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Breast Cancer Treatment Options: Facing Your Fears And Moving Ahead


After breast cancer diagnosis, time is of the essence to ensure recovery. Digest the news; then start learning, so you're comfortable with your informed choices for breast cancer treatment.

Building Your Team
Before choosing surgery, you build a breast cancer treatment team. You need surgeons, oncologists, anesthesiologist, and radiologist. Breast surgeon - recommends and performs breast surgery such as mastectomy or lumpectomy under general anesthesia, and a sentinel node biopsy.

Oncologist - also recommends which surgical option is best. Recommends chemotherapies and follows treatment.
Anesthesiologist - usually on hospital staff, unless you want to choose your own.
Radiologist - performs the sentinel node biopsy (where 2-3 lymph nodes in the armpit or breast are surgically removed) is also on hospital staff.
Plastic surgeon - performs reconstruction if you want it, during or well after mastectomy.
Radiation oncologist - manages radiation therapy. Wait till after surgery to find.

First Breast Cancer Treatment: Surgery
Lumpectomy - usually recommended when there is a single, small lump. The lump and the margin around it are surgically removed under general anesthesia.
* Advantage: You have a small scar, usually.
* Disadvantages: You undergo radiation therapy afterwards; because radiation can cause lumps, you may have more biopsies in the future.

Mastectomy - removes breast tissue, comprised mainly of fat, under general anesthesia. Surrounding tissues are undisturbed.
* Advantages: You need no further biopsies on that side; you probably avoid radiation therapy if cancer is detected early.
* Disadvantages: You have asymmetry, and this may temporarily affect sex life or self-image. With psychological adjustment or reconstruction, these disadvantages can disappear.

Breast reconstruction - during/after a mastectomy using techniques such as DIEP, where abdominal fat and skin are transferred to the chest, to shape a new breast. This is not cosmetic surgery; it's part of treatment.
* Advantages: feeling and looking restored; getting a tummy tuck and a breast lift on the other breast.

Breast Cancer Treatment After Surgery
The oncologist considers the information from the various tests. The oncologist stages the cancer, and recommends various breast cancer treatments. The oncologist can refer you to a psychologist or support group to allay anxiety about treatment.

Radiation therapy - usually started after recovery from lumpectomy. It is precisely administered to the breast (and perhaps lymph nodes) in order to kill cancerous cells, while avoiding damage to the rest of the body. * Short-term side effects: fatigue, breast soreness, redness, swelling.
* Long-term side effects: breast shrinkage, tanning, lumpiness.

The chemotherapy visit usually is outpatient, lasting 1 to 6 hours. Some drugs are taken orally at home, sometimes as a permanent regime.
* Side effects: hair loss, nausea/vomiting, nerve or muscle pain, infection, weight gain, fatigue, difficulty sleeping.

Hormone Therapy - taken orally at home; both treats and prevents recurrence in some cases.

Exercise, diet and lifestyle changes help recovery significantly.

Survival After Therapy
With 2 million breast cancer survivors in America, breast cancer is beatable. Breast cancer treatment requires internal fortitude to reach recovery. You emerge with relief, gratitude and hope.

What Women Know About Breast Cancer Treatment Options
Women in the US have around a 1 in 8 chance of developing breast cancer at some stage in their lives, and a three percent chance of dying from it. Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among women the world over, and is second only to heart disease in total numbers of deaths caused.

Treatment of breast cancer is an extremely important issue - yet many women do not know their treatment options for breast cancer. What do most women know about treating breast cancer, and what can cancer hospitals do to help women make better informed choices?

Breast cancer is the second most common cancer worldwide, the leading cancer in women, and the second leading cause of death in women worldwide. It has an incidence rate more than twice that of cervical cancer and colorectal cancer, and three times as high as lung cancer in women. It follows that breast cancer is one of the most researched and publicized conditions - however, many groups in our society know little about their treatment options for breast cancer.

Recent research has revealed that nearly half of women being treated for breast cancer did not know that their odds of survival were just as good whether they underwent a complete mastectomy, or breast conserving surgery. One of the greatest impacts of breast cancer on its survivors is on their mental health and self-image. The study was carried out by The University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center. It discovered that many women do not understand the differences between treatment options for breast cancer, and minority women are even less likely to be aware of the impact their decisions will have on their prognosis. One factor that the researchers note is that information about breast cancer treatment must be communicated in a culturally appropriate and sensitive way. With medical tourism and overseas treatment now creating a large part of the cancer-treatment demographic, this clear communication is more important than ever.

Hospitals which focus on medical tourism, like Bangkok Hospital in Thailand, as well as Bumrungrad in Thailand, understand the importance of cultural sensitivity when communicating with patients. Bangkok Hospital, for example, takes a range of steps to make sure that overseas patients feel as 'at-home' as possible while in the hospital, with different dietary options, doctors that speak several languages, as well as translators for all the languages not spoken by the doctors themselves, and signage and information provided in several languages.

In many cases, patients may find that doctors in Thai hospitals for breast cancer like Bangkok Hospital and Bumrungrad have their treatment options more clearly communicated to them than they would in the West. Both of these cancer treatment hospitals in Thailand have specialized breast care clinics, focusing on early detection and diagnosis, as well as treatment of breast cancer in Thailand.

Given the more international, diverse focus of Thailand's breast cancer hospitals, treatment as a medical tourist may make more sense, and provide better outcomes for women with breast cancer.


Information on Kidney Cancer

Sunday, July 18, 2010 4:51:00 PM Posted by Cancer Centers 0 comments

Kidney cancer is a cancer that begins in the kidneys. The kidneys are part of the body’s urinary system, which filters waste products out of the blood in the form of urine. Kidney cancer starts in the cells of the kidney. The two kidneys are found on either side of the backbone, deep inside the upper part of the abdomen and protected by the lower ribs. Urine passes from each kidney to the bladder through tubes called the ureters. In its early stages, kidney cancer usually causes no obvious signs or troublesome symptoms.

As a kidney tumor grows, symptoms may occur. These may comprise blood in the urine. In several cases, blood is visible. In additional instances, traces of blood are noticed in a urinalysis, a lab test frequently performed as part of a regular medical checkup. Other less common symptoms may include tiredness, loss of appetite, weight loss, recurrent fevers, and pain in the side that doesn't go away. High blood pressure or a lower than normal number of red cells in the blood (anemia) may also signal a kidney tumor. These symptoms occur less often. The causes of kidney cancer are unknown. There are some factors that may increase the risk.

Smoking increases the risk of developing renal cell carcinoma. Mild pain-killing drugs such as overuse of painkillers containing phenacetin. This chemical is not used in modern painkillers. However, people who took painkillers containing phenacetin in large quantities before it was banned may still be affected. People who are very overweight have a higher risk of developing renal cell cancer. Obesity is a factor in about 2 out of 10 people who get this cancer. Obesity may cause changes in certain hormones that can lead to renal cell carcinoma.

Exposure to asbestos or cadmium applies to many people who were exposed to these substances in their jobs. Some people inherit a tendency to grow certain types of cancer. Kidney cancer can be caused by some rare inherited conditions. People who have these conditions have a much higher risk for getting kidney cancer, although they account for only a small portion of cases overall. Treatment for kidney cancer will depend on the stage of the cancer. Surgery is the initial treatment for the majority of kidney cancers.

Surgical procedures used to treat kidney cancer include remove the whole kidney (radical nephrectomy). Surgery to remove part of your kidney (partial nephrectomy) means that the surgeon will only take away the diseased part of the kidney. This is best for people who have renal cell carcinoma in both kidneys, have only one functioning kidney or for some patients with small cancers. Biologic therapy boosts your body's own ability to fight cancer. Interferon and interleukin have been used to treat some kidney cancers. While they are ‘natural' substances, they can sometimes cause severe side effects.

Kidney Cancer - Symptoms and Treatment for Kidney Cancer
Kidney cancer is a disease of the kidneys, the reddish-brown curving organs about the size of a small fist, located above the waist to either side of the spine.Kidney cancer starts in the cells of the kidney. In kidney cancer, cells grow unregulated by the signals that normally regulate cell growth and death, and form tumors.

Kidney cancer is a cancer that starts in the kidneys. In order to understand kidney cancer, it helps to know about the normal structure and function of the kidneys.

SymptomsHowever, as a kidney tumor grows, symptoms may occur. These may include:

Blood in the urine.
A lump or mass in the kidney area.
A mass in the area of the kidneys that's discovered during an examination

Other less common symptoms may include:

Fatigue;
Loss of appetite;
Weight loss;
Recurrent fevers;
A pain in the side that doesn't go away; and/or
A general feeling of poor health.

High blood pressure or a lower than normal number of red cells in the blood (anemia) may also signal a kidney tumor; however, these symptoms occur less often.

Treatment for Kidney Cancer
Surgery: Surgery is the most common treatment for renal cell carcinoma, although it may not be appropriate for every patient with this type of tumor. It is difficult to remove the entire tumor without removing the entire affected kidney, although this may be attempted in specific situations. Surgical removal of the primary tumor is usually recommended when the tumor remains contained within the kidney itself. It also may be used when the tumor extends to the nearby blood vessels or the lymph nodes in the region of the primary tumor (called local or regional lymph nodes). Immunotherapy. This treatment uses your body's immune system to fight cancer. An oncologist may administer a substance known as a biological response modifier, such as interferon or interleukin-2. Normally produced by the body, these substances are also made in laboratories. Studies show that people may do better when they're treated with both interferon and surgery.

Radical Nephrectomy: The surgical removal of the entire affected kidney, the tumor, the nearby adrenal gland, and regional lymph nodes is called radical nephrectomy There are usually 4 to 5 incisions that are approximately 1 inch in size. Through these multiple openings, the surgeon carefully removes the kidney. This approach has significantly improved the recovery process, though carries increased risk of complications. It requires specialized training of the surgeon, and though widely available throughout the United States, it is not as readily available as a standard, open nephrectomy.

Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy, also called irradiation or radiotherapy, involves the use of high energy waves (500-1000 times the energy of a normal x-ray) to treat cancer. These invisible rays enter the body at a very specific point directed by a plan developed by the radiation oncologist. They disrupt the activity of any cells in their path, damaging or killing both healthy and cancerous cells.


Truths You Need to Know About Breast Cancer


Breast cancer or any type of cancer is an enemy to humanity. When it invades the human body, it brings with it an end to peace; it introduces pain, discomfort, uncertainties and distractions. My heart goes out to all cancer sufferers especially those women folks that are suffering from breast cancer all over the world wherever you may live, it is well with you; you’ll overcome every traits of that malignancy and be free and healthy again.

Breast cancer is found mostly in women folk, a few cases of male folks contacting breast cancer has been reported, too. My focus in Breast Cancer Remedies will be hinge around breast cancer in women.

Breast cancer as the name implies is a cancerous (malignant) tumor that attacks the breast of women. It starts from the cells of the breast; it starts like a little clot. If undetected early can fan out across the breast and in some reported cases can overspread to the other breast.

Since breast cancer attacks the breast, to understand breast cancer tumor and h how it operates; it is assistive to highlight some fundamentals about the normal make-up or parts of the breast.

Components Of The Breast
The female breast is made up of mammary glands that create breast milk (lobules) you’ll also find tiny ducts (small tubing’s that convey milk from the lobules to the teat (nipple), inside the breast you will find fatty and connective tissue, lymph and blood vessels. It is instructive to know that most breast cancer starts around the cells that line the ducts which carry milk from the lobules to the nipple and is referred to as ductal cancer.

Alternative Treatments For Breast Cancer
It is shocking to live with breast cancer statistics rising to 1 in 8 women developing some form of breast cancer in their lifetime. Women 50 and older are at the greatest risk. Breast cancer is usually detected with mammograms or self breast exams. About 200,000 new cases of breast cancer are diagnosed each year. While the survival rate is increasing, it is important to note the increase in occurrence over the last 50 years. Let's examine what causes breast cancer so we can prevent and deal with breast cancer naturally.

Causes of Breast Cancer
Everyone's cancer is caused by something different, and so pinpointing the cause of breast cancer usually isn't high on the list of priorities once a woman is diagnosed with the potentially deadly disease. But, in general cancer is caused by free radicals, or deformed cells, that attach themselves to your good cells.

Breast cancer specifically has been linked to too much estrogen found in the body. The birth control pill increases the amount of estrogen in the female body. Hormone replacement therapy also has been shown to cause breast cancer because of its tampering with hormone levels.

High levels of preservatives, herbicides, pesticides and other chemicals used to treat food contribute to breast cancer. And estrogens found in dairy and meat can be overwhelming to the body.

Holistic Treatment of Breast Cancer
Plant estrogens like soy are a great way to combat breast cancer. These plant estrogens give the female body everything it needs without the harmful effects. Women with breast cancer should increase their intake of soy foods. Eating whole grains, green leafy vegetables, and fruit also give the immune system a boost and enable the body to wage its own war against cancer. Vitamin and mineral supplements help to fill in the gaps of nutrition you may miss from your diet. Antioxidants counteract the free radicals floating around your body, bind with them, and the body flushes them right out so they can do no harm.

Mental and spiritual well being is also important in a holistic approach to fighting breast cancer. Meditation, stress reduction, improved outlook, and positivity all help improve your mental well being. Exercise is a fantastic way to improve your immune system, build a physically healthy body, and improve your mental well being at the same time. Yoga, Tai-Chi, and walking are all beneficial ways to exercise the body and mind without overdoing it and causing damage.

Progesterone cream delivers the hormone, progesterone, to the body in the fastest way possible - transdermally, or through the skin. Progesterone helps to regulate the other hormones in the body, especially estrogen levels. As a woman ages, her natural progesterone levels decrease leaving her exposed to excess estrogen. In research conducted in 1995, progesterone was shown to have protective effects on breast tissue because it inhibits the growth of more breast cancer cells. Estrogen does the opposite and encourages breast tissue growth. Pro-Gest is a good progesterone cream for women with breast cancer.


Prostate Cancer Treatment Options: Selecting What Is Best


Being diagnosed with prostate cancer nowadays is by no means a death sentence however it is imperative that you get treatment without delay. There are a number of prostate cancer treatment options available and the best one for you will depend on your individual case. You need to speak with your oncologist and decide what you want to achieve from your prostate cancer treatment so that the right course of treatment can be selected for you.

You might want to consider taking a family member with you to your consultation so that they can ask any questions that you might forget because of the stress associated with the situation.

Ask your oncologist if he/she has any leaflets about the various prostate cancer treatments because as you go back over your conversation at a later date you will undoubtedly forget important aspects that require consideration. Also ask your oncologist to explain the different prostate cancer treatment options to you in easy terms. Medical jargon can be overwhelming and confusing to a stressed mind so try to make things as easy as possible.

Simply put there are three major forms of prostate cancer treatment; surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. Hormone therapy is also often used as a complimentary therapy and any combination of the three main treatments can be used together or in conjunction with hormone therapy. The type of prostate cancer treatment that you receive will depend to a large extent on the cancer itself and how far it has progressed.

When the initial cancer spreads to the surrounding tissues and then to other sites in the body, the type of prostate cancer treatment used will become more palliative than curative i.e. the treatment will slow down the growth of the cancer and help control the side effects rather than actually curing the disease.

In addition factors such as your age, general health and what you want to achieve from the treatment will also be taken into consideration. The elderly may suffer from surgery much more than they would suffer with prostate cancer and so they may choose to do nothing except slow down the growth and spread of the disease. Younger men however may want to get rid of the cancer entirely and so opt for surgery and then probably radiation therapy to kill any remaining cancerous cells.

There are a lot of things to consider when you choose your form of prostate cancer treatment and the decision should not be rushed. Prostate cancer is one of the slow growing cancers and so a few weeks of deliberation will, in most cases, have no major effect on the size of your cancer or the symptoms experienced.

New Prostate Cancer Treatment Options
The most common therapies for prostate cancer are surgical removal of the entire prostate gland, radiation treatment, and hormonal therapy. All of these are highly effective, however, they can often lead to serious side effects that can downgrade quality of life by making erections difficult to achieve and causing loss of nightly urinary control. Fortunately, there are a few new treatments in the works that show promise.

One is an actual cancer vaccine called Provenge, which has shown an increase in survival times of men with prostate cancer as compared to a placebo in controlled studies. The company that makes it, Dendreon, has sought FDA approval, and although the FDA has agreed that it appears to be a safe and effective drug, they have taken a long time in approving it, asking for more clinical trials.

The drug aims to teach the body's immune system how to find and fight cancer cells without hurting normal cells, and so far appears to do just that. If and when Provenge is approved it could be an excellent treatment option for all prostate cancer patients.

Another treatment in the works is a gene therapy called Ad5-TRAIL, which is a deactivated human cold virus (called an adenovirus) that carries the gene treatment to the area of the prostate cancer. The third new treatment in the works is a form of cryosurgery colloquially known as "male lumpectomy" but officially called focal cryosurgery. Cryosurgery has been around for awhile, and consists of the surgeon injecting cold argon into the prostate gland destroying the cells. It has always had a better recovery rate than surgeries involving cutting, and less side effects as well.

The new focal version of cryotherapy adds new accuracy with even less chance of such side effects as impotence and urinary incontinence. The procedure has successfully treated 95% of those with prostate cancer in trials, and 80% walk away with no impotence or incontinence, a blessing for those faced with prostate cancer. The treatment is also outpatient, so patients don't have to face an extended hospital stay, however, it is generally only aimed at early stage prostate cancer as it consists of destroying only a small tumor confined to the prostate gland.

This treatment is currently only performed at a few places outside of research centers, such as Duke University Medical Center in North Carolina. While current prostate cancer treatment is effective and many illnesses are caught on time and treated successfully, there is room for improvement due to the serious side effects of erectile dysfunction and bladder control problems that are so common. Fortunately, some of these new therapies show hopeful promise for those with prostate cancer.


The Truth Behind Metastatic Lung Cancer

Tuesday, July 6, 2010 4:44:00 PM Posted by Cancer Centers 0 comments

Unlike other forms of lung cancer, metastatic lung cancer is the result of a cancer from another part of the body spreading to the lungs. When a malignancy develops in the body (most often in the breasts, colon, prostate, or bladder, though almost all cancers have the ability to spread) it can sometimes spread through the blood stream. When these malignancies settle into the pulmonary tissues, such as the alveoli (the final vein-like branches of the respiratory system) and the supporting tissues of the respiratory structures, the cancer has metastasized to the lungs.

Unfortunately, treating metastatic lung cancer presents significant challenges. Since the cancer has spread from another part of the body, treatment not only involves addressing the cancer in the lungs, but also the original cancer and any other areas of the body that may have also become affected. In some cases, if the primary tumor is successfully removed and if the spread of the tumor cells to the pulmonary regions is relatively localized, then the management of the cancer by surgical techniques may do the job. However, if the metastatic lung cancer is extensive, because so many areas of the body may be under the influence of the cancer, certain treatments (such as surgery, and in many cases, radiation therapy as well) may prove ineffective. Which leaves most patients with chemotherapy as the primary treatment of choice.

Chemotherapy often uses a combination of drugs (often referred to as "anti-cancer" drugs) to kill cancer cells, though a single drug may be used as well. While the aim of these drugs is to stop cancerous cells from multiplying, they also can damage healthy cells. This is what creates the side effects that are often associated with chemotherapy, such as the loss of hair, nausea and vomiting, and fatigue. Chemotherapy can provide a cure (when the cancer disappears and does not return) or help to control the cancer (to keep it from spreading and perhaps kill cancerous cells that have already spread to other areas of the body, such as is the case in metastasized lung cancer) or relieve the symptoms of the cancer (to provide the patient with a better quality of life, even in the face of a poor prognosis). How it's used in any particular situation is dependent upon the type of cancer, the stage of the cancer, the prognosis, and the plan as set out by the patient and his or her physician.

Of course, such alternative plans will vary much the same as traditional treatments, depending on the location and size of the tumor, the age and general health of the patient, and other factors.

Metastatic lung cancer is certainly more challenging to overcome than other forms of lung cancer because the fight against the cancerous cells is not confined to the lungs. And while a cure is unlikely in most cases, in rare instances (usually when the primary tumor has been removed and the spread of the cancer has been limited), the lung metastases can be removed surgically, with a prognosis of long-term survival.

Please note that the information provided in this article is for information purposes only. It should not be used during a medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of lung cancer or metastatic lung cancer. Such situations should always involve the expertise of a physician or health care provider.

Searching for the Right Lung Cancer Treatment
Lung cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer. If you have been diagnosed with lung cancer, the next thing you should do is to discuss with your doctors the most suitable lung cancer treatment for you. There are various options available for the treatment of lung cancer, but you will need to discuss these options carefully with your doctors and family before making a decision on the treatment method. Please bear in mind that the earlier the cancer is treated, the better will be your prognosis from this deadly disease.

Surgery is obviously one of the more effective treatment for removing the cancer from the body, however it all depends on how far along the cancer is. CT and PET scans are used to determine is the cancer can be removed through surgery, or if it is too far along and has spread to other areas making it harder to perform surgery. Blood tests and spirometry or lung function testing are also used to see if the patient can be operated on. Surgical procedures include wedge resction or partial removal of the lobe, a lobectomy or removal of one lobe, a bilobectomy or removal of two lobes, and pneumonectomy or the removal of an entire lung. A lobectomy is the most common form of surgery because it reduces the chance of the cancer returning.

Chemotherapy is also used to reduce the risk of the cancer recurring. The kind of chemotherapy used depends on the type of cancer and where it is located in the lungs. Gefitinib is one such drug that targets the tyrosine kinase domain of the epidermal growth factor receptor. Erlotinib is another drug that has been shown to increase the survival rate in cancer patients. Both of these drugs have been shown to be very effective in females, Asians and non-smokers.

Becoming diagnosed with lung cancer is a very serious thing to be told. There are several ways the cancer can be treated now but it is important to know all the lung cancer treatment options that are available to you. It is best to get surgery if at all possible, but if the cancer has spread into other areas, surgery is out of the question. Then chemotherapy, radiotherapy and targeted therapy can be considered. You should also explore the possibility of using other alternative cancer treatments. However, it is important for you to speak with your doctor the instance you have gotten lung cancer.




What are the Risk Factors for Breast Cancer?

Friday, July 2, 2010 4:40:00 PM Posted by Cancer Centers 0 comments

Breast cancer is a largely unknown disease until today, despite the fact that it affects almost ten percent of the women above the age of forty years all over the world. Similarly it is unknown why some women have higher chances of getting breast cancers than others.

Though the causative factors are not known, some risk factors have been identified. There is no medical proof why these factors make the disease more probable, but this is a study of observation. In a vast cross-section of women with the observed risk factors, it has been found that the chances of getting breast cancers are very high.

The various risk factors for breast cancer are as follows:

(1) Family History of Breast Cancer
If a near relative like a mother or a sister has had breast cancer, then there is a very high chance that the cancer will occur sometime in life. This propensity is observed even if far relatives such as cousins and aunts have had breast cancer, though the chances are lesser as the relatives are more removed. Even if a male relative has had breast cancer or prostate cancer, then there is a chance of getting breast cancer. This clearly indicates that breast cancer runs through family lines through inheritance. Certainly the chances are very high if more than one family member has had breast cancer.

(2) Personal History of Breast Cancer
If a woman has had breast cancer in the past, then there is a great chance that the breast cancer may recur. This is true even if the cancer had been removed in its benign stage itself. Sometimes the cancer cells spread into the nearby lymph. This makes a possibility that the cancer will occur in the opposite breast. In fact, women who have had cancer in one breast have 50 to 75% more chances of developing the cancer in the other breast.

(3) Diseases of the Breast
Several breast diseases can increase the chances of having breast cancer. Changes in the cells of the breasts can lead to atypical hyperplasia. This condition can cause a three to fourfold increase in the possibility of getting breast cancer in the later years. This risk also exists if the atypical hyperplasia has occurred in other women of the family. Another such condition is the benign breast tumor condition known as fibro adenoma. However, women with fibrocystic breasts generally do not have any added vulnerability to breast cancer. Yet, such conditions could make the breasts lumpy and hide the real tumors (if any) during mammography.

(4) Lifestyle
In today’s world, lifestyle is the single largest contributing factor for the proliferation of breast cancer among women. Several elements of the lifestyle have been found to be directly accordant with the prevalence of breast cancer. Smoking and alcoholism in women are among the chief factors. Even diet has been pointed out as an important risk factor. Women who consume a diet with more high-cholesterol fats in them have higher chances of breast cancer. At the same time leading a sedentary lifestyle without indulging much in physical activity are also potentially dangerous.

(5) Radiation
It has been found that women who undergo radiation therapies in their chest region at a young age have an increased risk of developing breast cancer in their later lives. Radiation therapy is generally prescribed for women with conditions like Hodgkin’s disease or non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. So women who have undergone such treatments may get breast cancer in their later years.

(6) Hormonal Imbalances
There are several factors that can change the hormone balance of the body. This increases the risk of getting breast cancer to a mild extent. Apart from that women who take regular birth control pills, breast enhancement supplements, antidepressants and antihistamines and hormone modifying supplements stand at a higher risk to get breast cancers.

The above are the major risk factors for breast cancers. There are several other indications of breast cancers, like breast implant operations; but these have not yet been confirmed. The implants used in the earlier days were made of silicone gels. These were riskier in terms of breast cancer. However, nowadays the silicone gel implants have been replaced by saline implants. This has reduced the risk to a great extent.

It must be also noted that women have much higher chances of getting breast cancer than men. In fact, most people think that breast cancer is a disease that affects only women. Men also get breast cancers, but to a much lesser degree than women. Also, age is a very important factor. The chances of getting breast cancer are much higher when the woman has crossed the age of 50 years.

New Breast Cancer Information
Breast cancer has been known as the fifth most common cause of death worldwide and the second most common type of cancer following lung cancer. It starts in the cells of the breast. In the year of 2005 breast cancer caused approximately 502,000 deaths worldwide. The amount of people worldwide getting breast cancer has increased since the seventies. Breast cancer is known to be higher in the western world then it is in third world countries.

Women from North America are known to have the highest incidence of this type of cancer. With women in the United States breast cancer is the most common of cancer types and the second most common type of cancer death.

Women that live in the United States have a one in eight chance in their lifetime of developing invasive breast cancer. And women in the United States have a three percent chance of dying from breast cancer. In the year of 2007 breast cancer caused many deaths in the United States averaging about seven percent of all cancer deaths. In the United States death rates for breast cancer have been known to decline in the last few years.

A research study conducted in 2005 showed that breast cancer was still one of the most feared diseases even with heart disease being a more common death among women. With the breast being composed of identical tissues in both men and women, men can also get breast cancer. But with men breast cancer is almost one hundred times less common then it is with women.

Men that have breast cancer are considered to have the same survival rate as women. Breast cancer is one of the oldest types of cancer in humans. When doctors started understanding the circulatory system back in the 17th century they then established a link between lymph nodes and breast cancer in the armpits.


Alternative Lung Cancer Treatment

Monday, June 28, 2010 4:35:00 PM Posted by Cancer Centers 0 comments

How Alternative Cancer Treatment can help those living with Lung Cancer
Lung cancer involves abnormal cell growth in the lungs, part of the overall respiratory system. While doctors cannot explain why one person may develop lung cancer and someone may not, there are several factors that can lead to the development of lung cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, people who smoke tobacco are at the greatest risk for developing lung cancer because of the harmful substances that are inhaled when smoking cigarettes, pipes, or cigars. Individuals exposed to radon are also at risk for developing lung cancer. Sometimes radon is found undetected in residential homes. People who work in mines may be exposed to radon, increasing their risk for lung cancer development. Other substances thought to be factors in the development of lung cancer are asbestos, arsenic, nickel, soot, and tar, among others. People that have had an immediate family member diagnosed with lung cancer are at risk, along with those who have already had a personal history of lung cancer. The risk of developing a second lung cancer is greatly increased after being diagnosed a first time.

There are several alternative cancer treatment options for people diagnosed with lung cancer. At New Hope Medical Center, the staff works diligently to create an individualized alternative cancer treatment plan that will help build the immune system and suppress the several symptoms associated with lung cancer, including shortness of breath, constant chest pain, fatigue, cough, wheezing, and frequent lung infections like pneumonia. Lung cancer can be diagnosed in several ways. First, a physical exam is performed by a doctor, where he or she checks for general signs of health, and examines the lungs for fluid and normal breathing. Last, a CT scan may be performed to examine and take pictures of the lung tissue and other tissue inside the chest. The CT scan can also reveal abnormal fluid, tumors, as well as swollen lymph nodes. After a thorough analysis, the doctor would then be able to determine if a person had cancer, and if so, what type of cancer was present.

New Hope Medical Center offers alternative cancer treatment options for both types of lung cancer, small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer. Small cell lung cancer involves only 13 percent of lung cancer cases and tends to spread quickly throughout the lungs. About 87 percent of lung cancer cases involve non-small cell lung cancer, which spreads more slowly than small cell lung cancer. At New Hope Medical Center, located in Scottsdale, AZ, personalized lung cancer treatment options are available for those seeking help. The alternative cancer treatment center hires only the most experienced doctors and staff, and works diligently to ensure each patient is receiving only the best alternative cancer treatment care.

How Helpful Is The Recognition Of Early Symptoms Of Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is a very deadly disease. The most significant risk factor of this disease is cigarette smoking. Lung cancer proves to be one of the most deadly health problems among Americans.

Studies show that lung cancer account for twenty-eight percent of all cancer deaths among American men and women. Records further show that lung cancer is the most lethal malignant tumor worldwide causing up to three million deaths annually.

Even with the recognition that cigarette smoking is the major risk factor of lung cancer, it is important to note that not all smokers die of lung cancer but just the same, not all non-smokers are safe from lung cancer.

It is further important to recognize that early symptoms of lung cancer will help ensure proper management of this health risk condition. Doctors believe that detection of early symptoms of lung cancer will help halt the progression of lung cancer and put the symptoms to remission.

There are various treatments available against this disease but if you will neglect the early symptoms of lung cancer, it may be hard to manage and possibly, it is already impossible to control. This is because advanced stage of the disease already involves secondary cancer sites developed in the other parts of the body.

Various treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, radio immunotherapy and the new lung cancer treatment, photodynamic therapy.
All of these lung cancer treatments will become useless especially if the detection of the cancer is already on its advanced stage.

Thus, it is necessary to recognize early symptoms of lung cancer to ensure you will be able to halt the symptoms and not merely lessen the symptoms. Early symptom of lung cancer such as persistent coughing is commonly associated with mere itchiness of the throat from smoking. This makes smokers neglect it and set it aside.

Most smokers commonly worry about lung cancer symptoms only when they see blood in the sputum. Other common early symptoms of lung cancer that is often neglected are sudden weight loss, chest pain and constant fatigue, when you start feeling all these signs and you are a smoker, you may need to see your doctor and have him test you for possible signs of lung cancer.

The next symptoms of lung cancer, which will point to an advanced stage of the disease are recurring cases of pneumonia or bronchitis, and neck and facial swelling. Ensure that you will not neglect early symptoms of lung cancer to help you manage the disease properly. Visit your doctor if you are a smoker suffering from persistent coughing and constant fatigue.

There is yet no known cure for this disease, thus detection of early symptoms of lung cancer is the only defence you have in order to avoid this lethal cancer from affecting your life.
It will also help to make sure you will not suffer from lung cancer if you minimize smoking or totally eradicate smoking from your life and live a healthy and active lifestyle.

Regular exercise and eating a well-balanced diet will ensure you will not suffer from lung cancer and will not experience even the early symptoms of lung cancer.



BEST OF HERBS FOR CANCER TREATMENT


Scientists report that the chief causes of cancer are toxic pollutants in the environment. Cancer is a global concern. The World Health Organization is pointing the finger at environmental toxins as key contributors to cancer.

Healing Cancer Naturally
Healing cancer naturally is becoming very effective. The war against cancer is on the move and using herbs for cancer treatment becomes more and more popular. The human body is a work of genius and has the power to heal cancer naturally and using herbs for cancer treatment. It is so complex and so magnificent that scientists marvel at its incredible power. Just for a few examples: 600 muscles allow us to move, 970 miles of blood vessels carry six quarts of blood that complete a lap to and from the heart every two minutes , 10 million nerve endings connect the brain to the body etc. Our bodies just need water and the right foods to function properly.

Herbs for Cancer Treatment
Using herbs for cancer treatment can help the body to support its healing power. Crops are being sprayed with pesticides, herbicides and insecticides. Soils are being depleted of essential minerals necessary to keep body cells in good health. A recent study indicates that five to seven servings of green leafy vegetables daily will reduce cancer by 66 percent. But most Americans do not eat enough vegetables. Healing cancer naturally can be achieved with proper nutrition, exercise and herbs for cancer treatment.

We humans are destroying the earth's balance and diversity of life forms. Several companies are now marketing oxygen therapy equipment and oxygenated water. There are even oxygen bars where you can buy and inhale pure oxygen "cocktails". In final analysis, we are destroying our own human existence. By chance, there are some avenues to ward off the onslaught of pollution and poisons, even to protect ourselves from cancer. Herbs for cancer treatment are available to help the body to heal cancer naturally as long as it has the right keys to neutralize the invading toxins.

Many different factors may cause cancer. Mainly, cancer is caused by the failure of some cells to undergo normal regulated growth due to DNA defects in specific target cells.
Many findings have shown that some herbs for cancer treatment can help our body to heal cancer naturally as well as other various diseases. Here's what we know about how to heal cancer naturally. Here what some herbs for cancer treatment can do to support and heal cancer naturally.

To Heal Cancer Naturally, Your Body Needs:
• To be in an oxygenated and alkaline state.
• To be able to detoxify and eliminate toxins.
• High levels of enzymes.
• High antioxidant levels to destroy free radicals

Taking Care Of Your Mind, Body And Spirit!
If you or any one of your loved ones is diagnosed with cancer, there are a number of cancer treatment centers located all over the country. These cancer treatment centers offer a whole range of treatments, both traditional and holistic, to help treat not only cancer but also the body, mind and spirit too. A number of cancer treatment centers conduct research on an ongoing basis, and patients can take part if they qualify in a series of clinical trials. There are new cancer treatments that are developed continually, and once research has advanced to where trying it on humans is warranted, clinical trials are conducted. Great results are being seen with new cancer treatments; in comparison to the past when some types of cancer were considered as a death sentence are currently being treated successfully and hence patients can enjoy living cancer free due to this continual research.

Today cancer treatment centers are easily accessible to everyone located in many metropolitan areas. A number of them are affiliated with large university based hospitals, and provide the latest technology available to treat different types of cancers. If for any reason one of these major cancer treatment centers are not within a reasonable distance, or not accessible due to other limitations, one can receive treatment through local oncologists and cancer treatment centers. These also have good facilities, and can provide the cancer patient with professional care and support. Cancer treatment centers vary in the types of services they offer, for instance it can be traditional or alternative treatment based, and the corresponding fees may also differ. Those seeking other upscale private facilities that offer gourmet organic meals, natural herbal spa treatments, and additional pampering services to the cancer patient can also be found along with deluxe room accommodations. Such type of non-traditional cancer therapies help the patient recuperate and enjoy living again.

Cancer treatment centers are no more just sterile hospital environments that offer stale food, and stiff sheets. Comfort is of utmost important for all cancer patients, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Cancer patients who are in search of a cancer treatment center can look up online for different alternatives, where a range of cancer treatments are discussed, plus other considerations such as diet and nutrition, and spiritual health. Cancer treatment centers all share the same goal, to offer the best care possible, to provide continual support to cancer patients and their families, and turn what can be a distressing situation into a more optimistic experience.


How is Breast Cancer Treated?

Sunday, June 20, 2010 4:31:00 PM Posted by Cancer Centers 0 comments

It is becoming incredibly more common today with people infected with all types of cancer. Among these, one of the more common type is breast cancer and it is rapidly becoming more prevalent. If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer, the next thing you should think about is to consult your doctors on what are the breast cancer treatments options that are available to you. This article will talk about some of the ways breast cancer is currently being treated.

Depending on what stage the cancer is in, surgery or a lumpectomy (removal of just the lump) might be necessary. Lumpectomy is used for a breast conservation surgery where they want to keep the breast. However, removal of the entire affected breast might even be necessary. Surgical removal of the entire breast is known as a mastectomy.

After surgery, radiation therapy is commonly prescribed. The radiation therapy is used to reduce the chances that the cancer relapse. The radiation therapy consists of gamma rays that target the tumor or where the tumor once was before the surgery. The radiation removes the traces of cancer cells left behind around the area where the surgery was performed. Unfortunately, the radiation also attacks the other normal cell in the body as well and can cause damages to the tissue around the tumor.

There are other ways, as an alternative and an addition in the breast cancer treatment mentioned above. Hormonal treatment is often used after chemotherapy. Targeted therapy is also another way to treat breast cancer. With this type of treatment, monoclonal antibodies are used to battle an over abundance of HER2 protein in cancer cells slowing the growth of the cancer cells in the process. When used with chemotherapy, this can reduce the chances of cancer cells returning as well as improving the patient's survival rate.

These are just a few of the many ways breast cancer is being treated. Incidentally, these are the most commonly used and sometimes the most reliable treatments of breast cancer. A lot of research is presently being conducted worldwide in the hope of discovering the cure for breast cancer and cancer in general. It's only a matter of time before a new and better treatment or cure is discovered. In the meantime, it's very important for you to be kept informed about breast cancer and the type of breast cancer treatments that are available to you.

Alternative Breast Cancer Treatments
A wide variety of alternative breast cancer treatments exist today. While “alternative” treatments are defined as practices that replace traditional treatments, most breast cancer patients use them in combination with conventional medicine.

Generally, alternative treatments are not acknowledged by the medical community as standard medical practices and therefore, many patients do not inform their doctors when using these therapies. Examples of alternative treatments include acupuncture, massage, megavitamins, herbal supplements, nutrition, and magnetic therapy, to name a few.

Practiced for thousands of years, acupuncture involves the stimulation of specific points on the body using a hair-thin needle, or other method, to restore the body’s internal balance and energy flow. Acupuncture may be used for pain relief and to control side effects from chemotherapy.

Massage involves manual manipulation of muscles and soft tissue. It is believed that massage enhances the function of those muscles and tissues involved, while promoting relaxation. Available scientific evidence does not support claims that massage slows or reverses the growth or spread of cancer.

Megavitamin treatments usually involve very high doses of vitamins A, C and E. While the body requires these and other vitamins for optimal health, too much of a single vitamin may be harmful and even interfere with other treatments. A healthy diet, one that offers lots of fruits and vegetables, eliminates the need for vitamin supplements. Good nutrition is always important, but for anyone fighting breast cancer, or any cancer, it’s crucial. Though there are many, one alternative nutrition treatment is the macrobiotic diet. This diet is strictly vegetarian and includes whole grains, vegetables, beans, seaweed and soups. This diet is promoted for both cancer prevention and treatment, though there is no proof that is has any affect on either. In general, a healthy diet—one that includes fruits, vegetables and protein—provides the reserves of nutrients needed to maintain a strong immune system and cope with the adverse side of effects of treatments.

Herbal supplements are plant extracts and have long been used for a variety of health purposes. There are few regulations in place to control the quality and safety of these products. In 2007, the FDA did initiate new regulations to help improve this, but many are not effective until 2010. Cancer experts often recommend that patients avoid dietary supplements altogether.

These are just a few of the many alternative breast cancer treatments available. When facing a life threatening illness, such as breast cancer, a feeling of desperation may be experienced while searching for treatments. As a result, the patient may develop an “I’ll try anything” mentality. While it’s important to keep an open mind about new treatment options, it’s more important to approach alternative treatments with caution. Be upfront and honest with everyone involved in treating your disease before starting any alternative therapies. Many of these may be safe, but there may also be risks involved when combining alternative and traditional medicine. Ultimately, the decision for any treatment is up to the patient. Choosing one treatment over another should be based on knowledge, not fear. Remember, knowledge is power.



Even the Best Prostate Cancer Treatment Can Have Side Effects


In helping patients choose the best prostate cancer treatment, several factors are taken by doctors into consideration. These factors include the patient's age, his health condition, the stage and grade of the cancer, other diseases that the patient might have and possible side effects.

It is a sad reality that even the best prostate cancer treatment can have side effects. For each therapeutic option, there usually exists a corresponding side effect. It is important for every patient and doctor to know the possible ramifications of treatment procedures, be it surgical, radiation-based, chemotherapy, hormonal or cryosurgery.

Surgical procedures for treating prostate cancer include radical retropubic prostatectomy, radical perineal prostatectomy, laparoscopic radical prostatectomy and transurethral resection. The risks associated with radical prostatectomy include anesthetic risks, heart attack, stroke, blood clots in the legs and lungs and infection at the incision site. Major side effects of surgical procedures can also include urinary incontinence, impotence, sterility and lymphadema. Lymphadema is a rare complication characterized by swelling and pain particularly in the legs and the genital area. This is caused by fluid collection due to the removal of lymph nodes.

When it comes to external beam radiation therapy (EBRT), the most notable side effects reported by researchers are bowel problems, bladder problems, incontinence, impotence, and in some cases, fatigue. Brachytherapy, or internal radiation therapy, carries some of the side effects also associated with EBRT; with bowel problems and frequent urination as the most common. Impotence can also occur although this is not as common with brachytherapy compared with other treatment methods.

The side effects associated with cryosurgery or cryoablation are often worse if the procedure is done on a patient who has already undergone radiation therapy. Men who have had radiation therapy and cryosurgery can sometimes have blood in their urine and experience soreness in the areas where the needles were placed. Swelling of the scrotum and the penis is also possible, and so are impotence and urinary incontinence. In some cases, a fistula or abnormal opening or connection between the rectum and the bladder may occur. This could result to urine leaking into the rectum and may require surgery to repair.

The primary problem with the use of hormones is that over time, majority of patients become resistant to this treatment. Aside from this, hormone therapy can also cause impotence, hot flashes and loss of sex drive.

Chemotherapy, just like hormone therapy, is unlikely to result in a cure but is primarily used to slow the growth of the cancer. The main problem with chemotherapy is that it could also damage normal cells. Some of the temporary side effects associated with this procedure include nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, hair loss, mouth sores, increased risk of infection, bleeding or bruising and blood clots.

Side effects can exist even in the best prostate cancer treatment.

Natural Cancer Treatment Vs Conventional Cancer Treatment
During anti cancer treatment (Conventional cancer treatment), it is difficult to protect the healthy cells of side effects caused by the drugs administered. Although the effects of treatment vary according to each patient and the medications used, all cancer patients suffer adverse effects of treatment that affect their skin, look and internal organs. An important part of the work of clinicians and patients is to precisely manage those potential side effects. The role of this article is to summarize the main side effects caused by different types of conventional cancer treatments and potential natural treatment (including nutrition, remedies and immunotherapy). Let’s start with the conventional methods.

There are four (4) types of anti cancer treatment:

1. Surgery – Surgery, the oldest form of cancer treatment, is used in cancer treatment either to remove only the tumor, or the entire organ. Cancer surgery offers the greatest chance for cure of cancers that have not spread to other parts of the body. However, no matter how successful a surgery can be, it provokes one or all the following side effects:
- Risk of wound infection
- Damage to internal organs and blood vessels during surgery
- Blood clots can form in the deep veins of the legs after surgery, especially if a person remains in bed for a long time
- Reactions to anesthesia or other medicines. Although rare, these can be serious because they can cause dangerously low blood pressures.

2. Radiotherapy - Radiation therapy is the use of ionizing radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. It can be administered externally (external beam radiotherapy) or internally (brachytherapy). Unfortunately, radiation can cause severe blood changes including drop in production of new blood cells, nausea, anemia and vomiting. Other short/long-term side effects of radiotherapy may include:
- Irritation and burning of the skin
- Infertility - radiation to the testicles can cause permanent loss of sperm production
- Fatigue is a common effect of radiation. It may be linked to anemia or weakened immune system
- Brain disorder - radiation therapy to the brain can cause changes in brain function that can lead to memory loss, lower sexual desire, etc.
- Skin disorder - radiation therapy can make your skin become tender or sensitive. Peeling of the skin may occur.
- Second cancers – the radiation itself can cause Second cancers (metastases)
- Erectile dysfunction - radiation therapy to the pelvis can damage the arteries and nerves that supply the penis and cause problems with erections

3. Chemotherapy - Chemotherapy is a systemic treatment, its effects affect both healthy cells as cancer cells. Generally, these effects depend to a large proportion of drugs prescribed and their dosage. The anti-cancer drugs quickly affect cell division. This means that the white blood cells, which fight against infection, are also affected. This combination of factors explains why patients are more prone to infections and fatigue or even anemia during cancer treatment. Similarly, this change of cell division causes hair loss or alopecia.

4. Hormonotherapy - Side effects caused by hormonotherapy depend largely on the type of treatment used and prescribed medicines. The Tamoxifen can cause hot flashes, irritation or vaginal discharge, nausea and irregular menstruation.

During and after cancer treatment (conventional treatment)
Here are some advices that can help: Keep your diet low in saturated fats. Use mostly unsaturated fats such as fish oil and flax seed oil which are rich in omega 3 fatty acids. Eat fruits and raw vegetables abundantly; fruits and cruciferous vegetables reduce the risk of all types of cancers and their reoccurrences. Increase your intake of calcium; High intake of calcium reduces the risk of certain type of cancers. Maintain a normal weight; too much body fat is associated with a great number of diseases. Eat foods rich in antioxidant nutrients. Cigarette smoke, including second hand smoke, is the number one cause of lung cancer. Increase your fiber consumption; It is proven in several researches high fiber lower the chances of having colorectal cancers. Reduce stress, anxiety and depression by laughing, praying and singing; prayer is key to opening the door of impossibility.

Natural cancer treatment
Alternative cancer treatment is the use of herbal remedies to address the causes of the cancer (not just the symptoms) and boost the immune system to fight against pathogens and help the body heal itself. Taken regularly, certain natural herbal remedies may help to maintain the healthy functioning of every cell in your body and strengthen the immune system to ensure continued health and vitality. As we all know, a healthy strong immune system is a key element in protecting the body against infection or diseases like cancer, as well as in the promotion of recovery after illness and during cancer treatment.


Think You Have A Prostate Problem Or Prostate Cancer?


About 80 percent of men who reach the age of 80 have prostate cancer. It's deadly but can be cured if it's caught early enough. Like other cancers, the cause of prostate cancer is not known; it appears to be more common in African American men and men with a family history of the disease. The prostate gland is located directly beneath the bladder and in front of the rectum. The male hormone testosterone contributes to the growth of cancer.

Because the symptoms can mimic other diseases or disorders, men who experience any of these symptoms should undergo a thorough work-up to determine the underlying cause of the symptoms. Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease are bone pain or tenderness, and abdominal pain.

Most prostate cancer symptoms, although associated with prostate cancer, are more likely to be connected to non-cancerous conditions. If cancer is caught at its earliest stages, most men will not experience any symptoms. One symptom is difficulty starting urination or holding back urine.

There are several potential downsides to PSA testing; for example a high PSA does not always mean a patient has prostate cancer. CT scans may be done to see if the cancer has spread. What is called a free PSA may help tell the difference between BPH (benign prostatic hypertrophy), an enlargement of the prostate gland, and prostate cancer.

A urinalysis may indicate if there is blood in the urine. A prostate biopsy usually confirms the diagnosis. The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test measures the PSA enzyme in your blood for abnormalities.

Recent improvements in surgical procedures have made complications occur less often. Medicines can be used to adjust the levels of testosterone; called hormonal manipulation. Surgery is usually only recommended after thorough evaluation and discussion of all available treatment options.

Prostate cancer that has spread (metastasized) may be treated conventionally with drugs to reduce testosterone levels, surgery to remove the testes, chemotherapy or nothing at all. Some drugs with numerous side effects are being used to treat advanced prostate cancer, blocking the production of testosterone, called chemical castration; it has the same result as surgical removal of the testes. Side effects of chemotherapy drugs depend on which ones you're taking and how often and how long they're taken.

An oncology specialist will usually recommend treating with a single drug or a combination of drugs. Chemotherapy medications are often used to treat prostate cancers that are resistant to hormonal treatments. Anyone considering surgery should be aware of the benefits, risks and the extent of the procedure.

Other medications used for hormonal therapy, with side effects, include androgen-blocking agents, which prevent testosterone from attaching to prostate cells. Hormone manipulation is mainly used as a treatment to relieve symptoms in men whose cancer has spread.

In patients whose health makes the risk of surgery unacceptably high, radiation therapy is often the chosen conventional alternative. Whether radiation is as good as prostate removal is debatable and the decision about which to choose, if any, can be difficult.

Once diagnosed you may be want to join a support group whose members share their experiences and problems. As new research comes out adjust your treatment options accordingly.

Prostate Cancer Research Institute Adds Bernhoff A. Dahl, M.d. to Their Helpline Staff
The Prostate Cancer Research Institute (PCRI) was founded in 1996 by internationally recognized oncologists Stephen B. Strum, M.D. and Mark C. Scholz, M.D. with support from the Daniel Freeman Hospital Foundation in Southern California.

The objective of PCRI is to educate patients and their families about prostate cancer, including new advances in diagnosis, staging, treatments and available resources. PCRI believes that a patient who understands his disease and treatment is empowered to communicate more effectively with his physicians and obtain a better outcome.

The PCRI Helpline is support service available to people dealing with prostate cancer via phone and email. It is staffed by survivors of prostate cancer, some of which are physicians, but the focus is on directing inquirers to information and not practicing medicine.

Bernhoff A. Dahl, M.D. is the former Chief of Pathology at the Eastern Maine Medical Center and co-founder of Dahl-Chase Pathology Associates, which serves twenty hospitals and laboratories in Maine. Although he had no family history of prostate cancer, after years of monitoring his PSA and a negative biopsy, in September 2004 his second biopsy showed aggressive cancer. Dr. Dahl the set about to gain all the current concepts in prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment and opted for all four major treatment modalities: androgen-depravation therapy (ADT3), radical prostatectomy, chemotherapy, and external beam radiation therapy, all of which he received in one year. Now three year since the diagnosis was made he has an undetectable PSA, changed his diet drastically, and living every day. which includes material on taking charge of one's healthcare.


Alternative Brain Cancer Treatment

Tuesday, June 8, 2010 4:23:00 PM Posted by Cancer Centers 0 comments

Brain cancer is a disease which starts with just one cell but this grows and makes more copies of itself and grows as a tumor which is known as swelling. We are here to help you to need support the most. This brain cancer is of two types that is primary and secondary brain cancer.

Man is bounded with all the pollutions and he is getting addicted or captivated to many diseases. In the previous days the cancer was known as deadly disease and the people were trembling with the word itself. But now days as the science is getting advanced the healers are also in number to heal the disease without loss of life and suffer.

For more information: dr jack
The brain is one of the core parts of the body. It is an essential part of our body. It is here that all the parts of the body are controlled. This brain cancer cells are the smallest units which compose the brain. This is the cancer which can appear from any part of the cell in the brain. These cells are the abnormal growth of cells in the brain.

Brain cancer is of two that is primary brain cancer and the secondary brain cancer. The primary brain cancer is the cancer which originates in the brain and spreads to the parts of the brain. It is developed within the brain itself. The secondary brain cancer is the cancer which originates in other parts of the body such as lungs, pancreases, bone or others and spreads to the brain.

The symptoms of this brain cancer are headache, nausea or vomiting, difficulty of speaking or thinking words, disturbed in vision, smell, hearing or taste, weakness in the parts of body, loss of balance, drowsiness, irritability, or personality changes, convulsions like loss of consciousness or muscle spasm, weakness, difficulty walking, seizures, and others. So it is an urge need if you or your dear one is suffering with these symptoms then they have to get primary treatment and not allow to spread them.

The causes for this brain cancer are many. Some of them are having rare family diseases which makes risk for brain tumors, heavy exposure to the chemicals, disclosure to radiations are connected to this occur of brain cancers and others brain related diseases. The person is considered to be at higher risk if he is of young age and if it is at a higher dose in the disease.

Ya when we hear that we or our dear one is suffering with this disease we emotionally feel very difficult to cope with. The life completely changes. The people around us react differently but we should not feel alone and loose hopes of getting heal with it. If we have a hope of healing it then it there is no matter of what stage the cancer is. So it is believed that hope is the only great healing tool for the cancer survivors. Now as the science is advanced the people are realizing that they have many types of health cares that they can receive and get cured with the deadly chronic diseases.

The person when he is diagnosed with the brain cancer may not get the correct treatment for it. He searches for the suggestions and the runs to the various physicians prescribed by his dear ones. But the patient must be careful while choosing his physician at this stage. He must be careful and should choose the right physician for him so that he may not undergo the second attempt of treatment if the first treatment did not well respond to his disease. So he should be precise in taking the right decision for his treatment from the physician whom he has chosen. There are many kinds of treatment which are followed to cure the diseases. But we at our center heal your suffer with the natural dietary supplements that are made of the herbal products. These medications have been proved as the miraculous improvements in the healing of the diseases.

But it is true that patient becomes panic when he listens that he has been attacked with this deadly disease. In a medical research has shown that alternative medical care that makes feel right to them heal better than patients who take the allopathic medications.

Now a days people believe that the serious or the chronic diseases can be cured with the therapies which improve the immune system and restore the body systems. They have recognized that the therapies really work and stand sharp contrast to the debilitating and often the unsuccessful in the results of chemotherapy and radiation. Many patients are now seeking and coming forth to have these alternative or the complementary treatments for these kinds of diseases that are often considered as incurable by convention doctors. Many have got their health back with these types of therapies.

The effective alternative therapies are now available that offer patients a new hope for healing and restoring their health. Nutritional medicine, detoxification therapies, lifestyle changes and psychological healing are but a few of the choices available today. These powerful therapies aim to restore the natural wisdom of the body. This is the future of medicine which is becoming the choices for better health. The modern treatments consider or stress mainly on curing the symptom or killing the cancerous tumor with powerful treatments. They do not consider about the recurrence of the disease as they feel that the cancer causing cells are destroyed and there is no chance of getting the diseases again. But when the man suffers with this cancer he also has many other diseases with it. So, the cure of these diseases is also needed. The natural therapies not only cure the disease but also make the person to come out of the other related diseases.

Pre Tests and Brain Cancer Treatments
Oncology teams mission in daily work is the prevention and treatment of brain cancer. They research, test, and administer brain cancer treatment. Depending on the stage, location of tumor, and age of the patient, a treatment plan for the cancer can begin. Usually involving surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and other treatment simultaneously, brain cancer treatment is an aggressive attack on the cancerous tissue masses found.

Many treatment methods are available that can be used alone, but this depends on just how advanced the brain cancer has developed.

The most interesting portion of brain cancer treatment lay in the tests that are performed before the surgery treatment option is chosen. Because the brain is of course one of the most important organs of the body many tests must first be performed to confirm the presence of a cancerous mass in the brain.

Electrocardiograms or EKG is done, chest x-rays, and other test that detect the presence of any uncontrolled disease of the body exist first. Hypertension, diabetes, coronary ischemia, and a disease that inhibits the bodys natural blood clotting mechanisms (circulating anticoagulant) determine the surgery type to be performed. option uses MRI scan to pinpoint the exact location of the tumor and the laser is used to destroy tumor masses.

Radiation treatment is used in conjunction with surgery or alone when the brain cancer cannot be surgically removed. Survival using radiation increased ten fold for patients with malignant tumors and tends to pro long life in patients with any low-grade gliomas.

External-beam radiation is the most common form of radiation treatment used in the treatment of brain cancer delivering radiation from the outside of the body. Usually initiated following surgery to remove any addition cells not removed during surgery, this treatment option is used in conjunction with all others as a final precautionary measure to ensure the elimination of all possible cancerous cell formations.

Cancers can reoccur and proper follow-up care for patients who have undergone radiation or other treatments as there are some long-term side effects that may need constant monitoring for a while. For the brain cancer patient, neuropsychological test may also be a part of the final treatment stages to evaluate the possibility of diminished intellectual activity following brain cancer treatment.


All About Breast Cancer Research and Treatment

Friday, June 4, 2010 4:20:00 PM Posted by Cancer Centers 1 comments

Breast cancer is considered as a killer disease and it is known to be the top cause of cancer death among women. According to American cancer society, about 1.3 million new breast cancer cases are diagnosed on an annually basis which includes 465,000 deaths. In order to successfully tackle this devastating disease, we must encourage innovative scientists to study cancer at its most basic level. In other words, breast cancer research work should be conducted at its molecular level. Also, besides the governments, private organizations should provide flexible funding to scientists who will be conducting breast cancer research work. Proper funding of breast cancer research projects; can not only lead to better prevention strategies but it can also help towards earlier diagnostic techniques and new anticancer drugs and treatments.

A world renowned cancer researcher, named Lothar Hirneise has come to an understanding that cancer exist with stress. He is of the opinion that when the mind is under constant stress, the body then produces high levels of stress hormone called Cortisol. The immune system gets suppressed with high levels of Cortisol in the body. Also, a stressed mind will release out Adrenaline to an extent of depletion. People suffering from cancer are found to be having almost no adrenaline in their cells. In fact, cells of cancer patients are often overloaded with insulin and plenty of sugar. Another leading German cancer researcher by the name of ‘Ryke-Geerd Hamer has gone through twenty thousand cancer patients and found a direct relationship between psycho-emotional conflict and cancer patients. This occurs between 1 to 3 years, prior to cancer diagnosis and cancer forming within the body. Cancer patients, who have experienced a psycho – emotional conflict shock, in the form of loss of a loved one etc, few years prior to their cancer urine, has experienced emotional pain and stress within themselves. Such a state of mind can have an adverse effect on the immune system of the person’s body.

Recently, researchers who are working towards breast cancer research project, have developed and successfully tested a breast cancer vaccine which is likely to treat women with treatment – resistant HER2 – positive breast cancer and thus be able to prevent cancer re – occurrence. Breast cancer researchers look forward to use HER2 DNA vaccines for cancer – free women, in order to prevent initial development of such tumours. At present, therapies such as trastuzumab and lapatimib are used towards treating breast cancer patients. However, it was lately noticed that a huge group of patients develop a resistance towards trastuzumab and lapatimib. HER2 receptors are known to promote a particularly aggressive type of tumour that affects about thirty percent of breast cancer patients.

The new breast cancer vaccine is produced by the body’s own cells. It delivers a cancer fighting gene into cells, which then produce immune system proteins and also tumor – destroying cells. According to the lead researcher Wei – Zen Wei, a professor of immunology and microbiology at the Karmanos Cancer Institute, the vaccine is made by using so – called naked DNA from genes that produces the HER2 receptor. The process involved in the making of the vaccine, is called as electroporation. The genes moved towards the cells, which then produced HER2 receptors that led to activation of antibodies and immune cells called Killer T cells.

Breast Cancer Affecting Women
Breast cancer can affect women and men alike and is the second most common type of cancer worldwide next to lung cancer. Breast cancer is the fifth most common cause of cancer death worldwide. Among women, this cancer is the most common cancer worldwide. It is more prominent in industrially developed countries than in countries not industrially developed.

There are plenty of signs or symptoms involved with detecting breast cancer. The most notable sign or symptom is the discovery of a lump. This lump usually feels different than the surrounding tissue. More than 80 percent of cases are discovered by the woman doing a self-test and finding a lump on the breast according to the Merck Manual. The first red flag discovered by doctors is through mammograms according to American Cancer Society.

Breast Cancer Symptoms
Having breast cancer is no longer the death sentence that it used to be. The medical profession has made some amazing strides in breast cancer detection and treatment options. However, the key to having the best chance of survival is early detection. The most common sign of breast cancer is noticing a lump in the breast or a thickening of the breast. Breast lumps can often be just fatty tissue and not cancerous, but that is the first sign that normally sends people to go see their doctor to have a thorough examination.

Tips on Breast Cancer
New information has been discovered by research about the causes of breast cancer. It is now believed that genetic and/or hormonal factors are the main risk factors for breast cancer. Doctors can identify how cancer has spread by using staging systems and this helps them to make the best decisions in regards to treatment options. These treatments options can include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and hormone therapy, biological therapy and treatment choices by stage.

The best thing that women can do is try to prevent breast cancer before it happens. You should try to eliminate undue stress in your life and this may require you to make a change in your current lifestyle. You should eat a proper diet and make sure that you participate in a regular exercise program.

Treatment For Breast Cancer
According to Lothar Hirneise, world renowned cancer researcher, cancer cannot exist without stress. Consistent high levels of Cortisol in the body suppress the immune system. The immune system is responsible for destroying rogue cancer cells in the body.

When the mind is under constant stress the body releases and is eventually depleted of Adrenaline. People with cancer possess virtually no adrenaline in their cells. Instead, the cells of cancer patients are overloaded with insulin and too much sugar.

Surgery is one option for breast cancer treatment. In a mastectomy, the entire breast is removed. In a lumpectomy, just an area of the breast containing the cancer is removed. The choice depends on many factors. Your health care professional can help you to understand these factors.

Chemotherapy is another breast cancer treatment that is fairly common. Chemotherapy affects the entire body by going through the bloodstream. The goal is to rid the body of any cancer cells that could have possibly spread from the breast into other parts of the body. Today this type of treatment is much more effective with fewer side effects than in previous years.


Alternative Cancer Cure Teatment Options are Gaining Popularity and Trust

Monday, May 31, 2010 4:53:00 AM Posted by Cancer Centers 0 comments

Medical science has taken great strides forward. However, the vulnerability to many diseases like cancer, remain. Thus, billions of dollars are spent on researching alternative cancer cure treatments every year through out the world. Alternative cancer cure encompasses methods, natural and otherwise, that go beyond the traditional realm of surgery, radiation or chemotherapy.

Physical Touch method
Amidst the varied alternative cancer cure methods, Manual Healing or the Physical Touch method is widely known.

Reiki
The Japanese observation of Reiki is another alternative cancer cure methodology, which also works along similar lines. A Reiki master can unclog your congested energy pathways to relieve you of the pain of the disease and the treatment.

Chiropractic
Chiropractic provides a remedy for musculoskeletal disorders by working on the spine and the neck. Chiropractors believe that this boosts the immune system by restoring the bodily balance that had gone haywire due to cancer.

Massages
Massages, though not proven effective as a cancer cure, provide relief from pain and discomfort.

Nutritional Therapy
Amongst the other kinds of alternative cancer remedy, Nutritional Therapy is the most widely publicized. It has been medically proved that some food prevent and can even cure some cancer forms like breast cancer. In fact, recent discoveries point out to the cancer-combating agents present in fruits like pomegranates and red berries.

Naturopathy and Homeopathy
Naturopathy and Homeopathy are grounded on similar lines. Both therapies believe in achieving bodily harmony, which in turn rouses the self-healing process, which can relieve the symptoms of many forms of cancer like prostate, colon, liver or skin. The core difference in these two cancer remedy methods lies in their modus operandi.

While Homeopathy is almost like vaccination, wherein trace amounts of cancer-inducing agents are introduced in the body in an attempt to trigger a defense mechanism to combat the disease, Naturopathy is actually an amalgamation of various methods like Homeopathy, usage of herbal substances or electrical treatment to achieve the requisite bodily balance.

Other upcoming alternative treatments include:
While many alternative cancer treatment methods agree to the use of natural processes, some like the oxygen and ozone therapies profess the injection of oxygen and ozone to retard the growth of cancer cells and even have them transmute into normal cells.

Recently gaining ground in the dominion of alternative cancer treatment methodologies is the Bristol Approach, combining physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual therapies, aimed at corporal and mental well being.

Its underlying philosophy shares ground with many holistic lines of treatment. These empower the mind to control the bodily processes. The Bristol Approach also incorporates numerous self-help techniques to aid the cancer patient during this treatment period.

The synergistic effect of these alternative cancer cure methods is far greater than when used in seclusion. The alternative treatment is doubly effective when used in conjunction with some conventional mode of cancer remedy.

Has the medical established been overlooking what could be a very effective cancer cure protocol.
Is it possible that the cure for cancer or at the very least an effective cancer treatment for some reason has not been pursued by mainstream medicine? What if qualified PhD researchers have validated its efficacy?

After many decades of pursuing a cancer cure, why is it that we still don't have a treatment protocol that works in the vast majority of cases?

We probably do have that treatment protocol! The tragic reality of cancer research is quite simply this. It seems that those with the money to invest in cancer research rightfully expect a significant return on that investment based on the fact that cancer research is a very costly undertaking. That expectation is reasonable enough, because people with money to invest have an expectation that they will earn a decent return on their investment.

What if a cancer cure had been discovered but if it had no likelihood of returning any payback on the investment. Would you invest additional money to put it through the necessary clinical trials? The answer really is very simple. People in the business of finding cures for cancer are really in the business of finding cures for cancer that can return a hefty profit to their bottom line.

Cancer treatment is a "HUGE BUSINESS" which by definition means a meaningful return on every dollar invested. If it were you, would you continue to market a product that works some of the time but it has hefty returns? Or would you market a product that works most of the time but has zero returns and would effectively put you out of business?

I have no idea what your answer is but I know what their answer is likely to be. Better to make lots of money and save a few cancer patients rather than make no money and save a lot of cancer patients.

Common sense will tell most of us that if we could put a man on the moon in 10 years then it stands to reason that we should have far better treatment protocols that would result in an effective cancer cure after 70 years of clinical research.

We probably already have that cancer cure or at the very least a treatment protocol that turns cancer into a chronic disease as opposed to a death sentence. It is our individual responsibility to determine what researchers have figured out over the last 70 years that could save our lives. But, for whatever reason mainstream medicine and organizations that conduct clinical trials have decided that it is not in their collective best interest to promote because the return on their investment just isn't worth it.

Do your homework and don't let your lack of knowledge leave you in a situation where you think you have no good options or real hope for a cancer cure!



Scholarships for your Children That are not in the Main Stream


We all want our children to go onto college and get a great education, but the ever daunting task, of how does one pay for this besides the use of college loans. One route are scholarships. Believe it or not there are a variety of scholarship programs that your child may qualify for, we list some of them here.

Regardless of how you feel on the imigration subject, one thing is for sure Mexicans are now doing their part of helping fellow Mexicans back in their home country, to stay, there get a good education and hopefully build up the country, or at least so says a recent report in Newsweek. The scholarships are organized and run by the non-profit organization Grupo Indaparapeo. The funds help college scholarships for Mexico`s youth, giving them money for books and transportation that, according to the report, "the Mexican government is willing to match."

If it is sports scholarships that peak your interested you`ll be happy to hear of a recent report in Sports Illustrated where, "high school football players specializing in placekicking is on the increase." The report continues to say that, "Universities are beginning to hand out more scholarships for talented placekickers, leading to the surge of interest in the position." Joe Lemire or Sports Illustrated his findings show of one such individual who took advantage of this offer. "Blair Walsh received offers from schools such as Alabama, Florida, and Georgia following his junior year performance," claims Lemire. "In contrast, Chris Sailer was one of only a dozen high school kickers and punters to receive a scholarship in 1995."

So maybe your child is not the next great athlete coming out of high school, but without a doubt has the grade to get an academic scholarship. Look into ones that are in the mainstream as noted by the Chronicle of Higher Education. In their March 2007 issue they list private donations and funding for education and research. According to the article, "The William Randolph Hearst Foundation in New York city endowed two scholarships, one at Bethune-Cookman University and the other at Oberlin College." They also mentioned that "The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation in Princeton, New Jersey donated to the University of New Mexico at Albuquerque to establish a national center for health policy." They also mentioned private donations for scholarships noting that, "Mariann MacDonald donated to the University of Pennsylvania to create a professorship in breast cancer care at the Abramson Cancer Center."

Not all scholarships present themselves in such a way that are black and white. As always discuss options and opportunities with counselors at your child`s school as well as individuals in the proper departments at the colleges or universities your child may attend.


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