Lung Cancer-Warning Signs And Symptoms

Lung cancer being the most fatal of all the cancers worldwide is regarded as one of the leading causes of death amongst both men and women in the U.S. It is the most universal form of cancer in men worldwide whereas, the fifth most common form of cancer in women.

In medical terminology, the malevolent transformation and expansion of lung tissues causes lung cancer, in simple words, the rapid growth of abnormal cells in the lungs leads to lung cancer which may start anywhere in the lungs and cause respiratory issues, healthy tissues are destroyed and invaded and the whole body is affected.

When examined under a microscope by a pathologist lung cancer can be of two types, namely:

Small Cell Lung Cancer: This type of lung cancer accounts for 20% of lung cancer, with smoking being one of the most common causes for SCLC.

Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: NSCLC is accountable for 80% of lung cancers, which have related symptoms. This includes Squamous cell carcinoma (also called epidermoid carcinoma), Large Cell Carcinoma, Adenocarcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Treatment of lung cancer varies as it is based on the exact location and the extent of spread. Usually, there are no definite signs or symptoms in the early stages, as they only occur later in the advance stages. It is only on a routine chest X-ray or CT scan that lung cancer in the form of coin lesions, is detected in its tumour form which looks like a coin.

Some of the symptoms of lung cancer include:

• A persistent cough which worsens with time
• Aggravation of an existing chronic cough
• Blood being coughed up
• Breathing difficulties such as shortness of breath accompanied by hoarseness and wheezing
• Constant chest pain
• Repeated attacks of bronchitis or pneumonia
• Swollen face and neck
• Unexplained weight loss and/or fatigue

Some other symptoms related with late-stage lung cancer include:

• Headache, bone pain, aching joints, bleeding or blood clots,
• Bone fractures not related to accidental injury,
• Neurologic symptoms- unsteady walk and/or intervallic memory loss.

The numbers of deaths caused by lung cancer are more as compared to the total number of deaths caused by colon, prostate, ovarian, lymph and breast cancers combined. About 85% of lung cancer cases are due to cigarette smoking. This is based on the correlation between the number of cigarettes smoked and the number of years of indulging in the vice.

However, the risk of developing lung cancer can be reduced by quitting smoking, as 90% of lung cancer is due to tobacco use. Apart from cigarette smoking increase in pollution levels, radiation and asbestos exposure are some of the other causes of lung cancer.

Copyright 2009

Prostate Cancer Symptoms

It is the most common cancer amongst the American men, grows in the prostate gland is called prostate cancer excluding skin cancer. Prostate cancer is the uncharacteristic growth of all of the cells within the prostate gland, which is considered to be a most important part of the male reproductive system. The prostate gland is situated directly beneath the bladder and in front of the rectum.

Prostate cancer in early stages is only restricted to the prostate gland itself, but the prostate cells mutate and multiply unrulingly when it spreads. And these cancerous cells further affect the adjacent healthy cells in the prostate, and may spread to other parts of the body as well, including the bones around the prostate.

According to various studies, one man in six will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime of which only one man in 34 would die of the virus. The main cause of this type of cancer is still unknown like other cancers; however African American men, followed by Americans and Europeans are most likely to be affected by this disease. Though all men with prostate cancer live for at least 5 years after the diagnosis, 93% survive for at least 10 years, and 67% survive for more than 15 years.

The various factors which increase the risk of getting this disease may include the following:

• Age factor, as prostate cancer has been most common in men over fifty years of age who may have a variety of other diseases, such as cardiac or respiratory disease, or disabilities which immobilize or significantly decrease activities.
• Family history, men with family history of the disease are more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer
• Risk levels increase based on the nationality of the person as well
• Unhealthy lifestyle and dietary issues also increase the risk of getting this disease
• Some of the symptoms of prostate cancer can be listed as follows:
• General pain in the prostate area
• A need to urinate frequently, especially at night
• Weak or interrupted flow of urine
• Poor flow of urine
• Presence of blood and in urine and semen
• Pain or burning sensation when urinating
• Aching ejaculation
• A frequent pain or stiffness in the upper thighs, hips, or lower back

Significant changes in diet and lifestyle by rational supplementation of rich protein nutrients have clinically improved the chances of great recovery.

Copyright 2009

Large Bowel Cancer Symptoms

Bowel cancer is also known as rectal, colorectal or colon cancer. Usually the people over 60 years of age are at the end of being diagnosed with this disease.

When one of the cells in the colon develops a sequence of changes (mutations) in some of the genes which control how the cell divides and survives, the cancer starts to develop. Because of which the cell splits uncontrollably to structure a cluster of malevolent cells which are cancerous in nature. Primarily, adenomas in the form of polyp, which are a clump of pea sized abnormal cells, are created.

The large bowel, also known as the colon, is the very last section of the digestive structure. Various nutrients are absorbed as the food passes through the small bowel, after which the food waste passes through colon (large bowel) where it develops into more firm phizog.

The colon has three parts, namely, the ascending, transverse and descending colon. It is at the end of the colon, that is, at the rectum, where phizog gets collected before it passes through the anus as a bowel movement.

Since bowel cancer develops very slowly therefore it takes many years for the tumor to grow large enough to cause symptoms. Some of the common symptoms for bowel cancer are as follows:

• Continual change in bowel habits such as constipation and/or diarrhoea
• Blood or mucus in the faeces
• Unexplained weight loss or lack of appetite
• Pain in the stomach or lump in the abdomen
• Feeling of a bowel even after a bowel motion
• Tiredness

Though the exact cause of bowel cancer is still unknown to the research scientists, however there still exist various factors such as specific genetic mutations or inherited diseases known to influence the condition which make people at higher risk. According to various researches’ people with high diet in animal fat and protein and low fibre intake are at a greater risk of developing bowel cancer, along with people with high intake of alcohol. Therefore, it becomes harder to treat in the advanced stages.

People having a family history of bowel cancer are also at a higher risk of developing the cancer however in only 5-10% that the illness resembles.
Tiredness can be a symptom of bowel cancer as it can be caused by the bowel tumour bleeding which may result in shortage of red blood cells. This is known as anaemia.

Copyright 2009

Testicular Cancer Treatment

Testicular cancer usually occurs in men of younger ages, ranging from 15-39 years and the chances of developing testicular cancer demur with age. However, the number of patients with testicular cancer has been on a rise.

Testicular cancer refers to the tumors in the testicles which are likely to grow quickly as they can double in size in just about 20-30 days. Studies have also shown that the tumor spreads more quickly through the lymph nodes. If detected at an early stage the curable percentage has reached 99% and survival rates have reached 90% in case of spread of the cancerous cells due to availability of new treatment methods. Testicular cancer treatments have been developed for the past 20years because of which it acts as a model for other types of cancers.

Testicular cancer is of two types, namely seminoma and nonseminoma, of which seminoma alone accounts for about 40% of testicular cancer. The nonseminoma is further classified into choriocarcinoma, teratoma, embryonal carcinoma and yolk sac tumors

A low fat diet is recommended which includes fruits, vegetables and grains. Tomato’s and watermelons are good sources of lycopene which help in the prevention of testicular cancer.

The various treatment plans available for testicular cancer based on the stage can be enlisted as follows:

• Orchiectomy: This is the standard operation which is performed for the removal of the testicle along with some part of the spermatic cord

• Radiation: Due to advances in chemotherapy this is a less used method. However, about half of the seminoma types of tumors are extremely receptive of radiation. Radiation is limited as there are some long term risks of secondary cancers and cardiovascular diseases. It is due to this reason that is used only as a preventive measure (adjuvant therapy)

• Chemotherapy: This technique is used for all types of testicular cancers as they are highly responsive to it. This method helps in wiping out the disease from the body. The complete treatment may last from one week to three months

• RPLND refers to retroperitoneal lymph node dissection which is used for the treatment of non-seminoma type tumors which have no indication of spread.
This method helps in the identification of the stage and route of spread of the disease.

Some of the side effects of testicular cancer any include fertility and sexuality which must also be looked upon and discussed with the doctor. It is also advisable that all men should perform monthly testicular self-examinations in order to identify any strangeness.

Copyright 2009

Testicular Cancer Orchiectomy

Orchiectomy refers to the removal of one or both testicles. The male sex organs which are responsible for the production of sperms and male hormone, testosterone are known as testicles. One of the most common treatments for testicular cancer is Orchiectomy.

Orchiectomy is also used for the treatment of other cancer conditions such as prostate cancer which has spread to the testes or on account of severe trauma to one or both testes. However, in some cases, orchiectomy is followed by an additional surgery for the removal of cancer which has spread or by adjuvant therapies like chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

Orchiectomy is for all time performed when testicular cancer is detected, as the testicular lumps are cancerous and therefore must be removed according to a definite treatment plan. Performing a biopsy must be avoided as it may cause the cancer cells to spread which may add problems in a successful treatment.

Orchiectomy can of varied types namely:
• Unilateral Orchiectomy: Where only one testicle is removed, either the right or the left
• Where both the testicles are removed : Bilateral Orchiectomy or Radical Orchiectomy
• Inguinal Orchiectomy where the operation is performed through an incision in the groin
• Scrotal Orchiectomy where the operation is performed by making an incision through the scrotum

Bilateral orchiectomy is infrequently done as it poses various side effects, which are related to the loss of testosterone after the removal of both testes. Some of the side effects may include

• Infertility
• Loss of sexual interest
• Erection problems
• Hot flashes
• Breast enlargement (gynecomastia)
• Weight gain
• Loss of muscle mass
• Osteoporosis

The Orchiectomy procedure is simple and relatively low-risk. It is usually finished in less than an hour. This involves, a small gap is made in the lower abdomen just below the belt line, and then the testicle is pushed up from the scrotum through the incision and removed. However, the surgery is accompanied with the following risks, such as:

• Reactions to anaesthesia or medications
• Infection
• Bleeding

Orchiectomy also helps in relieving bone pain and may cause the prostate cancer to shrink. Full recovery after the surgery can be resumed within 2 to 4 weeks of full recovery.


Copyright 2009

Sun Exposure and Skin Cancer Causes

Skin cancer is another type of fastest growing type of cancer in the United States. Studies have found that one of three cancers is related to skin problems. Also that less than 10,000 people die from skin cancer in US each year. One of the main causes of skin cancer is excessive sun exposure which causes wrinkles and age spots on the face. Though skin damage is less apparent amongst young people however it shows up in the later half.

The symptoms of skin cancer may take several years to become prominent. The skin tumor usually develops in its epidermis form which is visible to the naked eye and can easily be diagnosed. An early detection of the disease can help in restricting the same. The curable percentage has reached 90% for patients reaching the past 5 years survival mark.

Melanoma is the form of skin cancer which has been steadily increasing over the last 20 years. The reason given by the dermatologists is related to an increase in the amount of sun exposure in younger years.

Skin colour obtained from being in the sun (suntan) usually accelerates the effects of aging thereby increasing the risk for skin cancer. However, sun exposure alone is responsible for most of the skin changes.

Elastine, the fibers in the skin are damaged by the ultraviolet rays of the sun. The skin begins to sag, stretch, and loses its ability to return into place after stretching once these fibers are damaged.
Ultraviolet is a part of the gamut of radiation emitted by the sun and is divided into different wavelengths which are known as UVA, UVB and UVC. Of which UVC is the shortest wavelength which is blocked by ozone and oxygen. No matter the size it most dangerous for the skin. Tanning beds are equally harmful as the ultraviolet rays from the sun, as they cause brown patches, broken blood vessels, premature wrinkles and a leathery looking skin.

Basal cell and squamous cell skin cancer types are caused due to cumulative sun exposure, whereas melanoma type of cancer is caused due to the episodes of severe sunburns, usually before 18 years. Repeated X-ray exposure and occupational exposure to certain chemicals are some less common causes of skin cancer.

Moreover, pale skin, numerous moles, smoking, a diet high in fat and low in fruits and vegetables, and frequent sunburns also act as strong predictors of later skin cancer as compared to UV exposure.

Copyright 2009

Skin Cancer Causes and Symptoms

Skin Cancer refers to the cancer that forms in the tissues of the skin which can occur to any individual. It is one of the most common types of cancers in the U.S.

Due to strong correlation between skin cancer and skin pigmentation, the fair skinned people are at a higher risk of developing skin cancer as compared to the dark skinned people. There are over one million cases annually, although not all are reported. As the statistics of cancer patients keeps increasing every year therefore the medical specialists have not been able to specify the age group of occurrence of skin cancer.

There are three different types of skin cancers, namely:

• Melanoma- The skin cancer which forms in melanocyes (skin cells that make pigments)
• Squamous cell carcinoma- The types of skin cancer that forms in squamous cells (flat cells that form the surface of the skin)

Of the above, basal cell carcinomas and most squamous cell carcinomas together are referred to as nonmelanoma skin cancer. They are slow growing and very much treatable, especially if detected at an early stage. Whereas, melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer as it affects the deeper layers of the skin with a high potential of spreading to the other parts of the body.

Skin cancer can be disfiguring and dangerous as about 80% can appear on any part of the body especially on the face, head or neck.

The main causes of skin cancer may include the following:

• Ultraviolet (UV) radiation,
• Sunburn,
• Heredity,
• Environment (Cloud cover).

The symptoms of Skin Cancer are as follows:

• Change in a wart or mole due to skin growth
• Red, tender, flat spots which may bleed
• A smooth and pearly looking small and fleshy bump
• Shiny bump that may resemble a mole or cyst
• Part of skin that feels scaly, bleeds, or develops a crust.

There are no noted symptoms in the early stages as initially cancer develops in the form of precancerous lesions known as dysplasia, which later forms cancerous cells. However, if it is ignored for a longer period of time then it may spread to the other organs which may further affect the normal working of the skin.

Copyright 2009

Prostate Cancer Prevention

Prostate cancer is the intensification of malevolent cells in the prostate, a walnut-sized gland located just below the bladder in men. This gland is responsible for producing about 30 percent of the fluid portion of semen. The general ratio of contracting this disease is one in ten to one in thirteen, and it is largely diagnosed as male cancer. It is also the second most primary cause of male cancer deaths worldwide.

Various studies have proved that about 90% of males over the age of 50years do have some microscopic indication of prostate problems. Like other cancers, the symptoms of prostate cancer are not apparent until the cancer has spread beyond the prostate.

In other words, prostate cancer tends to grow very slowly and takes years to spread, therefore, immediate and belligerent treatment is not advised for older men, apart from observant waiting. This further highlights the importance of regular checkups and blood tests, but the treatment is started only when there is evidence of tumor growth.

Researchers have ruled that prostate cancer is complex as they are yet to determine the full range of factors that cause it along with the specification of appropriate prostate cancer prevention strategies which are safe and most successful.

The explicit treatment plan is dependent of the following factors:

• Patients age,
• Features of the cancerous cells,
• Risk of complications.

Making dietary and lifestyle changes along with precise treatment plan play an important role in the prevention of prostate cancer. As in countries where people tend to eat a lot of saturated fats (such as red meat) are at a higher risk for this disease. Therefore whole grain foods such as brown rice and whole wheat bread with limited salt and a variety of fruits and vegetables including tomatoes help in restricting cancer.

Apart from diet changes herbal therapy in the form of beta-sitosterol can help in maintaining healthy male hormone balance and also reduces the symptoms of an enlarged prostate.

Prostate cancer can be treated by removing the prostate gland before the cancerous cells spread if detected early. However, it is very difficult to advise surgery as it is not possible to predict which cancer would spread and which would not.
Though prostate cancer cannot be cured with the help of conventional medicines once it has spread however, it can be restricted by unconventional and homeopathic treatments

Copyright 2009

Lung Cancer Causes Treatment

The most common of all cancers is lung cancer, which is caused due to sudden improper and rapid growth in the tissue cells of the lungs. Lung cancer alone is responsible for 1.2 million deaths annually.

The number of people suffering from lung cancer has increased which can be accredited to the changing lifestyle of the general population. Shortness of breath, coughing, bleeding while coughing and weight loss, are some of the common symptoms of lung cancer.

Cigarette smoking is regarded the most common cause of lung cancer. According to various studies, the risk of developing lung cancer increases with the number of cigarettes smoked in due course. Pipe and cigar smoking also cause lung cancer however; the threat is not the same as with cigarette smoking.

Apart from cigarette smoking high levels of pollution, radiation and asbestos exposure can also increase the possibility of contracting lung cancer.

The two basic types of lung cancers can be:

• Small Cell Lung Cancer: Smoking is one of the most common cause for SCLC.

• Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: NSCLC can of four types, they are Squamous cell carcinoma (also called epidermoid carcinoma), Large Cell Carcinoma, Adenocarcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Characteristically, cancer develops over a period of many years and if identified at an early stage can be eliminated by treatment. There are no specific signs or symptoms in the early stages as they only occur in the advanced stages. Therefore, its treatment must be based on the specific type of cell, the location of the lung tumor, the stage of the disease with probable metastasis (spread to other parts of the body) keeping in mind the general health of the person in question.

Some of the common methods in which lung cancer can be detected include chest radiography and computed tomography (CT). Once lung cancer is detected it is only confirmed with a biopsy. Biopsy refers to a medical test based on removing cells from a living tissue and thereby examining the same. One of the important factors for the treatment of lung cancer is histopathology, that is, the identification of the location and stage of the diseased tissue type of tumor. Some other treatment plans may include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and/or surgery.

Acupuncture, massage therapy, herbal products, nutritional supplements, vitamins and special diet plans are some alternative treatments which have found their way in recent times.

Copyright 2009

How to Manage Skin Cancer Symptoms and Treatments

Skin cancer can occur to any individual and is the most common type of skin cancer in the U.S. The frequency of skin cancer has reached such a level that nearly one million people are affected by skin cancer every year. Due to lack of knowledge many people are unable to treat skin cancer on time, as certain skin outgrowths, moles and discoloration of the skin are regarded as normal skin problems.

In skin cancer the normal cells are affected by the cancerous cells which weaken the normal functioning of the organs. Subsequently cancer spreads to the other organs as well. The individual suffering from skin cancer suffers with an uneasy feeling as the skin of the body is affected.

There are three types of skin cancers; namely basal cell carcinoma, melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma. With early detection these can be treated because once skin cancer spreads its very difficult to be treated. There are no specific symptoms of skin cancer before its occurrence. However, the common causes of skin cancer may include heredity (family history of skin cancer), exposure to ultraviolet rays, over exposure to sunlight, and exposure to certain deadly chemicals. Therefore, sunburns or to-much of suntan must be avoided with the application of ointments in order to stay protected from harmful radiations from the sun.

The skin cancer initiates from the moles of the skin which is known as dysplastic nevi. The moles may change in colour or size and/or may start bleeding. Aged people are more prone to such disease.

There are various standard and alternative treatment options available for skin cancer which may include the following:

• Surgery
• Radiation therapy
• Electro chemo therapy
• Immunotherapy
• Hyperthermia
• Photodynamic therapy
• Nutritional therapy
• Pain management
• Naturopathy
• Psycho-neuroimmunology
• Spiritual support therapy
• Biological therapy

It is the melanomas form of skin cancer which needs to be surgically removed, whereas other skin cancers, that is, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma treated by removing affected and surrounding tissues.

In case of low risk cancer radiation treatment and cryotherapy may help in early treatment of the cancer. As compared to the cases where cancer is spread and metastasized then surgery and/or chemotherapy is required. Therefore, it is important to note any oddity in the skin, such as the appearance of a blemish on the skin or a discoloration or change in a mole.

Copyright 2009

Testicular Cancer Scrotum

Cancer may affect any part of the body; lungs, stomach, respiratory organs and other parts. Testicular cancer is a common form of cancer in men, which occurs in the male egg shaped sex glands in the scrotum. It is the testicles which produce and store sperms which secrete male hormones.
This type of cancer is accountable for only one percent of all the cancers in the men. However, it occurs in young men ageing between 15-34 years with being more prevalent in white men than in Asian and blacks. Like other cancers, an early and infancy detection of testicular cancer can help in increasing the survival ratio along with appropriate administration of treatment.

Testicular cancer is also known as germ cell tumor. It is of two types, namely:

Seminoma: This accounts for about 40% of testicular cancer

Nonseminoma: This is further categorized into choriocarcinoma, teratoma, embryonal carcinoma and yolk sac tumors

Mixed germ cell tumors: The cancer which is the combination of both cancers

There are no specific symptoms of testicular cancer as it can only be detected by an accident. Therefore, regular self examination of the private parts is very important to detect any unusual lump.

Certain abnormal symptoms may include:

• A pea, or egg size protuberance (of any size)
• Inflamed swollen testicles
• A sensation of heaviness or sudden flow of liquid in the scrotum

Apart from the above some other symptoms which need a physician’s examination may be related to a dull pain in the lower abdomen or groin, or an unusual tenderness in the breasts.

Underdevelopment of testicles, Klinefelter’s syndrome where the man experience sterility, small testes, breast enlargement and lesser male hormones and those who have had testicular cancer are all prone developing cancer on the other testicle in the 25 years after the attack.

There are three stages of testicular cancer, namely:

Stage 1: Where the cancer is timely detected and is limited and confined to the testicles

Stage 2: Where the cancer may spread to the retroperitoneal lymph nodes which are situated at the back of the body below the diaphragm

Stage 3: Where the testicular cancer spreads beyond the lymph nodes to other parts of the body

The treatment is determined on the basis of type and stage of the testicular cancer, which involve the removal of the affected testicle. Before opting for any kind of surgery the side effects of fertility and sexuality must also be looked upon.

Copyright 2009

Testicular Cancer Causes

The testicles are also known as the testes or gonads which form the male sex glands. They are located behind the penis in a pocket of skin known as the scrotum. Testicular cancer arises when the cells become wicked (cancerous) in either one or both of the testicles.

The testicles are responsible for production and storage of sperms apart from being the main source of male hormones. The development of other male features like body, facial hair, voice, shoulders and other reproductive organs is based on such hormones.

Testicular cancer amounts to about 1-2% of cancers in men, with the number slowly increasing with time. Testicular cancer occurs most often in men between the ages of 15 and 39.

The reasons for the cause and increase of testicular cancer are yet to be identified by the researchers. However, some of the reasons can be linked with:

• Exposure to female hormones in a watery environment, from the oral contraceptive pill
• Undescended testicles also known as cryptorchidism where one or both testicles stay inside the body after birth and never form part of the scrotum. Even the surgery to move the testicle into the scrotum cannot avoid the risk associated with cancer, which is further applied to both testicles
• Congenital abnormalities when men with abnormalities of the testicles, penis or kidneys are at high risk
• Men who are born with a hernia in the groin area are at a greater risk
• The risk of testicular cancer increases with conditions such as Klinefelter’s syndrome, where the testicles do not develop normally
• Mumps orchitis where an rare complication of mumps on one or both testicles become inflamed
• Men who have had testicular cancer are at a greater risk of developing cancer in other testicle
• Family history, that is, a male with a close relative, a sibling or father with testicular cancer is more likely to develop the disease a compared to other men
• Nationality also plays an important role as testicular cancer is more common among Caucasian males as compared to African or Asian men

Regular self examination of the private parts is very vital for the identification of any oddity with regards to any lump or swelling or discomfort in the testicle. In case of which doctor’s examination is a must. Who would further decide the treatment process based on the type of cancer, that is, seminomas or nonseminoma.

Copyright 2009

Skin Cancer Health Guide

Skin Cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States which usually affects the white skinned people who have been exposed to the sun, x-rays, or ultraviolet (UV) light for prolonged periods. Nearly 600,000 caucasians are affected by skin cancer every year.

The main cause of skin cancer is the overexposure to sunlight, especially with outcomes in the form of sunburn and blistering, and this further been confirmed by medical experts as well. Repetitiveness of getting sun burnt causes cancer of the skin. However, overexposure to sun may also cause the development of certain skin illnesses including cancer and skin carcinoma.

Though sun shades are considered a must have rather than a fashion accessory. Though usages of tanning beds also pose common parable risks of cancer, therefore, there usage can be limited.

Ultraviolet is part of the spectrum of radiation emitted by the sun, which is divided into different wavelengths known as UVA, UVB and UVC. Of these the UVC has the shortest wavelength and is the most dangerous for the skin. UVB on the other hand increases in quantity during the summertime. It is the UVB radiations which cause the burning of the skin and is related with the common skin cancers.

UVA has the longest wavelengths of all and has the tendency of penetrating deeply into the skin. And they pose less tanning and burning sensations with low doses.

Sun beds are different from natural sunlight, as the sun beds provide UVA and UVB. Though the sun bed tan does provide protection up to a certain degree but it does not help in a naturally produced tan.

There is significant amount of UVB in the natural sun, which causes the surface of the skin called the epidermis to thicken which gives an added Skin Cancer and Sun Protection.

The repeated use of sun beds can cause the following problems:
• Premature wrinkles
• Brown patches
• Broken blood vessels
• Leathery looking skin
• Increased risk of melanoma type of skin cancer which is the most fatal

Exposure to tons of lethal ultraviolet sunrays can not only develop into bad sunburn but may also be the cause of peel cancer. A mixture of radiation care and cryotherapy (or freezing) is used to treat and control the low risk cancer. But in cased the disease spreads then treatments like chemotherapy are advised.

Copyright 2009

Meat, Fish and Cancer

Meat, Fish and Cancer

Scientific evidence have shown that many cancers are linked to the food we eat. By eating the right kind of food, we reduce the risk to cancer.

Meat (major source of fat in out diet) and fish provides us with most of our dietary nutrients such as Iron, Protein, Vitamin B, Magnesium and Zinc. These nutrients needed for everyday repair and growth of our body cells. Growing people and those who are ill need a good intake of protein foods, as well as energy to grow and get better.

In the dietary guidelines published by the American Institute for Cancer, they stress that reducing the intake of saturated, polyunsaturated and Trans fats will help in the long run to reduce our chances of getting cancer.

Try to

1/ avoid adding fat when cooking food
2/ avoid processed meats such as beef burgers, sausages, chicken dippers/nuggets
3/ avoid eating visible fat on meat joints and in meat products such as salamis and pork pie.


What are the Best Choices (for meat and fish)

1/ Include poultry or fish dishes frequently on the menu
2/ Use lean cuts of meat, poultry (without the skin) and fish without crumbs or batter
3/ Oven bake or dry fry wherever possible
4/ Beans and pulses (lentils and beans) are naturally very low in fat and are a good vegetarian choice or can be added to extend the meat in soups, casseroles and stews.
5/ Check portion sizes, as we tend to over meat and fish.

Copyright 2008, All Rights Reserved

Early Warning Symptoms for Cancer

The number of us (men) expected to get cancer is up from 1 in 40 for those born in 1970 to 1 in 3 for those born after 1985. It is therefore important to be alert to the various early warning symptoms of cancer. The point is not to become a neurotic hypochondriac, totally obsessed with the idea that any vague symptoms we might develop is almost certainly the result of cancer, but to know which specific symptoms to have checked out by your doctor

The actual cause of one of these symptoms is often something much less serious. However, ruling out cancer will put your mind at rest and in those few cases where cancer is confirmed, treatment can be started before too much damage is done and before the cancer has advanced to a stage where it can no longer be dealt with successfully.

Some early warning cancer symptoms are:

1/ blood in urine
2/ unexplained weight loss
3/ headaches that persist or recur
4/ change in shape, size or firmness of a testicle
5/ bruising without injury
6/ a mole that changes shape, size or colour, bleeds or itches
7/ a scab, sore or ulcer that fails to heal within 3 weeks
8/ a persistent patch inside the mouth
9/ rectal bleeding, particularly when blood is mixed with faeces
10/ coughing up blood
11/ hoarseness that recurs or persists for longer than one week
12/ unexplained lumps or bumps
13/ swallowing difficulty that persists
14/ unexplained constipation or diarrhoea that is prolonged for more than a week

Lowering the Risk of Cancer

Scientific evidence have shown that many cancers are linked to the food we eat. By eating the right kind of food, we reduce the risk to cancer.

Here are some recommendations from the American Institute for Cancer:

1/ reduce your intake of both saturated and unsaturated fats.
2/ increase the consumption of fruits, vegetables and whole grains
3/ consume less salt-cured, smoked and charcoal broiled foods
4/ drink alcohol in moderation
5/ avoid smoking

Copyright 2008, All Rights Reserved