Should We Treat Cancer or Prevent Cancer?

Cancer is one of the biggest killers around the world. In America alone, 25% of all deaths are related to cancer.

Many people think of cancer as a single problem but in fact, it is a number of problems spread throughout the body. Generally speaking, if cancer is caught in the early stages of development, it can be treated and cured.

Although there are several different types of cancer, the most common ones are Lung, Prostate, Breast, Testicular, Skin and Colon cancers.

Genes control the multiplication and growth of cells. If these genes are defective in the first place, then the cells will not be able to grow or divide properly. As a result of this abnormality, cancerous cells are born.

There are a number of factors which cause cancer. Factors which are controllable by humans are smoking, toxic elements and radiation. These can be controlled to some degree and therefore it would be wise to avoid them by changing lifestyle habits. However, there are certain elements which are outside our control.
These include mutation and inherited DNA.

As a result of studies conducted by the American Cancer Society, more than 180,000 people have died as a direct result of smoking. Another 200,000 people have died due to lack of changing lifestyle habits. Obesity, laziness and malnutrition can have an effect on the growth of cancer. Needless to say, cancer has risen by more than 50% since 1995.

Let's take a look at some of these cancer causes in more detail.

Smoking: The most prevalent and easily avoidable type of cancer is the one caused by the use of tobacco. This includes the use of cigarettes, cigars and pipes. Even though smokers are addicted to nicotine, the fact that 200,000 people die every year due to smoking caused cancer should be enough motivation to quit. Some experts say that cessation of smoking can increase lifespan by up to 20 years.

Although nothing has been proven, studies indicate that stress may also be a contributing factor to cancer. Many cancer patients are also employed in stressful jobs. Some theologians believe that stress lowers the bodies immunity to cancer.

Exercise and Healthy Eating: Healthy eating and exercise is universally known to be beneficial in many aspects. But, many people don't know that food full of nutrition can reduce the risk of cancer. Specific foods such as fruit and veg can help prevent cancer whilst fatty foods such as meat can increase the likelihood of cancer.

Skin cancer can easily be avoided by simply listening to good advice. Wear sunglasses, hats, sun cream and other sensible items of clothing to avoid the onset of this type of cancer. Although this may seem like common sense, more than one million people have been diagnosed with skin cancer in a single year.

In summary, some cancers can be avoided. New research and studies are being conducted all the time. So, rather than concentrating on how to treat cancer patients, maybe we should all be looking for more ways to prevent the cancer in the first place.

About the author:
Amin Sadak
Read more about all types of cancer at http://www.cancer-society.com
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Selenium May Help to Prevent Prostate Cancer

According to a federally sponsored study, published by a Stanford University urologist, men with abnormally low levels of Selenium in their blood are four to five times more likely to develop prostate cancer. Selenium is a trace element that is supplied in certain foods and supplements.

The study suggests that making a point of eating Selenium-rich foods, such as Brazil nuts and tuna, or taking a Selenium supplement, may help reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Supplementation is especially useful for older men, as Selenium blood content decreases with patient age.

Although there are no solid statistics regarding exactly how much levels of Selenium in the blood are improved by supplementation, head researcher, James D. Brooks, MD is decidedly optimistic about the subject. He believes that supplementation could potentially be of great benefit in preventing prostate cancer, but goes on to comment that more precise research is needed in order to discern exact statistics on the extent of those benefits.

Overall, the researchers who conducted this study believe that they have made some very interesting discoveries, and that increasing levels of Selenium in the blood can significantly reduce a patient's risk of developing the most common form of cancer affecting men.

About the author:
Jeremy Maddock is the webmaster of http://www.immunewellness.com- your source for high quality information about a variety of health products, including Selenium - http://www.immunewellness.com/selenium.htm
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Skin Cancer Prevention

Skin cancer is the most common form of human cancer, affecting over a million people each year. Fortunately, it is also the most preventable type of cancer if you know what the risk factors are and how to avoid them.

RISK FACTORS FOR SKIN CANCER:

A number of things can put a person at risk for skin cancer. The primary risk factors are:

+You have fair skin, red or blond hair, and light-colored eyes.

+You sunburn easily or have experienced a serious sunburn (sunburns are thought to increase your risk of skin cancer).

+You have many moles or freckles.

+You spend a lot of time working or playing outside.

+You live in tropical or subtropical climates.

+You have a family history of skin cancer, especially melanoma.

+You spent a lot of time in the sun as a child. Most skin cancers appear after the age of 50. However, the damaging effects of the sun begin in childhood.

+You tan in the sun or with a sunlamp or tanning bed. Sun lamps and tanning beds give out rays that can cause serious long-term skin damage and contribute to skin cancer.

There are other factors that can impact your risk of damage from UV light. You must be especially careful in the sun if:

+You have previously been diagnosed and treated for skin cancer, especially melanoma.

+You have any auto-immune disease such as systemic lupus.

+You have had an organ transplant.

+You take oral contraceptives (birth control pills).

+You take any antibiotics that lower your immunity.

+You take any anti-inflammatory, anti-nausea, diuretic, or antidepressant drugs.

Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about the risk of any medicines you may be taking that could be harmful to you if you are exposed to sunlight.

SKIN CANCER PREVENTION:

Skin cancer is mostly avoidable if sensible precautions are taken. The following are preventive tips for reducing your risk of developing skin cancer:

+Stay in the shade between 11am and 3 pm, when the sun is at its strongest. UV radiation is at its most intense in the middle of the day between April and September, and is strongest closer to the equator and at higher altitudes.

+You can still get burned on cloudy days. UV rays reach the ground through the clouds.

+UV rays can also pass through water. Never assume you are safe from burning because you are in the water.

+Sand and snow reflect the UV rays. Be especially careful on the beach and in the snow.

+When in the sun, wear protective clothing. Long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and long skirts offer the most protection. Dark colors are better than light colors. Tightly woven clothing protects better than loosely woven clothing.

+Always wear wide-brimmed hats that shade your face as much as possible.

+Always wear sunglasses. UV-blocking sunglasses can help protect your eyes from sun damage.

+Always apply sunscreen with a sun-protection factor (SPF) of 15 to 30 before spending time in the sun. When applying it, pay close attention to your face, ears, hands, and arms. Sunscreens should be reapplied at least every 2 hours and even more often if you are swimming or sweating. If you are also using insect repellent, make sure the sunscreen is applied first.

+Give yourself a self-exam every month for signs of skin cancer. Examine every inch of your body including your scalp. Use a mirror to expose the areas on the back of your body. Be aware of the moles you have in order to notice any changes that may occur.

To effectively prevent skin cancer, you must pay special attention to the risk factors and follow the precautionary tips that are listed above. Taking these steps will greatly decrease you and your family's chances of developing skin cancer.

About the Author:
Chris Chenoweth is the author of the DO-IT-YOURSELF HOME, HEALTH & MONEY GUIDE, 500 pages of household tips, home remedies, diet and nutrition information, health issues and thousands of recipes! http://www.money-home-biz.com.
Added: 13 Nov 2006
Article Source: http://articles.simplysearch4it.com/article/42658.html

Graviola supplements has been shown to have an effect on cancer cells

What Is Graviola?

Graviola is a powerful tree that grows deep within the Amazon rain forest in South America and throughout the Caribbean. Graviola various parts, including the leaves, roots, fruit, fruit seeds, and bark, have been used for centuries by medicine men and women and natives of South America to treat asthma, liver problems, arthritis and heart disease. Different properties and uses are attributed to the different parts of the tree. Generally, the graviola fruit and graviola fruit juice are taken for worms and parasites, to cool fevers, to increase mother's milk after childbirth, and as an astringent for diarrhea and dysentery. The crushed seeds are used against internal and external parasites, head lice, and worms. The bark, leaves, and roots are considered sedative, antispasmodic, hypertensive, and nervine, and a tea is made for various disorders toward those effects.

Nearly 25 years ago it was discovered that the leaf of the graviola tree contained natural compounds having exceptional cytotoxic activity. In other words, they had a very strong ability to prevent abnormal cellular division. In that sense, Graviola supplements is considered a unique product for immune support, assisting the immune system in cleaning abnormal tissue growth. The plant has been used for centuries by medicine men in South America to treat a number of ailments, including hypertension, influenza, rashes, neuralgia, arthritis, rheumatism, high blood pressure, diarrhea, nausea, dyspepsia, ulcers, ringworm, scurvy, malaria, dysentery, palpitations, nervousness, insomnia, fever, boils and muscle spasms. According to recent research it also protects the immune system, boosts energy and may have strong anti-cancerous properties. Producers claim it is stronger at killing colon cancer cells than common chemotherapeutic drugs and that it hunts down and destroys prostate, lung, breast, colon, and pancreatic cancers, while leaving healthy cells alone.

Forms of Graviola

Graviola Extract : Graviola extract, consumed orally or applied to the skin, is believed to alleviate muscle and joint pain. Graviola extract is available in liquid or tincture. Graviola tincture is better than a raw herb product because the graviola tincture is already separated and thus the various essential elements of the plant are more easily ingested into the body. Not only does this mean that a graviola tincture works faster, but also that the body does not have to expend additional energy to break down the herb for digestion of its therapeutic properties. This greater bioavailability means that a spagyric remedy is both more efficient and more effective than a typical herbal product.

Graviola Tea: Graviola herb tea, made from the leaves, bark and root is believed to work as a sedative and help maintain healthy glucose levels. Graviola tea is consumed daily to elevate mood and increase quality of life. Graviola tea taken orally or applied on the skin is also used as an insect repellent.

Graviola Leaves: In Brazil, Indigenous people crush Graviola leaves and blend the oozing oil from the leaves with the Graviola fruit. This preparation is used topically for the alleviation of muscle and joint pain.

Graviola Fruit: Graviola fruit is eaten regularly throughout South America as a delicious and refreshing fruit during a hot summer day. Many of the indigenous applications of Graviola have been substantiated by science, and further exceptional properties have been discovered.

Benefits And Uses Of Graviola

• Maintain intestinal environment
• Maintain the body's defense system
• Purify the body of toxins
• Support the body in healing itself
• Enhance immune and circulatory systems
• Support for lymphatic system
• Elevate mood and increase quality of alife
• Alleviate muscle and joint pain.

Graviola supplements has been shown to have an effect on cancer cells which can be of great benefit to someone who is fighting cancer. Graviola is considered an important ally in the combat of more than twelve types of cancer, like lung, breast, prostate, among others. In vitro studies, conducted in more than twenty laboratories, show that graviola can provide a ten thousand times better improvement than treatment with chemotherapy. Scientists are proving its real efficiency in combating cancer. In the majority of cases, natural plant treatments give our life-force the necessary vitality for recovery, and in addition improves the perspective life of the sick person. Using extracts of this powerful tree, a full and natural therapy can be possible without the severe side-effects from the chemotherapy, e.g., nausea and loss of hair.

"Graviola is 10,000 times stronger in killing colon cancer than adriamycin, a commonly used chemotherapeutic drug"

More Detail About Graviola

About the Author:
By Rosa parks
Added: 21 Oct 2006
Article Source: http://articles.simplysearch4it.com/article/40069.html

Simple Ways to Prevent Prostate Cancer

We all know that prostate cancer can happen to any male and it is a very common type of cancer. There are ways you can incorporate certain foods into your diet to greatly reduce the chance of getting prostate cancer and it is good to add these types of foods in your regiment anyway.

We all know that prostate cancer can happen to any male and it is a very common type of cancer. There are ways you can incorporate certain foods into your diet to greatly reduce the chance of getting prostate cancer and it is good to add these types of foods in your regiment anyway. One of the easiest foods to add is fish, this is because fish oils have been found to drastically reduce your risks of getting prostate cancer by as much as eleven percent. Most cultures, which have lots of fish in their diets have extremely low rates of the overall population of prostate cancer.

Selenium appears to also be an easy answer to reducing prostate cancer, you could add a daily supplement vitamin with 200 micrograms to assist you. Vitamin E is also a good idea. Soybean products, soy milk and tofu (yuk) are also good things to add into your diet if and when possible. Tomato sauce is something you should add to your diet and you should be able to do this without too much problem.

Unfortunately we have been seeing an increase in the number of prostate cancer by about 3 % per year in white men 2.3 per year by black men. The good news is the most men do not die of prostate cancer these days due to good screening, better treatments and early detection.

Some things you should not eat? Well high intakes of fat, meat and dairy products. If you love to cook red meat on the BBQ, you might wish to do that in moderation. Smoking and alcohol did not appear to be bad for prostate cancer, but are risks of other cancers as we all know. There are many other things you can add to your diet that you should be thinking about. Perhaps you should study this subject and think on it now and continue to get yearly checkups because if you do get prostate cancer and it is treated early, you stand a very good chance of coming out in flying colors.

About the Author:
"Lance Winslow" - If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance http://www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs
Submitted on 2005-10-05
Article Source: http://www.articlesarea.com/

Skin Cancer Prevention: 5 Ways To Protect Yourself From UV Rays

Skin cancer prevention measures can actively reduce your chances of developing skin cancer if you implement them in your daily routine. The most common form of cancer in the United States, tens of thousands of Americans contract skin cancer every year.

Skin cancer comes in three forms: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma. Of the three, melanoma is the most dangerous and life threatening. Skin cancer claims the lives of approximately ten thousand Americans on an annual basis.

What causes skin cancer?

Overexposure to ultraviolet sunlight (UV rays) is believed to be the dominant external factor in a person’s development of skin cancer, although genetic factors can play a role. To protect yourself from UV rays, you should take the following 5 steps for proper skin cancer prevention:

1. Avoid Direct Sun Exposure: Avoid exposing your skin to direct sunlight during midday (generally from 10am to 4pm). This is the time when UV rays are most intense. Plan your schedule to avoid outdoor activities during these hours. Also, be aware that sand and snow reflect sunlight, so if you’re at the beach or a ski resort, direct sunlight can bombard you from every direction with UV rays.

2. Cover Yourself: When out in the sun, keep your skin covered. Wear long-sleeves and long pants if possible. Wearing a hat with a 3 to 4 inch brim all around is preferable. This will guard your neck and cheeks from dangerous prolonged exposure. Also note that dry, dark-colored garments offer the best protection.

3. Use Sunscreen Properly: You should always use sunscreen when enduring prolonged exposure in the sun. Find a sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor of at least 15 and read the directions for proper application. The higher the SPF, the higher the protection you will receive against dangerous sunburns. However, sunscreen does not offer “bulletproof” protection, and UV rays can penetrate water, so just because you feel “cool” in the water doesn’t mean you’re protected from sunburn.

4. Use Sunglasses That Block UV Rays: Making certain your sunglasses can block UV rays helps to guard your eyes from serious sun damage. The best constructed sunglasses should have a UV ray absorption rate of 99% to 100%. Never assume that darker lenses equal increased protection. UV rays are blocked by a chemical applied to the lenses. This chemical has nothing to do with the color of transparency of sunglass lenses.

5. Stay Away From Tanning Beds: It is a myth to believe that tanning beds and sunlamps are free of harmful UV rays. These cosmetic instruments might make your skin more attractive in the short-term, but they can significantly increase your risk of developing skin cancer in the long-term. Health professionals advise their patients to avoid them.

By implementing these 5 steps in your daily routine, you can significantly decrease your risk of developing skin cancer, while maintaining a healthy lifestyle that allows for proper exposure to the sun. Another important step in prevention of skin cancer is routine examination by a doctor. If skin cancer is detected early, then your odds of survival are markedly increased.

About the Author:
Britt Gillette is author of two books. He also educates people on the many benefits of Himalayan Goji Juice.
Content Provider: http://www.my-articles.com

Skin Cancer Prevention: 5 Ways To Protect Yourself From UV Rays

Skin cancer prevention measures can actively reduce your chances of developing skin cancer if you implement them in your daily routine. The most common form of cancer in the United States, tens of thousands of Americans contract skin cancer every year.

Skin cancer comes in three forms: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma. Of the three, melanoma is the most dangerous and life threatening. Skin cancer claims the lives of approximately ten thousand Americans on an annual basis.

What causes skin cancer?

Overexposure to ultraviolet sunlight (UV rays) is believed to be the dominant external factor in a person’s development of skin cancer, although genetic factors can play a role. To protect yourself from UV rays, you should take the following 5 steps for proper skin cancer prevention:

1. Avoid Direct Sun Exposure: Avoid exposing your skin to direct sunlight during midday (generally from 10am to 4pm). This is the time when UV rays are most intense. Plan your schedule to avoid outdoor activities during these hours. Also, be aware that sand and snow reflect sunlight, so if you’re at the beach or a ski resort, direct sunlight can bombard you from every direction with UV rays.

2. Cover Yourself: When out in the sun, keep your skin covered. Wear long-sleeves and long pants if possible. Wearing a hat with a 3 to 4 inch brim all around is preferable. This will guard your neck and cheeks from dangerous prolonged exposure. Also note that dry, dark-colored garments offer the best protection.

3. Use Sunscreen Properly: You should always use sunscreen when enduring prolonged exposure in the sun. Find a sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor of at least 15 and read the directions for proper application. The higher the SPF, the higher the protection you will receive against dangerous sunburns. However, sunscreen does not offer “bulletproof” protection, and UV rays can penetrate water, so just because you feel “cool” in the water doesn’t mean you’re protected from sunburn.

4. Use Sunglasses That Block UV Rays: Making certain your sunglasses can block UV rays helps to guard your eyes from serious sun damage. The best constructed sunglasses should have a UV ray absorption rate of 99% to 100%. Never assume that darker lenses equal increased protection. UV rays are blocked by a chemical applied to the lenses. This chemical has nothing to do with the color of transparency of sunglass lenses.

5. Stay Away From Tanning Beds: It is a myth to believe that tanning beds and sunlamps are free of harmful UV rays. These cosmetic instruments might make your skin more attractive in the short-term, but they can significantly increase your risk of developing skin cancer in the long-term. Health professionals advise their patients to avoid them.

By implementing these 5 steps in your daily routine, you can significantly decrease your risk of developing skin cancer, while maintaining a healthy lifestyle that allows for proper exposure to the sun. Another important step in prevention of skin cancer is routine examination by a doctor. If skin cancer is detected early, then your odds of survival are markedly increased.

About the Author:
Britt Gillette is author of two books. He also educates people on the many benefits of Himalayan Goji Juice.
Content Provider: http://www.my-articles.com

Will My Breast Cancer Come Back? Reducing the Risk of Breast Cancer Recurrence After Surgery

More than 215,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer every year. For many of them, surgery to remove the tumor is just the first step in the battle against the disease, often followed by radiation and/or chemotherapy. After that, these women may need to decide with their doctor whether to have "adjuvant therapy"-medication to help prevent their cancer from coming back.

When a woman's breast cancer does come back or spreads to other parts of the body, she may be at greater risk of dying from the disease. Women whose breast cancer is detected in the nearby lymph nodes at diagnosis and those who receive chemotherapy after surgery are considered to be at increased risk for breast cancer recurrence.

Postmenopausal women whose early-stage breast cancer is hormone-sensitive have a new option as their first hormone therapy following surgery. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently approved Femara® (letrozole tablets) on December 28, 2005 for this type of use. This approval was based on a median of 24 months of treatment. The study is still ongoing to determine the long-term safety and efficacy of Femara. Already a leading breast cancer treatment, Femara is now the only medicine in a group called aromatase inhibitors that is approved for use both immediately following surgery and after five years of tamoxifen. The FDA granted Femara a priority review, a distinction reserved for medications that could potentially offer a significant improvement compared to products currently on the market.

A panel from the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the country's leading group of oncologists, recommends aromatase inhibitors, such as Femara, be part of the optimal adjuvant treatment for this group of women.

"One of the greatest fears confronted by women who have been treated for early breast cancer is that their cancer will come back. With Femara, we now have an option that can help address that fear early on, even in patients who we know face the greatest risk of recurrence," said Matthew Ellis, MD, PhD, FRCP, director of the Breast Cancer Program at Washington University in St. Louis.

In a large clinical study of post-surgery breast cancer treatment, researchers compared the effectiveness of Femara and tamoxifen, another drug prescribed after surgery. An analysis performed after 26 months showed that Femara reduced the risk of breast cancer coming back by 21% over the reduction offered by tamoxifen. Patients taking Femara also showed a 27 percent reduction in the risk of the cancer spreading to distant parts of the body.

In this study, women at increased risk of recurrence experienced the greatest benefit from Femara. Femara lowered this risk by 29 percent in women whose breast cancer had already spread to the lymph nodes at the time of diagnosis and by 30 percent in women who had prior chemotherapy. The results also showed that in these high-risk women, Femara reduced the risk of cancer spreading to distant parts of the body by 33 percent and 31 percent, respectively.

In this study, Femara was generally well tolerated with the most common side effects including hot flashes, joint pain, night sweats, weight gain and nausea.

Tips for Living Healthy

Discuss postsurgery treatment options with an oncologist. Whether you're one, five or 10 years beyond your diagnosis, taking care of your overall health and well-being can also reduce your risk of cancer coming back and give you the energy to do the things in life that you love.

• Practice good nutrition

• Exercise regularly

• Tap into a support network

• Take time out for yourself

Editors Note: Important safety information

Femara® (letrozole tablets) is approved for the adjuvant (following surgery) treatment of postmenopausal women with hormone receptor−positive early breast cancer. The benefits of Femara in clinical trials are based on 24 months of treatment. Further follow-up will be needed to determine long-term results, safety and effectiveness.

Talk to your doctor if you're allergic to Femara or any of its ingredients. You should not take Femara if you are pregnant as it may cause fetal harm. You must be postmenopausal to take Femara. Some women reported fatigue and dizziness with Femara. Until you know how it affects you, use caution before driving or operating machinery. There was an increase in cholesterol in patients on Femara versus tamoxifen (5.4% vs. 1.2%).

In the adjuvant setting, commonly reported side effects were generally mild to moderate. Side effects seen in Femara versus tamoxifen included hot flashes (33.7% vs. 38%), joint pain (21.2% vs. 13.5%), night sweats (14.1% vs. 13.5%), weight gain (10.7% vs. 12.9%) and nausea (9.5% vs. 10.4%). Other side effects seen were bone fractures and osteoporosis.

About the Author:
Wade Gibson
More information is at 1-866-4FEMARA or www.femara.com or www.us.novartisoncology.com.
Article Source: http://www.articles2k.com

Aspirin May Prevent Colon Cancer in Women

A recent study showed that taking aspirin could in fact reduce your risk of getting colon cancer. Although the study only involved data taking from a sampling of women, it appears that aspirin may possibly prevent colon cancer, or so they say? Aspirin is over 100-years old and appears to cure lots of things, yet many were shocked to learn of this latest finding, still other completely doubt the study.

A recent study showed that taking aspirin could in fact reduce your risk of getting colon cancer. Although the study only involved data taking from a sampling of women, it appears that aspirin may possibly prevent colon cancer, or so they say? Aspirin is over 100-years old and appears to cure lots of things, yet many were shocked to learn of this latest finding, still other completely doubt the study. The study showed that people who already had polyps maybe able to prevent the onset of colon cancer thru regular use of aspirin. The researchers went on to extrapolate that it could help those without polyps from getting one in the first place.

Now several articles in major Medical Journals are showing that if you took aspirin for a decade 1-2 per week, it would reduce the risk of colorectal cancer by a large margin over those who did not take aspirin regularly. Some of the researchers in near by fields were not surprised while other totally doubted the findings as hogwash. They are saying that any anti-inflammatory drug may have done the same and would certainly help to keep removed polyps from returning, thus reduce the risk of cancer. The study indicated that 14 aspirins per week or 2 every day would reduce the chances of colon cancer by nearly one-third. Those who took even more are said to reduce colon cancer by over 50 percentiles. Of course taking that many aspirins is not good for you, over use of aspirin can cause bleeding. So although the study appears to be a wash for many belief systems of cancer researchers, the evidence is notable and very telling. All this research is helping us fight some of the more serious forms of cancer killers. Think on this and live strong.

About the Author:
"Lance Winslow" - If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs
Submitted on 2005-10-05
Article Source: http://www.articlesarea.com/

Flax Seed: Does Omega-3 Reduce Cancer Risk

Primary Source of Omega-6
The primary sources of omega-6 are corn, soy, canola, safflower and sunflower oil; these oils are overabundant in the typical diet, which explains our excess omega-6 levels. Avoid or limit these oils. Omega-3, meanwhile, is typically found in flaxseed oil, walnut oil, and fish. However, flax seed oil is the best oil where Omega-3 and Omega-6 are balanced.

Benefits of Omega-3 Oil
In this Omega-3 benefits and facts section you will learn the basics about omega-3 essential fatty acids (EFA) from fish oils and their function in our bodies. Also discussed will be the affects of our western diet on omega-3 levels and the latest research on the cardiovascular, heart, and the other health benefits of omega-3 compounds. In addition there is a section on vitamin E and coenzyme Q10 antioxidants - other critical nutrients that have a synergistic role with omega-3 fatty acids. You will also find out more about Flax Seed oil and its role in our overall health.

Relationship Between Omega-3 and Cancer
Cancer is less common in communities that eat large amounts of fish, and the reason is thought to be the presence in fish of the long chain omega-3 polyunsaturates. Japanese women, for example, eat a lot of fish, and have a very low rate of breast, cancer. Men who eat fish frequently have a lower risk of prostate cancer. Stomach and intestinal cancers also appear to be less common in fish eaters. It is difficult to be specific about this though, because in such studies, there are often several factors that are different, and which could explain the lower cancer incidence.

Omega-3 Reduce Cancer Risk
Laboratory studies have provided more support to the idea that the omega-3 polyunsaturates can reduce cancer risk. For example, tests have shown that cancer-treating drugs work more effectively when there is a good level of omega-3 polyunsaturates in the diet. In summary, it can be said that taking Omega 3 and Omega 6 supplements can help curb cancer causing cells. Many doctors recommend that their patients take Flax Seed oil as it contains a balanced ration between Omega-3 and Omega-6 oil.

Omega-3 fatty acids accumulate to a considerable extent in various sites including circulating blood platelets, the heart and serum phospholipid. The accumulation of EPA and DHA in platelets is associated with decreased platelet adhesiveness and aggregation and an overall reduction in thrombogenicity. Antiatherogenic effects of omega-3 fatty acids have also been shown in animal studies.

Omega-3 For Health
Omega-3 fatty acid, may protect against the accumulation of a protein believed to be linked to Alzheimer's disease, according to the results of a new animal study published in the March 2005 issue of The Journal of Neuroscience. This study specifically investigated one particular kind of omega 3 fatty acids - DHA Docosahexaenoic acid.

Fish Oil, Flax Seed Oil
Overall, strong evidence shows that fish oils have a strong, dose-dependent beneficial effect on triglyceride levels. There also is evidence of possible small beneficial effects on blood pressure and coronary artery restenosis after angioplasty, exercise capacity in patients with coronary atherosclerosis, and heart rate variability, particularly in patients with recent MI. Therefore, it is recommended that we have our daily does of Flax Seed oil as it contains high levels of Omega-3 oil that is essential to our health.

With so many health benefits associated with Omega-3 and Omega-6 oil, we do urge you to find out more about Flax Seed oil as Flax Seed Oil is proven to have the highest concentration of Omega-3. Do visit our site at http://www.flaxseedfitness.com

About the Author:
Renee James
Omega 3 is essential for the function and structure of the brain and improve cognition, memory, moods and concentration. Do find out more about Flax Seed Benefits today!
Added: 01 Sep 2006
Article Source: http://articles.simplysearch4it.com/article/35526.html

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

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

Tanning Bed Lotions Can Help Prevent Skin Cancer

Know who would have that that a bull frog and a tanner had something in common. Well guess what, they do!

Know who would have that that a bull frog and a tanner had something in common. Well guess what, they do! The new Bullfrog Sunscreen Company offers a full line of sun and tanning bed lotions for residential and commercial use, to reduce your risk of tanning skin cancer. All of their products offer varying levels of sunscreen protection.

This new sunscreen and sun tan lotion line is bragging about its extra features that are perfect for the world we live in today. Their products are especially beneficial for those that enjoy the outdoors, for children, and for people who work outdoors and want to protect their skin.

Their full line of creams and tanning lotions boast about their staying power. They are able to up to 8 hours, that’s nearly a full day of coverage with having to worry about reapplying.

Now if that’s not enough to tickle your fancy, this bullfrog is also a bug repellent. Nothing like having your frog on the job all day! Better yet, the manufacture guarantees that their product won’t drip no matter how much you sweat.

These pleasantly scented, non greasy lotions and creams are perfect for kids. No squirming and squealing because the lotion smells yucky. No fighting with them to stand still.

It’s also great for adults who don’t want to have a greasy residue on their skin. Very important if you work outside and don’t want to jeopardize you’re safely with slippery oily skin.

This line produces an SPF ranging from 15 to 45. This product line doesn’t cater for those people looking for a dark tan, but it does cater to those looking to protect their skin from burning and damage. It’s also a great product choice for those that burn easily.

If you or your children are out in the sun all day, give this line of sunscreens a try! It will stay on the kids while the run and play, and it will stay on you while you work.

About the Author:
M.D. Stracener from Home Tanning Beds has been serving customers for over 20 years, providing valuable information to keep you beautiful and healthy. Please visit us at Home Tanning Beds
Submitted on 2005-10-05
Article Source: http://www.articlesarea.com/

Mesothelioma Cancer

Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer in the general population. However, in individuals that were exposed to asbestos, it is not as rare. There are experts that have speculated on other causes. There are incidences of Mesothelioma with no known asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma is not a lung cancer. Smoking does not cause it. It is a cancer of the mesothelial cells.

Causes of Mesothelioma
The only known, established cause of Mesothelioma is asbestos. The asbestos fibers are breathed in, travel through the lung and become lodged in the pleura, the thin, saran wrap-type membrane that lines that encases the lung. The pleura, produces a special lubricating fluid that facilitates the ability of the lungs to move inside the chest during breathing. The process of irritation from the infiltration of the asbestos fibers creates changes in the cells, which causes the Mesothelioma. This is known as pleural Mesothelioma. Less common is peritoneal Mesothelioma, which is a cancer of the membrane that encompasses the lining of the abdomen.

Symptoms of Mesothelioma
An individual with Mesothelioma experiences chest pain usually caused by a build-up of fluid in the pleural space called an effusion and shortness of breath. Since many doctors may not have expertise in the area of asbestos-related diseases, these symptoms are often believed, at first, to be attributable to other medical problems. A biopsy of the pleural tissue or fluid may reveal the cancer of the mesothelial cells and a proper diagnosis can thus be established. A history of the individual’s occupational exposure shall be taken. Since there is no “safe” level of exposure to asbestos, even brief, low level exposures may be enough to cause Mesothelioma.

Occurrence of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer and its incidence is actually increasing day by day. There is presently no known cure for Mesothelioma. As the disease progresses, the cancerous cells harden the pleura and spread. As time passes, breathing, sleeping and eating become more difficult and eventually it becomes increasingly more challenging for the victim to engage in normal activities and enjoy life.

Treatments of Mesothelioma
A number of treatments have been established to help contain the spread of the disease and reduce the pain associated with it. Chemotherapy, radiation and radical surgery to remove the lung and pleura are among the options that have been explored by the treating physician.

Prevention is better than Cure
Mesothelioma is a preventable disease. Many of the corporations that manufacture and make profit from the sale of asbestos-containing products are aware of the hazards of asbestos. Alternative fibers are available that could be used instead of asbestos. But asbestos is cheap, and available, and is a good filler and binder.

To Sum up
The varied and non-specific symptoms associated with Mesothelioma, can delay detection and diagnosis The cancer has a very long latency period, which means that it could be thirty years or more before the person even realizes that they have contracted the cancer .The onset of symptoms can take up to fifty years or more in some cases, but once the symptoms have manifested the lifespan of the person can be as short as several months. So, if you or a loved one is experiencing any of the above symptoms, consult your doctor right away. Make sure that your physician is aware of any previous asbestos exposure, and occupational risk factors.

About the author:
Rob Mellor owns the free to use www.mesotheliomasupportonline.com website helping people find out more about mesothelioma. Please visit the site for more information on mesothelioma cancer
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Staying Active Helps Reduce Risk of Prostate Cancer

Those men who stay active can significantly cut down on their risk getting prostate cancer. In fact the more aerobic the exercise the better walking, hiking, swimming and bike riding were some of the examples given in a study by Harvard Medical School on ways to stay healthy and simultaneously reduce your risk of prostate cancer.

Those men who stay active can significantly cut down on their risk getting prostate cancer. In fact the more aerobic the exercise the better walking, hiking, swimming and bike riding were some of the examples given in a study by Harvard Medical School on ways to stay healthy and simultaneously reduce your risk of prostate cancer. Those who went to a gym twice to three times per week and used the treadmill did best, although even those who played golf three times a week reduced their risks as well.

Most all physical activity which included a form of cardiorespiratory workout seemed to work. These men were able to reduce their risks by 75%, a huge gap over those were the most inactive one-third of all males. The cut off seemed to be 20 minutes per day or an average of 20 minutes a day over a weeks period. Those who worked out three times a week for thirty minutes are more were amongst the lowest risk groups. Some life insurance questionnaires now ask these questions, when determining risk and that ought to tell you something as well. Not only is it good for your heart but your prostate as well.

There are two factors being looked at as to why this is? One thought was that since high testosterone levels were are part of high risk categories, that those who did physical activity reduced their risks because they were lowering their testosterone levels during cardio respiratory workouts. This tends to make a lot of sense.

It would be best to get screened for prostate cancer and continue your work outs or increase them to put you into the lower risk categories. Discuss this with your physician and do some of your own research to see what works best for you. Please be thinking on this, it could save your life.

About the Author:
"Lance Winslow" - If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance http://www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs
Submitted on 2005-10-05
Article Source: http://www.articlesarea.com/

Lifestyle Choices May be a Predictor of Bladder Cancer

The thought itself is astounding: a way possibly exists to predict if a person could possibly contract bladder cancer in the future. In recent studies, debate is emerging in regards to one theory – that lifestyle choices and the impact of living life a certain way may be related to bladder cancer. A recent study by the Department of Preventive Medicine of Nagoya University School of Medicine indicates that there might, in fact, be a strong and credible link between lifestyle and bladder cancer.

The department studied 258 bladder cancer patients in order to determine if lifestyle choices played a role in allowing medical professionals to prognosticate the possibility that patients might be susceptible to bladder cancer. This was a follow-up study of patients who had suffered from bladder cancer in metropolitan Nagoya, Japan and were recruited for study. Their personal survival information was derived from a database that was maintained by the Nagoya Bladder Cancer Research Group.

After reviewing the tests and their results, researchers were able to pinpoint several key factors that impact the occurrence and reoccurrence of this type of cancer. Univariate analysis showed that there was a significant relationship between 5 year survivorship and the level of education a person possessed, their marital status, drinking habits, and the degree of green tea consumption in males. Additional factors were the age at which the cancer was diagnosed, the histological type and grade of the any tumors, the degree of metastasis, and the state of metastasis in both sexes.

The results were adjusted for age, stage, histology (histological type and grade), and distant metastasis by means of a proportional hazards model.The consumption of alcoholic beverages was also significantly associated with the prognoses of bladder cancer in males. The ratio of adjusted hazard was 0.46 with a 95% confidence interval of 0.26 – 0.79 among males that consumed alcoholic beverages.

Detailed analysis revealed that former drinkers and every level of current drinkers exhibited hazard ratios smaller than unity, although no correlation between dosage amounts was detectable. Other factors, such as smoking habits, uses of artificial sweeteners and hair dye, and consumption of coffee, black tea, matcha (powdered green tea), and cola were detected, leading one to believe that it is reasonable to conclude that drinking any type of beverage, not just alcohol, plays a significant role in the development or reoccurrence of bladder cancer.

The significance of this is vague in terms of prognosis, although that ratio seems to indicate that at least among those who participated in the study and were bladder cancer survivors, drinking alcohol is not a very good idea. Additionally, the study showed that the higher risk factor in regards to bladder cancer and males can be correlated directly to drinking in terms of reoccurrence propensity. If you are male and have had bladder cancer, along with dietary changes and other lifestyle choices, avoiding alcoholic beverages might increase the possibility of avoiding the sickness in the future.

This, however, is not, and should not be considered conclusive, but merely the very compelling result of one specific study. Also, the indication that other factors, such as smoking, did not seem to increase the risk of reoccurrence, should not be construed as rock solid justification for those behaviors.

For instance, the fact that smoking does not apparently increase the risk bladder cancer does not in any way obviate the fact that smoking has been risked to other diseases or maladies such as heart disease, lung cancer, strokes, or degradation of blood circulation. All of these conditions are just as life-threatening as bladder cancer.

One significant factor seems to be that dosage amounts of alcohol do not seem to correlate with the propensity of reoccurrence. In fact, this study seemed to show that among moderate to heavy drinkers, the reoccurrence rate was unaffected. If one were to take this at face value, one could conclude that any drinking at all increases the chances of bladder cancer coming back.

About the Author:
Jon M. Stout is the Chairman of the Golden Moon Tea Company. Golden Moon Tea carefully selects the finest rare and orthodox teas, which are processed slowly and handcrafted with extreme care. At their website, you can learn more about their current tea offerings, including their exceptional green tea, white tea, black tea, oolong tea (also known as wu-long and wu long tea) and chai. Visit http://www.goldenmoontea.com for all details concerning the Golden Moon Tea Company's fine line of teas.
This article was posted on November 28, 2006
Article Source: articlecity

Mammograms - Who Needs Them?

Perhaps no aspect of breast cancer is more widely publicized than screening mammography. Ads on television, in magazines, and in the daily paper urge women to deal with fear about breast cancer by having a yearly mammogram. We’re even told that doing this is a way to “really care for yourself.”

But screening mammograms don’t prevent breast cancer. A mammogram is an x-ray and x-rays cause cancer. The ads promoting regular screening mammography are paid for by those who stand to profit from their widespread acceptance and use - the manufacturers of the equipment and x-ray film. Whose health does this technology really benefit? Women’s health? Or corporate health?

If You Decide to Have a Mammogram

• Get the best, even if it means a long journey.
• Go where they specialize, preferably where they do at least 20 mammograms a day.
• Be sure the facility is accredited by the American College of Radiology.
• Insist on personnel who specialize in mammograms. (Taking and reading mammograms are skills that require intensive training and a lot of practice.)
• Ask how old the equipment is. Newer equipment exposes the breasts to less radiation. A dedicated unit (one specifically for mammograms) is best.
• Ask how they ensure quality control. When was their unit calibrated?
• Load your blood with carotenes by eating a cup of cooked sweet potato, winter squash, or carrots every day for a week before the mammogram to prevent radiation damage to your DNA.
• Expect to be cold and uncomfortable during the mammogram, but do say something if you’re being hurt.
• The more compressed the breast tissue, the clearer the mammogram. (But pressure may spread cancer cells if they are present.)
• If your breasts are tender, reschedule. During your fertile years, schedule mammograms for 7–10 days after your menstrual flow begins.
• Don’t wear antiperspirant containing aluminum; it can interfere with the imaging process. (Those clear stones do contain aluminum, as do most commercial antiperspirants.)
• If you want another opinion, you’ll need the original mammographic films, not copies. (X ray facilities only keep films for 7 years.)
• Get your doctor to agree, in writing, before the procedure, to give you a copy of your mammogram. The U.S. Public Health Service advises women to ask for written results from a mammogram.
• Given the high percentage of “false normal” mammograms, if you think you have cancer, trust your intuition.
• Remove radioactive isotopes from your body with burdock root, seaweed or miso.

Remember: Mammograms don’t promote breast health. Breast self-massage, breast self-exam, and lifestyle changes do.

Breast Meditation

Sit comfortably in front of a large mirror in a warm, private space. Bare your breasts. Look in the mirror. Tell your breasts something like: “I love you. You are just the way you are supposed to be. I see your perfection. I know your beauty. I honor your power.” Use your own words. Repeat as many times as you like. When you are done, close your eyes. Slowly bring your hands up and cup them under your breasts. Say: “My breasts are healthy. My breasts are powerful.” Open your eyes and look at yourself in the mirror, saying, “My breasts are my strength. My strength nourishes me and others.” Close your eyes and let your hands return to your lap. Sit quietly and breathe as you visualize glowing pink clouds within your breasts spiraling in toward your nipples for a minute. Continuing to breathe; let this sparkling pink energy spiral out for a minute. As you breathe, imagine the energy doing figure eights from breast to breast for a minute. Finally, imagine that you are plunging your hands into vibrant pink energy. Feel it flowing up your arms, through your armpits and out of your nipples. Open your eyes, smile at yourself in the mirror, and come out of the meditation.

About the Author:
Susun Weed
PO Box 64
Woodstock, NY 12498
Fax: 1-845-246-8081
Visit Susun Weed at: www.susunweed.com; and www.ashtreepublishing.com
Vibrant, passionate, and involved, Susun Weed has garnered an international reputation for her groundbreaking lectures, teachings, and writings on health and nutrition. She challenges conventional medical approaches with humor, insight, and her vast encyclopedic knowledge of herbal medicine. Unabashedly pro-woman, her animated and enthusiastic lectures are engaging and often profoundly provocative.
Added: Tue Feb 28 2006
To find other free health content see e-healtharticles.com

Ovarian Cancer, Tea, and An Ounce Of Prevention

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About the Author:
Rebecca Prescott
If you'd like to read more about supplements, herbs, and a deeper understanding of why we get sick, check out this article. If you enjoy the health benefits of tea, read this to discover why green tea is so beneficial, and how green tea weight loss helps.
Article Source: http://www.articles2k.com

Is It True that Eating Broccoli Can Reduce Risk of Prostate Cancer?

Indeed there have been many studies and much research to determine what types of diets can prevent which types of cancers. Some of what you may have heard about which food you eat are merely folklore handed down, while others are actually based on data from actual studies.

Indeed there have been many studies and much research to determine what types of diets can prevent which types of cancers. Some of what you may have heard about which food you eat are merely folklore handed down, while others are actually based on data from actual studies. Eating lots of vegetables seems to lead one to think that there are in fact substantial benefits for all sorts of things to help us remain healthy. Eating fruits, drinking tea, proper intake of vegetables have all been among the things that are often recommended to prevent prostate cancer. It stands to reason that a healthy diet can assist you in reducing the risk of prostate cancer and there is evidence that broccoli indeed may just be one of those vegetables which can help.

One study seems to indicate the fruit intake did not substantially help in reduction of the risk of prostate cancer, but did help in reducing the risks of other cancers. Men who ate vegetables three times a day had a one-third or greater chance of not getting prostate cancer of those that did not have lots of vegetables in their diets.

Which vegetables were considered the best to eat? Well it seems brussel spouts, cabbage, cauliflower and broccoli were some of the best and could increase reduced risk by just over 40%. Orange colored vegetables also hit high on the list by other studies carrots, sweat potatoes, squash and yams. You should be eating a wide range of to reduce your risk of cancer and different fruits and vegetables prevent different types of cancer. If you have some type of cancer which runs in your family, you ought to do a little research of your own and think on this.

About the Author:
"Lance Winslow" - If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance http://www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs
Submitted on 2005-10-05
Article Source: http://www.articlesarea.com/

Ellagic Acid and Cancer

Ellagic acid has shown such promise that scientists are not discounting the fact that this may be the cure that they are waiting for to treat and prevent cancer.

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death known the world over. It affects various parts of the human body and for years now, scientists and medical practitioners have been looking for a "miracle" cure to this traitorous disease.

A person affected with cancer has cancer cells or tumors caused by carcinogens. In the continuous research conducted amidst the fight against cancer, studies have shown that ellagic acid may spoil, stunt or stop the growth and spreading of certain cancer-causing carcinogens.

It also has shown such promise that scientists are not discounting the fact that this may be the cure that they are waiting for to treat and prevent cancer.

The Basics

Ellagic acid is basically known as a "polyphenol" compound. Polyphenol is the substance found mostly in plants and this substance gives some plants their color. A tree leaf, for example, turns brown during fall and green during spring. Polyphenol is the substance responsible for the seasonal color change of a tree's leaves.

Being a polyphenol compound, its considered as an antioxidant with antibacterial properties-which can be applied to strengthen and improve the body's immune system.

Sources

Forty years ago, ellagic acid became popular in the medical community because of its positive effects on blood clotting.

Due to its promising potential to be the main ingredient in the fight against cancer, ellagic acid is currently being nurtured and further studied.

Here are some fruits and vegetables containing ellagic acid:

strawberries
cranberries
blackberries
raspberries
pecans
walnuts
pomegranates
other plant food

These plants use ellagic acid to rid themselves of pests and prevent them from having infections.

Such plant foods, fruits and vegetables produce ellagic acid and glucose which are easily absorbed by the human body. In addition, berries and promegnates are found to have the most amount.

Currently, the extracts from these food sources containing ellagic acid are used in dietary supplements. They come in liquid, capsule or powder form and since they are used mostly as dietary supplements, as of now they are not yet proven effective in the curing or preventing of a specific disease.

Advantages and Disadvantages

1. Studies have shown that ellagic acid stunts the growth of cancer cells. Although further research needs to be done in order to prove that it can actually treat and prevent cancer, the anti-cancer properties that this substance has shows much potential.

2. Mainly acts as an antioxidant and has been known to cause death in tumor or cancer cells. Specifically, it aids in the removal of certain cancer-causing substances included in the patient's blood.

3. It also shows in studies conducted on laboratory animals that ellagic acid may reduce defects on birth, liver problems, heart conditions, promotes and strengthens the immune system and aids in fast wound healing.

Recent studies conducted by researchers in Italy found men and women who undergo chemotherapy to treat cancer can use ellagic acid to reduce the side effects of the treatment.

Chemotherapy is not known to be "kind" to the patient who undergoes such therapy. With the aid of ellagic acid, these side effects are reduced and research is still being done as to whether it can also slow the spreading of cancer cells on a patient's body.

4. Other medical professionals found that ellagic acid can fight the substance that cause the spreading of tumor or cancer cells.

On the other hand, since most of these positive effects provided by ellagic acid are based on tests conducted in medical laboratories, it has not been entirely tested on humans yet.

Although its mainly found in fruits such as berries, a normal diet cannot include these fruits alone. A cancer patient still needs a balanced and healthy diet-which can and should include ellagic acid-containing foods and supplements.

Currently, its available mostly in the form of dietary supplements. Cancer patients who are taking other medications should consult a professional before deciding to take this dietary supplement despite of its potential cancer-curing effects.

However, it does show such promising results in the fight against cancer that medical professionals are not discounting the possibility of ellagic acid turning into the miracle drug for cancer.

About the Author:
Shane
For more information on Elagic Acid please visit Healthy Hwy.
Submitted on 2006-12-02
Article Source: http://www.articlesarea.com/

Breast Cancer Prevention

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death, second only to lung cancer. One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during her lifetime. Fortunately, there are measures you can take to help reduce your risk of developing breast cancer.

Factors that can affect your risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer are called risk factors. Risk factors can be broken down into two categories, those that can be controlled and those that cannot be controlled.

RISK FACTORS THAT CANNOT BE CONTROLLED

The risk factors you have no control over are gender, hormones, age, genetic makeup and certain environmental exposures.

GENDER: Women are much more inclined to develop breast cancer than men. This is primarily due to the estrogen and progesterone in a woman's body. These hormones stimulate cell growth in the breast, both normal and abnormal.

HORMONES: Estrogen, a hormone that is produced by the ovaries, increases a woman's risk for developing breast cancer. A woman's exposure to estrogen can increase her risk by:

+using Oral Contraceptives.

+using Hormone Replacement Therapy.

+never being pregnant or having first child after the age of 35.

+early onset of menstruation and late onset of menopause.

AGE: Aging is one of the biggest risk factors for breast cancer. After a woman passes the age of 50, the likelihood of developing breast cancer increases significantly.

GENETIC MAKEUP: There is a significantly higher risk of developing breast cancer for women who have already had breast cancer and for women who have had many family members diagnosed with cancer (regardless of the type).

ENVIRONMENT: The air we breathe and the water we drink are full of toxins (poisons) that were not present 100 years ago. Many of these toxins are known to increase the risk of or directly cause cancer.

RISK FACTORS THAT CAN BE CONTROLLED

Lifestyle changes like altering your diet, starting an exercise program and losing weight, are the easiest factors to control. Following the tips below may help you decrease your risk of breast cancer:

LOSE WEIGHT: There is a clear link between excess weight and breast cancer, especially if the weight gain is after menopause. The extra fatty tissue is a source of circulating estrogen in your body. As stated above in the GENDER risk factor, estrogen stimulates cell growth in the breast.

EAT THE RIGHT FOODS: A low-fat high-fiber diet can help reduce your risk of breast cancer and other diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. Try to eat at least 5 servings of fruit and vegetables every day.

There are also some specific foods and supplements that can be very effective in your efforts to reduce the risk of breast cancer:

+FLAXSEED: Flaxseed is a supplement comprised of phytoestrogens, naturally occurring compounds that decrease estrogen production in your body, hindering the growth of breast cancer.

+OLIVE OIL: Olive oil contains oleic acid that is effective in destroying a protein that causes the growth of breast cancer tumors.

+FISH OIL: A diet rich in fish oils can be effective in preventing the development of breast tumors. Fish oil supplements are just as effective as eating the fish. Fish oil, like flaxseed, contains healthy OMEGA-3 fatty acids.

+CARROTS: Consuming foods rich in beta-carotene, such as carrots, protects the body from damaging molecules called free radicals. Free radicals cause damage to cells through oxidation that can lead to a variety of chronic illnesses such as cancer.

+FOLIC ACID: (folate) is highly effective in preventing breast cancer in both pre- and post-menopausal women. Foods high in folic acid are green, leafy vegetables, whole wheat bread, oranges, poultry, and fortified cereals.

LIMIT ALCOHOL: The more alcohol a woman drinks, the higher the risk of developing breast cancer. If you must drink, limit your intake to one small drink a day.

EXERCISE: Regular exercise provides a multitude of health benefits for your body including protection against many chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease and cancer. Exercising at least 30 minutes every day can decrease your hormone levels, lowering your risk of breast cancer.

There is nothing you can do that will guarantee a cancer-free life. All women are at risk for getting breast cancer. However, lifestyle changes, eating a healthy diet, regular exercise, and regular breast cancer screening can significantly reduce your risk of developing breast cancer.

About the Author:
Chris Chenoweth is the author of the DO-IT-YOURSELF HOME, HEALTH & MONEY GUIDE, 500 pages of household tips, home remedies, diet and nutrition information, health issues and thousands of recipes! http://www.money-home-biz.com.
Added: 18 Nov 2006
Article Source: http://articles.simplysearch4it.com/article/43258.html