How to Treat Cancer

Treatments for Prostate Cancer

admin — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 23:51:00 +0000

Aside from skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer found in men. Statistics show that 1 in every 6 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point in their life. As a result, scientists are constantly researching new treatments for prostate cancer.

The prostate, an organ found only in men, is an important part of the uro-genital system. It is located below the bladder and surrounds the urethra, which connects to the bladder and allows for the evacuation of urine. The prostate, like any other organ, is susceptible to carcinoma and the need for new treatment is overwhelming. While many researchers focus on prevention, there are others who do focus on treatment. While prevention is important, for those already diagnosed with prostate cancer new treatment is necessary.

One new treatment for prostate cancer is HIFU (High Intensity Focused Ultrasound). This treatment destroys the cancerous tissue by using sound waves. Sound waves are aimed directly at the cancer and focused until they heat the tissue to approximately 90 degrees Celcius and literally cook the tumor away. The procedure takes 1 – 4 hours to complete and it is done under spinal anesthesia. As with many new treatments, High Intensity Focused Ultrasound is, for now, only available outside of the United States. It does however, show great promise. Internationally, over 6000 men have had this procedure performed successfully.

http://www.cancertruth.info/

http://www.beating-cancer-gently.com

http://www.naturalcancertreatments.com

http://www.thedoctorwhocurescancer.com

In conclusion, prevention is the key for those with a significant family history but who have not yet been diagnosed. For those who are currently living with the diagnosis of prostate cancer new treatment brings a ray of hope. There is constant research being performed in the area of prostate cancer and High Intensity Focused Ultrasound is the most recent breakthrough in the treatment of this terrible disease.

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Flax – a role in the treatment of cancer

admin — Sat, 02 May 2009 20:08:00 +0000

Flax – a role in the treatment of cancer

http://howtotreatcancer.com/

Mitamins’ aim is to custom-made the best natural remedies to complement the treatment of your concerns. Our unique process allows you to combine multiple formulas into a single formula, in a single bottle, and avoid overdose and interactions.

Lignan, a fiber found in flax, is the latest hope in the treatment of cancer

Flax – the plant that gave grateful world the classic look of linen – hot research property nowadays. Prized for millennia as a source of seeds and cooking oil as well as cloth, the flax plant has also been long celebrated for its medicinal properties, especially in easing coughs. But the therapeutic potential of flax really took off in the late 20th century, when scientists found that flax seed is rich in alpha linolenic acid, an inflammation-alleviating omega-3 fatty acid.

The latest substance in the scientific spotlight: flax lignans. While many plant foods supply this unique type of fiber, flax seed is the richest possible source. Question is, what makes lignans so special?

Hormonal Shifts

Sex hormones such as estrogen and testosterone affect a lot more than just libido and reproduction; if these powerful substances go out of balance, they can actually stimulate the overgrowth of breast or prostate tissue which may lead to breast cancer(http://www.mitamins.com/disease/Breast-Cancer.html) or prostate cancer(http://www.mitamins.com/disease/Prostate-Cancer.html). Lignans act as phytoestrogens. When they are ingested, the body transforms them into a form that keeps hormones from over-stimulating cells, a process that helps support healthy cell growth. Lignans also interfere with enzymes that can promote cancer development and therefore may be helpful in the treatment of cancer(http://www.mitamins.com/disease/Cancer.html).

Populations that eat lignan-rich diets have lower breast cancer rates, and early research suggests that increased lignan intake may help protect breast tissue through cancer prevention. In one study, women newly diagnosed with breast cancer who ate muffins made with 2 1/2 tablespoons of flaxseed every day experienced reduced tumor growth (Breast Cancer Research & Treatment 11/00) suggesting a role for flax in the treatment of cancer. This may explain why some women find relief from mild menopausal miseries after taking flax lignans.

Lignans are antioxidants, substances that can keep harmful free radicals from ping-ponging through tissues; scientists think that’s why flax lignans have shown an ability to lower cholesterol and act in cancer prevention. Flax also appears to have an ability to reduce stress; among post-menopausal women who ate three different flax diets, the ones who consumed more lignans experienced the biggest drop in both stress hormone levels and blood pressure (Journal of the American College of Nutrition 12/03).

FLAX FACTS

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What is it?: A plant, I.inum usitatissimum, used for food, clothing and remedies
What it does: Flax seeds are high in an anti-inflammatory omega-3 fat called alpha linolenic acid; recent research has focused on flax lignan, a fiber that shows promise in the both the prevention and treatment of cancer, keep arteries clear and reduce prostate enlargement

Keeping Men Comfortable

While women certainly benefit from lignans, flax can be beneficial for men too. Prostate cells, like breast cells, can be kicked into overdrive by hormones which may result in prostate cancer. A pilot study at Duke University suggested that flax lignans, combined with a low-fat diet, may reduce cancer risk – yet another indication that flax may be useful in the treatment of cancer. The researchers gave finely ground flaxseed to 25 men with prostate cancer who were awaiting surgery; after a month, all had reduced hormone levels and their cholesterol levels were lowered as well. Tumor growth also slowed (L/ro/ogy7/01).

What’s more, flax’s testosterone-moderating effects appear to help reduce benign prostate hyperplasia an uncomfortable predicament that vexes many men as they age. Rats fed a lignan supplement had comfortably smaller prostates then other rodents, and men scheduled for repeat prostate biopsy who took supplemental flax experienced reduced rates of benign prostatic growth (Urology 05/04). Flax may even help reduce hairloss in men. DHT, the form of testosterone that can harm the prostate, attacks hair follicles and spurs excess oil production in the skin, increasing the chances of pimple formation. Flax lignans interfere with DHT production.

From the tiny flax seed mighty health benefits grow. Some forms of fiber really are special!

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Colon Cancer Early Symptoms

admin — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 20:01:00 +0000

Colon Cancer Early Symptoms

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Cancer is a group of more than 100 different diseases that affect our body’s basic unit, the cell. When cancer occurs, the cells become abnormal and divide without any control or specific order. Normally, cells divide to produce new cells only when the body requires them. However, if cells continue dividing when new cells are not required, a mass of tissue forms. This mass of tissue, called a growth or tumor, can be benign or malignant. It is essential to note that benign tumors are not cancer while malignant tumors are cancer.

Colon cancer or colorectal cancer, as the name suggests, affects the colon, a part of the digestive system where the waste material is stored. Tumors of the colon and rectum are growths arising from the inner walls of the large intestine. Benign tumors of the large intestine are called polyps while malignant tumors are cancers. If benign polyps are not removed from the large intestine, they can become malignant over time. Colorectal cancer can invade and damage adjacent tissues and organs. The spread of the colon cancer to distant organs is known as the metastasis of the colon cancer and once metastasis occurs, a complete cure is unlikely.
http://www.cancertruth.info/

Detecting colon cancer through early symptoms help treatment

The symptoms of colon cancer are numerous and non-specific. They include:

Fatigue and weakness: The presence of a tumor causes anemia, iron deficiency that can make you feel extremely tired or lethargic.
Shortness of breath

Change in bowel habits, narrow stools, diarrhea or constipation: A tumor that is large enough to cause a bowel obstruction may lead to constipation, restrict blood flow and constipation. Any one or all the three of these underlying symptoms may also result in nausea and vomiting.

Red or dark blood in stools: Tumors tend to bleed that may show up in your stool. If the tumor is in the beginning of the colon, the blood may be virtually invisible in the waste. However, if the tumor is in the rectum or toward the end of the colon, it may show up as bright red in the waste which is a clear sign of the cancer.

Unexplained weight loss: Many of us would not want to understand why we are losing weight without any effort or reason. However, effortless weight loss is a sign that something is wrong. Unexplained weight loss could mean that the tumor is releasing chemicals that increase your metabolism.

Bloating: A tumor that grows toward the end of the colon may cause a sense of fullness. The body senses the tumor as a stubborn piece of waste and you get that ‘I still have to go’ sensation that can’t be relieved.

Abdominal pain or cramps: Sometimes a tumor causes a bowel obstruction, which blocks the colon. Depending on the severity of the blockage, solids, liquids and even gas may be prevented from passing by, resulting in severe abdominal pain or cramps. Painful cramps indicate that a tumor has poked through the bowel wall, which can be a medical emergency.

Other conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, diverticulosis and peptic ulcers have symptoms that are similar to colon cancer. Depending on where in the large bowel, the tumor is located the symptoms may vary accordingly. As the right colon is spacious, cancers of the right colon grow to large sizes before they cause abdominal pain. However, it is important to note that colon cancer can grow for years before showing any symptoms. The next best thing to colon cancer prevention is early diagnosis. When the colon cancer symptoms in a person are detected earlier on, they have a better chance of survival to someone who has already reached the far end of the disease.

Leading a healthy lifestyle and making lifestyle changes can help prevent cancer. Research suggests that smoking cessation, decreased alcohol intake, maintenance of a healthy weight, exercise and dietary supplements help reduce the risk of colon cancer.

Eat right, exercise regularly and lead a healthy lifestyle. God forbid, if you detect the aforementioned symptoms please consult a doctor immediately. Remember that ‘Prevention is better than cure’. Healthy living is happy living!

Prostate Cancer Treatments For Early And Advanced Prostate Cancer

admin — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 20:02:00 +0000

Prostate Cancer Treatments For Early And Advanced Prostate Cancer

http://howtotreatcancer.com/

There is a wide range of prostate cancer treatments available today for both early and late stage prostate cancer and this article outlines the choices open to patients.

There is a wide range of prostate cancer treatments available today and the treatment that your doctor recommends will depend to a very large extent upon the progression of the disease. Thereafter it is a matter of discussing each treatment option with your doctor and of considering the advantages and disadvantages of each, as well as of course looking carefully at the risks which all prostate cancer treatments carry.

Prostrate cancer treatments fall into two broad categories – those that are recommended for early (Stage I and Stage II) cancer which is confined to the prostate gland and those used to treat advanced (Stage III and Stage IV) cancer which has spread to other areas of the body.

Early stage cancer treatments are designed to remove the prostate or to destroy it and thus to stop the cancer cells before they have a chance to spread to other areas of the body.

http://www.cancertruth.info/

The surgical removal of the prostate gland (prostatectomy) will normally be carried out as either traditional open surgery or using a less invasive laparoscopic approach. One recent development is the introduction of robotic surgery (using the da Vinci system) which has the advantage of preserving nerves, muscles and other structures in the area of the prostate. Robotic surgery is extremely effective but should be carried out by a highly skilled surgeon in a centre with considerable experience in using this technique.

Radiation therapy may also be used to kill the cancer cells within the prostate gland. A variety of different radiation therapy techniques may be used and treatment will normally be carried out over a period of several weeks.

A relatively new technique, which is still being evaluated, is known as cryosurgery. During cryosurgery, which is carried out under anesthesia, cooling probes are guided into the prostate using ultrasound and the cancer cells are killed by freezing them.

The final form of treatment used for early stage cancer is high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU). This procedure is again carried out under anesthesia (or using a local spinal anesthetic) and a probe is placed into the prostate gland through the rectum. A beam of high intensity focused ultrasound is them used to raise the temperature in the area of focus and thus to kill the cancer cells.

For late stage prostate cancer hormone therapy is used and this is designed not to attack the cancer itself but to target the male hormones (in particular testosterone) which the cancer cells need to grow.

Late stage treatments will include orchiectomy (the removal of the testicles), which is designed to remove the source of the body’s main production of testosterone, or a variety of hormone treatments aimed at either reducing the level of testosterone and other male hormones in the body or of blocking their action.

In cases where hormone therapy proves ineffective, systematic radiation therapy or chemotherapy may be recommended.

Whatever the stage of your cancer it is important to consider all of the options carefully and weigh the advantages, disadvantages and risks of each carefully before choosing the treatment that is best for you.

For more information on prostate cancer treatments please visit ProstateCancerExplained.com today.

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Cervical Cancer Smear Test – The Long Wait

admin — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 20:05:00 +0000

Cervical Cancer Treatment and Smear Test – The Long Wait

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http://www.cancertruth.info/

Suffering in silence is not the cure for cervical cancer but modern medicine is.

Cervical and breast cancer are two types of cancer which not only affect a woman physically but mentally too e.g. dealing with all the trauma after being diagnosed with the disease. A large percentage of women admit to living in fear of the big C, however cervical or breast cancer free women admit that the thought of contacting the disease never leaves their thoughts.

Sadly, self breast examination seems to be unimportant for some women who choose to ignore a health issue as vital to secure their well being, ignoring any indication that breast cancer is developing can result in the patient having to fight for their life. If an examination of the breasts had taken place in some unfortunate cases the whole scenario would have just involved treating the breast cancer and no involvement of an undertaker. Women need to wise up because if they continue to carry ignorance as an ally to help beat this battle – then they lose. Winning includes modern medicines. Early cancer treatment betters survival odds hence giving a patient the chance to carry on with their life instead of throwing it away.

Aside from bosom blunders where ignorance may have prevailed we have cervical cancer. Women need to be aware of all involvements i.e. what to expect throughout any cervical cancer treatments. The cervix is the lower part of the womb or uterus and is commonly referred to as the ‘neck of the womb’.

The cervix and its purpose are to help maintain a normal pregnancy. In non-pregnant women, the cervix has no obvious function. In the UK cervical cancer is down on paper as the sixth most common cancer in women. It is of the utmost importance for a woman to keep healthy in mind body and soul by having regular cervical cancer smear tests – oft times referred to as a Pap smear test. Smear tests are commonly carried out in order to detect any cell changes that come before cancer. It’s a waiting game, meaning, it can take years for these cell changes detected at the time of a cervical smear test to become cancer. Luckily some changes have been known to go away by themselves.

Women who waited in anticipation for their cancer results said they found it more of an ordeal coping with the wait than that of receiving the actual prognosis (cervical cancer).

http://www.beating-cancer-gently.com/

Suffering in silence is not healthy, not all abnormal test results indicate that cervical cancer is present. It is through early diagnosis and treatment of pre-cancerous changes that development of actual cancer can be prevented. Early detection is most profound to help fight the disease.

There are two types of this cancer; the squamous cell cancer and aden-ocarcinoma. Cervical smear tests detect the early changes of squamous cell cancer. Early stage growths of certain cancers can be treated with surgery or radiotherapy thus resulting in a cure.

Regular questions asked about cervical cancer are what the causes are; well there is no definite single cause, however study points the finger at a viral infection of the cervix or cancer sticks (cigarettes). Fags are a major health hazard relating to lung cancer, smoking is said to also increase the risk of developing cervical cancer and even the number of partners in youth trial runs of intercourse have also been linked to being connected to the cause. In the UK cervical tests are routinely performed every three years, lives are being saved because of this.

Females face a silent but deadly situation because; pre-cancerous changes of the cervix that show up on cervical smear tests unfortunately do not give symptoms. Undergoing a biopsy of the cervix is the way cervical cancer is diagnosed. The process is normally done with an internal examination called a colposcopy.

Treating cancer of the cervix will purely depend upon the severity of the disuse, meaning, has it spread to the pelvis. A radical hysterectomy or Wertheim’s hysterectomy may be suggested as treatment. It is at this stage that a specialist gynaecologist will conduct surgery. Radiotherapy destroys tumour cells that the gynaecologist cannot see.

Remember "out of sight out of mind", is not a healthy approach for a cure; a healthy approach is to keep it in mind and any cervical cancer symptoms must be kept in sight.

Breast Cancer Survival Rate and Treatments

admin — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 20:08:00 +0000

http://howtotreatcancer.com/

http://www.cancertruth.info/

The Journey Through Cancer and The Seven Levels of Healing "The Journey Through Cancer" describes a revolutionary approach to cancer treatment and recovery by a physician who is at the forefront of integrative medicine in cancer care. Board-certified oncologist Dr. Jeremy Geffen has many years of experience serving as a physician, guide, mentor, coach, and friend to thousands of cancer patients and their families.

By Jeremy R. Geffen, MD, FACP

As a medical oncologist, I have been honored to serve as physician, guide, and friend to thousands of individuals with cancer and their loved ones. Many heroic people have inspired and taught me a great deal about living courageously in the face of great challenges, and the unknown.

http://www.cancertruth.info/

Through this process, I have come to understand the experience of cancer as a journey — filled with ups and downs, periods of calm and tumult, and extraordinary opportunities for healing and transformation. I have also seen, again and again, what powerful roles the mind, heart, and spirit can play in impacting every individual’s journey through cancer.

It is normal and common to feel overwhelmed by a cancer diagnosis, as anyone who has been through this experience can attest. Unfortunately, it is not yet normal or common for individuals and families to receive skillful, coherent, and comprehensive help in navigating the mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of cancer. For many, this is a painful and tragically missed opportunity. But it doesn’t have to be so.

Over many years of running an integrative cancer center, I was repeatedly asked: "Doctor, in addition to radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery, what else can I do to help myself? What should I eat? What vitamins should I take? What alternative therapies should I use?" And, "How can I deal with the mental, emotional, and spiritual challenges I am encountering?"

In searching for meaningful and practical answers, I saw an important pattern. I recognized that all questions and concerns encountered by patients and their loved ones fall into one of seven distinct, but inter-related domains of inquiry and exploration. I call these The Seven Levels of Healing and describe them in detail in The Journey Through Cancer: Healing and Transforming the Whole Person. They are a powerful guide for navigating all aspects of the cancer journey, including the mental, emotional, and spiritual — as well as physical — ones.

The Seven Levels are briefly summarized below, along with some practical suggestions for using them right away:

Level One: Education and Information. Understanding your medical care is important to achieving the best outcome. Feeling clear and confident about your care helps put your mind at ease and enhances your ability to enter the deeper dimensions of healing. Find an experienced oncologist whom you trust, and who answers your questions fully. Don’t make hasty decisions. Make decisions based on knowledge and understanding, not on fear.

Level Two: Connection with Others. This is a powerful component of healing. Family members can only do so much. Seek additional support from friends, clergy, and self-help organizations. Join a support group. Talk with others who have navigated the journey though cancer and found positive solutions.

Level Three: The Body as Garden. Conventional treatments remain the foundation of leading-edge cancer care. However, taking an active role in caring for your body also includes good nutrition, exercise, massage, relaxation, and other complementary therapies. These can nourish and strengthen the body, soothe and calm the mind, and invigorate the heart and spirit.

Level Four: Emotional Healing. Cancer can be an emotional roller-coaster. Everyone involved can experience feelings of fear, anger, depression, and doubt — as well as gratitude and love. Keep a journal to explore and release your innermost feelings. Work with a counselor or therapist. Don’t neglect your emotional self.

Level Five: The Nature of Mind. Mental anxiety is often another part of cancer. The mind can work for or against you, depending on your focus. To avoid feeling overwhelmed, examine your thoughts and beliefs and see if they are serving you. When fear and doubt are replaced with clarity and understanding, anxiety often diminishes. Ask yourself, "What are the blessings in my life? What am I truly grateful for?"

Level Six: Life Assessment. It is very empowering to discover the deepest meaning and purpose of your life, especially in the face of cancer. Answering three important questions can help clarify your priorities and liberate enormous time, energy, and resources for healing:

What is the meaning and purpose of my life?

What are my most important goals for the coming year?

How do I want to be remembered by those whom I love?

Level Seven: The Nature of Spirit. There is no better time than now to fully honor and embrace your spiritual essence. It is the source not only of the love, joy, and fulfillment that we all seek, but physical healing as well. Explore this through meditation, reflection, prayer, time in nature, and sharing with loved ones. Remember that your body needs love and care, but your mind, heart, and spirit need and deserve these as well.

Jeremy R. Geffen, MD, FACP, is a board-certified medical oncologist, a Fellow of the American College of Physicians, and a renowned pioneer in integrative medicine and oncology. He is founder of Geffen Visions International (www.geffenvisions.com) and Director of Integrative Oncology for P4 Healthcare and Caring4Cancer.com. He is also author of the highly acclaimed book The Journey Through Cancer: Healing and Transforming the Whole Person (Three River Press, 2006) and audio program The Seven Levels of Healing.

In 1994, he founded the Geffen Cancer Center and Research Institute in Vero Beach, FL, which he directed until 2003. It was one of the first cancer centers in the United States explicitly designed to provide a working model of truly holistic, comprehensive cancer care for the twenty-first century. Dr. Geffen lectures widely and offers seminars and retreats on the multidimensional aspects of medicine, wellness, and life. He also advises organizations on integrative programs for medicine and healing.

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Holistic Cancer Treatments and Complimentary Medicine

admin — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 20:08:00 +0000

Cancer and Complimentary Medicine

http://howtotreatcancer.com/

One thing I’ve noticed since being diagnosed with cancer is the animosity between conventional and alternative approaches to the disease. It can be quite contentious, no doubt because the stakes are so high. The lines are drawn: Western vs. Eastern; big business vs. folk culture; MDs vs. doctors of chiropractic, naturopathy and homeopathy; pharmaceuticals vs. herbs. Both sides in this civil war have their weaknesses and blind spots.

Conventional medicine is misguided when it treats the human body as a machine to be serviced by white-coated mechanics. We are complex creatures who are much more than the sum of our parts. With apologies to Renee Descartes, our minds do influence our bodies in profound ways. The medical establishment is also remiss in not focusing more on prevention as the first line of defense against disease and in not seeing nutrition as a vital part of treatment.

http://www.naturalcancertreatments.com/

Alternative medicine is dangerous whenever it touts exotic cure-alls. There are no magic elixirs that can put everything right, even if they do come from a prehistoric valley in Utah (Dr. Wallach’s colloidal minerals) or from Himalayan-grown amalaki (Zrii), or from the inner leaf of the Aloe Vera plant (Ambrotose). Proper diet is central to maintaining or restoring good health, but not every medical condition can be fixed orally.

Dr. Ralph Moss offers sage advice in his CancerDecisions.com newsletter:

"Cancer is a complex disease. It requires professional help. Regardless of the sometimes uncaring attitude of certain errant members of the medical profession, one should not reject everything that conventional medicine has to offer in favor of a regimen discovered on the Internet. The answer is not simply to construct a do-it-yourself program, but to find expert and sympathetic guidance in the rapidly expanding realm of complementary oncology."

I like the term "complimentary." It is built into the approach of the Memorial Cancer Center where I am a client. (I am not a patient, but more on that in another post.) They proclaim, "By integrating complimentary therapies with traditional medicine, we will take a holistic approach to cancer medicine that addresses patients’ physical, emotional and spiritual needs."

A dose of humility is in order for professionals of every stripe. When it comes to medicine no one has all the answers; everyone is still practicing.

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Treatment for Pancreas Cancer

admin — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 20:04:00 +0000

Treatment for Pancreas Cancer

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Pancreatic cancer is the common type of gastrointestinal cancer. If diagnosed in the early stage, it can be treated with various treatment options. Read on to know about the treatment for pancreas cancer.

Pancreas is one of the important organs of the digestive system, which is located adjacent to the small intestine behind the stomach in the upper part of the abdomen. The main function of pancreas is to produce certain enzymes, required for the digestion process. It produces the hormone insulin that controls blood glucose levels. Pancreatic cancer results from uncontrolled growth of malignant cells. There are two types of pancreatic cancer; exocrine pancreatic cancer or adenocarcinoma and islet cell pancreatic cancer or endocrine cancer. Pancreatic cancer usually spreads very rapidly through the lymphatic system to other organs such as lungs, liver, bones etc. It is rarely detected in its early stage. That’s why it is one of the leading causes of cancer death. It is reported that approximately 30,000 people are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the United States.

Certain factors such as obesity, smoking, chronic pancreatitis, long-term diabetes, age, gender, family history and certain hereditary disorders such as hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer, hereditary pancreatitis and multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 syndrome can increase the risk of pancreatic cancer. Symptoms of pancreatic cancer usually appear in the advanced stage of the disease. No symptoms appear in the early stage of cancer and hence, pancreatic cancer is referred to as a silent disease. Some common symptoms of pancreatic cancer are pain in the upper abdomen and in the back, nausea, loss of appetite, weight loss and weakness. Pancreatic cancer can also cause jaundice, digestive problems and muscle spasms, dizziness and diarrhea due to excessive production of insulin.

How Is Pancreatic Cancer Diagnosed?

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http://www.thedoctorwhocurescancer.com

An accurate diagnosis of pancreatic cancer in the early stage is very essential in order to seek immediate medical treatment. Certain tests and investigations are carried out to diagnose pancreas cancer including blood tests such as determination of levels of serum bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase and certain imaging tests such as ultrasound, MRI scan, CT scan, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC) and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS).

Stages of Pancreas Cancer

Once pancreatic cancer is diagnosed, staging of the cancer is done with the help of X-ray, CT scan, Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and bone scan. Pancreatic cancer can be staged in three broad categories such as respectable, locally advanced and metastatic. Staging of pancreatic cancer can be done in a different way such as stage 0, stage I to stage IV. In stage 0, abnormal cells can be found in the pancreatic lining. This condition is also known as carcinoma in situ. In stage I, cancer is developed and found in the pancreas only. In stage II, cancer may spread to nearby organs and lymph nodes. In stage III, cancer may spread to major blood vessels and nearby lymph nodes. In stage IV, cancer may spread to other distant organs such as lungs, liver and peritoneal cavity.

Treatment for Pancreas Cancer

Treatment for pancreas cancer is decided depending upon the location and stage of the cancer. The treatment option is selected on the basis of age and overall health of the patient and patient’s personal preference. Cancer treatment is aimed at removing the cancer when possible or preventing further growth of the cancer causing more harm. If pancreatic cancer is diagnosed in its advanced stage and any treatment option to remove the cancer is not possible, then treatment is given to reduce the symptoms and increase the comfort level of the patient. Various treatment options for pancreatic cancer include medications, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and targeted drug therapy. Locally advanced pancreatic cancer can be treated with a combination of radiation therapy and chemotherapy or with chemotherapy only. Chemotherapy is the fundamental treatment for locally advanced or metastatic pancreatic cancer.

Surgery: Complete removal of cancer with surgery is the only way to cure pancreatic cancer. The localized pancreatic cancer can be removed with surgery and hence considered as resectable cancer. If cancer has spread to other organs, blood vessels or lymph nodes, then surgery cannot be a treatment option. In case of resectable cancer, surgery is carried out to remove tumors in the pancreatic head or tumors in the pancreatic body and tail.

When pancreatic cancer is developed in the pancreatic head, a Whipple procedure or pancreatoduodenectomy is recommended. This surgery involves removal of pancreatic head, duodenum (a portion of small intestine) as well as gallbladder and part of bile duct. It may involve removal of a part of the stomach as well. There may be a risk of bleeding and infection. Some people with Whipple surgery may experience vomiting, nausea and temporary diabetes. Distal pancreatectomy is performed to remove the tail or the tail and a small portion of body of the pancreas. There may also be the removal of the spleen.

Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy involves the use of various drugs to kill the malignant cells. In this therapy, drugs can be taken orally or injected intravenously. Chemotherapy can be combined with radiation therapy, known as chemoradiation. It can be used to treat pancreatic cancer, which has spread only to nearby organs, but not involving distant organs. In case of advanced pancreas cancer, chemotherapy can be used in combination with targeted drug therapy.

Targeted Drug Therapy: This therapy involves the use of drugs that target certain abnormalities in the cancer cells. Erlotinib is one of the targeted drugs, which prevents the chemicals that promote growth and division of cancer cells.

Medications: Certain chemotherapy drugs can be used as a part of pancreatic cancer treatment. Gemcitabine is used to treat metastatic pancreatic cancer, which directly targets malignant cells. Fluorouracil is given intravenously in combination with radiation therapy. Capecitabine is taken orally and generally used with radiation therapy. Some drugs such as cetuximab ,bevacizumab and vatalanib are used in combination with gemcitabine. Pancrelipase is recommended to improve pancreatic function after the surgical removal of the affected portion of pancreas. A variety of pain relievers can be used to control pain and discomfort.

Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy focuses on killing the cancer cells to minimize the risk of returning or spreading of cancer and treating the tumors that are not surgically removed. Radiation therapy involves the use of high-energy beams in order to destroy malignant cells. Radiation therapy can be given in combination with chemotherapy before or after surgery. Radiation therapy is typically given 5 days a week for about 6 weeks. Some side effects of this therapy are diarrhea, nausea, loss of appetite, fatigue and skin irritation.

Biological Therapy: It is also called as Biological Response Modifier (BRM) therapy or immunotherapy. It involves the use of a patient’s immune system to fight cancer. Body’s natural defenses are restored or promoted by using the substances that are made in the laboratory or made by the body.

Clinical Trial: Clinical trial involves the study of new drugs, new radiation treatments or new approaches to surgery. Some advanced treatments that are currently under investigation in clinical trials include the use of drugs called angiogenesis inhibitors to stop cancer growth by preventing the cancer cells to use new blood vessels. Pancreatic cancer vaccines can be used to enhance the immune system and promote it to attack a specific protein secreted by cancer cells.

Although, these treatment options are helpful in reducing the symptoms of pancreatic cancer, it is better to adopt some preventive measures. You can minimize the risk of pancreatic cancer by maintaining a healthy body weight, having a nutritious, healthy diet and regular exercises and by stopping unhealthy habits like smoking. After all, prevention is always better than cure, isn’t it?

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By Reshma Jirage

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Brain Tumor

admin — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 20:07:00 +0000

Brain Tumor

A brain tumor is an abnormal mass of cell growth that occurs in the brain. Read more about it here.

http://howtotreatcancer.com/

When there is a growth of an abnormal mass of cells, or tissue, in the brain, it is referred to as a brain tumor. Brain tumors are generally classified as primary or secondary. A primary brain tumor is the type that develops in the brain itself and can either be malignant or benign. A secondary brain tumor, on the other hand, is the type that begins in another part of the body and spreads to the brain. Secondary brain tumors are more common than primary brain tumors.

Brain tumors that are benign usually grow more slowly, can be removed more easily, according to where they are located, and the probability of them recurring is lower compared to cancerous brain tumors. Also, non-cancerous tumors do not affect the surrounding tissues; however, their growth can result in pressure being applied to sensitive parts of the brain.

Cancerous brain tumors usually grow faster and destroy or invade the surrounding tissues of the brain. Nevertheless, unlike the cancers that grow in other parts of the body, primary cancerous brain tumors usually do not spread to the other parts of the body.

Although it can be a challenge to treat brain tumors, these days with better technology and advanced methods of treatment, physicians have been successfully treating several kinds of brain tumors.

What are the Indications of Brain Tumors?

The location, type, and size of the brain tumor are determining factors of its symptoms. The symptoms may occur due to the tumor damaging a certain part of the brain or pressing against a nerve. The tumor could also cause the build up of fluids in the cranium or lead to the swelling of the brain.

The following are some of the indications of a brain tumor:

Headaches, which generally worsens in the morning.
Changes in hearing, vision, or speech.
Memory problems.
Nausea and vomiting.
Changes in the ability to concentrate, personality, or mood.
Problems in walking or balancing.
Tingling or numbness in the limbs.
Convulsions or seizures of muscles.

None of these indications are of course sure signs of the occurrence of a brain tumor, because they could be signs of other conditions too. Hence, if these symptoms should occur it is advisable to consult a doctor as fast as possible in order to get it diagnosed and get the problem treated.

Treatment Options for Brain Tumor

There are various types of treatment options for those affected with brain tumor, according to the stage and the type of the tumor, such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery. Sometimes, a combination of these treatments may be provided.

Usually, surgery is the treatment option that is chosen for most brain tumors. The surgical procedure that involves the opening of the skull is referred to as craniotomy, wherein general anesthesia is used. Plus, pain control treatment will be provided at all stages of the disease. Also, treatment will be provided for alleviating the side effects of the therapy as well as to mitigate emotional problems. These treatments are known as palliative care, supportive care, or symptom management. It is best to discuss with the doctor about which type of treatment to opt for and what the results will be.

By Rita Putatunda

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Cervical Cancer Treatments- Symptoms and Treatment

admin — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 20:05:00 +0000

Cervical Cancer – Symptoms and Treatment

http://howtotreatcancer.com/

Cervical cancer is the cancer of cervix, the mouth of the uterus. Here is some useful information about cervical cancer symptoms and treatment.

The lowest narrow end of the uterus is known as cervix. It is opening of the uterus that is connected to upper vagina. Before the development of cancer, the cervical cells undergo certain changes, known as dysplasia. During this stage, abnormal cells start to appear in the cervical tissue. After that, cancer cells begin to grow and spread into cervix and surrounding areas. Cervical cancer is characterized by an abnormal growth of malignant cells in the cervix. It is the second most common cancer in females and occurs generally between 40 and 55 years of age. It can be successfully cured if detected in the early stage. Every year, more than 11,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with cervical cancer.

Causes of Cervical Cancer

Generally cancer is caused by a genetic mutation in the healthy cells. Cervical cancer mostly starts in the flat, thin squamous cells of cervix. Squamous cell carcinoma is responsible for about 80% of cervical cancers. Cervical cancer may also occur in the glandular cells of cervix. Adenocarcinomas account for about 15% of cervical cancers. Abnormal changes in the cervical tissues are associated with certain factors such as previous infection with human papillomavirus (HPV), multiple sexual partners, early sexual contact, oral contraceptives and smoking. HPV infection is the major risk factor for cervical cancer. Some other risk factors are weak immune system and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) such as syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia or HIV/AIDS. Now let’s know about cervical cancer symptoms and treatment.

Cervical Cancer Symptoms

There may not be noticeable cervical cancer symptoms, until it is progressed to a dangerous stage. Some of the common symptoms of cervical cancer are:

Pelvic pain or pain during intercourse
Vaginal bleeding between periods
Unusual vaginal discharge
Longer and heavier menstrual periods
Bleeding after menopause

Diagnosis of Cervical Cancer

If detected at an early stage, cervical cancer can be successfully treated. Regular screening for precancerous changes in the cervix and cervical cancer is very essential. The most important test for early detection of cervical caner is Papanicolaou test (Pap smear). Thanks to Pap test screening, the death rate due to cervical cancer has significantly decreased over the last 50 years. The cervical cells in precancerous stage can be detected through abnormal Pap smear test. HPV screening test is another test to determine the HPV infection. Diagnosis of cervical cancer is done on the basis of colposcopy, biopsy and cone biopsy.

If you are diagnosed with cervical cancer, then staging of cancer is extremely important in order to decide the treatment plan. Staging is done on the basis of imaging tests such as X-rays, MRI scan and CT scan and visual examination of bladder (cytoscopy) and rectum (proctoscopy).

Cervical Cancer Treatment

In case of limited, noninvasive cancer, the treatment focuses on removing the abnormal area of cervical cells. Noninvasive cancer can be removed by cone biopsy, laser surgery, hysterectomy, cryosurgery and Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP). No additional treatment is required for most women.

In case of invasive cancer, more extensive treatment is needed. Cervical cancer treatment depends on various factors such as stage of the cancer, other health problems and patient’s own preference. Different treatment options are hysterectomy, radiation therapy and chemotherapy.

You can minimize the risk of cervical cancer by taking some preventive measures. First, you should prevent the HPV infection, by avoiding contact with an infected person. You should get vaccinated against HPV. Routine Pap test is the most effective way to detect cervical cancer at an early stage. Ensure to get it done regularly after the age of 21.

By Reshma Jirage

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