New Leading Cause of Death on the Horizon

Posted by Vicki: 2009-01-06 12:19:55

Doctors and researchers have released information on the move of cancer into the top spot in the list of leading causes of cancer. The physical move is predicted to take place sometime around 2010. At the current rate of growth, doubling every 25 years, 2010 is the date that will more than likely position cancer in the top spot.

These numbers, however, may be misleading. Cancer is an all encompassing word. There are hundreds of different types of cancer and if all of these fatalities are combined, the number is exploded into an extraordinary number. Another factor that needs to be taken ... more

No Comments

Vitamin Supplements Don't Fight Cancers

Posted by bryan: 2009-01-06 01:21:28

Surprise, surprise! They were widely touted to be the thing to beat the dreadful big C. Truth be told, I liked taking these vitamins. I felt that I was doing myself a huge favor. Too bad it was all in vain. I will continue to eat an abundance of fruits and vegetables. I'm sure they'll benefit my health, even if they don't exactly prevent cancer.

In that study conducted by Harvard Medical School, it's said that "supplements such as vitamins B, C, D, E, folic acid and calcium don't prevent cancer when taken in combinations or alone. The findings contradict other studies that had suggested ... more

No Comments

Common Cancers and Their Symptoms

Posted by bryan: 2009-01-06 00:59:18

Did you know that the three most common cancers in men in the United States are prostate cancer, lung cancer, and colon cancer? Some cancers may not have symptoms until in its advanced stage. Lung cancer starts with coughing, shortness of breath, or chest pain. Colon cancer often leads to diarrhea, constipation, and blood in the stool. Generally, cancer patients complain of chills, fever, weight loss, fatigue, lack of appetite.

The outlook depends on the type of cancer and the stage of the tumor when they are diagnosed. Some cancers can be cured. Some cancers that are not curable can ... more

No Comments

How to React to a Cancer Patient

Posted by bryan: 2009-01-06 00:53:04

Like I've mentioned previously, I have a close relative who has cancer. She'd be sad that friends would act awkwardly around her or that they'd be no-shows for most of the time. I explained to her that they just don't know what to say and are coping as well. In my opinion, there is plenty that you could tell a cancer victim that won't make matters worse.

Ask her how she's doing. How she feels varies greatly from day to day. Don't assume you know. Then you can express concern, offer an ear, offer some help...just you know, keep it simple. Do not patronize them or build them up to be ... more

No Comments

Cancer to Become World’s #1 Killer

Posted by Vicki: 2009-01-01 11:07:36

According to a recent report by the World Health Organization, cancer is expected to overtake cardiac disease as the world’s top killer sometime during 2010 (www.who.int/cancer). If current trends continue, the worldwide death rate from cancer will double between 2010 and 2030, the organization says. In fact, in the world’s poorest countries, cancer already kills more people than HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria combined.

Multiple Factors Blamed for Rise in Cancer

The BBC reports that the problem is especially acute in developing countries (news.bbc.co.uk), and that breast and lung ... more

No Comments

What Causes Brain Cancer?

Posted by bryan: 2008-12-02 01:34:45

Scientists have not been able to figure out a clear cause for brain cancer. It's unknown but there are several factors linked to this disease. First on the list are genes. One is predisposed if cancer runs in the family. Another possibility is exposure to environmental toxins and radiation. And what disease has cigarette smoking not been linked to? Hmm..I can't think of any right now.

The most common symptoms include headache, seizures, weakness, paralysis, vision and speech abnormalities, altered mental status, and changes in emotional and intellectual capacity.  more

No Comments

What exactly is a biopsy?

Posted by bryan: 2008-12-02 01:25:44

During a biopsy, a sample of tissue is removed by the doctor in order to be able to make a diagnosis. The doctor does this when he finds a growth that's suspicious. The procedure can vary depending on the location of the tissue to be sampled. It can involve the surgical opening of the chest wall or during diagnostic procedures. I've had a colonoscopy done on me. The doctor put me to sleep so let's just say that I was comfortable throughout. The doctor may remove the entire area or he may choose to remove only a portion of it. Sometimes, a long needle is used to get the sample whether ... more

No Comments

Getting the "News"

Posted by bryan: 2008-12-02 01:15:02

Can there more devastating news than "You have cancer."? I doubt it. It must be scary as hell and I'd lash out at everybody in my path. Exaggeration? Not at all. My sister had it a couple of years ago. She's better now though, God bless her. Never before has the outlook for cancer treatment been so hopeful. Social support makes a huge difference. Remember that some cancers are indeed curable. What's definitely possible is an improved quality of life. It's not a cure but I'd like to have the best pain management measures available to me. Don't let this diagnosis overwhelm your senses of ... more

No Comments

Treatment for Cancer

Posted by Vicki: 2008-11-28 22:20:25

Being diagnosed with cancer could be difficult to deal with even for the most resilient individuals. In time however, the thought of living with cancer permeates and the patient realizes that decisions on treatment will have to be made. The different types of cancers mean that different treatments are available and it is up to the patient to make an informed decision on the treatment option to take. Cancer treatments are not standardized and will largely depend on the patient as well as the doctor’s recommendation including financial capabilities. One of the common treatment options is ... more

No Comments

A Pill to Cure Lung Cancer?

Posted by Vicki: 2008-11-23 20:42:42

Each year approximatly 215,000 new cases of lung cancer are diagnosed. These cases are often treated with chemotherapy. Researchers have found a new pill that may be just as beneficial to the patients as the chemotherapy.

While researchers noted that the patients in the study who were separated into two groups, the first taking the pill Iressa and the second taking the traditional chemotherapy treatment by IV, both lived the same amount of time, the patients on the pill suffered far less side effects from the pill.

For patients with terminal lung cancer this means there are now two ... more

No Comments

• 1
• 2
• 3
• Next