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Treatment


Treatment for biliary tract cancers depends on the type and stage of cancer as well as on the patient’s age and overall health. The goal of treatment is to completely eliminate the cancer. Unfortunately, this is often not possible and the focus may need to be changed to treating the signs and symptoms the cancer is causing or preventing the tumour from causing more harm.

For gallbladder cancer: Surgical removal of the gallbladder usually offers the best hope for people with gallbladder cancer. If the tumour is very small and has not spread to the deeper layers of the gallbladder tissue, the surgeon may perform a simple cholecystectomy, which removes only the gallbladder. If the cancer is more advanced, some liver tissue and nearby lymph nodes are removed along with the gallbladder.

For bile duct cancer: Surgery usually offers the best chance for people with bile duct cancer. But the type of surgery varies depending on the location of the cancer and how extensive it is. For example, removing the affected part of the liver treats tumours that are within the liver. Tumours that develop where the hepatic duct leaves the liver (perihilar tumours) are usually treated by surgically removing a portion of the bile duct, the gallbladder, and parts of the liver, pancreas and the small intestine.

How is the diagnosis made?

Many gallbladder cancers are discovered when a pathologist examines a gallbladder that has been removed for symptoms of gallstones. But many gallbladder and most bile duct cancers are found only after related signs and symptoms appear. The doctor conducts a physical exam and the following tests:

Blood tests: This is to check for elevated levels of bilirubin or the enzyme alkaline phosphatase.

Ultrasound: Ultrasound is usually one of the first tests done in the evaluation of patients with jaundice and is especially good at diagnosing the presence of gallstones and obstructed bile ducts. It can also show the presence and extent of tumours.

CT scan: This helps determine if cancerous cells have spread to the common bile duct, lymph nodes or the liver.

MRI: This test uses a powerful magnetic field and radio waves to create images and can help determine whether the flow of bile is blocked or a tumour has invaded the liver.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatiography (ERCP): This test is most sensitive for detecting an obstruction of the bile ducts and its cause, and can also be used in preparation for surgery. ERCP can also allow a biopsy to be performed, confirming a diagnosis.

Laparoscopy: This is often used to confirm how far the cancer has spread.

Biopsy: In this procedure, a small sample of tissue is removed and examined for cancerous cells under a microscope. It is the only way to make a definitive diagnosis of cancer.

signs and symptoms



Abdominal pain
Nausea and vomiting
Jaundice results from high blood levels of bilirubin. Normally, bilirubin is metabolised in the liver and eliminated through the bile ducts. But a blocked bile duct can cause bilirubin to accumulate in the blood.
Loss of appetite or weight
Jaundice is the most common initial sign of bile duct cancer (cholangiocarcinoma). Other signs and symptoms include:

Enlarged gallbladder
Intense itching (pruritus)
Brown coloured urine
Loss of appetite and weight
White or clay-coloured stools
Fever

Gallbladder cancer.


Gallbladder cancer rarely produces signs and symptoms in the early stages. When symptoms do appear, they often resemble those of other, more common, gallbladder problems, such as gallstones or infection.

GALL BLADDER CANCERS (GBC)


A disease of the elderly with higher incidence in gallstone disease, porcelain gallbladder and large polyps / adenomyosis. Incidence higher in North India especially along the Gangetic basin (industrial toxins). Jaundice usually indicates an advanced disease and a dismal prognosis. Prognosis is best for early GBC, which are resected. Surgery varies from a radial cholecystectomy. (GB + lymphadenectomy + liver tissue from GB base) to segmental hepatectomy (4a +5) to extended hepatectomy. (Right trisegmentectomy) for advanced disease

Treatment

If you have gallstones without symptoms, you do not require treatment. If you are having frequent gallbladder attacks, your doctor will likely recommend you to have your gallbladder removed by an operation called cholecystectomy, a surgery to remove the gallbladder—a nonessential organ. Nearly all cholecystectomies are performed with laparoscopy. After giving you anaesthesia(general), the surgeon makes several tiny incisions in the abdomen and inserts a laparoscope and a miniature video camera. The camera sends a magnified image from inside the body to a video monitor, giving the surgeon a close-up view of the organs and tissues. While watching the monitor, the surgeon uses the instruments to carefully separate the gallbladder from the liver, bile ducts, and other structures. Then the surgeon cuts the cystic duct and removes the gallbladder through one of the small incisions. Conversion to an open procedure may be done in extremely difficult cases in the patients best interest.

Recovery after laparoscopic surgery usually involves only one night in the hospital, and normal activity can be resumed after a few days at home. Because the abdominal muscles are not cut during laparoscopic surgery, patients have less pain and fewer complications than after “open” surgery, which requires a 5- to 8-inch incision across the abdomen.


If gallstones are present in the bile ducts, the physician—usually a gastroenterologist—may use ERCP to locate and remove them before or during gallbladder surgery. Occasionally, a person who has had a cholecystectomy is diagnosed with a gallstone in the bile ducts weeks, months, or even years after the surgery. The ERCP procedure is usually successful in removing the stone in these cases.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is usually confirmed on Sonography & Computerized tomography (CT) scan. Additional blood test is performed to access the Liver functions

Symptoms

As gallstones move into the bile ducts and create blockage, pressure increases in the gallbladder and one or more symptoms may occur.
Steady pain in the right upper abdomen that increases rapidly and lasts from 30 minutes to several hours


o Pain in the back between the shoulder blades
o Pain under the right shoulder

GALL BLADDER STONE...

GALL BLADDER STONE:---

Gallstones are small, pebble-like substances that develop in the gallbladder. The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped sac located below your liver in the right upper abdomen. Gallstones form when liquid stored in the gallbladder hardens into pieces of stone-like material. The liquid—called bile—helps the body digest fats. Bile is made in the liver, then stored in the gallbladder until the body needs it. The gallbladder contracts and pushes the bile into a tube—called the common bile duct—that carries it to the small intestine, where it helps with digestion.
Bile contains water, cholesterol, fats, bile salts, proteins, and bilirubin—a waste product. Bile salts break up fat, and bilirubin gives bile and stool a yellowish-brown color. If the liquid bile contains too much cholesterol, bile salts, or bilirubin, it can harden into gallstones.

Gallstones can block the normal flow of bile if they move from the gallbladder and lodge in any of the ducts that carry bile from the liver to the small intestine. The ducts include the
• Hepatic ducts, which carry bile out of the liver
• Cystic duct, which takes bile to and from the gallbladder
• Common bile duct, which takes bile from the cystic and hepatic ducts to the small intestine

Bile trapped in these ducts can cause inflammation in the gallbladder, the ducts, or in rare cases, the liver. Other ducts open into the common bile duct, including the pancreatic duct, which carries digestive enzymes out of the pancreas. Sometimes gallstones passing through the common bile duct provoke inflammation in the pancreas—called gallstone pancreatitis—an extremely painful and potentially dangerous condition. If any of the bile ducts remain blocked for a significant period of time, severe damage or infection can occur in the gallbladder, liver, or pancreas. Left untreated, the condition can be fatal.

The Cause Of Cancer

Cancer is the disease of the cells. It is an abnormal
growth of cells, which tend to reproduce in an
uncontrolled way and, in some cases, spread or
metastasize. A cancerous growth or tumor is also
known as a malignant growth or tumor. A growth or
tumor, which is non-malignant is called benign. Such
tumors are not cancer.

Cancer is not a single disease. It is a group of more
than hundred different and distinctive diseases. It is not
contagious. Cancer can involve any tissue of the body
and have many different forms in each body area. Most
cancers are named for the type of cell or organ in which
they start. If a cancer spreads (metastasizes), the new
tumor bears the same name as the original(primary)
tumor.

Cancer is the Latin word for crab. The ancients used
the word to mean a malignancy, doubtless because of
the crab-like tenacity a malignant tumor sometimes
seems to show in grasping the tissues it invades.
Cancer may also be called malignancy, a malignant
tumor, or a neoplasm (literally, a new growth).

In medicine, common term for neoplasms, or tumors,
that are malignant is known as Cancer. Like benign
tumors, malignant tumors do not respond to body
mechanisms that limit cell growth. Unlike benign
tumors, malignant tumors consist of undifferentiated, or
unspecialized, cells that show an atypical cell structure
and do not function like the normal cells from the organ
from which they derive. Cancer cells, unlike normal
cells, lack contact inhibition; cancer cells growing in
laboratory tissue culture do not stop growing when they
touch each other on a glass or other solid surface but
grow in masses several layers deep.

Cancer results from mutations of certain genes that
allow the cells to begin their uncontrolled growth. These
mutations are either inherited or acquired. Acquired
mutations are caused by repeated insults from triggers
(e.g., cigarette smoke or ultraviolet rays) referred to as
carcinogens. There is usually a latency period of years
or decades between exposure to a carcinogen and the
appearance of cancer. This, combined with the
individual nature of susceptibility to cancer, makes it
very difficult to establish a cause for many cancers.

The most significant avoidable carcinogens are the
chemical components of tobacco smoke. Dietary
components, like excessive consumption of alcohol or
of foods high in fat and low in fiber rather than fruits and
vegetables that contain antioxidants and necessary
micronutrients, have also been linked with various
cancers. Some cancers may be triggered by hormone
imbalances. For example, some daughters of mothers
who had been given DES (diethylstilbestrol) during
pregnancy to prevent miscarriage developed vaginal
adenocarcinomas as young women. Aflatoxins are
natural mold byproducts that can cause cancer of the
liver.

Certain carcinogens present occupational hazards. For
example, in the asbestos industry, workers have a high
probability of developing lung and colon cancer or a
particularly virulent cancer of the mesothelium (the
lining of the chest and abdomen). Benzene and vinyl
chloride are other known industrial carcinogens.

Risk to humans from carcinogens depends upon the
dose and a person's biologic susceptibility. Factors
influencing a person's biological susceptibility to cancer
include age, sex, immune status, nutritional status,
genetics, and ethnicity.

Cancer Diet - The Important Vitamins

A cancer diet needs particular emphasis on the following vitamins.

Vitamin A

Role: as an anti-oxidant and important for healing.

Natural sources: green and yellow fruits and vegetables, organic animal liver but be careful, a non-organically raised animal’s liver could be full of chemicals!

Beta-carotene - very important in a cancer diet - from carrots in particular, is converted to Vitamin A by the liver, and is a far safer way to get a really good boost of this vitamin, with no dangers of overdosing.

Vitamin B Complex

Role: particularly important to the health of nerves and the production of energy.
Natural sources are chicken, eggs, brewer’s yeast, whole grains, leafy green vegetables, fish.

Vitamin B17 – almost unheard of, but critical in a cancer diet.

B17 interacts with the very large amounts of beta-glucosidase in cancer cells to produce hydrogen cyanide and benzaldehyde. These two poisons combine into an extremely deadly poison that targets cancer cells. The reason that it doesn’t target healthy cells is that although they have small quantities of beta-glucosidase, they also contain rodonase, a substance that cancer cells do not have, that breaks the poison down into compounds that actually assist the bodies immune system!

Natural sources are flaxseed oil, brown rice, brewer’s yeast, lentils, macadamia nuts, pecans, raspberries, strawberries, walnuts, watercress and yams.

Vitamin C

Role: Antioxidant needed to assist over 300 metabolic functions of the body.

Natural sources are citrus fruits, most yellow or red fruits and vegetables, leafy green vegetables.

The body cannot store this very essential nutrient so we need to ingest it daily. As it is not stored it cannot be overdosed.
A word of warning though – do not take Vitamin C supplements at the same time as aspirin – the combination is very irritant to the stomach lining. Also it taking a supplement, look for a buffered form which is digested over a longer period of time and far less irritant. Also avoid chewable tablets – the acidity is not good for the teeth!

Vitamin E, again crucial in a cancer diet.

Role: Antioxidant, used in circulation and tissue repair.

Natural sources include coldpressed vegetable oils, leafy green vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds and wholegrains. Brown rice, eggs, kelp, oatmeal and sweet potatoes are also good sources.

Just a note – the body needs zinc to maintain levels of Vitamin E in the blood, also take iron supplements at a different time from Vitamin E as some forms of iron will destroy Vitamin E.

As always a diet that draws from all food groups, fruit, vegetable, meat, fish, chicken, grains, nuts, seeds and oils, all eaten as close to the way nature made them is the best cancer diet possible.

Cancer...? Cervical Smears

Cancer - Cervical Smears - Women's Health

All women at some point in their life will have to have a cervical smear as a part of a health checkup. But do you know exactly what a cervical smear is, and how it can affect, diagnose or treat women's ailments? Read on for more information about this common procedure.

Women's Health: What is a Cervical Smear?
A cervical smear is a test used on women to tell if there are any changes in the health of the cervix. This is helpful to diagnose the early stages of cancer.

The cervix is located at the end of the uterus, and connects to the top of the vagina. There is a central canal that connects the vagina to the inside of the uterus, and it measures approximately 3cm square.

Women's Health: Why Have a Cervical Smear?
The main reason to have a cervical smear is to monitor the health of the cervix, and to lower the number of women who contract cervical cancer. The smear is targeted to detect early strains of potentially cancerous cells. If caught in time, women's health may not suffer terribly, and the growth of the cancer may not progress further. However, a cervical smear is just a screening process; it won't detect all forms of cancer, all of the time.

Women's Health: Who Needs a Cervical Smear?
Women who are sexually active, or who are 18 or older (whatever comes first) should take their health in their own hands and have regular cervical smears until the age of 70. A regular smear would be every three years for most women, depending on their health and the results of the last smear. Also, women who are not healthy should have annual smears, such as those with HIV. Women who have had a hysterectomy who have had abnormal pap smears in the past should get themselves checked every year by a health practitioner; there is still a risk of abnormal cell growth at the top of the vaginal canal.

Women's Health: How is a Cervical Smear Done?
A cervical smear is only taken when women are in good health, and are not bleeding. Any blood that appears during the testing can skew the results unnecessarily.

The procedure is performed with women on their backs, and their legs held up in the air by a health practitioner or stirrups. A speculum is placed inside the vagina, so that the health practitioner can view women's cervix closely. Then a brush-like instrument is placed over the cervix, and cells are wiped onto the brush, and then placed onto a glass slide for diagnosis.

Women's cervical smears can be done by a health practitioner, such as a doctor or nurse. The procedure usually only takes a couple of minutes, at the most, and isn't painful, although it may be a bit uncomfortable.

Cancer and Diet

The issue of is paramount to your health. Without feeding the body the ingredients it needs, it simply cannot produce the processes that combat the cancer.

Firstly, when looking at nutrition for cancer, we need to understand the role of pancreatic enzymes. These enzymes, including trypsin & chymotrypsin, play a major role in halting the formation of tumours. Unfortunately these enzymes also play a part in digesting animal proteins, so if our diets are too high in animal protein, then our supply of pancreatic enzymes is tied up in digestion and not available for halting tumours.

Secondly, we need to understand the role of B17 (hydrocyanic acid) in our diets and specifically its interaction with cancer. B17 interacts with the very large amounts of beta-glucosidase in cancer cells to produce hydrogen cyanide and benzaldehyde. These two poisons combine into an extremely deadly poison that targets cancer cells. The reason that it doesn't target healthy cells is that although they have small quantities of beta-glucosidase, they also contain rodonase, a substance that cancer cells do not have, that breaks the poison down into compounds that actually assist the bodies immune system! Clever, hey!?

So we start to see the crucial relationship between cancer and diet!

At this point it is interesting to note that one of the most concentrated sources of natural B17 is apricot kernels - that is the kernel INSIDE the apricot seed itself. However it is our understanding that the sale of apricot kernels is illegal in some countries, including ours. Consequently if you are lucky enough to get your hands on a large supply, it will be by word of mouth connections. However if you are prepared to ask friends to eat a lot of apricots or go on a mission to make frozen or bottled apricots, or maybe apricot jam, there is no law to our knowledge that says you can't eat them. The recommended dosage for people with cancer is up to 60 a day, but starting with 2 per meal and adding one per meal daily to ensure there is no intolerance.

Side note: Apparently the bureaucratic argument for making sale of them illegal is that they will poison you as they are a cyanide compound, (hydrocyanic acid) and produce another cyanide, (hydrogen cyanide) but they fail to follow through and tell us that the hydrogen cyanide then combines with the rodonase to make compounds that actually boost the immune system. Following this logic I have to wonder why then that Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin!) has not been banned. You may be aware they feed B12 to anemia patients!

So, we can address a diet for cancer from specific angles. Firstly by adding whatever natural sources we can find that contain B17, secondly by reducing (not cutting out!) animal protein intake, and thirdly by adding nutrients to our diets in their most easily & effectively absorbed forms ie in foods.

The bottom line is our body is at our mercy and what we put in to it can either help or hinder its ability to help us. The beauty of becoming aware of the interaction of cancer and diet is that it is something we can do for ourselves, thereby empowering us in the fight against this horrid invader!

Cancer and Chlorine

Chlorination of water began in the 1890's and was widely accepted in the U.S. by 1920. Over 75% of homes in America have chlorinated water. The dangers of chlorination far outweigh the supposed benefits. Chlorine even in low levels is an oxidant that causes cellular damage .Most tap water has been found to exceed the recommended 1.6 ppm of chlorine in it.

The American Journal of Health states that chlorine is linked to an increase in certain types of cancer, asthmas and skin irritations. In a 1987 study by the National Cancer Institute, the FDA and EPA found an increased risk of bladder cancer with long term consumption of chlorinated water. The EPA says that chlorine follows cigarette smoke in leading causes of cancer. An experiment done on chickens by adding chlorine to their water caused 95% of them to develop atherosclerosis.

Two-thirds of the harmful chlorine exposure actually comes from showering. A 15 minute hot steamy shower is equivalent to drinking 8 glasses of water because of the vapors inhaled. The EPA states that "Due to chlorine and showering virtually every home in America has a detectable level of chloroform in the air." This is because chlorine vaporizes in steam and combines with other organic compounds into chloroform which is a strong respiratory irritant and causes fatigue. A warm shower opens pores and allows a high rate of absorption. During a shower, 98% of the water goes down the drain, while 70-90% of the chemicals vaporize before the water hits the ground and the vapors remain in the air.

Due to chlorine and the combination of many chemicals used in household cleaning,the average indoor air is 5 times more toxic than outdoor air regardless of whether the home is in the city or a rural area. Cancer has been shown to grow twice as fast indoors than outdoors. Bathing in chlorinated water also strips the natural protective oils in the skin and hair causing scaling and itching and is a major irritant for skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. It kills the beneficial bacteria on the surface of the skin that offer a natural defense against skin disorders.

Breast Cancer, what you should know about Testing and Diagnosis


The chance, that breast cancer is found early, it is more likely to be treated successfully. Checking for cancer in a person who does not have any symptoms is called screening.


Screening-Tests for breast cancer include, among others, clinical breast exams and mammograms and there is a very important base in the health-service for women.

The doctor or other health care professional can check the breasts and underarms for lumps, during a clinical breast exam, which could be a sign of breast cancer.


What is the “mammogram”?

“The mammogram is a special x-ray of the breast and that can often detect cancers that there are too small for a woman or her doctor to feel them. “

A lot of studies show's that mammography screening has reduced the number of deaths from breast cancer. But also, some other studies have not shown a clear benefit from mammography. So- you can't get a 100% results!

But, to day there are no other ways to check out the breast cancer with a good percentage. Concerning that, the Scientists are continuing to examine the level of benefit that mammography can produce. The National Cancer Institute recommends the following:

• you are a woman in your 40s, you should have mammography screening every one to two years.

• you are a woman age 50 and older, you should have mammography screening every one to two years.

• If you are a woman who is at higher than average risk for breast cancer, you should seek expert medical advice about whether to begin screening before age 40 and how often to have screening mammography.

The results are between 5 and 10 percent of mammogram not normal and require more testing. The one good information - the most of these follow-up tests confirm that no cancer was present.




What will be this "more testing"? The doctor will call it a “Biopsy”. The procedure which is needed is to take a small amount of fluid or tissue must remove from the breast to make a diagnosis. A doctor might perform fine needle aspiration, a needle or core Biopsy, or a surgical Biopsy.

This tissue goes to in the lab, this tissue will be checked on the pathologist examines under the microscope and the results let him see if any of the cells are cancerous.

In the last time, the Doctors are studying another new type of surgical biopsy that removes less breast tissue. This new type is called an image-guided needle breast biopsy, or stereotactic biopsy.

With this new system - If approved for general use, we can await, that the result's are much more efficient and clearly, so that the doctors would become an important surgical tool.

Please take note, that eighty percent of U.S. women who have a surgical breast biopsy do not have cancer!

But take also note, that women who have breast biopsies are at HIGHER RISK of developing breast cancer than women who have never had a breast biopsy.

If you know that “- you will have perhaps a second opinion of the doctor's information's.

The last technical review - With the magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, and ultrasound we have two other techniques which the researchers think might detect breast cancer with greater accuracy and with lower risk!

What's can help you?

Other new techniques used to find cancer include a new way of reading mammograms called digital mammography.

Magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, and ultrasound are two other techniques which researchers think might detect breast cancer with greater accuracy.

Breast cancer for beginners


Because of the social changes, which has brought increased number of workingwoman and hence delayed childbearing, there has been a steep rise in the number of breast cancer patients in the last few decades. But as the incidence of the patients has risen so has raised the modality of treatments and the success rates. Also scientists have devised methods by which the cancer can be detected in an early stage and it has been convincingly proved that early detection and treatment bears a better prognosis than the later stage.

Myths
There are many myths attached to breast cancer. Some think that any lump in breast is a breast cancer but to the contrary most of them are benign. Similarly it was a popular belief earlier that breast-feeding decreases one’s risk of the cancer but that has been now found to be untrue. Some say that mammography makes the breast cancer widespread but it’s not true. Similarly there are many other myths, which need to be cleared in mind of the general mass for the proper detection and management of the tumor.

Early detection
Breast cancer can be detected in an early stage if women are taught to self-examine their breast. In case of detection of any breast lump or of any slightest suspicion, mammography should be done to rule out any tumor. Mammography is a good tool to diagnose this type of cancer.

Statistics
The incidence of breast cancer is increasing at an alarming rate. It is said that every 2-3 minutes one American woman is diagnosed a breast cancer.

Cause
Although the cause is not fully understood but it is hypothesized that there are various factors such as genetic and environmental. The environmental factors are increased age, obesity, smoking and having the first child at late age.

Diagnosis
The findings that denote a cancer are single, non-tender and firm to hard mass with ill-defined margins. This can be later confirmed by mammography and biopsy. After the cancer has been diagnosed staging is done to find out the best treatment option as well as the prognosis.

Management
The management of breast cancer rests basically on two things. The first is the treatment and second is the counseling. The treatment can further be divided into three: medical, radiation, and surgery. The medical treatment consists of drugs such as tamoxifen, which is an anti estrogen, aromatase inhibitors such as aminoglutethimide and monoclonal antibodies such as trastuzumab. But similar to other drugs they have their own side effects profile. The side effects associated with tamoxifen are increased vaginal bleeding, endometrial cancer and cataracts. The aromatase inhibitors have the side effects of leg cramps, jaundice and weight gain while the monoclonal antibodies may cause sterility or certain birth abnormalities.
Generally the radiation and surgery are the modalities, which are needed for the treatment to ward off the body of the cancerous growth.

BREAST CANCER


occurs when cells in the breast begin to grow out of control enabling them to invade nearby tissues or spread throughout the body. Collections of these out of control tissues are called tumors. However, not all breast tumors are considered cancerous since certain types of large cells just cannot be spread or threaten a person’s life and this kind of tumor is called benign tumor. On the other hand, the tumors that can spread all throughout the body or invade nearby tissues are considered cancerous cells and are malignant. Cancer cells usually comes from either ducts or glands in the breast that is why it may take months or even years for a tumor to be notice in the breast. Breast tumors are screened with the use of mammograms that are rather accurate in screening tumor or cancer cells.


Women are much prone to develop breast cancer that men. Only 1% to 2% of men have been known to have cases of breast cancer. The early onset of menstruation in women at the age of 12 increases the risk for a breast cancer on the other hand an early menopausal period may reduce the risk of breast cancer. The risk for women to have breast cancer increases with age in fact a study shows that women over 50 are more likely to develop breast cancer. Nevertheless, the incidence of breast cancer among younger women is also increasing in an alarming rate that is why more women of ages 20s to 30s have subjected themselves to be diagnosed.
Breast cancer is not only acquired but also can be inherited. For women who have genetic mutation such as BRCA1 or BRCA2 has an 80% risk of developing breast cancer. Women who have first-degree relative diagnosed to have breast cancer increase their risk of also acquiring breast cancer. Moreover, women with first-degree relative that are diagnosed to have breast cancer before menopause increase the risk for them in acquiring breast cancer.

Some factors contribute to the occurrence of breast cancer and these are as follows: smoking, alcohol and radiation exposure. Women who are smoking will increase their chances to have breast cancer. Aside from that, high intakes of alcohol have been found to be a source of breast cancer. Radiation exposure is another factor that contributes to breast cancer. Studies have shown that women as well as children who have undergone high-dose radiation therapy have a much higher chance of having breast cancer.

Battling cancer

is a tough time in anyone’s life. Perhaps the toughest. That’s why we’ve decided to write this article on how to care for yourself during radiation for Breast Cancer.

It very important to properly care for yourself during radiation for breast cancer. Keep in mind that after radiation you could feel fatigued for up to six weeks. Sleep as much as you like during this time – one thing you really need is your rest.

Also, make sure after radiation that you wear a comfortable bra. Making sure your bra fits properly and doesn’t rub in any way is all part of good care for yourself during radiation for breast cancer. If a part of your bra rubs place a soft cloth between the bra and your skin.

Weight loss can be a problem after radiation treatment. In order to properly care for yourself during radiation for breast cancer make sure you eat a balanced diet. This will help you to avoid weight loss and keep your energy levels as high as possible.

Keep the skin fold area under your breast clean and talk to your doctor before using any powders, lotions, deodorants or perfumes. As part of your care for yourself during breast cancer radiation you need to make sure you are not using any products that might react with your skin at this time or do something to affect the radiation treatment in any way. Because of this it is best to avoid deodorants. Deodorants contain magnesium, and this can inhibit the effectiveness of the radiation treatment. To avoid reactions with the treated area, also avoid starching your clothes.

As part of care for yourself during radiation for breast cancer bathe the treated area in lukewarm water. This is because hot and cold water can damage your skin.

Avoid Further Mesothelioma Injury Through Prompt Treatment

Mesothelioma injury arises when the Mesothelioma cells surrounding the lungs, heart, or abdominal organs become cancerous. The Mesothelioma cells change to form nodules, which can then clump together to form a tumor, or tumors around the organ.

In more extreme cases of Mesothelioma Cancer, the Mesothelioma tumor can break through the walls of the organs that it surrounds and cause internal damage to the organ. Also, in some cases the Cancer can travel through the blood stream and affect other organs, not directly surrounded by the original Mesothelioma Cancerous Cells.

The origins of Mesothelioma injury begin when a person is exposed to an asbestos related substance. The person either inhales the Asbestos fibers, or the fibers enter the skin. These fibers either lodge in the lungs, or travel through the body and affect the heart, or abdominal organs.

The bodies natural defense system will attempt to eradicate the fibers from the body, through attempts to expel the fibers. However, some fibers will become lodged in the Mesothelioma cell layers that provide a protective layer around the lungs, heart and abdominal area.

Over time, the Mesothelioma cells surrounding the fibers, can change consistency and become cancerous. It is at this stage that the Mesothelioma injury begins to occur, as it turns into Mesothelioma.

However, Mesothelioma injury also includes the conditional affects that occur as a result of having Mesothelioma Cancer. Some of these conditional affects include, immune deficiency, which can lead to a slow break down of the bodies defense system.

Once the bodies defense system begins to break down the body can become subject to colds and other such illnesses. The overall affects of having Mesothelioma Cancer can lead to an array of Mesothelioma injuries and has the potential to cause major organ failure.

In order to prevent the adverse affects of Mesothelioma injury, Mesothelioma doctors have been implementing various treatments that aim to prevent further damage. Some of these treatments include, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and immune augmentative therapy.

In regard to Mesothelioma Cancer, Surgery aims to remove the Cancerous Mesothelioma cells, while chemotherapy uses drugs to kill the Cancerous cells. Radiation therapy also aims to eliminate the Mesothelioma cells, while immune augmentative therapy aims to restore the body’s natural immune system to a level in which it can be effective in helping to fight the effects of Mesothelioma Cancer.

All of these treatment methods are aimed at preventing further Mesothelioma injury to the patient. If you, or someone you know, have been diagnosed with Mesothelioma Cancer, ensure that you seek immediate treatment to prevent the affects of Mesothelioma Cancer and to avoid further Mesothelioma injury.

Attack of the Cancer Fighting Tomatoes

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

What is the Active Ingredient?

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

How does Lycopene Fight Cancer?

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

Asbestos Symptoms: Late Indicators

Asbestos symptoms refer to the changes in the body that indicate some type of serious diseases caused by exposure to asbestos particles.

Awareness about asbestos symptoms is important because danger of asbestos exposure affects about 1.3 million people every year. Individuals employed in the railroad, factory, shipyard, automobile, construction and building industries in last six decades are at the risk of developing asbestos symptoms.

Most unfortunate aspect of the asbestos related diseases is that the asbestos symptoms may lie dormant in the body for decades. This long latency period does not let the victim or his family knows about the existence of the disease. Asbestos symptoms might appear after 20-50 years of exposure.

No study so far has come out with convincing evidence to show the effects of different amount and different duration of exposure to asbestos particles. Although individuals who have been exposed to asbestos for a longer time are more susceptible to asbestos related diseases, yet there are instances when patients developed serious disease with only a few months exposure.

When exposed to asbestos, individuals either inhale or ingest the asbestos fibers. Natural destination of these fibers after inhalation is lungs while the ingested asbestos fibers take the route of digestive system. Therefore, asbestos symptoms start appearing in either lungs or digestive system. However, in some cases asbestos symptoms may appear in other organs also.

Asbestos symptoms may be the indicators of cancerous and non- cancerous type of asbestos diseases. Asbestosis is a non-cancerous type of asbestos disease. This disease has asbestos symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain and persistent cough. Ignorance of these symptoms may lead to serious disability or even death.

Mesothelioma is cancerous type of asbestos disease. Pleural mesothelioma affects the lining of lungs known as pleural membrane. Peritoneal mesothelioma shows its affect on the lining of organs of abdomen known as peritoneal membrane. Shortness of breath, persistent cough, chest pain and building up of fluids in the lungs are some symptoms of pleural mesothelioma. Asbestos symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are weight loss, nausea, difficulty in bowel movements, foot swelling, anemia and building up of fluid in abdomen. In rare cases, fever and night sweating may also appear as asbestos symptoms.

People suffering from asbestos symptoms can file lawsuits against the persons and organizations for causing asbestos exposure. These Asbestos lawsuits can help the victims of asbestos symptoms to recover the damages for medical expenses, loss of income, lost earning capacity, pain and psychological sufferings.

Asbestos: Cause Of Deadly Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer of the Pleura (lung cancer) and Peritoneum (abdomen cancer). Mesothelioma has been shown to have a strong association with the crocidolite variety of asbestos. Pleural mesothelioma, the most common manifestation of asbestos exposure, is well-circumscribed plaques of dense collagen, often containing calcium. Peritoneum Mesothelioma may or may not contain asbestos bodies and rarely do they occur in persons who have no history or evidence of asbestos exposure.

Mesothelioma not only occurs in people who are exposed the asbestos, but also to them who had been living in vicinity to asbestos manufacturing process or those staying in asbestos contaminated buildings. In Great Britain, an association was reported between Mesothelioma and people living within 1 kilometer of an asbestos factory.

The risk of Mesothelioma is reported to be high in those cases where occupational exposure to asbestos is combined with cigarette smoking. Mesothelioma usually does not appear until after 5 to 10 years of exposure. Mesothelioma causes mechanical irritation and in the advanced cases, there may be symptoms of clubbing of fingers, and cardiac distress. The survival time of Mesothelioma patients is generally ranges from 12 months to 2 years of diagnosis and very few survive longer than 2 years.

The following measures can be useful in preventing occurrences of Mesothelioma:

• Use of safer types of asbestos (chrysolite and amosite)
• Substitution of other insulators such as glass fiber, mineral wool, calcium silicate plastic foams
• Rigorous dust control
• Periodic examination of workers such as biological monitoring (clinical, X-ray, lung function)

Asbestos: A Deadly Environmental & Health Hazard

Asbestos is a term used for some naturally occurring minerals that form long thin fibers and fiber bundles on crystallization. Most commonly found group is the serpentine group that includes Chrysotile (white asbestos). It is also the most frequently mined form of Asbestos. Another very important asbestos group is known as the amphiboles, which includes Crocidolite (blue asbestos) and Amosite (brown asbestos). The asbestos fibers have high tensile strength, and chemical, electrical and heat resistance properties and so are extremely useful as a building/insulation material. Asbestos has been used extensively all over the world.

Asbestos: General Information

Although Asbestos is a hazardous material, it poses a health risk only if the Asbestos fibers become airborne and subsequently inhaled. Therefore, most Asbestos materials pose little health risk unless they are disturbed in a way that allows the fibers to be released into the atmosphere. Inhalation of asbestos fibers can lead to serious diseases such as lung cancer, Mesothelioma (a cancer of the lining of the lungs or lower digestive tract) and asbestosis (a chronic fibrosis of the lungs).

Many industries used Asbestos extensively in the past, exposing their workers to this deadly materials. As a result, many new cases of Asbestos caused ailments are occurring now. However, the fact that Asbestos was also installed in many buildings means that a wider range of people still have the potential to be exposed – particularly building and maintenance workers. For this reason, the latest revision of the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations introduces (from May 2004) a new responsibility on those responsible for non-domestic premises to manage the asbestos contained in them.

Asbestos Caused Diseases

Mesothelioma is a cancer of the pleural and peritoneal lining. It exclusively related to asbestos exposure. By the time it is diagnosed, it is usually fatal. Mesothelioma has a long latency period (time between exposure and onset of disease) of at least 15 years and sometimes as long as 60 years.

Asbestosis is a scarring of the lung tissue. This scarring impairs the elasticity of the lung and hampers its ability to exchange gases. This leads to inadequate oxygen intake to the blood. Asbestosis restricts breathing leading to decreased lung volume and increased resistance in the airways. It is a slowly progressive disease with a latency period of 15 to 30 years.

Lung Cancer is a malignant tumor of the bronchi covering. The tumor grows through surrounding tissue, invading and often obstructing air passages. Again, the disease has a long latency period of at least 20 years.

Are asbestos fibers visible to the eye ?

If you are in the construction business or employed by an industry that uses products containing asbestos, you may wonder “Are asbestos fibers visible to the eye”? Generally asbestos fibers are too small to be seen by the naked eye. Asbestos becomes dangerous when it has broken down into small fibers and is inhaled. It is nearly impossible to detect the presence of asbestos without taking the material to a lab for testing. A lab technician will put the material under a microscope to search for asbestos fibers. Asbestos does not cause an immediate reaction. It will not cause you to cough, sneeze, or your eyes to water. You cannot see, smell, or taste asbestos. If you skin becomes contaminated with asbestos it will not burn or itch.

Asbestos related diseases have a very long latency period. This is the time frame from when you are first exposed to asbestos until you become ill. Most persons do not become ill for at least ten years after exposure and some not until over forty years later. Asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma are all asbestos related diseases. Asbestosis occurs when asbestos fibers enter the lungs. The body will naturally produce an acid to combat the fibers. However, this acid can cause scarring in the tissue of the lungs and in advanced stages breathing becomes more difficult and painful. Asbestosis was first documented in shipyard workers. Asbestos can also cause lung cancer. If a person smokes and is exposed to asbestos, they have a much greater chance of developing lung cancer. Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that has only been linked to asbestos exposure. It is a cancer of the cells that line the peritoneum (area surrounding the abdominal organs) and the pleura (area outside of the lungs and inside of the ribs).

There is a lot of debate and controversy surrounding which types of asbestos is harmful. Some types of asbestos are thought to be more dangerous than others but all types of asbestos exposure should be avoided. Actinolite, amosite, anthophyllite, crocidolite, chrysotile (white asbestos), and tremolite are all types of asbestos. Chrysotile is the type of asbestos most commonly used in manufacturing products.

Asbestos fibers are not visible to the eye. If you feel you may have been exposed to asbestos, the most common method for testing is a chest x-ray. The x-ray will not show the asbestos fibers but it can spot early signs of lung disease. There is no known cure for asbestos related diseases.

Alternative medicine in food- Shallots

Shallots belong to the lily family (Liliacae) where onion, garlic and leeks are present. It is classified as Allium cepa var. aggregatum .Shallots are smaller and sweeter than onion and like garlic its bulb divides into multiple sections .It digests better than onion when eaten raw. The bulbs are pulled of the ground and leaves are allowed to dry. The greens above the ground which are known as scallions are used as salads and also for cooking. Shallots are an excellent source of vitamin C, potassium, dietary fiber and folic acid. It also contain calcium, iron and have a high protein quality.

There has been lot of research and studies regarding the use of shallots for health conditions. Different analysis and studies have found that shallots contains two sets of compounds -sulfur compounds, such as allyl propyl disulphide (APDS) and flavonoids, such as quercetin. Flavonoid consumption has been associated with a reduced risk of cancer, heart disease and diabetes since they are anti-cancer, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-allergenic and anti-inflammatory.

Recent studies have shown the potential health benefits of common onions and established that shallots are particularly effective against liver cancer cells. Shallots have six times the phenolic content than onions. Shallots help the liver eliminate toxins from the body and have saponins to inhibit and kill cancer cells.

Shallots are specifically linked to inhibiting human stomach cancer. Shallots produce an anti-coagulant that thins the blood and exhibit strong anti-platelet activity and are very good for patients who have symptomatic atherosclerotic disease, cardiovascular disease, heart attack and stroke. It aids brain function and thus protects against Alzheimer’s disease. Shallots can lower blood sugar levels in people with diabetes by preventing the degradation of insulin and increasing metabolism of glucose. Eating shallots daily helps in the growth of bone tissue and reduces the risk of developing osteoporosis by 20%. It contains Prostaglandin A-1, a powerful agent which can lower blood pressure. Sulfur content in shallots makes skin look younger. Daily intake of a little shallot will benefit in the long run. Shallots can be eaten raw or cooked till they are tender.

ALTERNATIVE FORMS OF MEDICINE FOR CANCER PATIENT

Acupuncture can be used for providing pain relief.

Herbal Medicine helps strengthen the body's ability to eliminate cancer cells. They do not however cure cancer, but can definitely prolong the life of a person suffering from cancer.

Homeopathy is effective in providing relief from the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation.

Mind and Body Treatment focuses on a persons emotions, behaviour and faith. It is believed that a person must maintain a positive attitude and live a life free of mental and emotional stress. Massage and reflexology have also been found to be effective in strengthening cells and promoting the release of anti-cancer hormones in the body. The Mind and Body treatment has been found to be very effective and powerful in dealing with cancer, and perhaps even preventing it.

Nutrition and Diet has been found to be effective in preventing tissue and cell damage and ensuring the proper immune function of the body.

Traditional Chinese Medicine has been found to be effective in providing relief from the side effects of the conventional treatments of cancer. Practitioners of this form of medicine recommend the use of herbs like Asian Ginseng, Astragalus and Dong Quai.

All about quercitin

Bioflavoniods are the nutrients necessary to maintaining the health of your skin. This is because they help to create collagen, the substance that keeps our skin firm and healthy. Therefore, a lack of collagen can lead to wrinkles and sagginess.

Quercitin has also been shown to help the body improve the health of its capillaries and connective tissues. Due to this, quercitin has been linked to helping to alleve bruising, unsightly varicose veins, fragile cappilaries, and edema. Also, good news for allergies! Quercitin has been known to block the release of histamine, which may help aid conditions brought on by allergies.

After testing at the Mayo clinic, quercitin was also shown to be useful in helping to treat or prevent prostate cancer. In the findings of the Mayo Clinic study about quercitin, Mayo Clinic researcher Nianzeng Xing, Ph.D stated that "Our laboratory results showed quercitin blocks the androgen activity in androgen-responsive human prostate cancer cell lines." He then followed this statement by asserting that "By blocking the androgen activity, the growth of prostate cancer cells can be prevented or stopped." While this research doesnt prove quercitin will actually truly benefit men with prostate cancer or those at risk, it definitely shows promise as a preliminary study.

While there is not a recommended daily allowance, or RDA, of quercitin, studies have indicated that toxicity with quercitin is largely a non issue. However, a dosage of somewhere between 50 mgs and 150 mgs per day is a reasonable dose, and using mega-doses is not recommended. If you are pregnant or nursing, it would be a good idea to speak with your physician before beginning taking this supplement.

All About Green Tea And Polyphenols

Or as I like to say… When the student is ready, the teacher shall appear! By the way, have I said how much I passionately enjoy green tea, the personal benefits I have witnessed from green tea and what a fantastic unearthing this ‘ancient medicine’ is for modern western living?

After a good deal of research, I have found that there isn’t any other food or drink in general consumption reported to have the innumerable health benefits that green tea possesses...none!

The Chinese have known about the medicinal benefits of green tea since ancient times, using it to treat everything from headaches and lethargia to depression. And did you know that green tea has been used as a medicine in China for over 4,000 years… When will we westerners learn?

At present, in both Asia and America, scientific research is providing a more than solid substantiation for the health benefits long associated with drinking green tea. For instance, in 1994 the Journal of the National Cancer Institute published the results of an epidemiological study demonstrating that drinking green tea reduced the risk of esophageal cancer in Chinese men and women by nearly sixty percent. Conversely, University of Purdue researchers recently concluded that a compound in green tea inhibits the growth of cancer cells. There is also research indicating that drinking green tea lowers total cholesterol levels, as well as improving the ratio of good (HDL) cholesterol to bad (LDL) cholesterol.

To abridge just a few of the medical conditions in which drinking green tea has proved to be helpful:

impaired immune system function

cardiovascular disease

cancer

rheumatoid arthritis

elevated cholesterol levels

numerous types of infections

muscle wasting diseases

Green tea’s ‘secret’ lies in the fact it is rich in catechin polyphenols, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). EGCG is a powerful anti-oxidant: besides inhibiting the growth of cancer cells, it kills cancer cells without harming healthy tissue. It has also been exceedingly effective in lowering LDL cholesterol levels, and inhibiting the abnormal formation of blood clots. The preceding takes on added importance when you consider that thrombosis (the formation of abnormal blood clots) is the foremost cause of heart attacks and stroke. Quite startling, don’t you think?

For The Record Books…

Correlates are being drawn between the effects of drinking green tea and the "French Paradox." For years, researchers were mystified by the fact that, despite consuming a diet rich in saturated fat, the French have a lower incidence of heart disease than Americans. The answer was found to lie in red wine, which contains resveratrol, a polyphenol that limits the negative effects of smoking and a fatty diet. In a 1997 study, researchers from the University of Kansas concluded that EGCG is twice as powerful as resveratrol, which may explain why the rate of heart disease among Japanese men is significantly low, even though in excess of seventy-five percent are smokers.

So why don't other Chinese teas have similar earth-shaking health benefits? Green, oolong, and black teas all come from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. What sets green tea apart is the way it is processed.In particular, green tea leaves are steamed, which prevents the EGCG compound from being oxidized. By contrast, black and oolong tea leaves are processed from fermented leaves, which results in the EGCG being transformed into other compounds that are not nearly as effective in preventing and fighting various conditions and diseases.

Some Additional Benefits…

The latest evidence emerging is that green tea can even help dieters attain success more rapidly an efficiently. In November, 1999, the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition published the results of a study at the University of Geneva in Switzerland. Researchers found that men who were given a combination of caffeine and green tea extract burned more calories than those given only caffeine or a placebo.

Incidentally, green tea can even help prevent tooth decay! Just as its bacteria-destroying abilities can help prevent food poisoning, it can also kill the bacterium that causes dental plaque. Meanwhile, skin preparations containing green tea - from deodorants to creams - are starting to appear on the market showing positive effects.

The Potential Unsafe Effects?

As of today, the only adverse side effect reported from drinking green tea is mild insomnia due to the fact that it contains caffeine. On the other hand, green tea contains much less caffeine than coffee and most soda: there are approximately thirty to sixty mg. of caffeine in six - eight ounces of tea, compared to over one-hundred mg. in eight ounces of coffee and can you imagine the huge contrast in caffeine content between green tea and these ‘new’ high-tech energy drinks that are currently being consumed by the masses with such ravenous voracity.

Green Tea Polyphenols, What Are They You Ask?

Specifically, tea polyphenols are compounds in tea leaves that are natural plant antioxidants. Antioxidants have been proven to prevent damage caused by free radicals to DNA and other molecules.

How Do They Work?

Green tea polyphenols have corroborated several cancer preventive properties. In addition to antioxidant activity, these compounds may as previously mentioned have shown to reduce abnormal cell growth and inflammation; help the body get rid of cancer-causing agents; and restore communication between different cells in the body.

On Cancer… The Facts

The relationship between green tea consumption and human cancer has been studied in several different populations and at various cancer sites. Some of the studies comparing green tea drinkers to non-green tea drinkers support the claim that green tea-drinking, in fact prevents certain types of cancer. Certain dietary, environmental, and population differences may account for these discrepancies. In animal studies, different tea extracts, tea polyphenol mixtures, purified tea components, and tea infusions as the sole drinking fluid have more consistently been shown to prevent cancer, including cancers of the colon, esophagus, liver, stomach, lung, breast, pancreas, and skin. The purified component, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), prevented colon cancer, but did not prevent cancer of the esophagus in animal models. A polyphenol mixture with EGCG, called Polyphenon E, has also shown cancer preventive properties in animals. Animal studies were inconclusive as to whether EGCG or Polyphenol E caused DNA mutations that might trigger cancer growth. Both EGCG and Polyphenon E are being tested for safety and efficacy in humans.

Slower Prostate Cancer Cell Growth Found From Consumption Of Green And Black Tea

A study at The Experimental Biology 2004, in Washington, D.C., reported as part of the scientific program of the American Society of Nutritional Sciences, anti-tumor effects of green and black tea polyphenols in human tissue. And researchers at the University of California at Los Angeles found and were able to detect tea polyphenols in prostate tissue after a very limited consumption of the tea. More notably, the scientists found that prostate cancer cells grew more slowly when placed in a medium containing blood serum of men who had consumed either green or black tea for five days compared to serum collected before the men began their tea-drinking regimen. Serum from men who drank comparable amounts of diet or regular soda showed no such slowing in cancer cell proliferation.

Consequently, Dr. Susanne Henning, UCLA Center for Human Nutrition, pronounced that the UCLA research team - a combination of nutrition scientists and urologists - focused on the feasible outcome of tea polyphenols on factors named polyamines and the enzymes responsible for the production of polyamines. Elevated levels of polyamines have been connected with malignancy in humans, including prostate cancer, and - since polyamines are current in prostate tissue in high concentration - are considered a logical target for chemoprevention of prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer is one of the most widespread cancers among males in the United States, and more than a fourth of all those patients with prostate cancer are known to use alternative therapies, including green tea. This study suggests that both black and green tea are promising natural dietary supplements useful for chemoprevention of prostate cancer, according to Dr. Henning. She plans to investigate if this effect can be enhanced by consuming larger amounts of tea polyphenols in the form of green tea extract supplement capsules.

So If It’s That Good, How Much Should I Drink?

Strangely enough, there are as many answers to this question as there are researchers investigating the beneficial properties of green tea and polyphenols. Herbs for Health magazine mentions a Japanese report citing that men who drank ten cups of green tea per day stayed cancer-free for three years longer than men who drank less than three cups a day (there are approximately 240 - 320 mg of polyphenols in three cups of green tea).

Meanwhile, a study by Cleveland's Western Reserve University concluded that drinking four or more cups of green tea per day could help prevent rheumatoid arthritis, or reduce symptoms in individuals already suffering from the disease. And Japanese scientists at the Saitama Cancer Research Institute have discovered that there were fewer recurrences of breast cancer, and the disease spread less quickly, in women with a history of drinking five cups or more of green tea daily.

A University of California study on the cancer-preventative qualities of green tea concluded that you could probably attain the desired level of polyphenols by drinking merely two cups per day. So which is it? I personally don’t buy the hype that those that manufacture and sell green tea products are propagating…moderation is, like with all things probably your best bet! But given all the evidence, it is almost certainly safe to plan on drinking four to five cups of green tea daily. If you're a real aficionado, by all means imbibe more; but whether or not you'll derive added health benefits remains to be determined.

ALL ABOUT CURADERM BEC5!

Where you can Find Curaderm BEC5;
1. stopskincancer.com
2. skincanceradvice.info
3. cureskincancertoday.com
4. nomoreskincancer.info
and 5. skincancerdoctor.info

The Uses of Curaderm BEC 5

Curaderm is a medicine used to treat areas of the skin which may have been discolored, thickened or scaly as a result of exposure to sun (UV) light. Skin cancers such as keratoses. basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma and Non-melanoma’s.

Do you know What Curaderm BEC5 is?
Curaderm is a cream extracted from a plant called the Devils Apple Fruit.
The active ingredient in Curaderm is Solasodine Glycosides (BEC.)
These active ingredients are extracted from the plant Solanum sodomaeum.
The active has been shown to be effective in the treatment of the malignant human
skin tumors.

What Does Curaderm BEC5 Contain?
Curaderm BEC 5 consists of active anticancer ingredient Solasodine Glycosides. Therefore it’s commonly known as BEC5. It also contains Saliyclic Acid and Urea at a very high concentration. This assists the BEC 5 to kill cancer cells. (Note: Saliyclic Acid and Urea may irate the skin.)

Curaderm is Non toxic, Non mutagenic, does not affect the heartbeat or blood flow.
And is a Biochemical, haematological and Uri analytical studies demonstrated that
there were no adverse effects on the liver, kidneys or haematopoietic system (blood cells) during and after treatment.

The Expectations of Curaderm BEC5.

The normal reactions seen when applying daily (at least twice) the curaderm BEC5 to the lesion or affected areas are some degree of redness and swelling, tingling sensation or pain which can be experienced for 30-60minutes.

The pattern of responses can be anticipated by: reddening, then usually erosion, ulceration and decline of the treated of the unwanted cells followed by the re-growth of the normal skin tissue.
(Note: During treatment of the lesions may appear worse than before treatment. That is because BEC seeks and destroys the cancer cells that are non-visible to the naked eye)

The Recommendations of Curaderm BEC5.

When using Curaderm BEC5 there is no scar formation of skin tissue. You will not lose the re-growth of normal tissue.

There is limited access to the cancer if it exists within the lesion if it is deep within the skin. And there is a low rate of the reoccurrence of the skin cancer.

Acid Reflux/Heartburn - Simple Steps to Relief

You've seen the advertisements: Acid reflux is a horrible disease that can cause damage to the
oesophagus and lead to cancer. Are these claims realistic, or simply exaggerated to sell over
the counter medications? The fact is that doctors don't even agree on the causes, treatments,
and long-term risks related to heartburn, so you can believe what you want about the ads.

Heartburn is the uncomfortable feeling resulting from acid reflux, or GERD, gastroesophageal
reflux disease (try saying that out loud a few times). It can feel like a burning sensation
(hence, the name), but can also feel like pressure in the chest, which is why it is sometimes
confused with feelings associated with heart attacks.

Acid reflux occurs when the muscle between the stomach and the oesophagus gets weak or relaxes
at the wrong time. The result is that the stomach contents, including the acid, move up into
the oesophagus. Because the oesophagus doesn't have the protective lining that the stomach
does, the acid literally burns the oesophagus.

What Works?

Several non-prescription drugs may be effective for mild to moderate acid reflux,
such as antacids, which neutralize stomach acids. These include well-known over the counter
medications such as Tums and Rolaids. Another option is H2 receptor antagonists, which reduce
the production of stomach acids. These include Axid AR, Pepcid AC, Tagamet HB, and Zantac 75.
Pepcid complete is the only of these that combines an antacid with an H2 receptor antagonist.
Which is the best treatment? One study found that Pepcid complete performed better than either
an antacid alone or an H2 receptor antagonist alone.

Prescription drugs prescribed to treat acid reflux are called proton-pump inhibitors. These
include Aciphex, Nexium, Prevacid, Prilosec, and Protonix. While these are equally effective,
one study did find that Nexium may heal esophageal sores faster.

Homeopathic Remedies

Combined with homeopathic remedies, heartburn may be treated effectively
with less reliance on over the counter or prescription medications. Together, these solutions
may provide the answers where just one solution fails to deliver on the promise.

Natural options that may help reduce GERD include deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL), which may
bring fast relief and help heal damaged lining. Aloe Vera juice may also act quickly to bring
relief. For those with chronic problems, Gamma-oryzanol (rice bran oil) may be useful, as could
choline, pantothenic acid, and thiamin. These natural solutions may provide more effective
short-term relief as well as provide long-term dietary benefits.

Why Try a Homeopathic Remedy?

The benefits of natural solutions is that they are often less
costly and reduce the chances of becoming reliant on a particular solution. Natural solutions
include treating the cause as much as the affect, and experimenting with diet and alternative
treatments may help lessen the cause of the problem. Additionally, all of the homeopathic
remedies mentioned above can be used along with over the counter or prescription medications.

Does Acid Reflux Cause Cancer?

Studies on acid reflux and cancer vary. One study showed that
chronic acid reflux increased the chances of oesophageal cancer by as much as eight times.
Another study determined that the risk of cancer is not nearly as much as was once thought.
Chronic acid reflux can lead to Barrett's oesophagus, or BE, which has been thought to lead to
an increase in cancer. A study conducted by a group of medical doctors found that the risk of
cancer from BE is not as much as previously thought, stating that BE will not cause cancer for
most people.

Symptoms of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia

In patients suffering from chronic myeloid leukemia, the following symptoms are seen at a later stage:
High white blood cell level in blood and bone marrow, night sweats, fever, headache, fatigue , shortness of blood, pale skin, easy bruising, infection, bleeding, bone and joint pains, fever, enlarged spleen and bleeding problems.

Symptoms of Feline Leukemia

The common symptoms of feline leukemia noticed in cats are decreased stamina, immune suppression, bleeding disorders, blood in the stool and infertility. The cat tends to drink too much of water and as a result excessive urination is observed. Infant mortality complex and arthritis are noticed in cats with feline leukemia.


The other signs of feline leukemia are ulcers at body openings, immune diseases like inflammatory bowel disease, skin lesions, weight loss, anemia, diarrhea, jaundice, cystitis, cloudy eyes and neurology abnormalities

Chronic Leukemia Symptoms

Chronic leukemia symptoms develop slowly unlike acute forms of cancer. They signs of chronic leukemia often resemble various less serious medical conditions. Some of the signs noticed are fatigue, fever, unexplained weight loss and night sweats. Other symptoms include heightened rates of infection, easy bruising and severe bleeding.

The spleen enlarges as the abnormal white blood cells tend to accumulate causing splenomegaly. This results in abdominal discomfort and the patient feels full after eating even small amounts of food.

Chronic leukemia causes leucostatis due to abnormally high white blood cell levels resulting in headaches, confusion and dizziness. This can also affect the lungs and heart.

Insufficient amounts of platelets lead to easy bruising and bleeding as platelets are responsible for blood clotting.

Another symptom of chronic leukemia is the development of hypogammaglobulinemia which affects the immune system. In this, the level of gamma globulin antibodies decreases and thus affects the fight against infection

Leukemia Symptoms in Adults

Signs of leukemia in adults are more or less similar to those noticed in children. These include the same flu-like indications of frequent infection, fever, cold and chills.

Fatigue, weakness, malaise, headaches, seizures, weakness, blurred vision, balancing inability and vomiting are some common signs of leukemia in adults when it spreads to the brain.
Pain in bones and joints is more severe than in children. There is a loss of appetite, weight loss and abdominal pain due to expansion of spleen and liver. The lymph nodes turn tender and swollen. Bruises and cuts are also noticed at the first provocation.
Some of the exhibited signs of leukemia in men and women alike is shortness of breath, frequent and lengthy coughing along with suffocation.

The symptoms of leukemia are seen in places where these cells accumulate or are deposited and the characteristic of the symptoms will be dependent on this. Leukemia can be chronic or acute type and can be easily diagnosed with regular blood test.
Leukemia is usually caused by radiation exposure or due to chain smoking or exposure to too much of smoke.

Acute symptoms of leukemia are headaches, vomiting, confusion, loss of muscle control, or seizures. They also affect other parts of the body like digestive tract, kidneys, lungs, heart or testes and the symptoms of the leukemia will be dependent on which of these regions are affected.

Childhood Leukemia Symptoms

Children affected with leukemia are more susceptible to infection. One of the early signs of leukemia in children is the non-functioning of antibiotics for other normal childhood illnesses as leukemia is immune to antibiotics.
Bruises, scratches or cuts are noticed even for an ordinary cause that wouldn’t be that serious enough ordinarily. In case of bleeding, the blood doesn’t stop quickly.
The child experiences pain in bones and joints when the leukemia cells deposit themselves under the surface of the bone and inside joints.
Another early symptom of leukemia in children is the loss of appetite and weight-reduction for no known cause.
Other commonly noticed symptoms in children include vomiting, headaches and uncontrolled fits along with skin reactions. In some cases, there is an enlargement in the abdominal area as leukemia causes distention in spleen and liver

Symptoms of Leukemia

The early signs of leukemia differ in each person, though most of them experience common flu-like symptoms. These include fever, chills, weakness, fatigue, and frequent and recurring infections. The patients exhibit swollen lymph nodes, liver and spleen along with little red spots under the skin. It also involve loss of appetite, weight loss and bleeding gums. Bone and joint pains are also noticed and there is excess bleeding than in a normal cut or bruise.
There is a loss of red blood cells resulting in anemia. Excessive sweating is also seen as an early sign of leukemia and calls for a diagnosis

Leukemia

Leukemia is also known as blood cancer, starting from those regions in the body that form cells for the blood. An unusual increase in the number of white blood cells is characteristic of Leukemia.

5 Myths About Protecting Yourself from Skin Cancer

Sara spends much of her summer near the beach. She lives in a
mild climate and is very athletic. She loves to swim, bike and
play games outdoors. Sara knows the dangers of the sun and so she
opts for tanning salons to get her 'golden glow' while being sure
to apply sunscreen every day before heading out.

Joseph lives in a cooler, northern climate. The summers can be
very humid, but most of the year is mild or even below freezing
during the harshest winter months. The beach has never been much
of a draw for him and he spends most of his time doing indoor
activities or at his job. Joseph doesn't worry about sunscreen
and only had one sunburn that he can remember and that was when
he was a child.

Which of these examples do you most associate yourself with? Did
you know that Sara and Joseph are both at risk of developing skin
cancer? We have all heard the warnings about the dangers of sun
exposure. We know all about the importance of wearing sunscreen
and hats. But are YOU protected from skin cancer? Consider these
myths and facts:

MYTH ONE: Tanning Beds are Safer than the Sun

20 minutes of exposure in a tanning bed is roughly equivalent to
four hours in the sun. Although sun beds use UVA rather than UVB
rays, 'The Skin Cancer Answer' states that "UV-A penetrates more
deeply into the skin than UV-B, can cause skin cancer, and may
suppress the immune system."

MYTH TWO: Wearing Sunscreen at the Beach is Protection

85 percent of UV rays can even make it through on cloudy days.
That means you are equally at risk in the car, walking the dog or
letting your children out to play at any time of year - even when
you're not at the beach. Of course, you are usually less attired
at the beach and so covering up is recommended even when wearing
sunscreen. Sunscreen also wears off with sweat and water and
should always be applied every two hours or after getting wet.

MYTH THREE: Taking Care Of Your Skin Now Will Protect You

Sadly, skin cancer can take 20 or more years to develop. The Skin
Cancer Foundation states that most people receive about 80
percent of their lifetime sun exposure before the age of 18.
Just one blistering sunburn in childhood is estimated to double
the risk of melanoma later in life. Taking better care now will
reduce the risk, but not eliminate the damage already done.

MYTH FOUR: Having a Tan Means You're More Protected

Dark skinned individuals are less likely to develop cancer, but
tanned skin is actually damaged skin. Repeated tanning injures
the skin and increases the risk of skin cancer.


MYTH FIVE: You Can't get Burned on Overcast Days

Just because the sun is hidden by some cloud does not mean that
you don't need protection from the harmful effects of the suns rays.


So how do you plan to protect your family this year? Some
suggestions are to limit exposure to the sun - especially for
infants. Examine your skin for early signs of damage. Use a
sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher and apply it at least 30 minutes
before exposure and every two hours after that. Teach your
children good safety habits and be sure you and they are covered
up when outdoors. Have fun and be safe.