Healthy Tips

Much has been written about pesticides and pollutants as being major contributors to cancers today.  According to the National Toxicology Program at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, there are 52 chemicals known to contribute to cancers of all kinds in humans and 176 chemicals reasonably anticipated to be human carcinogens.  Lung and mammary cancers are the most common types of cancers that are found in animal based studies of potential carcinogens.  Despite this data, most experts believe that more relevant environmental risks involve diet, lifestyle, and factors related to a prolonged exposure to estrogens.  However, a brief discussion of some proven and unproven chemicals associated with breast cancer risk is worthwhile.

Smoking:  Researchers from Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York examined the association between cigarette smoking and incidence of breast cancer in a cohort of women who had smoked for up to 40 years.  The women were subsequently followed for an average of 10.6 years.  Their risk of breast cancer was 60% higher than that of women who had never smoked.  Among those who smoked 20 cigarettes or more a day for 40 years, the increased risk rose to an 83% increase.

DDT:  DDT and its metabolite DDE are weakly estrogenic organochlorine pesticides that accumulate in the food chain and collect in human adipose tissues through the consumption of animal products.  Although several studies showed no link when blood DDT levels were checked many years after exposure, a recent study based on samples from blood collected during perinatal periods showed that women heavily exposed to the pesticide DDT during childhood are five times as likely to develop breast cancer later in life.

Other Pesticides:  Other pesticides including endosulfan, toxaphene and dieldrin have been implicated as causing breast cancer based on animal studies, but their contribution to human breast cancer is unclear. 

Commercial Product Chemicals:  A long list of chemicals found in common commercial products have been implicated in breast cancer.  This list includes industrial solvents (trichloroethylene, toluene and benzene), plastic water bottles and baby bottles (bisphenol-A), and polyvinyl chloride, a ubiquitous chemical found in food packaging, medical products, appliances, cars and toys.  Again, the significance of their contribution to human breast cancer is unclear.

Pollutants:  A very well studied group of chemicals collectively called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) have also been implicated in breast cancer.  The most common sources of these chemicals include charbroiled meat, cigarette smoke, car exhaust, and burning fuel. 

Radiation exposure:  Mounting evidence suggests that X-ray and gamma-ray exposure may be a significant and causative factor, particularly if the exposure is during childhood or early adulthood.  Radiation therapy done for Tuberculosis and dermatologic conditions and radiation exposure from atomic bombs have been proven to cause breast cancer.  The most important factor in radiation exposure is the dose of radiation.  This is why efforts have been made to decrease the radiation from mammograms by 10-fold.  The energy level of the radiation may also be important.  Several epidemiologic studies have shown an increased risk of breast cancer among female airline attendants (1.9 fold increased risk).  The likely cause for airline attendant’s increased cancer risk is exposure to cosmic radiation (neutrons and gamma rays), which have much higher energy than X-rays.

Although science evolved a lot, it sometimes remains a mystery why one person gets cancer and another does not. It were studied general patterns of cancer in the population, scientists wanted to know exactly which factors increase the possibility of developing cancer, and which are the factors that decrease the chance of developing cancer.

Risk factors are those that contribute to an increased chance of developing a disease, and protective factors are called the factors that decrease a person’s chance of developing a disease.

It is important to know that some of the risk factors can be avoided, and other can not. We can make changes to our life-style, for example we can stop smoking, or drinking alcohol, but we can’t choose what genes to have, it is not up to us. The genes are inherited, and it is known that some genes are risk factors for some types of cancer.

However, a wise thing to do is to avoid as much as possible the risk factors, and to increase the protective factors, so that there will be a lower chance of developing cancer.

It was seen that some people are more affected by the risk factors than others, also, a lot of persons that have a particular risk for cancer do not actually get the disease, but it is good to know that even if we avoid most of the risk factors, there still exists a possibility that we develop cancer.

A type of cancer that affects many men is the prostate cancer. The prostate is a gland that can be found only in men, has a role in the production of semen, and is situated between the bladder and the rectum, having normally the size of a walnut.

A lot of men are affected by this disease, but the number of deaths is small.

There are some risk factors that seem to be involved, and not all of them can be avoided.

As a man gets older, there increases the risk of developing prostate cancer. It seems that a diet that contains a lot of fat presents an increased risk of prostate cancer, and a diet high in dairy products and calcium also increases the risk, but in a mild manner.

Chemoprevention can be used to prevent, reverse, or suppress the cancer growth. There can be used agents like isoflavonoids, difluoromethylornithine, vitamins D and E, selenium and lycopene. It was shown that there is a benefit by using them, but some studies are still necessary to confirm this.

It is also good to know that some studies are about to discover the role of some drugs in reducing the amount of men hormones in order to prevent the prostate cancer.

Studies revealed that the risk of developing cancer varies between races. For example, there is a high risk among blacks, a medium one among whites, and native Japanese have the lowest risk for prostate cancer.

For more information about prostate cancer and about prostate cancer treatment please review this web site http://www.prostate-cancer-center.com

The second leading disease caused death among males in North America is prostate cancer. It is also the most common form of cancer in the male population. It is most commonly diagnosed in men over the age of 65 and increases in incidence with advancing age. Approximately 189,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer every year and of those diagnosed 30,000 will die because of it. The good news is that the incidence of death from it is decreasing as medical science make advances in its diagnosis and treatment.

If diagnosed early enough and the cancer is confined to the prostate it is entirely curable with a survival rate of 100%. If the cancer has spread regionally this percentage drops to a 95% survival rate. For 75% of all men who have prostate cancer are diagnosed at one of these two stages. Many men live and then die with prostate cancer without ever knowing they had it, showing no signs or symptoms until an autopsy is performed.

Most medical research points to androgens having a role in the development of prostate cancer, but the exact cause still remains unknown. The majority of prostate cancer develops in the peripheral zones of the gland, and for the most part are all adenocarcinomas. Because of this there is increased risk of the cancer spreading to the prostatic capsule.

The tumor may compress the urethra and block urinary flow as it grows. If it metastasizes it may affect the seminal vesicles or bladder as well as spread by lymph and venous channels, which is a common occurrence if left untreated.

During the early stages of prostate cancer many men do not experience any symptoms, or are asymptomatic. The first symptom usually noticed is bone pain, after the cancer has metastasized to the bones of the pelvic area. The size, location, and malignancy of the tumor will affect any urinary symptoms that are encountered. These symptoms will be similar to that experienced by men who have benign prostatic hyperplasia and can include urinary urgency, frequency, hesitancy, dysuria, and nocturia. Sexually active men may notice hematuria or blood in their ejaculate.

Secondary metastasis to the bones and in particular the vertebrae is the usual cause of death from prostate cancer. Loss of mobility and bowel an bladder function can result because the spine is more susceptible to compression fractures. Life threatening anemia and impaired immune function can also result as tumors eventually invade the bone marrow.

Besides age another significant risk factor for prostate cancer is race. Those with the highest incidences of this form of cancer in the world are African Americans, more then doubling the rate of white males who are diagnosed. Unfortunately this group is also more likely to be diagnosed later during the disease cycle and also have twice the mortality rate of other racial groups. Those with the lowest rate of diagnosed prostate cancer include Asians and Native Americans.

Men also need to be aware of other risk factors that include:

1. Men who have a family history of the disease are at greater risk then those who do not.

2. Men who have vasectomies are at a higher risk because this increases the levels of free circulating testosterone.

3. Diet can play a role. Men who eat high fat diets with lots of red meat and are deficient in vitamin A, vitamin D, lycopene, and selenium are at a greater risk.

4. Not getting enough sun exposure can also play a role.

It is important for all men to have regular screenings for prostate cancer once they reach the age of 45. The best treatment for this devastating disease is to catch it early because the sooner it is found and treated the greater the chance of a cure.

The prostate is a small, walnut-shaped sex gland in men that produces the seminal fluid, which nourishes and transports sperm. The growth of the cells in the prostate gland is stimulated by the male sex hormone called testosterone. Though its causes are unknown, prostate cancer is a frightening prospect for men. This cancer threatens not just their lives, but also their sexuality. Possible consequences of treatment (even if the treatment has been successful in saving a person’s life) include erectile dysfunction and bladder control problems. Prostate cancer progresses very slowly and the early stages show little or no symptoms. If detected early, effective treatment with minimum side effects is possible. Once the cancer spreads (metastizes) treatment becomes more difficult.

A man’s vulnerability to prostate cancer increases with age. Most often, prostate cancer is detected very late and people who lose their lives do not die from prostate cancer, but die WITH prostate cancer. As the cancer develops, it eventually squeezes the urethra, which surrounds the prostate. This is when signs and symptoms begin to appear:

-Urgency in urination

-Difficulty in starting urination

-Dull, persistent ache in the lower pelvic area

-Painful urination, a very slow flow (almost like a dribble)

-Intermittent urine flow, and a sensation that the bladder is not empty

-Frequent urination, sometimes including blood

-Painful ejaculation

-Persistent pain in the bones, lower back, hip and thighs

-General ill health, loss of appetite, and decline in weight

If the cells from the cancerous prostrate break away, the cancer will spread. Most commonly, prostate cancer spreads to the lymph nodes, bones in the hips or the lower back, lungs, and sometimes even the brain.

Risk factors:

The risk of prostate cancer increases with age. As with almost any other cancer, heredity also plays a key role. For reasons unknown, African-American men seem to have a higher risk of prostate cancer. A fat-rich diet and sedentary lifestyle also contributes to the risk. Fat causes an increased production of testosterone, which may in turn lead to the development of cancer cells. High levels of testosterone mean higher chances of developing prostate cancer. Therefore men who suffer from hypogonadism, or have been undergoing long-term testosterone treatments are at risk. A vasectomy may also result in prostate cancer, though there is no conclusive proof of this.

A routine screening test may reveal the beginnings of prostate cancer. A DRE (Digital Rectal Examination), which involves inserting a gloved finger into the rectum, helps the doctor to examine the prostate. Any change in shape or size of the gland may mean trouble. A prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test analyzes a blood sample for the levels of PSA. If a higher than normal level is detected, a prostate infection or cancer may be suspected. A transrectal ultrasound helps to further evaluate the prostate using sound waves. If initial tests produce positive results, a prostate biopsy may be done to verify the presence of cancer. If cancer is confirmed, the next step is to investigate the spread of the cancer. A bone scan, CT scan, and Ultrasound scan may be used for this.

The mode of treatment directly depends on how aggressive the cancer is. For most men, a combination of treatments (surgery, radiation paired with hormone therapy, chemotherapy) may prove effective.

The best way to reduce the risk from prostate cancer is to eat a diet rich in fiber and low in fat. Regular exercise also helps.

Today’s woman is more knowledgeable and conscientious than ever about the risks of breast cancer. This is especially true for women over 40 years of age, who have crossed the threshold of increased risk of breast cancer.

Age is so important to the development of breast cancer that about 76% of women who develop it have no other risk factors other than age. However, all women, regardless of age or race, need to acknowledge the risk of developing it. All women are at risk.

Women who have never smoked a day in their entire lives can develop breast cancer. Women who have been always been health conscious can also develop it. In fact, nearly one woman out of eleven will experience breast cancer. A staggering statistic by anybody’s standards!

An estimated 211,000 new cases of breast cancer was diagnosed this past year. Even with the increased awareness programs, early detection through annual mammography screening and instruction for self-examination, breast cancer remains a leading cause of death for women.

Breast cancer, like other forms of cancer, is a disease of the cells. In all, there are about fifteen different types of breast cancer. Some are more serious than others, but the one common factor each shares is that neither the cause nor the cure has been found.

There are four recognized developmental stages of breast cancer

State 0: Cancer cells are present in either the lining of the milk glands (lobules), or in the tubes (ducts) that link the milk glands to the nipple. No cancer cells have spread to the nearby fatty tissue.

Stage 1: Cancer has spread to nearby fatty tissue in the breast. Tumor size is about 1″ or under; no cancer cells are present in surrounding lymph nodes.

Stage 2: Size of tumor is 1″ to 2″ in diameter; cancer cells may have also spread to nearby lymph nodes.

Stage 3: Cancer is locally advanced. Tumors are approximately 2″ or larger in diameter, or tumors of any size have spread to lymph nodes under the arm or in the chest (above or below the collarbone).

Stage 4: Metastatic, advanced breast cancer. The cancer has spread from the breast and lymph nodes to other parts of the body.

Early detection of breast cancer remains a woman’s best chance of survival, and women of all ages should take advantage of all the resources available, including having a mammography.

Every woman should:

1. Become educated about the risk factors associated with breast cancer.

2. Become knowledgeable about the types, stages, and symptoms of breast cancer.

3. Learn the correct procedure for self-examination tests, and perform them routinely.

Long-term use of oral contraceptives, early menstruation, late first full-term pregnancy, exposure to high doses of radiation – puberty through childbearing years, and inherited genetic mutation can all increase a woman’s risk of acquiring breast cancer.

Women 40 years of age and older should also:

1. Have an annual mammography screening.

2. Become educated about increased age-related risks associated with breast cancer.

Recent studies confirm that risk of breast cancer in midlife increases with regular consumption of alcohol, hormone replacement therapy, weight, and body mass distribution.

During self-examination, look for a lump or thickening in the breast, a discharge from the nipple, scaliness on the skin or around the nipple, a change in shape, color, or texture, and dimpling or puckering.

If you detect a lump, don’t panic. About 85-percent of all lumps turn out to be nonmalignant. Make an appointment with your doctor for a more thorough examination, and tests.

Treatment for breast cancer today is often less radical than in years past, and chances for survival much better when the tumor is discovered early.

For more articles on Women’s issues and unique content for purchase please visit Writers Write Now.

Author’s Note: The third Friday in October is National Mammography Day. This year, that day will be celebrated October 20, 2006.

©2006 Lori S. Anton, Writers Write Now

Breast cancer is one of the most dreaded diseases among women. It plays second fiddle only to lung cancer as the top killer of women in the United States and the rest of the world. And since the 1970s, recorded cases of the disease have continuously increased at an alarming rate. Breast cancer can also happen to men, albeit rarely; around 12,000 American men contract this disease every year.

Despite the nasty reputation of breast cancer, doctors have yet to find out the real causes of the disease. Right now, experts believe that cancer cells in the breasts develop as a result of a combination of risk factors. Nonetheless, doctors are sure that bumping or accidentally hurting your breasts can not trigger cancer.

Many studies confirm that certain elements may put a woman in an increased susceptibility to breast cancer. Women with one or all of these risk elements may be more imperiled than other women who are free from such factors. Here are the determinants of breast cancer to watch out for.

Age

Your likelihood of having this type of disease increases as you become older. Statistically speaking, most breast cancer patients are women who are at least in their 60s. In fact before the menopausal stage, this disease may be considered extraordinary even for women.

Personal And Family History

If one of your breasts has cancer or if you had breast cancer before, your risk of having cancer on your other breast is greatly increased. In fact, the likelihood of having breast cancer under these circumstances may have quadrupled.

In the same manner, if someone in your family has been afflicted with this disease, you may be more prone to getting breast cancer. If your mother, your sister or even your child has been stricken down with this disease, you have to be careful because your risk can be higher than other women. Heredity plays a significant role in the development of this type of cancer.

Habits And Lifestyle

If you do not have close relatives who suffered from breast cancer, it does not mean that you are guaranteed to be free from getting the disease. Your habits and lifestyle can also contribute to the occurrence of cancer cells in your breasts. Women who smoke and are addicted to alcohol, for instance, have increased chances of suffering the disease. Obesity and use of contraceptive pills and hormone replacement therapy can also support the growth of cancerous tissues in the breasts.

Ways To Deal With Cancer

So far, mainstream cancer therapeutic procedures like chemotherapy and hormone therapy are the best steps that women with breast cancer should take. This is not to say that there are too few anti-cancer cures available; quite on the contrary, women who suffer from the disease have more medical options today than two or three decades ago.

However, there are some alternative measures that can complement regular breast cancer medication. Foremost among these measures is detoxification. Naturopaths or people who treat diseases by using natural remedies believe that the way to a healthier and cancer-free life is by eating healthy and living right.

This philosophy is not without basis. Practitioners of alternative medicine stress that the human body is not equipped to fight foreign substances brought about by pollution, chemicals and other environmental elements. Because of this, harmful substances are stored by the body and, over time, a buildup of toxins inside cells and tissues occurs.

These toxic substances are the ones responsible for the many diseases that happen today, which includes breast cancer. Cleansing the body of these poisonous substances can greatly help in preventing the growth of cancer cells in the breasts. Nevertheless, you have to think of these methods as supportive or additional steps in the fight against the disease; breast cancer patients still need help from doctors and drug medication.

There are many ways to go about your internal cleansing. You can do it by taking only water for several days, or you can use fruit juices and raw fruits or vegetables. Another option is to use products like Colpurin. For more information about how to cleanse and revitalize your internal system, you can click on http://www.colpurin.com/.