New guidelines for early detection of ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer, which is the fifth leading cause of cancer death in women, is difficult to diagnose at its early stages, since most of the common symptoms of this disease are non-specific. However, doctors believe that a new set of guidelines issued recently, will help women to detect ovarian cancer early, when it is still treatable.

This news clip from CBS News, explains how the new guidelines will help women and the medical professionals to identify this disease at its early stages (I/II).

Leukemias and Lymphomas

Leukemias and lymphomas are cancers which affect the cells which are part of the fluids circulating around the body.

Leukemias affect certain blood cells, particularly the white cells, or "leukocytes" which help fight off infections and disease.

And lymphomas are cancers of the lymphatic system, a network of vessels which form part of the body's immune system, and carry other infection-fighting cells called "lymphocytes", as well as draining dead cells away from the tissues.

There are several different types of leukemia, classed mainly according to the way the cancer develops, and the variety of white blood cells they affect.

There are two principal kinds of lymphoma - Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's - the latter is more common, and also slightly harder to treat.

Professor Peter Johnson, an expert in lymphomas from the University of Southampton, who carries out work for Cancer Research UK is hopeful that new chemotherapy and radiotherapy techniques will help improve survival rates in lymphoma.

He said: "The sorts of treatment we are investigating in the future centre around on how we can stir the body's immune system into recognising that the lymphoma is there.

Click here to read more about this disease.

Source: www.news.bbc.co.uk

How cancer metastasis?

Metastasis is the spread of cancer from its primary location to other places in the body through blood streams and lymphatic vessels. This animated video shows how cancer can metastasis and spread to other areas in the body.

Quitting is hard, but …..?

There could be many reasons for not quitting smoking, but there are many more reasons for why we should and this short clip talks about them.

Howto-quitsmoking.com - Celebrity bloopers here

Early warning signs and symptoms of cancer

There are many early warning signs to different types of cancer and here is a list of them, which is by no means, a complete list of symptoms. Consult your physician immediately if you experience any unusual symptoms, like the ones listed below,

Bladder and Kidney Cancer: You may see blood in urine, have pain or burning, and increased urination.

Breast Cancer: Lump or thickening of lumps, itching, redness or soreness of the nipples which isn't caused by pregnancy, breast feeding, or menstruation.

Cervical, Endometrial, and Uterine Cancer: Bleeding between menstrual cycles, any unusual discharge, painful menstruation, and heavy periods require consultation with your physician.

Colon Cancer: Rectal bleeding, blood in your stool or changes in bowel habits such as persistent diarrhea and or constipation are warning signs which should be investigated promptly.

Laryngeal Cancer: A persistent cough or a hoarse throat is a possible sign that you may experience.

Leukemia: Paleness, fatigue, weight loss, repeated infections, nosebleeds, bone or joint pain, and easy bruising are possible warning signs of Leukemia which should be investigated.

Lung Cancer: A persistent cough; sputum with blood; heavy chest and or chest pain.

Lymphoma: Enlarged, rubbery lymph nodes, itchy skin, night sweats, unexplained fever and weight loss indicate possible Lymphoma, discuss these symptoms with your physician.

Mouth and Throat Cancer: Any chronic ulcer (sore) of the mouth, tongue or throat which doesn't heal, or white areas in the mouth should be seen by your physician.

Ovarian Cancer: Unfortunately there are often no symptoms until it's in the later stages of development.

Pancreatic Cancer: There usually are no symptoms until it has progressed to the later stages when you may notice jaundiced skin and there may be pain deep in the stomach or back.

Skin Cancer: If you have moles that change color, size, or appearance, or flat sores (lesions that look like moles), a tumor or lump under the skin that resembles a wart or an ulceration that never heals, these are symptoms that should bring you quickly to your physician’s office.

Stomach Cancer: Vomiting blood or experiencing frequent indigestion and pain after eating, weight loss may indicate stomach cancer.

Source: www.womenshealth.about.com

Are we doing enough to reduce our cancer risk?

A recent 'National Cancer Awareness Survey', commissioned by the Bayer Consumer Care, has found that most of the Americans consider cancer as their number one health concern. But less than one-third of them attribute cancer risk to their own unhealthy lifestyle behaviors - such as poor nutrition, lack of exercise and weight gain.

Experts stress that a healthy lifestyle can lower the risk of cancer, which includes simple things that everyone can do, such as taking a multivitamin tablet every day. Multivitamins provide the needed vitamins, minerals and antioxidants to boost our health and it is important to take the right vitamin. Women should take multivitamin tablets that includes vitamin D to support breast health, while men should take multivitamin tablets that includes lycopene and selenium to promote prostate health.

This video talks more about this survey and what common people should do to lower their risk of cancer.

American Cancer Society launches an educational campaign for cutting cancer risk

The American Cancer Society has rolled out its new Great American Health Challenge, a campaign to educate Americans about cutting their cancer risk.

The year-long program encourages people to take the following actions in order to lower their cancer risk or to detect cancer at an early stage, when it's most treatable:

Check. Talk to your doctor about cancer screening tests, which can prevent cancer or detect it at its earliest stage.

Move. Try to get at least 30 minutes of exercise five or more days a week.

Nourish. Strive for a healthy weight and eat a well-balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Limit your consumption of red meats, especially high fat and processed meats.

Quit. Stop smoking or take part in the fight against tobacco by becoming an advocate of smoke-free communities.

To get started in the Great American Health Challenge, take the Great American Health Check on the cancer society's Web site. The health check can assess your cancer risk factors and provide a customized action plan to reduce your cancer risk.

Other components of the Great American Health Challenge will be offered later this year. In August, the Great American Eat Right Challenge will provide advice about healthy eating habits and regular exercise. In November, the Great American Smokeout will once again seek to inspire and help smokers kick the habit.

It's estimated that 50 percent of cancer deaths in the United States could be prevented through healthy lifestyle habits, according to the American Cancer Society. Reducing cancer deaths by 50 percent would save about 280,000 lives every year in the United States.

Source: http://www.healthday.com/

Common myths about cancer

Myths about the causes and prevention of cancer have been floating around for years. While some have been tame, there have been some cancer myths that are downright outlandish and ridiculous. Check out the craziest cancer myths in the following list.

Myth: Fellatio Greatly Reduces a Woman's Risk Factor for Breast Cancer
Truth: An email circulated with a link to what appeared to be a bonafide CNN news story claiming that a study found that women who performed fellatio reduced their risk of breast cancer. The truth is that there is no evidence that performing fellatio will reduce your risk of cancer.

Myth: Designer Lipsticks Contain Lead that Cause Cancer.
Truth: The FDA regulates all cosmetics manufacturing. It is logical to think that if a lipstick contained an ingredient that is sure to cause cancer, it would be pulled from the shelves immediately. This email hoax is still popping up in inboxes and striking fear in women. It is a hoax and there is no brand of lipstick that can cause cancer. Read more about lipstick and cancer...
Myth: Wearing Deodorant Can Cause Breast Cancer.

Truth:There is so significant data that shows that wearing deodorant causes cancer, yet people are still buying into it. The suggestion is that a chemical is absorbed through the skin through a shaving nick or cut, and causes breast cancer. Again, there has been no significant study to support this claim.
Myth: Piercing Your Nipples May Causes Breast Cancer in Men and Women

Truth: An injury to the breast or nipple cannot lead to cancer development. The only real medical risk factor for piercing the nipple is infection. Read more about pierced nipple and cancer...
Myth: Men Don't Get Breast Cancer.

Truth: Just ask Richard Rountree, the star of Shaft if men get breast cancer. Male breast cancer may be less common than breast cancer in females, but it does happen.
Myth: There is a Cure for Cancer, but Drug Companies Wouldn't Make Money.

Truth: If this was true, how come the family members of these drug company employees are still suffering from cancer? The likelihood of there being a general cure for all cancers is not realistic because they are caused by different factors. It is estimated that almost 30% of Americans believe this myth.
Myth: Forwarding Emails to Friends Will Donate Money to Cancer Charities.

Truth: Aol, The American Cancer Society, or any other major corporation does not rely on the use of email forwarding to make charitable contributions. The email sent usually contains the story of a child with cancer, perhaps with a photo, claiming that for every person your forward the email to the child will receive $.03 for treatment costs. Don't waste your time forwarding, folks. This is a cancer hoax and myth.

Source: www.cancer.about.com