worldwide which polluted air has unfavorable effects on health. The air pollution affects ranges from mild respiratory frustration to minor lung cancer and various cardiovascular diseases. In various developing nation, where the air quality is often poor, the link among air pollution along with health is often understandable. The recent study by California Department of the Health Services indicates that the industrial air pollutants might raise the risk of the autism by 50 percent in most of young children and also unborn babies.

The account was available online in the various journal Environmental Health Perspectives. Whereas In China the air excellence in numerous cities is consequently bad that just breathing is the equal as smoking a set of cigarettes every day plus respiratory disease as of the air pollution are the leading source of death. When ask to sketch the sky, a lot of Chinese children prefer a yellow or gray crayon.

However, in most of the places all over the world, where the sky is generally blue, along with air excellence improved considerably in current years, the association among the air pollution and the health is to amount clear. There is extensive debate on whether the air quality is at present threatening the physical condition of people all over the world. Some researchers are pronouncing evidence of the serious health problems as of increasingly small contamination particles. Well in most of the reviews the outcome of a number of air pollution evidence, result that the "community death rates mount and fall almost in lock-step by way of local changes of the tiny dust particles—also when the attentiveness of those element are presently one-quarter of the centralized limit for the outdoor air." though, other researchers quarrel that there is no systematic evidence for such assert, and challenge that the air pollution is not a dilemma in the United States. The Gregg Easterbrook, of the Brookings organization, an organization dedicated to research and psychoanalysis of the public policy, condition that the quality of the world air is so high-quality that it must be "a national basis for celebration."

The Disagreements on whether the air pollution is at present threatening the people all over the world. Health fuel the discussion over how the air quality should be synchronized. The Emissions reductions may be extremely luxurious for the industry and, eventually, the consumer. The Regulatory agencies all face the complicated task of weighing the possible health remuneration of the regulation next to the costs to the industry and result the most pleasing balance among the two.

About the Author:
Bishal Boro
I have been writing on health and various medicines for various sites till this date, and would like to write more on various environmental and people based topics in future. to know more about air pollution and its effects on human click onto http://www.healthylifelearning.com/ http://www.healthylivingabout.com/
Posted: 11-08-2006
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How Diet Influences Cancer Risk

Diet is a double edged sword. Improper diet increases the risk of cancer but a proper, well balanced diet reduces the cancer risk.

Diet is one of the most important lifestyle factors and has been estimated to account for up to 80% of cancers of the large bowel, breast, and prostate. Diet affects the risk of many other cancers, including cancers of the lung, prostate, stomach, esophagus and pancreas.

Prostate Cancer:
High consumption of meat, especially red meat, substantially increases the risk of prostate cancer.

Vegetables, especially cooked tomatoes, reduce the risk of prostate cancer. In one clinical trial, the role of Vitamin E as a prostate cancer reducing factor was established. In this study there was a 32% decrease in prostate cancer incidence and 41% decrease in prostate cancer mortality in people receiving Vitamin E supplements when compared to controls.

Breast Cancer:
In Japan, people consume Tofu, a soya product. It contains isoflavones that moderate the estrogen receptors in the body such as breast tissue. The incidence of breast cancer is low in Japan when compared to Western women; only 1/4th of the mortality rate of Western women. Japanese women's low fat diet, high fish consumption and drinking green tea also decrease their breast cancer risk.

One case control study found that regular consumption of soy foods was associated with a marked decrease in breast cancer risk in premenopausal women. No effect in post-menopausal women.

A Japanese case-control study also found that tofu intake (3 times/wk compared with less than 3 times/wk) was associated with decreased risk of breast cancer in premenopausal women. Again, soy intake was not protective against post-menopausal breast cancer.

In one study conducted in America, the relation between soy intake and breast cancer risk found that tofu consumption was protective in both premenopausal and post menopausal Asian women.

Lung Cancer:
Lung cancer risk is substantially decreased by a variety of carotenoids. Carotenoids act as antioxidants and thus minimize cell damage.

One study in Boston focused on the effect of different types of carotenoids on lung cancer risk. It was observed that lung cancer risk was significantly lower in subjects who consumed a diet high in a variety of carotenoids. This was especially true with non-smokers who had 63% less risk.

One study conducted in Hawaii reported further evidence for a protective effect from certain carotenoids against lung cancer and that greater protection was afforded by consuming a variety of vegetables compared to only foods rich in a particular carotenoid.

Stomach Cancer:
Nitrates in food and other preservatives added to food including meat are converted into 'nitrites' in the human stomach. The nitrites undergo nitrosation to form 'nitrosamines' and 'nitrosamides'. This increases the risk of stomach cancer in people eating vegetables from nitrate rich soil.

In one study, Vitamin C appeared to protect against the risk of stomach cancer by inhibiting formation of nitrates in stomach.

Cancer of the stomach is 5 times more common in Japanese people compared to Western populations. When Japanese people migrated to the United States, they progressively acquired the low incidence of the US due to changes in their diets.

In one study conducted in Hawaii that involved both Japanese and Caucasians, the stomach cancer risk was associated with consumption of rice, pickled vegetables, and dried/salted fish, and a negative association with vitamin C intake.

One ecological study in Belgium showed a relation between the nitrate and salt consumption and stomach cancer. The analysis of this model showed that the significance of nitrate as a risk factor for stomach cancer mortality increased markedly with higher sodium levels.

Dietary habits and stomach cancer risk was studied in Shanghai, China. According to this study, risks of stomach cancer were inversely associated with high consumption of several food groups, including fresh vegetables and fruits, poultry, eggs, plant oil, and some nutrients such as protein, fat, fiber, tea and antioxidant vitamins.

By contrast, risks increased with increasing consumption of dietary carbohydrates, frequent consumption of preserved, salty or fried foods and hot soup/porridge, with irregular meals, speed eating and binge eating. This provides evidence that diet plays a major role in stomach cancer risk.

No single food can completely prevent cancer but a balanced combination of different groups can help. Appropriate diet can prevent 3-4 million cancers each year.

About the Author:
Alex Fir
Cancer is One of the Main Causes of Death Among Humans. Visit http://www.cancer-data.com , FREE web site for those who want to learn more about taking control of their health.
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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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What Are The Stages Of Lung Cancer?

Once a diagnosis of lung cancer has been made, the doctor will attempt to determine the stage the lung cancer is at. The staging system is somewhat like a measurement system, with the numbers indicating: whether the cancerous tumors are localized or whether the tumors have spread to other parts of the body; the tumor’s size; and whether or not the tumors have spread to the lymph nodes. There are four main stages of lung cancer (Stages 1 – 4) and identification of one of the stages is what helps doctors prescribe an appropriate treatment method.

Different Cancer, Different Stages of Lung Cancer

The staging system is a bit more complicated than simply assigning a number. First of all, the stage numbering system differs slightly depending on whether the lung cancer has been diagnosed as small cell lung cancer or non-small cell lung cancer.

Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Non-small cell lung cancer is the more common form and it progresses more slowly than the other type. Non-small lung cancer can be broken down into 4 stages. Stage 1 means that the tumor is local; it has not spread to the lymph nodes. Adding the letter A or B to the stage 1 classification indicates the size of the tumor (“A” means it is less than 3 cm across) and whether it’s larger and growing in a sensitive area (“B”). Stage 2 means the tumor has spread into lymph nodes or the chest wall. Again, an “A” and “B” designation determines the size and the location of the tumor. Stage 3 is more complicated and can mean several things. For example, it can indicate that the tumor has spread, but it’s still only affecting one side of the lung, or that tumors have spread to other nearby body parts such as the chest wall, or that fluid is collecting in the lungs. Stage 4 is of course the worst stage and means that cancerous tumors have spread into a whole other part of the body like the pelvis or liver.

Small-Cell Cancer

In cases of small-cell cancer, there are two stages of lung cancer – Stage 1 and Stage 2. These stages are used to designate whether the cancerous cells are limited in number or whether there exists an extensive amount that have invaded the chest and other parts of the body. When they’re limited in number, patients have a good chance of receiving effective treatment and possibly even resuming a near normal life. An extensive amount however, means treatment options are very limited.

The Staging Challenge

Although the stages of lung cancer seem well-defined, categorizing a person’s cancer into one of these stages is often challenging. Each case of cancer involves so many different factors and the combination of factors can be interpreted in many different ways by different doctors. Proper diagnosis and classification takes time and may take several rounds of testing. CT scans, MRIs, blood tests, bone scans and even testing the pleural effusion (if present) may all be needed.

About the Author:
Gray Rollins is a featured writer for http://www.lifelungcancer.com. To learn more about lung cancer, visit http://www.lifelungcancer.com/stagesoflungcancer/.
This article was posted on February 17, 2006
Article Source: articlecity

Fighting For Your Life

Recently the well known American news anchor Peter Jennings died of lung cancer just a few months after he publicly announced that he had the disease and that he was going to fight it with everything he had.

After his death, I read some of the tributes that poured in about the life of Peter Jennings. One of the common themes that appeared in the statements made by his friends and colleagues was that they remembered what a determined, competitive man he was.

They said that he took on his battle with cancer head on, and that he fought his cancer the same way he battled everything, with steely will and determination. And unfortunately he didn’t win.

Reading about Peter Jennings’ losing battle with lung cancer reminded me of another conversation I had had about cancer very recently.

Last week I had a meeting with one of my business associates, a man named Brian, to discuss some business matters.

After our business meeting was finished, Brian started telling me about his parent’s experience of living with cancer. A lot lof what Brian had to say was very thought provoking to me.

Brian told me that his mother had been diagnosed with a bad type of bone cancer and doctors had told her that she had only a very short time to live. Yet in spite of the fact that her cancer kept spreading to other parts of her body, she managed to live fourteen years longer than what her doctors had originally predicted.

Brian said that he often wondered why his mother managed to live such a long time with cancer when many of his younger friends who got cancer died of it quite quickly.

Brian told me “I come from a sports and and athletic background, and so a lot of my friends are athletes. My athletic friends tend to be very focussed and competitive people, and they’re used to being very aggressive. When they were diagnosed with cancer, I watched them go into their competitive and athletic mode, and they would say ‘I’m going to fight this thing’.

They would fight their cancer the same way they fought their athletic battles, with gritted teeth and courage and determination.

Brian said, “What I noticed about these guys who were so tough and fought cancer so hard was that in a lot of cases they burned out really soon.

When my mother got cancer, Brian continued, “Her approach was kind of the opposite. She wanted to live, but she never said she was going to fight this cancer. One of the things I watched her do is that she decided to drop everything that was stressful from her life.”

Shopping was stressful for her, so she dropped it. Driving a car was stressful so she stopped driving. In fact, she stopped doing everything she didn’t want to do, and she only kept the things she really enjoyed.

And she made a point of becoming very relaxed and enjoying her life.

Then Brian told me, “This experience made me think that maybe the idea of fighting for your life when you have cancer is like trying to fight off insomnia.”

“If you decide to fight insomnia by gritting your teeth and saying ‘I’m tough, I’ve fought lots of battles, I’m going to fight this insomnia and I’ m going to beat this thing, well, you’ll never fall asleep. It won’t work.”

Now I can’t say that what seemed to work for Brian’s mother in living with cancer is the miracle key for anyone else who has cancer. This wasn’t a scientific study, and many other factors are involved.

But Brian’s comments about his mother’s approach to living with cancer, and his comments about trying to use will power to fight insomnia are worth keeping in mind when we are facing a problem. Not every problem can be solved with will power and determination.

In such fields as business and sports, an attitude of determination and competitiveness can be very useful, and can be highly rewarded. If we have been very successful in these fields by being high powered, determined and aggressive, we may try to use the same approach to tackle every problem. Aggressively and head-on. With grit and determination.

However, being aggressive and determined does not work on every kind of problem.

If your mate is unhappy in your marriage, or your child has a serious illness, or if you have too much stress in your life, then using determination and aggression will not solve these problems. In these situations, aggressiveness does not work.

We need to recognize those situations where another approach might work better.

Sometimes what we need to do is relax more, let go of our illusion that we can control everything, become more humble, and be open to living in the moment even when we don’t know all the answers.

About the author:
Royane Real is the author of several self help books, including “Your Quick Guide to Improving Your Learning Ability” Sign up today for her free newsletter filled with life improving tips at http://www.royanereal.com
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Attack of the Cancer Fighting Tomatoes

That’s right, the colorful little fruit (yes, it’s a fruit) has been shown to pack a powerful punch against several forms of cancer. A variety of studies indicate that a diet rich in tomato based products (tomato paste, sauce, juice, soup and ketchup) can significantly reduce the risk of prostate, lung and colon cancer. Not bad for a fruit that was considered by many to be poisonous and inedible until the 19th century.

What is the Active Ingredient?

The active ingredient that makes tomatoes such a formidable opponent against cancer cells is the carotenoid called Lycopene. Lycopene is the natural red pigment found in tomatoes and tomato based products. The redder the tomato, the more lycopene is present.

How does Lycopene Fight Cancer?

In the body, lycopene is deposited in the liver, lungs, prostate gland, colon and skin. Its concentration in body tissues tends to be higher than all other carotenoids. Some organs, such as the testes and adrenal glands, store higher levels of lycopene than do other organs or tissues. Lycopene acts as a super antioxidant by picking up free radicals in the body. Free radicals are atoms or groups of atoms with an odd number of electrons and can be formed when oxygen interacts with certain molecules. Once formed these highly reactive radicals can start a chain reaction. Their primary danger comes from the damage they can do when they react with important cellular components such as DNA, or the cell membrane. Cells may function poorly or die if this occurs.

Is there any Research on the Cancer fighting power of Lycopene?

Although more large-scale studies are needed before any definitive conclusions can be made, current research does suggest that lycopene from various tomato products is indeed associated with the lowered risk of several types of cancers. Several published reports are listed below.

Gann et al. 1999 - Cancer Research
The study examined initial plasma caroteniods (including lycopene) of 1872 men in 1982, and then followed them for 13 years. These men were randomly assigned to a placebo group or a group to receive beta-carotene and aspirin supplementation. Of the men studied, 578 developed prostate cancer versus 1294 control subjects. Lycopene was the only antioxidant with a significantly lower average blood level in those men with cancer as compared to those without cancer. In those men not receiving the aspirin and beta carotene, plasma lycopene levels were very strongly related to a lower risk of developing prostate cancer. This study concluded that increased consumption of tomato products and other lycopene-containing foods may reduce the onset of prostate cancer.

Giovannucci 1999 - Journal of the National Cancer Institute
This journal is a review of research studies available regarding cancer risk (not just prostate cancer) and intake of tomato based foods as well as blood lycopene levels. After identifying 72 studies that fit these criteria, it was found that an inverse relationship between tomato intake or blood lycopene levels and cancer risk was reported in 57 of them. Of these 57, it was found that 35 of these inverse relationships were statistically significant. It was also found that cancer protection from lycopene was strongest for prostate, colon and stomach cancers, but also appeared to have some benefit in the treatment of other cancers.

Rao et al. 1999 - Nutrition and Cancer
This study examined plasma and prostate lycopene levels in cancer patients and a control group free of cancer. Though only 12 patients were in each group, significantly lower serum and prostate lycopene levels were found in those with cancer. Levels of other carotenoid substances did not vary between the groups.

Additional Benefits

In addition to fighting cancer, the lycopene found in tomatoes has been associated with better mental activity in old age and a reduced risk of heart disease. A University of Maryland study found that tomatoes might protect the eyes by hampering macular degeneration, a cause of vision loss in older adults.

How do I get Lycopene into my body?

The best source of lycopene intake is through eating tomato-based products. This is more effective than supplementation. You will get the most lycopene through concentrates and processed products such as tomato paste, sauce, soup and canned tomatoes. Heating helps to release lycopene and adding a little light olive oil will increase absorption. Start packing your diet with more tomato based recipes and begin enjoying the cancer fighting power of the mighty tomato.


About the author:
Mike Brooks has been a life long follower and proponent of the fitness lifestyle. Through his avid research, Mr. Brooks has come to the realization that being healthy is a choice and encompasses not only proper diet but also a fitness regimen that includes the mind, body and soul. Mike Brooks is the publisher and editor-in-chief for the health information site http://www.Ultimatehealthreport.com
Copyright 2005 Michael Brooks
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